I never cease to be amazed by the boundless depth of energy, goodwill and support there is within the Nudgee College community. I could itemise a long list of events, gatherings and occasions that add to the rich school life from which our boys benefit so much. Each of these requires energy, goodwill and support from countless individuals, be they members of staff, students themselves, their parents or the wider school community.

The long list of events, gatherings and occasions certainly applies during this dynamic term but it is also the case for each and every term. Whether they be intimate events or ones with a large crowd they all tap into that unique quality that we label ‘Nudgee Spirit’.

In 2022, our community of students, staff, parents, Old Boys and supporters are the holders of this unique spirit. It is a legacy that has been passed on by those who went before us. In time, we all will pass the legacy of Nudgee Spirit on to those who will follow us. My hope and aspiration is that when that time comes that we pass on a spirit that has been added to and enhanced by our endeavours.

The story of the College would tell us that the Nudgee Spirit was here from our earliest days. Br Magee, who was Headmaster here from 1910 to 1915, referred to it in his reflection on the College at the time of the Golden Jubilee in 1941. In describing the Spirit of Nudgee of his time, he wrote:

‘There is an individual cachet and character about it; something of a distinction and quality that to me seem remarkable.’

Present in those earliest days was a student called John Elliott Ross.  We now know him as Jack Ross; a legendary figure in the story of the College. Following his passing in 1978, our main sporting oval was named in his honour at the request of Nudgee Old Boys.

Jack Ross was a student here from 1908 to 1915. He played in the 1st XV Rugby team and  1st XI Cricket team as well as being the Rifle and Athletics champion. He briefly studied law, which his parents could not afford to continue to support, before then joining the staff. Jack Ross was a teacher here for 57 years until 1973. He was also a long serving president of NCOBA and secretary of the GPS association as well as president of Brothers Rugby Club.

In more recent years, the College also established a bursary fund named in his honour: the Jack Ross Bursary. This bursary is awarded to young men whose families have suffered from financial hardship and who are unable to fund their son’s education at Nudgee College. Since its inception, this Fund has supported the enrolment of over 20 students and continues to support current families. It is one way we have to ensure that there continues to be a diversity of socio-economic backgrounds within our community.

In the coming week, the College is tapping into the generosity of Nudgee Spirit through our bi-annual Giving Day on Tuesday 30 August. This year we are raising vital funds for the Jack Ross Bursary so that in the coming years we can continue to maintain places for good young men from battling families.

The 2022 campaign has been successfully launched this week and you can follow our progress on the Giving Day Website. We have already received a promising response to our appeal. I thank Stu and George Pola, who are the faces of this year’s campaign, for sharing their heartfelt story with the wider community. You will find  updates on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. The campaign has been months in the planning and I am grateful for the hard work and leadership of Ms Lindsay Khushal (Foundation Manager) on this initiative.

We hope that with the support of Giving Day by the Nudgee College community we can start the journey of future Nudgee men through the Jack Ross Bursary. 

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

The most basic definition of values is that they are a set of beliefs or opinions that influence how you live your life. They are vital to you personally and who you are as an individual. Values play an important role in shaping how you respond to situations and goals. Your values are unique to you.

We tend to adopt the values of people around us, like parents, teachers, politicians, and activists. There’s nothing wrong with those values, except they aren’t ours. Instead, we need to discover the values that nourish us. We begin to live in a world of “should” and “ought” because others do those things. 

Examining personal values forms the topic of the last Religion and Ethics task my Year 12 boys are about to undertake. After their time at Nudgee, the task challenges them to explain the values each of them intends to hold on to after they walk out the gates in a couple of months.

We hope all our boys aspire to the Nudgee values like respect and courage, effort and commitment and collaboration, to name a few. They can share these values with friends and family. However, each of them will develop values unique to himself. And I suspect this will become apparent when I read the responses my Year 12 boys submit. 

You can read all the self-help books you want and attend all the motivational seminars you can afford, but in the end, your job is to take a master class in self-awareness so you know what makes you tick. This self-analysis is at the heart of the task my class have been set. No one else is going to do it for you. Getting every boy to undertake this personal assessment as he completes his Nudgee journey would be interesting. What values will each of them hold onto as their own as they move beyond our gates?

Values play a significant role in establishing peace and protecting society. Respect is a crucial value we hope the boys take with them as they leave the College. Respect is one of the essential values that I think each of them needs to have. To show respect to a person, one must be able to appreciate that person's views, qualities and behaviours. A person should be willing to do to others what one expects other people to do to them. Ideally, respect is considered the most fundamental value from which all other social standards are derived. 

We hope that the time spent at Nudgee will have changed each boy's life for the better.  And as each of them sets goals for life beyond Nudgee, their challenge is to align their goals with their values.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

In this week in which we look forward to our traditional rivalry in Chess, Basketball and Rugby with our brother school, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace (older brother, in fact), we celebrate all we have in common and the shared stories and traditions which unite these two schools. 

We pray to the patron of our two schools, St Joseph:

Saint Joseph,

you lived your life in loving fulfilment of duty.

You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands.

You know our aspirations, our hardships, our hopes.

You too knew trial, labour and weariness.

But amid the worries of life,

your soul was full of deep peace

and sang out in true joy through intimacy

with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his Mother.

In your example we see that we do not work alone.

Teach us to find Jesus in those who are near

and to care and love Him faithfully as you have done.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice …

Pray for us!

Live Jesus in our Hearts …

FOREVER!

Mr Stephen Meara 

Dean of Identity

QTAC/Careers Information Evening

The QTAC/Careers Information Evening will be on Monday 29 August in the Christian Brothers Conference Centre between 3pm until 6:45 pm. We encourage students from Years 9 to 12 and their parents/guardians to attend.

This year's event includes Universities as well as exhibitors from several different industries. There will be opportunities for students to discuss pathways opportunities as well as potential employment.

After 5pm the focus will be on the Year 11 and 12 students and include presentations from QTAC in regards to the application process and Brisbane’s major universities and tertiary organisations, focussing on scholarship opportunities. 

RSVP using the link here!

Mr Paul Doneley

Director of Pathways

PE Faculty update

Our Year 11 Sport & Recreation (Applied Syllabus) classes have been busy this term investigating Outdoor Recreation, in particular Recreational Fishing. The boys have been responsible for planning and implementing an Outdoor Recreation experience, culminating in a two night excursion away to Moreton Island in Week 8. On the fishing side of things, it has not been all about the ‘catch’ (although here are some images of success below), as the classes have investigated marine environmental sustainability, such as protected zones, bag limits, as well as habitat and species identification. As the old saying goes, “You can give a man a fish and he eats for a day….”.

We wish our Year 12 Physical Education students all the very best as they prepare for their upcoming External Assessment (Exam). They will be busy with tutorial sessions and mock examination opportunities in the lead up to this culminating event.

Year 9 Health & Physical Education will run to a slightly different program in 2023. Currently, half the cohort undertakes the subject in each of the semesters, with a move to a whole year format for the entire year level next year. Topics covered in this critical time for our young men will be:

Making Healthy Desisions

• Social Drugs 
• Substance Abuse

Ultimate Disc

• Street Hockey 
• Futsal

Diet & Nutrition

• Basic daily needs 
• Sports performance

Mr Matt Waters 

Head of PE Faculty

Nudgee College Hosts the Inclusive Education Network

Last Wednesday, Nudgee College hosted the RI/PJP [Religious Institute/Public Juridic Persons] Inclusive Education Network that supports 36 Independent Catholic Schools across Queensland. The College hosted over 50 school staff, in person and online, including representatives from 24 of these schools, as well as the Executive Officer of RI/PJP Network on site. Facilitated by Ms Meg Ryan (RI/PJP Inclusive Education Consultant), the day involved staff sharing and learning about systems, processes, and resources to differentiate and support students across schools. The following topics/presentations featured: Insights from the National Disability and Inclusion Conference, the Care Team Meeting Model, Navigating Exam Blocks, Assistive Technologies, and Differentiation in Everyday Classroom Practice. The College’s Inclusive Learning teachers all attended.

Thank you to Mr Jason Sepetauc (Dean of Learning and Teaching) for opening the day, to Kai Combargo and Lachie Gray (Year 12 students) for Welcome to Country and Prayer, and to Ms Lesley Gardner (Head of Faculty - Humanities), Ms Charmaine Greatrex (Inclusive Learning Coordinator - Years 5 and 6), Mr Michael Ford (Year 6 Teacher), and Tim Low (Year 6 student) who shared their knowledge and lived experiences from Nudgee College. We appreciate the on-site support from Property and Services, IT, catering, and office staff who ensured the day ran seamlessly.

Dr Jane Brown

Head of Faculty - Inclusive Learning

Write a Book in a Day

Eight Year 10 students banded together for the annual Write a Book in a Day competition this week. Students were required to plan, write, edit and illustrate a book of up to 5000 words within 12 hours. The completed book The True Treasure was written in response to issued parameters and will be donated to a child undergoing cancer treatment. 

Our very talented team who attended various training sessions leading up to the event included: Benjamin Bloomfield, Xavier Cutuli, Benjamin Ditchburn, George Gillam, Sam Kewley, Alex Patti, Oscar Roati and Avneesh Sidhu. The team members not only raised awareness by participating in the competition, but also raised sponsorship funds which will be donated directly to The Kids’ Cancer Project. So far the students have raised $3,375. If you would like to donate to this very worthy cause and show your support of our participating students, please donate here.

It was a highly enjoyable day where students worked collaboratively to problem solve with the overall aim of improving the lives of others. I thank the participants for their significant efforts and active engagement in the experience.

The team and I would like to sincerely thank Ms Robyn Ryan who assisted in supervising the students for the duration of the competition.

Ms Stephanie Spicer

Program Leader of Enrichment

On Monday evening the College Leadership Team had the pleasure of speaking to Year 12 parents as our Year 12s navigate their final six weeks of school. A theme from this session that is relevant for all year groups is maintaining a balanced routine. It is common and okay for boys to feel a level of stress at this time of term, the key for us as teachers and parents is to provide strategies that build resilience to counter the pressures that life throws at us.

Routine is king:

• Turn up
• Be on time
• Consistent study/ homework timetable
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Eat well - limit soft drink and sugary drinks
• Boundaries on your Social Media
• Ask for help if you are struggling

A reminder for parents that there are lots of useful resources on our School TV platform to help you support your son - School TV - Parent resources.

Mr Anthony Connellan

Dean of Students

Seven weeks have come and gone in a flash, as per usual in Term 3. The well-placed “Exit Weekend” provided our boys (and our staff!) with some respite. We are hopeful that everyone took this opportunity to recharge their batteries in preparation for the busy conclusion of term.

Announcement of Head of Murphy House 2023

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we are able to announce the appointment of Mr Tom Coupland, who will assume the role of Head of Murphy Boarding house in 2023.

Tom, along with his wife Jacquelyn and son Huxley, will join the Nudgee Boarding community in January. Relocating from Sydney, Tom and his family are excited for the new chapter in their lives. Tom was a boarder himself, hailing from a cherry farm in Young, Western New South Wales. Tom boarded at St Joseph’s Hunters Hill and has worked there since 2012 as a teacher, coach and boarding staff member. Tom has fulfilled the roles of Acting Boarding Coordinator and Assistant Boarding Coordinator, which has seen him charged with the care of 190 boys on a nightly basis. We are excited to welcome the Coupland family and wish them all the best with the move to sunny Queensland.

Talwood Pink Ladies Day

Nudgee had the pleasure of sponsoring and attending the Pink Ladies Day in Talwood this week. Ms Tracey Hoffmann and Ms Kristen Mitchell headed west, carrying precious cargo - a beautiful table made here in our very own Design and Construction sheds. The table featured a resin pour design, reflecting the Border Rivers System and mapping out the local towns of the region. The timber itself is special - it was a piece from the Jacaranda Tree that sat out the front of Treacy Building for many years.

The table was donated by Nudgee to be auctioned off on the day and raised an outstanding $1,840 for the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. See below for some photos of the table and the proud new owners (please ignore the hat of the lucky auction winner!).A special thanks must go to Mr Trent Palmer and all of the team who made this amazing piece of furniture. Also, thank you to Tracey and Kris for attending this outstanding event.

