Celebration is the theme for the week.

Monday night’s Awards Ceremony was a celebration of the many accomplishments of a diverse range of students across all dimensions of College life. The night was a mixture of many presentations to individual students for their achievements but also for the generous contributions that many students, staff and parents have made to improving school life for others.

The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of year level Dux awards and, in particular, College Dux. We congratulate the following students on this outstanding achievement:

• Year 5: William Dallimore
• Year 6: Paddy Williams
• Year 7: Oscar Roati
• Year 8: Oliver Kele
• Year 9: Lachlan Barrett
• Year 10: Ian Pantaleon
• Year 11: Declan Cabot
• Dux of College: Vidur Sehgal

Vidur’s all-round success is simply outstanding and worth sharing. During his Senior year Vid has duxed Mathematics B and C, English and Study of Religion. In addition he was a member of the 1st XI Cricket and Football teams and in his ‘spare time’ he was also the lead singer in Rock Band 1. Consequently, Vid received the W A Collins Memorial Award for Conduct, Study and Sport as well as the Caltex All-Rounder Award for Study, Activities and Service.

The recognition of Vid’s broad array of achievements is emblematic of what we value here at Nudgee College. It is academic accomplishment first but not at the exclusion of other aspects of the holistic development we value here. I share with you some excerpts from my speech on Monday night which highlights this point:

“At Nudgee College, we highly value academic achievement, but that is not our singular focus. We also value a balanced and holistic education. Academic endeavour and rigour is framed by the social, emotional and spiritual development of the whole person. Ours is a liberating education in which our teachers strive to open the hearts and minds of our young men.

It is both our mission and our challenge to continue to be an inclusive school with boys from diverse socio, cultural and economic backgrounds; to offer academic and vocational pathways as well as a broad array of co-curricular offerings in service, the arts and sport. The successful navigation of a path through this rich and diverse school life is what shapes Nudgee College boys to be young men who are better prepared for the complexities of the modern world. I paraphrase international expert on leadership and school systems, Michael Fullan, who suggested recently that ‘the new moral imperative in education is not just being university ready, but rather becoming good at learning and good at life.’ At Nudgee College, I firmly believe that we are preparing young men who are good at both.”

The second celebration was Wednesday’s farewell day for the Year 12s. What a day Wednesday was with its many parts combining to make a day that was deeply significant for everyone who was present – the Year 12s and their fellow Nudgee College brothers, parents and families, as well as the staff. From House Assemblies at the start of the day, to the Chapel service for the Senior class, to the gathering of community on the heart shaped front lawns, to the guard of honour through the school to their final Assembly, it was a day of high emotion, with some sad and touching moments, happiness and fun, loving embraces and respect for those rituals of meaning and substance. We wish the Year 12s well for their final exams in the week ahead. Their departure from College is finalised with next week’s Valedictory Mass and Dinner.

This wonderful week will culminate in the Ladies’ Auxiliary Christmas Mass and Dinner this Saturday night. The Ladies’ Auxiliary, through their daily work in the Tuckshop, their commitment to catering at weekend sport events, as well as their events such as the Easter Morning Tea and the Long Lunch, provide invaluable support to the College and wonderful community support to each other. Saturday night will be an opportunity to celebrate their outstanding contribution.

STOP PRESS: Parents will become aware over the coming days of industrial action and work bans being put in place by the Independent Education Union (IEU). Disappointingly, the negotiating process associated with EB 9 has not resolved matters between the Catholic employing authorities around the State and the IEU. Consequently, union members recently voted to take protected action. These actions will not impact on classes and your son’s safety but will require some adjustment to administrative processes of day to day schooling. I am grateful for the actions of many teachers who will not be taking these actions. 

Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal

This article is a short farewell to the class of 2019. For the past four or five years I have been slotted in to do a farewell speech at their last Assembly – but when the time comes it never seems to be the right moment for any form of serious farewell. Let’s face it, the emotions are running high and focus from the lads is not at a premium! 

