Nearly 15 years ago, I purchased a book entitled ‘The Courage to Teach’ which was written by an American educator, Parker J Palmer. It was first written late in the 1990s and it was a 10th anniversary edition that I had bought. It is a book that has influenced many teachers over many years in many countries. For a long time, it has been the foundation of teacher professional development in innumerable workshops and courses. In my view, one of the reasons for its longevity is how Palmer so clearly articulates the place of the heart in the work of good teachers.

‘Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique but is rooted in the identity and integrity of the teacher. Good teaching takes myriad forms but good teachers share one trait: they are authentically present in the classroom, deeply connected with their students and their subject. These connections are held in the teacher’s heart - the place where intellect, emotion, and spirit converge in the human self.’

I share these thoughts with you during a week in which we celebrate World Teachers Day. Around that state this will be on Friday 29 October. With the Ekka public holiday now falling this Friday, school communities in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim local government areas have been encouraged to celebrate the day locally on Thursday 28 October 2021.

At Nudgee College, we are fortunate to have access to extensive resources on a campus that is unmatched for its openness and space. While these are important, they are not as important as the teachers who bring the hearts and minds of our boys alive. It is their professional skill and expertise as well as their care, passion and compassion that helps to make the school what it is. They are the good teachers that Palmer describes.

It is reassuring to know that our teachers are appreciated by our community and this has been clearly evidenced in recent years.

In the 2018 EREA survey of ‘Why Parents choose a School’, the quality of our teachers was identified as one of the leading reasons why our parents choose to send their sons to Nudgee College. Earlier this year, the EREA School Renewal process included a survey of 1,400 of our students from Year 7 to 12. The review panel made the following comment in the final report:

Through the Charter survey, students indicate that they feel very supported by their teachers in their learning experiences. They describe their teachers as relational, helpful and encouraging. Students appreciate the commitment of teachers and value their subject and curriculum knowledge. Students indicate that they are inspired by their lessons because they are appropriately challenging …

Further to this feedback, in the past week, I received a very affirming letter from one of our parent in which they commented:

I also want to take the opportunity to thank you and each and every member of the Nudgee College teaching community for the excellence in education they have provided for our two sons who have completed their education at Nudgee … and continue to provide for our youngest son … For all our sons the educators at Nudgee have instilled a love of learning and a will to strive for excellence and fair play in whatever they choose to do.

Finally, in acknowledging teachers at Nudgee College it is appropriate to celebrate the work of all teachers. By and large teachers are selfless individuals who do not seek attention for the good work that they do. So WTD is an opportunity to shine a light on the contribution that they make in the lives of the young people that they teach. This is articulated in this Video message from the Executive Director of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission Dr Leanne Perry.

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

I recently had a book given to me entitled “A Book of Good Advice” by Dr R Brasch.  As the title suggests it contains some stories and tips about solving some of life’s problems. One chapter in particular that caught my eye was called “Avoid Common Errors”.

Everyone makes mistakes. The most illustrious of people have erred. Even scientists are not exempt.  A few significant advances were the result of experiments gone wrong. A typical example is the discovery of penicillin.

Greatness is not shown by being faultless. However, it is true wisdom to recognise errors, to set them right and to avoid making them again. A little consideration could save us and others much heartache, embarrassment and aggravation.

It needs little effort to identify some common mistakes and to learn not to make (or repeat) them:

• To judge people by their outward appearance and demeanour, by some merely skin-deep aspect. Our estimation should be based on the intrinsic quality, the character and not the façade.
• Not to make allowances for the weaknesses in others. We are not slow in making excuses for ourselves.
• To believe solely in what our limited mind can grasp at present. After all, what may have appeared impossible not so long ago has become an accepted, everyday reality. We live in a world in which the unexpected has become the commonplace.
• Not to yield to insignificant incidents and make an issue of matters that really are unimportant. This would show small-mindedness.
• Not to alleviate a situation that is within our capabilities of remedying, a neglect we might easily come to regret.
• To avoid pulling our weight and to shirk our duty. Some people are like blisters – they never show up until the work is done! If they only knew how much they miss in not experiencing the thrill of achievement.

All of these are common mistakes and none of us is infallible. After all, it is a truism that ‘to err is human’. Equally true is what Confucius is alleged to have said, that ‘he who has committed an error and does not correct it, is making another mistake’.

We are now getting into the ‘red zone’ for the boys.  Assessment and exams are approaching.  Now is the time to be employing good study routines and completing tasks to ensure they minimise errors and maximise their results. 

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

We were delighted to welcome the Modified Rugby Program into the Nudgee College family this week. This inspirational program is modified touch-only rugby, giving children with a learning and perceptual disability the chance to play, in a one on one situation, with player mentors. Some of our Year 10 students took on the role of mentors and the coaches, under MRP guidance, were Hugo Brown (Year 10) and Eddie Ryan (Year 12) both of whom have worked with MRP in the past. Eight young players arrived in the rain, unsure where to go, and left with big smiles all over their faces. It was such a privilege to welcome these young people and their families onto our wonderful campus. We watched with very great pride as our Year 10 students listened to instructions, interacted with their young players with empathy and compassion, and, quite simply, had fun! We look forward to continuing with the pilot program over the next few weeks.

Ms Sian Kennedy

Director of Identity

Formula Student Presentation

Last Friday, Nudgee College hosted representatives from the Formula Student program to launch our involvement in the exciting initiative in 2022. Year 11 students (2022) who have enrolled in the Certificate II Engineering Pathways course have the choice of joining a VETiS funded class that will build and race a car during the 2 year program. 

The Formula Student program provides students with industry relevant experiences and opportunities to develop future focused skills in: metal fabrication, hand tools, computer design, 3D printing, laser cutting and cnc machining to produce specific parts for the race car. The culmination of the program provides students with the ultimate experience of racing the car they have built against other participating schools in a 6 hour endurance event at Lakeside Raceway. If any students or parents have any questions regarding the Formula Student program at Nudgee College please contact Mr Adrian Gray (agr@nudgee.qld.edu.au).

The Stones - ShockTherapy Theatre Company visit

The Year 8 cohort had the opportunity to watch The Stones by Shock Therapy Theatre Company. The Year 8 Drama students examine this script as part of their second unit of work. The unit explores acting skills, building of character and monologue writing. As part of their performance assessment, they bring to life excerpts from the play. It was wonderful that the Drama students could see the live theatrical performance to inspire them for their own work. We were able to embed the live performance as part of the Student Formation program so all Year 8s could benefit from seeing the play. 

It is "based on a true story, The Stones is about risk taking behaviour and the pain of guilt when things go too far. The play places the audience in the position of a jury where they must consider whether the boys are responsible for their actions, or too young to know what they were doing." The two actors played multiple characters and used a minimalistic set to engage the Year 8 students. It was wonderful to see the boys immersed in the action on stage and respond so positively in the Q&A at the completion of the performance.   

Ms Alison Kilgour

Head Of Faculty - Arts

Iona College Day of Excellence 

On Tuesday 19 October, 13 students from Years 7 to 9 were invited to attend the Iona College Day of Excellence where they had the opportunity to participate in a STEAM related workshop. Gifted and talented students attended from Padua College, Ambrose Treacy College, St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace, St James College, St Patrick’s College as well as St Rita’s College. Nudgee College attendees included: Ethan Andrews, William Dallimore, Andrew Emery, Matthew Fuller, Baxter Witteveen (Year 7), Thomas Bayo, Dermot Clancy, Riley Nixon, Alex Smith, Angus Twist (Year 8), George Gillam, Oscar Roati and Jamie Waddington (Year 9). Students participated in the spaghetti bridge challenge, oil spill, paper engineering and robotic spheros workshops.

“My group participated in the Spaghetti Bridge Challenge which involved designing and building a bridge made out of spaghetti and hot glue. The challenge was to build a bridge that could hold the most weight. The highlight of the day was winning this challenge with my teammates Oscar and Jamie. Playing touch football at lunchtime with boys from other schools was also very enjoyable” - George Gillam (Year 9).

