Nuclear power rods. Solar energy. Waste recycling plants. Healthier diets.

These are just a sample of the project topics that were featured on Wednesday evening at the STEAM Exhibition Night in Tierney Auditorium. For those who may not be aware, STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. At Nudgee College we include the Art aspect, along with the more common acronym of STEM. More than 150 boys from Years 8 and 9 presented their Term 3 projects that were innovative and creative. Some provided possible solutions to problems that our world faces today. Others were fun-based activities requiring coding and technology to create interactive games. All are a product of a different approach to classroom learning in that these projects were self-chosen and not teacher-directed. The boys were very proud to display their work and talk about their projects. The success of the night and the growth in the STEAM subject over the last two years are a credit to the leading work of Mr Jack Dahms along with the teachers of this new subject offering.

Tierney was certainly abuzz on Wednesday night with parents, families, staff and students in animated conversations. This was also the case last Friday night when Tierney Auditorium was packed for the Opening Night Gala of the 2019 Dimensions Arts Festival. This festival was also a great success at many levels: the quality of the artworks on display; the large crowds in attendance; the number of artworks that were sold; the range and standard of our musicians and singers; and of particular note, the quality and quantity of student artwork that was showcased this year. Like STEAM, the number of students selecting art and the number of classes has grown over the past two years. This is a credit to the dynamic leadership of the Coordinator of Visual Arts Ms Samantha Martinuzzi and the dedicated and passionate work of her staff. 

The College is very grateful for the many months of work and planning that was so generously given by the members of the College Art Committee, who were capably led by Ms Margie Hutchinson.

Interestingly, the showcasing of the creative and, in some cases, collaborative student work on these two occasions resonated with a presentation on ‘The Future of Work’ that I attended earlier in the week. If I could summarise much of what I heard into one sentence, it would be that ‘skills, not job titles, are the new metric for the labour market’. There were discussions about soft and hard skills that the world of today, and the future, are demanding. The top five of those in the soft skill category included creativity, time management, adaptability, collaboration and persuasion (as identified by research from LinkedIn). I share the article with you for those who wish to know more.

As we enter the final stages of the term there has been a change to the rhythm of school life, with the Year 12s commencing end of term exams and Year 10s about to commence their Immersion Program. The majority of our Year 12s have been experiencing the most challenging period of the school year over the last few weeks. Recent assessment deadlines, the QCS test and now end of Term 3 exams creates a constant pressure for many. These young men have been well supported by senior staff, as well as their parents during this time. The coming holiday break will be timely and will enable all Year 12s to recharge before Term 4 and the Valedictory process.

Finally, I am privileged to be a member of the Papua New Guinea Immersion to Vuvu on the island of New Britain, which leaves this Sunday. The whole Year 10 Immersion Program is a massive logistics operation, which enables our boys to undertake experiences that will open their minds and, importantly, their hearts, to the greater needs of others in this world. I thank Director of Identity Ms Danyelle Kelly and PA to the Dean of Identity Ms Di James for their efforts. We trust that all the staff and students on their Immersions return safely, but also enriched by the experience. I will return to my office in Week 2 of Term 4 following the Immersion, a short holiday break as well as a few days of leave in Week 1. Mr David Johnston will be acting Principal while I am away.

Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal

I will be spending the last half of this week at an EREA conference in Sydney. At one of these annual gatherings a few years ago there was one presentation across the three days that resonated with me. It related to the concept of resilience and how we as educators and parents have to let our students experience challenges that allow them to build character. This concept was presented through the following simple, yet effective story:

Once a little boy was playing outdoors and found a fascinating caterpillar. He carefully picked it up and took it home to show his mother. He asked his mother if he could keep it, and she said he could if he would take good care of it.

The little boy got a large jar from his mother and put plants to eat, and a stick to climb on, in the jar. Every day he watched the caterpillar and brought it new plants to eat.

One day the caterpillar climbed up the stick and started acting strangely. The boy worriedly called his mother who came and understood that the caterpillar was creating a cocoon. The mother explained to the boy how the caterpillar was going to go through a metamorphosis to become a butterfly.

The little boy was thrilled to hear about the changes his caterpillar would go through. He watched every day, waiting for the butterfly to emerge. One day it happened, a small hole appeared in the cocoon and the butterfly started to struggle to come out.

At first, the boy was excited, but soon he became concerned. The butterfly was struggling so hard to get out! It looked like it couldn’t break free! It looked desperate! It looked like it was making no progress!

The boy was so concerned he decided to help. He ran to get scissors and then walked back (because he had learned not to run with scissors). He snipped the cocoon to make the hole bigger and the butterfly quickly emerged!

As the butterfly came out the boy was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shrivelled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge and expand to support the swollen body. He knew that in time the body would shrink and the butterfly’s wings would expand.

But neither happened!

The butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrivelled wings.

It never was able to fly…

As the boy tried to figure out what had gone wrong his mother took him to talk to a scientist from a local college. He learned that the butterfly was SUPPOSED to struggle. In fact, the butterfly’s struggle to push its way through the tiny opening of the cocoon pushes the fluid out of its body and into its wings. Without the struggle, the butterfly would never, ever fly. The boy’s good intentions hurt the butterfly.

As our sons go through school, and life, keep in mind that struggling is an important part of any growth experience. In fact, it is the struggle that causes them to develop their ability to fly.

Finally, a comment about the way the boys behaved at the Rugby on Saturday. It never ceases to amaze me how well our boys react in the face of defeat – and how poorly some of our opposition can conduct themselves in the case of a rare win. Watching the dignity and grace displayed by players and supporters alike was a credit to our boys. In the face of overt gloating and boasting our boys retained their dignity. The behaviour of the Nudgee College boys displayed publicly the sort of people we want our sons to become, and personally, gave me yet another indication of why I choose to send my son to Nudgee College. Well done boys. You did us proud.

Mr David Johnston
Deputy Principal

Year 10 Immersion

At Assembly this week we blessed and commissioned our Year 10 men as they prepare to set off on their Immersion experiences next week. This is an exciting time for them and the members of the staff who will be accompanying them. We are fortunate to offer our students the opportunity to be with others – just that, to be. Our young men have many gifts and talents, but this Immersion opportunity is a learning experience. The opportunity to learn comes from the simple presence in situations unusual to them, as well as being welcomed, meeting and interacting with people in those new and different surroundings. Key to this process will be the reflection and discernment they go through together with the staff who accompany them.  

Most of the Year 10 students will be involved in local experiences – coming and going from Nudgee College to places around town or the south east. These experiences include:

• Aikido and Anapana
• Brisbane at the Margins
• Moreton Island  
• Disability Awareness
• QCH and Starlight
• Slum Survivor 
• Walking the Land    

Some of our students will go further afield and we pray for their safe journey:

• PNG: Vuvu
• PNG: Wewak
• Far North Queensland: Buru
• Emu Vale Wilderness Experience 

God of Mission,
Watch over all who will work for you. May they continue to benefit and grow.
May they witness your presence in the poor, the marginalised and the outcast.
May they come closer to you in their being Signum Fidei, a Sign of Faith in their lives.

Mr Stephen Meara
Dean of Identity

Examinations 

Examinations commence today, Thursday 12 September. Blocked examinations are outlined below

All other examinations occur in lessons (see: Year 7 Assessment Calendar, Year 8 Assessment Calendar, Year 9 Assessment Calendar)

Thursday 12 September:        

• Year 10: Chemistry, Music
• Year 11: Music
• Year 12: English, English Communications, Maths C

Friday 13 September: 

• Year 10: Physics Year 12: Study of Religion, Business Cert III

Monday 16 September: 

• Year 7: Science
• Year 11: Accounting, Drama
• Year 12: Chemistry, Graphics, Drama, Physical Education

Tuesday 17 September

• Year 7: English, English Modified
• Year 8: Drama
• Year 9: Science
• Year 12: Maths A, Maths B, Accounting, Japanese

Wednesday 18 September:

• Year 9: Delta Maths, Drama
• Year 11: Maths Specialist
• Year 12: Philosophy and Reason

Thursday 19 September:

• Year 8: English, English Honours, English Modified
• Year 9: English, English Honours, English Modified
• Year 11: Maths General, Maths Methods

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. 

ACER Scholarship

Applications for ACER Scholarship for entry into Year 7 to 11 commencing in 2021, are required to complete the ACER Scholarship Cooperative Program Testing along with submitting the application form.

• Examination date: Saturday 22 February 2020, commencing at 9.00am
• Examination location: St Joseph's Nudgee College
• Application deadline: Monday 10 February 2020
• Cost: $120

Register for the ACER Scholarship Test here.

Mr Jason Sepetauc
Dean of Learning and Teaching

Thursday 12 September Is RUOK Day

At Nudgee College one thing that we try really hard to do is promote a sense of community and a welcoming environment for all. Our goal is to empower people in our community to meaningfully connect with people around them who are struggling.

Personally, I have heard the students talk about the concept of Nudgee Spirit in so many contexts, from the grandstand to the classroom, singing about spirit and the power of the 10,000 brothers so passionately. For me this notion of supporting each other is the true sign of spirit in any community.  We have challenged the students to use this week as a catalyst to keep an eye out for each other.

Year 8 TRL Competition

I would like to congratulate Riley House for overcoming a tough matchup against Shaw House to take out the Year 8 TRL Competition. This series of matches was organised by the Year 8 Leadership Group. They have done a wonderful job by designing the draw, arranging match officials and setting up fields for every round of matches. Well done lads!

Mr Peter Todd
Dean of Students

Read for Pleasure

One of the common concerns that parents often raise with teachers, is the struggle to get their son to read outside of school, and what can be done to encourage them to read more. Numerous studies have shown that reading on a regular basis helps children in a variety of areas, including vocabulary and language skills development, improved concentration and higher overall academic performance. 

In class, Junior School students are given the opportunity to ‘read for pleasure’ almost daily, along with doing two novel studies per year, weekly comprehension lessons and access to Wushka, an online reading program. Classes also attend a weekly literacy lesson in the College Library, where they are exposed to a range of novels and authors, and given the opportunity to borrow. 

However, encouraging boys to ‘read for pleasure’ outside of school and during holidays can be extremely challenging at times. One of the main factors I have observed in boys who steadily read less as they get older, is that they are simply unsure about what to read and what they will enjoy reading. 

I recently came across an article by Margaret Kristen Merga, who is a senior lecturer in Education at Curtin University, where she recommends a range of strategies to encourage boys to read more. Please find below some of her suggestions: 

• Boys have diverse interests and tastes. These don’t necessarily stay static over time. To match them with reading material they’re really interested in, initiate regular discussions about reading for pleasure, in order to keep up with their interests.
• Provide opportunities and expectations for silent reading at home, despite competing demands on time.
• Keep paper books available. Boys who are daily readers are even less likely to choose to read on screens than girls. The assumption that boys prefer to read on screens is not supported by research.
• Promote reading as an enjoyable and acceptable pastime by being a great role model. Let your children see you read for pleasure.

Finally, please find below some links to pages on our College’s Library website, which lists a range of suggested books, book series and authors. These could be used to stimulate discussion with your son around potential books they may be interested in borrowing from the school or local libraries to read in the upcoming school holidays. 

• https://sites.google.com/nudgee.qld.edu.au/library/catalogue/what-to-read-after
• https://www.accessitsoftware.com.au/STJ17/#!dashboard  

Mr Paul Cazzulino
Junior School Curriculum Program Leader

2020 Orientation Day for Current Year 6 Students 

Orientation Day will be held on Monday 21 October (the Term 4 Pupil Free Day) for all students entering the College in Years 5 and 7 in 2020. This also includes our current Year 6 students who must attend on the day. More details regarding the timings of the day will be forwarded at the beginning of Term 4.  If you have any questions please contact the Junior School Office.

