Principal
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