An Advent Prayer 

Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past. 
You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel.
You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.
You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like. 

Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.
You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.
You come to us through men and women who need our help.
You come to us as we worship you with your people. 

Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.
You will be with us at the hour of death.
You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.
You will still be God when our history has run its course. 

We welcome you, the God who comes.
Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Caryl Micklem, ‘Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship’

Mr Stephen Meara
Dean of Identity

This term has gone well and I would like to congratulate the Barrett Seniors for finishing their final weeks with dignity and I wish them well for their future years in the real world. Our final House Assembly was a special event that gave the boys a chance to acknowledge their time at Nudgee and to think about the future, as well as thank students, staff and parents.

A big thank you to the Barrett Tutors of 2019 for their care and support of the boys – Ben Williams, Alyssa Walke, Maureen Toohey, Chloe Arnold, Sam Martinuzi, Emel Corley, Richard Bauer, Damien Raciti and Julie Winter. We farewell Sam Martinuzi, who has taken a new role at Stuartholme and Alyssa Walke, who will be on maternity leave and wish them both well.

Thank you to Heather Trethowan for organizing the Barrett bake for our final Year 12 assembly. The response of bringing food in was outstanding and I thank all those who contributed. Thanks again to Heather for all her efforts with Barrett functions this year.

Well done to our House Prefects, Dane Casablanca, Harrison Van de Mere and Alex Woodroffe for their commitment and energy to their role. All year they have encouraged the boys to participate in House Assemblies and Inter-house carnivals and this was more than evident with the Inter-house Showcase this term. Jack Balwin’s impersonation of Freddy Mercury was one for the ages. Barrett House came third – our best result for a long time.

Once again we came third in the Vic Larkin Shield, which is a fantastic, consistent effort. This shield is based on all Inter-house events, plus academic results.

With a house full of outstanding young men, I would like to acknowledge the following students:

• Max Williams and Elliott Shepherd for their outstanding efforts as Big Brothers for the Year 5 and 6 boys.
• Nick Conway -  Best Athlete Award for most points at the GPS carnival
• Nick Fallis, Daniel Fuller, Kackson Harte and Alex Huang. - Most Valuable Team Man Award Basketball
• Ollie Smeaton, Nick Conway, Will Devlin, Jack Reynolds and Xander Penrose - Best Nudgee Team Man Award Rugby
• Benji Brandt, Angus McLean, Romesh Devadson, Byron Cason and Jack Harkins –Habits of Mind Award
• Cody Collette and Dane Casablanca - Art Show Award
  

Awards Night Recipients:

• Awards of Distinctions:
  • Dux of Year 6 – Paddy Williams
  • Dux of Year 8 – Oliver Kele
• Academic Awards:
  • Year 5 – Will Campbell, Matthew Fuller (Proxime Accesit)
  • Year 6 – Cooper Seery
  • Year 7 - Angus McLean - Maggie Shaw Prize for Creative Writing
  • Year 8 – Christopher Hernik and Dillon Watson
  • Year 10 – Jack Fuller and Jack Harkins,
  • Year 12 – Dane Casablanca and Elliott Shepherd
• Activities Awards:
  • Year 5 – Benji Brandt (Swimming), Will Campbell (Athletics)
  • Year 6 – Paddy Williams (Debating)
  • Year 8 – Christopher Hernik (Tennis)
  • Year 9 – Byron Cason (Cross Country)
  • Year 10 – Lachlan McGarry (Debating)
  • Year 11 – Will Cartwright (Volleyball), James Hong (Chess and Tennis), Ben McMillan (Rowing)
  • Year 12 – Brodie Boyce (Football), Connor Carroll (Cricket)
• Cultural Awards:
  • Year 5 – Will Conway (Oratory Champion)
  • Year 6 – Paddy Williams (Oratory Champion)
  • Year 11 – Jamie Dickman (Theatre Sports)

2020 Leaders:

• Will Cartwright, Kehan Sully and Jamie Dickman – Barrett House Prefects
• Andrew Brown and Kewan Busch – Big Brothers to the Year 5 and 6 boys
• Boarding Leaders - Tom O’Rielley (Murphy House) and Ollie Smeaton (Cotter House)
• Captains for Term 1 Sports - Ben McMillan (Rowing) and Will Cartwright (Volleyball)

Congratulations to all of these boys for their selections, and thank you to everyone who nominated for a position. I look forward to working with these boys and the other Seniors to make 2020 a great year for Barrett.

Mr David Kelly
Barrett House Dean

The end of the year seems to creep up on us with ever-increasing speed with each year that passes. However, term 4 is so full of wonderful milestones that everything seems to simply fall into place with a comforting sense of completeness. The Seniors departure was met with the usual mixed feelings - pride, excitement and sadness - and we sent them on their way with a fabulous last day of celebrations. We thank them for their friendship, spirit and hard work and wish them every success in the future. They will be missed. It would be remiss of me not to pay special tribute to our 2019 Prefects at this point. Charlie, Oliver, Ben and Yideg led the House with energy, enthusiasm and hard work. They were fine role models for all our students and I offer them my heartfelt and well-deserved thanks. It was an absolute pleasure working with them all.

With one group leaving another appeared and we welcomed our new students on Orientation Day back in Week 3. It is always such a special day to see the happy, smiling faces of new students and their families. It is also a very special day for our Year 11 boys as this is where they have their first real taste of House leadership. Our 2020 prefects,Vuli Anganjuan, Harry Neville and Campbell Rose stepped up to the mark and led the cohort, ensuring all our new friends left wanting to stay! I have to say that I was extremely impressed with the manner in which they were supported by the whole cohort. All available students were there and ensured our new students went home with smiles on their faces. Special thanks to our Big Brothers for next year - Parker Prout, Tom Raymond, Ellis Mahoney and Jordan Ball. The smiles were almost as wide on their faces as they were on our new young friends!

Social Justice continues to be the backbone of everything we do as a House. I am always extremely proud of the number of boys who attend a wide variety of programs each week. The Ecumenical Coffee Brigade sandwich making with Years 8 and 9 is a favourite. They are now professional sandwich makers and I can recommend the results!

From a social perspective, we had a very successful House Picnic before the big Showcase event. I find this to be a very special occasion where families meet, across generations, to share food and story in a relaxed and happy manner. This could not have happened without the hard work and support of the wider Duggan community, especially Bambi Silvertand and Angela Johns. Bambi deserves an extra big thank you for making Tie Dye shirts for all our boarders. No mean feat. This was, of course, followed by ‘Woodstock 2.0’ where all the boys performed with such heart and energy that all who watched had wide smiles across their faces. Boys, you are gems and you did Duggan proud.

The Year 11 Retreat is always a significant part of the leadership journey of our 2020 Seniors. It’s a big two days where they are all stretched and challenged to think, reflect and work as a cohesive team. I was very impressed with the mature manner with which all the boys approached this 2-day program. The energy was palpable, especially bearing in mind that it happened the day after Showcase. Duggan will be in very safe hands next year.

Finally, as always, I end with thanks. Thanks to the tutors. Belinda Drury, Nick Toohey, Richard Dupuy, Paul Doneley, Jamaal Sugars, George Goves, Armand du Mont and Lauren Nolan. Your care for your boys is nothing short of inspirational and I cannot thank you enough. They are all true professionals who demonstrate strength, compassion and kindness in all that they do. To the previously mentioned Prefects. You have done both yourselves and all of us very proud and the future looks great for you all. To the wider community - parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. You bring great joy to your lives. And finally, to our wonderful boys. You make it a pleasure to come to work every day. Your energy gives me energy, so take the time to replenish your batteries and come back in 2020 to do it all again!

This end of year is especially significant and meaningful for me as I embark on a year’s contract as Acting Director of Identity in 2020. As you all know, this is an area that is very dear to my heart and I feel extremely privileged to be given the chance to serve in this way. However, it is with a heavy heart that I step aside from the beautiful Duggan community for 2020. Thank you for your support, friendship and kindness and I will watch with great fondness, the growth and development of the wonderful Duggan House in 2020. See you all again in 2021!

A very Happy and Holy Christmas to you all!

Ms Sian Kennedy
Duggan House Dean

Although Term 4 was a mere eight weeks, the Fogarty men continued to excel and finish 2019 well. And what a busy and successful year it has been.

Congratulations to the Year 11 Fogarty boys who have been appointed leadership positions for the coming 2019 school year: Joshua Price, Kade Lamont and Henry Kidd (Fogarty House Prefects) and Patrick Kelly (College Vice Captain). We are truly blessed to have such a strong pool of leadership applicants, who I have no doubt, will do a wonderful job directing Fogarty House through 2020.

Every year, our College awards night seems to be bigger and better than the previous year. 2019 was no exception. Congratulations to the following Fogarty award recipients:

• Harrison Beirne - Swimming Under 10 Champion
• Finlay Hansen - Year 6 Tennis Champion
• Henry Potter - Academic Excellence Award
• Leo Fraser - Year 7 Tennis Champion
• Blake Turner - Cross Country Under 13 Champion, Best Performer at GPS Cross Country - Intermediate, Swimming Under 13 Champion
• Wade Lucas - Jack McInnerney Academic Excellence Award
• Elliot Browne - Ben Carroll Memorial Excellence Award
• Ben McGinty - Dux of Biology
• Benjamin Neal - Music Bass Award
• Mason Davis - Basketball Nudgee Team Man (1st V)
• Benji Bowker - Dux of Design
• Dominic Gillies - Visual Art Incentive Award
• Joshua Price - Willy Gard Award for Strings Excellence, Oratory Champion, Dux of Drama
• Patrick Kelly - Dux of Physical Education
• Khobie Redgard - Basketball Consistent Excellence 2017-2019 (1st V)
• Lachlan Gilbert - Music Keyboard Award
• Samuel Mills - Drama Encouragement Award, Dux of Pre-Vocational Mathematics

Fogarty House continued their support of the Leukaemia Foundation to help find a cure for blood cancer. Fogarty again hosted a College-wide “Shave” event in Term 1 and have continued to raise funds throughout the year. This was our best year yet, raising over $12,000. These donated funds are being used to help Australians with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related disorders survive their blood cancer and live a better quality life. In addition, Fogarty boys were actively involved throughout the many social justice programs offered by the Identity Department. Congratulations to Eddie Power, who raised $112 by running laps non-stop at lunchtime. His peers started raising money in awe of his commitment.

It is with great pride that I sincerely congratulate the Fogarty boys on their outstanding efforts in this Terms Inter-House Showcase. Although admittedly bias, I felt The Voice themed extravaganza was one of the best performances of the night. The students were responsible for the whole process, from song choice, to choreography (which for a controlling staff member, requires a lot of trust and faith). The boys certainly delivered, exceeding all of my expectations. Well done to all involved and thank you again, to Ms Elizabeth Todd for her leadership and sharing of her extensive production experience.

I would like to sincerely thank the house parents for all of their support throughout the year and their organisation of the bake mornings we run once a term as well as the Fogarty House functions. Their generosity and support is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank Mrs Marisia Woolf as Fogarty’s Head House Mother and the other parents for everything they do behind the scenes and their continued hard work.

Pastoral Care is of high priority within the Fogarty community and through dedicated commitment from our house tutors, they have helped establish a balance so the boys can get the most out of what is on offer throughout the College. I would like to thank Mrs Andrea Kewley, Mrs Maria Egan, Mr Trent Palmer, Mr Brent Mitchell, Mr James Makiol, Mr Declan Markey-Towler, Miss Elizabeth Todd, Mr Gerard McKeown and Mr Nick Lee for their support and work with the boys this year as their tutors. Finally, thank you to Father Gillen who continues to be closely aligned with Fogarty throughout the year, guiding us through House Masses and special ceremonies.

I wish all members of the Fogarty House Community a Happy and Safe Christmas. I look forward to seeing many of you back safe and rested in 2020, for what will undoubtedly be another action-packed year.

Mr Ken Adams
Fogarty House Dean

Term 4 is an interesting mix of farewells and planning for the future. As we say goodbye to our Year 12s, we look to the Year 11 students who will lead the College in 2019. In that vein, we sadly farewell Jack Buckley, Patrick Glass and Mitchell Lowrie as our Prefects and Jacob Duncan, Johna Luka, Cooper Tomlinson and Daniel Webb as our Big Brothers. These young men were outstanding in the manner in which they committed to their roles and led the House. Next year the mantle passes to Prefects Blake Keir, Oscar Varricchio and Tom Walsh with Big Brothers Christian Mills, Kyle Schramm, Justice Wasiu and Zida Wasiu working with the boys in Years 5 and 6. All of these boys have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their time at the College and we anticipate an energised 2020.

Continuing on the theme of student leadership, all of Magee was thrilled with the announcement of Injarra Harbour as the 2020 College Captain and Michael Jones as one of the College Vice Captains. Both of these selections are very well deserved and the College is in good hands with students such as this at the helm.

Trivia Night

Our combined Magee/Duggan Trivia Night was great fun. Thanks to Patrick Glass and Jack Buckley (Magee Prefects with RSAs) who did such a good job running the bar.

Year 9 Powerhouse Day

Thanks to Christian Mills, Injarra Harbour, Tom Mills, Tom Walsh, Tommy Navarro and Oscar Varricchio for leading a small group of Year 9 students.

Showcase

Thanks to the Prefects and to Ms Leila Boettcher for all their efforts for Showcase. It was an amazing performance due to their hard work and student participation.

Year 8 retreat

Thanks to Sione Mohenoa and Stephen Lean for leading the day. We appreciate the gentle manner in which Sione leads and constructs these important days.

Thanks to Year 10 students Rohan Astbury, Ethan Petcos, Dylan Eastland, Nick Knottenbeld, Zac Smullen and Gabe Allen for helping.

Awards

Well done to the following students who received awards at College Assembly:

Macrossan award - Luke Hardingham

Apologies to Luke whose name was omitted from the Bronze Academic award list and the GPS swimming list in a previous newsletter. This has been rectified in the Annual Article.

Habits of Mind Awards:

• Year 7 Nick Rosolen
• Year 8 Ty Lowrie
• Year 9 Thomas Robertson
• Year 10 Ethan Petcos

Congratulations to Rohan Astbury who was presented with a Long Tan Award for leadership. The following is an abridged version of his introduction at assembly:

Rohan is a leader in the classroom through his role modelling of excellent Learning Habits. He achieved Gold Academic Awards in Semesters 1 and 2 in 2018 and a Gold Academic Award for his efforts in Semester 1 this year. In Year 9, Rohan was the recipient of the Ben Carroll Memorial Excellence Award which was presented at our awards evening.

Rohan was awarded Nudgee Team Man for his 10A Football team. He engages proactively with the College social justice program, attending Big Brekky, mentoring the members of the 7A Football team and participating in the Buru Immersion this year.

Despite his achievements and involvement, Rohan remains the ultimate quiet achiever who is humble and gracious.

Award Night recognition:

• Dermot Clancy – Academic Excellence
• Nate Barnett - Academic Excellence
• Akira Chen - Swimming U 12 Champion
• Gabe Gerry - Oratory Champion
• Aidan Easton – Jack McInnerney Academic Excellence
• Anthony Mineo - Debating Most Consistent
• Joseph Wesche - Jack McInnerney Academic Excellence
• Jonah Nelson – Rowing Year 9 Best Oarsman
• Yashodhan Rayani - Ben Carroll Memorial Excellence
• Alex Romano - Track and Field Under 14 Champion, Ben Carroll Memorial Academic Excellence
• Gabe Allen - Dux of Business
• Rohan Astbury - Dux of Literature, Dux of Specialist Mathematics
• Henry Cliff – Football Most Improved Player (1st XI)
• Sam Klein - Dux of Physical Education
• Nikhil Lalwani – Year 10 Proxime Accesit Year 10, Dux of Legal Studies
• Flinders Noble - Dux of Construction
• Enrico Contarino - Drama Encouragement Award
• Lachlan Hill-Lews - Cross Country Under 16 Champion, Best Senior Performer at GPS Cross Country
• Blake Keir - Debating Most Consistent
• Alex Tsianakas - Sir James Walker Cattle Club Most Valuable Member
• Thomas Walsh - Dux of Literature, Dux of Japanese, Theater Sports Most Improved Improviser
• Nick White - Dux of Agricultural Practices
• Thomas Cobb - Dux of Construction, Dux of Engineering Pathways - Cert II
• Ethan Petcos - Drama Encouragement Award, Track and Field Under 16 Champion, Year 10 Ladies' Auxiliary Award for Conduct, Study and Sport
• Harry Vella - Br. D.V. Wallis C.F.C Rugby Trophy - Best & Fairest (1st XV), Excellence in Sport Award for Outstanding Achievement in a GPS Sport, The Old Boys’ Award for Outstanding Service to the College
• Lachlan Barrett - Music Voice Award, Outstanding Contribution in Music (Years 5-9) Award, Dux of Year 9

Thank you to the Magee PC Tutors for their dedication to the boys. We farewell Ms Monica See after 33 years at the College, the last year of which she looked after Magee 7. Monica was outstanding in her pastoral care of the boys in her PC. We also farewell Ms Leila Boettcher who has been with Magee 5 for six months. Her work on the Showcase item will always be remembered.

Importantly, special thanks to all the Magee House families who support us on a daily basis, in particular Jo Smith who is unwavering in her commitment and organisation. We would not be the community we are without all your support.

