The College openly claims ‘Excellence’ as one of key values and it is a driving force in the culture of the school. When we claim excellence in such a way it is crucial to be clear about what we mean when we use that word. To quote from our Strategic Plan: Excellence is expressed through our aspirations and actions to be the best that we can be in all our endeavours. Further to that: We enjoy and celebrate our successes with humility and place effort and commitment into areas where we have the potential to develop and improve. 

When consideration is given to a range of activities and occasions across this week at the College it is evident that this notion of excellence is a reality within school life. These activities and occasions include:

The Presentation of the Learning Habits Awards to 78 students from Year 5 to 12 on today’s assembly. This is a recognition of their effort and commitment to effective classroom and study practices as well as to their disposition to academic success, irrespective of their level of achievement. The full list of award winners is in the Learning and Teaching section. We also acclaimed the success of 29 Year 12 students who achieved their Certificate II, III or a Diploma in Business through their studies with Barrington College over the past two years. Well done to each of these awards winners!

The Team Man Awards that were presented to basketball, rugby union and chess players from Term 3 GPS competitions. Importantly, this is not necessarily for the best player but for the student who contributes most to the team through consistent actions that engender cooperation, support and belonging. Again, well done to those 76 students who received awards on assembly. 

The successes of the Junior and Senior Track and Field teams in winning their respective GPS championships on Tuesday at QSAC. This is a credit to their effort and commitment as well as to their talent. These are difficult carnivals to win, so this success is of great merit. In the case of the Juniors they won convincingly while the Seniors saw themselves and Ipswich Grammar School battle in a very tight contest that was only won in the second last of 69 events. 

Congratulations to all the boys involved in both teams and in particular to Mr Jack Dahms (Track and Field Director) for his leadership of the Track and Field program. Without his attention to detail and ability to engage our students these excellent results would not have been possible.

This Saturday afternoon and evening the College will host the inaugural ‘NC Creatives @ Twilight  in Tierney Hall. This event will feature the creative talents of our students involved in art, musical ensembles, soloists, curriculum music and drama as well as design and technology. It will include static displays as well as a wide range of performances. The COVID-19 Lockdown in Term 3 prevented the College from hosting the Dimensions Art festival so this is an opportunity to showcase many talented students in a new and different setting. 

Finally, what a highlight it was to welcome back two Old Boys, who experienced great success in Tokyo, to the assembly today. Will Martin (NC 2017) won numerous individual and relay medals including gold at the Paralympics while Jack McLoughlin (NC 2012) won silver in the Olympic 400m freestyle event. Their reflections on their days at Nudgee College, the support of family and friends in their success but also the challenges that they have faced were of great value to all of us. In effect, their journey to success, rather than the medals themselves, exemplifies what we mean when we talk about excellence and being the best that we can be. 

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

Three powerful social media solutions for students (Part One)

I recently read a great article by Dr. Michael Gaskell, author of a book called Microstrategy Magic. In the article, he highlighted how we often hear about the ways that social media is damaging to our students. It is important, however, to recognize that social media is not only an inevitable part of students' lives - it is often a necessary and valued, instrument in developmental opportunities. 

In fact, a study from the National Institutes of Health revealed that proper use of social media by children was associated with positive effects, including an increase in their physical activity, less family conflict and better sleep. 

Balancing these clear benefits with an understanding of the consequences of misuse of social media can steer students in the right direction for them to gain long-term advantages. 

Dr. Gaskell suggested three common concerns surrounding student social media use and some ways to overcome them:

Problem: Danger to student wellbeing

There are tangible and intangible problems inherent to student social media use and their own wellbeing. 

Consider one of the most obvious concerns: the negative impact of self image problems.

Educators and parents know all too well that children growing through their schooling years are hypersensitive to how they look. The degree and intensity of this has been amplified by social media platforms. Prior generations enjoyed a safe haven at home – a getaway from the peer pressures and always being “watched” at school. Students can no longer enjoy that shield of fading into a protective cocoon since social media is everywhere and designed to bring everyone's lives instantly to a screen. The term FOMO (the fear of missing out) speaks to this harsh reality. 

Comparing yourself to an idealized body type causes anxiety, fear over not measuring up, and the stress associated with not meeting some perceived standard. In reality, social media accounts are highlight reels, often heavily-photoshopped, filtered images and accounts. 

Solution: Share the difference between social media and real-life images

A study of three groups of women viewing “Instagram vs reality” images revealed that viewing the real images resulted in increased body satisfaction relative to the ideal images. The destructive effects of appearance comparison were far less harsh for the “reality” images than for the ideal images exposure. Providing students with a healthy dose of reality like this is a constructive way to show them that idealistic versions of other people are fantasy. Consciously teaching that these images are unrealistic and not based on real-life can help students detach from the false narrative, and enjoy reality, while feeling good about themselves.

(The second part of this article will appear in next week’s newsletter)

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

Arbor Day 2021

This year in Brisbane we celebrate the 131st Arbor Day on Tuesday 12 October 2021. Nudgee College participated in the annual tree planting event on Wednesday 13 October with 17 students continuing to increase the diversity and density of native plants in our Regeneration Garden. 

