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Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia trading as St Joseph’s Nudgee College 2199 Sandgate Road Boondall 4034, PO Box 130 Virginia 4014 p: +617 3865 0555 f: +617 3865 0500 e: contact@nudgee.com Editor
Ms Kate McGrath Burgess
Contributors
Mr Graham Akhurst, Ms Joanne Barret, Ms Bonnie Becker, Ms Jodie Becker, Mr James Burton, Mr Chris Cawley, Morgan Chippendale, Mitchell Doyle, Mr Denis Drouyn, Fletcher Dunn, Mr Peter Fullagar, Jack Fuller, Mr Scott Gale, Mr Tony Gleeson, Mr Hugh Hamilton, Ms Erina Hitchings, Mr Tom Hughes, Ms Hannah Kilburn, Ms Alison Kilgour, Patrick McGillion, Mr Brendan McGuinness, Ms Kate McGrath Burgess, Benedict Mills, Samson Naawi, Mr Jamie Pybus, Mr Joe Reuben, Mr John Sayer, Mr Samuel Schwimming, Ms Tara Shipperley, Mr Jorden Smith, Tariq Tanner, Ms Jaimee Trembearth and Mr Jerone Wills
Many thanks to
Mr Ken Adams, Ms Bonnie Becker, Boarding Student Committee and Prefects, Mr Casey Brealy, Ms Julianne Daunt, Leo De Clara, Ms Katherine Ellis, Ms Michelle Grieve, Ms Lynsey Hale, Mr George Harnetty, Mr David Kelly, Mr Tim Lang, Ms Deidre Lyon, Ms Robyn Mann, Mr Trent Palmer, Mr Nick Piper, Br Damien Price, Mr David Proud, Mr Troy Reynolds, Mr Mik Scott, Mr Karim Sedour, Mr Jason Sepetauc, Mr Robert Stewart and Mr Sean Toovey
Photography
Mr Graham Akhurst, Brody Grogan Photography, Mr Chris Cawley, Development and Communications, Mr Denis Drouyn, Mr Tony Gleeson, Nudgee College Archives, Onion TV, Mr Troy Reynolds, Mr John Sayer and Mr Jerone Wills
Graphic Designer
Mr Paul Elliot (design@elliotcreative.com)
Content Editor
Ms Carol Campbell
Printing
Screen Offset Printing
Editorial queries, feedback and change of address Telephone: 07 3865 0315 Email: magazine@nudgee.qld.edu.au Behind the Stripes is published by St Joseph’s Nudgee College’s Development and Communication team in cooperation with other parties. Material in this publication is gathered from a range of sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of St Joseph’s Nudgee College. COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved. Copyright of articles and photographs of Behind the Stripes remain with the individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission. Other material may be reproduced, but only with the permission of St Joseph’s Nudgee College.
We acknowledge the Turrbal First Nations Peoples of the lands and waterways we now know as Nudgee.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear St Joseph’s Nudgee College community, The start of 2021 has been one of the busiest this College has ever seen. Not only are we finally returning to many traditions, events and gatherings that were sadly cancelled last year due to the pandemic, this year we are also celebrating 130 years of the College. In this edition, we honour 130 years of Nudgee College education, community, boarding, sports and activities and, most of all, the Nudgee Spirit. We feature articles about our NC 130 Year Celebration event, the Liberating Education Program, the Boarding Student Committee and Prefects, a student’s perspective on the Nudgee Spirit and much more. I hope you enjoy this semester’s edition of Behind the Stripes. MS KATE MCGRATH BURGESS Editor
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PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS
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NC 130 YEARS CELEBRATION
10 FOUNDATION UPDATE 14 LEADERS IN LEARNING 16 RETURN TO THE GRANDSTAND 18 LIBERATION EDUCATION PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 22 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS 24 THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA 26 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - ON STAGE! 28 JUNIOR SCHOOL - RETREATS, CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS
ON THE COVER Students enjoying their lunch break in the newly renovated Edmund Rice Mall.
30 LEADERSHIP IN A THRIVING BOARDING COMMUNITY 32 BOARDING ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE
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On Friday 18 June, boys walked from Wilkes Oval through the Boondall wetlands for Walk for Edmund, raising much needed funds for the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia to support the work of the Christian Brothers around the world. The boys finished off the day by supporting the 1st XI playing IGS.
34 PORTAL TO THE PAST: NUDGEE COLLEGE IN 1921 38 NC SNAPSHOT • • • • • • • • •
Connors Centre renaming Harmony Day International Women’s Day National Boarding Week Oculus liturgy QCAA Award Showcase UND15CL053D by Jack Fuller World’s Greatest Shave
44 NC EVENTS • • • • • • •
ANZAC Commemoration Beef Week Commencement Mass and Investiture Mother and Son Luncheon Open Day Opening and blessing of the Flats The Great Debate
52 NC ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • •
Cricket Cross Country Debating Football Music Showcase Rowing Swimming Tennis Volleyball
62 NC OLD BOYS • • • • • •
NCOBA President’s Message Events What comes after the Liberating Education Program? Q&A with writer and author, Graham Akhurst Music Through Generations In Memoriam
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Mr Peter Fullagar speaking at the NC130 Years Celebration.
A M E S S AG E F R O M T H E P R I N C I PA L MR PETER FULLAGAR
What a privilege it has been to be involved in numerous landmark occasions in this 130th year of St Joseph’s Nudgee College. In 2021, this milestone has been remembered in all manner of ways both large and small. Importantly, some of these occasions are captured in this edition of Behind the Stripes. What has been evident at such gatherings is the depth of gratitude and appreciation that the current generation of the Nudgee College community has for all that has gone before them and for what they experience today. This anniversary year enables us to pause and reflect on our origins. Nudgee College’s story commenced more than 130 years ago when Br Ambrose Treacy conceived a vision of a boarding school with space to accommodate boys from the Queensland bush. In the 1880s, limited space on the Spring Hill
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campus of St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace meant that the Christian Brothers needed to find a new home for their boarders. This new home was found here in Boondall but the available resources were scarce. Famously, Br Treacy wrote the following to the Superior General of the Christian Brothers in June 1889: ‘I commence it [the building of Nudgee] without either the money for the building or even a promise from you of a staff of Brothers to work. I have confidence, however, that God will provide the means as heretofore and that He will move your heart to come to our assistance in a more than ordinary way towards the beginning of next year.’ ¹ His faith was fulfilled on 19 January 1891 when the first student of Nudgee College, Michael McKennariey, arrived. Since the very first day, the College has continued to expand and grow to meet the evolving needs of
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the times. Over the ensuing decades, various extensions have been added to the original Treacy Building to meet these changing needs. It is significant that in this anniversary year we have completed the 18 month restoration project of the Treacy Heritage Precinct. Br Treacy’s original building and the surrounding malls have been given new life while their unique character has been retained and enhanced. The community was able to celebrate both the 130 year anniversary and the project completion with two significant gatherings in April. These occasions are detailed in the first article in this edition. Since the completion of the restoration project, the school community has been able to admire the many exceptional features of this heritage precinct of the College. Worth highlighting in brief are the following:
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Bell Tower 2021.
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Campus circa 1935.
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The restoration of the verandahs within the Edmund Rice Mall, which features their magnificent lattice work and balustrading. This replacement balustrading incorporates fragments of the original cast iron balustrade. Importantly, there are now eleven new classrooms within the Treacy Building - the most that there has ever been. The creation of the Callan Centre staff room with over 50 teachers placed on the first and second floors. The staff room incorporates individual work stations within small pods; Heads of Faculty offices; meeting rooms; a common area for large group gatherings and a staff library for research, study and small meetings. The demolition of the Gallagher Building, which had stood between the Treacy and Duhig Buildings since the 1970s. This work opens up this space and
creates a connection between the Edmund Rice Mall and the Old Boys’ Mall, enabling the magnificent northern end of Duhig to be fully on display. •
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The repainting of the external walls of the Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel, the Treacy Building and the Duhig Building. The restoration of Mary’s Tower, both externally and internally, which pays tribute to the most prominent religious icon at Nudgee College.
A little disappointing on the night of celebration was that we did not have the new addition to the Old Boys’ Mall - the Celtic Cross. It is a substantial piece to mark our 130 years. It will be a feature to acknowledge and celebrate the school’s heritage and all those who have gone before us in the story of Nudgee College. Delivery complications related to supply and COVID-19 delayed its arrival. Standing five metres tall and made from dark
granite, it will be a definite ‘Sign of Faith’ in the landscape of the College. We hope that the Celtic Cross will also speak to many people of their shared experiences of belonging to this community. We look forward to its erection during Term 3. A landmark year such as our 130th, combined with the rededication of the Treacy Heritage Precinct is a timely reminder of the College’s essential purpose: to fulfill its mission as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition and serve the needs of our 1,700 students. The foundation of the mission of Nudgee College was made plain by Br Treacy who was ‘... the true founder, builder and planner. He set its goals... they were the faith, formation and opportunity.’ ² These three goals - faith, formation and opportunity - are a legacy from 1891 that remain authentic in 2021 and, with God’s blessing, they will remain authentic to the mission of St Joseph’s Nudgee College for the next 130 years.
FOOTNOTE The College honours the sad passing of Br Regis Hickey earlier this year. His biography of Br Treacy’s life is an inspiring legacy to leave to all educators in Edmund Rice schools. ¹ Regis Hickey ‘Patrick Ambrose Treacy. Christian Brother, Enterprising Immigrant’. UQP. St Lucia. 2012 p.249 ² IBID p. 252.
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CELEBRATING 130 YEARS M S TA R A S H I P P E R L E Y
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On Saturday 17 April, with COVID-19 restrictions easing across Greater Brisbane a mere two days earlier, St Joseph’s Nudgee College officially marked its 130th anniversary with the blessing and rededication of the Treacy Heritage Precinct. After many years of planning for this extraordinary space, the original College footprint of the Treacy Building, Chapel, Old Boys’ Mall, and Edmund Rice Mall could once again be celebrated.
connection to the College and what it means to be part of the Nudgee College community:
More than 150 guests attended the blessing and rededication ceremony in the newly refurbished Old Boys’ Mall late in the afternoon. This special occasion was presided over by Archbishop Mark Coleridge with special guests in attendance including Dr Craig Wattam, Executive Director of Edmund Rice Education Australia, College Advisory Council members, Christian Brothers, past principals, past and current staff members, Old Boys and current parents.
...Most especially though, I am eternally grateful for the lifetime relationships bound up with Nudgee that have shaped our lives as a family. Starting with marrying a good Nudgee man, our enduring friendships with his “old” Nudgee mates, some of whom are our oldest and closest friends, one a brother-in-law. I am grateful that at my granddaughter’s first birthday, my oldest son was surrounded by his Nudgee mates who walked out the gates with him in 2006 and have supported him through each milestone in his life so far, sometimes overzealously, but always with spirit.
During the event, Dr Sue Vollert spoke of her family’s long-standing
I am grateful for each of the lasting friendships Luke, Sam, Anthony and
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Simon and Peter and I have made at Nudgee. I am grateful that all those years ago, long before our time, Edmund Rice saw that education could promote equality, dignity, liberation, empowerment and belonging. It is reassuring to know that we are part of the continuation of Edmund’s charism. It is reassuring to know that we all have the security of a Nudgee lifetime. Whether that be watching the NC swimming club excel at the National Age Championships on TV last weekend because they are some of our 10,000 brothers or enjoying a dinner with my dear friend Br Vince, (whom I met out here) or reading about the Netflix successes of Jacob Elordi and feeling proud because he is a Nudgee man; the connection to Nudgee is everywhere.
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Archbishop Mark Coleridge.
Stephen Lean (NC 2014-2018).
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Dr. Sue Vollert, Mr Peter Fullagar, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Mr Craig Wattam.
We came to Nudgee for a reason, we stayed at Nudgee through countless seasons and we will leave at the end of the year, after this 20-year association with our kids, with an enduring lifetime connection. Following the official blessing and rededication, the wider College community gathered in the newly refurbished Edmund Rice Mall, with the Treacy Building and Mary’s Tower as a fitting backdrop for celebrations into the evening. The rain that had held off all afternoon brought a deluge at one point during the night, however, this didn’t dampen the great spirit of the event. As the College stands on Turrbal land and waterways the night was opened with a smoking ceremony and welcome to country led by Tribal Experience. Principal Peter Fullagar then welcomed guests to this very historic moment in our history: ...We come together tonight as a community with a sense of gratitude and great appreciation for the redevelopment. How beautiful is the Treacy Building, Mary’s Tower as well as Edmund Rice Mall. How fitting is it to be able to celebrate 130 years in the very original areas of the College that have been so magnificently restored.
Connection. Belonging. Being part of something bigger than ourselves. A brotherhood connected by a spirit. Something unique to this place, of course, is Nudgee Spirit. The spirit that we find hard to put into words but something that we experience within ourselves and between each other. If there is a structure that speaks of that spirit, I believe it is Mary’s Tower. Last year, the Nudgee College community showed what it meant to all of us when we raised more than $162,000 from 731 donors in one day. What an amazing show of community spirit. Further to that, the College Building Fund has donated $1.6m to this building project and I thank every family who has so generously donated to the Foundation in recent years. We could not have completed this project without your support. I also want to express my gratitude and thank the staff who have made tonight happen:
The evening continued with a sound and light show projected onto Mary’s Tower as well as an ‘Open House’ tour of the newly refurbished areas and classrooms inside the Treacy Building. When Br Ambrose Treacy wrote to his Superior General in 1889 after the purchase of bushland north of Brisbane for £2,500, his vision was to provide a suitable place for the education of boys from the bush; enough space for the boys to be themselves. Since those early, humble beginnings, the school has continued to grow from strength to strength with a proud reputation built by successive generations of students, staff, parents and community members. And in 2021, 130 years on, the College stands as a fitting tribute to the confidence and trust Ambrose, all those years ago, placed in God to provide.
Performing Arts staff and students, Development and Communications office, especially Mr Raoul Carmody and Ms Hannah Kilburn, Property and Services team with a special mention to Ms Annette Cross and Mr Morgan Keech, Mr Steve Lutter and Mr Alfonso Navarro and the catering team, and Mr Stephen Meara, Ms Dianne James and the Identity team.
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Secure your legacy in the
Grandstand Generosity has always been the lifeblood of Nudgee College. It is the very essence of the Nudgee Spirit. The Nudgee Spirit goes beyond education – it’s about investing in people and places so our young men are equipped to make a positive difference in the world. From the provision of College bursaries to investment in exceptional facilities, giving back provides a unique opportunity for our entire College community to steward, support and celebrate the Nudgee Spirit. Join with us in celebrating generosity – for this generation and the next. The refurbishment of the Nudgee College Grandstand presents you with
a one-off opportunity to have your personalised plaque placed into our Grandstand. The personalised plaques are available and you can secure yours by making a minimum donation of $1,000.00. Each donation to the Nudgee College Building Fund is tax deductible (excl. fees); with all received funds going to the Grandstand refurbishment, you’ll forever be part of tomorrow’s cheers.
Purchase your plaque online today via the QR code. Oposite: Boys gathered to support the 1st XV in GPS Round 5 against Gregory Terrace.
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To commemorate 130 years of St Joseph’s Nudgee College, photographer, Brody Grogan, has been collecting portraits and stories that will take you on a journey to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary people who walk through our College gates. Reflections: Celebrating 130 Years of Nudgee College, One Story at a Time is a celebration of the diversity of those within our community, across many generations. By purchasing this book, you are making a contribution to the Jack Ross Bursary. A percentage from each book sold will be donated to the Bursary to help a student receive a Nudgee College education.
PRE-ORDER NOW! Simply scan the QR code to secure your purchase of this magnificent pictorial journey.
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13 Xannel MANGAHAS My life with Mum was ordinarily beautiful. We lived in a tiny, hot unit on Sandgate Road in Clayfield. It was just us two for most of my high schooling. Mum worked as a food and beverage attendant to provide for us and sheltered me from any worries or hardships. I didn’t realise the stress involved for my mum in getting me a new blazer, in me wanting to sign up for Easter football camp, in having to pay an already heavily discounted school tuition. Whilst I rubbed shoulders with affluence every day, I never felt like I went without. It was only after Mum lost her job while I was in Grade 11 that I started to understand the financial pressures that constantly stalked us. She literally sacrificed everything to ensure I could have a Nudgee education and the selflessness and unwavering devotion she had for me is something that I’ll always love and respect her for. For many years I had this dream of being the one to lift our family from the situation we were in by making the most of the bursary I’d been afforded. But by the time Grade 12 had arrived I realised that Mum had already done the heavy lifting for me. I just had to turn up, get involved and give it my best. Mum passed away in May 2015 - my final year at Nudgee. The Bursary was then extended to cover my whole tuition. To describe my mum’s death as ‘sudden’ and ‘unexpected’ would be drastically understating it, but ‘complete devastation’, not so. Through the self-reflection that’s ensued over the past few years that leads me to where I am today, my entire outlook on life has been shaped and inspired by the love I have for my Mum and Nudgee College. Just as both have done for me, I don’t want to measure myself on material success, I just want to know that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life through actions - however big or small. It’s not about the comparison to others, but the compassion for others that makes the difference. After all, even those who anonymously donated $20 to the Jack Ross Bursary all those years ago have undeniably helped change my life. Xannel Mangahas is one of many Jack Ross Bursary recipients. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Xannel was a diligent student, House Prefect for McKenna, passionate Cross Country, Football and Cricket player and avid Oratory, Drama and Theatresports participant. Above all these accomplishments, Xannel is compassionate, gentle and always puts others before himself. A true example of a Signum Fidei graduate. To give the gift of education and donate to the Jack Ross Bursary, follow this link: https://payments.nudgee.qld.edu.au
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Jack Williams.
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LEADERS OF LEARNING MS BONNIE BECKER AND MS JODIE BECKER
There can be a real sense that learning occurs in a one-way stream within schools - the teacher as fount of all knowledge, the student as the sponge absorbing that knowledge. However, that notion is a dying one, replaced by a more multi-faceted approach to learning and teaching. Teachers know, without exception, they are preparing their students for a world they themselves don’t understand, jobs that don’t yet exist and experiences only dreamt of. Certainly, the Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA) thinks so, embedding 21st century learning skills in all syllabuses to ensure students learn how to learn, as well learning as the content they need to know. Continual learning, therefore, is part of every teacher’s life. St Joseph’s Nudgee College has developed a model of collaborative teacher growth through the creation of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) over the last five years. Each year, the PLC tackles the challenges
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of pedagogy that are most important at that time, evolving with the needs of the community and driven by data from our students. This year, the focus is on High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) and, particularly, Differentiation and Feedback. These strategies have been identified by researchers as “instructional practices that reliably increase student learning”. The focus on Differentiation began this year with staff engaging in building knowledge of the individual students in their classes in order to shape their learning more effectively from the first lesson. Data walls are widely used in education circles and are helpful in informing teachers about their new students’ strengths and areas for growth. Nudgee College staff were challenged to consider the students in their classes: How many of them were boarders? How many might find reading dense material a challenge? What did their Learning Habit reports reveal about their past behaviours?
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However, teachers were asked to push beyond this wall, seeking a deeper understanding of their students. While the numbers are important, they need to become names and faces of young men who need us to understand their individual needs and stories. Differentiated instruction ensures that we live up to the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstone of Inclusive Education. The quality of our teaching practice should allow students to grow at no matter what point they start at. Our focus for literacy improvement across the College recognises that change occurs over time. By keeping our literacy priorities the same, we can learn from our literacy practices and continue improving our teaching of such techniques. In 2021, therefore, we still strive towards incrementally building our students’ vocabulary and we continue to work on improving our students’ articulation and fluency in writing.
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Our Literacy Differentiation PLC took place in the form of teachers, from various faculties and who teach different year levels, sharing their pockets of practice. Teachers were shown differentiated teaching techniques adapted from our literacy strategies. Aligning the difficulty of activities by representation of mild, medium and hot chillies, and the Write that Essay online toolbox, were just some of the differentiation tools presented to staff. The same way that differentiation explores the idea of education being “not one size fits all”, so, too, is the teaching and implementation of Literacy. Although English teachers might take responsibility for teaching the basics of reading, grammar and writing to our students, all other subject areas require our students to understand questions, content and express their ideas clearly. Therefore, we are all responsible for the maintenance of Literacy at the College. The PLC was well-received by staff, particularly as those teachers who had trialled the strategies were willing to share their experience with their peers.
Feedback is one of the most crucial elements to the learning process. We cannot grow and learn if we don’t know how we are progressing. However, there can be much confusion around this idea: Is feedback given only at the end of a piece of assessment? Or is it mostly in the drafting process leading to this assessment? In fact, feedback between a learner and a teacher is a constant loop and happens multiple times in any lesson. The impact of timely, specific and actionable feedback cannot be underestimated, and staff are involved in developing their “toolbox” of feedback strategies to best support the learning of their students. The use of staff to deliver strategies to their peers is a deliberate decision and a cornerstone of the PLC program each year. While teachers are experienced and skilled in presenting to students, there is a real sense of growth that one gains from presenting to one’s peers. Teachers have volunteered this year to present some of their literacy, differentiation and feedback strategies to their peers, which has led to sharing of capacity in a very real way.
A big thank you must go to the presenters who have shared with their peers so far this year:
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Literacy PLC: Ms Nicky Beecham, Mr Paul Cazzulino, Ms Jai Dwyer, Ms Charmaine Greatrex, Ms Tammy Grindley, Ms Allana Herrod, Mr Tom Hughes, Ms Lauren Nolan, Mr Sam Smith and Ms Steph Spicer. Co-ordinated by Ms Bonnie Becker. Differentiation: Mr Gerard Alexander, Mr Brent Mitchell, Mr Paul Doneley, Mr Cameron Brown, Ms Charmaine Greatrex, Ms Nicole Simpson, Ms Lesley Gardner, and Ms Chloe Arnold. Feedback: Ms Lesley Gardner and Mr Tom Hughes. Underlying all the learning that our staff undertake at Nudgee College is a sense of care and compassion for the boys. The ultimate goal of our PLC is to continue to improve and challenge ourselves to be able to deliver the best education possible to help our students meet their potential. By aiming to work with all students’ strengths and providing them with feedback about their journey, we continue to strive towards this goal.
Mr Paul Doneley, Ms Belinda Drury, Mr Gerard Alexander & Mr Cameron Brown.
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RETURN TO THE GRANDSTAND MS JOANNE BARRETT
Acting Director of Students Ms Joanne Barrett explores how pastoral care is implemented in everyday schooling and how it is embodied by students.
While 2020 presented unprecedented challenges and, in many respects, heartache in the wake of a global pandemic, 2021 presented the opportunity to reconnect with all the aspects of pastoral care we craved during NC@home. Personally, an unexpected change for me included the shift from Tierney House Dean to Acting Director of Students for Years 7 to 12 for 2021. It was important to me to reconnect with and re-evaluate how we, as staff members, foster pastoral care for the boys. Leading a dynamic team of House Deans is fundamental to ensuring the pastoral care of our Nudgee College students is thorough and meets the needs of every individual. Pragmatically, we know that a Nudgee College man is multifaceted and is not limited to one subject, classroom, sports team, music program or year level retreat. What forms a ‘Sign of Faith’ takes years of moments, experiences and connections reaching far beyond the Student Office. This relies on a strong connection and collaboration with all areas of the boys’ growth: Identity, Learning and Teaching and our Boarding community. While we pride ourselves on the personal approach to pastoral care and the building of positive and sustainable relationships, it would be limiting to think that Student Formation is simply what happens in Pastoral Care (PC) classes for 10 to
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20 minutes on a weekday morning or simply within the timetabled Friday morning Student Formation lesson. While PC and Student Formation classes are valuable, what makes the difference is our staff executing pastoral care in the smaller moments. The calm reminders to a nervous student prior to a Maths exam or a casual check-in about weekend sport while a boy lines up at the tuckshop; small moments like these ensures connectedness and compassion is accessible every day to every student. Our team leads an individualised approach that enhances a sense of community and belonging. In many respects, this enables the Nudgee Spirit to flourish within the student cohort itself. This was observed during one particular lunchtime in Term 1. The bell signalled the start of another lunch break and the initial movement of students out of classrooms, down stairwells and across pathways was nothing unusual. If you’ve ever viewed cattle or sheep being herded into a drafting yard, it is not too dissimilar. The vast majority of the boys were settled back into routine in their lunchtime habits of walking in the same groups, heading for the same patches of shade or basketball court for their much anticipated break. But that specific day was different. It was the first cheering practice since early in 2020 - before COVID-19, lockdown and social distancing.
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With the diversity of our student population, it is understood that playing rugby on Ross Oval or screaming out words to age-old College cheers is not every student’s priority. Yet, in their hundreds, boys will flock to the Grandstand to experience their version of community and unison. Much like our first full school assembly in the Christian Brothers Conference Centre or staff gathering for a meeting in the same physical space, this was a moment that signalled online and virtual connections were no longer the only option for gatherings in larger numbers. Like an undefeated team half way through a season, you could sense there was pressure to perform as the community looked to the boys for an assurance this particular demonstration of Nudgee Spirit could return unscathed from the forced COVID-19 break. Furthermore, it was far more than another playground duty for teachers. To me, it was the return to a demonstration of leadership and brotherhood that was positive, inclusive and fun. The conversation around encouraging participation, honouring the Seniors of 2020 who missed these opportunities and ensuring every boy from Year 5 to Year 12 would be open to and excited about joining in the chorus was a priority. While the pastoral care provided by our staff across the boarding and
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Rugby Round 3 2019, Nudgee College vs Gregory Terrace.
day school, in collaboration with formation programs, is essential, the input and expression of the students is paramount if our community is to be authentically viewed as inclusive by the very students we are educating. I know, when it comes to the boys, I don’t need to worry too much about them carrying on the Nudgee Spirit. I see them discussing the finer details of the ritual, the options for who will be the ‘bear,’ who will lead what and how they make sure it is everything it’s hyped up to be. In essence, a student-led lunchtime activity flourished into a sense of community our young men had yearned for. As soon as they hear that “give me an N” call, those expectations fade away and, like muscle memory, the boys have no trouble channelling every aspect of spirit, faith and inclusivity we preach.
Lachlan Boon and Riley Hatton-Whimp.
What the cheering practice in the Grandstand offers in many respects is a metaphor for what boys experience in our pastoral care systems. While an individual experience, it fosters a sense of inherent belonging to something much bigger than just themselves. Much like a boarding house, College house, a year level or any co-curricular team, the Grandstand cheering practice is an opportunity to action connection and commitment to a community that strives to nurture faith, formation and opportunity.
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LIBERATING EDUCATION PROGRAM ACTIVITIES MR SCOTT GALE
Above: Hudson Brumby (Year 8, Aurukun), Ben Mills (Year 10, Thursday Island), Myles Armstrong (Year 10, Mt Isa), Noah Cunningham (Year 9, Sunshine Coast).
From its beginning, Nudgee College welcomed students from all over Queensland and Australia.
Below: Cody Henaway (Year 11, Aurukun).
The Liberating Education Program continues this tradition, welcoming students from a range of backgrounds and communities to explore all their educational potential and become a part of Nudgee College’s 10,000 Brothers. Throughout the school year, Nudgee College students are given the opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and, in the process, develop trusting and meaningful relationships with one another. We asked three of these students to reflect on their experiences throughout Semester One.
Indigenous Art Afternoons This semester, students were offered the opportunity to participate in Indigenous Art afternoons that focused on ‘storytelling’ through our painting. Aboriginal and Torres
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Strait Islander art offers a dynamic way for us to link the past and the present through our storytelling. These afternoons provided us with memorable experiences, and gave all of us more of a chance to associate with other students from the other boarding houses. My favourite part of the afternoons was learning the different stories and cultures of the boys from different areas and tribes around the country. These activities give the students and staff members involved the opportunity to connect and share, even though we may come from different backgrounds. I believe all of the boys embraced the opportunity, and this is a big part of why the Nudgee Spirit is so important. Tariq Tanner Year 11
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Simmie Loban (Year 8, Badu Island), Zacharey Wapau (Year 10, Moa Island), Hubert Elu (Year 12, Mareeba), Degenhard Beschel (Year 12, Toowoomba), Samson Naawi (Year 10, Moa Island), Benedict Mills (Year 10, Thursday Island)
National Reconciliation Week My experience with National Reconciliation Week was amazing. It provided me with an opportunity to share my culture with my peers and work towards reconciliation. The activities that were available to all students were: •
The creation of a ‘reconciliation wall’, where students cut out paper hands and wrote small messages of reconciliation on the hands to be hung on the wall of the Learning Centre.
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A presentation of nine individual Indigenous art themed paintings to the day school houses. These were painted by Indigenous Nudgee College Old Boys and I was lucky enough to present the Duggan House painting to my House Prefects on assembly.
My favourite part of National Reconciliation Week was the opportunity to perform a Torres Strait Island dance from the Western Side of Torres Strait at lunchtime for the school. My mum (Harriet Naawi) came along to this and helped with the performance.
I think it is great that I feel connected to my culture at Nudgee College, even though I’m far away from home. I think this is because I have the knowledge and sense of who I am, a proud Torres Strait Islander man and a proud Nudgee College man. It was really cool showing the Nudgee College men who I am and where I’m from.
Zacharey Wapau (Year 10, Moa Island), Benedict Mills (Year 10, Thursday Island), Hubert Elu (Year 12, Mareeba), Degenhard Beschel (Year 12, Toowoomba), Simmie Loban (Year 8, Badu Island), Samson Naawi (Year 10, Moa Island)
Samson Naawi Year 10
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Campfire Connect The Campfire Connect Program in Term 2 was, again, a great experience to be part of. Straight after school, we all walked down the hill and past the cattle yards to our campfire site, where we set up our fire for the afternoon. We then all worked together to prepare and cook damper, johnny cakes, potatoes and meat over the fire to eat and enjoy together. It was a great opportunity for the younger students to connect with the Senior students and share culture from our homes.
My favourite part of the entire experience was helping to cook the food using the hot coals. These activities are helpful because they give us all a chance to connect with one another and relax for a few hours after a long semester of school work. The Campfire Connect Program has helped me to be more connected to my culture while I am at the College because it allows me to share it and feel proud that I’m a Torres Strait Islander man. Benedict Mills Year 10
Left and top: Campfire Connect. Above: Dylan James (Year 11, Nhulunbuy), Cody Henaway (Year 11, Aurukun), Hudson Brumby (Year 8, Aurukun). Left: Benedict Mills (Year 10, Thursday Island), Hudson Brumby (Year 8, Aurukun), Linkyn Macmillan (Year 9, Mt Isa), Rescue Hopper (Year 8, Sunshine Coast).
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EXCEEDING E X P E C TAT I O N S PATRICK MCGILLION
We asked Year 12 student Patrick McGillion ‘what is the Nudgee Man to you?’ and this was his answer. “Students spend countless unseen hours studying for an exam, mastering that one kick and perfecting a musical piece - all because of Nudgee Spirit.”
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Head of the River, 2018.
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Nudgee Spirit. Nudgee; the name of our great school. Spirit; referring to the prevailing attitudes of a person. Under this logic, Nudgee Spirit would only refer to the beliefs and behaviours of the students as individuals. However, it is much more than that. Nudgee Spirit is an idea, an emotion, a force created out of the collective will of students and staff alike. Uniting us to achieve a common goal, Nudgee Spirit is the lifeblood of our College that drives us to go above and beyond what is expected. For example, Head of the River, 2018. The Nudgee College First VIII are losing and the race is almost over; they will surely lose. Suddenly, the opposition who had been screaming in support for their teams had fallen silent under the deafening cheers of Nudgee College students and supporters. Every school turned to see us, not just cheering but pushing the Firsts onward. A second wind gripped the Firsts and their oars began to blur. They passed the other boats within seconds and won the race before the commentators had a chance to remark at their sudden boost in vitality. Nudgee Spirit, in that moment, allowed our ‘brothers-in-oars’ to transcend their limits. Nudgee Spirit never sleeps, nor does it grow weary. After graduating,
students still feel the drive and energy that defines us. Whether it is academia, athletics or the arts, former students (dubbed Old Boys) strive for greatness. An example of such greatness is Dr Harry Windsor (NC 1932), Australia’s first heart surgeon, who graduated almost 90 years ago. He also served in the Australian Army Medical Corps during World War II, saving the lives of his brothers-inarms - a hero. In comparison, Old Boy Professor John Boldeman’s (NC 195155) studies were more theoretical as he is a specialist in nuclear physics. However, this did not limit John; rather it emboldened him. He went on to develop the Australian Synchrotron, the largest particle accelerator in the Southern Hemisphere, which was recently used to map the molecular structure of the COVID-19 virus. Not bad for a boy from Longreach. For the arts, Australia’s very own Pete Murray (NC 1986-87) attended Nudgee College before launching his musical career. However, Nudgee Spirit is not just limited to the students. It affects teachers, staff - and even parents in their day-to-day lives, allowing them to go above and beyond. Teachers such as Mr Cappello annotate upwards of 50 practice essays to help students prepare for upcoming exams. The
groundskeepers and administrative staff keep the cogs and gears in the machine that is Nudgee College turning, so that we might enjoy events such as Showcase and the Dimensions Art Festival. Parents drop off their sons at training before the sun has risen and support them in every aspect of life. Everyone involved at the College is empowered by this spirit - energised to do more, to “work harder yet simultaneously smarter”, as Mr Fullagar once said. Through this unification of wills, even associates of Nudgee College accomplish incredible feats on a regular basis. The driving force behind all that we do and all that we achieve at Nudgee College is derived from Nudgee Spirit. The idea that there is more that can and will be done permeates through every action of everyone with any connection to our great school. Students spend countless unseen hours studying for an exam, mastering that one kick and perfecting a musical piece - all because of Nudgee Spirit. It is not just a vague ideal spoken of only at assemblies but is practised by everyone at the College with regularity. Day after day and night after night, countless students and staff give their absolute best, exceeding their own expectations in the process.
Opposite page (clockwise): Kes Isaac, Oliver Bryans, Charlie Kavney.
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THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA MS KATE MCGRATH BURGESS
Although many of you won’t know the face of Nick Piper, you will certainly be familiar with his work. From sports documentaries, such as The Season, The Crew and GPS Swimming, to videos for Open Day and the Learning and Teaching department, Nick can capture Nudgee College’s best side.
Nick was planning to make a career in sport and was studying for his Bachelor of Sports Science before giving it up for an audition on a TV show. He said he was always an artistic and creative person and stepping into the film industry was like coming home. “I remember spending the day on set of a TV show in the UK called Big Breakfast and walking on to set and thinking, ‘there’s something about this that feels right for me,’” he said.
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“It wasn’t about the sensationalised environment; it was more to do with the craft. It was a lot of people working to put one thing together. It’s a huge amount of work in the background that viewers wouldn’t necessarily see.” Since then, Nick has worked as a producer, editor and presenter on a variety of TV programs, including travel shows, game shows, reality TV and short films. Using his industry experience and self-taught skills,
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Nick branched out on his own in 2010 and formed film company, Onion TV, which he said allowed him more creative control. “We’ve created 26 different series of broadcast television, so in that time you learn to tell really good stories and gain the trust of the industry to the point when I can wake up to a blank canvas and can create from that. I feel very lucky to be able to do that.”
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The Season 2018.
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Behind the scenes of the Learning and Teaching video.
Onion TV is regarded as Australia’s leading sport documentary company, with series airing on networks such as FOX Sport and Sky Sport. Nick said what he loves about filming sport the most is how emotive it is and being able to give the audience a different viewing experience. “For example, Nudgee College plays rugby on the Saturday, and the spectators have seen who won the game but if I, in two months time, edited a montage where everything is in slow motion, added music and grunts, they can be captured into that cinematic narrative,” Nick said. “One thing I always say to teams when we start following them is that this is not a sports documentary; it’s a human story.” His journey with Nudgee College started when FOX Sport approached him to film a documentary to hit one of their key demographics - youth. Nick knew what a big deal rugby union was in schools - not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, South Africa and the UK.
After pitching new show The Season to 30 schools, Nick said Rugby Director Sean Graham got back to him within 20 minutes. Filming of the First XV team started in 2017 and aired in early 2018, propelling the College on to an international stage. “I got an experience of the school that not many people get. I got to know the teachers on and off for four weeks, I got to know the boys. I got myself the ultimate orientation to the school and I was blown away. I remember returning to New South Wales and saying to my wife, ‘I think I found the school I want the boys to go to, let’s make it work somehow.’” Nick has since moved to Queensland and enrolled his sons Elfie, Dusty and Deezil, at Nudgee College. He continues to make outstanding videos for the College, including this year’s Nudgee Man Open Day video, The Bathersby Boarding Village student tour and the Learning and Teaching video, which he said was his personal favourite of the videos he has done for the College.
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“Peter Fullagar knew I had something to offer,” he said. “When my sons started here, I began to get very competitive about how the school told their story visually. I told him from the very start, ‘I don’t want to do videography; I want to do cinematography.’ “I have an insight into how the school works, from filming The Season, and now as a parent, I am aware of the sensitivities. I am aware of the messaging and that is the ultimate. “One important aspect of the creative process is involving the students as much as possible, not just the tokenistic intern position - but we get them on set. Casting, acting, voiceover, animation, stills, all that kind of stuff. That’s a good educational experience for them too.” Nick is about to start filming another series of The Season with Hillcrest Christian College and he is also working on a special historical video for the College’s 130-year celebrations.
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26 MS ALISON KILGOUR Musicals bring the community together to work collaboratively towards that opening night where the nervous energy is infectious and drives the performers to do their best. Without the visual artists, Industrial Skills students, the audiovisual team, our actors, musicians and dedicated staff the show would not go on. Tierney Auditorium has already brought Guys and Dolls (2017) and The Addams Family (2019) to life. This year, we were excited to be able to bring the smash hit musical High School Musical - On Stage! (2021) to our College. Watching the transformation of the stage and development of a show is hard to put into words. To witness the boys enter the audition room nervous, to emerging a confident performer on opening night is rewarding and heartwarming. It is a testament to them for taking that risk, believing in themselves and doing something they would not normally get the opportunity to do.
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High School Musical - On Stage! was chosen due to it being a contemporary show. It offered an opportunity to capture the wider group of students, especially with the storyline having a strong focus on a high school basketball team. Our production certainly has attracted more students and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the basketball component. The all-male number ‘Get ‘Cha Head in the Game’ is a real highlight with them all dancing and singing with basketballs. This requires complete focus and control. The incorporation of the Nudgee College Drumline was important too. This was part of my vision and provided the opportunity to showcase our Drumline. They certainly started the show off in fine form grabbing the audience’s attention. Nudgee College musicals have become a biennial event that provides our students with an opportunity
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to explore their creative pursuits providing them with an avenue to explore their possibilities. In the year of the 130 celebrations, it is timely to highlight some of our current Year 12 students who have been part of the musical story since they were in Year 8. Morgan Chippendale (College Vice Captain The Arts 2021), Mitchell Doyle and Fletcher Dunn are wonderful role models of Performing Arts. Throughout their time at Nudgee College, they have been heavily involved in the Drama and Music departments. Each one of them has had pivotal roles in the shows. To watch their growth as performers and be part of that journey has been a privilege. It is now time to celebrate their achievements and gain insight into the musical journey for each of them. Below (left to right): Chadwick Oehlman, Lachlan Caldwell, Oliver Bryans, Mitchell Doyle, Morgan Chippendale, Degenhard Beschel and Fletcher Dunn.
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MORGAN CHIPPENDALE
FLETCHER DUNN
MITCHELL DOYLE
I have found a deep love for Music and the Performing Arts while at Nudgee College. From in-class activities to finding my own vices outside of the classroom; including the Musical.
One of the most important parts of my time at Nudgee College has been my involvement in the musicals. After being told to come audition for Guys and Dolls by my mate Morgan in 2017, I was immediately enthralled by the process.
College Vice Captain of The Arts
Throughout my journey at Nudgee College, I have participated in three musicals from Year 8 in Guys and Dolls to this year’s production of High School Musical - On Stage! These three musicals have opened up my eyes to Musical Theatre putting me out of my comfort zone, whilst doing what I love. Ever since I was young, I always had a great passion for music and acting, often putting on shows for my parents and trying to sing for them. As I grew up, I started playing the violin and then returned to singing in school bands and choirs but nothing can compare to the feeling of performing on stage in a musical. Being in the school musical provides you with an opportunity to public speak and stage experience outside of the classroom, which I believe all boys need. When I was younger, I was always anxious to perform on stage, feeling sick or shaking. I always used to worry about what everyone thought; but, through these three musicals, I have overcome this fear and developed more confidence performing. I believe the best part about these experiences are the cast. The Musical is one of the only extracurricular activities that see boys from all different grades working collaboratively together with other schools, something you just don’t see in any sports. From boys in Year 5 to myself in Year 12, High School Musical - On Stage! allows everyone to work interdependently supporting each other’s needs. High School Musical - On Stage! has been one of my best Nudgee experiences, as I often find myself saying, “I can’t wait until Musical this afternoon,” to Mitchell and Matt, two other leads in the show. It allows me to step out of my comfort zone, try new things and do what I love beside an amazing cast of all different people all while having the best time.
After returning from two years in the United Kingdom, I was welcomed into an all-new Music Department that was filled with excellent equipment and band programs. However, after a year of being back I found out about the College The Addams Family Musical, where I ended up being cast as Lurch. The experience was amazing. I made wonderful long term friendships with people at the College and other schools. I have done the same in this year’s musical, High School Musical On Stage! This year’s musical has been a different experience from the last one with a much larger cast and new teachers helping out. High School Musical - On Stage! was a wonderful show that turned out to be a great success. This musical had a much more contemporary flow which was a fun process. One of my favourite parts of this process was the sitzprobe where the band first plays with the cast. However, this tedious activity of sitting down and singing through the entire show helped develop stronger bonds with the others in the show. This year’s musical - while it was my last - was a great experience. I will miss the fun process of Nudgee College musicals. I am eternally grateful for the growth of artistry and the friendships that have come from the show. I can’t wait to come back and help on the next one.
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Putting the difficult hours in at rehearsals were so rewarding when at show time, all the hard work put in by the cast is reciprocated through the energy of the audience. It was this enjoyment I found that made me want to participate in a musical again. When the next production came around, I auditioned and was privileged enough to play Gomez in The Addams Family. My experiences in all of the productions have been amazing and diverse, and it is so special to be able to take part in High School Musical - On Stage! in my final year at the school. Like no other at Nudgee College, it’s an activity that allows for rewarding collaboration between all boys from Year 5 to 12. The development of these relationships are the ultimate gift in such a worthwhile experience. I am so excited to perform one final time and to create some new memories that I will never forget.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL RETREATS, CAMPS & EXCURSIONS MR CHRIS CAWLEY
One of the key elements of our academic and pastoral program was certainly missing in 2020; our students were very much restricted to our own campus. 2021 has allowed us to once again embark on these special events that add so much to our young men’s education as a whole person. Year 5 Retreat In Term 1, our Year 5 boys participated in their first Nudgee College Retreat. The focus was on the Nudgee College story and how our young men can become a ‘Sign of Faith’. Many boys enjoyed their first experience on a College Bus and they arrived with great enthusiasm. The walk from the bus to the venue was certainly challenging, but it does add to the experience of the whole day. The Retreat focuses on orientating our students on what it means to be Signs of Faith. They planted seeds to signify growth and painted a Nudgee College Faith Star with a word placed on the star that would mark their eight-year journey. The final activity was one of mindfulness, a focus from Year 5 to Year 12. The boys had a wonderful day
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and I thank the Year 5 Core teachers and the Identity team for their assistance.
Year 5 HASS Gold Rush Excursion Eureka Excursions at the end of Term 2 provided our Year 5 students the opportunity to enjoy a full day interactive Gold Rush Learning Program, offered at their bush location 7km from Beenleigh. It was a unique experience for our boys, one that immersed them in Australia’s history and culture. An excursion like no other anywhere in the world, right here in South East Queensland. The boys were surprised when they were bailed up by a nasty bushranger on horseback. They found businesses with their own names on them and used maps to explore the goldfields. Several situations that might have
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occurred during the Australian Gold Rush were role played. Boys had the opportunity to construct tents in small groups and buy gold licenses before playing the Gold Rush game. While our students learn about Life on the Goldfields in the classroom, this was a great opportunity for the boys to live it.
Year 5 and 6 Camps Probably our greatest disappointment last year was the cancellation of our annual Camp Program. This program is pivotal to our Student Formation program and provides both staff and students a chance to meet in a different setting. Our Junior School Camp Program is a two-year program. Boys get to experience 16 activities over the two years at Camp Apex, Mudjimba. I was impressed on the day I visited our Year 5 Camp with how
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engaged the boys were, and how well the first group had represented our College so admirably. By visiting on the Wednesday, change-over day, I was able to see all six classes in this idyllic location. Activities across the two years include abseiling on the highest rock wall in Queensland, fishing, canoeing, mountain-bike riding, a fabulous mud run, beach games in the glorious winter sun and so much more. The boys participated so well in the program across both year levels, often having to step outside their comfort zone. Again, my sincere gratitude to all the staff that made this experience possible.
Year 6 Excursion to the Cathedral of St Stephen and the Brisbane Synagogue Our journey started at the Brisbane Synagogue. In Term 2 the boys have been studying Judaism and its links to Christianity. The boys were very respectful and attentive as the traditions and symbols significant to the Jewish Community were explained to them. As Christians, our faith has come from Judaism. As we celebrated the Eucharist later in the day at the Cathedral, it was here we saw the link to the Passover Festival Jesus celebrated with his disciples on his final night.
Our excursion then moved to the Cathedral of St Stephen. The sight of our young Nudgee College men in full uniform occupying the first 10 rows of the Cathedral for their 12.30pm Mass was particularly impressive. At the conclusion of Mass, several parishioners commented on how well our boys participated and how exemplary their behaviour was. The students of Year 6 have also been studying primary and secondary sources in History. They were present in the greatest primary source available with regard to Edmund Rice Education in Queensland. The Pugin Chapel dedicated to St Mary of the Cross was the site of the Christian Brothers’ first school here in Queensland. This was later to move to what we now know as St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. As we all know, our beginnings came from this foundation. It was great to sit and reflect upon our humble beginnings, all those years ago. On the previous day to our visit, the Brisbane Archdiocese celebrated 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. How fabulous that we are part of that history.
Year 6 State Parliament Visit Half of the Year 6 cohort participated in the Queensland Parliament House excursion. Unfortunately, Brisbane
was locked down before the other classes were able to attend. 6K, 6S and 6E were lucky enough to experience the tour of Parliament. Students learned why Queensland has only one House, able to view the Upper House and ask questions about its current use. Luckily, Parliament was not in session and the boys were able to view the Lower House (the Legislative Assembly). The highlight of the tour was when the students were able to participate in a mock Parliament debate. The debate demonstrated the boy’s understanding of Parliament. This was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys and they excelled in their performances. Undoubtedly, a number of politicians in the making!
Far left: Year 5 camp. Left: Mrs Andrea Kewley (left), Mrs Maria Egan (right) and Mr Michael (top right) with 6E, 6K and 6F students outside St Stephen’s Cathedral whilst on Year 6 RE excursion. Top: Rocco Bolton. Top right: Oliver Steven, Tobias Grant, Orlando Read, Bailey Dows and Copper Gannon on Year 6 Camp. Right: 6E, 6K & 6F students at Brisbane Synagogue for RE Excursion.
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LEADERSHIP IN A THRIVING BOARDING COMMUNITY MS KATE MCGRATH BURGESS
With 300 boarders, the boarding community at Nudgee College has never been stronger. Given the bustling community, the College Leadership Team felt that it was imperative to provide additional voice to the boarding community through student leadership. The introduction of Boarding Prefects and a renewed focus of the Student Committee in the Bathersby Boarding Village is the way of the future to integrate the boarders’ voice into larger scale decision-making. Traditionally, Senior boarding staff would be the dominant voice and make many of the decisions when it came to the Boarding Village. However, there has been a shift to accommodate a more prominent student input.
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In 2021, the implementation of the boarding leadership group is a strategic focus within the community, striving to help boys feel more involved and connected to the Boarding Village. Acting Dean of Boarding Mr Sean Toovey said the Prefects and committee with boarders ranging from Years 9 to 12 help to bridge the gap between the staff members and supervisors, bring together younger years and senior students as well as striving for a more united student body.
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Mr Toovey said they are interconnected in the boarding community. “It is all of our homes. We feel our job as staff is to facilitate that home environment for the boys. They need to have that voice, as much as a 17-year-old boy would need to have a say at home in those formative years of adolescence. There are aspects that are nonnegotiable and we work through with the boys to understand those. But where there is flexibility and we
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want some of that student voice, we want to provide that environment where they are open in talking to us.” The Prefects and committee go through a particular selection process, including cover letters, CVs, formal interviews and voting by not only the staff but the boarders as well. While these boys are representatives of their boarding village, they are also role models for their fellow boarders. “They’re present, they’re active, they’re involved and they’re community driven. They are boys that other students thought would bring value to the group.” Leading the boys as Chair of the Student Committee and Vice-Captain
of Boarding is Basil Nolan. Basil is a third-generation boarder from Gladfield in Queensland and picked for this role for his natural leadership, humility and presence within his cohort. Basil and his fellow committee members meet periodically to discuss aspects of their boarding experience, no matter how small the problem. The boys come from various backgrounds and Year levels to create a more diverse and balanced student presence. Mr Toovey said the key aspect in any leadership structure is to create that voice. “Obviously, we have the staff that are controlling the daily program, but we need the boys to provide that feedback to them. Anything from
food, activities and study sessions, we welcome the boys’ feedback.”
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Since the beginning of the year the boys have initiated the inaugural Bathersby Cup, an inter-dorm competition with a wide array of events. These men are also working on how a mentoring program, linked to positive mental health could positively work within our community. While simple initiatives, activities like this bring the boys together and continue to build that family bond. Whilst leadership in the boarding school has always been present, it is wonderful to see these young men and the important work that they do acknowledged at a whole school level.
Above: Student Boarding House Prefects. Front row (left to right): Oska Boyd, Jamie Knight, Basil Nolan, Aidan Dohnalek, Atticus Johnston. Back row (left to right): George Coorey , Harry Coventry, Rodin Martin, Liam McBride. Top left: Student Committee. Front row (left to right): George Coorey , Oska Boyd, Kenjin Sato, Charlie Dezius, Basil Nolan, Aidan Dohnalek, Cam Reppell, Bill Banks, Liam McBride. Back row (left to right): Des Cowley, Jamie Knight, Harry Coventry, Darcy Turner, Rodin Martin, Atticus Johnston, Jack Hallett.
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BOARDING ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE MR TOM HUGHES
Boarding Academic Coordinator, Mr Tom Hughes, explains the academic advantage students gain by living on campus. Living on campus has many benefits but one of the biggest is that boarding students gain an academic advantage. Not only is there a consistent study routine that provides a sense of predictability and organisation, but there is a plethora of academic support available that underpin the academic success of boarding students. Before COVID-19 hit our shores, the concept of a subject masterclass was already in action within the Boarding Village, particularly within the English and Languages Faculty. The subject masterclass provides an opportunity for an expert teacher to present a workshop session to support students in their assessment. A typical session includes recapping of the assessment task, clarifying the marking guide, discussing model responses, and providing opportunities for collaboration. While all these things happen in class as well, being not just a school with boarding, but a boarding school, we know that we need to support students whose parents are both near and far. This is where the current model has taken off ; since COVID-19 and the rise of GoogleMeet and Zoom, the opportunity to allow day boys a window into the experience of boarding at Nudgee College has been possible. Across Semester 1, boarders have had the opportunity to benefit from the following masterclasses: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Year 12 English with Mrs Julianne Daunt and Mr Tom Hughes Year 12 Study of Religion with Mr Simon Lilley Year 12 Modern History with Ms Lesley Gardner Year 12 Art with Ms Katherine Ellis Year 12 Maths Methods with Mr Jamaal Sugars Year 12 General Maths with Ms Lousie Nardi Year 12 Biology with Mr Tim Bird Year 11 English with Ms Jodie Becker Year 11 Business with Ms Kate Fraikin Year 11 Study of Religion with Mr Simon Lilley Year 11 Physical Education with Mr Alex O’Regan Year 11 Maths Methods with Ms Louise Nardi Year 11 General Maths with Mr Jamaal Sugars Year 11 Modern History with Ms Lesley Gardner and Ms Chloe Arnold Year 10 English with Ms Chloe Arnold and Mr Luke Condon Year 10 Physics with Mr Daniel Luke Year 10 Biology with Mr Tim Bird Year 9 Religious Education with Mrs Liz Grima Year 8 Science with Mr Daniel Luke Year 7 and 8 Research and Study Skills with Mrs Melissa Miller Year 7 Japanese with Mx James Makiol
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By participating in these masterclass sessions, whether a boarder or a day boy on a GoogleMeet, students can extend their knowledge and understanding through our tertiary settings learning model. The resultant resources allow flourishing students to extend themselves, and struggling students to access additional assistance namely by rewatching the masterclass, a luxury not usually available with in-class lessons. Controlling the pace of learning allows students to develop greater independence and lifelong learning strategies. We are not just promoting learning; we are supporting those who need help and allowing those with confidence to extend and challenge themselves. The Reach for the Stars program is but one arrow in the quiver of the Boarding Academic Program. Empowering students to make choices that will most benefit their learning through structured nightly
study. The use of our amazing D.J. Hanly Learning Centre and Treacy Heritage Precinct allows students to study within their cohorts in a variety of rooms. Students have the capacity to work in a quiet workspace, or be in a collaborative room where peer mentoring can come to the forefront. Our staff supervise all of these spaces, along with access to our Reach for the Stars teaching staff on the ground floor of the library for subject-specific assistance. We often speak to the students to seek feedback about the masterclasses and presentations to make sure they are receiving the best experience. When asked about the program, Year 12 student and Hodda House boarder Jack Harkins said, “Reach for the Stars has most certainly been an aid to my learning. It has developed my study skills and taught me how to study independently as a result. The staff are great at providing help and mentoring; it is without a doubt that credit to my academic development goes to them.”
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With all this said, it is important to remember that learning goes beyond the Learning Centre at night-time. We are fortunate to have a number of staff members from the Connors Centre for Skills and Training for students who study subjects such as Industrial Technology Skills or Engineering (Metal Fabrication) to continue working on their learning projects as well. Additionally, it has been pleasing to see many Year 10 and 11 students become involved in a series of Community Projects: chairs and tables, planter boxes, and coffee tables - all going back into the Boarding Village or the Nudgee College community. Nudgee College Boarding is a place where boys need only put up their hand to either seek help or to challenge themselves. With such excellent support in place, students attain the real academic advantage in whichever field they choose.
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MR JOHN SAYER
NUDGEE COLLEGE IN 1921
Doctors Martin Kerby and Tom Boland, in their respective histories of the College, provide us today with valuable insight into the intricacies of our story.
In his 2014 book Nudgee a Life: A History of St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Dr Kerby said “by the early 1920s, Boland believed that the ‘Nudgee clan’ had grown to be the ‘Nudgee Community’, a view that reflected a growing sense that the College had indeed won its spurs in both peace and war.” Significant developments to the physical, academic and spiritual infrastructure of the College were made in the years surrounding 1921. Br John Columbanus Ryan, Principal in 1916, was destined to take the College through to 1933, supported and guided by his deputy, Br Owen Paul Tierney. Dr Boland mentioned in his 1991 book Nudgee 1891-1991, that Br John Columbanus Ryan presided over Nudgee College’s new grandeur. He opened the Magee Chapel, erected the Dunne Memorial school block, perfected the main oval (Ross Oval), refurbished the entry and reception rooms and his finishing touch was the front wall on Sandgate Road with the imposing gates, gifted by T. C. Beirne in 1930. The 1922 Annual featured an artistic view of the College (shown on page 35). It is fascinating to view the images in the light of the gift provided to us today by M3 Architecture. The perspective is slightly askew but not far from our current view. This Annual also treated its readers to this description of a “Bird’s Eye View of the College”:
Situated on the brow of a hill, and facing Sandgate Road, it lent by its magnificence a fascinating aspect to the surrounding country. A beautiful drive, set off on either side by green, springy lawns, with ever-green trees and white statues scattered here and there, led up to the front door. The building rose in terraces, ending at length in a lofty tower from whence we were sure a fine view of the countryside could be obtained. To the left there was a chapel beautifully designed… There was a quadrangle skirted by a beautiful two storied building whose dome shone like polished silver. To the right more buildings met our gaze. Down in the distance we saw an oval, smooth as a billiard table. There were tennis courts and handball courts affording amusement to eager players. Bamboos, the monarchs of centuries, formed a fitting background to this wonderful sight. Nudgee College was already becoming known as an institution of academic excellence. The results of the 1921 Senior Public exams record some significant names in Queensland and Australia’s future landscape. Several statistics were published in the College magazine, for example: •
Five out of the 20 University Scholarships were secured by Nudgee boys.
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The College boys obtained the first, fourth and seventh places in the State in the Senior University Examination.
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Four out of the 21 Merit awards in Chemistry went to Nudgee.
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Five out of the 15 Merit Awards in French went to Nudgee.
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Five out of the 20 Merit Awards in Mathematics went to Nudgee.
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17 lads passed the Senior University Examination.
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33 fellows passed the Junior University Examination.
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21 obtained the Junior Extension Scholarship.
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Five secured fifth year Extension Scholarships.
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Four passed the Preliminary Law Examination.
•
Three passed the Pharmacy Examination.
There was a gap in the publication of Annuals from 1916 to 1921, a result of the World War I government embargo on the use of paper products as a cost-cutting measure. The 1922 Annual resumed the tradition of the Editorial Committee; it is not surprising to see the inimitable J. E. Ross as a member of that committee (see page 36). The committee’s main objective was to form a connecting link of good friendship between past and present pupils.
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The Annual would also report on the sporting successes (or lack thereof ) from the past year. The College was playing Rugby League in 1921, as was the GPS Competition that was formed in 1918. The results for the war years and post-war years show Nudgee College’s evolving presence on the footy field. Nudgee College had assumed its unique identity and its members were very much aware “of broader sectarian divisions and the financial pressures that were an ever present threat to the College’s solvency... There was a sense that the College was at its very best when buffeted by a seemingly
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indifferent universe. It gave the nascent sense of community identity a hard edge that underpinned a fevered pursuit of excellence.” These words from Dr Kerby tap powerfully into that early quest to identify what we today know and feel our Nudgee Spirit is. In this historic year, we explore the images and documentation of 100 years ago to see the evolution of the College; from the Catholic boarding school in the bush, to a recognised part of the established fabric of schools in Queensland. The school itself was, and continues to be, truly stunning, beautiful and extraordinarily
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visionary in its architecture. The Brothers were fiercely Irish in their pride, passion and point of view and this occasionally served to embolden those “broader sectarian divisions.” The cliché of the ‘level playing field’ was no truer than when applied to Nudgee College’s entrée to the social networks of the day. It was on this field that barriers were worn down and respect and mateship were celebrated and nurtured beyond the gates of the College. The 250 tough, unruly bush kids, empowered by their own unique Spirit, grew into the 10,000 brothers and far-reaching community we know today.
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Interhouse Showcase was held on Wednesday 5 May. After the unfortunate washout of Showcase in Term 1, the boys were ready and raring to get on stage in Week 3 of Term 2. With some amazing performances from all the Houses, the judge declared Shaw House (top) victorious with their theme of ‘Brotherhood.’
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Below: Cameron Reppel, Mr David Johnston, Frank Bundock and Degenhard Beschel (Shaw House Captains).
NC SNAPSH
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Above: 2020 College Dux, Declan Cabot, was awarded the honour of the QCAA Distinguished Academic Achievers. Declan has gone on to study Bachelor of Medical Science at Griffith University. Below: On International Women’s Day, we celebrated three women from the College community who embodied the IWD theme of ‘Choose to Challenge’. (Left to right: Voss Sandic, Ms Karin Van Wirdum OLY, Ms Joanne Barrett, Kallum Russell, Ms Emel Corley, Jahmyn Cowburn and Mr Gerard Alexander.)
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On Tuesday 19 January, staff were fortunate enough to witness the Oculus in the Learning Centre light up, marking 130 years since Michael McKenniarey, the College’s first student, stepped foot on the campus.
In honour of this year’s Harmony Day theme “Everyone Belongs”, our students made the word TOGETHER on Ross Oval.
The Learning Centre turned into a temporary Barber shop on Thursday 4 March when Fogarty House hosted the World’s Greatest Shave. Boys volunteered to have their head shaved or coloured and raised a total of $21,500 for the Leukemia Foundation. (Left to right: Zachary Manitta, Carl Shermn and Archie Percival.)
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Above: On Monday 17 May to Friday 21 May, the College celebrated National Boarding Week with many great activities on for the Boarders and the wider Boarding community. The boys enjoyed The Bathersby Cup competition, a shuttle relay where each student was required to run a leg of the overall 10km. Congratulations to Cotter House for taking home the cup! (Left to right: Cameron Reppel, Atticus Johnston, William Mann and Morgan Chippendale.) Below: The Br Vince Connors Trade Training Centre has been renamed the Connors Centre for Industry Skills and Training. We are committed to improving the preparedness of our students for successful careers through revision of our courses and skills development. (Left to right: Adham Assaf, Hugo Bolton, Mitchell Brough and William Howard.)
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The series UND15CL053D focuses on the impacts of pop culture and how cultural icons can often be dehumanised and portrayed by mass media as conceptual one-dimensional figureheads. By removing the face of famous figures from different cultural aspects (Jermaine Cole, Wayne Gretzky, Jimmy Butler, Phil Knight, Will Smith and Pierre Gasly), it renders them somewhat unrecognisable to the average viewer.
This not only highlighs the figurehead nature of pop culture in a modern society, but also alludes to the fact that, for these icons, there are stories that dig deeper than the songs they write or sport they play. Each of these pop culture icons have an inspiring story behind their name that the average person may not know. Whether it is Jimmy Butler’s rise from homelessness to 5 times NBA All Star and Gold Olympic medal winner or
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Phil Knight’s inspiring journey to success and fortune, these icons have inspired myself and many others throughout their careers. Thus, the strips of illustration and typography act as a metaphorical “peeling back” of the layers to expose the fragile humanity and inspiring life stories of these people despite their overwhelming popularity. JACK FULLER Artist and Year 12 student
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Chadwick Oehlman and Josephine Oehlman.
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NC EVENTS Commencement Mass and Investiture On Friday 5 February, we hosted our annual Commencement Mass and Investiture of our Senior students, led by Fr Peter Dillon, Fr John Gillen and Fr Rafal Rucinski.
needed me to be perfect – but they looked to me to be authentic and real. Your job today and for the rest of your time at Nudgee and for all of your life is to become your best you.”
We were blessed with an incredible speech from our College Advisory Council Chair, Br Damien Price. He said, “people love and admire a person who is authentic and has integrity and courage in the small things. I have never taught a young person who
College Captain, Leo De Clara, announced this year’s senior theme (130 ALONG, 10,000 STRONG) along with a powerful speech: “The vision of Br Ambrose Treacy was to provide an educational institution founded on faith, formation and opportunity
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for young men. Allowing us to confidently step out of these gates at the end of this year as citizens who our parents, teachers and broader community can be proud of. And we know that once we finish our time here, our bonds will never be truly broken. We will always be the Senior cohort of 2021.” Parents had the honour of pinning their son’s Senior badge to their blazers, a significant moment for our parents and boys.
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Br Damien Price.
Opening and blessing of The Flats On Friday 19 February, The Flats Sporting Complex was opened and blessed by Fr John Gillen. The upgrade includes 14 hectares of sports fields, 10 full size multi-purpose playing fields for Football and Rugby, six Cricket fields and a Cross Country course. A small group of staff, guests and students gathered to celebrate the occasion.
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The Great Debate The Year 12 Debating team went off against a team of Old Boys, arguing Should Nudgee College go Co-Ed? While our Senior A’s Debating team put up some good arguments for the Negative side, the judges, Principal Mr Peter Fullagar, Vice Captain of the Arts Morgan Chippendale and Debating Coach Ms Laura Danby, awarded the win to the Old Boys on the Affirmative side. Above (left to right): Zach Mansfield, Chadwick Oehlman, Dominic Carroll, Shannen Gerard-Solker, Isaac Roati and Nikhil Lalwani.
Beef Week Cattle Club students attended and competed at Beef Week in Rockhampton from Sunday 2 May to Saturday 8 May. The cattle travelled well and performed well in the ring, enjoying the immense amount of attention. The College’s red angus were the stars of the show placing First in some classes as well as taking out reserve champion heifer. All of the cattle placed between First and Sixth which is a great achievement considering the competition, class sizes and notoriety present. Nudgee College students had the exceptional opportunity to tour the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange facilities in Gracemere, Rockhampton. Students performed well at the prime cattle judging held
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there. Harry Wright placed Fifth against 308 competitors. The boys went on to compete in junior paraders. From there young judges commenced with a large number of competitors and notable placings were with Sam Hyne and Harry Williams. The College also hosted the Bull Dust Dinner at Headrick’s Lane on Wednesday 5 May. Old Boys, currents parents and some prospective families enjoyed a dinner with guest speakers, Dr Stephen Daley, Mr Lawrence Devine, Dr Paul Wright and Ms Leanne and Mr Barry O’Sullivan. Right (left to right): Daniel O’Sullivan, Harry Wright, Archie Wilson, Luke O’Sullivan, Mr Lewis Cammack, Samuel Hyne, Adam Pearson, Clancy Thomas, Ronin Prout, Michael Wilkie.
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Above: Seoirse Mitchell. Left: Ronin Prout.
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Many eager parents and sons walked through the College gates on Saturday 22 May for Open Day to find out what it means to be a Nudgee Man. With student-led tours, subject demonstrations, music performances and Football and Tennis matches on, parents and boys enjoyed the exciting activities the College had on. A Q&A Panel was hosted in Tierney Auditorium for guests to ask their burning questions to key members of the leadership team. Below left: Michael Beirne & Michael Williams. Below: Chrionie Tiso.
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ANZAC Commemoration Our annual ANZAC Commemoration was held on Friday 23 April on Ross Oval. Staff, students and the wider community gathered to appreciate the great sacrifice made by the ANZACs. This year’s guest speakers were Sergeant Tom O’Neil (NC 1998-2000) from the Royal Australian Air Force and Vice Captain Doug Gemmel. Above: Oliver Byrne. Below: Lachlan Mark and Jahmyn Cowburn.
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To celebrate Mother’s Day, the annual Mother & Son Luncheon on Sunday 2 May began the morning with a Mass at the Cathedral of St Stephen followed by lunch at the Sofitel Hotel. Families enjoyed great food and even better company. Top: (Back row) Jesse Meyer, Jack Maconochie, Zac Arnolda and Hugh Osborne. (Front row) Emma Meyer, Sharon Maconochie, Karen Arnolda and Theresa Osborne. Left: Marisia and Aiden Woolf.
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Main image: Michael Donovan and Ethan Easton. Opposite top: Finlay Schuster, Dylan Andrea and Harrison Turner. Inset: Mason Hunter.
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Swimming GPS CHAMPIONSHIPS The 98th GPS Swimming Championships turned out to be a great day for Nudgee College Swimming retaining the Senior GPS Swimming competition with 319 points. Captain Dylan Andrea and Vice Captains Finlay Schuster and Harrison Turner led the group superbly, creating a team environment where everyone wanted to excel for the team. There were 13 individual event wins on the night out of 32 events and seven out of ten relays placed in the Top 2, showing amazing depth along with 29 personal bests splits from the Relays. There were ten different individual event winners on the night, which was seven more than any other school. Those boys were Elfie Piper, Jaiden Marshall, Jack Plowman, Blair McKitrick, Blake Turner, Thomas Connellan, Tom Sands, Dylan Andrea, Thomas Raymond and Harrison Turner. Many records were broken on the day, including Harrison Turner breaking an
11-year-old GPS record in the Open 100m Butterfly (55.34) and Dylan Andrea broke a 20-year-old Open 100m Freestyle Nudgee College school record in 51.79. It was incredible to see all of the U13’s stepping up in their first Senior GPS Championships and perfectly executing their races. Elfie Piper could not have swam his 200m any better coming past four swimmers on the final 100m to take the win, Ronan Rowling stepping up and swimming
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two best times and Harry Beirne swimming up as an U12 showing great composure to go a best time in the 100m Freestyle. The Junior Swimming team, captained by Michael Donovan and Ethan Easton, finished the day in second position with a very strong showing especially in the relays. This is the fourth year in a row the Junior Swimming Team has been in the top two positions which is great for the future of Nudgee College Swimming.
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Year 11 1st VIII.
Rowing GPS SEASON The history books may not show what a successful year 2021 Nudgee College Rowing experienced. The College finished 2nd in the Old Boys Cup and 6th in the O’Connor Cup. However, the overall changes in coaching and attitude from the boys was exceptional to see. Early in the season, the boys had a regatta against GT and BBC as well as another versus BGS. In both the regattas, it gave the boys a chance to see how they were travelling. The boys attacked these events with vigour and we produced some excellent results. New senior coaches Mr Nick Lloyd, Mr Bruce Wright and Mr Greg Christian joined the ranks this season. Their enthusiasm and new ideas were fantastic and we hope we can retain their services for next season. Some Year
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12 boys had never won a race wearing a Nudgee College zootie. Returning the College to a culture of winning takes time and this year, we made a significant step. During the season, eight out of twelve championship crews experienced wins against full fields. Whilst non-championship crews also experienced winning. All Year 12 students won at least one pennant this season, which was a welcomed change from last season. Mr James Burton Rowing Director
Cricket SEASON LAUNCH The Nudgee College Cricket T20 Season Launch was held on Ross Oval on Friday 12 February with the 1st XI taking on the All Stars team made up of Test Cricketers Matthew Renshaw,
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Ryan Harris and Brendan Nash along with Queensland Cricket male and female representatives Nathan McSweeney, Bryce Street and Georgia Voll. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon with a large crowd attending at Ross Oval. U19 EXTENDED WORLD CUP SQUAD Congratulations to all rounders Year 12 1st XI opening bowler Tom Balkin and 2020 1st XI Captain Noah McFadyen on their selections in the Australian U19 extended World Cup squad. The squad of 40 players will attend training camps in Brisbane in the coming months with the Australia U19 World Cup team selected after the National U19 Championships in December. The ICC U19 World Cup will be played in early 2022 in the West Indies.
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Noah McFadyen.
Tom Balkin .
Cricket Season Launch. Front row: Connor Carroll, Lachlan Mark, Hunter Lim, Zac Smullen, Daniel Fielding, Nick Glass, Daniel Seaton, Chad Oehlman. Back row: Matthew Mott, Ryan Harris, Jackson Mills, Matthew Renshaw, Glen Batticciotto, Jet Liebke, Kallum Russell, Tom Malone, Luke Maugeri, Nick Graham, Bryce Street, Trent Palmer, Nathan McSweeney, Georgia Voll, Corey Barsby.
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Left: Joshua Reid. Below: Carlos Vanselo-Neto.
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GPS SEASON
GPS SEASON
2021 was the most successful season to date with 27 teams nominated in the GPS and over 350 participating in the sport. This growth takes us to be one of the biggest programs in the GPS and one of the largest programs at Nudgee College. With growth and a strong coaching program, comes success. The 1st VI were able to secure 2nd place in a hotly contested competition.
With GPS Tennis returning to Term 2, the return of normality was welcomed by the Nudgee College Tennis community. Record numbers signed up to GPS Tennis for 2021 and we were poised to have a great season.
The 2021 season saw one of the tightest competitions in recent years. Fantastic 3-0 wins against BBC, ACGS and BGS broke many droughts, including the 18 year drought against ACGS. The program itself saw a lot of success with the combined teams winning a total of 69% of games which takes us to 3rd overall in the GPS. The highlight of the season was the active participation at training and the general excitement around Volleyball this year was maintained throughout the season. This is exciting to see and it is exciting to see the heights that volleyball could reach in 2022 if this continues. Mr Jorden Smith Volleyball Director
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At the beginning of the season, a number of goals were established to measure success. Thankfully, on many fronts, these were achieved. Key highlights for the 2021 program include: high levels of participation, increased win percentage throughout the season, establishment of the parent support group and hosting various events including the Age Champions, Season Launch and an evening with Pat Flynn. What else is very pleasing was life returning to the courts. Nudgee College has 12 courts and a pro-shop. These facilities have been utilised by not only GPS tennis, but the broader community. As Director, I would like to thank Tennis Gear for doing a fantastic
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job throughout the season to facilitate player development and the parent support group for their role in aiding the program. AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Nudgee College Tennis players competed in the Junior and Senior Age Championships in March before the season officially started. Around 100 boys competed over the two nights with over 200 matches being played. It was a great opportunity for the Tennis community to come together and enjoy some tennis. Congratulations to the age champions: •
Year 5: Spencer Blake
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Year 6: Caleb Hopsick
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Year 7: Isaac Micheal
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Year 8: Chace Crema
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Year 9: Lawson Swain
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Year 10: Padraic Townsend
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Year 11: Ben Forbes
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Open: Declan Townsend
Mr Brendan McGuinness Tennis Director
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Top: Curtis Taylor. Below left: Padraic Townsend. Below: Tejas Ashok.
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Daniel Carroll.
Football The 2021 season will go down in history as the one where the newly restored Flats fields were christened by the College’s football teams. The world class pitches gave Nudgee College boys the opportunity to play a proactive passing style of football without worrying about stray bounces on a bumpy pitch. After the difficulties of the 2020 season, it was fantastic to have 42 teams in action in the blue and white and competing hard for Nudgee College. By the halfway point of the season, only one of the Nudgee College A teams had tasted defeat as years of hard work on the training pitch came to fruition. A record number of Year 5 teams was another positive sign for the future along with the first year of a structured Coaching Excellence Program for young Old Boy coaches. The 1st XI started with 3 wins but have tougher tests to come before the end of the season. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make The Flats such an outstanding sporting facility for our boys. It really is a game changer, Nudgee College Football will continue to drive forward the program to give our boys the best opportunities to enjoy and develop their football. Mr Jamie Pybus
Dylan Meinicke.
Football Director
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GPS Cross Country. Front row: Sam Rogers (Vice Captain), Leo Fairley (Vice Captain), Leo De Clara, Malachi Tuck (Captain), Harrison Turner, Alex Kluck, Harry Dixon. Back row: Harry Blackmore, Nic La Spina, Jack Fuller, Jack Harkins, Tyler O’Keefe, Jesse Meyer, Gabe Allen, Oska Boyd, Oliver Misso, Jonty Trethowan, Rodin Martin and Lucas Ackland.
Cross Country With some new coaches on board and some powerful training sessions planned, we were ready to dedicate the first half of 2021 to the Cross Country season. Training at Kalinga Park and Mt Coot-tha, we had a few weeks of fitness gains under our belts before the school term training started. Only weeks into Term 1 and we hosted our annual Invitational Cross Country Time Trial meet, hosting St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, Ambrose Treacy College, St Margaret’s and Stuartholme School runners. Later that afternoon our Season Launch took place in the green space in front of Tierney, including some inspirational stories from Olympic 20km Walker, Dane Bird-Smith. After another month of four training sessions per week, we began participating in the GPS Cross Country lead-up meets, which were brilliant Friday afternoons where our runners pushed themselves in a more
Junior Captains Rhys Griffiths and George Dart.
competitive environment. Over the Easter holidays, we had some fantastic training sessions as well as one of our best Cross Country camps to date at Currimundi. Not only did the various training sessions test the boys and what they could achieve, but the camp was incredibly fun and the bonds amongst all of the runners certainly grew. Just four more lead-up meets in Term 2 saw us nearing closer and closer to the big day: GPS Cross Country Championship Day. Our big N singlet clad boys represented Nudgee College proudly at Limestone Park on Thursday 20 May. Our Juniors earned the Shield once again and our 13 - Open runners were able to showcase their seasonal gains, which were evident in the improvement of our overall standing against the other GPS schools. The 2021 Cross Country season was certainly an unforgettable one. Ms Jaimee Trembearth Cross Country Director
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Ben Neal.
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Thomas Mallet.
Music Showcase On Thursday 11 February, the College was involved in the GPS Music Showcase at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. The boys were part of four ensembles: Concert Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Stage Band. The ensembles rehearsed all day in preparation for a performance in the Theatre at the Conservatorium. Lachlan Barrett and Oliver Bryans were soloists with Ben Neal and Fletcher Dunn accompanying.
Debating The Senior A Debating team was a force to be reckoned with. The team work and dedication of the boys was evident throughout all the GPS rounds. They had some fantastic wins
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Nikhil Lalwani.
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and great development of skills, such as engaging with the opposition’s arguments and using logic and knowledge to counter points.
Shannen Gerard Solker, Oliver Kele and Nikhil Lalwani.
Debating Director Mx James Makiol along with coach Mr Dom Caroll and coordinator Ms Julianne Daunt opened positions to the Seniors team to Years 10 to 12. A beneficial addition to this year’s team was Year 10 student Oliver Kele. He showed skills above his years and thrived in the company of the older students. Shannen Gerard Solker, Oliver Kele and Nikhil Lalwani were a powerful trio in Round 7 against ACGS. Ms Julianne Daunt noted the boys’ passion and ability to think quickly under pressure made their debates ‘must-see’ occasions. The Senior As finished equal fourth on the GPS ladder.
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NC OLD BOYS NCOBA President’s Message On behalf of the NCOBA, I would like to thank all supporters and Old Boys who have pitched in, engaged with us and encouraged our association over a challenging period. We were very pleased that we were able to hold some successful events at the end of last year, including the Memorial Mass and our End of Year Dinner. Rest assured, we are planning a busy second half of 2021 and we look forward to increased connection with you all. There have been some great
College events recently where Old Boys have caught up and networked, particularly The Great Debate and the NC 130 Years Celebration. Well done to all who were involved with those events. We have announced our annual Signum Fidei Award recipients this year: Tim Bishop (NC 1981-83) for his leadership in the investment banking industry and Richard Barker (NC 1976-77) for his leadership in business,
sport and community. They are both exceptional men. Our AGM Dinner of Thursday 17 June at Brother’s Rugby Club was a great success, and we look forward to our annual Friday Night Drinks in August and hope you can attend. I thank our ever hardworking executive, and send my best wishes to you all for the rest of the year. Mr Hugh Hamilton NCOBA President
NCOBA AGM The NCOBA held a successful AGM and dinner on Thursday 17 June at Brothers Rugby Club in Albion. It was a great occasion for Old Boys to connect and discuss the important things in their busy lives. We also held an excellent panel discussion regarding the property industry and related economic activity.
NCOBA AGM November 2020. Left to right: Mr Sean Hardman, Mr Vince Rao, Mr James Delahunty, Mr Doug Carrigan, Mr John Power, Mr Steve Ware, Mr Aldo Varrichio, Mr Eamon Power, Mr Paul Lane, Mr Andrew McNamara, Br Damian Price, Mr Peter Todd, Mr Brendan Williams, Mr Mark Cusack, Mr Leon Burgess-Dean, Mr Peter Crowley, Mr Nigel Lobo, Mr Hugh Hamilton, Mr Tony Gleeson, Mr Des Watkins and Mr Mark Power.
Thank you to Richard Morrison (NC 1987-91) for his assistance in facilitating the discussion. We initiated some good planning for events going forward, and locked in some regional visits and associated reunion activity. The executive for 2021 were confirmed: President Hugh Hamilton, Vice President Andrew McNamara, Treasurer Doug Carrigan and myself as Secretary. Hugh Hamilton thanked all the hard working executive members and the College for their on-going support. All attendees enjoyed the evening and wished the NCOBA every success for the year ahead. Mr Tony Gleeson NCOBA Secretary
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WHAT COMES AFTER THE LIBERATING EDUCATION PROGRAM?
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MR SCOTT GALE (NC 2007-2011) St Joseph’s Nudgee College is extremely proud of its continued tradition of welcoming students from all ranges of backgrounds and communities to explore and fulfill their educational potential. While at Nudgee College, the Liberating Education Program assists our young men to fulfill this potential while also preparing them for ‘life beyond the gates’ of the College in their chosen career pathway. We asked Joe Reuben and Jerone Wills to reflect on their time at school and how Nudgee College has assisted them in their careers.
Jerone Wills Legal Counsel at Telstra Telecommunications (NC 2012-2014)
Joe Reuben Apprentice Plasterer (NC 2016-2018) Hometown: Winton, Central West Queensland
Hometown: Darwin, Northern Territory How has the opportunity to come to Nudgee College helped you in your career and life? The opportunity to attend Nudgee College helped me to understand the importance of education. I was able to learn and absorb everything that the College has to offer, from academics, sport, culture, music and being part of the boarder community. What was your favourite part of being a Nudgee College student? The opportunities available really allow you to enjoy the present, and work towards being the best person you can be and the best you can be. What advice would you give to current and future potential Nudgee College students? Be involved in as many things as you can. Be it sport, music, culture, academics or other extra-curricular activities. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try your best at everything you do, as your time at Nudgee will be over in a flash.
How has the opportunity to come to Nudgee College helped you in your career and life? Nudgee College provided me with so many opportunities and the assistance to pursue my career in the trade industry. The College taught me so many skills and prepared me for what is expected in the workplace. Nudgee also goes further and gives you the upper hand to go to TAFE during Year 12 to start a pre-vocational course, along with plenty of work experience opportunities. What was your favourite part of being a Nudgee College student? There is so much support and many amazing people. Nudgee College became another family to me there was never a time when I felt alone. What advice would you give to current and future potential Nudgee College students? Never be afraid to accept a challenge, there will always be someone to help support you, and also it’s not weak to speak.
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GRAHAM AKHURST NCOB WRITER AND AUTHOR MS ERINA HITCHINGS
Graham Akhurst (NC 1995-1999) is an Aboriginal writer from the Kokomini of Northern Queensland. He has been widely published in Australia and America for poetry, short fiction and creative non-fiction. Graham has been awarded the W.G. Walker Fulbright Scholarship, the Nomad Two Worlds Foundation Indigenous Arts Scholarship from the American Australian Association, and an Australia Council of the Arts Professional Development award to complete an Master of Fine Arts in Fiction at Hunter College, CUNY. Graham was also an Associate Lecturer in Indigenous Studies at UQ. As well as these many accolades, his debut novel, Borderland, will be published in 2022 with Hachette Australia. While currently living and studying in New York, Graham generously offered his time answering questions about his schooling, career and upcoming projects. What was your time at Nudgee College like? I started at Nudgee College in 1995. Our family had just relocated from Singapore where my father was working as a pilot for Singapore Airlines. Having then been away from Brisbane for four years, I had no friends that first day of school in Year 8. I felt incredibly alone, but that didn’t last long. I met a few fellows who have become lifelong mates. And the things those mates have done since Nudgee College. Matt Hughes has travelled the world as an architect, building hospitals and homes for the needy and working with the UN. Pat Doody is an engineer working on some of the biggest mining sites in the country. And Simon Mumme ended up in communications and finance and lives in London. Simon
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was also the one who gave me a copy of The Catcher in the Rye for my 18th birthday, introducing me to what’s possible with voice on the page. So, for me Nudgee College was about community. Those people I met that have continued to be part of my life. But that’s not all. I might consider myself a writer these days, but my greatest memories at Nudgee College are on the sporting field. Don’t get me wrong, I was no superstar, but that didn’t matter, such was the culture of a fair go at the school. I languished in the F’s for footy, and some might think that must have made us a terrible team. They would be wrong. Because we won. A lot. We thumped every team we played in the under 14’s by margins that were something out a dream. Ridiculous 50 and 60 point wins and more. I remember several times as a second rower catching the ball from kick off and running it under the posts. We won a couple of games by 100 point margins and ended the season undefeated. Matt Hughes was with me on that team and we still yarn about it every now and then. What did you like most about your Nudgee College education? It was thorough. I had a good solid foundation to build off in terms of future success. Were you interested in becoming a writer while at school or did you have a different career path in mind? I believe I wanted to be in business or finance at that young age. Probably because I watched too much television.
