Principal
Welcome back and welcome to the new boys and their families who have joined the College community over the holidays. As always at Nudgee College, the school was anything but closed over the two weeks. I am always grateful for the mountain of work that is completed by many members of the support staff while most students and teachers are on holidays. Of course, there were many students and staff involved in sporting camps over the break as well as the promotional events in country towns such as Warwick, Dalby and Roma.
In addition to this activity, the College offered study sessions, workshops and masterclasses for our Year 12 students in the second week of the holidays. These followed on from the Mock Exams in the final two weeks of last term. This preparation program has evolved over the past three years as staff have become more familiar with the assessment system developed over recent years by the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA).
The preparation for final exams continues over the first two weeks of this term before the Year 12s have four days of Study Vac before the External Assessment (EA) period commences on Monday 24 October. Mr Jason Sepetauc (Dean of Learning & Teaching) as well as his team in the L&T office, Heads of Faculty, Subject Coordinators and Senior teachers have put in place a well structured and varied program to support our students to achieve their best. Instrumental in the program of support for Year 12, at this time, as well as throughout the year, has been Mrs Peta Scott. I am very grateful for the work of all the staff involved with Year 12; whether they be boys striving for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), boys on the Work and Further Study (WAFS) pathway or a combination of both.
From my perspective, the changes to the system of assessment made by the QCAA are a significant improvement on what preceded it. The present system is much fairer overall and students succeed, or not, based on their own capabilities and commitment to study. In the weeks ahead, Year 12s must be able to study and prepare more independently than they ever have previously. Those undertaking EA must also be able to manage a significant amount of pressure as they undertake final exams that carry appreciable weight to their final outcome.
The final term of the year for Year 12 now looks and feels quite different to what occurred up until three years ago. The College has had to adapt and change how we bring the year to a close for these young men while not losing any of the significance of this unique transition in their lives. One such change has been the Leadership Handover Ritual from the College Leaders of 2022 to those of 2023. This took place at assembly on Tuesday, rather than towards the end of term as it has previously. This handover marks a period of transition as Year 12s more sharply focus upon the external exams that await them and the Year 11 leaders assume day to day leadership on their behalf.
Year 12 students and their families have been well informed of what lies ahead for them in the coming weeks. It is an important time for these young men, for their families, the staff and for the school community as a whole. It is a time of transition and there can be a range of emotions during these final weeks. For many, there are the pressures associated with the External Assessment or completing projects. There may also be sadness mixed with excitement, happiness combined with uncertainty as well as the exuberance of young people coming to an important point in their lives. I hope that there will also be a strong sense of gratitude to both parents and staff for the educational opportunities that each young man has experienced during their time at Nudgee College.
Please keep these young Nudgee men in your thoughts and prayers as their journey through the College comes to a close.
In conclusion, an important Leadership change was announced over the holidays. Many in the community will be aware that Mr David Johnston (Deputy Principal) has been appointed as the new Principal for CBC Adelaide. This announcement can be found here. There has been a very affirming response to Mr Johnston’s appointment and the student body warmly acclaimed him on Tuesday’s assembly. His appointment is also indicative of the College's ongoing development of staff who continue their journeys as leaders in other schools, both locally and around the country.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
