Week 9 Term 1 2022

Principal

Many years ago Willie Nelson wrote a song called ‘On the Road Again’. A joy filled song about the pleasures of being on the road and making music with his friends. We haven’t made any music but certainly it has been joy-filled to be on the roads of South Western Queensland with Mr Casey Brealy (Dean of Boarding) and Ms Bianca Burberry (College Psychologist).

As I write, it is the early morning after last night’s gathering in Goondiwindi. The previous evening we were in Roma where we also held a gathering for current and prospective families. We were made to feel very welcome at both occasions which were well attended. Conversations with rural families are a reminder of the vital role Nudgee College plays in the lives of these people.

There has been strong growth in enrolments from both these towns and their surrounding areas. The College has invested much time and resources to regularly visiting and connecting with their communities. This includes not only these style of gatherings but also running sporting clinics for any young girls and boys who wish to attend.

Brisbane families are spoilt for choice when it comes to schooling options and Nudgee College is just one of many good education options that parents can choose from. This is not the case in the country and I am always mindful of the sacrifice that parents must make. In particular, country parents have shared with me the initial impact of returning home after dropping their son off to start boarding school. Sometimes, tear filled and painful trips home or the moments of sadness when parents return home to a quiet house and their son’s empty bedroom. Of course, there is the considerable financial sacrifice boarding families must also make.

These sacrifices are balanced by the knowledge that boarding schools such as Nudgee College also provide their son/s with opportunities far beyond anything available locally. Time again, these parents share their joy at knowing how happy their son is at Nudgee College: The tight friendships they develop; the learning opportunities that stretch them; the sporting and cultural activities that enrich them; the way their son is cared for by boarding staff; the changes in their son’s confidence and sense of responsibility. All feature in the narrative of how their son has grown as a person through the experience of leaving home to go to boarding school.

Boarding has been at the heart of our school for 131 years. While there are many more day boys than there are boarders in recent generations we remain a boarding school not a school that has boarders. There is more than just a subtle distinction between two. In 2022, the boarding house is full with 300 young men from across Queensland, from many Australian states and also from across international borders, once again. As a College we have been working strategically to achieve this position for several years.

This commenced back in 2015-16 with a review of the entire boarding operation. In subsequent years, this review’s recommendations guided many decisions. The review also overlapped the refurbishment and consolidation of the four boarding dormitories into the Bathersby Boarding Village in the heart of the campus. In addition, we have continued to direct resources into improving the boarding operations.

In 2022 this is reflected in the addition to the leadership structure of boarding. Casey Brealy as Dean of Boarding is supported by the creation of the Director of Boarding position which is now held by Mr Mike Silcock, a new appointment. This structure reflects other leadership models across the College.

In recent years, we have added to the care levels of our boarders with the additional resources in the counselling team to focus on boarders after school hours. Bianca Burberry fills this role and on this tour she has been able to talk about the support that she provides in the area of well-being and mental health to our boarders.

For the three staff involved, there is a shared sense that the joy in this road trip has been the affirming stories that many parents have shared with us about their son’s boarding experiences at Nudgee College. A most genuine privilege.

In conclusion, two final points.

COVID-19 continues to impact day to day school life, as well as family life, with many boys absent due to having contracted the illness or being a close contact. Similarly, our staff have been adversely affected. It has made for a most challenging fortnight at the conclusion of a most challenging term. I would encourage parents to contact your son’s teachers to ensure that that they have the resources to continue learning, where they are well enough to do so. Where assessment is affected please contact the Learning and Teaching office to elicit their support.
This is my final article for the term and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the understanding and support I have received from many parents about next term. While I am looking forward to undertaking the role of acting Director of Schools (Queensland) for EREA for a few months there is a substantial part of me that will miss being a part of the Nudgee College community. The College will be well lead by the highly capable Mr David Johnston and the CLT and I look forward to returning at the start of Semester 2 in July.

With every best wish for the coming holidays, the Easter season and term ahead.

Mr Peter Fullagar

Principal

Deputy Principal

This time next week, Year 12s will be on Kairos. In my first two or three years at the College, I opted out of Kairos, selfishly thinking that three days away would put me way behind in my work. Fortunately, in my fourth year, I was convinced to attend - and have not missed one since. Those of you who have been or have had sons attend this unique retreat will know what I am talking about. For others, it is one of those special events at Nudgee College that will live with your son for the rest of his life.

There’s a Bible verse from Corinthians that goes: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” Despite what it says in Corinthians, one element of Kairos encourages the boys not to be in a rush to put the ways of childhood behind them. We try to help them understand that there is value in life just being lived that should never be forgotten.

