During the weekend just passed, I was able to experience my first home round of activities at Nudgee College. This commenced on Friday evening with our debaters taking on the young men from IGS. The afternoon also coincided with our 1st VI Volleyball team having their final training session of the week followed by a dinner and our 1st XI Cricketers having a final session followed by the presentation of their whites for the first GPS competition match of the year. In my previous experience working in schools, Friday afternoons and evenings are usually a very quiet and lonely place after 4pm; not at Nudgee College!

In my article last week, I spoke about the importance of parent partnership and the many forms this can take. Friday afternoon and Saturday was evidence of the invested nature of our parents in supporting their boy/s to be involved in all facets of College life. It was wonderful to meet so many who were present and experience a continued warm welcome. You will read more about the results of the students in the following articles but what was impressive for me was the conduct and dress standard of the students. Nudgee College holds high expectations for our students and these were met during our home round last weekend. 

As wonderful as it is to be involved in the many and varied activities on offer, of most importance is the core business of learning at the school. Mr Jason Sepetauc, Dean of Learning and Teaching, has done a great job in launching our academic year with a theme that encourages students to be a ‘lighthouse for learning’. On Tuesday this week, we celebrated the students who embodied that during 2022 with the first of our Academic Assemblies (the second will occur next Tuesday). Mr Fullagar made it clear that attaining academic excellence and success is the pinnacle for every student and all should carry aspirations of achieving this in the many and varied ways that are possible. I would encourage all families to engage in a discussion with their son about his academic goals for 2023 and ensure these are revisited regularly. 

Mr Scott Thomson

Deputy Principal

In his letter to the Ephesians, St Paul wrote:

“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”

This week we celebrated the academic achievements of many of our brothers.  May we also remember that learning and knowledge are not commodities to purchase but the path to wisdom and a gift from God.

Holy Wisdom

Open my eyes to bask in your beauty.

Open my mouth to speak tenderly.

Open my heart to feel your unconditional love.

Holy Wisdom - May I be YOUR image in the world.

ALL: Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts …

ALL: FOREVER!

Social Justice and Advocacy 

We are excited to have some of our students assisting the Coffee Brigade this Saturday as they launch their new premises at Windsor. The Coffee Brigade has been running for over fifty years, and serves coffee, sandwiches, and conversation to the homeless community around Brisbane every single day. Nudgee College is proud to work with the Coffee Brigade once a month with our students making sandwiches at their commercial kitchen, and we look forward to this exciting new chapter with them. 

Ms Tahnee Leegood

Head of Social Justice and Advocacy 

2022 Cohort: College Dux, Proxime Accesit, High ATAR Achievers and Subject Duces Assembly

After last year’s COVID-19 interruptions, and biblical floods it was wonderful to gather the school community to celebrate the achievements of our newest old boys, the 2022 Cohort.

College Dux Thomas Robertson spoke with gratitude on behalf of his cohort. He praised their efforts, and drew attention to the collective spirit in the College that provided each and every one of them the opportunity to follow their passion, and create their own journey. 

He praised the teaching staff for their care and commitment, highlighting that equal efforts are applied to ensure boys' achievement is balanced with their well being. The boys in the audience were reminded that the kindness and generosity the Nudgee  community offers boys is a unique gift to be cherished. 

His speech was a clarion call to boys that they might take personal responsibility for their learning, and develop the ethic and attitude that realises a love of learning. We congratulate Thomas, Proxime Accesit Lachlan Barrett, Apprentice of the Year Connor Rowan, High ATAR Achievers and Subject Duces. The College wishes them every success as they embark on further studies and careers. 

Thomas Robertson - 2022 DUX OF COLLEGE & ATAR 99.50 and Subject Co Dux Study of Religion

Lachlan Barrett - 2022 PROXIME ACCESSIT & ATAR 99.45 and Subject Dux of Biological Science, Chemistry, Japanese, Literature, Mathematical Methods and Co Dux -Study of Religion

High ATAR Achievers

• James Duffy - Received an ATAR score of  98.20 
• Alex Romano - Received an ATAR score of  98.20 
• Elliot Browne- Received an ATAR score of  98.35   
• SUBJECT DUX OF  - Digital Solutions and Co-Philosophy and Reason
• Ben Gunter - Received an ATAR score of 98.50
• Harry Roati - Received an ATAR score of 98.60
• Lachlan Bancroft - Received an ATAR score of 98.60 
• SUBJECT DUX OF  - Engineering and Physics
• Thomas Malone - Received an ATAR score of  98.75  
• SUBJECT DUX OF  - English and Specialist Mathematics
• Ronin Prout - Received an ATAR score of 98.85  

Subject Duces 

• Harry Blackmore -Co- Dux of Essential English and Dux of Industrial Technology Skills 
• Andrew Brown - Dux of Ancient History
• Oliver Bryans - Dux of Music
• Edward Chapman - Dux of Agricultural Science
• Oliver Evangelista - Dux of Drama
• Hunter Everard - Dux of Modern History
• Sam Fairley - Dux of Sport and Recreation
• Josh Ford - Dux of English and Literature Extension
• Lachie Gray - Dux of Business - Diploma, Co-Dux of Essential English, Dux of Essential Mathematics 
• Ryan Hadden - Dux of Business - Cert III, Dux of Engineering Pathways - Cert II
• Joshua Hagenbach - Dux of Business, Co-Dux of General Mathematics
• Darcy Hardwick - Co-Dux of General Mathematics
• Oscar Keith - Dux of Literature
• Riley Law - Dux of Rural Operations (Cert II)
• Inigo Lawrence - Dux of Economics, Dux of Legal Studies
• Christopher Nelson - Co-Dux of General Mathematics
• Nate Prien - Dux of Fitness - Cert III
• Yashodhan Rayani - Dux of Religion and Ethics
• Connor Rowan - Dux of Construction,  Apprentice of the Year 2022 
• Tom  Sands - Dux of Design, Dux of Visual Art
• Bailey Thomas - Dux of Accounting
• Darcy Turner - Dux of Physical Education
• Archie Wallis - Dux of Philosophy and Reason

Gold, Silver and Bronze Academic Achievement Awards 

This week we celebrated Gold, Silver and Bronze academic award ceremonies for Years 10, 11 and 12 students. At next Tuesday's assembly we will award students in Year 6, 7, 8, and 9. The following criteria have been used from results from Semester Two 2022 results to determine awards winners:

BRONZE AWARD - As in all subjects but three

SILVER AWARD - As in all subjects but two

GOLD AWARD - As in all subjects but one

Studies Prefect Oliver Kele congratulated all of the award winners at the assembly for being lighthouses of learning, and encouraged all students to find balance in their school life so they could captain their own ship towards their personal best in the classroom. 

To view the full list of award recipients, click here!

Illness & Misadventure Application Process

In 2023, we begin a new procedure to apply for extensions (and comparable exams in Years 11 and 12 only) due to temporary illness or misadventure. Formerly, we have referred to this process as Special Consideration.

The new process is called Illness and Misadventure - Short Term AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments).

To clarify the terms of an application, please read on.

Illness encompasses temporary illnesses/conditions and/or injuries that prevent students from meeting the assessment deadlines.

Misadventure refers to an event that has an adverse effect on a student's academic performance AND is unforeseen/beyond the student’s control e.g. summons/subpoena to appear in court or a close family member's death/funeral. A misadventure scenario cannot be of the student’s own choosing or that of their parents/caregivers, such as a family holiday, specialist appointment or driving test.

Please review the linked Helpsheets for Years 11 and 12 and Years 7 to 10 for a step-by-step explanation of how to apply. Importantly, applications are made by parents/caregivers via the Parent Lounge. 

Ms Peta Scott

ATAR/EA Coordinator

Start of Year establishing assemblies

Over the first few weeks of term (during Student Formation), members of the College and Senior Leadership Teams will be meeting with each secondary cohort. While these assemblies are critical in outlining the expectations for the students, our focus has been very much about their journey towards flourishing. The wellbeing framework PERMA (Dr Martin Seligman) provides us as staff and parents a five step plan to guide our young men on their journey to wellness. I have included a link for those who would like more information - PERMA .  Much of what was discussed at parent evenings is also outlined for the student audience.

Maximising learning time 

I hope your son has felt a strong focus on maximising his learning opportunities with Learning and Teacher and Student Formation having a collaborative approach. For me, the non negotiables are:

• Be in class on time, every time
• Be an active participant 
• Mobile phones are never to be seen 
• Not asking the teacher to go to the toilet or fill water bottles

Your endorsement and discussion at home will be much appreciated. Please find attached our updated Mobile Phone policy.

Start of Semester interviews - Year 7 - 9

Another strategy of tightening the focus of boys learning and wellness is our SOS interviews. All boys from Year 7 to 9 spent the Student Formation lesson in Week 1 completing their SOS preparation document. The document guides them through a process of reflection, goals setting, and identifying habits of mind to help them become successful learners. The final component is to complete their personal PERMA plan. On Friday Week 2 each boy then sat down with their PC tutor and discussed their Semester 1 plan.

Parents, please note this document will be shared with you in the next week. I hope this is a useful tool for you to also discuss and have input into how he is planning to attack Semester 1.

Blue and White day - supporting Project Compassion

Tomorrow is Blue and White Day. Blue and White day is a symbol of Nudgee spirit and is always the Friday before the Gregory Terrace round of Activities. In this case Nudgee spirit is in giving to others in need.

Please bring a $2 coin or more if you can to help raise money for Project Compassion. PC tutors will collect this in PC.

