Principal
I am pleased that few parents get to see my desk. While at the beginning and end of each day it is relatively tidy, in between times it becomes littered with all sorts of paperwork and random notes. On my desk pad there are also a variety of scribbled notes to remind myself to call someone or to follow up something as well as various quotes that I come across from time to time. One of the quotes includes the following: Community is a verb not a noun.
I cannot recall from where I have pilfered this quote but events of the past week at the College reminded me that, in its truest sense, community is about our actions. In effect, it is what we do to shape, form and share within a group of people that defines the nature of that community.
We have all been astounded by the community response to our inaugural Giving Day for Mary’s Bell Tower. This response can be measured by the amount raised but, at a deeper level, also by the number of donors. We received more than 730 individual donations in the 24 hour period. To my way of thinking, this exemplifies that our community spirit is something that is shared broadly by current and past families, staff, Old Boys and students. The final total of over $162,000 is significantly beyond our original hopes for the campaign. This total speaks to the generosity of the heart that is an important dimension of the school culture of Nudgee College. The act of giving financially, whatever the amount given, can also be seen as being symbolic of the depth of community connection.
Special thanks to the Development and Communications team, in particular Ms Tara Shipperley and Ms Erina Hitchings, for their leadership of this initiative. Thanks also to the team of mums and dads, as well as one young Old Boy, who manned the phones during the Giving Day.
Many in the boarding community will be well aware of the impact border closures are having on our interstate families. Others in the school will be less familiar with the current situation, which means that we have 30 boarders from NSW, ACT and Victoria who are unable to return home in the coming holidays without having to quarantine on their return and subsequently, miss face to face teaching for 14 days. The issue has received significant coverage in the media in the past week, including interviews with our own parents, students and staff. Lobby groups such as ICPA, ABSA, QCEC and ISQ have advocated strongly for a change to exemptions, Sadly, without any success.
Earlier in the year, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer provided exemptions for this scenario, but all boarding schools were advised late last week that this is no longer the case. In effect, many interstate boarding students will not see their families between July and the conclusion of school in late November. Not surprisingly, these boys and their families are struggling with the impact of this decision. These Boarding families have had to find alternative arrangements for their sons in the coming holidays. Fortunately, a number of Nudgee College local families have offered to take these boarders into their homes for the holidays – another example of how actions define a community.
As many in the community are aware we were faced with the situation of a missing student last Thursday evening. This became a matter of concern for the Queensland Police Service. Fortunately, the story had a good outcome, which was a relief to all involved. Part of that good outcome was the influence of an individual from the Nudgee College community. One of our own mothers was alerted, through a year level social media group, of the situation on Friday morning. Fortuitously, she came across this missing boy while on her morning walk. Her gentle presence provided reassurance to the boy until he could be reunited with his family. Once again, community in action at a very personal level.
Final points:
- On Wednesday evening we held a webinar for Year 12 parents, which was strongly supported. The academic roadmap for the end of the year was outlined in some detail, as were the pathways beyond Year 12 and the organisation of the various events that mark the special journey of Valedictory. Our intention has always been to provide these young men and their families with the best possible farewell within the limits of what is defined as COVIDSafe.
- No doubt we will all be celebrating Father’s Day in all manner of ways this weekend. To our boarders who will not be seeing their dads this weekend, it can be an uncomfortable day. However, whether they be with us on the day or not, we give thanks to all the dads, grandads, step dads and men who play important paternal roles in the lives of our 1,680 boys. Enjoy a special moment.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
