Amongst all that is happening across the College this week, importantly on Wednesday morning, we paused as a community to celebrate the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice. We proudly refer to ourselves as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition as do another 50 plus schools around Australia and over 280 schools around the world. It is the spirit of Edmund Rice that helps to shape and define the common identity that we share with these schools, even though we all operate in many different contexts.

Feast Days enable us to reflect on this identity and every year around this time, leaders within the Edmund Rice network share their thoughts. One particular reflection has always stayed with me. It was written by Br Philip Pinto, the Congregational leader of the Christian Brothers for some years. In my mind, he is challenging each of us to be people of action, people who put others first. Below is an excerpt from his article:

And as we celebrate the feast of Blessed Edmund - the 5th of May - I ask you, what are you celebrating. You belong to an Edmund Rice school - but that does not necessarily mean that you are an Edmund Rice person!

So what must you do to be an Edmund Rice person? I think the answer is with Edmund himself. He lived in such a way that his heart was broken open for people - we are told that he opened his whole heart to the poor - compassion was at the heart of what Edmund was about. And compassion means opening my heart so that someone else comes into the centre - and I am not in the centre of my life; someone else is at the centre of my life.

When was the last time you moved away from the centre and let someone else in? And if you really want to celebrate the feast, then I invite you over the coming days - even today, for one moment, for one experience, for one situation - put someone else at the centre, see who needs you.

You belong to a group that is much bigger than the school - the Edmund Rice Network spreads all over the world, in over thirty countries, in all of the continents; can you open your heart large enough and big enough - to allow people from  other parts of the world to occupy that central space - so that their needs come before your own!

When you do that - then you are celebrating Edmund Rice day!

Have a look at some of the beautiful photos from our Founder's Day liturgy in the Identity section. 

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Another celebration in the week ahead is Mother’s Day. Our Year 12 Mums were able to enjoy a special preliminary celebration last Sunday. After attending the 10am mass at the Cathedral of St Stephen, we shared an uplifting lunch together at the Sofitel Hotel. It truly was a memorable day. In a simpler way, our Year 5 and 6 Mothers will be able to enjoy breakfast with their sons and our staff on Friday morning at the Junior School. It is always a beautiful gathering. We wish all our Mothers, step Mothers and those who play a maternal role in the lives of our boys all the best for Sunday. Special thoughts go to some of our boarders and their Mothers who cannot see each other in person this weekend.

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Some points of interest:

• Congratulations to the top performing Year 12 students who have been selected as the Academic Firsts. To be selected, these students have achieved results in the top 10% of the Year 12 cohort with raw scores above 90% and/or have ranked in the top decile for 4 or more of their General subjects. These boys will be presented on assembly next week. 
• Senior Assessment: There are a handful of senior exams next week combined with numerous assignments being drafted and/or finalised across Year 11 and 12. For Year 12s, these Internal Assessment (IA) 2’s are the second piece of important assessment to be completed and contribute to exit results at the year’s end. Consequently, there is some degree of pressure on many Seniors at this time.
• NAPLAN testing for Year 5, 7 and 9 students will be held over the coming two weeks. While we have prepared the boys in these respective year levels since they returned to school, there is no preparation program per se beyond the effective learning and teaching of numeracy and literacy every day. The NAPLAN results give parents and teachers insight into the capabilities of each boy as well as indicating their improvement since previous testing. The College uses these results as one set of data that informs teaching for individuals as well as the adjustments that may be necessary for cohorts of boys. Our continued focus in recent years has been around improving our boys writing skills. 
• Open Day is just over two weeks away on Saturday 22 May. This has become a significant day in the school calendar and we again anticipate a large crowd. To register for Open Day, click here. Further information on admissions for future years is available at this link.

With every best wish for the week ahead.

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

The way we treat people 

Twelve years ago, Usain Bolt made history in less than 10 seconds at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championship in Berlin, Germany.  The Jamaican sprinter set the world record for the 100-meters, clocking in at 9.58 seconds. Since then, no one (not even Bolt himself) has been able to beat that time.

Yet Usain’s times on the athletics track are not what I think of when his name comes up in conversation or in social media.  Usain Bolt is a remarkable athlete, but also an exceptional character.  If you took some time to look at some of the Youtube clips out there you will see how generous he was with his time and his inclusive spirit.  Before major events, literally minutes before competing on the world stage, Bolt would engage with people around him. He cared. He would talk to volunteers. He would make them feel special.

There is one thing, and one thing alone, that determines the type of person you truly are: how you treat people.  All people. That starts by realising that we are all equal.

When speaking with my Year 12 class, I ask them to imagine how much nicer the world would be if everyone did a little more thinking before speaking (or hitting the submit button on social media or sending an email). Before opening your mouth or flexing those typing fingers, ask yourself these questions:

What is my motive? Am I saying it to hurt someone? To insult them or get a rise out of them?

Would I say this to someone I love?

How would I feel if someone said this to me? To my mum or dad, sister or brother?

When it comes to commenting on social media, would I say this face-to-face?

How would I feel if these were my final words and the only thing people remembered about me?

Now, I’m not saying we should go through life censoring our every thought. Sometimes, hard things need to be said. However, nine times out of ten, there’s a more diplomatic and kinder way to say them.

The way we treat each other has the potential not only to affect our health and wellbeing, but also to engender significant social and economic costs to society.   As a society and College community, we will be judged on the way we treat people, and the impressions we leave. If we treat people right, they will treat us right.

Usain Bolt is inclusive and genuine. I believe there was humility in the way he acted. His modelling of acceptance is one we all can aspire to achieve here at Nudgee College.  Or maybe if all our boys tried to model Usain’s humility and then remembered this simple quote from Albert Einstein: "I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university."

If all our boys lived this quote and modelled Usain’s humility, they would all leave the College as Signs of Faith.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

With Term 2 now in full swing, I thought it would be timely to give a brief outline of what is available in the Social Justice Program and how students sign up for the events:

Big Brekkie - Years 10 to12. Tuesday morning. Cooking BBQ breakfast for clients in the Valley. Leave NC in Brekkie van at 5.50am return 8.00am

Big BBQ - Years 10 to 12. Tuesday afternoon. Cooking BBQ dinner for clients in Aspley Rotary park. Leave NC at 4.45pm return 6.30pm

Ecumenical Coffee Brigade – Years 7 to 9. Making sandwiches in Spring Hill to be distributed to the homeless. Select mornings. Leave NC 5.30am return 8am

Scrabble and Chat - Years 7 to 9 day students. Thursday afternoon. Visit local nursing home to spend time with residents. Leave NC 3pm parent/carer collection from site at 4.15pm. Starting again Term 3

Viridian - Years 7 to 9 boarders. Thursday afternoons. Visiting residents at Viridian retirement home.

Brekkie, BBQ, Coffee Brigade  and Scrabble and Chat sign on the NC Solidarity app. Viridian is coordinated by O’Brien Boarding House.

Ms Sian Kennedy

Director of Identity 

FEAST OF BLESSED EDMUND RICE

Showcase

The show must go on and after our last minute rained out Showcase in Term 1, it was great to see the boys perform in front of their peers and families last night. We had a full house in the Christian Brothers Conference Centre and the atmosphere was electric. I’d like to congratulate Shaw House for winning this highly contested competition with a stirring and thought provoking performance based on the theme of “Brotherhood.” They took it one step further to use the theme combined with RUOK Day to speak about mental health and how important it is to have your brothers around you for support. It was a great performance and a well-deserved win. Well done to everyone in Shaw House!  Each of the Houses wanted to thank specific people who helped bring their performances to life so I have included these below:

Thank you to Barrett House Prefects - Jonty Trethowan, Jack Fuller and Jack Harkins for all their efforts in planning and organising this student led event. They have been ably supported by Callum Stringfellow, William MacLean, Jackson Harte, Rory Dunn, Alex Ropelin and Harry Dixon. Thanks to Heather Trethowan for agreeing to be a judge.

Duggan House would like to acknowledge and thank the following staff for their energy and support. Mr Sugars, Mr Dods, Mr Du Mont, Miss Nolan and Miss Lyon. A big thank you must also go to the prefects Matt Johns, Luke Rohan, Callum Wallace and Boarding Prefect Harry Coventry for their energy and organisation. Special mention to Connor De Wit McCann for his amazing work on the guitar and young Nudgee Man Carter Thompson for taking the lead role!

Thank you and congratulations to all Fogarty students, PC tutors and House Prefects for your hard work planning, preparation and performance. A special thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Grima. We could not have transformed the student ideas, and produced what we have without you. Thank you again, to Marisia Woolf, who continues to serve and support Fogarty in her final year as House Mum.

Thank you to the Magee Prefects for their creative energy and organisational skills in putting our item together and to the Magee boys who have embraced the concept with energy. Special thanks to: Sione Mohenoa for his musical creativity and expertise; Katherine Ellis for her tireless efforts with our art work; Danielle Mills for organising the t-shirts (a mammoth job); House Parents who have supported us; and all Magee PC tutors for their unwavering support and hard work. Special mention to Jo Smith in her final year as House Mum who, once again, has represented Magee on the judging panel.

Thank you to all of the McKenna Tutors for their hard work and patience during rehearsals. Thanks to the McKenna Prefects, Big Brothers and seniors for their leadership. A special thank you to Margie Hutchinson for assisting with the judging of Showcase and also selling popcorn and lollies in the foyer with the Arts Committee.

A big thank you to the wonderful Riley PC tutors for their time and effort during rehearsal. A special thank you for Mr Hughes for his dedicated work with the Spice Boys. Thank you to the Prefects and Seniors for their commitment and leadership for their last Showcase. To talented Oliver Bryans for sharing his wonderful voice with us.  A special thank you to Ms Lisa Board and the many House parents who contributed to the Riley Showcase performance this year.

Congratulations must go to the Ross House Prefects and Seniors for their leadership and planning of this year's performance. Also, a lot of credit must go to our PC Tutors/SF Teachers for their creativity, time and patience during rehearsals. Thank you to our new Head House Parent, Leanne Wiseman and all Ross House parents for their support.

Thank you to all Shaw House students, your enthusiasm, dedication and good humour  always shines through. I sincerely thank all our PC tutors for their creativity and choreography this year. What a team! Special thank you to Mrs Anne Gray for her judging expertise and Shaw families for their continued support - you are awesome!

Thank you to our Tierney Prefects and Big Brothers for their leadership and organisation in our short preparation for this year's event. Thanks also to the Tierney PC Tutors who assisted with rehearsals, in particular Miss Brahim for her amazing efforts behind the scenes to support students and staff. And to the Tierney community for embracing the process and supporting tonight- thank you!

I’d like to thank our Captains for a very entertaining performance, I’ve seen how hard you’ve been working on your performance in the student office and it came together really well on the night. This event is a highlight in our Nudgee College calendar and I know many were disappointed it couldn’t happen in 2020, so it was fantastic to see the level of energy and enthusiasm that everyone brought to the stage last night. I’d also like to thank our AV crew lead by Raoul Carmody and his diligent band of students to help make Showcase happen, the Arts Committee and catering crew for providing snacks and drinks and of course all of you for attending this event and supporting our boys.

Mr Peter Todd

Dean of Students

NAPLAN

Next week, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will begin their NAPLAN tests, which will span from the Tuesday 11 to Friday 21 May 2021.

Each student will experience these tests differently. Some will find them easy, while others may feel a bit anxious. The following suggestions are intended to help you support your son’s participation in NAPLAN next week:

Firstly, speak positively about NAPLAN and why we are doing it. Here are some key messages to reiterate with your son:

• NAPLAN is one set of tests, along with your other assignments and exams that provides feedback about your learning. Feedback allows us to improve. 
• NAPLAN is about tracking your progress. You’ve learned a lot since you last did these tests (in Years 3, 5 or 7). NAPLAN will show us how much progress you’ve made.
• NAPLAN also allows your teachers to better understand how to help you, especially in the areas of literacy and numeracy, which are critical skills to have.  

Reassure your son that he is prepared for NAPLAN. In fact, he has been preparing for it every day of his schooling by participating in lessons. His subjects of English and Maths have been targeting the skills he needs to do well on the tests. You can also remind him of what the NAPLAN tests will look like. He’s looked at the NAPLAN Demonstration Site in his English, Maths and SF lessons this term. 

Importantly, help your son to be organised. He will need a working device and set of headphones for each of his tests. Earpods cannot be used in order to maintain the integrity of the tests.

Lastly, students are often concerned about the reports their parents will receive so make your son aware that you will receive a report showing his outcomes on NAPLAN and that your expectation of him is to do his best. To this end, encourage your son to employ his Learning Habits, especially the habit of Persisting.

Nudgee College’s NAPLAN Testing Schedule is shown below:

Ms Natalie Webber

Director of Learning and Teaching 

Year 12 Mother & Son Luncheon

On Sunday 2 May, we were blessed to attend the Year 12 Mother & Son Mass and Luncheon.  It was wonderful to see many Year 12 Boarding mums at the annual event and I was fortunate to be able to catch-up with many of you - thank you.  This is always such an enjoyable day and gives our boarders time to spend some quality time with their mums. Once again, this year I send special thanks to Tracey Hoffmann and Kym Wissemann who attended the event as House Mum to two boys whose mothers were unable to attend.  This allows our Year 12 gentlemen to experience this unique day and give thanks to those important women in their lives.

Beef Week in Rockhampton

Another key community aspect this week has been Beef Week in Rockhampton. This has been combined with additional regional tours to visit some of our families and meet some new boys coming into Boarding over the next few years. The cattle club and show team are involved with the judging section of the event, and were a credit to the community. The College hosted the Bull Dust dinner on Wednesday night for approximately 140 people.

Academic Firsts

I’d like to personally congratulate three of our Senior boarders for achieving an academic first award. In order to receive this award students need to be in the top 10% of the year 12 cohort and receive average raw scores above 90% for four or more of their General subjects. These Students will receive a badge and certificate at the Week 4 assembly but the group will also be celebrated with a special lunch on Thursday 6 May with Mr Peter Fullagar. Well done to Leo Fairley, Atticus Johnston and Dylan Lawrance to be part of this select group.

Mr Sean Toovey

Dean of Boarding

Tennis

Round 2 saw the men in blue and white play BBC at home. BBC have set the benchmark for GPS tennis and we knew this was going to be a tough round. This was reflected in the scoresheet with many tough matches bring played.

Rain did affect play with all matches at Nudgee College being cancelled.

First IV went down 2-5. Ben Forbes was the stand out in the group winning his singles convincingly. Rain delayed the start time and forced a change in venue. However, boys overall played well. 

Stand out performers for Round 2 include:

Axel McCabe - great shots and awesome rallies

Oliver Mattiussi - great sportsmanship

Sean Putra Susilo - Great shot selection

Ted Currin - Great serving

Well done boys, make sure you collect your V Golf voucher and grip from coaching staff.

Thanks to the parent support group and volunteers who helped with the BBQ.

Next week our seniors travel to TWGS while the juniors are at home. 

Mr Brenden McGuinness

Director of Tennis

Volleyball

Over the weekend, Nudgee College took 14 boys to compete at the Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup tournament at Coolangatta. The boys represented Nudgee extremely well and competed to the best of their abilities in a format they were not accustomed to.

Competing in the Year 11/12 pairs, William Roostan and Joshua Reid placed 8th in a hotly contested division. The pair made it to the Quarter finals, but narrowly lost in the 3rd set to the team that went on to take the Bronze Medal. The boys finished 8th place, which is an impressive result. Also in the Year 11/12 pairs, Archer Springer and Kynan Enever were extremely impressive considering Archer is in year 9 and Kynan has never played beach before. The boys finished in 13th place. In the same division, Morgan Chippendale and Carlos Vanselo Neto fought hard in every game with most of them coming down to the 3rd set. The boys finished in 16th place.

In the Year 9/10 pairs, Gabe Gerry and Elliot Mills played extremely well to win multiple games. The boys finished the weekend in 10th place. Also in the 9/10 pairs were Ned Clark and Will Boddington who were super impressive for their first ever Beach tournament. They finished in 12th position. It was great to see these boys in particular gain a lot from the experience and will be better players in the long run. 

In the Year 7/8 four-a-side competition our boys of Elfie Piper, Ethan Grimshaw, Ed Gerry and Flynn Twomey showed extreme resilience to win the Gold Medal. It was a two-horse race between Nudgee and Scotts college over the weekend with NC losing to them twice in the pool stage. The final was where the boys really stepped up and controlled the match winning it 2-0. Flynn Twomey was also announced as MVP of the division.

Mr Jorden Smith

Director of Volleyball

Tickets to the Nudgee College Musical will be available Tuesday 11 May!