Principal
Term 4 is always a roller coaster ride in schools. This ride is a combination of day-to-day school life, the planning for 2022 and various events and occasions that mark both endings and beginnings. Amongst all of this, there are signature events that require increased focus, planning, attention to detail and a great deal of hard work.
One of these signature events was the Day of Farewell for the Year 12s on Wednesday. I am sure that there has been much social media activity within the College community as many people will have proudly shared images and videos from the day. This day is one of two days that mark the transition to the end of schooling for our Year 12s. The other being Valedictory Day in several weeks time. The College has an outstanding capacity to add ritual to these occasions. It is one of the means by which we distinguish and strengthen our identity as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. In effect, the ritual aspects of these events give this time of transition a deeper sense of meaning.
Over the years, the College has refined and continued to develop this Day of Farewell. It includes intimate gatherings in House groups and in the Chapel, as a year level, as well as very public and open gatherings such as the Rose Garden and the Guard of Honour through the school grounds. There are hugs, handshakes, photos, laughter and tears for the young men and their families in the Rose Garden as well as back slapping and high fives through the grounds in the Guard of Honour. There are prayers and some serious moments but also a sense of fun and celebration.
The assembly that concludes the day is quite a raucous occasion and not your typical school assembly. But it is one that carries within it many important messages about who we are as a school, how the Year 12s are viewed as a cohort and how they see themselves as they come to the end of their time at Nudgee College.
All this comes together to mark a special day. The work and planning of staff is extensive and I extend particular thanks to Mr Stephen Meara (Dean of Identity) and Ms Jo Barrett (acting Dean of Students) for their leadership of the day. Special thanks must be extended to the Grounds staff for their preparation of the Rose Garden and general surroundings. The lawn and garden looked immaculate. Combined with the magnificent Treacy Building, they provided a stunning backdrop for many memorable family photos.
The majority of Year 12s now take study leave as they enter the 17 days of External Assessment, commencing on Friday. These exams are critical to the final academic outcomes of the students who have chosen a majority of General subjects and the ATAR pathways. Up to 60 other Year 12s do not have this formal assessment but must complete their project work and achieve competencies in various Vocational subjects. Amongst this group of students, there are a number who will continue the apprenticeships that they have already commenced while others begin their working lives as soon as next week. Whatever their pathway over the next few weeks we look forward to welcoming the Year 12s and their families back for Valedictory in November.
For the rest of the school there will be the return to the normal rhythm of school albeit without the large presence of over 250 Seniors.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal