Principal
Nudgee College is a school with a long and proud history. We tell stories of our past to inspire us in the present. In a spirit of gratitude we acknowledge all the students, the staff and the parents who have gone before us. We know that as a community we have a legacy to uphold. It is also a legacy that we pass on to those who will follow us in the years to come.
It is also true that there are sorrowful stories in the history of Nudgee College and unfortunately not every chapter is filled with glory. In fact, some stories are devastating.
This is because schools are ‘people’ places and as humans every one of us is flawed. Some of those flaws are trivial and some are extremely serious.
I share this reflection with you in the context of the ABC media story of historical allegations that was featured earlier this week. All parents were emailed on Monday with the school’s response to this story. I have also spoken with our staff this week and at Tuesday’s assembly I addressed the students on this distressing story.
Understandably this matter has generated a mixture of responses from within the community. Universally, people have been disturbed and dismayed. In particular, staff who were here in those days have been most upset. Where it has been possible to do so, the College has been in touch with numerous individuals from those days.
I have appreciated the emails of support that I have received from current parents in reply to my communication. Amongst the emails from current parents there have also been legitimate questions raised regarding what the College is currently doing in the area of child safety and child protection.
I reiterate that the College does all it can to create an environment where every student can feel safe and our staff follow strict safety protocols around child protection. This commitment to child safety is captured on our website in the following documentation:
- Statement of Commitment for Child Safety and Wellbeing.
- EREA Commitment Statement to Child Safety,
- Child Protection Contacts and School Authority Details (Form C),
- EREA Student Protection Processes and
- Guidelines and the EREA Code of Conduct
I would encourage parents to engage with at least one of these documents for a few minutes. Hopefully this would provide the necessary assurance that the College gives this critical area due priority with appropriate policies and procedures in place.
Beyond the documentation, the College has a highly developed and ongoing process of teacher and staff training in child safety. Employment processes mean that there is a screening process for every employee.
Furthermore, I am reassured by the data provided in last year’s school surveys. Close to 90% of Year 12s indicated that they felt safe at school. (NB: This was the highest score of all schools surveyed). 98% of parents indicated that they were confident, very confident or extremely confident that the school acted effectively on child protection matters.
With all that in mind I would encourage parents to talk with their sons on these matters. Where emotional distress is apparent please contact your son’s House Dean, Head of Boarding House or the counselling team.
To restate our clear position, child safety and the welfare of Nudgee College students remains paramount. Along with their learning and their faith development it is at the heart of what we do.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal