Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) launched its new Child Safeguarding Standards Framework to mark the start of National Child Protection Week, which commenced on Sunday. You can access further information on the Queensland Child Protection Week here.
The framework reaffirms EREA’s commitment to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing and participation of all children and young people is paramount.
Dr Wayne Tinsey (EREA Executive Director) wrote the following to the EREA education community:
“This is a significant document that demonstrates our strong commitment to doing all that we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people under our care. The EREA Child Safeguarding Standards Framework is designed to further enhance a culture within each of our schools wherein protecting children and young people from abuse and other harm, and the promotion of child safety, participation, empowerment and wellbeing is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of leaders, staff and volunteers.
The purpose and intent of the Standards contained in this Framework is to embed a culture of child safety and wellbeing by demonstrating values in practice; nurturing the wellbeing of all children and young people, respecting their dignity, ensuring their safety and protecting them from abuse and other harm. This we do by at all times acting in the best interests of children and young people under our care. All of us throughout EREA share this responsibility.”
The EREA Child Safeguarding Standards Framework, along with a video launch, can be found on the EREA website by accessing Safeguarding Children.
The purpose and intent of the standards contained in the Framework are designed to:
embed a culture of child safety and wellbeing by demonstrating values in practice
nurture the wellbeing of all children and young people
respect the dignity of young people
ensure the safety and protection of children from abuse and other harm.
All EREA schools and entities, including Nudgee College, will be held accountable to the Child Safeguarding Standards and will regularly report to EREA on how these standards are being addressed. EREA’s Child Safeguarding Standards are closely aligned to those established by Catholic Professional Standards Limited applicable to all Catholic Church entities throughout Australia, especially those relevant to schools.
At a school level here at Nudgee College we remain steadfastly committed to enhancing a safe community environment where wellness of mind and body, resilience, emotional intelligence and sense of self for all Nudgee College men are priorities for all.
Finally, well done to the Year 12s for their hard work over two days in the QCS test. This is the final sitting of QCS across the state and is certainly a landmark for secondary education in Queensland. Our boys were prepared extremely well and committed to extra sessions during the many months of preparation. They also applied themselves fully for the two days and we are optimistic that their results at the end of the year will reflect their efforts.
Mr Peter Fullagar Principal
Deputy Principal
Well done to our Year 12 students for their efforts this week in sitting the QCS test. The boys were well prepared, approached this task with maturity and all seemed very focused. I was impressed with their determination to succeed in the weeks leading up to the test; this was, for me, evidence of their resolve to succeed as a year group. Our particular thanks to Ms Peta Scott for her exceptional efforts in preparing materials, organising staff and students for this exercise and her attention to associated administrative tasks. Thank you also to the QCS teaching team, who are all passionate about improving student outcomes.
This will be the first of several reminders to our Year 12 gentlemen that it is their efforts and performance in their school subjects which is paramount moving towards the end of the year. I have seen many students in the past get to this point of the year and decide it was time to ‘clock off’. This would be a terrible mistake as it is really now a ‘race to the finish-line’.
The boys have in front of them the best opportunity for controlling their individual outcomes by focusing on doing their best in the upcoming exam block, and then completing all the assessment they have next term. And please note, all subjects do require at least one more piece of assessment in Term 4, and this assessment grade does contribute to their final exit grades. It is now about rank order.
Finally, Year 12s need to be considering what they need to do in regards to university entrance and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) procedures. There was a session earlier in the term where boys have been walked through the necessary steps in applying for tertiary positions next year. I urge all Year 12s to take the time over the coming weeks to complete these important applications. Taking time to research and make plans for post-school life can provide a nice break from studies, while also helping you to stay motivated by reminding you of the bigger picture. This may include researching institutions and courses of interest, making travel plans for the holidays, organising things for your gap year or putting together course applications.
For those boys wanting to head to university, QTAC applications close 30 September 2019. QTAC changes of preferences close 16 November 2019.
If in doubt or you need help, please see Ms Dee Tyrrell in Learning and Teaching, or email me.
Mr David Johnston Deputy Principal
Identity
Friday last week saw hundreds of Nudgee students and staff became 'Stella Fellas' and 'Stella Bellas' for the day by swapping out our College ties for a bow tie. Stella Fella Day aims to raise funds and support the work of one of our partner organisations, Project Futures.
Project Futures connects people to the issue of human trafficking, slavery and exploitation by creating meaningful experiences that raise funds, educate and empower our generation to take action. Funds generated support established projects in the Asia-Pacific region that help prevent, support and empower those affected, which currently includes Australia and Cambodia.
Nudgee has supported Project Futures for several years, always enjoying the fun of Stella Fella Day while committing to building a culture of respect and equality toward women through our words and actions.
Mr Stephen Meara Dean of Identity
Learning and Teaching
Queensland Core Skills (QCS)
Congratulations to the Year 12 students who sat the QCS test on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. We trust the preparation - led by a team of dedicated teachers over the past 18 months - will contribute to good OP results. Every Friday QCS classes were led by Ms Nardi, Monica See, Ms Becker, Mr Scott, Ms Moore and Mr Gibb. Special thanks to Mrs Scott for her tireless work in coordinating the QCS program and Mr Johnston for his oversight.
This QCS test is the last to be held in QLD. Next year the ATAR system will accept its first graduating cohort. External subject exams will become a feature of the school calendar each November.
Beyond the tests and upcoming results, the QCS brought a sense of unity. The boys shared breakfast each morning and a blessing centred and calmed nerves. The act of sharing lunch after the tests each day also recalibrated the boys after an intense effort. We look forward to their return tomorrow and trust they’ll finish this term’s assessment off strongly.
Get Set for Work (GSW)
Year 12 boys on a non OP pathway also had a productive two days. Some completed a barista course, whilst others secured first aid qualifications. GSW boys also enjoyed a day of recreation at the Go Kart track. The fun activities at the track were interwoven with occupational health and safety lectures. Likewise, we encourage the GSW boys to work hard to complete their assessment towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Examinations
Next week Year 10 will commence examinations on Monday. They are starting earlier than other years due to their upcoming immersion experience.
Monday 9 September: Religion and Ethics, Studies of Religion, Ag. Science
Tuesday 10 September: Specialist Maths, Drama
Wednesday 11 September: Methods and General Maths, PE
Thursday 12 September: Chemistry, Music
Friday 13 September: Physics
All students are reminded that examinations are a compulsory part of assessment. It is the responsibility of students to check their examination timetable, listen to the instructions of their teacher, read daily notices or refer to their calendar, unit outlines and/or LMS. Students should ask for clarification if unsure.
Except in special circumstances, catch up examinations will not be scheduled. This is a change in academic culture but necessary to ensure academic integrity. Running catch up examinations encourages unfair practices and burdens the College’s academic administration and teachers. The College expects students to attend school and complete assessment.
If a student misses an examination, the College will always endeavour to determine a grade using valid evidence. In Years 5 to 11, depending on the circumstances, the following can be applied.
Use evidence from other assessment instruments in the unit to determine a grade consistent with the boy’s performance.
Administer a comparative task which assesses the same outcomes (it does not need to be an examination).
As a last resort, a ‘no result’ (NR) may be awarded for the task and/or unit. This would only occur when reasons for the absence were unapproved, attempts to complete comparative assessment failed and no valid evidence was available for grading.
NAPLAN
We proudly acknowledge our boys in Years 5, 7 and 9 and their overall NAPLAN results. In all three year levels, our average score exceeds the national average score in all five domains (reading, writing, spelling, grammar & punctuation, and numeracy). Next week, individual student reports will be sent to families.
We know that NAPLAN assesses the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy. As an assessment tool, it enables schools to measure progress over time. At Nudgee, we consider this data alongside evidence from many other assessments. Ultimately, the data enables families, schools, and education systems to ensure students are supported in their learning.
Nudgee College teachers are working exceptionally hard at lifting the literacy progress of every boy. Improvements in sentence structure and vocabulary are our targets. On Monday afternoon, we gathered as a Professional Learning Community to examine best-practice in literacy instruction – yet another chance to ‘sharpen the saw’. We acknowledge the expertise of Jodie Moore, Bonnie Becker and Paul Cazzulino, and thank them for shaping the path to improvement.
Mr Jason Sepetauc Dean of Learning and Teaching
Student Formation
Grandparent’s Day
Win, lose or draw this Saturday against Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) – but fingers crossed for a win – the home games in Rugby and Basketball will attract plenty of visitors to Nudgee College, including many wonderful grandparents as part of Grandparent’s Day. Grandparent’s Day is a fantastic opportunity for our students to share their school with significant family members whilst enjoying morning tea in the Boarders’ Dining Room.
I urge all families to embrace this day and stay to watch our 1st teams play Basketball at 12.15pm in the McKennariey Centre and Rugby at 2.15pm on Ross Oval. As always, we ask your son to be in attendance for this day to stand united with his Nudgee College brothers in a common cause, and, most importantly, to have lots of fun and celebrate Nudgee Spirit.
Coupled with a busy day of sporting activities, Nudgee College will also celebrate the cultural pursuits of our students with the annual Dimensions Arts Festival. During the day visitors to the College will be able to view local and interstate artists’ work in Tierney Auditorium, in conjunction with the creative excellence of our very own students. We hope to see you all there!
Queensland Child Protection Week
It’s Queensland Child Protection Week, which is a good time to have a chat with your children about how they can keep themselves safe.
Child protection is everyone's business. The responsibility lies with adults in keeping children safe from harm. All members of our community need to play a part in ensuring children are nurtured and safe. Listening to children and young people is the number one action to assist with their safety and wellbeing. Children and young people are honest, and they are unlikely to lie about abuse. They are more likely to stay quiet about it than to speak up (especially if they know their abuser).
Are you regularly reminding your son about these two key protective behaviour themes?
We all have the right to feel safe all the time
Nothing is so awful that we can't talk with someone about it
I believe it’s good to cover these key messages regularly every year.
If you become aware of a situation that you are concerned about and believe it may be a child protection matter, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with one of the College’s Child Protection contacts, or the Principal:
Our child protection policies are available on the College website. If you wanted to speak with someone outside of the College, several options are below:
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Department of Child Safety: 3235 9999
Police: 3364 6430
The following systems are in place at the College for child protection:
All staff are either Registered Teachers or Blue Card holders
Edmund Rice Education Australia has mandatory child protection training
College Leadership Team and senior staff members have additional child protection training
All teaching and non-teaching staff undergo Nudgee College-based child protection training
Students are reminded about how to stay safe in the daily student notices
An independent Child Protection Consultant, Ms Bev Patterson, supports, monitors and audits Nudgee College’s systems, practices and processes
There are many mandatory reporting systems in place that are set out in legislation and EREA policy
Students have classroom lessons on safety during Child Protection Week
Nudgee College has numerous staff who are Child Protection contact
Students can lodge confidential bullying reports via the College website
Most significantly, a student-focussed culture is the foundation of our College
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about our systems or you ever feel your son is not safe.
Volunteers Needed for Valedictory
The Valedictory Dinner for our Year 12 students may seem a long way off, being on Thursday 14 November; however, once we return from the holidays in Term 4 the time just seems to fly by.
Every year we have a very helpful band of parents who get together to help plan and achieve the very important role of decorating the Valedictory dinner tables, as well as provide event assistance. This year we encourage and welcome parents from Years 7 to 11 to get involved and share in this experience so that the Year 12 parents can sit back and enjoy the event.