Of course, we know that they must embark on their future paths with maturity and quiet confidence – but highlight the need not to cast aside the things that made their childhood and Nudgee journey great.

There are some elements of youth that I hope our sons always cling to and we will talk about at Kairos:

Always remain curious about everything around you.

Don’t become afraid to ask questions or delve into something new. Some people fear looking like they lack knowledge – children don’t worry about what they don’t know. They roll up their sleeves and dive in. Just have a crack – you never know where it might lead.

Keep having fun and living in the moment.

Naturally, you’ll have an eye on your future, but don’t forget the childish delight of living in the present, of getting excited as things happen. Don’t become jaded. Don’t become cynical.

Speak from your heart.

Children don’t overly filter what they say. Of course, they consider their manners and try to speak with respect, but they have open hearts. They talk with courage and strive to speak the truth. You should do the same.

Forgive others easily.

You will fall out with people. You’ll meet people with objectionable opinions. You’ll get heated as your own points of view are questioned. But one of the joys of childhood is the ability to be angry one moment and then friends again the next. Children do not bear grudges, embrace that philosophy.

Never limit your dreams.

Children have multiple dreams. They will aspire equally to being an astronaut and owning an ice cream van. Adulthood tempers these ideas slightly. I certainly haven’t become the fighter pilot that I envisaged. But keep thinking big, keep having new dreams. Don’t ever fear setting a target that you might not reach.

Above all, remember children are more confident, more courageous and enjoy life far more intensely than adults. We don’t want our boys to rush to lose that side of themselves.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

Learning and Teaching

Media Arts in Practice

Our Year 11 and 12 MAP students have started the year well, as they have tackled a photography folio task. The unit of work required them to use photographic techniques and skills to capture a narrative and tell a story through numerous images.

Our students developed stories that covered a wide array of issues and prompted vastly different emotional responses from the audience. Below are just a few of the photos from the varying folios submitted. We were also lucky to be visited by Mr Brody Grogan (College photographer) who ran a workshop on storytelling through photography. He provided practical tips, hints and provided guidance on photographic techniques. Additionally, he spoke to the importance of connection to a topic, person or subject.

Next, our students will develop an awareness campaign to shine a spotlight on a social justice issue of their choice. As always, we look forward to seeing what they create. Look out for the article in Term 2 highlighting the creative work of our Year 10 Media Arts students with Mr Andrew Hook.

Mr Casey Brealy

Senior Media Arts in Practice teacher

Physical Education

It has been a busy start to 2022 in the Physical Education Faculty. With the disrupted start due to COVID-19 lockdowns it has provided new challenges and learning contexts, in both Physical Education and Sport & Recreation Studies areas. Our staff and students have been working hard to implement new processes around assessment and feedback, and we are excited about where it is all headed.

Our Year 11 Sport & Recreation (Applied Syllabus) classes has undertaken a Unit focussing on the development of Coaching skills and education around gaining Coaching accreditation. It has been a real ‘eye opener’ for the boys, learning how to manage a group of athletes, ensuring appropriate learning and safety requirements are maintained. Recently, our Year 12 Sport & Recreation (Applied Syllabus) classes investigated the role of Strength & Conditioning in the enhancement of sporting performance. It was a worthwhile learning experience looking into how to safely and effectively undertake one-on-one and group fitness initiatives in a gym setting. It is these rich experiences that help embed key learnings and allow our boys to see clear connections between their education and its application in real world contexts, making for more well-rounded individuals.

Mr Matt Waters

Head of Faculty - Physical Education

Religion in Term 1

In what has been a very different Term 1 at Nudgee College, we have seen some great learning activities across the year levels.

Year 7 has been learning about the various significant people who are all signs of faith for us as Nudgee boys. This was reflected in all of the wonderful posters produced in their learning this term.

Year 8 has explored some of the influential and inspiring Old Testament prophets and benefited from the study of their message for us in the modern world.

Year 9 have explored the parables and miracles of Jesus, with their diverse messages about the Kingdom of God. They are so much more than just stories.

Year 10 has explored the many concepts divine across four major world religions. The have explored the ultimate power in Aboriginal Spirituality, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Some have engaged in walking of the labyrinth, connecting to the Irish custom we associate with reflecting on our Christian journey.

Year 11 in SOR have explored sacred texts while R&E have focused on the study of peace and conflict.

Year 12 SOR have completed their IA2 on a selected ethical relationship issue while R&E have explored the many concepts and need for Social Justice in the world.

The Religion program at Nudgee College continues to inspire and deepen a sense of identity and spirituality in our boys through lived experience, a deep searching and inquiry, not just in their own lives, but in the lives of others around the world.

