We have just completed a run of assemblies where the academic achievements and learning habits of students were celebrated and acknowledged. Most people are thrust into a state of discomfort when they are acknowledged publicly and looking at the expression on most of the young men on stage after receiving their award from Mr Fullagar, the students of Nudgee College are not too dissimilar. Humility is a trait that is of vital importance, and learning how to be humble is an important part of a holistic education.
The reading shared with our community during the Ash Wednesday liturgy was one where humility is at the heart. In Matthew’s Gospel (6:1-6 & 16-18), Jesus compares those who did things for the purpose of being acknowledged publicly by others with those who simply complete the same acts (prayer and service) in private and without recognition. A humble person will donate money, time or goods without expectation of thanks, acknowledgement or accolade, whereas others seek the limelight for similar gestures.
One could argue that the acknowledgement of students during our assemblies contradicts the message of Matthew’s Gospel. However, there is merit and purpose in highlighting the skills, talents and abilities of the many gifted, committed and generous young men of Nudgee. Success breeds success and viewing those who succeed will often inspire others to strive for excellence themselves. The young men on stage display their humility, as Jesus asked of us, in their perceived reluctance to be in the spotlight. But, it is their presence that will ultimately lead to other’s, and their own, future success.
Excellence and effort is on display each day at Nudgee College. It is one of the things that staff admire most in our students. However, it is important that when one of our boys is blessed with natural gifts and talents, they ensure that the success that comes with this is accompanied by a certain level of humility and willingness to be accepting of and helpful to those who may not be at their level of achievement and ability. Being one of 10,000 brothers, every student at this school has the responsibility and privilege to walk humbly in the footsteps of those who have gone before and at the same time, contribute to the footprint that those students yet to commence their St Joseph’s Nudgee College journey will tread in the future; one of humility whilst striving for excellence through effort.
Mr Scott Thomson
Deputy Principal
PRAYER FOR PROJECT COMPASSION AND THE START OF LENT
God of all generations,
We thank you for those who have gone before us, especially those who have cared for your earth and who inspire us to help respect your creation and contribute to its healing.
We thank you for those with whom we share our lives today, especially those who work for justice and peace.
May we welcome the opportunity that Lent brings to walk more closely with you, especially through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.
We thank you for the challenge of the future.
May the cross of Jesus remind us that only love finds the way forward.
As we work with big hearts, may we join with Mary in her hope that from now on all generations will experience the great things you will do through us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Live Jesus in our Hearts …
FOREVER!
Social Justice and Advocacy
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Although these words were written decades ago, the message is still relevant in our lives today. Only in these times of difficulty one's character is truly tested. At Nudgee College, we are challenged to embody the characteristics of Edmund Rice, to cultivate a strong drive in pursuit of becoming Signum Fidei - a 'Sign of Faith' to all.
Think about those who have been marginalised and oppressed throughout history - the Indigenous communities who were stripped of their land and rights, the enslaved who were forced to work without pay or basic human rights, and the women who have been denied the right to vote and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. These injustices still exist in different forms, and we - as Nudgee College men - have a duty to stand up and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We must be committed to creating a world where everyone has an equal chance to succeed and thrive.
It is time to raise our voices and take action. We must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and fight against the injustices that continue to plague our society. We must work together to make a real and lasting change. We are Nudgee College men, and our commitment to each other and others is our true strength; the constant that binds us. It is our Nudgee Spirit that can help so many.
So, what can you do to create change? As announced at Assembly this week, the ERA for Change committee has launched its first initiative for the year: The Chicken Challenge as part of Project Compassion is an excellent way to showcase your advocacy and contribute to a worthy cause. On Wednesday 15 March, we as a community are coming together and committing ourselves to raise enough money to purchase 500 chickens for disadvantaged families in Zimbabwe as a way of helping them through their financial hardship and struggles.
I urge you all to join me - and the rest of the ERA for Change group - in this fight for social justice. Let us raise our voices and take action to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and justice and equality are not just ideals but realities. As King summed up so eloquently, it is only through times of controversy that a real man is measured.
William Duffield
Year 12 Student and Arts Prefect
Principal’s Awards
Academic awards have featured in our assemblies during the first half of this term. I am particularly fond of this week’s Principal’s Award. It speaks to our inclusivity by recognising and encouraging students who have shown the greatest improvements in their application and levels of achievement.
In championing a learning culture, the College acknowledges that the development of a growth mindset, no matter your starting point, is important when trying to achieve your learning goals.
Year 5 2022
Year 6 2022
Year 7 2022
Year 8 2022
Year 9 2022
Year 10 2022
Year 11 2022
Mr Jason Sepetauc
Dean of Learning and Teaching
Elevate Education Student Workshops and Parent Webinars
Nudgee College partners with Elevate Education to provide workshops for students aimed at preparing for assessment. This complements the work we do with students in their subject-based lessons. Elevate Education delivers high impact workshops on motivation, study skills and exam preparation.
In Term 1, students are participating in the following workshops:
Year 11: Acing Assessment (Senior)
Year 10: Time Management (Senior)
Year 9: Memory and Mnemonics (Junior)
Year 8: Study Skills (Junior)
This term, Elevate Education are also offering free parent webinars. These online workshops will help you to support your son by reinforcing the skills he learns at school.
This term's webinars are focused on 'Time Management', 'Technology and Focus', and 'Memory'. To access the schedule and to register for these workshops, please visit this website: https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/schoolwebinar
If you cannot attend a webinar at the scheduled time, it is still worth registering because Elevate Education will send you a recording of the webinar.
2023 UQ’s Science and Engineering Challenge - 2nd place for Nudgee
On Wednesday of Week 3, Nudgee students were selected to take part in UQ’s Science and Engineering Challenge. The event was a competition against several other schools and across nine disciplines. Each activity needed you to think innovatively and tested problem solving skills.
My group and I particularly enjoyed two activities: “Electra City” and “Flight.”
The first activity required us to power a city under certain circumstances. The aim was to power as much infrastructure as possible by connecting each building with wires that were energised from a power outlet. There were different goals, for example, only using certain coloured wires (some wires cost more money and had higher resistance; meaning the current will not travel to as many buildings) and prioritising certain infrastructure (not all buildings were powered).
“Flight,” was the second project where a glider was carved out of very soft timber. The weight of the glider had to be balanced with blu-tack and was flown through a unique projectile launcher across three challenges: distance, landing and accuracy. The aim of each challenge was to test if the design could surpass a distance of ten metres; land on a piece of cardboard and accurately hit a target.
Overall, Nudgee placed 2nd and I am very grateful to have been selected for such a fun event which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to Mr Sen and Mr Ayres for accompanying us to the competition.
Sejin Lee
Year 10 student
Child Safeguarding
Child protection is everyone's business. The responsibility lies with adults in keeping children safe from harm. All members of our community need to play a part in ensuring children are nurtured and safe. Listening to children and young people is the number one action to assist with their safety and wellbeing. Children and young people are honest, and they are unlikely to lie about abuse. They are more likely to stay quiet about it than to speak up (especially if they know their abuser).
Are you regularly reminding your son about these two key protective behaviour themes?
We all have the right to feel safe all the time.
Nothing is so awful that we can't talk with someone about it.
These messages are essential to cover regularly every year. This will be done in a number of ways, including newsletter articles, College Assemblies and during other events, such as Child Protection Week.
If you become aware of a situation that you are concerned about and believe it may be a child protection matter, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with one of the College’s Child Protection contacts, or the Principal:
Our student protection processes are available online for you to access.
If you wanted to speak with someone outside of the College, you can call:
The following systems are in place at the College for child safeguarding:
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about our systems or if you ever feel your son is not safe.
Mr Anthony Connellan
Dean of Students
A Balanced Me in ‘23
I thought we’d take this opportunity in Week 5, to take a pictorial tour around the grounds covering some of the many different activities…
What We’ve Been Doing
Debating - The mighty Senior As were successful against the previously undefeated Brisbane State High School team, which was a huge win for the boys. We were very excited to see the first debates for Year 5,6 and 7 students for the year.
Debaters of the round were Riley Doherty (11.2) and Sam Duffy (9.2). It was Riley's first debate and he was a standout. Sam is new to Debating this year and on Friday night he took on the role of third speaker for the first time. Already, he is successfully mastering the challenging skill of issues-based rebuttal.
Congratulations to Ross, Tierney, McKenna and Fogarty Houses for progressing to the next round of the Junior Inter-house Debating Competition. The Arts and Studies Prefects were particularly impressed with the level of sophistication in each of the students' points, as well as their confidence and persuasive techniques implemented. Round 2 of the competition will be held at the end of Week 5, with the topic that there is too much homework in primary school. We are looking forward to another round of fierce and fun debates!
E-sport - The NC E-sport Technology Club has begun the year successfully in our relocated area in the Cleary Building computer labs. Students have enjoyed collaborating with each other, developing strategies to solve problems critically and win against their opposition, and having an opportunity to hang out with their mates. Additionally, students have been participating in an Inter-Club Rocket League tournament. Stay tuned for the results.
Junior Tech Club - The first week of the Junior Tech Club was held with a group of enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students. Students began exploring the software for the Micro Melon robot and started using block code to perform simple tasks. Different challenges, tasks and competitions will be set throughout the term to challenge students' abilities, collaborate inclusively, explore the diverse possibilities of technology, and have some fun!
Writers’ Circle - "The power of the written word is unparalleled. Writing has the ability to heal, to inspire, to educate, to inform, and to entertain." (Phil Treagus-Evans). The power, versatility and inspiration writing has in stimulating creativity, imagination and new ideas profoundly impacts people. This year, we have launched a new initiative called the Writers' Circle, which is well underway, with very keen and capable students beginning to construct their first narrative of the term. Students were asked to choose a setting and word parameters from a given list and extract themes from Nudgee College images (e.g. grandstand, Nudgee College man, faith star) to convey in their characters. I have been particularly impressed with the level of hard work, commitment and determination of our students, and I look forward to reading their final pieces.
What’s Coming Up (Weeks 5-6)
Debating - We are heading away again tomorrow night, this time to Brisbane Grammar School. Next week, please note that Debating is on Thursday evening (due to GPS Swimming on Friday) when we will host Brisbane Boys' College.
Music - Thanks to those students from the Drumline who are able to assist by being part of the Qld Police Rugby League Association’s fundraising event at Kayo Stadium (Dolphin’s home ground) on Saturday.
Chess - The first Nudgee College Chess Tournament for 2023 will take place on Sunday 5 March. See the flyer in Chess Team App for details.
Don’t Forget - Details for our activities are on Team App - join your team and get involved!
As always, please contact me with any questions - akh@nudgee.qld.edu.au
Ms Alexandra Khafagi
Director of Performing Arts
What's coming up this week
Swimming Meet #5 tomorrow night, last one before GPS next week!
Rowing regatta #4
Cricket and Volleyball vs BGS (A)
What's new!
Our Uglies Bucket Hat and Supporter Polos are very popular. Don't miss out!
BUCKET HAT $28 (reversible)
NUDGEE SUPPORTER POLO $52
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