Some parent help is needed for upcoming working bees (dates listed below) as well as putting everything together on the day:
Monday 11 November at 8.45am: Pack bags and ties at the Student Office
Thursday 14 November at 8.30am: Set up at Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre
Friday 15 November at 8.30am: Pack down at Christian Brothers’ Conference Centre
If you would be interested in helping and sharing your time please email Ms Larissa Patti via lpatti@nudgee.qld.edu.au.
Mr Peter Todd Dean of Students
Junior School
Queensland Child Protection Week
This week is Child Protection Week in Queensland. I am proud to be a Child Protection contact at Nudgee College, whereby the safety of every child in our care is our main concern.
Please see below for information on how you can ensure your son’s protection in the electronic world we now find ourselves in:
Our Pact: This is a free service for setting time based restrictions on iOS and Android devices. Parents can install it on a child's device, and control the settings from their device or from a website to set device bed times, schedules, and block or grant access to apps at a moment's notice.
It’s Time We Talked: Many adults are unaware of how pervasive pornography has become, the nature of the material young people see or how it is affecting young people’s sexual understandings and experiences. In order to assist young people to navigate this new reality, parents, schools and community organisations must first understand the issues. This site helps parents to understand what is the current reality in this area.
eSafety (iParent): Here, parents can learn about the digital environment and keep updated on their children’s technology use. You can find guidance for using safety settings on your family’s web-connected devices, tips for choosing movies and games and strategies for keeping young people safe online.
Parents often express to me their despair of how much time their son wishes to spend on electronic devices. I remind each parent and caregiver that we are the adults in this scenario, and as adults we determine what access our children have to our home Wi-Fi network. A common plea from students is that they are the only ones not allowed to play, game, sign up etc. In setting strong standards for your son’s internet use, you are not alone. I am happy to chat personally to any parent about how to make their son safe online. Please contact me via the Junior School Office should you need further assistance.
Mr Chris Cawley Director of Junior School
Boarding
Boarding Photo Competition
Every year when we run the Boarding Photo Competition. I am always in awe of the talent amongst our boarders and this year is no exception. We have had so many wonderful images submitted to the competition and I thank Art teacher Ms Katherine Ellis for once again taking on the difficult task of judging this year’s entries. It is with great pleasure that I announce this year's winners and runners up from each Boarding House:
O’Brien: Winner: Angus Williams Runners Up: Daniel Atkins and Cooper Luce
Cotter: Winner: Preston Alopea Runners Up: Tristan Gill and Elijsha Hill
Hodda: Winner: Jack Henry Runners Up: Declan Sanday and Cooper Green
Murphy: Winner: Harry Coventry Runners Up: Ben Wyatt and Luke Maugeri
Holiday Leave
With exam block starting on Thursday 12 September, boys should be starting to think about their travel home at the end of the term. Could I ask that you or your son enter his vacation leave into REACH by no later than Monday 16 September to assist with rostering, meals etc.
If your son is in Years 5 to 11 and needs to depart prior to 1.00pm Friday 20 September he must have approval from the Principal (this is also required if your son is not returning on the first day of school in Term 4). Mr Peter Fullagar can be contacted at principal@nudgee.qld.edu.au.
We will have the usual buses to the airport and Roma St Station on the last day of school. If your son needs transport to the airport on the last day please enter this into the notes of his leave application, including the flight number and departure time, or alternatively contact your Head of Boarding House directly.
Weekend Recreation
Friday: Activities on site
Saturday: GPS home round, driving range
Sunday: Hiking
Mr Christian Oneto Dean of Boarding
Activities
Basketball
After a tough couple of weeks for the 1st V, it was good to get back in the win column. The Week 6 bye gave us a chance to spend some extra time refining our game, and it showed. We built an early lead playing full court pressure defence that overwhelmed Brisbane Grammar School (BGS); generating turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. Jaisson Angalo, Thasindu Chandrasekara, and Mason Davis led the defence, which was highlighted by intensity and communication. The large cushion allowed us to give some of our younger squad members some valuable 1st V court time. Nate Scott responded particularly well, scoring in a variety of ways including three three-pointers. Josh Clark also continued his strong defensive work with multiple blocks.
