Welcome back to the start of the new term and, as always, I extend a warm welcome to those new families that have joined us over the break. I particularly want to acknowledge the return of a number of our Boarding students and their families. Some of these boys have not been physically present in school since late March. We have all faced challenges during these past months but few of our challenges, as city folk, match the complications that some Boarding families have encountered. It is reassuring to have the Boarding Village full again.

We return to school with the wider Australian health landscape in flux and with some darkening clouds on the horizon. Importantly, we need to do our best to resist complacency in our health and hygiene practices. As the boys have returned they have been reminded consistently of what they must do to protect themselves, as well as others. In fact, each of them will have received their own bottle of hand sanitiser to carry with them around the school and to use regularly. Refills will also be readily available.

Being mindful of such practices must be equally matched, if not surpassed, by an awareness of the importance of day to day school work. Boys are naturally excited about the almost full return of sport, performing arts and community service activities. This excitement and desire to be involved after an extended break need not take away from their learning. The parent, teacher and student conferences that have been conducted this week online have reinforced the primacy of learning. Some boys excelled in Term 2 and the freedom to learn from home was a catalyst for greater engagement. Other boys struggled for a variety of reasons and now have to renew their focus under the closer presence and guidance of their teachers. Term 3 is the premiership quarter in terms of learning and teaching. End of year results are often dictated by the level of commitment, persistence and resilience boys display over the next 10 weeks.

This is particularly the case for the Year 12 cohort. They are entering the steady, relentless build up to the state-wide external exams in Term 4. It is sometimes the nature of boys to not engage fully until the proverbial whips are cracking in the final days prior to tests. With the external exams testing content from Unit 3 and 4, which goes back many months, Year 12s must be fully committed to continuous study and revision from the start of the term. Beyond the course work associated with each subject there is a preparation program in place to guide the build-up to final exams. The roadmap for external exams will be outlined to them at a Year 12 Assembly on Friday, and distributed to students and parents after Kairos.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions will enable the College to begin holding Assemblies and larger gatherings over the coming weeks. We held our first Assembly since late March on Tuesday, with some students, parents and staff present. Thursday morning’s Barrett House Mass was the first time in months that we were able to pray together in our beautiful Chapel. We will continue to hold Assemblies with limits on attendees and COVIDSafe practices in place over the coming weeks. A variety of academic awards will be presented, commencing with Year 5 and 6 academic awards next week.

At Tuesday's Assembly we presented the 1st teams in Chess, Tennis, Football and Basketball. We congratulate the Captains James Hong, Declan Townsend, Bailey Dellapina, Zac Krogh and Chandrasekara Thasindu , respectively. Over 1,400 students will be representing the College during the term ahead – a significant undertaking, with teams spread further than usual given the closure of the Flats ovals and the running of multiple sports on the same weekend. We wish all our boys all the best as they recommence competition and have the opportunity to represent the College. They have been reminded of the standards of behaviour and sportsmanship that we expect. I also remind all parents of the restrictions that are in place for spectators, which have been circulated through the Sports Office and Team App. Your anticipated cooperation with these restrictions and the staff who have to apply them is greatly appreciated.

In conclusion, many in the school community were deeply saddened by the news of the recent passing of 2015 College Vice Captain Alex Seccombe. His funeral will be held in the Chapel at 10.30am on Friday. The Seccombe family (his parents Wade and Vicki, brother Harry [NC 2009-16], and his sister Elizabeth, who is in Year 12 at St Rita’s College) is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. One of the hidden blessings of schools such as ours is the loving support and care that many in the College community provide at such times. It will also be needed in the weeks and months ahead.

Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal

It has been great to welcome the boys and staff back to the College this week and to see the school come alive again after the holidays. It reminded me that, while the holidays are great, and a large part of last term’s online education was very successful, what makes Nudgee College a great school is our community of people who feel a true sense of belonging. Nudgee College provides a sense of place. A sense of connectedness to others. A sense of safety and security in the company of others who share the same journey. A sense of ownership. A sense of identity. And, of course, a sense of spirit.

At Nudgee College we recognise the importance of academic, cultural and sporting activities in our school. Spiritual and character formation is the foundation of what we do. But one of the vital (if less discussed) success factors, is the feeling that we ‘belong’. We are connected with something bigger than just ourselves. While we are rightly concerned with our individual development, knowing how we fit and can make a contribution is the stuff of belonging.

