Principal
As we commence Term 4 and spring changes to summer, I am reminded that school terms are something akin to the seasons of the weather. Each season has contrasting elements, as well as essential elements that remain unchanged. Similarly, each term is distinctively different, in some respects, but in other ways also is very similar to the three other terms. This final term is the shortest of the year, with many things compressed into a tighter timeline. Not the least of these are the fundamentals of good teaching and learning – something that remains unchanged whatever the time of year. The shorter timeframe of Term 4 certainly increases the need for our boys to be fully engaged in their schoolwork and academic endeavours from these very first weeks.
Another distinguishing feature of this final term is the multiplicity of events and occasions, some of which are endings, some beginnings, whilst others mark the preparations for next year. By way of example, I share with you two important occasions from this week and next that will have significant influence upon 2020 at Nudgee College.
As many in the community will already be aware on Monday afternoon in the College Chapel we announced the school leaders for 2020. It is an absolute privilege to play a part in this extensive process of nomination, election and selection. To be present in the Chapel at the moment of announcement is a yearly highlight. The Chapel is a sacred place at Nudgee College and, as we gathered, there was palpable excitement amongst the Year 11s and the many staff who were present. Thousands of Nudgee College men have sat on those original Chapel pews and this sense of history adds further to this moment in time. We congratulate the following young men who have been called to the responsibility and honour of serving the College as the Senior leaders for 2020: Injarra Harbour (College Captain), Michael Jones, Oliver Horwood, Patrick Kelly and Lastus Aukai (Vice Captains).
Further to these young men, I also congratulate those Year 11 students who have been appointed as House Prefects – a considerable honour. The full list of 2020 leaders is included in the Student Formation article in this newsletter. I thank Mr Peter Todd and Mr Sean Toovey for their leadership over recent months in this vitally important process.
In truth, while these young men will wear the badge of leadership, the success and tone of next year will also be set by the larger group of Seniors who have not been chosen in this process. There will be many other opportunities next year across the range of activities in College life for some of this larger group to be chosen as leaders. However, many young men may not be chosen as official leaders but their influence in day to day school life is significant. We will have a terrific year if all Year 12s are consciously aware that it is their collective responsibility as school leaders to engender a positive, inclusive and welcoming culture in 2020.
In considering the Year 12s of next year, it is worth noting that this cohort of students, across the state, were the year level when prep became compulsory and the first cohort in which Year 7 was changed to be a part of secondary school. Importantly now, they will be the cohort that leads the way in the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). At Nudgee College, this means that the class of 2020 will set the new academic standard for the year levels that follow – a considerable responsibility.
Another indicator of our preparations for next year is our Orientation Day on Monday for all new students joining the College in January. This important day represents another important step for these incoming students and their families. It is the beginning of an orientation process to a large school that takes several months. There are many staff members across all dimensions of College life who are involved in this occasion, which serves to welcome and inform all those who are new to the College. Further to this, some of our new students will also spend an evening in the Boarding House across the weekend to aid their transition into the boarding life of the College. The planning for the day has been extensive and I am grateful for the leadership, organisation and level of care provided by Director of Admissions Ms Susan Shakespear and her team. With every best wish for the term ahead.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
