Principal
Without Mary’s Tower, it wouldn’t be Nudgee...
Without the stripes, it wouldn’t be Nudgee....
Without the brotherhood, it wouldn’t be Nudgee....
Without your support, it wouldn’t be possible.
You might recognise those lines from the promotional video developed for our inaugural Giving Day. The majority of Nudgee College families will have received information on the Giving Day over the past week. Today we are asking the community to support the important restoration and preservation works of Mary’s Bell Tower.
While the Bell Tower has been part of the College infrastructure since our earliest days in the 1890s, the statue of Blessed Mary was erected in the 1950s. Restoration of the tower is a signature part of the redevelopment of the Treacy heritage precinct, which is currently being undertaken. As outlined in the video, the tower and the statue of Mary were in need of greater restoration than anticipated. This created a need for the extended Nudgee College community to financially contribute to a once in a generation opportunity to continue the legacy of the tower.
We are seeking the help of our closest supporters, not only our current parents, to come on board for this inaugural Giving Day. We invite you to visit charidy.com/nc to view the campaign video and consider making a donation to our Nudgee College Giving Day. You are encouraged to share the link with any other Nudgee College supporters who may not be as connected but would welcome the opportunity to support the day. We have just 24 hours to reach our target.

In mentioning Mary’s Bell Tower it is timely to provide a brief update on the building projects that are underway around the campus. The Treacy heritage precinct project is well advanced and proving to be a complicated refurbishment. Rohrig are currently on track to hand over part of the Treacy building (south and east wings) across the end of term break. Staff will be moved into new offices and classes will commence in the spacious level one classrooms in Term 4. The demolition of the Gallagher Building will commence in September. Currently, the project is on track for a Term 1 completion in 2021.
I would encourage you to take a drive past the Flats – it is a significant and extensive earthworks project. The drainage and irrigation systems are vital to the long term success of the redevelopment and as such have required much planning, preparation and attention to detail. Our two old and smaller dams have been decommissioned and replaced by a much larger dam, which is under construction. Associated with this dam are the pump house and filtration systems, which will ensure the retention and recycling of 40 per cent of the water that will be used on the ovals themselves. In the next couple of weeks we anticipate the laying of the first section of turf. The phased in establishment of the turf will continue until Christmas. Despite the recent rains which have delayed some of the work, the project is anticipated to be completed and handed over from Main Constructions to us in January 2021.
The final project is the Mary Rice Early Learning Centre (MRELC) in the MacKillop Building. The Centre on the ground floor, as well as office space and student gathering areas on the second floor will be completed and handed over early in September from Tomkins (the construction company). This is both an exciting and daunting prospect. It marks the beginning of the establishment of the business operations of the MRELC ahead of its opening in January next year. The MRELC will operate independently of Nudgee College. While it is located on the campus and available to all in the community, the MRELC business is governed by EREA, who also govern Nudgee College. For those who are interested, there will be an opportunity for the community to visit the Centre during Term 4. More details on this are to come.
Finally, Year 12 parents will have received information this week about an important online evening next Wednesday. It will be an opportunity to share details regarding the ‘Roadmap to Certification’ and our preparation of the Seniors for external exams. Given the ongoing changes and challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions we will also provide an outline of our current plans for Year 12 Valedictory and associated end of year events.
Important Dates and Changes
I wish to advise you of a number of changes to the school calendar over the coming months.
- Friday 4 September: Unlike many other schools Nudgee College, will NOT be holding a pupil free day. Regular classes will be operating for all students in all grades.
- Friday 18 September (final school day Term 3): This will be a pupil free day at the College. The building works and relocation of many teaching staff necessitate the early end of Term 3. The College will provide supervision for the day for any student who cannot be cared for at home. Details will be provided at a later date.
- Monday 19 October (Orientation Day for all new students in 2021): This has been a long-standing pupil free day at the College, which will be the case again this year. The College will provide supervision for any student who cannot be cared for at home. Details will be provided at a later date.
With every best wish for the week ahead.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal