This time one year ago, we were entering a period of community wide restrictions in Queensland as we all entered the unknown of COVID-19. The 2020 Head of the River was the last occasion that we gathered in large numbers until very late in the school year. We all know how 2020 unfolded for our families, our workplaces and our schools. At the commencement of this year, I indicated to staff, parents and students that we would prepare for ‘turbulence’ in respect to restrictions and possible short term lockdowns.

Since that time, the vaccine roll out across the country has commenced and perhaps we are all feeling more confident about the immediate future. I do hope that this confidence is well placed and we can avoid a return to restrictions and lockdowns. In the event that this is not the case, in recent weeks the staff of the College has prepared an action plan in case of a short-term lockdown. In the Learning and Teaching section of this week’s newsletter, Mr Sepetauc outlines some of the information that is relevant to how we would continue classes during a lockdown. Obviously, more information will be communicated if this was to happen. I trust that this gives parents some reassurance that we are well prepared for ‘turbulence.'

We are in the midst of a very cluttered couple of weeks of school life with multiple events and occasions - some large and others more intimate. It is a time of competing interests for some boys, which places pressure on them. Similarly, there is pressure developing for other boys with deadlines and assessment looming as we head towards the last weeks of the term. Some boys find it difficult to prioritise the basics of schoolwork, homework and study as they should be doing. They are encouraged to contact their teachers to seek their support before problems occur. Likewise, parents are encouraged to contact teachers if there are concerns with your son’s schoolwork or his well-being.

Last week’s Great Debate was a great evening and despite the success of the Old Boys’ team in the debate, I can reassure the community that the school is not about to become co-educational anytime soon.

Our GPS Swim team was also very successful last Friday with a commanding win at the championships. Placing first or second in seven of the ten relays was evidence of the strength and depth of the team. An outstanding group of Open swimmers led the team and Captains, Dylan Andrea, Finlay Schuster and Harrison Turner, leave a great legacy off the pool as well as in the water. Similarly, Mr David Proud and his team of coaches and year level managers coached and prepared the squad with great care. Earlier on Friday, the junior team did a great job in finishing second in a tightly contested carnival.

We wish our GPS rowers all the best for this Saturday’s Head of the River championships at Wyaralong Dam. Like the swimmers, these boys have prepared for months for this weekend’s race. After such commitment, the final result can bring a great high or a tough reality check. Either way, we expect the best of our boys as gracious and humble individuals. We are grateful for the efforts of Jesse Meyer (Captain of Boats) and Darcy Carmody (Vice Captain of Boats) in leading the shed. We are grateful for the work of Mr James Burton and all the coaches in preparing the crews for Saturday. Thanks also to the many hard working parents of our rowers for hosting last Saturday’s regatta as well as for their commitment throughout the season. Saturday’s GPS regatta and the dinner in the evening is the culmination of a long season of many hours work from the entire rowing community.

Next week features the annual Showcase on Tuesday evening in its new format and venue. It is traditionally one of our biggest nights of the year and I am confident that it will be well attended and a fun night for everyone. The Year 12 leaders are very excited about the night and looking forward to the performances of their respective Houses.

Finally, earlier this week I shared with parents a letter on the important issue of consent. For those who missed it and for other members of the community who wish to know our response please see a copy of the letter here.

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

Academic Success and Activities

As a high school student, I was lucky enough to spend my last year of school in the USA.  Back in the 80’s the students were always given a label. The jocks were known as the cool kids, while the smart ones were known as the nerds. It seemed so black and white; you were either one or you were the other. This really does not have to be the case. The straight-A student can also be the one who excels at rugby or rowing or a sport of their choice. It is possible to juggle sports and academics and excel in both. It comes down to desire, time management, and a whole lot of work, but it is possible. What’s more; it’s worth it.

I have the pleasure each week during term one and into term two of training with the Cross Country team.  I enjoy listening to the interaction between the coaches - many of whom are teachers - and the boys.  Last week, I tailed behind a group and listened to the coach in front of me having a conversation with a group of lads.  She was asking, “how much homework did you do last night?”  She went on to quiz them about an assignment that was due and if one of the boys had gotten results back from a certain test he was worried about.  As a father at the College and teacher, I’m not ashamed to say I felt my chest pump out and as the boys responded with enthusiastic answers that reflected a love of learning.

We know research says playing a sport in school or engaging in an activity helps to get students away from their desk. It sparks them into action.  It offers a break.  Plus, there are major benefits. Staring at a textbook or device can get very exhausting; being part of a sports team or a cultural group or one of our many activities on offer can provide our boys a much needed break to work out, wake up, and then get back to it. On the other hand, doing well academically can help our boys be more focused as part of a team. Academics also helps teach the boys logic and problem solving which can be put to good use on the field (or court, or stage or whatever the case may be).

Sports or the performing arts do benefit overall health: mentally, physically and emotionally. By engaging in an activity, the boys are providing themselves with a healthy outlet that gives them some stress relief while doing something that they love. Whatever their activity may be, it can allow each boy an avenue to take their mind off their next assessment task or exam.  While it can be demanding, involvement in any of the activities on offer at the College may be the break some of our boys need to help themselves not feel so bogged down.

When managed properly, a carefully selected range of activities and academics do not clash with each other at all; they actually complement each other and help our boys put all of their hard-earned skills to use. As the term enters the final few weeks I encourage all boys to finish well, focussed on submitting assignments and begin revising for any upcoming exams.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

Bullying No Way and Harmony Day (Week at Nudgee)

Over the next week, a series of events will collectively acknowledge that the end of next week sees us celebrate the “National Day of Action Against Bullying” and “Harmony Day”. These include:

• A Free Dress Day on Friday 12 March (with money raised going to our social justice programs)
• The distribution of a Bully No Way card to each student outline tips and ideas to help keep Nudgee a safe place
• The sending of our “Well-Being Pulse Check” survey to students to monitor their current ‘temperature’ and give an opportunity for them to provide feedback
• The formation of a giant word on Ross Oval using as many Nudgee students as possible and photographed from above by drone - with the student body still deciding on that word for 2021
• The re-advertising of our confidential bullying reporting (online) form
• A teacher vs Student Volleyball game on the Mt Sion Courts
• A series of Pastoral Care class activities

Our goal is that Nudgee is a place that is safe and fosters a strong sense of belonging through its inclusivity. I hope your sons enjoy a number of the planned activities on offer.

STUDENT ABSENCES

As we are nearing the end of Term 1, it may be a good time to remind all parents of the process to notify the school of any absence their child may incur during the school day, this includes extra curricular activities that are during school hours.

Students must attend classes every school day between 8.25am and 2.55pm.

Absences from school where parents must advise the school include:

• whole day - absent from 8.25 to 14.55
• late arrival - absent for the first few periods of the day
• early departure - required to leave early and will not be returning
• part of the day - required to attend an appointment for a period or several periods in the middle of the school day.

This also includes Met North, Bramble Bay and other independent sports trials, as these are not Nudgee run events.

Parents Responsibilities:

Parents are required to make contact with the school (prior to 9am), or ASAP for early departures via the following avenues:

• Year 7-12 phone 3865 0536 or email studentabsences@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• Year 5-6 Phone 3865 0527  or email juniorschool@nudgee.qld.edu.au

Early departures or part day absences: Students who need to attend appointments will not be approved to leave during the day without prior notification - either a phone call or email to the relevant numbers above.

Student responsibilities

Late arrivals: students must sign in at the student office on arrival to school (even if it is during a lunch break) please bring your ID card.

Part day absences:  students must sign back in on arrival back from appointment.

Student office responsibility

Notify parents of unexplained absences: To ensure we comply with child protection legislation an sms message will be sent to parents, notifying of unexplained non attendance if your child is absent without notification from PC and P1.

Please do not send emails regarding absences to house deans or teachers, without including the student absences email address.

Please refer to the NC Attendance Policy & Procedures.

Mr Peter Todd

Dean of Students

Planning for Learning and Teaching during a COVID-19 Shutdown 

At assembly this week, I addressed students about the basic arrangements we would take at Nudgee College in the event of a short lockdown given at short notice, such as the one we experienced in January. 

It is very hard to plan for every eventuality when we don’t know when it will occur in the school calendar. There’s lots of ‘what ifs’ but, at the simplest level, learning continues. From a learning and teaching perspective, you can expect the following:

• Classes will continue using Google Meet
• Assessment will be adjusted if necessary
• Essential workers will be able to send their son to school 
• The boarding house will remain open 

A shortened day recognises the realities of being online, and the quick adaptation for teachers and students. When the shutdown finishes we will resume normal classes at the College the following day:

If a longer-term shutdown is announced, the College Leadership Team will convene to formalise a more permanent learning@home arrangements similar to the program rolled out in 2020. If this occurred the wider ramifications to areas like boarding and activities will be communicated. 

On Monday 15 March during Pastoral Care class teachers and students will run a Google meet trial. For many it will be revision. New teachers and students will benefit and the training will ensure we’re ‘match fit.’ It also signals the importance we place on learning and teaching as core business, even in the event of a COVID shutdown.  

Mr Jason Sepetauc

Dean of Learning and Teaching 

EXAMS

A special Mass for St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street at 10.00am on Wednesday 17 March 2021. His Grace, Archbishop Mark Coleridge will be the principal celebrant with Fr Gerard McMorrow concelebrating.

All are welcome to attend but, due to COVID restrictions, it is essential you register your attendance. Numbers are limited.

To register on-line, go to the Cathedral website: www.cathedralofststephen.org.au

• On the home page, click on “Mass & Reconciliation” on top menu
• That opens up the “Mass Registration” page.
• Scroll down to “Bookings for Regular Weekly Masses”
• Click on “Weekdays Mon to Fri 10am”
• Click on the orange box ‘SELECT A DATE”
• Scroll down to 17 March and click on the orange box “TICKETS”
• Enter the number of tickets (people attending) required
• Click on orange box “REGISTER”
• Click on orange box “CONTINUE”

Enter your details and, when completed, click on the orange box “REGISTER” Your name will be on an attendance sheet at door, so no need to bring tickets with you.

Clean Up Australia Day 2021

On Friday 5 of March Week 6, Nudgee College participated in the annual Clean Up Australia Day event. Both members from the Junior School and the Senior School volunteered to help clean up waste around campus.

45 Senior School students volunteered their lunchtime to collect rubbish from the top end of the school including Ross Oval, Mt Zion and around Tierney auditorium. NC Sustainability Co-Captains Samuel Rogers and Jameson Jameson lead the way by taking large groups of students from Year 7 to 12 armed with Clean Up Australia Day bags.

Additionally, 12 Junior School CORE classes (Years 5 & 6) also participated during Period 6, Friday afternoon. Their enthusiasm was unmatched as they meticulously searched every garden bed for small pieces of plastic. A special thanks to all Junior School staff who were pivotal in managing these groups clean up the lower end of campus.

Mr Andrew Hook

Head of Sustainability 

What is your Jelly Bean?

At the start of the year, I showed the students a video “Your life in Jelly Beans” (View here). I challenged all the boarders to look at each day as an opportunity to continue growing. Every day we have the opportunity to be happy, make a difference and live life to the fullest. It is really up to each of us to choose those things that make each day count.

For me:

• Be grateful: A focus on gratitude can shift our focus away from our negative emotions, fears or daily irritations.
• Be kind to others: Have you ever noticed how good it feels to offer someone a helping hand or said something to someone to lift their spirits? These simple acts can add richness to our lives and it is the fabric of what this Nudgee Community values.
• Continue to learn something new each day

Enjoy the experiences, build beautiful relationships and strive for absolutely everything you want to achieve. What will your Jelly Bean be today?

International Women’s Day

On Friday 5 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day at Nudgee. The day is marked at the College with a morning tea provided by our Principal Mr Fullagar inviting all staff to take a moment, stop work and enjoy morning tea with their colleagues. In our boarding community, this day is even more special for our Boarding House ‘Mums’. I'd especially like to thank Denise Johnson, Tracey Hoffman, Cass Smith and Kym Wissemann for their tireless dedication in helping to nurture our boarders into being the best Nudgee men they can be. It was lovely to see so many of our boarders show their appreciation to the many female role models they have within Nudgee. I know that many boys took the time to ‘pen’ their appreciation on a card, as well as a few hugs that morning.  I would like to hope that each day our young men can show that respect and admiration for all those influential women do for them.

GPS Swimming

Congratulations to all boys who were named in the Swimming team to compete last Friday - Jacob O’Mealley, Jed Manson, Caleb O’Mealley, Fred Prosser, Caleb Lloyd, Ben DiDonna and Coby Richardson.

Our junior team finished 2nd, whilst our Senior term completed the three-peat with a dominant victory, in what was an incredible boost for all participants. We had the Nudgee blue and white supporters in full force - with just under 100  boarders going along to cheer on our squad on Friday night as well - Our senior members were outstanding.

Head of the River

As part of our recreational program this weekend, all boarders who are not on prearranged leave will be going along to the Head of the River to support their Nudgee Brothers at Wyaralong. A reminder to wear formal uniform but blazers are optional. Boys may also wear their new 130 cap and can bring a Nudgee spray jacket in case of wet weather. The buses will be leaving the O’Neill Bus area at 7:10am. We look forward to a fantastic day out as this is one of the highlights in the Nudgee calendar.

Mr Sean Toovey

Dean of Boarding 

Cross Country Track has been changed 

Due to the change in this year's Cross Country track, we will be closing Gate 7 entrance to the College on Monday 15 March from 8:40am to 2:55pm. 

Cricket

Brisbane Grammar School greeted Nudgee College for GPS Round 6 cricket action on Saturday. It was a very good day out for our senior cricket teams with the 1st XI, 2nd XI, 11A, 10A, 10C and 9A, 9B teams all winning.

Once again, Nudgee College’s discipline and patience with the ball in hand decided the outcome of these games. The bowling execution rates and patience in the field have been first class in recent weeks and has proved to be the winning formula. Many hours of work in the nets across preseason and in-season has provided our bowlers with control and with control brings dot ball pressure and wicket opportunities.

Northgate provided a last ball thriller in the 10As games with a strong BGS outfit falling 1 run short chasing Nudgee’s 194. Captain Jack Balkin 91 runs and 2/18 from his 8 overs was the match winner for his team.

1st XI made it 5 wins in a row with a 5 wicket win at Northgate. Opening bowlers Tom Balkin 3/17 from 10 overs and Kallum Russell 4/28 from 9 overs tore through the BGS batting order restricting them to 107 all out. Nudgee lost a couple of early wickets but Number 5 Nick Glass 40 not out guided his team home gaining a bonus point along the way.

Nudgee remain at the top of the GPS 1st XI ladder on 40 points with TSS sitting 2nd on 38 points.

Year 5 teams played some great cricket on Saturday with the 5Bs winning by 9 runs defending their total of 8/108. Jack Braitling 21 runs from 15 balls (retired) and Darcy Cotter 17 runs from 17 balls. It was a team effort in the field with Nudgee holding their nerve to execute 4 runs outs.

Round 7 this Saturday will see the college host Churchie with the 1st XI back at Ross Oval looking to make it 6 wins in a row.

Mr Tim Lang

Director of Cricket

GPS Swimming Re-Cap

The 98th GPS Swimming Championships turned out to be a great day for Nudgee College Swimming retaining the Senior GPS Swimming competition with 319 points over BGS 276 and TSS 252, this is the most points we have won since 2010.

Captain Dylan Andrea and Vice Captains Finlay Schuster and Harrison Turner led the group superbly, creating a team environment where everyone just wanted to excel for the team.

There were 13 individual event wins on the night out of 32 events & 7 out of 10 relays placed in the top 2 showing amazing depth along with 29 PB splits from the Relays. There were 10 different individual event winners on the night, which was 7 more than any other school. Those boys were Elfie Piper, Jaiden Marshall, Jack Plowman, Blair McKitrick, Blake Turner, Thomas Connellan, Tom Sands, Dylan Andrea, Thomas Raymond and Harrison Turner.

Harrison Turner broke an 11-year-old GPS record in the Open 100m Butterfly (55.34) also breaking the school record set by Tate Robson in 2018. He also broke a 25-year-old Nudgee College school record in the Open 50m Freestyle in 23.57 breaking the mark of former World Championship representative Nathan Rickard set in 1996 of 23.91. The Open Medley Relay team of Caleb O’Mealley 27.43, Finlay Schuster 31.07, Harrison Turner 24.51 and Dylan Andrea 23.03 broke a 21-year-old Nudgee College School record and Dylan Andrea broke a 20-year-old Open 100m Freestyle Nudgee College school record in 51.79.

It was incredible to see all of the U13’s stepping up in their first Senior GPS Championships and perfectly executing their races. Elfie Piper could not have swam his 200m any better coming past 4 swimmers on the final 100m to take the win, Ronan Rowling stepping up and swimming two best times and Harry Beirne swimming up as an U12 showing great composure to go a best time in the 100m Free.

The Junior Swimming team finished the day in 2nd position with a very strong showing especially in the relays, this is the 4th year in a row the Junior Swimming Team has been in the top 2 positions which is great for the future of NC Swimming.

I want to thank all of the students who went out to support on Friday afternoon, you certainly made a big difference to the team, I know they really appreciated the support throughout the competition.

Mr David Proud

Director of Swimming

The Locker Room

A Nudgee Apron would be perfect for all you MasterChefs out there.  Only $25

Our Nudgee Notebook Journal A5 with pen makes a wonderful gift or for personal use.  Only $16.50