Principal
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

