Mr Scott Thomson (Week 4, Term 1)
Since commencing my tenure at the beginning of 2024, I have always stated that the primary role of each student is that of learner. While many boys bring a wealth of skill, expertise, and experience in the service, cultural, sporting, and social realms, each activity offers opportunities that are secondary to their studies. Don't get me wrong, providing such opportunities is incredibly important to each young man's holistic formation, but they are a privilege, not an entitlement. As such, the right to partake and excel in these fields must be earned through dedication and commitment to their studies.
Your son may have expressed changes in the learning space for our returning families in 2025. Our Acting Dean of Students, Ms Lynsey Hale, has contacted all families and outlined our Classroom Culture routines and expectations, including measures that will be taken to ensure that classrooms are settled and calm and that they are a place where learners can thrive. Data, feedback and observations throughout 2024 indicated room for improvement in this space. Early indications from students and staff are that there is a distinct improvement in the learning environment.
I look forward to reporting on further developments and gains in this space.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our teaching staff and students have highly positive and fulfilling relationships in which each boy meets or exceeds expectations. In 2015, Pope Francis stated that "teachers must aim to build on educational relationships with each student who must feel welcomed and loved for what he or she is with all of their limitations and potential." The new measures implemented aim to achieve just this.
Capital Upgrades and Refurbishments
During the recent summer break, several improvements and additions were completed. Our Duhig Building (completed in 1919) is now fully air-conditioned, and all rooms have been painted, recarpeted and have new furniture. The rooms look superb and have been well looked after by our students who frequent those 18 classrooms. We have also added air conditioning to the 21 Purton classrooms, which has been welcomed.
In our Bathersby Boarding Village, a new astroturf has been laid in the courtyard. Finally, to offset the increasing electricity demands, the College has installed 300kW of solar panels atop our Learning Centre, McKennariey Centre, and Connors Trade Centre. These additions and upgrades are a testament to the school's fantastic Property and Services and Finance Teams.
A continued schedule of renewal to our classrooms will continue across subsequent budgets to ensure that our learning spaces are state of the art and conducive to catering for all our boys' needs.
College Advisory Council
This weekend sees the annual College Advisory Council formation held at the College. Our Advisory Council comprises deeply committed and generous professionals with links to St Joseph's Nudgee College. Council members are not remunerated for their time and wisdom, and they provide me, as Principal of the College, with incredible and greatly appreciated advice and guidance. Headed by the incredible human that he is, Br Damien Price cfc, the council meets each month throughout the year (except for January and December). Most council members also handle specific sub-committees (Mission and Wellbeing, Finance, Compliance and Risk, Boarding, Learning and Teaching, Communications and Foundation).
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with these valued members of the Nudgee College community by visiting the College website. If you come across them, please be sure to thank them for the pivotal role they play in ensuring that Nudgee remains the school of choice and at the forefront of education in this country.
Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year for our Church, themed "Pilgrims of Hope." This year of hope is for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. 2025 invites Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey of renewal, reconciliation, and hope.
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within
both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.
As Pope Francis states, “the forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.”
What is a Jubilee?
Held every 25 years, a Jubilee Year is a sacred time of prayer, pilgrimage, and conversion. It is a call to experience God's mercy through sacramental repentance and spiritual renewal. The Jubilee of 2025 commenced on 24 December 2024 with the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica and runs to 6 January 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany, with the closing of the Door.
We have our own 'door' open at the College, with parents and community members always welcome to attend the various masses, liturgies, and assemblies that are part of the St Joseph's Nudgee College calendar.