Term 3 Wrap

As Term 3 rapidly draws to a close I would like to thank and congratulate our staff and students for another great term. Many students have been involved in our extensive co-curricular program and are looking forward to the break. As we enter the final weeks I implore all parents and students to be aware of assessment dates coming up, as catch up exams will not always be possible.

Unfortunately, due to supply issues, the Nudgee College cap for Year 6 students will not be available until the middle of Term 4. 

Mr Chris Cawley
Director of Junior School

Weekend Recreation

• Friday: Activities on site
• Saturday: GPS home round, ice skating
• Sunday: Shopping

Basketball

The 1st V came out to a blazing start versus Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC). The boys managed to secure a 14 point lead late in the second quarter. Due to our active and aggressive play, both Jaisson and Zac were victims of some early foul calls. With two of our mainstays on the bench in foul trouble, BBC tightened up the clamps on defence, which saw our boys play right into the hands of the trapping defence. The third quarter once again proved to be our Achilles Heel as the boys came out flat and could not find ways to claw back into the game. 

Despite the shortfalls this season the boys are continuing to work hard each week. Coach Mr Mik Scott continues to keep the boys in positive spirits as we start to turn our attention to the State Championships. 

With an earlier tip off of 11.15am and the last game of the GPS season, we have implemented the rule ‘you play, you stay’. We are expecting the McKennariey Centre to be packed, rooting for our boys to send our Year 12 lads off with a win. 

Make sure you continue to check out our Team App gallery, as the Basketball community has done a stellar job uploading photos and videos. 

Mr CJ Massingale
Basketball Director

Oratory 

The College Oratory Competition, a Nudgee College tradition for the past 119 years, recognises the school’s prominent and gifted public speakers. 

The competition will be held in Term 4. Year 12 students will compete on Thursday afternoon in Week 1 and all other year levels will compete during school hours of Week 2. All participants are acknowledged with a certificate and winners in each year level receive a trophy at the College Awards Ceremony. 

Students choose their own topics. There are no specific guidelines for speakers; however, all speeches should be original and suitable for a public audience. No slideshow support is allowed.

Students must adhere to the speaking times outlined below:

• Years 5 and 6: 2 minutes
• Years 7 and 8: 3 minutes
• Years 9 and 10: 4 minutes
• Years 11 and 12: 6 minutes

Interested students are invited to register this term by Monday of Week 10. Students in Years 5 and 6 must register at the Junior School Office and all other students must register at the Activities Office. Please direct any queries to mse@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

Ms Monica See
Debating Director & Head of English and Languages Faculty

Rugby

All of a sudden we’re into the last week of the season… time flies when you’re having fun!

Overall, we had another dominant day against BBC (as well as in most supplementary games) on Saturday, winning 28 out of 36 games played. Many teams were playing grades higher than their team, making this even more impressive. What’s most pleasing is seeing teams getting better each week, which is the focus. All we can ask from our boys is that they try their best and strive for improvement. Sometimes results do not go our way, but that’s sport and as long as we learn from it as coaches and players and use it as a learning experience, than we’re doing our best!

Some highlights from Saturday:

• The obvious continued improvement in all our Under 11 teams each week
• The 12As winning a tight battle in their first game on Ross Oval, with Reesjan Pasitoa again running the water and tee for the team
• Our Under 13s all having good wins against BBC teams a grade higher than them (NC 13B versus BBC 13A, etc.)
• A Maddox Maclean penalty kick on fulltime in the 14A game to get the win by a point
• The impressive form of our 15C and 16C teams who are battling it out for the best ‘for and against’ record
• Our 16Ds defeating Brisbane Grammar Schools’ 16Cs at the Brisbane State High School playing fields with only 14 men!
• Our 2nd XV and 3rd XV continuing their unbeaten run, with good wins
• The respect shown from all Open teams for the Pritchard-Malaki twins in Year 12 who tragically lost their dad during the week – please keep this family in your prayers

Round 8 Team of the Week:

• Luka Moore (12A)
• Natiana Winikerei (16B)
• Archie Zann (11B)
• Roman De Clara (14A)
• Oliver Bradley-Moore (11Gold)
• Ollie Taylor (15C)
• Titi Nofogoatotoa (1st XV)
• Michael Malone (13D)
• Benn Dalle-Cort (2nd XV)
• Andrew Mackey (3rd XV)
• Harrison Beirne (11A)
• Kallum Russell (16C)
• Ryan Uraburo (16D)
• Hamish Leddie (14D)

Round 9 Draw and Photos

The draw is up on Team App.

All teams are at home, but there are some internal games to ensure everyone is playing.

Photo times are included, please make sure all players are wearing full playing kit to be in the photo (injured players can be in photo, but please change into playing kit prior).

Post-Match Function This Saturday

All are welcome at this Saturday’s final round post-match function at the Pavilion next to Ross Oval. We will have extended live entertainment, plenty of food, a cash bar and a special photo collage of our Year 12 boys on the big screen. Please email your favourite/earliest Nudgee College Rugby memory of your Year 12 boy to nudgeersg@gmail.com (include name/team).

Training Focus This Week

It’s very important we finish the season strongly across all age groups, so training will continue as per the schedule all week.

PSS training on Friday morning will go ahead as per previous weeks.

BJRU Grand Finals

Congratulations to Norths Rugby Club who won the Division 1 Grand Finals in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 age groups on Sunday at Ballymore. All three of these teams are littered with Nudgee College boys and they are even coached by Nudgee College dads too! This is an amazing achievement for the club – well done to all involved!

Mr Sean Graham
Rugby Director

Barralong Regatta

Head down to the Nudgee College Rowing Shed at West End for the annual Barralong Corporate Rowing Regatta on Sunday 15 September.

Racing will take place from 8.30am to 12.00pm.

Food and beverages will be available to purchase.

This event raises funds for the College's Social Justice Program, as well as the Rowing Program.

Dimensions Art Festival

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the 2019 Dimensions Raffle are Nudgee College parents Arthur and Maria Vlahogenis.

Tuck Shop Volunteers needed this Saturday!

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)

Term 4 Bus Passes

Term Bus Passes for 2019 are now available for purchase from the Online Payment Gateway

• *pre-paid term pass (discounted): $195 if paid before midnight Sunday 29 September 2019
• pre-paid term pass (no discount): $205 paid on or before midnight Monday 7 October 2019
• 10 trip tickets: Once term is underway the cost is $30 for each 10 trip ticket (pay as you go)

*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 can be purchased from the Tuckshop, Locker Room or Junior School.

Returning students can obtain their passes from their House Dean in Week 1 of term.

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

Note: We are currently investigating an automated ticketing system which hopefully will be available from day one in the 2020 school year, eliminating manual term passes. Information will be forwarded in due course on this.

2019 bus routes and stops can he viewed here.

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

The Locker Room

From the first day of Term 4 boys are required to wear their summer uniform, which is a khaki shirt and navy shorts/trousers.

Years 5 to 9 can wear shorts or trousers. Years 10 to 12 are strongly urged to wear trousers for Term 4.

If you have any College clothing that you would like to sell second hand:

• Blazers are required to be dry cleaned (we can arrange this via the Locker Room for $10)
• Blazers must still be in good condition, not faded, with holes, marks or frayed at the end of sleeves
• Other College clothing uniform or sports clothing also need to be in good condition
• Please fill out the consignment form and supply with clothing

Please email the Locker Room on lockerroom@nudgee.qld.edu.au or phone 3865 0498 if you have new credit card details or a new expiry date. Or alternatively fill out a new form and scan it back.