Tonight we will farewell the 2019 Seniors at their Valedictory Mass and Dinner. This is the culmination event of a series of occasions where we have gathered in small and large groups to acknowledge our Year 12 graduating class. One of the special qualities of schools such as ours is the capacity to add ritual and evoke a deeper meaning for such events. It is a special time in the life of our young men with a heady mixture of emotions tinged with some uncertainty about the next phase of their lives. Similarly, it can be a very emotional time for parents, particularly for families who are coming to the end of their years as Nudgee College parents. Consequently, we keep the newest group of Nudgee College Old Boys and their families in our prayers.

I share with you a small excerpt from my Valedictory speech:

“During the events of recent weeks there have been many fine words spoken, reflections shared and aspirations for you expressed. I would like to add to these. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition we have attempted to educate your mind and your heart. We have helped prepare you for this complex and dynamic world that you are about to enter more fully. A Nudgee College education has taught you the ability to work collaboratively, to think flexibly and critically, to solve problems, to analyse and synthesise data – all important skills. Equally, we hope that you have learned to persist, to be resilient, to have a sense of humour, and to be able to listen to and empathise with others. Our hope would be that this preparation will bring you success and fulfilment whether that be in a tertiary institution, a workplace, a job site…

There is a saying that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. It is a reminder of the responsibilities that come with an education such as ours. You have had the privilege of an education in a great Catholic school like St Joseph’s Nudgee College. What will you make of this privilege in the years ahead? The success of any school can only be judged by the graduates it produces. Your qualities are not judged by OP scores in December. That judgement can only be made in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time. What sort of people will the 2019 graduates become? What will you give back to others, particularly the poor of our world? Will you nurture those values of the heart planted in you at home and at school? And what are the values of this school? Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, justice and forgiveness. Surely Signum Fidei values.’

Last Saturday night the Ladies Auxiliary (LAX) hosted their annual Mass and Christmas Dinner. With 520 Nudgee College mums and past mums in attendance it truly was a celebratory occasion. The LAX have raised more $300,000 during the past year – a remarkable contribution to the College. In doing so, and of more benefit in many respects, is the fact that the LAX offers a means of building supportive connections and often long lasting friendships between many mothers and their families. I extend our deepest appreciation to Ms Jo Curran and the members of the LAX Executive Ms Sabina Read, Ms Susan Keen, Ms Sonia Marmotta and Ms Annie Bourke for their significant contributions over the past year.

Amidst the series of farewell events and College celebrations over recent weeks we have been attempting to keep the rest of the school in ‘business as usual’ mode. This is not always easy to do because many of the normal routines of school are interrupted necessarily. This past week with Years 5 to 11 we have emphasised the need for normal expectations and standards to apply in day to day schooling. End of semester assessment and exams are looming over the next two weeks for many boys. Interestingly, such assessment and exams have a way of focussing a young man’s mind. Currently our Year 11s are completing assessment before commencing Unit 3 work that will be assessed in the middle of Term 1 next year. We hope that all students will do their best in school life and class work over the coming days. Our aim is to finish a good school year in the best possible way.

In conclusion, please be aware that all Catholic schools involved in the current protected industrial action by the Independent Education Union may be affected by short stop work action next week. The union has notified the College of a planned half hour stoppage on Tuesday 19 November from 9.00am. Happily, this coincides with our weekly Assembly and the impact and disruption to students will be minimal, if at all. Whatever reports may appear in the media over coming days all students should attend school as normal on Tuesday.

Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal

There are many books and studies that look at what separates top performers from the rest. Here we are talking about the people who can do more, push harder, and endure more than what we commonly believe to be possible. These rare traits go by many names; grit, perseverance, dedication, ambition. The name that I saw recently that I think best describes it is ‘the 40 per cent rule’.

Why it is called the 40 per cent rule is simple: when your mind is telling you that you're done, that you're exhausted, that you cannot possibly go any further, you're only actually 40 per cent of the way there.

The human mind is an amazing thing. It both propels us forward and holds us back. The 40 per cent rule reminds us that even if we might feel ready to stop, it is always possible to draw on an untapped reserve of energy, motivation and drive that we all possess.

At this time of the year, it’s important to remind our boys (and ourselves, possibly) that we are not finished yet! Let’s remind our sons that they still need enthusiasm and motivation to continue the school year with great energy. They need to finish the year with grit, perseverance and dedication.

Let’s focus on the little things that make the bigger things work: keeping a regular routine, preparing in advance, checking uniform and hair, ensuring we are completing tasks on time and making sure we are ready to learn to finish the year strongly.

Parent Support Groups

Parent Support Groups not only benefits the boys, but also can enrich and contribute to the wellbeing of the whole school community through their positive interactions and support. Parents participating in support group activities can gain a firsthand understanding of the general operations of the school, can use and build on existing skills and expertise, develop friendships and work collaboratively with other parents interested in supporting the school.

Parent Support Groups play a valuable role in the life of a school as they:

• work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organisations in the local community to broaden and enhance the school’s ability to advocate for all boys and families
• are dedicated to the boys educational success, health, and wellbeing (through strong family and community engagement).

There is certainly a changing dynamic in a lot of our support groups. With both parents working, and working long hours, time is a very precious commodity. It is vital the various support groups within the College continue to operate. The way the groups function is ever evolving, but I would ask that each parent please think about one support group you might be able to be a part of in the coming year. The more people who are involved in these groups, the less work there is for each individual.

One of our support groups, the College Arts Committee, is responsible for running the annual Dimensions Arts Festival. Dimensions was an outstanding success this year. The committee worked hard to improve on the high standards set by previous committees and excelled. I want to thank this year’s committee and entire group of volunteers for their ongoing support. 

Arts Committee 2019

• President: Ms Margie Hutchinson
• Vice President: Ms Laurien Beane
• Treasurer: Ms Rebecca Wright and Ms Mel Ryan
• Secretary: Ms Julie Newlan

The AGM for the College Arts Committee will be held on Tuesday 19 November at 7.00pm in the Bodkin Room. I encourage anyone who wants to be involved to come along and be part of this wonderful group.

Mr David Johnston
Deputy Principal

Have you heard of our Big Brekky Program? This is a wonderful initiative that the students, some staff and parents participate in during the school year. Here are some basics:

Who: Years 10 to 12 students (with staff and parent supervision)

When: Tuesday mornings, 5.45am to 8.00am

What: Cook a barbecue breakfast and have conversations with people who are homeless or doing it tough in Fortitude Valley.

During the school holidays, we have openings for the Nudgee College community to get involved. These are the dates that we’d love people to sign up for:

• Tuesday 10 December 2019
• Tuesday 17 December 2019
• Tuesday 24 December 2019
• Tuesday 31 December 2019
• Tuesday 7 January 2020
• Tuesday 14 January 2020
• Tuesday 21 January 2020

Sign up here.

What to expect when volunteering:

Volunteers cook sausages, prepare bread with butter, serve and then pack down the barbecue. Most importantly though this program is about community and having conversations with the people we serve.

Where do I meet:

Meet at the back of the Treacy Building at the back entrance of the kitchen. You will see the Big Brekky van waiting. Together you will get the supplies from the kitchen and put them in the back of the van and then travel together to Fortitude Valley. Fellow volunteers from St Rita’s College will also be joined on the way.

For further questions please email me at dke@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

Ms Danyelle Kelly 
Director of Identity

As part of their Term 4 Agricultural Science unit, the Year 8 cohort have twice ventured down to the cattle yards. Their first visit involved looking at the physical differences of the cattle (Brahman versus Droughtmaster) as well as the rules and features of the yards. Their most recent visit coincided with the arrival of four calves from Maleny Dairy, on loan for a week. These calves were only two weeks old and unsure of their new surroundings. The students saw how the calves are weighed, micro-chip identified and health checked via the scales and the crush.