Across the board, we would all agree that this was a round to put behind us, as BGS performed extremely well as a whole.
The Year 8s continued their strong development and brilliant play. The As set the standard with a strong performance, which resulted in a convincing win for the boys. Across the board the boys won five out of the seven games played on the day. Well done!
In these last couple rounds of the GPS season, the boys are working hard to string a couple of victories together to end the season on a high. With that being said we are hoping to see all of you at the McKennariey Centre for a huge crowd versus BBC this Saturday 7 September at 12.15pm.
Mr CJ Massingale Basketball Director
Chess
Playing against the Premiership favourites BGS last Friday, the 1st IV fought hard but unfortunately lost 0-4. Our Junior team had more success, winning 2.5-1.5 thanks to wins from Eric Yang and William Kewley, while Patrick Kennedy managed a draw. In the Open team George Coorey drew against a higher rated opponent, and in the Senior team Nathan Levu earned his fourth big upset win for the season, proving he's a player to watch in the future.
Last weekend we also ran our 2019 Championship. Congratulations to James Hong, who won the Overall Championship, with Jazz Born earning Senior Champion, Eric Yang winning Junior Champion and Mitchell Kewley becoming Primary Champion.
Mr Martin Harmon Chess Director
Rugby
We had another really impressive day on Saturday across all age groups. We played 34 games against BGS, Churchie, GT and TGS and were lucky enough to come away with 30 wins! Another big shout out to the 16C & 16E coaches and players who went out to TGS... our 16Cs got off the two hour bus trip and played their best game of the season winning 48-0!
Nudgee Team of the Week R7
James Chapman (15C)
Wil Rogers (15A)
Ben Langton (14C)
Roman DeClara (14A)
Henry Dennis (12C
Lewis Shaw (16C)
Raepa Schmidt (3rdXV)
Ed Kasprowicz (12A)
Tom Kewley (11B)
Elfie Piper (11B)
Oliver Patterson (12A)
Brodie Ramsey (13C)
Dylan Nicholls (6thXV)
Trezman Banjo (1stXV)
Louis de Villiers (15A)
Training this week
a gentle reminder that all boys must fulfil their training commitments right up to the end of the season
next season sports (rowing, cricket, athletics, etc.) are starting their pre-season training, but boys are not to miss rugby training for pre-season offerings
don’t forget about the Friday morning PSS sessions
the last 2 x games for many teams will be their toughest of the season so we need to finish the season well!
Round 8 - Halley Appleby Memorial Trophy
Saturday’s GPS Rugby round against Brisbane Boys’ College honours and celebrates the life of a talented Nudgee College Old Boy, Halley Appleby.
In 2011, at 21 years of age, Halley passed away playing the game he loved so dearly. He was one of UQ Rugby’s most popular and well-loved players. Halley attended Nudgee College from 2005 to 2007 as a boarder from the Sunshine Coast.
We look forward to honouring him on Saturday.
Rugby Photos
Important: Photos are next week (these are incorrectly scheduled in the calendar for this week)
Have a great week everyone!
Sean Graham Rugby Director
Track and Field
Nudgee College Track and Field really hit full stride in the latter part of last week, with 74 boys competing at the Metropolitan North Track and Field Championships (Met North) on the Thursday and Friday, followed by our Intermediate team competing in the Nitro Schools Challenge on the Saturday. In addition, another large number of enthusiastic Track and Field men turned up on Friday night for the second of this season’s GPS lead-up meets, hosted by Brisbane State High School (BSHS) at QSAC. The boys competed outstandingly at both the Met North and Nitro meets. Of the Met North medallists below, 22 have been selected (along with Trezman Banjo and Blake Turner) in the Met North team to compete in the Queensland Schools Track and Field Championships in Cairns from 19 to 22 October. For the last 45 years this meet has always been held at QEII (QSAC) and as such this will be quite an exciting state titles for these young Nudgee College men to participate in.
Met North Results
Gold
Ashley Wong: 15 Years 100m (11.12secs – NEW RECORD), 15 Years 200m (22.25secs – NEW RECORD)
Ben Fraser: 17 Years 110m hurdles (16.22secs), 17 Years 100m (11.54secs)
Callum Wallace: 15 Years javelin (49.06m)
Harrison Turner: 15 Years 800m (2:03.87mins)
Ethan Petcos: 16 Years long jump (6.29m)
Malachi Tuck: 15 Years discus (47.16m)
Izayha Kelly-West: 16 Years javelin (52.94m)
Alex Romano: 14 Years 400m (54.50secs)
Daniel Warren: 18 Years shot put (11.71m)
Silver
Jacob Johnson: 13 Years 800m (2:17.53)
Ethan Petcos: 16 Years high jump (2m)
Callum Wallace: 15 Years discus (45.48m)
Mason McDonald: 17 Years javelin (48.43m)
Charles Best: 15 Years 400m (53.29secs)
Alex Pattison: 14 Years javelin (37.62m)
Thomas Mallet: 14 Years 100m (11.94secs)
Bronze
Jacob Johnson: 13 Years 90m hurdles (15.13secs)
Callum Beane: 14 Years 100m hurdles (18.10secs)
Alex Romano: 14 Years 200m (24.72secs)
Roman De Clara: 14 Years shot put (12.21m), 14 Years discus (36.48m)
This competition is a short, sharp and fun event that gives students an opportunity to participate in an inter-school, team-based athletics meet. The competition has three divisions: Junior (Under 14), Intermediate (Under 16) and Senior (Under 19).
Congratulations to our Intermediate team for finishing in first place on Saturday: Ashley Wong, Ethan Petcos, Malachi Tuck, Callum Wallace, Matthew Johns, Sam Rogers, Charlie Best, Harrison Turner. These boys will now go on to compete in early December at the Australian Schools Knockout Championships in Perth.
Mr Peter Kropp Track and Field Director
Swimming
Training for Term 4 commences Week 2, Term 4 2019 at the pool.
10 Years to Open
Monday: 3.15pm to 4.00pm
Thursday: 3.15pm to 4.00pm
All students are welcome to attend these sessions.
Ms Lauren Byrne Activities Administrator
Events
Dimensions Art Festival
Opening Times
Friday 6 September (Opening Night Gala): 7.00pm to 11.00pm
Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday 8 September (Dimensions on the Green): 10.00am to 2.00pm
The College Tuckshop is seeking volunteers for this Saturday’s Rugby and Basketball home games. Any time you could give would be greatly appreciated. If you’re able to help out please fill out this form.
Holiday Hours
College Office (3865 0555)
Monday 23 September to Friday 4 October: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Monday 7 October (public holiday): Closed
From Tuesday 8 October: 8.00am to 4.00pm
The Locker Room (3865 0498)
Monday 23 September to Tuesday 1 October: Closed
Wednesday 2 October to Friday 4 October: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Monday 7 October (public holiday): Closed
From Tuesday 8 October: 8.00am to 4.00pm
Book Hire Room (3865 0172)
Monday 23 September to Friday 4 October: Closed
Monday 7 October (public holiday): Closed
From Tuesday 8 October: 8.00am to 2.30pm (Monday to Thursday) and 8.00am to 2.00pm (Friday)
Nudgee College Music Performance
Come see Nudgee College Rock Bands 1, 2 & 3 Perform at St Dympna's Spring Fair this weekend!
