Acting Principal

Welcome back to Term 2. Whilst the end of the semester might seem like a long way off, this term will no doubt fly past like any other busy term. We start with a series of short weeks, then move into events like Showcase and Open Day. These all can be a distraction to core business - academics. I encourage all families and the boys, especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each boy is given the best opportunity to make the most of his talents. Hopefully very few students will be looking at their school report and be thinking “If only I’d ...”.

A very important element in helping the boys to achieve is what we expect. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each boy is able to achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it. The result will be improved student learning.

Just having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning are very complex. But high expectations, from the adults in their lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning mission.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Thank you to the record number of parents who attended the parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday. It is imperative that parents and teachers work as a team, setting high expectations as highlighted above, supporting the academic development and progress of all the boys at Nudgee College. These interviews form a vital part of this partnership.

Due to the high number of requests, some parent interviews could not be met. These parents were given the opportunity to be contacted. Teachers are committed to contacting these families within the first two weeks of the term. If you have not been contacted within this time, please email Learning and Teaching and they will do the necessary follow up.

ANZAC DAY

Our students and staff will be involved in a number of ANZAC Day memorials over the next few days. We will have the school ceremony tomorrow (Friday) and Monday there will be several Nudgee College boarders and boarding staff attending the Sandgate ANZAC Day Service, carrying photos of fallen Old Boys.

The Friday service has always been a calendar highlight for me. A memorable service occurred in 2020. The special guest speaker for the ceremony was Lieutenant BJ Glover (NCOB 2004), who during his time at Nudgee College was selected to represent the state in Rowing.

Lieutenant Glover spoke of the particular significance of this ANZAC Day, as in addition to it being the Gallipoli Centenary, it also marked the 10 year anniversary since he joined the Royal Australian Navy.

Here is a snippet of his speech from that day:

“At Gallipoli so many years ago, those young men and women found out what it is to be an Australian. Our vast dry country with its harsh beauty, open skies and tiny population helps shape healthy, confident, competitive and freedom-loving individuals who; with good leadership and high motivation, can more than match the best people in the world in whatever they do.

I believe this is why Australians come together every ANZAC day. We do it to remember the ANZACs and their achievements, and we should remember them not as old soldiers from a forgotten war, but as the young Australians, they were in 1915. We must celebrate their triumph over great adversity.”

FOOTBALL & TENNIS SEASON BEGINS

We will warmly welcome the members of The Southport School community to Nudgee College for the commencement of the 2022 football competition on Saturday. After the disruptions of the previous two seasons, it will be a pleasure to see the return of our supporters and to see such a large number of students engaging in the term’s weekend sport. It promises to be an exciting day of sport, a day that should bring out the very best in both schools.

Great skill, terrific teamwork, wholesome sportsmanship and deeply ingrained school spirit are on show in every game and match play. Through GPS sports and activities, we have been sharing in the Spirit of Fellowship for over 100 years with our fellow GPS schools. The College is grateful for the significant efforts of all parents, coaches, students, match officials, ancillary staff and support groups who together have made this season happen.

Mr David Johnston

Acting Principal

Acting Deputy Principal

Welcome Back to Term 2

It was great to see the boys resplendent in their blazers and full of energy for what promises to be an exciting term. I’m mindful that the first three weeks contain several events, and I encourage parents and carers to review the College Calendar and use the College App to keep abreast of everything. I also appeal for your support in helping boys find their rhythm with reference to learning, uniform and daily routines in light of disruption caused by this short week, and the public holidays that fall on Monday of Week 2 and Week 3.

Leadership Changes

We never step into the same river twice, and change is a constant in our lives. During the break there have been some changes in the College’s leadership teams flowing from Mr Peter Fullagar secondment to the role of Acting EREA Northern Director for Term 2. I can assure the College community that as school leaders we remain unified in placing students at the centre of our decision making. We will also continue to act with integrity, respect and trust in making informed and inclusive decisions.

To assist your orientation please note the following developments in our College and Senior Leadership structures for Term 2.

Mr David Johnston (Acting Principal)
Mr Jason Sepetauc (Acting Deputy Principal)
Ms Natalie Webber (Acting Dean of Learning and Teaching)
Ms Bonnie Becker (Acting Director of Learning and Teaching)
Mr Jamie Pybus (Acting Director of Sport)
Mr Sean Graham (Acting 2IC to the Director of Sport)

Permanent appointments to the College Leadership team.

Mr Damien Campbell (Dean of Operations)
Mr Anthony Connellan (Dean of Students)

Flu Vaccine

The Australian Technical Advisory Group of Immunisation (ATAGI) has recently released the following advice about seasonal influenza in 2022:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been reduced circulation of influenza virus and lower levels of influenza vaccine coverage compared with previous years. With borders reopening, a resurgence of influenza is expected in 2022.
All COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine.
If a person had a 2021 influenza vaccine in late 2021 or early 2022, they are still recommended to receive a 2022 formulation of influenza vaccine when it becomes available (likely from March 2022).