Mr Simon Lilley

Head of Faculty - Religion

Boarding

It has been a busy week in Boarding - even busier than most! Last Wednesday night we celebrated our Boarding Formal Dinner, where we saw our newest boarders officially inducted and presented with their Boarders’ Badges. We also heard from guest speaker Mark Reppel, who is an Old Boy of the College, past parent and Advisory Council Member. He shared some great words of wisdom and his passion for Nudgee College Boarding was infectious.

Additionally, to start the evening, we welcomed Tribal Experiences into the Bathersby Boarding Village for a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. This was a brand new experience for our boarders and a truly moving ceremony. Finally, our Boarding Band played their first ‘gig’ and brought the house down.

On Sunday, our attention turned to the most significant sport event of Term 1 (step aside Head of the River) - the Boarding Staff v Student Cricket Match. There was plenty of banter, lots of laughs and significant controversy! However, the students must be congratulated on a win, which was spearheaded by Morgan Bourke.

COVID-19 Update

As we near the end of the term, I would like to thank Boarding families for their support in what has been an extremely difficult term.

As a general reminder, can I please remind families not to send their boys back to boarding if they are symptomatic - even if they have returned a negative RAT test. It is vital that any boy who is feeling unwell remains at home until all symptoms have subsided.

Goondiwindi Bus - End of Term

As always, we will run our end-of-term Goondiwindi Bus. Please see the details below.

We are also seeking expressions of interest for the bus to continue to Moree - please let us know if this is something you would like. We will assess the feasibility based on these EOIs.

Unfortunately, our Year 12 men returning from Kairos will not make it in time for the Goondiwindi bus departure. However, this provides families with an opportunity to join the social function at the conclusion of this significant Year 12 event.

Laundry Processes

After a review of the current laundry processes and consultation with the Boarding Support Group, we have decided to move away from the Laundry Lost Property website. We found that this platform was not able to keep up with the demand and that the amount of returned items was not justifying the time that was going into the process.

The new lost property process is as follows.

Laundry unlabelled lost property will be available for the Boarder's to view / check at the following times:

Wednesdays lunchtime and after school to 3.30.
Fridays lunchtime and after school to 3.30.
Boys will not be able to leave with their item of clothing until it is labelled.

Boarding Support Group Raffle

Our first Boarding Support Group fundraiser is underway. Please purchase tickets at the link below for your chance to win! See details below.

BUY TICKETS!

Mr Casey Brealy

Dean of Boarding

Performing Arts

What We’ve Been Doing

Debaters finished their GPS season on a high away at IGS, nearly scooping the pool with all but one team winning! And the resilient, persistent Senior A team got their win with a unanimous decision from the adjudicators. Their debating continues now in the QDU competition, which they enter with confidence and determination, and depth to their skills thanks to the coaching expertise of Mr Dom Carroll.

Thanks to Julianne Daunt and her fastidious organisation, to all coaches and coordinators, and to our new Debating Support Group. And congratulations to all debaters on embracing the challenge of debating, attending lectures and workshops, seeking and applying feedback, and showing dedication to self-improvement.

Musicians have been out in force, though sadly not in number, this week. Each team has performed for the camera, and sometimes a passing audience. We have seen Drumline in the Rose Garden, Percussion in the Art Rooms, Guitars in Ryan Hall, Singers in the Chapel, Strings in Tierney and the Library, Bands in Edmund Rice Mall, and Stage Band in Mary’s Mall. Despite having sick students, and sometimes sick conductors, the resilience of these students has shown their dedication to their team. Keep an eye on the Nudgee app for details of their videos.

Art Club continues to grow in numbers, and the tiles that they have been making are ready for firing in the kiln. The atmosphere is warm, and the conversations hilarious as the boys create and share. Thanks to Ms Ellis and her art team!

Theatresports teams are hard in training ahead of their competition kicking off in mid-May. Under the guidance of Ms Kilgour and her team, the boys are challenging themselves and each other, with results that are both verbally and physically hilarious. The spontaneity that these boys embrace is a sight to behold!

Year 5 Immersion is coming together, with the basics on each instrument going well, and our first attempts at full ensembles sounding promising!

What’s Coming Up in Week 10

Debating will finish their GPS Season on Monday in Ryan Hall from 4:00-5:30, to reflect and celebrate. Please RSVP on TeamApp.

Music teams will most definitely still rehearse, we now shift focus to our next rehearsals!

Check the Student Notices for more information about each of these activities, or feel to contact me directly!

Ms Alexandra Khafagi

Director of Performing Arts

In This Newsletter

Principal

Deputy Principal

Identity

Learning and Teaching

Boarding

Performing Arts

Sport

Community