So, to the class of 2019 (and their parents):

In the coming days, take some time to think about how you felt the day you started at Nudgee College and what hopes you had in your head and in your heart that morning? I think on that first day your hopes would have been simple – I hope I can find my way around this huge place; I hope I can read my timetable and open my locker; I hope the big kids will be nice to me.

Some of your hopes could have been a bit more tangible and forward-thinking, like making a particular team or performing in the College Musical or making a certain Debating team or achieving a specific result in a subject. There may have been other less tangible but equally important hopes like making friends or feeling a sense of belonging.

As a parent, my only desire for my son on that first day was that he was happy and safe, that his gifts and talents would be nurtured and that he would be known and loved by the people looking after him each day. I hope we have achieved that for your son here at Nudgee College.

Hope is a powerful idea. But hoping is not about simply passively desiring for something to happen. Hope without action is just wishful thinking. Hope without community is a lonely and unfulfilling exercise. Hope without a plan is a waste of time.

My advice to our departing class of 2019 is to think back to that wide-eyed, excited, nervous hope-filled boy you were on that first day at the College and enter the next stage of your life with that same hope, enthusiasm and thirst for life that you had then. It will serve you well, particularly during those moments of difficulty and despair. I hope that you remember what you have learned here, not only in Maths and English, but the many lessons you have received and examples you have seen about what it means to be a good Nudgee College man. I hope you take the God-given gifts you have been given and go out and make a positive impact on the world.

Year 12 gentlemen – it’s not easy being the parent of a Year 12 boy. The mood swings, the self-doubt, the highs, and the lows – these are all part of the daily lot of the Year 12 parent. So, remember to thank your parents for helping you to survive the year and for continuing to love and support you, even when you weren’t always so lovable.

Year 12 Exam Block

Exam block commences today for Year 12s. Seniors of 2019 are only required to attend school to complete exams and assessment items. The library will be available for those students who wish to have a quiet environment in which to study prior to their exams. Year 12 students who attend the College over the exam block are expected to wear full school uniform, even if their attendance is brief. If absent for an exam you are required to advise the Learning and Teaching Office in order to arrange possible alternative timings for exams. 

Please be aware that the College is under no obligation to reschedule exams for any reason other than illness, and there are timelines in place that are set externally which we cannot fail to meet. 

For VET students in Year 12, the coming week is the final period of time to complete any work that will count for competencies within certificate courses. The checking of data and printing of certificates will happen in the coming weeks.

I know I have said this a few times to the Year 12s already, but, it is important to note that all assessment right up to the last piece counts towards the final levels of achievement awarded.

Mr David Johnston
Deputy Principal

Feasts of All Saints and All Souls

At the beginning of the month we celebrated these two feasts, which mark the beginning of November every year. Mass Friday morning for the Feast of All Saints was a quiet, intimate affair and I savoured the opportunity to start the day in prayer with my colleagues. The Old Boys gathered Saturday morning on the Feast of All Souls to remember deceased Christian Brothers, Nudgee College Old Boys and our family members who have passed away. It was well attended and, again, a prayerful and consoling start to the weekend. There are some images below from the Memorial Mass.

National Prayer Campaign for Drought

The Australian Catholic Bishops have asked all parishes and schools around the country to join in a national campaign of prayer in the month of November for those Australians affected by drought.

Every afternoon and at all College liturgies this month we will call to mind farmers, their families, employees and rural communities all over Australia suffering from the effects of drought and ask God in whom we live, move and have our being that our physical need for rain may be met, so that our families, towns and regions may flourish.

College Awards

Congratulations to all those who received awards at Monday night’s Awards Ceremony for their involvement and contribution to the Identity life of the College:

Edmund Rice Awards

Mr Aaron Knott (Staff)

The amount of care, support and guidance Aaron has given Alex Clark to assist in his return to school has been incredible right from the beginning. In his typical no fuss way, Aaron has spent countless hours organising Alex’s academic work and his reintegration into school life. He has been an excellent mentor for Alex and instrumental in liaising with his teachers to get work modified and assessment completed. He has been very conscious of the needs of Alex and communicating these needs between parents, Nudgee College staff and hospital staff. Aaron was a frequent visitor to Alex in hospital on weekends and has made home visits. Aaron is currently spending a lot of energy and time in planning Alex’s senior academic journey.

Alex is extremely blessed to have Aaron as his academic and pastoral mentor and Nudgee College is blessed to have Alex back with us.

Mattias Dahlstedt (Student)

Mattias is a student who embodies the charism of Edmund Rice. Through his quiet leadership in ERA for Change to his committed passion for fostering awareness amongst his Nudgee College brothers about climate and human rights concerns. He has participated in many social justice events including the Climate Change Symposium, Lantern Parade, Big Brekky and Big BBQ, Street Swags and encouraging the learning outcomes of younger students. We can rest assured in the future generation if Mattias is a refl ection of the passion and commitment to change for the better.

Ms Nicki Clark (Community)

Nicki is a person who embodies the values and mission of an Edmund Rice education and she does this most beautifully through her love of social justice. The Big Brekky Program would not be nearly as good without the enthusiasm and love that Nicki provides. At 5.30am on Tuesday mornings she eagerly and excitedly shows the students how to care for our homeless population by accompanying the students and helping with the barbecue. Additionally, Nicki has helped the greater Edmund Rice network through her membership of the Edmund Rice Foundation’s organising committee for their annual fundraising event.

Mr Gary Mark (Community)

The College’s Strategic Plan encourages us to act responsibly in managing our fiscal and environmental resources. Gary has been a wonderful steward and advisor to the College in the area of governance, having been a member of the College Advisory Board for the last six years. He has also been a member of the Board’s Communications & Sustainability Committee and Chair of the Nudgee College Foundation for three years. Gary and his wife Barb have made a signifi cant contribution to the College’s Rowing community, having been members of the Rowing Support Group since 2006. Gary was part of the inaugural Barrolong Corporate Regatta organising committee, which saw the Rowing community contribute signifi cantly to the Identity life of the College. Gary, Barb and their three sons Ryan, Alex and Timothy have been features of Nudgee College for 13 years and whilst Gary fi nishes his committment to the College Board this year he will continue to coach the Year 7 rowers.

Mr Danny O’Reilly (Community)

Danny has been a steward and mentor to the College in the area of governance and resources as a member of the Nudgee College Advisory Board for the last six years and a previous Chair of the Nudgee College Foundation. Danny has also been a key member of the Board’s Master Planning Committee, helping to plan the development of the College’s facilities, as well as involvement in other College special projects. He has been involved with the College’s Rowing Program since 2007 where he has encouraged the rowers to be leaders in their own right and to be positive examples of Nudgee College gentlemen in all aspects of their lives. Danny stands down from the College Board this year, and with Gary will continue in the Year 7 learn to row program.

Year 10 RJH Elliott Bursary for Social Justice and Community Service

Leo De Clara

Leo has been involved in many activities across the College in 2019; Big Brekky, Big BBQ, ERA for Change and volunteering for many service tasks such as hosting families during Open Day and supporting visiting students from Korea. Leo was chosen as the College’s representative to the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, working with representatives in Year 10 from schools across Brisbane to make Brisbane better for young people. A major undertaking for Leo this year has been his involvement with NC Sustainability Committee, which he will lead in 2020. NC Sustainability has developed a number of programs to build the College’s capacity for sustainability, including tree planting, promotion and education around the recycling program and reimplementation of a paper recycling program every Friday lunchtime.

Year 11 Past Mothers’ Association Sign of Faith Award to acknowledge a student who demonstrates a compassionate and selfless attitude

Isaac Babao

Isaac is a student who has a ‘can do’ attitude. When given tasks he often asks “what more can I do” or “how will this help the community”. Dependable and articulate, Isaac leads his fellow Nudgee College brothers and wider community to strive to do better. Whether he is promoting Stella Fella or eagerly anticipating the next Big Brekky or Big BBQ, he models strong and polished leadership while promoting justice and care for those marginalised. He is a community-focussed Nudgee College man and others love to work with him and look forward to seeing him grow in his passion for advocacy.