“I participated in the Robotics: Spheros workshop where we downloaded an app called ‘Sphero Edu’ that allowed us to code/control our robotic spheros in great depth. Throughout the day, we were required to accomplish many challenges like navigating our spheros through a maze from the push of a button as well as mimicking the current Covid-19 pandemic. One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was meeting and working with students from other schools” - Ethan Andrews (Year 7).

We would like to sincerely thank Mrs Lynette Pearce (Head of Enrichment) at Iona College for making the day possible.

Ms Stephanie Spicer

Program Leader - Enrichment 

In a short week that follows the energetic exit of the Seniors as they head into their final exams, there is still much to focus on for our younger Nudgee College students.  Reflecting on last week, it was impressive to witness the larger student population respectfully farewell their seniors. For our Years 5 to 11 students, there continue to be mixed emotions of sadness, excitement and their own anticipation of the slow transition into a new year level over the coming months.

In particular, our current Year 11s in many ways step up to leadership that is evident academically in the classroom and in more subtle ways like the transition into the Senior spaces of the school yard. The Semi Formal on Tuesday evening was celebrated in style at the Victoria Park "Marquee".  Having handled the disappointment of the postponement of this event more than once, it was wonderful to finally see our 2022 Seniors experience this much anticipated rite of passage. I know I share with the Year 11s a deep gratitude for the many staff involved in everything from leading the organisation of this event to supervising on the night. The presence of Mr Fullagar was also a highlight for our young men, who were graciously introducing and hosting their partners.

Year 7 Retreat

By the end of this week, all our Year 7s will have experienced their Galilee Day retreat with the House Deans and Year 10 mentors.  We are most grateful to work with the Identity staff who facilitate this important step in student formation in the secondary years. Having Year 10s from each house volunteer to lead their younger peers in a beautiful setting off campus certainly allows for growth in relationships and positive role modelling for our younger students.

Orientation Afternoons - Week 5

Next week, Nudgee College will host its Orientation Afternoons for students who will be new to the College in 2022 and current year 6 students heading into Year 7.  Communication has been sent to our current Year 6s about this and to our Year 11s who will be leading their house communities in this important event. A reminder if your son (Year 6 or Year 11) requires Nudgee College bus transport home after the event, you must RSVP via this link by 4pm today RSVP for Nudgee Bus Transport Orientation Afternoons Week 5

Year 8 Camp Update

This week, confirmation was sent to the Year 8 parents and students that camp (originally planned for Week 2 this term)  will now go ahead in Week 6.  The dates for this are Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November.

Earlier in the year, Mr Peter Todd communicated our School Tv resource that is available to our parents and caregivers here at Nudgee College.  As we shift into the middle part of a term that quickly leads into assessment time, I share with you a link that addresses the ever important concept of managing the concept of being overwhelmed.   CLICK HERE for "Managing Overwhelm"

Ms Joanne Barrett

Acting Dean of Students

Over the past week, we have seen our wonderful Senior cohort of 2021 finish their classes. Some have started the process of transition and starting full time employment, whilst others are working their way through study leave and their external exams.

It has been an emotional few weeks of farewell. This is a very deliberate and staged process, as Nudgee College is a safety blanket for them. Students will react in different ways when they see the finish line in sight. Some get nervous and anxious, some can't wait to leave and start the next chapter. Within both of these extremes falls every young graduate, a mixture of excited, yet apprehensive. 

To be a boarding student at Nudgee College is something sacred and something special. A lifelong bond between ‘brothers’, it is with this in mind that we assist them in that transition. Last Monday evening, we had the Year 12 Boarders Rite of Passage that is a powerful evening of reflection and story sharing. The celebrations culminated in our final Assembly and Rose Garden ceremony on Wednesday. The week then finished with the Boarding Leadership Handover liturgy and dinner. The small ritual focusses on a Reading from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians - focussing on the foundations. Boarding has often been referred to as the foundation of the College. It was a nice experience for the boys to share their own reflections and aspirations leading into 2022.