Arbor Day is traditionally a day for planting trees for shade as well as educating students about the importance of trees and is celebrated throughout the world. Planting native trees contributes to the health of our environment and our communities in a variety of ways. Most predominantly on campus, the goal is to: 

• produce oxygen, filter pollution, and clean the air
• provide a food source and homes for native wildlife, and
• help prevent soil erosion on hillsides and creek banks by slowing run-off and holding soil in place

Special thanks to Mr Bird for his assistance on the day.

Mr Andrew Hook

NC Sustainability Coordinator 

AIP Certificate of Excellence in Physics for Year 12 students

The Australian Institute of Physics (QLD Branch) recognises high achieving Queensland students with the 2021 AIP Certificate for Excellence in Physics.

This certificate is awarded to students with a confirmed internal assessment result that is 90% or greater.

The Australian Institute of Physics is an organisation dedicated to promoting the role of Physics in research, education, industry and the community. The AIP congratulates the following students and recognises their diligence, curiosity, enthusiasm and achievements in Year 12 Physics.

Rohan Astbury

Jesse Dando

Caine Day

Leo Fairley

Atticus Johnston

Simon Vollert

Nikhil Lalwani

Lachy McGarry

Joshua Ferns

Callum Stringfellow

Rodin Martin

Keiran McCarthy

Alex Tran

Ethan Petcos

Jack Fuller

Shannen Gerard Solker

Mr Pat Conway

Head of Faculty – Science

    

Australian Mathematics Competition

The AMC has been an iconic Australian challenge since 1978. Many of the parents will remember sitting the competition and challenging themselves to answer as many questions correctly as they could possible answer. This year the competition was held when we were on lockdown and so 112 Nudgee College students sat the test at home online. They were supervised via google meets. 

The results for 2021 have arrived and certificates will be sent to the school in the next couple of weeks. Congratulations to all boys who participated this year. A breakdown of the results can be seen in the graph below.

Our top preforming student was Ethan Cockburn in Year Seven who achieved a High Distinction with a score 2.71 standard deviations above the mean, which put him in the 100th percentile.

Remember the completion is available to all students and they are encouraged to participate in 2022.

Ms Natalie Webber

Director of Learning and Teaching

Congratulations to the students who were awarded with Learning Habits Awards.

As was announced by Peter Fullagar to staff at the end of last term and to the community last Thursday at assembly, I am taking leave effective from Friday this week (into the new year). After 26 years at Nudgee College and 30 years in Catholic Education in Queensland, I am trying a career ‘pivot’. I have been offered a role in the corporate sector in staff training and development, and will be working from November in the city and on the Gold Coast. 

I have been asked many times in recent days - how are you feeling? That is impossible to articulate. I deeply love Nudgee College and all it attempts to do in forming good men and building community. I have made lifelong connections over that time, including meeting my beautiful wife Jen here when she was on staff; marrying and becoming a stepdad - that all happened through Nudgee College. Overseas sports tours, unforgettable days (the last minute try against TSS to win the premiership in 2018 as a simple example), Kairos retreats, so many families sharing their sacred stories, boarding road trips to advertise Nudgee College, working with amazing people and particularly being regularly energised by, and laughing with, beautiful young men. It has been a privilege to serve at such an incredible school and community. There is so much that I will miss. 

Over my 26 years at Nudgee College, I say with absolute passion - now is the best time to be a Nudgee College man. I have always felt Nudgee College is a good place, but the holistic nature of what Nudgee College has become makes it extra special now. The quality of our facilities, the standard of teaching and learning, the depth of care for individual boys, the management of boys going through ‘difficult patches’, the Boarding experience, the co-curricular offerings across sport and culture, the sense of community and the quality of the College leadership are all at highs for the schools 130 years. It is a blessing to be a Nudgee College man and family right now.

You may see me quietly around the College in coming months as I remain a current parent for another two years, and I will never lose my interest in all things Nudgee College no matter which career direction I take.

I head off on leave with a deep sense of gratitude for my connection to something special. I am sorry I can’t finish the end of the year with our current Seniors or continue to walk a journey with many boys and families I have known since Year 5, but the ‘timing of the universe’ is not something we control. As I leave for now, I send positive thoughts to all Nudgee College boys, staff and families for a successful end to 2021, a great Christmas break and a prosperous new year. 

Valedictory Parent Helpers

Valedictory for our Year 12 students may seem a fair way off being on Thursday 18 November; however, now that we have returned from the holidays the date is drawing closer.

Every year we have a very helpful band of parents who get together to help us prepare the gifts and gift bags for our Year 12 students. If you are available to come and help at the Student Office on one or both of the dates below your help would be most appreciated. 

21 October 8.45am to 10.30am approx. - Placing ties into Gift Boxes

28 October 8.45am to 10.30am approx. - Packing Valedictory Gift Bags 

Please complete THIS FORM to indicate your availability.