That’s why uniform, House groups and competitions, PC groups, and teams are important; the soft ‘stuff’ – the relationships and the people. Even the significant adult, be it a teacher, instructor or coach who takes the time and interest in a small number of boys to understand them, to listen to them, to suggest to them and encourage them to try something new. To aim a little higher, to give confidence and belief and faith. These are the relationships of belonging. There is also the exploration of the possibility of spiritual belonging. Of the possibility of a loving God who also wants to connect with each individual and to establish a relationship with each of us. A place of belonging to God, the ultimate something bigger than ourselves.

During enrolment interviews I repeatedly stress the importance of belonging. Each boy can find his tribe. We are an inclusive community that, on the whole, is accepting and embraces and supports all members of the community. 

To be honest, this sense of belonging remains the sole reason I am still at the College. As a father I have a son who has found his tribe – a truly wonderful set of young men – whose parents are equally impressive and important to his development. With my wife based in Rockhampton the easy out would have been for all of us to relocate. But with the support of the Nudgee College community, and his strong sense of belonging, staying here remains the best option.

That is why this week for me, there has been a sense of joy and warmth and energy about returning to our Nudgee College community; the place we stand, the place where we belong.

Mr David Johnston
Deputy Principal

Thank You

I am always so grateful to our community for the generous support shown to all our outreach and community engagement. Often these activities require funding from our community and you are always generous with your giving. I probably don’t say thank you often enough.

One of the organisations we work closely with is the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA). They support the work of the Edmund Rice network around the world. We support them through a direct subscription every year, our Walk for Edmund fundraiser, and their Best Foot Forward campaign, which we will be undertaking together with our brother school St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace on Saturday 8 August and in the week preceding. There will be more information about that in the coming weeks. I mention this today so that I can pass on to the Nudgee College community thanks from ERFA. Here, you will find a letter to the Nudgee College community from ERFA to thank you for the support we have shown in the past, and will continue to do so.

Prayer for Friends

God our creator
Give us friends who will love me for what I am,
who give me hope when things are dark…
… clarity when things are hidden…
… honesty when I need to hear Your voice…
And though roads will take me places I cannot see,
teach me to be thankful for life, and a heart to love and cherish my friends.
And may the evening's twilight find us gentle still.
Live Jesus in our hearts!

Mr Stephen Meara
Dean of Identity 

Staffing Changes

Please be aware that staffing and class changes have occurred to ensure coverage across all classes in Term 3. Changes have been made in response to boys’ elective choices, boys altering their senior academic pathway, staff leave, staff resignation and staff promotion.

We wish Mr Ben Ralston (Semester 2) all the very best as he enjoys his long service leave. We received Ms Elizabeth Worthington’s resignation and wish her every success in the future.

We welcome the following teachers to Nudgee College:

• Mr Paul Carmody (return from long service leave)
• Ms Christy Yuan (Science)
• Mr Nick Lloyd (Business and Rowing)

Current Year 10 and 11 Students Interested in Studying at TAFE in 2021

Please note that applications for Semester 1 for the 2021 TAFE at Schools programs have opened. To find information on each program please see the 2021 TAFE at School Guide.

Please contact Ms Dee Tyrrell in the Learning and Teaching Office on 3865 0388 for more information or on 3865 0165 to set up an appointment.

YEAR 10 SET Plan Meetings

A reminder for Year 10 families (Year 11, 2021) to attend their SET Plan follow up meeting with their academic mentor in the Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre on Monday 20 July, between 2.00pm and 6.00pm. Parents who’ve booked their 10 minute meeting time will receive confirmation this Friday. Boarders and new students are included – Google Meets are available for remote families only.

Check out the Subject Selection Handbook and video here.

Access your Google Drive to review your SET Plan documents from last year. Please direct any questions to lnt@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

QTAC Information Evening for Year 12 Students 27 July 2020

The QTAC Information Evening will be an online event, from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Monday 27 July. This is an important event for Year 12 students wanting to study at a Queensland tertiary institution next year.

Representatives from Queensland’s major universities and institutions will be presenting, and information will be provided on the QTAC application process. Should you have any questions you would like answered on the night, please forward them to bmorley@nudgee.qld.edu.au. Alternatively, questions may be asked via the comments section throughout the presentation. If you are interested in attending, please register here.

Learning Habits Awards

Congratulations to the following  students who received a Learning Habits Award at the end of last term. Usually, we would celebrate your achievement at an Assembly. Unfortunately, due to social distancing and mass gathering rules we were unable to celebrate in the usual way. This doesn’t diminish the effort they’ve made, nor the importance we place on this award:

Year 5

• Lewis Abdy
• Sidney Bates
• Oliver Byrne
• Harper Cameron
• Daniel Carey
• Jacob Davies
• Caleb Hopsick
• Alexander Jones
• Beau Kururangi
• Noah Shun Wah
• Curtis Taylor

Year 6

• Jack Burton
• Billy Connellan
• William Conway
• Alexander De Groot
• Zain Dhawan
• Andrew Emery
• James Gray
• Cristiano McTavish-Rowland
• Rucheyan Naidoo

Year 7

• Dermot Clancy
• Tom Duffield
• Angus Durkin
• Andrew La Monaca
• Archie Lyons
• Ryan Matthews
• Riley Nixon
• John Oneto
• Henry Potter
• Harry Stoneman
• Jacob Wiseman

Year 8

• Charlie Bell
• Patrick Burchard
• Khy Dhawan
• George Gillam
• Justus Joseph-Chaham
• William Kewley
• Dusty Piper
• Oscar Roati
• Dominic Weber
• Hugo Wendt

Year 9

• William Duffield
• Jacob Gillam
• Jonathan Hawtin
• Mackenzie Jones
• Oliver Kele
• William Mason
• Anthony Mineo
• Callum Turner
• Jack Weaver

Year 10

• Lachlan Barrett
• Elliot Browne
• Thomas Connellan
• Ryan Davey
• Thomas Malone
• Ronin Prout
• Harry Roati
• Nate Scott
• William Stuart
• Archie Wallis

Year 11

• Ben Colebourne
• Leo Fairley
• Jack Harkins
• Atticus Johnston
• Nicholas La Spina
• Nikhil Lalwani
• Chad Oehlman
• Ian Pantaleon
• Xavier Roati
• Luke Rohan

Year 12

• James Armitage
• Declan Cabot
• Lachlan Gilbert
• Caleb Giorgas
• Samuel Holmes
• James Hong
• Oliver Horwood
• Harry Neville
• Joshua Price
• Alec Watson
• Ben Weber

Mr Jason Sepetauc & Ms Dee Tyrrell
Dean of Learning and Teaching & Director of Pathways

‘Make your Bed’

This piece follows on from my talk to the boys at Tuesday’s virtual Assembly. In 2014 Admiral William H McRaven gave the commencement address at the University of Texas, Austin. While encouraging the students to improve the world, he gave many life lessons that could be of help. Many of these are pertinent to our students. The following is a summary of part of the book Make your Bed, summarised from four minute books.

He had learned most of them during his Navy SEAL training – six months of runs in the sand, obstacle courses, unending calisthenics and continuous harassment by veterans, who wanted only the strongest to get to the end of it.

As a cadet, McRaven learned that success doesn’t depend on social status, race or religion. It’s not how good your parents were to you or which school you went to that determines your future. It’s a combination of the little actions and help from others that make people successful.

The admiral’s speech went viral on YouTube and later became a book. You can find the full speech here. I highly recommend you listen to the 20 minute address – it is truly inspiring!

Most notably on Tuesday, I focussed on Admiral McRaven’s first point – If you want to change the world, start by making your own bed.

Lesson one: Making the bed can boost your productivity and even give you hope in the bad days.

As a US SEAL cadet, McRaven had to make his bed to perfection first thing after waking up.

If he failed to follow the bed-making code, he had to perform the sugar cookie ritual, which has nothing to do with treats, as you can imagine. It’s more about diving into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean and then rolling around on the beach until you are covered with sand head to toe.

But why is making your bed so important?

While it may seem trivial when big assignments are waiting for you outside, starting off with this small task makes you feel a little proud and ready to deal with the rest of your tasks. And if you have a miserable day, coming back to a bed made – by you – will make you feel tomorrow will be better.

After a serious injury, McRaven spent many months lying on a hospital bed that had been wheeled into his government quarters. When he was finally able to stand up unaided, the first thing he did was adjust the bed. It was his way of showing that he was recovering and moving forward.

I challenged the boys to start this simple process, if they haven’t already.

The Small Things

Obviously as we start the new term – as always – House Deans and teachers focussed on boys’ hair and grooming. I’d like parents and students to be aware that so called ‘happy socks’ are not part of the school uniform and boys will be challenged – ultimately receiving detentions – if they continue to wear happy socks over simple navy or black socks.

School Photos

A reminder that next Wednesday and Thursday week is school photos.

• Wednesday 22 July: Years 5 to 12 PC groups, individual photos and group photos (Seniors, Boarding students, Indigenous students, sons/grandsons of Old Boys)
• Thursday 23 July: Year 5 and 6 core classes, catch-up portraits and sibling photos

Please see below for details on how to place your order. If you have any questions, please contact Silver Rose Photography on 07 3262 5788.

We encourage all families to place their orders as soon as possible prior to photo day. Sibling photo orders MUST be placed by this Friday 17 July. 

As always, can I ask parents to be mindful of their son's haircut and personal grooming standards. These photos make a great memento of your son’s years at Nudgee College.

Mr Peter Todd
Dean of Students

Welcome back to Nudgee College, hopefully everyone had a wonderful and restful break. It is great to finally have most of our boarders back and for everything to get back to normal.

Term 3 at Nudgee College is typically the busiest term of the year, but also the most important academically. The challenge will undoubtedly be to ensure a sense of balance is maintained with our academic rigour and co-curricular activities. Boarding staff will be working closely with all boys this term to work on developing the important skill of time management. This will be done by utilising their Google Calendar and our Term 3 Study Planners. A copy of the Term 3 Study Planner will be placed on Team App soon for parents to use at home as a reference, but I also encourage you to connect with your son's Google Calendar to have those important conversations with boys about their academic progress.

Weekend Activities

As always at Nudgee College it is a busy weekend coming up, with many of our Boarding students commencing GPS Rugby trials, as well as Basketball at home as well as Anglican Church Grammar School. We also have Football and Tennis starting up again. Good luck everyone! It’s so great to see sport return after the disruption of Term 2 due to COVID-19. We have COVIDSafe plans in place. This requires spectators to sign in using our new electronic sign in process. Simply snap a pic of the QR code, click on the white box that pops up and type in your details. This is required by Queensland Health and contact details are required to be kept for a period of 56 days. In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak at Nudgee College, you will be contacted based on this information.

Friday night is a compulsory night in, with great activities organised for boys to reconnect after the last three weeks away. We have a number of House-based barbecues planned to enable boys to reconnect with their House. Saturday night there are a number of year level activities planned Sunday will be our first Boarding Mass for the term.

Photo Competition

During the mid-year holidays I encouraged all students to use their phones or cameras and capture images that represent their community. It is not too late for students to enter their photos. We hope to see many more images coming in over the next couple of weeks. Don't forget to put your name on the photos so we can identify you.

Photo requirements: The photos MUST be in high resolution (minimum 300dpi, but preferably 600dpi) so that we can print the winners and runners-up onto canvas for the Dimensions Arts Festival. The higher resolution you use, the better the quality of image. Final entry date is Friday 7 August. Email these photos to boarding@nudgee.qld.edu.au. Please include your name and house in the subject line.

Mr Christian Oneto
Dean of Boarding

Further to my email home last week about GPS Sport for Term 3, I would also like to provide some details around College bus transport on Saturdays.

As we are playing across multiple venues each week, College buses will still continue to run and it is necessary for bookings to be made for your son/s. Please indicate via the form on each team app if your son will be travelling via a College bus to and from his game. Bus departures will be to strict timings, so please be as accurate as possible with your booking, and remind your son to be ready to board the bus at his booked and allocated time.

Boys must use their student IDs to login and off the bus, this includes boarders. Buses will arrive and depart from outside the O’Neill undercroft.

Schools will use the EVA Check-in App for tracing purposes at all GPS events. All spectators must sign in via the relevant QR code at the venue. Please download the app onto your phone prior to game day. Download: Android app and an iPhone app.

You are reminded of the following COVID-19 guidelines:

• Players, coaches and spectators are not to enter Nudgee College if feeling unwell. 
• Maintain social distancing.
• Wash hands regularly.
• Get in, play, get out. Players are to arrive ready to play and have their own equipment including water bottle. Players are to leave at the conclusion of their game.
• Spectator tracing registers will be completed via EVA Check-in App and QR Codes. Please download the app onto your phone prior to game day. Download: Android app and an iPhone app. Registration QR codes will be at each venue for scanning and easy completion.
• When leaving the venue please check out of the EVA Check-in app.
• Only immediate family are permitted to spectate at GPS sports events in 2020. TWO parents at outdoor venues and ONE parent at indoor venues. Please note it is appropriate for dependent siblings to attend with you.

Before Round 1 commences on Saturday, I share with you the latest communique from the GPS Association. It can be viewed here. 

Finally, I would like to thank you. As always, the Nudgee College community has been so responsive and supportive which has made navigating sport under these new playing and spectating conditions that much easier. All the best for a safe and enjoyable season ahead.

Mr Anthony Connellan
Director of Sport

USA Sporting Scholarships evening 

Join Study & Play USA Director and Old Boy Chris Bates to learn about sporting scholarship oppotunities in the USA. This is an online event on Wednesday 22 July. Please view the flyer for further details. To attend, please rsvp here.

Sapusa X Nudgee July 2020 V22