Principal
It is difficult to put into words some of the emotions that are associated with the key events of this week. Awards Night and the Senior Valedictory are culmination occasions that celebrate success, achievement and accomplishment as well as highlighting school values and culture.
Tuesday’s Awards night was filled with pride and happiness. While academic success is at the forefront of the evening there are also a diverse range of awards that highlight other talents as well as commitment and service in various endeavours across all dimensions of school life. Standouts for me were the musical performances that were energising and a sign of the progress we have made in Performing Arts this year. I would also like to highlight the recipients of the Edmund Rice Awards:
Student - Luke Power (year 11)
Staff - Mr Mark Chamberlin (Property and Services)
Community - Mr Randall Corless; Ms Jo Curran and Mr Brad and Mrs Julie Cammack
Their generosity in serving the College community in truly diverse ways is deeply appreciated. Descriptions of the origins and meanings of our awards can be found by clicking the link here.
Today we farewelled the Year 12 cohort at the Senior Valedictory with a Mass and Presentation on Ross Oval. The Valedictory, along with the recent Day of Farewell, bookend the conclusion of Year 12. Over the last few weeks the majority of Year 12 have completed their external exams and submitted their final projects and pieces of assessment. Some have already started jobs and apprenticeships. The Valedictory on Ross is a poignant occasion as the Year 12s spend their final hours together. The speeches of both College Captain, Harry Roati, and his father, Alex, were outstanding and captured the unique qualities of the College from their perspectives.
The 255 young men who comprise the Senior class of 2022 leave with our prayers and best wishes for life beyond the gates. At the end of every year, there is both a sadness in seeing good Nudgee men and families leave us but also a sense of satisfaction and joy in having been part of their school journey. It is also a privilege to partner with families during these journeys from their first days as boys to the young men who left us at Valedictory.
Schools don’t stand still for long, of course, and this weekend we are looking forward to hosting the Boarding sleepover for the new boarders who are coming in 2023. This occasion complements the recent Orientation afternoon and helps to ease the transition of our new boarders, many of whom come from small country schools. There will be a good deal of excitement and trepidation on Saturday for these boys and their families as they take a very firm step on the path to starting life as a Nudgee boarder.
The reality is also that while we are hosting significant events, regular school life continues. End of semester assessment and exams are looming over these final days for many boys from Year 5 to Year 11. In some cases, assessments have already been completed. Interestingly, assessments and exams have a way of focusing a young man’s mind. They can also bring with them some anxiety and worry that needs to be managed and harnessed for successful outcomes through school.
With all that has been happening over recent weeks, it is more than a little disconcerting to realise that the school year comes to an end next Thursday.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