A huge thank you to Dr Rachel Wilson for taking the time out of her schedule to lead many of these groups through.

Mr Pat Conway
Head of Science Faculty

Tonight we farewell our 2019 Seniors at our annual Valedictory Mass and Dinner. The Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre has been transformed into a wonderful event to cater for 580 students, parents and caregivers. The planning and setup to bring such an event together takes many, many hours of work from our staff and I want to thank all involved: Ms Larissa Patti from our Student Office and my PA Ms Suzanne Colette. Our Identity team including Mr Stephen Meara and Ms Dianne James in conjunction with Very Reverend Anthony Mellor VF. All House Deans for their ongoing and wonderful support of our Nudgee College gentlemen. Mr Raoul Carmody, Ms Tara Shipperley, Ms Tiffany Keller and Mr Paul Elliot from the Development and Communications team.  Our Property and Services team for their setup, including Ms Bronwyn Maroon, Ms Annette Armstrong and Mr Steve Latter. Mr Alfonso Navarro and Mr Steve Lutter together with their Catering team, Locker Room staff, our IT Team and of course Nudgee College Old Boys Association President Mr Hugh Hamilton and Vice President Mr Andrew McNamara.

In conjunction with our staff, we have been blessed to have received help from a number of Nudgee College parents who volunteered their time for setup and pack down. I would like to personally thank Ms Julie Sorby for her coordination of our volunteers and for their much appreciated help.

We wish the Seniors of 2019 all the very best.

Mr Peter Todd
Dean of Students

Annual Christmas Gift Giving Appeal

This week we launched our final social justice program for the year, our annual Christmas Gift Giving Appeal. In the past we have joined with a local charity, but this year we are going bush. We are asking families within the Junior School, where possible, to purchase a gift for a child or adult in the farming community surrounding Goondiwindi ($15 to $20 in value). If you are able to assist please have your son place your unwrapped gift under the tree in our foyer by Thursday 28 November. These gifts will be loaded onto a Nudgee College bus heading out to this region on the final day of the term, each with a gift tag and personal message from our boys. We know your gift will be very much appreciated by our farming cousins who are certainly doing it tough at this time. Please help us put a smile on the faces of those who will receive your thoughtful gift.  

2020 Stationery List Information from Book Hire

Students are required to purchase individual stationery needs as per subject requirements on the stationery lists.

Online ordering through our supplier, Campion Education, will be available from Friday 15 November 2019. These online orders must be completed by Wednesday 11 December 2019, with delivery taking place from 13 January 2020 to 24 January 2020.

• For orders after this date, please refer to information on Campion’s website
• Orders to be placed here.
• The College code to order stationery for 2020 is YRTH
• Only boarders can have their stationery delivered directly to the College.

Any questions regarding changes to your stationery order and/or delivery of your stationery order can be addressed directly to Campion Education:

• Unit 5, 121 Evans Rd, Salisbury
• 07 3146 3999
• Campion Education’s Parent Support Page

Top Five Junior School Library Borrowers

It is great to see the large number of boys who are actively engaged with real texts from our Library. I congratulate the students below who are our top five borrowers from Years 5 and 6.

Year 5

• Isaac Michaels (5F): 109 books
• Lachlan Wong (5E): 99 books
• Elfie Piper (5N): 91 books
• Isaac Johannes (5E): 88 books
• Thomas Connelly (5B): 84 books

 Year 6

• Ash Tayler (6H): 183 books
• Dermot Clancy (6Z): 159 books
• Jackson Meyer (6D): 91 books
• Angus Glyde (6Z): 83 books
• Henry Potter (6z): 72 books

End of Year Excursion to Wet’n’Wild on Tuesday 26 November

Information regarding this excursion was emailed to all Junior School parents on 4 November.  Please be advised that sun safety attire (i.e. rash shirt) will be compulsory. Please ensure if your son is attending that payment is made by Friday 15 November.

