Principal
Timing. It doesn’t always work for us but when it does it certainly helps. So it was that on Tuesday morning a staff member shared the message that Tuesday was in fact World Cancer Day. The message associated with the day included the following:
It's a day to acknowledge those we know who are facing the reality of cancer day after day. Whether it's yourself, your brother or sister, mum or dad, son, daughter, work colleague or friend. World Cancer Day is also a reminder for all of us to know our risks, and take action early. So go and get those tests you dread having – it could save your life.
I shared this at Assembly as a means of introducing the speech that I had prepared. This centred on Aidan Roost (Year 11 Tierney House). Many in the community will be aware that Aidan has been battling Leukaemia since Easter last year. His brother Dylan is in Year 9 and his parents, Penny and Andy, are closely connected to many of our families.
This connection has been deepened by the level of support that the Roost family has received from the College community. An extraordinary number of people and groups have been outstanding in their generosity and care for Aidan and his family: mates, teachers, parents, and school sports support groups all come to mind. Individuals do not need to be singled out as they know who they are and the intention is not to highlight them.
It is however to focus on Aidan and how inspiring his story is to us all. Courage is one of the values that we highlight as being central to Nudgee College. Aidan has displayed this every day since he was diagnosed. He has been resilient in the face of setbacks and patient with his recovery. He has been tough (in the best sense of the word) as he has endured pain and sickness that we cannot fully comprehend. In responding to this enormous challenge Aidan has displayed the very best and deepest qualities of true character.
However, even when faced with these challenges the learning of school can take place if there is the desire and the will. In this respect, Aidan took a significant step last Friday. A learning step. Through the ingenuity and research of our staff we were able to use technology (a telepresence robot) to facilitate Aidan connecting to our classroom from his hospital ward in South Brisbane. It was a memorable moment for Aidan, his mum and our staff. A small step on his learning journey but a significant one, nonetheless. We continue to hold Aidan and his family in our hope-filled thoughts and prayers that he will recover soon and return to Nudgee College during the course of the year.
Some further points from this week:
- It has been very pleasing to have large numbers of parents attend some key occasions. These have included the first two of the four scheduled parent information evenings. These gatherings are instructive for all parents in outlining key aspects of the College from staff who lead them. The College has endeavoured to livestream the presentations for those Boarding and local families who could not physically attend. Other gatherings this week include the first of the House breakfasts, which help to establish the community relationships which are an essential dynamic of the College.
- The presence of parents will be a notable feature of Friday’s Commencement Mass and Senior Investiture. This is always a special occasion as we pray together as a community for God’s blessing on the College for the year ahead, and for the Year 12s in particular. We look forward to welcoming back Bishop of Townsville Tim Harris (NC 1976-80) to celebrate the Mass as a means for the College to acknowledge his significant leadership appointment within the Catholic Church.
- GPS summer competitions in Debating, Cricket and Volleyball have commenced over these first two weeks. We wish all our teams well for the season ahead and congratulate Ben Weber (1st IV Debating), Noah McFadyen (1st XI Cricket) and Will Cartwright (1st VI Volleyball) on their selection as Captains of their respective activities. Best of luck to our rowers and swimmers as they commence the build up to Championship events later this term.
Finally, congratulations to those students who performed and were involved in the GPS Music Showcase at QPAC on Wednesday evening. Our new Director of Performing Arts Mr Bob Stewart conducted one of the choirs. Mr Stewart has already made an impact on our boys as he has led us all in singing at the first two Assemblies. It has been a unifying and energising activity for everyone. I suggest that you ask your son how he has enjoyed it.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
