Principal
Schools such as ours stand for a clear set of values. These are inherent when we describe ourselves as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. The Charter and the touchstones make these values explicit. Further to that, at Nudgee College we also claim values that are symbolically represented in our Faith star.
It is through all of these that we aspire to be Signum Fidei - A Sign of Faith.
Important as these are, what is ‘mission critical’ to our identity is that our actions, not just our words and symbols, reflect them. Reflecting on our Faith Star, where have our actions given life to these words? I can suggest a few from recent days.
Courage - the battle of one of our Year 10 boys to return to school over the past fortnight after a frightful health scare and time in Intensive Care. A Year 9 student unable to come to school for weeks and now undergoing major lung surgery before a long period of recovery.
Justice - a group of Year 10 boys and teachers heading into the city early Tuesday morning to care for the homeless at Big Brekkie. Later the same day, another group of boys and teachers driving out in the late afternoon to provide the Big Barbie in the local community.
Excellence - the numerous boys who received Learning Habits Awards and Old Boys Awards on assembly on Tuesday along with those who will be acknowledged at next Tuesday night’s Awards Evening.
Community - over 500 present and past Mothers attending the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Dinner on Saturday evening. More intimate family gatherings generously hosted at family homes in Goondiwindi and St George last weekend.
Authenticity - again at Tuesday's assembly at which we acknowledged the Year 10 Immersion program, Technology students involved in building and racing a race car as well as Musical and Oratory performances. In effect, celebrating a range of boys involved a wide range of endeavours using a range of talents and abilities. These highlights were balanced by some clear messages from the Dean of Students, Mr Connellan, about vaping and respect for property. Areas for improvement for some boys.
Faith - a Chapel full of Nudgee mothers on Saturday night for Mass led in song by the Boarders’ Choir as well as the weekly Boarders Mass on Sunday night.
Of course, there are numerous other examples that could be added to the list. There are also other moments and situations where we have let ourselves down and not lived up to our aspirations. These are learning moments for all of us. In truth, being a Sign of Faith doesn’t require perfection. What it does mean is seeking the best of ourselves and to see the best in others. And when we do, Christ is present.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal