With learning@home underway this week, the school year at Nudgee College has officially started for 2022. Welcome to all new families and welcome back to those who are returning.

It is stating the obvious that this is not how we expected the school year to begin. However, I am grateful for how well the community has adapted to the changes and challenges of this interrupted commencement. The boys across all year levels have been engaged and cooperative and the feedback, thus far, has been overwhelmingly positive. I want to congratulate all the new boys, particularly our Year 5s, who have coped so well with the disrupted start. Overall, it has been a very promising sign for the year ahead.

I do wish to acknowledge the teaching staff for what they have done over the past fortnight that has enabled online classes to go ahead. The plans that they had in place have had to change and change quickly. Our teachers have done this well and our experiences of learning online in the past two years has served us well in this endeavour. The innovative work of teachers in preparing classes online means that we return to school next week with some momentum.

We are certainly looking forward to the return to face to face schooling next Monday. Many of the details of that return were conveyed in our letter to parents last week as well as through various other channels this past week. On Sunday, all our boarders will return to the Boarding Village and boarding families have received communications from Mr Casey Brealy and the Heads of Boarding House about those details.

In welcoming everyone back to school, it is important to draw your attention to the following matters. We return to school while the wider community is learning to live with COVID-19. This means we have to operate school as normal in some regards while also managing the likely presence of the virus in the school. In this context, we are focused on keeping students and staff healthy while also mitigating the risk of further infection.

The fundamental step in this regard is to be clear about our processes and protocols in the Health Management of our community.

In essence:

If your son shows signs of illness before school, do not send him to school. Have him tested and communicate positive results to the school.

If your son shows signs of illness at school, he must report to the Health Centre and we will contact you immediately to take him home and to be tested. Again, please communicate positive results to the school.

If your son is deemed to be a close contact, do not send him to school but please communicate this to the school.

If your son is a boarder, we will communicate with you about how we will manage COVID-19 illness in the Boarding community. At the time of writing, we are still awaiting some more detailed guidelines from Queensland Health.

Further details about our Health Management are contained here. It is clear to us that numerous students will fall ill, as will staff, in the coming weeks. Consequently, we anticipate disruption throughout the first term.

As of next week we will return to face to face teaching and it is not our intention to continue learning@home for students who are close contacts or who are ill with COVID-19. For those in the latter case, the best thing for them is to recover from their illness with rest and recuperation.

We will support the learning of all students who are away from class in various ways. They will have access to all links, resources and activities on their Google Drives. Teachers will ensure this is the case and they will also be available via email to support those who are away from school. Further specific details of ‘Managing Absences and Student Learning’ can be found in Mr Jason Sepetauc’s (Dean of Learning and Teaching) article in this newsletter.

In conclusion, over recent weeks there has been extensive planning from the College Leadership Team for the term ahead during what is likely to be a time of considerable uncertainty. I am grateful for these efforts and their commitment to looking after the health and safety of the school community.

Whatever lies ahead, as we set out on the journey of the 2022 school year, we do so as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. Part of that tradition is to know the value of prayer at all times in our lives, not just in times of uncertainty. But at this time, our collective prayer is to remain a hope-filled community that places our humble needs in the hands of God.

With every best wish for the week, term and year ahead.

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

Parent Involvement Matters

The title of this short article states the obvious. Parent involvement in a child’s education matters…a lot! Research overwhelmingly concludes that a students’ home environment is one of the biggest factors influencing success of a student. There are specific parent behaviours that are most influential:

• Parental communication of high expectations: parents who regularly communicate high but realistic academic aspirations for their children have a far greater positive effect on student outcomes than any other parental behaviour, including how strictly they supervise their homework or monitor their free time.
• Communicating about school in a positive manner: research suggests positive conversations about the school environment encourages students to maintain a positive approach to school. Fostering a “triangle of support” where the teacher/school and parents are working towards the best possible outcome for the student. Negative talk, teacher put-downs or verbalising distrust for a new policy or approach encourages a more adversarial relationship between the school, student and parents.
• Involvement at school: when conducting enrolment interviews, I like to stress we are not just enrolling your son, we are enrolling your family. You are becoming a part of the Nudgee College family. Being a single unit, supporting the school and fostering positive relationships ensures students are exposed to a positive culture conducive to learning.

As a parent of a Nudgee College boy, I am acutely aware of the need to develop in my son an internal desire to work hard, persist and succeed academically. The parenting style that most correlates with student success combines love and support with structure and discipline. 

We have already completed two parent information nights this week and the online attendance was evidence of parental desire to be involved in their son’s education. Next week we have our two remaining sessions online. They are:

Year 5,6 and 7 Parent Information Evening (8 February)

Year 10 and 11 Parent Information Evening (9 February)  

Additionally, we have opportunities for parents to involve themselves in the Ladies Auxiliary. They will meet Monday 14 February at 7pm in the College Boardroom (found on the second floor of the Treacy Building). Then the Arts Committee meets for the first time this year on Wednesday night, 23 February, 7pm in the College Boardroom. 

Both groups are responsible for running significant College functions that first and foremost, build community, but also raise funds that are used to maintain and upgrade College facilities.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

O God, we thank you for the life of Blessed Edmund Rice.

He opened his heart to Christ present in

those oppressed by poverty and injustice.

May we follow his example of faith and generosity. 

Grant us the courage and compassion of Blessed Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.

We ask this through Christ our Lord … Amen.

Live Jesus in our hearts … Forever.

learning@home

I commend all boys, teachers, and support staff for delivering a successful learning@home program this week. I was particularly impressed with the care shown for our youngest Nudgee College boys entering Year 5. They were made to feel welcome by their teachers despite the obstacles. It will be a memory they will recount at their graduation in 2029.

There have been challenges and learnings along the way, but overall I think we’ve established a foundation that will pay dividends next Monday, and into Term 1 as we approach our learning and assessment. If you would like to provide feedback about the learning@home program, please email lnt@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

Gold Silver and Bronze Awards Presentations

The QLD Government's ‘Back to School 2022’ plan initiated a further review of our event planning. One event affected, as flagged in last week’s briefing, is the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Academic Awards.

Unfortunately, we will not be hosting our regular Academic Assembly to present these awards. This is a deviation from our usual practice, but necessary in the current context of attempting to limit large gatherings. We are working through a COVIDsafe plan and will share details soon.

Managing absences, learning, and assessment during Term 1

• It is anticipated COVID-19 related student and teacher absence will occur throughout the term.
• The school will continue to operate despite periodic absence unless otherwise directed by the QLD Government, EREA, or the College Principal. 
• A consistent and sustainable model of education balances:
  • student learning outcomes 
  • staff and student welfare 
  • effective management of the College’s resources 
  • effective management of the College’s resources 
  • Alignment to the Australian Curriculum 
  • QCAA Responsibilities associated with Year 11 and 12 certification 
• Face-to-Face tuition will be provided for all students (including boarders who return Sunday 6 February) from Monday 7 February.
• A hybrid model offering both learning@home and face-to-face tuition will not be provided.
• Teachers have revised their teaching programs and developed asynchronous (activities that can be completed later) learning activities in their start of year planning. 
• Teachers have provided links, resources, and activities via the College’s Google Platform (Drive, Classroom, Calendar, Sites, Mail)
• Year 5 to 10: Where required, teachers have amended assessment items and included formative and/or summative types of tasks so that evidence gathering can occur despite absences.
• Year 11 Unit One assessment may be revised on a subject-by-subject basis. Assessment information will be provided on unit outlines.
• Year 12 assessment remains unchanged at this time.

 
Navigating Student Absence

1. Parents of students who are absent due to COVID-19 can use the Nudgee College App to mark their child as ‘COVID Positive’ or ‘COVID close contact’.  Alternatively, you can email studentabsences@nudgee.qld.edu.au.
2. Heads of Faculty/Junior School Curriculum Coordinator will review COVID-19 absences and make decisions about special provisions for assessment, and apply alternate strategies for gathering evidence of learning and making judgments. Teachers will communicate these decisions with students. 
3. Teachers will regularly communicate with parents and students by providing general class instructions via Google Mail, Google Calendar and/or online learning platforms. Absent students well enough to learn at home should review these locations. 
4. Parents and students are advised to review unit outlines, check Student Cafe/Parent Lounge, look at Google drive subject folders, and where applicable, visit Google Classroom or Google Site.
5. Individualised programs will not be generated for absent students. 

Year 12 Results

The 2021 cohort has eclipsed the previous year’s excellent ATAR results. They’re the second strongest Year 12 results the College has achieved in the past 20 years. This is a testament to the hard work of the students, the expertise of the teachers, the dedication of the support staff, our partnership with parents, and an endorsement of the College’s continuous focus on learning and teaching.

Highlights:

• Caine Day earned the honour of College Dux with an ATAR of 99.95. One of only 32 students out of a Queensland cohort of approximately 27,000 to receive the highest possible ATAR. 
• 183 students were eligible for an ATAR (visa students not included).
• The median ATAR was 85 the mean ATAR was 82 (the Queensland median was 78.55). 
• 34.3% of students received an ATAR >90
• 61.4% of students received an ATAR >80
• 83.1% students received an ATAR >70 
• 155 (from 160 applications) students received their preferred university placement

Strength in our diversity as a College was evident once again by the continued growth of our skills and training area. Across the disciplines of agriculture, aviation, business, construction, engineering, and fitness, 110 boys were awarded one or more of the following certificates.

• Certificate I = 45
• Certificate II = 62
• Certificate III = 35
• Certificate IV = 1
• Diploma = 30

Six students also completed a School-based apprenticeship/Traineeship. Our Queensland Certificate of Education QCE completion rate of 99% is outstanding, and significantly above the state average.

Dux Assembly

On Tuesday 8 February, we will welcome back our 2021 College Dux and our top ATAR achievers for a special online assembly. We look forward to listening to Caine as he shares his reflections about his time at Nudgee College, what it takes to be a successful student and what lies in store for him in the future. This will be an online COVID safe event.

Subject Changes

At the start of each year, a small number of boys wish to change subjects. This is inevitable given the large size of the College. We assess requests and endeavour to accommodate boys where we can. Please understand, however, that the timetable is complex and has been designed around the learning needs and elective preferences boys made last year. It is not always possible to meet every request. Depending on your year group please note the following advice.

Year 12: No changes are anticipated except in extraordinary circumstances. Boys are working towards their QCE. Contact Mr Jason Sepetauc or Mr Paul Doneley for any inquiries.

Year 11: Refer any inquiries to Mr Paul Doneley

Year 7 to 10: Refer any inquiries to Ms Natalie Webber

Skills and Training (Certificate Courses, Apprenticeships, etc): Refer any inquiries to Mr Michael Byrne

During learning@home this week email lnt@nudgee.qld.edu.au or call (07) 3865 0165. Additionally, boys may book in at break or lunchtime next week to talk to us and obtain a subject change form for the Head of Faculty and parents/carer to countersign. Boys can return the form for processing. The closing date for Semester 1 changes is Friday 11 February.

Please note we prioritise boys missing a subject and those with obvious errors in their timetable contrary to their elective preferences. Changes to electives are dependent on availability as some classes are full. Changes based on a desire to be with a friend or a particular teacher are usually not accommodated. 

Mr Jason Sepetauc

Dean of Learning and Teaching

Welcome to new Nudgee College Men!

Much has already been said about the strange and irregular start to the 2022 academic school year. Personally, I am finding myself sitting at home(with a positive case), unable to be on campus and feeling the sense of energy and enthusiasm those first days bring. Despite this, a huge welcome to the 270 new students who are starting their own Nudgee College journey.  We will look forward to orienting you on Monday 7 February.

There has been much advice offered in recent times about handling online learning and the wellbeing implications; however, upon reflection these are great habits for young men to get into in an ongoing capacity.

Create a routine early: Children and teenagers thrive on routine; a new routine for this on line period will help provide them with a sense of normalcy. Plan a rough daily routine with times for different activities: school work, exercise, chores, creativity or free play, and time on digital devices. Continue this when we get back together.

Help boys get exercise: Exercise is critical for young people's physical and mental health.

Monitor boys’ wellbeing and talk about it: Children and teenagers stuck at home may become bored, experience increased conflict with family, or express stress and frustration in unhelpful ways. Providing an environment where students can flourish is at the forefront of each interaction we have, especially when we return to school. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the College if support is needed.

Our boys are blessed, and I can think of no better time to be a Nudgee College man.

Health Management

Parents will receive a document outlining the Nudgee College Health Management processes for 2022. Without delving into too much detail, there are three key messages:

• If your son is unwell, keep him at home, have him tested.
• If your son develops symptoms at school, he is to report directly to the Health Centre.
• Should you son be deemed positive for COVID, please contact the College.

Hair and Uniform Standards

The College has clear expectations with regard to correct uniform, hair and grooming standards. Please refer to the College Policy/Standards.I’m happy to talk to parents concerning some exceptions to the above standards based on religious, cultural or medical grounds. 

Students returning to school with hairstyles that do not meet the above guidelines may be sent home and asked not to return to the College until the hairstyle is appropriate. I thank parents in anticipation of your assistance with this matter.