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What drives your passion for writing? Writing is a complex artform that I will spend the rest of my life trying to figure out. That journey of discovery and growth is in itself gratifying. There are also social and identity issues that drive me. I write from an Indigenous standpoint and try to articulate aspects of my own identity and that of a shared Indigenous identity to readers outside of what they may be used to seeing in the media and government policy. You’ve achieved amazing things in your career but what is success to you? Success for me in this field is more than just acknowledgements or awards. Those things are nice for sure, but there is much more to the act of creation. You give yourself to the work in ways that are deep and sometimes frightening. To be able to give all of yourself, to tell the whole story, whatever it is that you are working on, to make the language sing in a way that is both pleasurable and devastating would be in some way a measure of success. But one can only try, fail, and try harder, because, as is the case with most worthy pursuits, there is always more to give. What have been the highlights of your career? The biggest highlight of my career so far has been my time at Hunter College. I arrived in New York late August 2019, two days prior to my first class. It was summer, and I remember
being jet lagged, confused by the building, and sweating profusely as I finally found the room for our first workshop. I managed a hello to the other students, half were second years all very relaxed, the other half an anxious and wide-eyed looking bunch that I was part of. There was a murmur amongst us as we waited and then complete silence. After fifteen minutes of looking out at the upper east side skyline the door flung open and there he was, Peter Carey. Tall with a full head of white hair, sunglasses on, a black leather jacket, black jeans, and black boots. An Australian literary icon right there in the room with us. He shuffled a handful of pages. He nodded over to me; he knew I’d come a long way for this. He took a seat and then paused taking in the room before saying: “Shall we begin.” And so began the last couple of years of my life. Working with Peter, my other professors, and the incredibly talented pool of emerging artists at Hunter has without doubt been the most lucrative and difficult period of growth for my writing. The bar was raised and I’ve been leaping these last two years to reach it. I’ll get there someday, hopefully. But again, it’s that process on the page, articulating thoughts and trying to find some kind of beauty in the language that excites me. And when you get it right, well, for a writer there is no better feeling. What advice would you have for current Nudgee students who are looking to build a career in this competitive and unique industry? Read, read, read some more, and go
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live a little. Then, sit down and do the thing and fail a lot. After a while you get better. I’d suggest starting with shorter pieces. Read short stories and try to emulate what you see on the page. Novels are complex beasts that are unwieldy and take a long time to control. I think it’s important to finish things when you start out, hence the shorter works. The agents and publishing deals will come later. And don’t be annoyed when others around you succeed, if you’re talented and dedicated your time will come. Tell us a bit about your book Borderland? Borderland is a young adult novel that looks at issues of urban Indigenous youth identity. It’s set in Brisbane and then eventually a fictional rural town of Gambari in western Queensland where the main protagonist, Jono, begins to understand his place in the world. It looks at issues of cultural connection, land rights, fracking and its ecological impacts. It’s being published by Hachette Australia and should be out sometime in 2022. What project/s are you currently working on? I’m currently working on a collection of short stories that I’m hoping will be my second major work. It’s been a transformative process, developing and creating works that would be considered literary fiction. The guidance of my mentors and teachers here in New York has been invaluable in this endeavour.
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Sam Schimming.
MUSIC
THROUGH THE NUDGEE COLLEGE GENERATIONS MS ERINA HITCHINGS & MS HANNAH KILBURN
While the College has evolved since its establishment in 1891, generations of young men are still connected by long-standing traditions, subjects and extra-curricular activities.
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Samuel Schimming, Class of 2020, and Denis Drouyn, Class of 1956, explore their Nudgee College experience, memories and their common love for music. Samuel Schimming arrived at Nudgee College in Year 5 in 2013 and was an excellent musician throughout his school years as well as a high academic achiever. Sam performed in multiple school bands, orchestras and choirs and in his graduating year, 2020, received the Dux for Music. Sam is currently studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and in March played Trumpet in the performance of From the End of the World.
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Having arrived at the College 69 years ago, the circumstances and experiences of Old Boy Denis Drouyn were very different from today. Denis’ passion for music was inherited from his family who have a long history with music in Brisbane. Both his parents were professional musicians and his family owned the famous Drouyn & Drouyn Music shop and Dandy Drum Making which made drums for the military, which Denis also ran. 65 years after graduating, Denis is still an avid member of the College community.
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What is Nudgee Spirit to you? SS: To me, Nudgee Spirit is the presence of community unlike any other. That special feeling students relish in the Grandstand or that look parents see in their son’s eyes, has been built through generations of the Nudgee College community. The reassurance of unwavering support boys feel on Ross Oval, or in my case performing in Tierney Auditorium, is the centre of the Nudgee Spirit. Without that support, and without the communal identity that is Nudgee College, there is no Nudgee Spirit. DD: There was a living example for what it meant to be a Nudgee College man - his name was Mr Jack Ross, a lay teacher, then in his 44th year at the College. I was privileged to be in his bookkeeping class. Jack fronted the class dressed as if he were a professional accountant working in the city, in a blue pin-striped suit, white shirt, matching tie and a smart breast pocket handkerchief. From Jack’s lived example, I picked up the essence of Nudgee Spirit - courtesy, courage, and compassion. Like a well performed symphony - difficult to describe - you know it when you hear it.
known to the boys as “Foxy”, seemed pleased with our performance and we were pretty chuffed at being chosen to sing together on stage and experience audience applause for the first time. What was the music curriculum like when you attended Nudgee College? SS: When I first started at Nudgee College in 2013, the music department was just beginning to rebuild its extra-curricular program, with my year being the second year of the Year 5 band program. Over the years the music program continued to grow, where the numbers of boys involved increased dramatically every year. We also managed to upgrade the music department to a much more modern building with professional practice rooms and band rehearsal space. This ever-increasing music program gave me the ability to succeed in my final years of academic
music and to succeed in music programs outside of Nudgee College. DD: Subjects like music were extracurricular to be performed after school hours. In fact, music was not a subject in State Schools until 1970, when the Queensland Education Department appointed Kevin Siddel as its first Music Director. At Nudgee College, music lived as an extra activity. The nearest thing to a music curriculum was the syllabus of the Australian Music Education Board. An outside music teacher came once or twice a week to provide lessons for those wishing to sit for examinations in Piano, Violin and Voice. Practice was unsupervised. I recall piano practice as a solitary exercise while my friends played sport. Study time was never enough to go around, resulting in trade-offs and competition between subjects, and music was on the sidelines, not on the playing field.
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Denis Drouyn, 1954.
What was your favourite part of being at school? SS: My favourite part of being at school was definitely the little personal connections between band directors, coaches and teachers. I believe that not many schools allow students to build relationships like I had with my teachers and other staff members. There was always some banter about weekend footy or a genuine interest in where I wanted to take my music. More importantly, there was an immense amount of support especially heading into the unknown challenge that was the first year of the ATAR system. DD: Singing in the Choir was something we always looked forward to. Br Keenan selected and conducted the Choir and chose the pieces to sing. He rehearsed us entirely by ear, there was no written music, most of the boys could not read a music score. Within three months, from a standing start, Br Keenan had us performing the Toreador Song from Bizet’s Opera, Carmen. Br Keenan, affectionately
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Mother, Mrs Phylis Drouyn, with Denis (in the Nudgee College Band Uniform) taken at New Farm Park after the performance by the Mater Hospital official photographer.
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Sam Schimming playing the Last Post at the College’s ANZAC Day ceremony in 2020.
What is your favourite memory with your Nudgee College friendship group? SS: Music Tour was always a blast. If I had to be specific, the 2019 Music Tour contained many sleepless nights consisting of McDonald’s runs, ridiculous games and inside jokes that I won’t ever forget. I went on that tour with my best mates and made some great memories performing and laughing with the music staff that came with us. Second to that would certainly be Mr Stewart taking the 2020 Senior music class to Bede’s for our theory lessons. DD: At the start of first term in 1952, I was an undersized new boy from a suburban Convent school who preferred sailing on the river and mucking about in boats to serious study. I had no experience with the Christian Brothers, the discipline of boarding school or being away from home and family. I remember secretly crying myself to sleep at night for the first few weeks. After a while I made friends, discovered mateship and the simple pleasure of doing things together. These were the first inklings of the Nudgee Spirit - for better or worse, we are in it together. We are all one of another. What is the most precious memory you have from your time at Nudgee College? SS: After much consideration, I would have to say that my Year 12 Kairos experience is my most
precious memory. With Nudgee College, I toured Queensland, travelled to Cambodia amongst many other things but I have never felt the Nudgee Spirit more than I did on Kairos. I’m not allowed to share specifics, as is tradition, but Kairos gave me the confidence and knowledge that my peers, my family, my teachers and my whole community supported me. I certainly credit this experience as part of my academic and musical success in year 12. DD: My best memory of Nudgee College is playing in the Army Cadet Band. The Cadet Unit was organized into three companies, each made up of about 100 boys. Although most of the instruments were First World War vintage and had seen better days, we were pretty chuffed to rehearse and perform together as a unit. We even wore special uniforms emblazoned with blue scrolls during public performances outside the College, and for regular parades we were outfitted in standard Army Cadet gear. The band was given the opportunity to play for the Annual Passing Out Parade and the Royal visit in 1954. What is the most important life lesson Nudgee College has taught you? SS: Nudgee College taught me many lessons. Most importantly, I learnt that in spite of life’s adversities, if you are truly passionate about something there is always a way to
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keep persevering. I found my passion for music at a relatively young age. To commit to a lifelong plan (that is bound to always be changing) in high school is kind of terrifying, there are many unknowns and “what ifs.” However, by being in a community filled with people that had faith in me and that gave me the opportunity to throw everything I had at my goal; it seemed like I wasn’t too far off. I can recall times when I would visit my House Dean, Ms Joanne Barrett, (who I’m fairly certain had no idea about orchestral music before we met) and she reminded me of what I was passionate about most - playing the trumpet. This encouragement was part of what gave me reassurance that the hours spent practicing were worth every second. That to me is the most important lesson I learnt at Nudgee College: never stop trying to achieve what you want most even though it’s almost never easy. DD: Despite not having much of a music curriculum in 1952, my experiences within the Army Cadet Band, Choir and Singing in the Chapel taught me valuable lessons within the teachings of music, as well as in the broader sense of life. I learnt that singing is a natural means of musical expression; so learning to sing a number of good songs “by ear” will broaden a child’s musical horizons. Self-improvement is the basis of all progress and particularly in the 21st century it has become a necessity to never stop learning.
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IN MEMORIUM Name Michael John Bowers Italo (Ian) Brusasco Brian William Calder Reginald Anthony Cappello Robert Francis Cork Ross Warwick Deards Donal Burke Dwyer Terence (Terry) Dwyer Nicholas Andrew Ferry James (Jim) Gray Ian Gundersen John William Haynes Lex Heinemann Dale John Holt Michael James Andrew Ives Dr Leo James Kelly
Nudgee Years 1976-80 1943-47 1945-46 1949-50 1944 1990-94 1962-66 1937-41 1988-90 1949-52 2004-08 1953-57 1955-57 1961-62 1973-77 1943-44
Date Of Death 25/01/2021 13/05/2021 11/11/2020 19/08/2018 14/06/2020 29/01/2021 11/04/2020 22/05/2021 15/01/2021 22/04/2021 18/06/2021 04/02/2021 14/04/2021 24/10/2020 13/03/2021 18/02/2021
Name Nudgee Years Barry John Kennedy 1968-72 John Nicholas Kenny 1942-43 Nicholas Knook 2002-03 Thomas McDonnell 1950-54 Kenneth Lachlan MacPhee 1987-88 Beau Raymond McLean 2009-11 Peter Joseph Moloney 1947-49 Robert (Bob) Nash 1959-60 William John Nicholson 1943-44 Peter Joseph O’Brien 1954-57 Daniel Michael Peart 1987-91 Austin William Peters 1959-60 Michael Patrick Roberton 1982-86 Prof Kennedy Francis Shortbridge 1957-58 Colin Ward 1936-38
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Date Of Death 21/01/2021 19/02/2019 03/05/2021 08/05/2021 29/10/2020 26/03/2021 07/07/2019 19/06/2021 10/03/2021 05/03/2021 14/01/2021 09/11/2020 25/02/2021 8/11/2020 19/06/2021
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S T
J O S E P H ’ S
N U D G E E
C O L L E G E
M A G A Z I N E
2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, QLD 4034 Telephone: 07 3865 0555 Email: contact@nudgee.com A boys' Catholic day and boarding school in the Edmund Rice Tradition