Award for Outstanding contribution to Nudgee College Sustainability

Oliver Meyer

Award for Outstanding contribution to Sustainability. Oliver has led the NC Sustainability Committee over many years representing the College at EREA gatherings, facilitating weekly student meetings, implementing a recycling program for students aligning with the new waste management program, promoting the committee through College Assemblies as well as the utilisation of a recognisable NC Sustainability logo. Furthermore, Oliver has shown commitment and leadership skills through consistent participation across all programs, including tree planting days, Arbor Days, the Great Waste Audit, campus clean-ups, the Paper Run and Duggan House sustainability activities. More than 600 trees have been planted at the College in recent years and over 70 boys are now regularly involved in our Sustainability Program. Finally, Oliver as the Captain of NC Sustainability has created a legacy.

Kobie Smith  

Sustainability was at the forefront of Kobie's mind when starting up the Nudgee College Veggie Garden. His idea was to create a space where people could come together, have a sense of belonging and create wellbeing amongst the community. Kobie was also one of the movers behind Ed's Pantry; a sustainable program to provide food to the poor and marginalised. Through his example and encouragement, many Nudgee College boarders have become involved in this great project.

Lawrie Cusack Signum Fidei Award for a student who displays the qualities of our school motto ‘A Sign of Faith’

Hamish Smith           

Hamish has been a significant member of the College's ministry team for a number of years and more so in the last three. He has been a Liturgy Leader since 2017, an acolyte and Minister of Communion. His service to our community through the exercise of these ministries has been outstanding, a true act of devotion to our community and his God. His maturity, generosity and selflessness mark him as a Sign of Faith, a role model and a true leader.

Senior Farewell

Yesterday we farewelled our Senior students as they head to exams and their Valedictory next week. I wanted to share some of the images from the Chapel yesterday, which was the last time these young men would gather in prayer in that space as a cohort. The Chapel has been a place of prayer and celebration for them for years. At that liturgy we invited them to always consider the Chapel their sacred place and return as frequently as they need.

Mr Stephen Meara
Dean of Identity

During the last few weeks of term the excitement builds with awards, graduation and the promise of the summer break. It’s important that boys focus on the immediate assessment and examinations in front of them throughout November before looking ahead to sun, surf and Santa.

At Assembly last week I challenged boys to be present to their Habits of Mind, working to the best of their ability when learning in class, completing assignments and sitting examinations. The academic mantra I gave them was: “If not me, then who. If not now, then when.”

Year 11 and 12 students commence examinations today and finish on 15 November. It will be a farewell to Year 12s, but for Year 11s, Unit 3 work will fill lessons right up until the last day. Years 7 to 10 examinations commence on 22 November and continue until 28 November.

I’m also informed that Junior School teachers have plenty of assessment and activity until the last day of school.

I encourage you to use the Parent Lounge to review curricular activities. Task sheets and details of assignments help you break open conversations with your son about how he is planning his time. Your son has also received detailed examination information from his teachers. They appear each day in the student notices and I’ve included a summary of morning, middle and afternoon sessions for you.

Mr Jason Sepetauc
Dean of Learning and Teaching

Art

In Week 3, the Nudgee College Art department flew artist Ms Vanessa Vanderhaven up from Melbourne to run intensive workshops with Years 9 and 10 students, as well as Art staff. Vanessa's incredible realistic style of portrait drawing was the perfect complement to the current Year 9 Portrait unit and Year 10 Figurative Drawing and Painting unit. Vanessa shared her simple, yet highly effective techniques for realistic portraiture and students are thoroughly enjoying applying her techniques to their current pieces of assessment.

Ms Sam Martinuzzi

Visual Arts Coordinator

Final Days for Year 12

It was great to watch our Seniors walk through a guard of honour made up of Nudgee College students, staff and parents on Wednesday as part of the Year 12 Senior Farewell Assembly, as well as their Chapel service and rose garden ritual.

The Assembly was opened by incoming 2020 Vice Captain Lastus Auakai readin the College prayer, before Dean of Learning and Teaching Mr Jason Sepetauc re-presented our College Duxes, focussing particularly on the Year 12 College Dux Vidur Sehgal. To overwhelming support Rock Band 1 performed two upbeat and spirited songs – ‘I Was Made For Loving You’ by Kiss and ‘Dumb Things’ by Paul Kelly – before the 2019 BBQ Committee ‘passed the apron’ to our 2020 Vice Captains. 

We then congratulated Shaw House, the winner of this year’s Br Vic Larkin Shield, which is awarded based on total results from all Inter-house events, as well as the tally of academic medals received by each House.

Nudgee College ‘little brother’ Paddy Williams thanked the Seniors for their mentoring role beautifully. Staff shared a video they had recorded as a farewell to all the boys. Ms Donna-Maree Long, mother of Pat, spoke on behalf of parents and left very few dry eyes in the house. There were cheers, tears, handshakes and hugs. A wonderful Senior cohort finished with absolute dignity and with a great sense of joy. Well done Seniors of 2019, and all the best with your exams.

We look forward to sharing our final farewells at Valedictory on Thursday 14 November, commencing with the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the McKennariey Centre followed by dinner in the Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre.

This week has seen our wonderful Senior cohort finish their classes and move into their exam block. It has been a week of farewells, which culminated in our final Assembly. 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. With one week to go I am looking forward to celebrating our final Mass together with our Year 12s and their families on Sunday night, our traditional boarders’ farewell dinner on Wednesday night and finishing at our Valedictory dinner next Thursday.

This week we also celebrated our College Awards Ceremony, with many boarders featuring prominently. Congratulations to Hamish Smith (Hodda) who was awarded the John Francis Treacy Memorial Award for Service to the Boarding Community. Hamish started as a boarder in Year 9 in O’Brien Boarding House and has shown strong leadership and the qualities and characteristics of a boarder with distinction. Hamish's selfless nature has reached across all levels of the Boarding community and has made him an exceptional role model of both faith in action and leading by example. Through his constant offers of support, aid and encouragement, Hamish is always willing to assist fellow boarders, and particularly as a leading young man for Boarding activities Hamish has been utilised by staff to assist new boarders when they arrive to help them connect within the Boarding community. He is also always on hand to help with inter-dorm activities and barbecues, but it is his work in liturgy services that has distinguished him. Hamish has formed close bonds not just within his Boarding House but across all dormitories.

Final Days for our Seniors

A reminder to Year 12 families next week to contact your Head of Boarding House if you need to gain access through the boom gates to collect your son's belongings. We have asked boys to have all their bags packed and be out of the Boarding House by 5.00pm to allow time for them to get ready for Valedictory. I would expect all Year 12 boarders to stay in on Wednesday night as it will be a long one with dinner, liturgy, grandstand tradition with all boarders and a trip to Shorncliffe.

Mr Christian Oneto
Dean of Boarding

Awards Evening

Last Monday we celebrated excellence across many aspects of College life. I wish to congratulate all members of the Junior School who achieved an award. I particularly congratulate our Dux of Year 5 William Dallimore and Year 6 Paddy Williams. The other recipient of a significant award was Angus Durkin who received Junior Sportsman of the Year. Well done to all our award winners.

All Three Junior GPS Championships

Congratulations to all our athletes who have represented Nudgee College this year in the Junior GPS Championships. With our first place last Thursday in the Junior GPS Track and Field we now hold all three Championship titles for 2019 – Swimming, Cross Country and Track and Field. This is the first time any school has achieved this feat. I acknowledge our outstanding Directors of each sport and the coaches who have made this possible. To our athletes in each sport, congratulations. What an achievement. Below is a report from Mr Nick Toohey regarding our latest victory. 

