Principal
All of us have weeks we would rather forget. Matters that we would rather not have to deal with. Situations that challenge our sense of purpose. The past week has been one of those weeks for me. In my weaker moments I have felt a little despondent and disappointed with the selfish, entitled actions of some members of our school community.
Fortunately in life there are people who can inspire us at such times. They may be people who are close to us such as our family or friends. They may be people to whom we are connected through work and professional association. They may also be people who we have never met but whose stories can provide us with inspiration.
One such person is St Mary of the Cross – Australia’s only saint. As Sr Mary MacKillop she was a pioneer in establishing Catholic education in Australia in the late 1800s. She established the order of Nuns known as the Sisters of St Joseph, whose mission was to provide education to the poor in the regional and rural areas of Australia. Her story is one of determination and resilience in the face of adversity and opposition. Her story continues to inspire Catholic educators and leaders today. Her Feast Day is this Saturday 8 August. In recent years, we have held a Mass at the College to honour St Mary of the Cross. Current restrictions on large gatherings means this is not the case in 2020. This year it is the 10th anniversary of her canonisation and for those who may wish to know more about the life of St Mary of the Cross you can seek inspiration here.
Tuesday’s Assembly was another celebration of the achievements of many students. It was the final of our three Academic Assemblies that we have held over recent weeks. Congratulations to all boys who have been acknowledged. In particular, I highlight four Year 12 students who received the Platinum Academic Award for sustained academic excellence: Declan Cabot, Caleb Giorgas, Xavier Nicolaidis and Sam Schimming. These young men have received Gold Academic Awards every semester since Year 9. Outstanding.
Importantly also we presented the Mid-Year Prefects to those Year 12s who have displayed exemplary leadership over the course of this year. Some of these young men have overcome the disappointments of late last year and have persisted, been committed and resilient. I congratulate Jordan Ball, Rohen Ferreira, Declan Henry, Jack Peart, Christian Setefano, Oliver Smeaton, Alec Watson, Mitchell Watson and Howard Yanda.
Next Tuesday we will host our Open Morning. For the safety of staff, students and the general community, we have made the decision to host our Open Morning event online. The virtual event will still offer an opportunity to experience Nudgee College life during a school day via an online student-led tour and an interactive live Q&A session with key staff and students, including myself. If you wish to recommend Nudgee College to a friend, please encourage them to register for the event here. The $250 application fee will be waived for those who join us online for the Open Morning and then lodge their admissions application between 10.00am Tuesday 11 August and 5.00pm Thursday 13 August. Should you have any questions please contact Ms Erina Hitchings on 3865 0316 or via email at ehitchings@nudgee.qld.edu.au.
All parents will have received email communication from my office regarding restrictions on spectators at this weekend’s sport and for the remainder of the GPS season. While our fixtures with our cousins at St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace always generate interest and excitement, this weekend’s matches, like so many other dimensions of life at present, must be different. Health and safety must take priority over a sense of entitlement and expectation.
No doubt, many, if not all, of us have family and friends in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. As fellow Australians, we offer them our prayers and support during a most challenging time for all Victorians over the next six weeks.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