Link for the ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2022 | Australian Government Department of Health

Further Advice from Queensland Health

Please note that boarding students are offered the flu vaccine, administered by the College Health Centre. Day students should seek vaccine advice/appointments from their GP.

Mr Jason Sepetauc

Acting Deputy Principal

Identity

FIRST WEEK OF EASTER

I am risen, and I am always with you, alleluia: you have placed your hand upon me, alleluia: your wisdom has been shown to be most wonderful, alleluia.

Psalm 138 - Introit for Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection (Easter Sunday)

This week we celebrate the joy of the Risen Christ. The scriptures tell us when the women arrived early that morning of the first day of the week they saw the tomb was empty, they listened when they were told he wasn’t there and they went and told of this great news.

The glory of God can be seen everywhere and heard in the voices of those who remind us of God’s vision of a world that shines with his redemption - let us all tell of the Good News of the Risen Christ in our own lives.

O God, who on this day,

through your Only Begotten Son,

have conquered death

and unlocked for us the path to eternity,

grant, we pray, that we who keep

the solemnity of the Lord's Resurrection

may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit,

rise up in the light of life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Mr Stephen Meara

Dean of Identity

St Ignatius’ Women’s Night of Spirituality

St Ignatius’ Women’s Night of Spirituality presents Joan Chittister osb for the Toowong Parish’s annual event celebrating women’s spirituality.

Joan Chittister is a practical theologian and renowned author who has much to say on women’s spirituality. Joan has written more than 50 books, including the recent The Time is Now. Joan’s books will be available for purchase and she will be available to sign books following the event.

When: Friday 3 June 2022

Time: 7—9pm (AEST)

Where: Stuartholme School Chapel, 365 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong.

Tickets: $35 each (Early Bird Special: $30 each, for purchases until 30 April, 2022).

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BYQTJ

For more details please refer to flyer available or parish website www.stignatiustoowong.org.au

Student Formation

Welcome to Term 2

It was great to see the boys return on Wednesday, there was an obvious buzz of energy and excitement for the term ahead. The joy on boys’ faces as they reconnect with friends was a highlight. Majority arrived looking fantastic in the College formal uniform and I thank parents for their commitment in ensuring their sons returned prepared for the first day of Term 2.

It will be compulsory from Friday Week 1 for boys to wear their blazers to and from school, during PC class and at College Assemblies. There will be a focus on wearing our uniform well, and on the little things (black shoes, black belts, ties done up properly, top button of shirt done up, etc.). For boys wearing College trousers the only options for socks are navy or black.

Hair and grooming will also be a focus, reminder below of our standard -

Hair not to be cut any shorter than a number three blade, including side and back
Appropriate length will see, hair off the collar, not covering ears with fringes above the eyebrows
Students should be clean-shaven at all time

History of our College Blazer

Our College blazer was first worn around 100 years ago, but only by the 1st XI in the true English tradition of cricket. Later our blue and white blazer was only worn by boys who had been awarded some honour, such as being a Dux, College Prefect or those selected in a top team for sport. That is, for most of the College’s history, the blazer we wear every day with the blue and white stripes was officially an ‘honour’ blazer. Most boys at Nudgee College ‘back in the day’ wore a navy suit during formal occasions. By the mid-90s it was decided that all Nudgee College boys would wear the blue and white striped blazer. This really lifted the look of our overall uniform. Worn properly, we look fantastic, and I have always felt wearing our uniform gives boys great confidence, and connects them deeply to their wonderful school.

Recording absentees with the College

Can I please remind parents and caregivers of your requirement to contact the school before 8.30am if your son is going to be absent for a full or part day. This requirement is for sickness, appointments and other absences of similar nature.

As you would be aware, we are moving our communication process to the College App and this is our preferred model for communicating student absence. You could also email studentabsences@nudgee.qld.edu.au or ring (07) 3865 0536; however, this should only be used if you have an issue with the College App.

If you require leave for extraordinary travel or holiday (longer than 3 days) and for any non-College related sport you must seek approval via the Principal’s office by using the link in the Parent Portal (located on the “School links” tab and then selecting the “Learning and Teaching” option. This is also linked on the College App in the links section.

Free labelling for College Blazers

At the Student Office, we receive a large amount of lost property items. During Term 2 and 3, this unfortunately includes an increasing number of College Blazers. The College Laundry offers a free labeling service for all College Blazers with a very fast turn-around. We encourage ALL parents to make use of this wonderful service during the early weeks of Term 2 before the compulsory daily wearing of the College Blazer.

Lost Property Process

Contact: students@nudgee.qld.edu.au

When items are received in the student office we will endeavor to find the owner.

Named items:

An email will go out to the student and parents letting them know that we have received their lost item, asking for them to collect it during morning tea or lunch.
Students need to check their emails regularly.
Items are then placed in the relevant house box for the students to collect.
Every Thursday the boxes are sent to house assembly and House Deans will hand out any items that have not been collected.

Unnamed items:

Clothing, hats, bags, shoes, sports gear
- These will be placed in several baskets in the student office and made accessible to students to look through, during break times only.
Phones, watches, wallets, glasses and other small items
- These will be placed in a secure place for a student to collect from administration staff.

We urge parents and students to assist us by doing the following;

Name all items clearly: All items your son brings to school should be named clearly with the following information

Full Name

House Name

Check these names regularly to ensure they are still visible.
Place items in lockers when not in use.
Do not leave items unattended.

Students are also required to take responsibility for their lost items by having a good look around the whole school when an item is lost.

Mr Anthony Connellan

Dean of Students

Learning and Teaching

I hope that everyone enjoyed a pleasant break over the Easter holidays. I consider myself privileged to act in the role of Dean of Learning and Teaching this term, and I am committed to serving the Nudgee College community well during my time in this position.

Parent Teacher Interviews

On Tuesday, we began the term with Parent-Teacher Interviews. Our hybrid model, which consisted of both face-to-face meetings and online meetings ran successfully. We chose this format in response to parent survey data. Happily, we saw a record number of parents book meetings with teachers this year. If you were unable to secure an appointment, please email teachers via the Parent Lounge. There will be another day of Parent-Teacher Interviews scheduled in Term 3 on the Monday 11 July.

Tracking progress

When boys receive their results at the end of a term, it is an opportunity for them to reflect on how they are going and work with their teachers to develop goals for improvement. As a College, we are committed to working with boys to become lifelong learners. As part of this, our teachers operate within a model of continuous reporting. When boys submit a final assessment, feedback is provided within two weeks. This ensures that our boys receive timely and relevant feedback. As parents, you can also access this feedback as soon as it becomes available on the Parent Lounge.

NAPLAN

Throughout Weeks 4 and 5 of this term, our Years 5, 7 and 9 students will complete NAPLAN testing. Given that NAPLAN was cancelled in 2020, it will have been a number of years since our Years 7 and 9 students have participated in NAPLAN, and it will be the first time our Year 5 students participate in NAPLAN. Ms Bonnie Becker (Acting Director of Learning and Teaching) will share more detailed information about preparations and the administration of these tests in the coming weeks. NAPLAN is a valuable diagnostic tool that we use to inform our teaching and learning.

Ms Natalie Webber

Acting Dean of Learning and Teaching

Performing Arts

I never stop learning about what Art means to different people, and how it is incorporated into peoples’ lives.

At the beginning of the holidays, NC played host to the Variety Foundation’s Braille Music Camp. I was not involved in any way, but the participants stayed in the boarding house and used the music facilities.

I happened to be in doing some work, and was intrigued by the sights and sounds - I took some photos of the typewriters that were being used to create music scores that could be read as braille, and heard such joyous singing. It inspired me to head along to the concert in Tierney, where I witnessed a truly life changing experience.

Now, in the past, I have worked a lot with differently abled students, mainly at camps done in the holidays to offer respite to parents, and I have seen the effects that music can have on older people who can have memories unlocked by sounds from their past, but this was different.

These students, the same ages as you, got up and performed a two hour concert with passion, skill and musicality - in musical teams (choir, a band of kotos which are Japanese string instruments, some beatboxing and a drumkit to accompany a spontaneous rap where the topic was suggested by the audience), and soloists playing violin, piano, and even tabla - an Indian percussion instrument.

Without their sight, the students heard and, more importantly, felt the music more than most.

It was the first time that this event has been held in Queensland, and I hope that it continues, and that some of our students get the opportunity to be involved!

What We’ve Been Doing:

Chess held a three day camp at the beginning of the holidays featuring lessons, masterclasses and daily tournaments. There was a strong NC contingent among the nearly 40 students in attendance, with all levels represented.

What’s Coming Up

Week 1

ANZAC Day Liturgy will feature several music teams using music as service - thanks to those involved in this special occasion - Drumline, NC Brotherhood and Rock Band 1, with special thanks to Jack Walton for his preparation of The Last Post and Rouse.

Music - all teams rehearse throughout the entire year - if school is on, rehearsals are too. A reminder that morning rehearsals commence at 7:20 (which means a 7:15 arrival to set up and unpack). Absences should be emailed to conductors.

Week 2

Arts Committee - holding an extra meeting next Wednesday to plan for upcoming events - please join us in the Boardroom from 7-8pm on Wednesday 27 April.

Theatresports - starting their season with a friendly afternoon with St Patrick’s and St John Fisher on Friday afternoon. I saw the teams in action planning their introductions and choosing team names which was, as always, hilarious!

Check the student notices for more information about each of these activities, or feel to contact me directly!

Ms Alexandra Khafagi

Director of Performing Arts

Week 1 Term 2 2022

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