Junior GPS Track and Field Championships

On Thursday, 31 October the 2019 Nudgee College Junior Track and Field team did their College proud with a courageous and magnificent performance at the Junior GPS Championships. Hosting a GPS Championship for the third time in Track and Field history, the Junior team of 2019 became the first to win on our home track. After surrendering an early lead to Anglican Church Gramar School (ACGS), Nudgee College took the lead during the 200m events and was never overtaken from that point.

‘Captain Courageous’ Nicholas Conway, battled growing pains throughout the day, but managed to register numerous top three placings, highlighted by a win in the Division 1 long jump. Harrison Beirne showed a knack for Championship Track and Field, by winning a 100m and 200m double.  The 800m men were supreme in the oppressive heat, registering four wins and some massive personal bests. Elfie Piper and Alex Smith highlighted these. Nudgee College athletes then took full control of the meet in the 100m events, with 16 of the 20 competitors registering top three finishes. As this was happening, Roman Jones launched the 2kg shot put 11.19m – a GPS 10 Years record – and George Guppy had a huge personal best in Division 2, cracking nine metres for the first time to seal the College’s third Junior Championship. Other field event highlights included William Campbell winning the 10 Years Division 1 discus, Jarrah Rich winning the 11 Years Division 2 long jump and Findlay Jones winning the 12 Years Division 2 shot put.

As the season wrapped up with Oliver Patterson anchoring his team to relay gold, it was mixed emotions as we farewelled such a wonderful age group to the Senior team. They have been terrific ambassadors for Track and Field and the Senior team eagerly awaits their arrival in 2020.

A huge thank you to all parents for the early drop offs each week, the wonderful coaching staff I have been blessed to work with, and most of all, our wonderful athletes whose passion keeps us all invigorated!

By Oliver Patterson

The Junior GPS Track and Field carnival was an unbelievable success. The heat was sweltering but we knew that would not affect our great performances. I am Oli Patterson one of the three Captains in 2019 alongside Nicholas Conway and Nate Barnett. I competed in the 100m, 200m, 60m hurdles and the 4 x 100m relay. All age groups put in an exceptional effort, dominating the day and finishing in the top three in almost every event. 

Highlights of the day were Roman Jones breaking the GPS record in the shot put, and Nicholas Conway running 26.81secs in the 200m – he didn’t win but he sure did get an exceptional time.

Our relays were brilliant, with the 11 Years Division 2 relay team achieving first in a time of 57.54secs and the 12 Years Division 1 relay team also finishing first in 53.60secs, finishing the last event on a high. Throughout the day a number of classes from the Junior School came to support the boys competing, which gave us that extra boost to win the event. A big thank you to Mr Toohey, Mr Williams, Ms Wong and the O’Sullivan boys for helping us warm up, which helped us get first place, and for coming to trainings every morning to make us better athletes and better people. We all put in our best effort and the results showed it. Great job boys!

Mr Chris Cawley
Director of Junior School

2020 Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government will conduct its annual state-wide survey of Year 12 completers in 2020. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June next year, our current Year 12 students will receive a letter from the Minister for Education or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office inviting you to complete the survey. To enable them to reach you, please ensure your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

Further information on Next Step and results from previous surveys are available online at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

The Locker Room

As it is nearing the end of the year, can anyone who has any second hand clothing to sell please take to the Locker Room as soon as possible. All clothing needs to be washed and ironed. Items must still be in good condition – anything with seams split, patches, marks, or is faded will not be accepted and will be disposed of. 

Blazers must be dry cleaned. Again we do not take blazer that are frayed, ripped or faded.

A Consignment Form is required to be filled out for these items. You can download the form on the College website or these forms are also available at the Locker Room.

When items are sold payment will go back onto school fees, or if a student has finished at the College, payment will be credited to your credit card nominated on the form.

The Locker Room will be open until 6 December 2019 and reopen on 13 January 2019. Please note we are closed Wednesday 4 December

For new student fittings, we require parents to make an appointment time, which you can do so on the College website. You will receive an automatic email back confirming your time.

Please remember to keep your credit card details up to date with the Locker Room. You can fill out a new form to return at any time. The form available on the College website.

Holiday Hours