In Zimbabwe, $7 goes a long way. In fact, it helps families become financially independent by allowing them to buy a chicken, which can help generate an income through poultry farming. This Blue and White Day we are proud to contribute funds to the Nudgee College "Chicken Challenge" (launching on Shrove Tuesday!) as part of Project Compassion. As a College, we aim to purchase as many chickens as possible to help families like Priscilla's become financially independent. You can read more about Priscilla's story below, or at https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/priscilla-story/ 

Please note - this is not a free dress day so boys must wear something blue and white. Enclosed shoes must be worn and no singlets.

Mr Anthony Connellan 

Dean of Students

A Balanced Me in ‘23

Ethan McNamara gave a wonderful speech on Assembly this week, defining what Nudgee Spirit meant to him. Some observations I have made throughout the week demonstrate Nudgee Spirit in different contexts:

• The group of young boarders who were drawn inside from their cricket game to watch the Senior A Debate on Friday evening - they asked some great questions in order to help them understand what was going on, and were polite and respectful.
• The willingness of the students involved in Footloose to come in on a Sunday and work solidly to achieve the days’ goals - the band learnt three new songs, and the cast and chorus completed blocking the closing number for Act I, which means our opening, and leading into interval, are good to go!
• The enthusiasm of our Junior School students who have turned out to try Chess and Art Club, and the heaps more who have signed up for Tech Club, Writers’ Circle and Debating.
• The excitement in Year 5 music classes as students received their instruments for the year.

What a privilege it is to be part of this culture!

What We’ve Been Doing

Debating - almost a clean sweep on Friday which was an excellent start! There was good crowd support (thanks boarders!) for the Senior A team, who showed off some great technical skills. Player of the round is Tom Kewley, who delivered his speech with confidence and used issues-based rebuttal for the first time.

Music - today is the GPS Music Day of Excellence, and we have the following boys involved: Concert Band - Henry Geise and Wade Lucas; Symphony Orchestra - Thomas Mallet; Choir - Lathan Angove, Michael La Monaca, Tyler Goodall, Hunter Ireland, Junwen Zhou, Lachlan Pattison, Hugh Thomson, Ethan Dahl and Carter Thompson. Congratulations to these boys on their selection for this prestigious event.

What’s Coming Up Weeks 3 to 4

Debating - GT ROUND IS THIS WEEK! Don your formal uniform and let’s fill Tierney. Harnessing their success of last week’s victories, your support could well get our teams over the line.

‘Marvel Superheroes are better than DC Superheroes’ is the topic for the Junior School Inter-house Debating, a great initiative of the Arts and Studies prefects. Round 1 will take place during Thusday’s House Assembly time - stay tuned for results!

E-sport - The E-sport Technology Club training sessions will be held weekly on a Wednesday afternoon from 3:00pm - 4:00pm in the Cleary building computer labs. All students who have signed on via the Student Notices have been contacted. If you wish to still participate please contact William Duffield, Year 12. 

Junior Tech - Starting in Week 4, our sessions for the Junior Tech Club will operate weekly on a Thursday afternoon from 3:00pm - 4:00pm in M1J. All students and parents who have signed on via the Google Form have been contacted.

Writers’ Circle - The College's inaugural Writers’ Circle is truly underway with very keen students looking to express their creative prowess, ability, and writing skills. Stay tuned for various updates on their progress! If you wish to still participate please contact William Duffield. Sessions are held weekly on a Tuesday afternoon from 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm.  

Spirit Choir is a new initiative for 2023, and will unite both students and staff to create a NC community ensemble. Start the week right, and come along to the Chapel at 7:30am on Mondays.

Don’t Forget - details for our activities are on Team App - join your team and get involved!

As always, please contact me with any questions - akh@nudgee.qld.edu.au 

Ms Alex Khafagi

Director of Performing Arts

The GPS is looking to add some Multi-Class events as part of GPS Competition in swimming, cross country and track and field from 2023. Student-athletes would need to be of eligible classification.  If you are interested in finding out more please contact me on jpy@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

Mr Jamie Pybus

Director of Sport

What's happening this weekend! 

Swimming Meet #3 at Chandler on Friday night

Rowing Regatta #3 at Wyaralong

Cricket and Volleyball vs GT (H)

We have our Online Shop for all uniforms and stationery needs. You can click and collect or ship to your address.  The Locker Room no longer holds Credit Card details on file.

QBI concussion study – volunteers needed in Term 1

In the lead-up to this year’s rugby season, The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), in partnership with World Rugby and Rugby Australia, is calling on students from Grades 9 to 12 to get behind brain research. The goal is to identify a biomarker that will test the severity of concussion and recovery from it.

Baseline testing has started at GPS schools and will run through to April 2023. If the athlete experiences a concussion, a similar series of post-concussion tests will track how their brain recovers.

Brisbane State High school student Trent Picot has already enrolled in the trial and completed his baseline testing. Read Trent’s story here: https://bit.ly/3wLNUjJ.

Students in Years 9 to 12 who are playing rugby, basketball or swimming are eligible. Please express your interest here: https://bit.ly/3Rrm85V