All the best for a restful and safe Christmas and I very much look forward to a bright 2020 in Magee.

Ms Julianne Daunt
Magee House Dean

The students of McKenna House have once again been a great group to work with throughout 2019. As Term 4 comes to a close, I would like to thank all of these young men for making my job a fun, exciting, challenging and rewarding one this year. As always Nudgee College is a very busy and dynamic place, with so much going in throughout the entire year.

McKenna House continued its support of Youngcare in 2019. Youngcare is a not-for-profit organisation spearheading powerful change for young people with high care needs. Through building High Care Housing, providing vital grants and a Youngcare Connect support line, Youngcare is creating a future where every young person has the freedom and choice to live the life we all deserve. We were lucky to have Youngcare CEO, Anthony Ryan, provide an inspiring speech to the boys during House Assembly which encouraged a strong call to action.

This year McKenna House participated in our usual fundraising of running the Football BBQ on the flats and hosting a House function with all proceeds going to Youngcare. In addition, we really got behind the Youngcare 'Brick by Brick' campaign. All of this hard work from the McKenna Men resulted in raising over $6000. This is the most funds McKenna House has raised in several years. In addition to these initiatives, the McKenna students had an active involvement with the Nudgee College Social Justice program throughout 2019. A great effort!

Our McKenna leaders for 2019: Jackson Cameron, Jacob Krayem, Mitch Perkins & Hamish Smith have done a terrific job in leading so well. Whilst our Senior group this year is slightly smaller than usual, they have been a very determined and hard-working group and have had a successful year. This year has been a great success due to the group of Seniors who have lead McKenna House so well. As these Gentlemen move onto their next journey my hope is a lifetime of happiness and fulfilment. We hope they return to Nudgee College in the future to watch the various activities on offer and even one day as parents.

We are very lucky to have such experienced Tutors in McKenna House. All of these Tutors were with McKenna House last year with some having been with McKenna for over 10 years. It certainly is a benefit to the McKenna students to have Tutors who are with them for multiple years of the journey. Thank you to the following tutors:

• Mc1 – Jaimee Trembearth,
• Mc2 – Gerard Alexander
• Mc3 – Peter Gledhill
• Mc4 – Kevin Ayres
• Mc5 – John Hodder
• Mc6 - Pep Cappello
• Mc7 – Alison Kilgour
• Mc8 – Nicky Beecham
• Mc9 – Matt Waters

I’d like to extend a huge thank you once again to our House Mother Margie Hutchinson. Margie has continued to generously volunteer her time to assist McKenna House. This hard work and generosity is very much appreciated.

Thank you to all of the McKenna community for your ongoing support of the House. A special thank you to the students of McKenna House. I feel very lucky to be able to work with you and see you grow into impressive young men.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Mr Paul Kehoe
McKenna House Dean

Wow! Term 4 and 2019 are over and what a year it has been. Our inspirational motto, ‘To begin, begin’ challenged the boys to think about how they can succeed and how making the simple step of beginning a task is all it takes to start on the path to success. This was something the boys lived by this year in all aspect of their Nudgee College lives; academics, sports and activities, social justice, in the classroom, around the College, and in their relationships with friends and family.

Our focus on House Spirit and participation ensured our pursuit of the Br Vic Larkin Shield started and ended in high spirits. While our placing in Swimming again proved we are not water babies in Riley House, we did improve on last year’s placings in Cross Country and Athletics. The debating was again a crowd pleaser and Leo De Clara, Daniel Kuskie and newest member, Oliver Byrans, gained us a worthy third place. The most recent highlight was our climb from ninth to fifth in the Inter-house Showcase. What a show the boys put on! Academically too, our results continued to be among the best in the College. While our performance hasn’t been as great this year, we are ready to come back fighting in 2020.

Participation in social justice activities continues to be an integral part of the Riley House identity.

The House leadership of 2018 –Jim Bridger, Jye Davies and Vidur Seghal as Prefects and Oscar Roati and Kobie Smith as College Vice Captains– were great role models for the boys. James Armitage, Cooper Corless and Daniel Kuskie, were selected as our House Prefects for 2020, from a talented pool of fourteen applicants. We look forward to what these young men can offer as a leadership group next year. At our Senior Farewell Assembly, we also congratulated two outstanding young men, Leo De Clara and Vidur Sehgal, as joint recipients of this year’s Br Riley Award for their meritorious conduct, participation and service to the House and College.

This year has been another big year for me. I thoroughly enjoy my role as Riley House Dean. I love getting to know all of the wonderful Riley men. I am inspired on a daily basis by their amazing spirit, kindness and unrelenting energy. I continue to have high hopes for what Riley House might achieve in the years ahead. Across all of our year groups, we have a wonderfully diverse collection of interests and talents – academic, spiritual, cultural, sporting and social awareness – and a great sense of family and community. This gives Riley House a great balance. What we have in Riley, is something very special and it is an absolute honour to be part of this family.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that you enjoy the break with family and friends. See you in 2020.

Ms Lynsey Hale
Riley House Dean

For the students of Ross House, 2019 has been a very industrious and successful year. At the beginning of every school year, the Ross House Student Leaders challenge every student in the House to be the best they can be in all areas of College life. The students of Ross House continue to rise to the challenge and it is important that we acknowledge some of the impressive accomplishments of our young men:

Semester 2 Habits of Mind Awards:

Year 7: Dusty Piper - Ian Brusasco award
Year 8: William Duffield -  Patrick Donovan award
Year 9: Hassan Raza - Steven Cook award
Year 10: Chad Oehlman - Stephen Daley award

Nudgee College Awards Night recipients:

Spencer Green, Seoirse Mitchell, Elfie Piper, Antoine Roberts, George Coorey, Dusty Piper, Jacob Johnson, Paddy Townsend, Joe Wilson, Ben Gunter, Leigh Chui-Clark, Cooper Corcoran, Zachary Manitta, Joseph Picone, Declan Townsend, Lastus Auakai, Mattias Dahlstedt, Owen Mitchell, William Svenson, Ben Weber, Harry Arnison, William Clarke, Ethan Irvine, Dean Kenny, Isaac Babao, Noah McFadyen, Hayden Bygott.

Championship Teams:

Track & Field: Jacob Johnson (U13 Champion), Nicholas Bembrick, Oliver Patterson, Elfie Piper, Dusty Piper, Sean Watkins, Jack Gunn, Luka Moore

Best Team Man Awards:

Basketball: Piers Parker 6A
Rugby: Isaac Babao 16E

I am always proud of the willingness of the Ross House Students to have a go at any challenge put before them. Regardless of the activity, we always turn-up in numbers and give it our best. Led by our Prefects and Seniors, the Ross House students put together a great performance and placed 1st in Showcase which was the final Inter-house event of the year.

Term 4 saw many Ross students continue to be involved in the College’s Social Justice program. It never ceases to amaze me how some young men rise to the challenge of standing in solidarity with those people in our community who are in need. Students ran a BBQ in the Junior and Senior School to raise money for our new House Charity which will support a community in Papua New Guinea that some of our Year 10s visit through the College’s Immersion Program.

Ross House is very proud of the calibre of its leaders and this year our House was led extremely well by our Prefects: William Clarke, Ethan Irvine, Dean Kenny and Campbell Lewis. Our Junior School Big Brothers: Dean Kenny, Luke Wright, Zane Kirk and Josh Tomlinson did a fantastic job in helping our new Year 5 students settle into life at Nudgee College and ensure our Year 6 students enjoyed their year. Hayden Bygott is to be congratulated for being such an excellent role-model and College Captain this year. This year’s Seniors will be remembered for their strong leadership of the House, unique personalities and the way they taught the younger students that being in Ross House means serving the House. We wish our Year 12 students all the best as they leave Nudgee College as a student for the last time. They will be missed. Next year will see the Nudgee College Student Leadership Team consist of another Ross House man in Lastus Auakai, who will be a 2020 College Vice Captain. This is a great acknowledgement of his service to the College and vote of confidence by his peers. The Prefects for Ross House next year form a strong team made up of Isaac Babao, Mattias Dahlstedt and Ben Weber. The Ross boys in the Junior School are in good hands with a fantastic group of Big Brothers to look after them in Ben Brandt, Lachlan Carmody, Owen Mitchell and Morgan O’Dwyer. I am confident in the future of Nudgee College and Ross House with these fine young men leading the way, supported by a great team of 2020 Seniors.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our PC Tutors who are terrific mentors and a day-to-day presence in the students’ journey through Nudgee College. A huge thank you to Mr Peter Kropp (Ross 1), Mr Brendan McGuinness (Ross 2), Mr Karim Sedour (Ross 3), Mr CJ Massingale (Ross 4), Mr Dave Fraser (Ross 5), Ms Sue Minor (Ross 6), Mr Dave Fletcher (Ross 7), Mrs Heather Hume (Ross 8) and Ms Sharon Williams (Ross 9).

It has been a privilege to be working with the young men of Ross House and their families again this year. I look forward to 2020 and the challenge of motivating and supporting our students to be the best they can be.

Mr Michael Byrne
Ross House Dean

Term 4 was another action-packed, exciting, challenging yet, most rewarding term. In true form, the Shaw students rose to the occasion by excelling in academic, sporting and cultural activities. This term we held our House Social Evening at Sandgate Bowling Club - a beautiful night under the stars with barefoot bowling and celebrating as a community with a BBQ and dessert bar.

Shaw House Social Justice Week, camps, and Retreat days saw students in all year levels kept busy in their involvement across College life. Showcase 2019 was amazing and the boys excelled in their production of the TOYBOX this year. In a word, their performance was simply awesome and I was more than proud at our second placing; congratulations to Ross House for first place.

However, the cherry on top for the year was Shaw House reclaiming the Brother Vic Larkin Shield! Well done boys!

To the Year 12s 2019, thank you for your energy, humour and good grace - we wish you all the best for your future and hope you visit us in years to come. Thank you for the fabulous leadership from our House Prefects and from our Big Brothers in the Junior school. Thank you to Marcus Cutuli, Siegy Beschel, Joe Stark, Eyzaiah Ulia, Xavier Bundock, Justin Bunker, Thomas Enders, and Zephaniah Kiwai for the passion, drive and sense of humour that you have brought in your leadership for Shaw House - you were wonderful! Congratulations to Oliver Horwood (College Vice Captain), Xavier Nicolaidis, Oahu Davey-Phillips and Max Grant (Shaw House Prefects), Manraj Birk, Howard Yanda, Christian Setefano and Henry Wallis (Junior School Big Brothers) 2020; I know you will all do a marvellous job.

Thank you to our wonderful PC Tutors for their ongoing support, guidance and care of the Shaw students - Mr David Sen, Mr Mark Reiken, Mr Anthony Gibb, Ms Marie-Rose Burton, Mr Thomas Eichinski, Ms Kathleen White, Ms Susan Reid, Ms Melissa Miller, Ms Kate McCarty and Ms Kate Fraikin - who continued to greet and build relationships with the Shaw students each day.

Again, a most sincere thank you to our House Mother, Jules Born, and her merry band of helpers and many parents for attending functions, providing for bake days – your support and effort is greatly appreciated and is what makes our community a family. Last Friday night, the Shaw House parents and I celebrated the end of another wonderful year, dining at Caso Cibo to toast a rewarding 2019. The heart of the House is, of course, our patron, Mrs Maggie Shaw. We thank Maggie for her continued enthusiasm, love and guidance she gives the Shaw students on her many visits to our Shaw events.

It has been a very successful and rewarding year and I feel very privileged to care for such an outstanding group of young men. We continue to build a vibrant, strong, caring and welcoming House community, filled with compassion and support for each other. I very much look forward to an equally fulfilling 2020. Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and holidays and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

In Faith and courage.

Ms Robyn Mann
Shaw House Dean

As we come to the close of another school year, the Tierney community has again had much to experience and celebrate in our final term of 2019.

Showcase was a focus early in the term.  Lead by the seniors with a “Showcase Showdown” theme it was tough competition again this year.  A highlight of our Showcase was the appearance of Year 10 student Aidan Roost who was able to leave the hospital that day and join the Tierney lads on stage. An incredible effort from a young man who has inspired all of us this year and continues to be a valued member of our Tierney community. Throughout the Showcase preparation the students were supported by several of our dedicated Tierney PC tutors and pre-service teacher Ms Tahnee Brahim who did an exceptional job of guiding the seniors through their paces in addition to choreography, costumes and musical support. Thanks also to Ms Kelly Vowles, Ms Candice Green, Ms Lesley Gardner and Ms Louise Nardi for their presence on the evening and support with choreography.

Academically the hard work and combined efforts of students, staff and parental support paid off with several of our Tierney men being recognised at our Annual Awards evening. Two Tierney students were awarded Dux of their year level which is an outstanding effort.  Congratulations to William Dallimore (Year 5) and Declan Cabot (Year 11) for achieving this academic milestone. Additionally many more Tierney students were awarded for their efforts in Academic Excellence, Academic Encouragement, Dux of Subject Areas, Excellence in Sport, Excellence in Culture and Service to the College Community.

The prestigious Habits of Mind Awards were also recognised at College Assembly and for Semester 2 were awarded to the following Tierney students: Harrison Smythe,  Ashley Wong, Patrick Kennedy, Dylan Roost and John Oneto. Additionally it was announced at the final school assembly, that Tierney House finished first place in the overall tally of behaviour and learning habits across the school reporting system. This was not only valuable in guiding the house to second place overall in the Br Vic Larkin Shield for 2019, but rather exemplifies that Tierney students are consistently meeting high standards for learning habits which is shown in the overall academic success and improvements across all year levels. Learning and classroom engagement is a priority and to be setting the standard for the school is an incredibly positive way to finish the year.

I’d also like to acknowledge the OP Tierney Award Winner for 2019, Harry Rigby. This award is given to senior students for their outstanding service to the house and Harry was a deserving winner this year. He has been an active member in the Tierney 1 PC class and has modelled persistence and work ethic in every facet of this Nudgee College journey, from the classroom to the sports fields. Additionally Harry was an outstanding athlete, a much respected class mate and a wonderful role model for his younger peers.

Team Man awards are always a personal highlight for me to witness and these are in recognition of the sports played in Term 3.  Congratulations to the following Tierney students recognised for an award that speaks volumes of their impressive character and positive approach consistently throughout a season:  Ethan Ferraro and Angus Casey (Rugby), Jasper Alipayo, Andrew Tora, Jameson Jameons, Simon Vollert and Joseph Hunt (Basketball). 

Ed’s Pantry has been a new social justice initiative that Tierney House has supported this term. The response from the Tierney community to support this new social justice initiative has been wonderful. The generous donations will be sorted into packs that are distributed at our Big Barbie and Big Brekkie events each Tuesday. Thank you to those who were able to donate.

Our Pastoral Care tutors were at their best again throughout 2019.  All of our tutors have given above and beyond to ensure positive relationships are formed between Tierney men across all year levels to enhance their social and emotional development throughout their Nudgee College journey. Thank you sincerely to Mr Neil Poppleton, Ms Candice Green, Ms Kelly Vowles, Mr Paul Raven, Ms Louise Nardi, Mr Mannie Navarro, Mr Ms Lesley Gardner, Mr Corey Braithwaite and Mr Rowan Crossley for their service to our Tierney Community.  

It is with mixed emotions we farewell Tierney 5 PC Tutor Mr Mannie Navarro. With just over twenty years in Edmund Rice Education and ten years at Nudgee College and an integral part of the Tierney community, it’s fair to say Mr Navarro’s presence with Tierney students and their families over the years will be missed. Mr Navarro has worked with an astonishing number of Tierney students whom have been supported, encouraged and guided throughout their time in Tierney 5. We thank Mr Navarro for his support and authentic pastoral care in Tierney House and wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his teaching career.

It’s been an honour to work with the students of Tierney House and their families and a privilege to share in the adventures of these young men of Nudgee College. Thank you again for your support throughout the year and may you and your families have a safe and blessed Christmas and New Year.

Ms Joanne Barrett
Tierney House Dean

Term 4 was short but it was certainly sweet. It was full of action and overflowing with emotion. Writing this article, it is hard to believe that 2019 has come to an end. Whilst Christmas holidays are most welcome and deserved by staff and students alike, it is with a sense of sadness that the year concludes.

Our Year 12 Cotter brothers are already sorely missed and I would like to thank them again for their leadership throughout 2019. I must make special mention of the graduating Dorm Leaders, Alex Bates and Riley Craven, who did a terrific job in their roles. Congratulations to Joe Duffy and Oliver Smeaton who have been awarded the roles of Dorm Leaders for Cotter House in 2020. Joe and Oliver have already shown great enthusiasm and I am excited for the year ahead. I would also like to recognise Henry Kennedy, the winner of the Br Cotter award for 2019. Henry was a deserved recipient and we wish him the best next year.

Aside from the wonderful farewell events for our Year 12 cohort, the term has been packed with Track and Field, pre-season training for Term 1 and 2 sports, exams, activities and more. Nudgee College has been as busy as ever. In the midst of all of this, the boys have found moments to relax and bond with their brothers in boarding. These are often some of the most magical moments.

Cotter House would not be the same without the tireless effort of our staff. Thank you to Mr Moore, Mr Goves, Tracey and the entire Cotter team. These people all make my job so much easier and their genuine care for the boys is greatly appreciated.

A sincere thank you must also go to all of the Cotter House families. Your warm welcome, your trust and your support have made 2019 a fantastic year. Boarding is a team effort and I have been extremely grateful for the way that I have been welcomed into my new role.

Most importantly, I must thank all of the fine, young Cotter Men. You are the heart and soul of Nudgee College Boarding and the reason that we are all here. I consider myself very lucky to work at such an amazing school, with such outstanding young men. We look forward to welcoming a new group of Cotter men to our ranks next year and seeing how they contribute to our ever-changing community.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Christmas.

Mr Casey Brealy
Head of Cotter Boarding House

It has been a pleasure to lead a wonderful group of young men and staff in 2019. I am blessed to have such a position in this wonderful College. I am passionate about boys’ education and the pastoral care of young men. I enjoy watching them grow and learn how to balance their lives, mature and progress to manhood. I find it extremely rewarding to be part of their journey here in boarding and help contribute in some way to their overall growth and development while they are essentially living away from parents and their home. We have tried to make their experience a home away from home.

Hodda Motto - “Dare to be Different”

We were asked to decide on a motto earlier this year that summed up what the Hodda Boarding House was all about. The boys, staff and I reflected on this for some time and eventually chose “Dare to be Different”. Not in the sense of wearing weird clothes or getting a crazy hair cut, but rather linked back to the Gospels and what lessons Jesus was attempting to teach us through them. Values like forgiveness, compassion, respect, standing up for what we know is right and just, and generally making decisions based on what’s right and not what is easy. This is ingrained in what we teach our young men every day and highlights how we think they should act on their journey to becoming Signs of Faith.

Staff

Without the help and dedication of committed staff, we could not do what we need to in order to care for our boarders. I would like to thank and congratulate the following staff for their work and commitment in 2019:

Assistant Head of Boarding House: Alex O’Regan
Senior Supervisors: Joel Crighton
Supervising Staff: Alan McLean, Liam Mitchell, Jack Dahms, Tom Hughes, Brendan Bell, Keelan MacGillivray, Tate Robson and Jack Kindell-Brown.
House Mother: Julie Kopittke

Without the dedication and care of these wonderful staff, the Hodda Boarding House would not function as well as it has. I know and appreciate that our staff have a genuine sense of care and willingness to do extra things for the boys to help make sure they are safe and happy.

Leadership

This year we saw many fine examples of student leadership and this was evident in how many boys from boarding were among the College leadership ranks. I’d like to thank Yideg Nethery, Hamish Smith, Justin Bunker as College Prefects for their wonderful service and all the effort they have put in around Hodda and for the College. Well done and I look forward to seeing their development after school. I congratulate also College Captain Injarra Harbour, College Vice Captain Lastus Auakai and Prefects Cooper Corless, Bill Ingham-Meyers, Blake Keir and Henry Kidd for their selection in 2020.

Year 12

It is always a mix of emotions as we farewell the Grade 12 boys at the end of each year. We know we have done our best with them and have prepared them well for life after Nudgee College. We also look forward to the next time we see them and hear the stories about what they have been doing and achieved whether that is at University, work at home on the property, or apprenticeships that have earned along the way. Either way, it is always rewarding to see what Nudgee College has done for them and the friendships they forge along the way. I wish them all the best as they venture out into the world and aim to make their own way forward with their own skills and personalities.

Awards

Each year, we present a shield to one of the seniors for outstanding contribution to the Boarding House and a general commitment to boarding life. The 2019 recipient is Mitchell Perkins. He is always well behaved, giving, co-operative, willing to do extra jobs, a pleasure to have in the House and he gets on well with staff and students alike. Hamish Smith was awarded the John Francis Treacy shield as the boarder of the year for his tireless efforts in contributing to the community - well done!

Finally, I would like to thank the parents and guardians for your support throughout the year. The partnership between you and the College is invaluable. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys and feel privileged to have served another year at Nudgee College.

Mr Ken Mitchell
Head of Hodda Boarding House

Term 4 has been a great way to finish what has been a very enjoyable year in Murphy Boarding House. Although a shorter term, there have been many highlights and achievements recognised. To celebrate the achievements of the young men within the House at Awards night, Boarding Formal dinners, Valedictory and at House meetings is one aspect of the job that is very rewarding and the staff of Murphy are proud of all our young men.

Year 12s

I wish all of the graduating Year 12 men all the best for the future. This group of young men were loyal and dedicated to each other, always wanting what was best for their mates and prepared to spend time and effort to nurture these friendships. They leave many good memories with the staff and boarders who remain here and hope they have enjoyed the journey they have been on, as much as we have enjoyed being part of it.

Awards

Congratulations to the following boys who received recognition at the College Awards Night:

• Franco Lim Santos Faria - Visual Art Incentive Award, Dux of Essential English
• Frank Bundock - Dux of Economics
• Harry Coventry - Dux of Essential Mathematics
• Leigh Chui-Clark - Audio Visual Contribution Award
• Maxwell Delaney - Dux of Fitness, Sport & Recreation
• Carlin Cristaudo - Dux of Essential Mathematics
• Malakai Vale - Dux of Music
• Dean Kenny - Dux of Business - Cert III
• Eyzaiah Ulia - Dux of Fitness - Cert III
• Harrison Vella - Br. D.V. Wallis C.F.C Rugby Trophy - Best & Fairest (1st XV), Excellence in Sport Award for Outstanding Achievement in a GPS Sport, The Old Boys’ Award for Outstanding Service to the College
• Hayden Bygott - Br J G Hodda Memorial Award for Leadership and Diligence as College Captain
• Isaac Ngauamo - Volleyball Most Valuable Player (1st VI)
• Kobie Smith - Dux of Graphics, Award for Outstanding contribution to Nudgee College Sustainability, Br J G Hodda Memorial Award for Leadership and Diligence as a College Vice Captain
• Lachlan Gilbert - Music Keyboard Award
• Samuel Mills - Drama Encouragement Award, Dux of Pre-Vocational Mathematics
• Thomas Cobb - Dux of Construction, Dux of Engineering Pathways - Cert II
• Xavier Bundock - Dux of Economics, Dux of Legal Studies, W Carlton-Smith Memorial Award for Leadership, Study and Sport, Br J G Hodda Memorial Award for Leadership and Diligence as a College Vice Captain