Fathers’ Day Raffle

Please do not forget our Fathers’ Day Raffle. There is an amazing Yeti Pack to be won and all funds go directly to our Boarders’ Support Group! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

City V Country - Sunday 4 September

Lastly, don’t forget about the upcoming City v Country event! Our boys are fired up and the banter is flowing in the boarding houses. We had our first ‘lead up event’ last week, with the City Slickers narrowly winning the Tug-o-War! Next up is the relay race… However, we all know that the real bragging rights won’t be established until the Sunday 4 September! We look forward to seeing many of you there for a cold drink and some great rugby. 

Mr Casey Brealy

Dean of Boarding

What We’ve Been Doing

DIMENSIONS Student Arts Festival - Thanks to all involved in Dimensions for 2022 - students, teachers, staff, parents - and visitors! It was great to see people enjoying the gala opening night, and wonderful to be flooded with grandparents, and brilliant to see footy players coming off the field and into Tierney to show off their creations.

Chess - On Thursday, three teams competed in the North Brisbane Primary Inter-School Chess competition. Competing in the Premier Division against the strongest teams in the district, Ethan Johannes, Hugo Elliot, Nilay Shirolkar and Janav Patel finished 6th. Janav received a merit award for winning 4.5/7.

In the B Grade, Spencer Leo, Oliver Watson, Isaiah Omany and Max Watson had an amazing day and finished 2nd out of 26 teams. Spencer finished 3rd out of 81 players after winning 6/7. Oliver and Max also received merit ribbons for winning 4.5 and 5 respectively.

Also playing in the B Grade, Dihain Dewage, Griffin Thomas and Aidan Weaver finished 15th. An impressive result considering the handicap of being a team of 3 playing against teams of 4.

On Friday night the combined primary and secondary teams played BSHS in GPS Chess. After some tough matches Mitchell Kewley, Rafael Chase, Isaac Johannes and Aidan Weaver won their games. In the First IV, Dominic Stein secured a draw on board 4 against a player rated 300 points higher. Congratulations to all these boys.

Debating - the Inter House Debating final took place on Wednesday at lunchtime to a packed crowd. Duggan and Riley battled it out, but you’ll have to wait until next week’s Assembly to find out who one!

Music - the first of our annual Studio Concerts took place on Wednesday evening, with Guitar and Bass students performing in an evening soiree. The range of ages and styles of music was extraordinary - thanks to Mr Walter Stepf and Mr Dale Jones, our Guitar and Bass Tutors.

What’s Coming Up in Weeks 7 and 8

Chess finish the season with two away rounds - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace in Week 7, and Ipswich Grammar School on THURSDAY of Week 8. We are thrilled to know that we already have interest from supporters travelling to Terrace.

Music will continue their studio recitals on Wednesday with Percussion in C1.1 and Strings and Vocal students in the Chapel. Please joining us for a drink and light refreshments in Cleary from 6 ahead of a 6:30 start.

Debating masterclasses continue on Monday afternoon for all current and interested future debaters - complete with pizza break! Join us in Tierney.

2023 Musical will be announced at next week’s Assembly, with auditions to be held in Term 4. Stay tuned for more information!

As always, please contact me with any questions.

Ms Alex Khafagi 

Director of Performing Arts

What's coming up this week

Track and Field Meet # 2 on Friday night

Basketball and Rugby vs GT (A)

Make sure you are following @ncactivities on Instagram, Facebook and the Nudgee College App for all updates. 

Term's Withdrawal

Are your son’s circumstances changing in Term 4 or beyond?

The College’s financial planning for the delivery of services in 2023 is approaching completion and as such, we draw your attention to the processes relating to withdrawing a student

As with many schools, we require a full term's notice to withdraw a student without penalty. Should the notice be given in a shorter period closer to the end of the year, unnecessary pressures are applied to the College and to the broader parent community to absorb the current and future costs of planned services.

As per the policy, notification of the withdrawal at any time during the year is required no later than the first day of his final term of study. For example, if your son was finishing at the end of Term 4, notification would need to be received by the first day of Term 4.

Please email all withdrawal notices to admissions@nudgee.qld.edu.au for the attention of the Principal.

The Locker Room

We have Father's Day covered at the Locker Room.

Dad would love some Nudgee Gear.  Lots to choose from.

Nudgee loves their Uglies gear. Get yours instore or online.

Uglies Jersey $100   Uglies Shorts $40

Current Vacancies

The College is currently seeking Casual Bus Drivers, please apply via Seek if you are interested.