Mr Peter Todd

Dean of Students

2021 Boarding Formal Dinner

As part of our Boarders’ Formal Dinner, we celebrated this year as a community and marked this special occasion by sharing the 2021 Boarding Awards with staff and fellow students.  I want to acknowledge the tremendous work of Larissa Patti, Raoul Carmody and his AV crew, Annette Cross and the Property and Services team,  our wonderful House Mums, Gaby Morrison, Kym Wisseman, Tracey Hoffmann and Denise Johnson. We’d like to again thank our parent helpers helping to set up for the dinner – the venue looked spectacular, thank you.

Congratulations to the following award winners who have displayed wonderful qualities of engagement and spirit within their House:

• O’Brien Spirit award - Lawson Swain
• Cotter Spirit award - Atticus Johnston
• Hodda Spirit award - Caleb Reiher
• Murphy Spirit award - Ben Wyatt

On Awards Night, Rodin Martin was presented the John Francis Treacy award for service to the Boarding community, this is our most prestigious award and acknowledges his contribution: 

Rodin joined the Nudgee Boarding Community in 2016, as a Year 7 Boarder. He has made positive contributions to the boarding community throughout his 6 years, including time learning the ropes in O’Brien, prior to joining Hodda House. Rodin is a humble young man with a friendly demeanour who has worked at building positive relationships with all members of his Boarding House. He has also excelled in his chosen sporting endeavours – representing the First VIII crew this year. Rodin has continually modelled very high standards in the way of organisation and independence. Rodin is actively involved and often leads recreation activities for his House and also adding his hand to any musical numbers. All of this to ensure there is a fun and harmonious environment for all. Rodin is a deserved winner of the John Francis Treacy Award for service to the Boarding community.

As part of the night we also announced our 2022 Boarding Leaders.  Congratulations to:

• Darcy Turner - College Vice Captain and head of student boarding leadership group
• Cotter leaders - Charlie Dezius (Prefect) and Nate Prien
• Hodda Leaders - Des Cowley (Prefect) and Kenjin Sato
• Murphy Leaders - Luke O’Sullivan (Prefect) and Luke Doig

I know these young men will continue to build a strong positive environment for our Boarders next year. 

GPS Track and Field Support

On Tuesday we braved the conditions and headed to QSAC for the GPS Track and Field. The nearly 300m spectators cheered with great gusto in support of their brothers and should be applauded for their presence. Thank you to the year 11 and 12 senior leaders for their leadership.

RAW CHALLENGE Gold Coast

Last Saturday, the Boarding community ventured down to the Gold Coast Hinterland. In front of us was 9km of undulating terrain, with 60 different obstacles, including climbing over walls, carrying tyres, crawling through mud and many other activities. The boys had a wonderful time, and although sore and tired upon their return (certainly including one Mr Brealy and myself). It was an enjoyable trip!

Mr Sean Toovey

Dean of Boarding

NC Creatives @ Twilight

The Performing Arts are happy to present NC Creatives @ Twilight on Saturday 16 October 3.00pm to 8.00pm. This night is a celebration of student work in Visual Art, Music, Drama, and Design. The event will feature artwork by our senior students, displays from design and technology, and live performances from drama students, music ensembles and soloists. You are cordially invited to come and celebrate our student work and enjoy refreshments from the Arts Committee. We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP here!

Cricket

Last chance to enter the Dimensions raffle! Click this link to purchase your ticket.

The Locker Room 

New Nudgee College Sport Ties are here for you to support your sport, $38

Nudgee College Car Sun Visors are great to keep your car cool in summer.  They are reversible (plain silver on reverse). Only $8

Nudgee College Slides are selling fast.  $50

Orientation afternoons for current Year 6 and Year 11 students - Week 5 of Term 4

There will be three afternoon sessions, students and their families are only required to attend one afternoon.

All current Year 6 Nudgee College students entering Year 7 in 2022 will be attending

All current Year 11 Nudgee College students entering Year 12 in 2022 will be attending

All new students commencing in 2022 will be attending.

Year 6 students can wear casual clothes or school uniforms.

Year 11 students please wear their school uniform, and further details will be provided by their house deans.

A detailed program will be sent in Week 4 of Term 4, to all Year 6 and Year 11 students, including their parents.

Each afternoon there will be three Houses per afternoon

• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Tuesday 2nd of November - Barrett House, Duggan House and Fogarty House
• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Wednesday 3rd of November - Magee House, McKenna House and Riley House
• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Thursday 4th of November - Ross House, Shaw House and Tierney House

All parents/carers/family are welcome to attend, including siblings. 

Buses will be running at the end of the event for students, families and friends. If you wish to catch the Nudgee Bus home for free, with your son/s you are more than welcome.

RSVP for Bus Runs from Orientation Afternoon

All catering will be provided, if you and/or your son has a dietary requirement please complete the form below

Dietary requirements for Orientation Day

Please note: Nudgee College is currently monitoring the QLD COVID-19 Government advice and should the situation change further communication will be released from the College.