Leadership

Leadership has been shown by every young man in Murphy in their own way through 2019 and it has been great the see Murphy Men embrace the ‘we are all leaders’ mentality. Some notable examples of leadership this year include:

• Eyzaiah Ulia - Dorm Leader, College Prefect, Spirit Committee
• Samuel Roche- (Dorm Leader, Spirit Committee
• Hayden Bygott - College Captain
• Xavier Bundock - College Vice Captain
• Kobie Smith - College Vice Captain
• Jack Buckley - College Prefect
• Jye Davies - College Prefect
• Charlie Radford - College Prefect
• Samuel Mills – Mid-Year College Prefect
• Dean Kenny – Mid-Year College Prefect
• Harrison Vella - 1st XV Rugby Captain
• Isaac Ngauamo - 1st VI Volleyball Captain
• Lachlan Gilbert - GPS Swimming Co-captain
• Daniel Muller - Touch Football Captain

O’Reilly Family Shield

The O’Reilly Family Shield for Service to Murphy House this year was presented to Xavier Bundock. The contribution Xavier has made during his time in Murphy and O’Brien Boarding Houses has been prominent over several years and his selfless, mature and hardworking attitude make him very worthy recipient of the award.

On behalf of all the Murphy staff I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr Ben Ralston
Head of Murphy Boarding House

As 2019 draws to a close and we farewell the young men who have graced us with their presence throughout the year, we are filled with mixed emotions. While we are excited for the Year 9s who move into a senior dorm in 2020, we are also saddened that their time with us has come to an end. At the same time, we are comforted by the knowledge that the younger members of the dorm will return next year and continue their journey with us.

Early in the year, in conjunction with our two boarding leaders, Isaiah Harrop and Luke O’Sullivan, we developed a boarding house motto for O’Brien; something that would encapsulate and define our objective within the dorm. We settled on the motto “the little things matter.” One of the main roles of a junior boarding house is to help establish and develop the habits required to make each boys boarding journey successful, especially in a senior boarding house. Together, we felt that this motto was a good way of articulating and expressing to new boarders why we do the things we do in O’Brien and I have been so impressed with the way that each boy in the dorm has embraced this motto in 2019.

A massive congratulations to the following young men who received O’Brien’s awards of distinction this year.

Award winners

The O’Brien Residence Community Spirit Award (Boarder of the Year) - Desmond Cowley
Award for Consistent and Unrecognised Achievement - Kenjin Sato
Award for Conduct, Study and Sport - Byron Cason
Award for living the dorm motto "The little things matter" - Todd Kenny
Award for Character and Citizenship - Angus Wishart
Sign of Faith Award (for a Compassionate and Selfless Attitude) - Jack Hallett
House Mothers’ Award - Ben Mills

On behalf of all the O’Brien staff, I would like to thank Isaiah Harrop and Luke O’Sullivan as the boarding leaders in 2019 and congratulate the newly appointed leaders for 2020; Angus Wishart and Thomas Hansson. Isaiah and Luke have done an exceptional job this year and they can take comfort in knowing that they leave the dorm in an excellent position for Angus and Thomas.

Mr Jeff Campbell
Head of O’Brien Boarding House

Important Information Regarding Purchasing Term Bus Passes for 2020.

Term Bus Passes for 2020 will be available for purchase from the Online Payment Gateway from Friday 22 November 2019.

Term 1:

• *Pre-paid term pass (discounted): $245 if bought before midnight Sunday 19 January 2020
• *Pre-paid term pass (no discount): $255 on or before midnight Monday 27 January 2020

• 10 trip tickets (pay as you go): $30

*Note the early bird dates for a discount. For Term 1 2020 this date is Sunday 19 January 2020. Passes will still be available after the early bird dates until midnight Monday 27 January 2020 but at a higher rate. To allow for collation, printing and distribution in a timely fashion these dates are fixed. Should you miss the cut off, you will have to purchase 10 trip tickets for the term, which cost $30 each and can be purchased from the Tuckshop, Locker Room or Junior School.

Returning students can obtain their passes from their House Dean in Week 1. New students to Nudgee College (no photo on system) will receive their passes in Week 2.

If your son loses his term bus pass, this can be re-issued at a small cost through IT support.

View bus routes here.

Should you have any queries regarding bus services, including stop and routes, please feel free to contact tranport@nudgee.com. For information on purchasing tickets email finance@nudgee.qld.edu.au or 3865 0403.

The Locker Room

As it is nearing the end of the year, can anyone who has any second hand clothing to sell please take to the Locker Room as soon as possible. All clothing needs to be washed and ironed. Items must still be in good condition – anything with seams split, patches, marks, or is faded will not be accepted and will be disposed of. 

Blazers must be dry cleaned. Again we do not take blazer that are frayed, ripped or faded.

A Consignment Form is required to be filled out for these items. You can download the form on the College website or these forms are also available at the Locker Room.

When items are sold payment will go back onto school fees, or if a student has finished at the College, payment will be credited to your credit card nominated on the form.

The Locker Room will be open until 6 December 2019 and reopen on 13 January 2019. Please note we are closed Wednesday 4 December

For new student fittings, we require parents to make an appointment time, which you can do so on the College website. You will receive an automatic email back confirming your time.

Please remember to keep your credit card details up to date with the Locker Room. You can fill out a new form to return at any time. The form available on the College website.