Important Dates

Please see below the key dates for the Junior School activities in our final week:

• Tuesday 26 November: Years 5 and 6 end of year excursion to Wet’n’Wild
•  Wednesday 27 November:
  • Year 6 Mass, College Chapel at 12.30pm, refreshments at 1:30pm*
  •  Year 6 Choral Presentation in Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre at 2.00pm
• Thursday 28 November:
  • Year 5 Mass, College Chapel at 12.00pm, refreshments at 1.00pm*
  • Year 5 Musical Presentation in Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre at 1.30pm
• Friday 29 November: End of Term 4 at 12.00pm, buses will depart after Assembly (boys who catch the connecting bus at Samford are advised that this connection will not be running earlier to meet the Nudgee College bus, please make alternative arrangements)

*Please note that a shuttle bus service will operate from the pick-up/drop-off zone near the McKennariey Centre car park commencing 30 minutes prior to Mass and will also transport people back to the Conference Centre at the conclusion of Mass.

Mr Chris Cawley
Director of Junior School

Farewell Events

This week we have continued our farewell of our Year 12 boys with their final Mass held on Sunday, the Senior Farewell Dinner on Wednesday, and finally, Valedictory tonight. Sunday night’s Mass was a wonderful occasion as we celebrated the Year 12s’ final time together with us in the Chapel. It’s hard to believe, but the next time they walk into the Chapel for Mass they will be Old Boys. This night was particularly memorable as the Year 11 boys sang a song to bless the Year 12 boys at the conclusion of Mass. Thank you to the many Year 12 parents and families who were in Brisbane and attended dinner with us in the Dining Room, followed by a gathering in Chapel Mall.

On Wednesday night we held our Senior Boarders’ Farewell Dinner with Senior Boarding staff and our Year 12 boys. After this wonderful dinner the boys finished their Rites of Passage liturgy in the Chapel, which was an emotional moment for all. The final ritual was for our Year 12 boys to exit the Chapel and walk across Ross Oval through a guard of honour to the grandstand. To hear these young men sing their final War Cry to their younger brothers in Boarding was a moment I won’t forget. Congratulations to these boys – they have certainly left their mark and a high standard for next year’s Senior Boarding cohort.

Final Days

I know many boys will start the onerous task of packing their belongings throughout the next week or so; however, I am also conscious that most will look to take their luggage out on Friday 29 November. To aid in this we will have a staff member stationed at the Tierney Auditorium boom gate from 10.00am to 5.00pm on that Friday. For any other day please contact your Head of Boarding House in advance to allow you access.

When arriving please let the staff member know that you are a Boarding parent and park above the pool in the designated parking area (not on the road next to the Boarding House). No access will be provided during morning tea (10.30am to 11:15am), or immediately after school concludes (12.00pm to 12.30pm). If you have any questions or concerns regarding this please don’t hesitate to contact me.

As we approach our final week I know many of you are excited to have your sons returning home for the summer holidays. I hope you and your sons have enjoyed this year as much as I have, or more importantly, I hope you notice your son’s maturity and growth of character under our care.

Holiday Leave

With the end of term only three week away, boys should be starting to think about their travel home at the end of the term. Could I ask that you or your son enters his vacation leave into REACH by no later than Monday 25 November to assist with rostering, meals etc.

If your son is in Years 5 to 10 and needs to depart prior to 12.00pm on Friday 29 November he must have approval from the Principal. Mr Peter Fullagar can be contacted at principal@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

We will have the usual buses to the airport and Roma Street Station on the last day of school. If your son needs transport to the airport on the last day please enter this into the notes of his leave application including the flight number and departure time.

Weekend Recreation

• Friday: Pool and games
• Saturday: Shopping
• Sunday: Oztag

Mr Christian Oneto
Dean of Boarding

After the calendared date of Friday 1 November was ‘bumped’ in May courtesy of a Metallica concert (only for it to be recently cancelled), Saturday 2 November saw yet another exciting GPS Track and Field Championship decided at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).

Nudgee College began the day somewhat slowly compared to last year, with the bulk of the track events beginning with the 200m. At this stage Nudgee College was in sixth place, although we had already seen some tremendous results. Ethan Petcos had a commanding win in 16 Years high jump with a massive clearance of 1.95m. Soon after, Trezman Banjo had an equally huge win in the Open long jump, ‘flying’ to 7.21m – the ninth longest winning jump in the 102 year history of this event. Shortly before the 200m events, 13 Years athlete Daniel Neal was in fine form to produce a thrilling final throw win.

The onset of the 200m events saw the beginning a rousing resurgence by Nudgee College due to huge efforts by our sprinters, high jumpers and javelin throwers. Having said that, the boys generally set about mowing down the teams ahead of them, and the middle distance runners were no less spirited with many personal bests among their super efforts.

Below is a brief summary of some of Nudgee College’s top placings:

• Ashely Wong: First place and GPS records in the 15 Years 100m and 200m, as well as a first place in the 400m
• Trezman Banjo: First place in the Open long jump and 200m, and second in the 100m
• Ethan Petcos: First place in the 16 Years high jump and long jump
• Izayha Kelly-West: First place in the 16 Years javelin
• Callum Wallace: First place and a GPS record in the 15 Years javelin
• Alex Romano: First place in the 14 Years 400m and second in the 200m
• Daniel Neal: First place in the 13 Years javelin
• Harry Turner: Second place in the 15 Years 800m
• Harry  McKeown: Second place in the 15 Years high jump
• Tom Mallet: Second place in the 14 Years 100m
• Ed Kasprowicz: Second place in the 13 Years high jump (as a 12 Years athlete)

Ashley Wong’s exceptional treble was firstly set alight by his whopping 0.21sec lowering of his Queensland 15 Years record, which he set in Cairns two weeks beforehand while winning the Queensland School Sport 200m title. After that, he went on to break Nudgee College’s 23 year old 15 Years 100m record and won the 400m, before completing a super anchor leg in the 4 x 100m. Overall it was an incredible meet, not just for Ashley, but for those who witnessed his efforts.

As Nudgee College’s battle up the scoreboard continued, the tussle for first between Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) and Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) ensued. In an incredibly close and exciting competition, all results had a bearing on the overall outcome. Video footage of Trezman Banjo’s 100m finish and Alex Romano’s 4 x 100m dip had many calling for ‘the developed print’ of the photo finish. In that 14 Years 4 x 100m, with Nudgee College about to overtake and dipping beside the IGS athlete for the win, and with BBC in third place, this result was enough to change the overall result of the Championship! At the start of the relays, although having made our way into third place overall throughout the day, Nudgee College went into the last five relay events 25 points away from third. Our relay boys did an exceptional job to earn two seconds, two thirds and a fifth place, leaving us agonisingly nine points off third place. Congratulations to IGS on their fine victory.

End of Season Award Winners

• Most Improved Track GPS 2019: Alex Romano
• Most Improved Field GPS 2019: Alex Patti
• Best Performance Track GPS 2019: Trezman Banjo
• Best Performance Field GPS 2019: Callum Wallace
• Best Performed Nudgee College Athlete GPS 2019: Ashley Wong
• The John Graham 400m Award: Charles Best
• Most Dedicated Athlete 2019: Malachi Tuck
  

Many thanks are due to Mr Anthony Conellan and Activities staff; Mr Dave Phillips, Ms Vicki Dodds and Property and Services staff; our external coaches Ms Lyndall Warry, Mr Mike Frawley and Mr Steve Tilyard; Old Boy coaches Mr Dave Murray, Mr Mikey O’Sullivan, Mr George Crossan, Mr Callum Rorison and Mr Pat Kropp; and Meet Assistants Ms Julianne Daunt, Ms Julie Winter and Ms Robyn Mann. In particular the team is indebted, as am I, to the dedication and expertise of Mr Nick Toohey, Mr Jack Dahms and Ms Maureen Toohey.

I look forward to another exciting Nudgee College Track and Field season in 2020.

Mr Peter Kropp
Director of Track and Field

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.