Principal
By now, many in the community will be aware of how successful the Year 12 Investiture and Blessing was last Thursday night. There has been overwhelmingly positive feedback from Year 12 students and their parents about how meaningful the occasion was for them. The stunning sunset and rising full moon combined with the beautiful lighting of the Treacy Heritage Precinct to create a unique atmosphere for the night. These features were complimented by the stage setting, marquee and blue and white seating which all added further to this atmosphere in the Edmund Rice mall. Many very happy images have already been shared by proud parents and students as well as by the social media channels of the College.
A highlight for everyone was the outstanding speech delivered by 2022 College Captain, Harry Roati. He captured the essence of the College in a remarkable way and delivered his speech in a confident and engaging manner. Harry also launched the 2022 Senior motto ‘Own Your Journey’. I am confident that it will prove to be a powerful metaphor and motivator for all students this year. I share Harry’s speech with you here.
It is interesting to note that COVID-19 restrictions meant that we had to ‘re-imagine’ this event for 2022. In doing this so successfully, it has meant that the CLT must now re-assess just what we will do in 2023: return to the previous format or continue with this new format? It is an important question because this occasion is part of a series of events that mark the official commencement of the school year.
The general atmosphere of the Investiture and Blessing highlighted for many the importance that gathering as a community plays at Nudgee College. This sense of community is experienced and celebrated in many forms at the College. A particular feature of our understanding of what community means is our inclusiveness. As a catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we claim being an ‘inclusive community’ as one of our Touchstones.
Interestingly, the importance of community to our parents was evident in the parent satisfaction survey that was conducted on our behalf by EREA late last year. Some parents will recall being part of this survey. One question within the survey asked respondents to choose from a list of 15 factors as to why they chose this school for their son. The top three factors for Nudgee College parents were:
- A school with a strong sense of community
- A school with a broad and diverse curriculum
- Quality of the teaching staff
This response to the importance of community is reinforced by a similar parent survey that was conducted in 2018 by EREA. The top two responses mirror each other in both surveys which indicates that this desire to be connected to a community through the school runs deep for many at Nudgee College. It is true that this relationship is reciprocal because it also takes a community to sustain a school.
In conclusion, in the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks:
‘A community is held together by shared beliefs, traditions, rituals, stories, conventions and codes: the regular enactments of a sense of shared belonging’.
Clearly, the key ingredient in the success of last Thursday evening was this deep sense of shared belonging that was generated for everyone who was gathered in the Edmund Rice mall under the full moon light.
For those individuals who are not parents and therefore will not have received the following communication earlier this week, I include this statement about pending changes to the College Leadership Team:
As mentioned at the recent Parent Information Nights there are changes taking place within the College Leadership Team (CLT). I would like to update you on these changes.
For the coming term, I have been appointed to the role of acting Director of Schools for EREA in Queensland while the incumbent takes leave. This role involves supporting the work of school principals and leadership teams within EREA in Queensland.
Consequently, I am pleased to announce that during term 2, Mr David Johnston (Deputy Principal) will step into the position of acting Principal of the College.
The College is currently working with EREA to fill the Deputy Principal position from within the College. Once this appointment is made further changes will be communicated to the College community. In addition, the College and EREA are currently in the recruitment process for two important CLT positions - Dean of Operations and Dean of Students. These will both be finalised before the end of first term.
The staff were informed of my appointment on Friday and the boys were advised at assembly today. I am thankful for the support and well wishes that I have received. My focus for the remainder of the term will be in ensuring that a smooth and efficient leadership transition takes place.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