I want to congratulate these boys for the dignity, respect, and most importantly the sheer emotion that they expressed to be finishing their Nudgee College journey. The next time we are all together will be at the Year 12 Boarders Farewell dinner on the night prior to Valedictory, which is sure to be a night of high emotion.

Semi Formal

One of the joys of working in a boarding school is walking alongside boys during their various ‘rite of passage’ experiences. The first of such is the Semi-Formal. I very much enjoy these events, because you get to see the boys in your care step out for the first time as young men. In the year that has been, we were never sure that we could facilitate this event; however it was a spectacular evening at the Victoria Park ‘Marquee’. Thank you to the boarding staff who were present and very much enjoyed the boys all dressed up.

Harm Minimisation Education sessions

There is no single age group of people more affected by alcohol and drugs than our young people. “Alcohol is Australia’s most significant drug problem. On average, one kid dies every weekend from binge drinking and 60 kids are hospitalised every week. It's important for parents to lead by example and set behavioural boundaries for their kids,” said Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

Over the past weeks our College Psychologist Ms Bianca Burbury has assisted me in the facilitation of small group education sessions targeting substance use. As a College, we have continued to focus on an all-encompassing approach to responding to issues such as these.

At the centre of all we do is to focus on Education. Part of these sessions was to gather Year 9s and 10s (in their boarding house groups) and providing the context. Research suggests that simply telling young men “don’t do drugs” is not a significant deterrent. Instead, we have focused on a harm minimisation strategy, whereby they are hopefully making informed choices. After I provided the context and outlined what each session would encompass, I left Bianca and the boys together in the room. This was to hopefully allow the more willing sharing of stories or questions, without a teacher presence in the room. By all accounts these conversations were productive, and a number of boys have reconnected with Bianca since for a variety of reasons. Here is then link to some great resources on SchoolTV https://nudgee.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/drug-alcohol-use

Mr Sean Toovey

Dean of Boarding

Orientation afternoons for current Year 6 and Year 11 students - Week 5 of Term 4

There will be three afternoon sessions, students and their families are only required to attend one afternoon.

• All current Year 6 Nudgee students entering Year 7 in 2022 will be attending
• All current Year 11 Nudgee students entering Year 12 in 2022 will be attending
• All new students commencing in 2022 will be attending.
• Year 6 students can wear casual clothes or school uniforms.
• Year 11 students please wear their school uniform, and further details will be provided by their house deans.
• A detailed program will be sent in Week 4 of Term 4, to all Year 6 and Year 11 students, including their parents.

Each afternoon there will be three Houses per afternoon

• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Tuesday 2nd of November - Barrett House, Duggan House and Fogarty House.
• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Wednesday 3rd of November - Magee House, McKenna House and Riley House.
• 3:30 pm for a 4 pm start until 6 pm Thursday 4th of November - Ross House, Shaw House and Tierney House.

All parents/carers/family are welcome to attend, including siblings. 

Buses will be running at the end of the event for students, families and friends. If you wish to catch the Nudgee Bus home for free, with your son/s you are more than welcome.

RSVP for Bus Runs from Orientation Afternoon

All catering will be provided, if you and/or your son has a dietary requirement please complete the form below

Dietary requirements for Orientation Day

Please note; Nudgee College is currently monitoring the Qld government advice and should the situation change further communication will be released from the College.

The Locker Room

Nudgee College White Long Sleeve Formal Shirts - EXCHANGE

A big thank you to those who have exchanged their White Formal Shirts for the correct Shirts.

Could you please check your White Formal Shirts. If you have the incorrect shirt/s please bring them to the Locker Room and we will give you new replacement/s. Eg. If you have 3 incorrect shirts Size 20, we will give you 3 correct shirts Size 20. No receipt required. It’s a simple swap. 

Please note: We can only exchange for the same size. Please bring in your incorrect shirts/s. 

The Locker Room will only be exchanging until the THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER so please exchange your white shirts ASAP.

Incorrect white formal shirt below

For more information about Air Force cadets sign on from student notices, click the link here.