Acting Principal
Just as we were beginning to enjoy a level of normalcy, including inter-state travel, going to sporting events, attending big festivals and thinking that we might be back to normal in most respects, we again braced ourselves for further disruption and lockdowns due to the COVID-19. The speed at which the latest outbreak in Sydney has travelled has been appalling. I think we have been ‘lucky’ here in the southeast corner to not see a similar outbreak. I really feel for people south of the border who were plunged into this circumstance in a space of a few days, but the magnitude of this super spread cannot be underestimated and I know most involved understand the necessity to take lockdown action.
What I cannot understand is that with over 18 months’ experience and the best minds in the medical field, we still cannot implement robust systems of quarantine to prevent breaches which lead to lockdowns and a huge burden to our communities. The failure of states and the Commonwealth to work together on a national strategy led by our Federal Government is somewhat puzzling.
What I have observed first-hand is the human cost. People now stressed about no income, many living from pay packet to pay packet. Most are already living on the margins with bills that are mounting up. Small businesses that are just getting their heads above water, again shut down for the time being. Many feel that life is like one step forward and three steps back.
I have noticed a level of complacency in our own backyard. People not scanning QR codes as they enter a premises, people not using sanitiser when in public areas and maintaining hand hygiene at the highest standards. Social distancing is going by the wayside. These were the practices that kept us safe last year and continue to be critical if we are to be safe into the future.
Nothing has changed. Wearing masks should be a common practice in crowded areas at the moment. This is no big deal really and until we have our population fully vaccinated and further measures in place to lessen the impact of this dreadful virus, we need to be prepared to live with this for the foreseeable future. This is complex and it will take time for the world to recover from this pandemic.
For the time being at Nudgee College, we continue to be vigilant and ensure we are always ready to respond to the extreme scenario, like a snap lockdown. We want our community to be safe and we want to make sure that no student is missing out on their learning. Please help us and use the QR codes around the College if you're on campus, remember hand hygiene, carry a mask and if necessary don’t be afraid to wear it. If you or your son are not feeling well, have a cold or sniffles, stay home, get tested and be glad to receive a negative result.
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Mid Year Prefects were presented at this week's assembly. These Year 12s were acknowledged for their leadership as Seniors that they have displayed throughout the year in various dimensions of College life. While not common in all schools, I have always found the awarding of Mid Year Prefects a great acknowledgment of perseverance. Often, these young men have overcome the disappointment of missing selection and displayed standout qualities of resilience and commitment. Congratulations to Jacob O’Mealley (DU) Ben Wyatt (FO) Zac Smullen (MA) Cooper Percey (RI), Jamie Knight (RO) Jameson Jameson (TI) and Samuel Rogers (SH).
We also acknowledged the Captains and 1st teams for the Term 3 GPS competitions. Congratulations to Tony Fuimono as Captain and Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa (Rugby Union), Josh Clark (Basketball) and Patrick Kennedy (Chess). We look forward to performances, on and off the field this term.
Finally, I welcome the new families who have joined the community over the holidays. We hope that these first few days and weeks of settling into the school go well for our newest Nudgee College men.
With every best wish for the week ahead.
Mr David Johnston
Acting Principal