Acting Principal
I love the saying, “manners cost nothing”, but they have huge relationship-building power. Some people might say Nudgee College is a little ‘old school’ regarding manners. We make no apologies around our standards regarding manners and the expectation that we exercise basic civility when speaking to others. Some say we are counter-cultural on these points, and some boys struggle to work within the culture and standards we set.
The late Australian poet and entertainer, Clive James, captured the scene in Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall in his poem In Town for the March:
“Past the facade of David Jones
Men walk their mobile telephones,
Making the footpath hideous
With what they needed to discuss.
But why so long, and why so loud?”
This scene is a small example of self-absorption, a disease that seems to be flourishing. An overly strong concern for self can lead to self-centeredness, or a strong focus on my needs, wants, and desires, leaving little room for awareness of and respect for others.
Being civil signals to other people that we are ready to obey shared rules and regulate our behaviour so as not to undermine their wellbeing. There is a great need in our society, with all its displays of rudeness, unprofessional conduct, disrespect and anger, for people to be civil to each other if our social life is to function efficiently and with a minimum of unnecessary conflict and disruption.
Teaching civility and good manners will improve everyone’s quality of life. Unfortunately, young men mimic the incivility of the adult world, and sadly, in today’s world, a moral consensus has all but gone. Children are learning to disrespect authority, so any way that teachers and staff can support families and families support the College will help to reverse this tendency.
I have sighted in previous newsletter articles the compelling research that suggests good manners are as vital as good grades when it comes to landing a job and getting ahead. A Nudgee education is about developing the whole person - developing good manners and being civil are central to this educational process.
With that all said, it is an absolute pleasure to get positive emails from people who have visited the College. Emails that demonstrate our boys, on the whole, do get it and do possess good manners! One such example from Open Day follows:
Good Evening, Today my son and I attended your Open Day. We met two outstanding gentlemen who were absolutely amazing human beings.
Boy 1 who was absolutely amazing with my 6-year-old son Paddy. He went out of his way to engage my son in the art room when Paddy was unsure of what to do. He spent time with him in the library playing Lego and kept a careful eye on him enabling me to meet with the wonderful teachers. He then gave us an amazing tour of the school. What an outstanding young man.
Boy 2 was phenomenal assisting Paddy making a Sonic figure out of clay. He then saw Paddy again, recognised him and gave him a Nudgee Swimming bag and sticker.
What phenomenal gentlemen you have at Nudgee. After today there is no doubt in my mind that Nudgee is the place for Paddy in five years time. Please pass on my thanks to these wonderful young men.
Let us always live Christ’s command and love each person as He loves us.
Mr David Johnston
Acting Principal