Nudgee College App

We're excited to have launched the Nudgee College App. Thank you to those parents and staff who have already downloaded it. We encourage anyone who hasn't downloaded it to do so before the start of school so you do not miss any important information. Please make sure you’re subscribed to the Parent tag, your son’s year level and House.

Here is the link to download the app for APPLE.

Here is the link to download the app for ANDROID.

The App will also be available for students to use. I’ll speak about this more during next week’s assembly.

Student Bag Tags

Student bag tags are a successful tool in helping boys identify their bags, and in the event they are taken or removed, have assisted staff in identifying the owner of a bag quickly when received in the Br Vic Larkin Centre.

At the commencement of a student’s enrolment at Nudgee College, we issue them with two free tags. We also recognise there are a number of students who carry multiple bags to school, so we would like to give you the opportunity to purchase additional tags to the ones already supplied.

These tags would be at a cost of $6 each and would be laser cut during the end of every Term during the holiday break. Tags will be available for collection from the Student Office in week one of each term.

If you would like to purchase some additional tags, please place your order through the College Payment Gateway.

College Buses - Bus Minder

With the imminent return of our students to campus learning, it is timely to remind families of the significant change, and the extensive work that Mr Todd Dening and the entire Transport team have done to get the new Bus system up and running. The bus service that we provide at the College is second to none. For more information please head to this link: https://sites.google.com/nudgee.qld.edu.au/transport/home.

Mr Sean Toovey 

Acting Dean of Students

I must admit it is a little eerie around the Bathersby Boarding Village. Whilst initially the additional peace and quiet were welcomed, there is now a tangible excitement around the campus for the return of our Nudgee College boarders.

This year 304 boarders will call Nudgee College home. Within this, we have 77 boys who are awaiting their first day of boarding with a mixture of exhilaration and nervousness. If you are one of these boys (or families), rest assured that you are in safe hands and everything will be just fine.

The Boarding staff have spent the last few weeks planning vigorously, contacting families and preparing for what is sure to be a challenging, yet promising year. We have welcomed many new additions to our team, whilst retaining the wisdom of our long-serving staff.

One notable addition to our team is Mr Mike Silcock, who joins us as our Director of Boarding and Head of Cotter Boarding House. Mike brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having held the positions of Director of Boarding and Director of Students at St Patrick’s in Ballarat. Mike also brings with him his beautiful family Ainslie, Banjo (5) and Bodhi (18 months). I know that the entire Silcock family will add so much to our community.

I must also make note that Ms Karin Van Wirdum has taken over the position of PA to the Dean of Boarding and Students. Karin has worked in a number of positions around the school, most recently in tracking student attendance data. Karin’s bubbly personality has made her transition into the role seamless. Please do not hesitate to make contact with her if you need anything at all (07 3865 0336).

We have also welcomed the following staff into leadership positions in our community:

• Mr Craig Brown (Cotter 3IC)
• Mr Daniel Luke (Hodda 3IC)
• Ms Lyn Kirkpatrick (Hodda House Mother)
• Mr Gerard McKeown (Murphy 3IC)
• Ms Elise Cardamone (Murphy House Mother)  

2022 brings with it a newness and energy. In early discussions with staff, we have discussed the theme of “nourishing our thriving community”. We are blessed to be in an outstanding position to start the year – we have great staff, robust processes, long waitlists, a strong sense of community and boys who are passionate about their “home away from home”. To me, this is the perfect springboard for us to jump off as we continually strive to set the standard for boarding schools around the globe.

Upcoming dates to note:

11-13 February: Boarders’ Weekend In

17 February: Senior Investiture

4 March: GPS Swimming

6 March: Boarding Staff v Seniors Cricket

As always, please feel free to get in touch with any issue big or small.

Mr Casey Brealy

Dean of Boarding 

Try the New in 2022

Welcome back, or welcome to Performing Arts.

This year, we are challenging students to become more involved in this aspect of Nudgee College life, by either joining their mates in an activity, or trying something out by themselves.

With a wide range of activities on offer, there is something for everyone to experience, from the creative (Music, Art, Theatresports and Media Crew) to the intellectual (Debating and Chess) to the technical (Tech Crew). Watch Student Notices for upcoming events, ask one of our Arts Prefects, or contact me.

What we’ve been doing:

SHEP Queensland

Congratulations to current and past student who were chosen to participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program. Held at the Queensland Conservatorium, these young men joined nearly 800 like-minded musicians from all over Queensland, and were selected from over 3000 applications. This is Music’s state titles!

Oliver Bryans, Year 12 - Vocal

Harry Roati, Year 12 - Trombone

Jayden Spiteri, Year 12 - Clarinet

Thomas Mallet, Year 11 - Flute

Lucas Wade, Year 11 - Vocal

QBA Youth Band

Three of our band students participated in the QBA Youth Camp 2022. From 10-14 January, they attended workshops and rehearsals, and finished with a final concert on the River Stage in the City Botanic Gardens. Well done to Daniel Cross (drums), and Tevita Chan and Jack Waldon (both trumpet). The bands look forward to hearing about what you learnt!

Debating

In the first round of GPS Debating last Friday night, we were at home to TSS. Senior and 1sts teams from each age group debated in a reduced round due to current restrictions. There were wins to the 8.1, 10.1 and 12.1 teams, with losses to 9.1, 11.1 and Senior A.

Player of the week - Oscar Roati (Year 10) who stepped into the 11.1 team at very short notice on Friday. He had to learn how to use Points of Information in a few hours. Fortunately, his brother is Isaac Roati, NCOB and former Senior A debater. Isaac is the 11.1 coach and gave Oscar some intense training to be ready for the big step up.

Topic of the week (11.1 and 12.1) - That the feminist movement should rebrand feminism as equalism.

A huge thanks to Ms Julianne Daunt for her organisation and adaptability with late changes due to TSS being delayed; Mr Dom Carroll for overseeing coaching and preparing the 1sts; and the Debating Parent Support Group for providing sugary sustenance.

We have a bye this week, and are preparing for Week 3 when we travel to Churchie.

What’s Coming Up:

Week 3: Instrumental Music lessons commence on campus, with the wonderful Music Team. If you already learn, check your lesson times for the term and get ready to go! If you would like to start, click on the link to the enrolment form. 

Debating training for all teams will be on ahead of Friday’s debates away at Churchie. Contact the amazing Ms Julianne Daunt, or your coach, if you need more information.

Theatresports will begin on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes in Tierney with the fabulous Ms Alison Kilgour.

Chess resumes training for Junior players on Tuesday (from 3:10-4:10) and Senior players on Friday (from 3:10 with games until 5pm) in P04.

Art Club starts on Wednesday after school until 4:00pm in the Art Rooms with the lovely Ms Katherine Ellis. Get creative and messy!

Check the Student Notices for more information about each of these activities.

Congratulations to your 2022 Arts Prefects Oliver Bryans, Tom Sands and Xavier Giorgas. These gentlemen are your first point of contact for all Arts information, and would love to chat with you about the opportunities you have.

Ms Alexandra Khafagi

Director of Performing Arts

Rowing

The GPS Rowing regattas started with all crews being permitted to attend the ACGS Regatta. Nudgee College had a strong start. There were a number of athletes missing from Nudgee College and other schools, but in the 10 GPS championship events Nudgee College competed in.

The Year 10 3rd and 2nd Quad won against the full field, meanwhile the Year 11 2nd VIII, Open 3rd VIII, and Open 2nd VIII all placed second, to BBC TSS and TSS respectively. The Year 9 5th Quad also had a win.

The Open 1st VIII placed fourth behind BBC,TSS & ACGS. While disappointing, Sean Carolan sees plenty of opportunities to improve and despite the result there is a resolve and positive 'vibe' around the program and 1st VIII. No doubt the boys will try and narrow the 3 second gap to 3rd place this weekend.

The Rowing Leadership group led by Jonah and Griffin have done a fantastic job of being connected to the younger boys whilst setting standards for everyone.

Results from 10 GPS Championship Events

1st - x 2

2nd - x 4

3rd -  x 2

4th - x 2

Year 9 Results

1st - x 1

3rd -  x 2

5th - x 2

Crew of the Week

Year 10 3rd Quad

Sam Coleman, Dom Weber, Oli Aleman, James Alexander and Max Read.

Crew to Watch

Year 11 2nd VIII

Mr James Burton

Rowing Director

The Locker Room

It has been a very busy start to the school year for the Locker Room.  Great to meet all new families and help with their uniform needs. Nudgee Buy, Swap and Sell Facebook page has over 1,000 members now. Join the group for all Nudgee second hand clothing.

We are excited to add a Jersey to our "Uglies" casual gear. Very popular. Nudgee Hoodies are back in stock.

The Locker Room is about to launch our Website for online uniform shopping.  Watch this space. We are looking forward to an exciting 2022. 

If you are visiting the Locker Room please continue to wear a mask (including students) at all times.