Mr Scott Thomson
A very common human trait is being ‘house proud’. As a member of the Nudgee College community, on our annual Open Day held on May 18, I could not have been more ‘house proud’. During our most recently completed assembly, I took the time to wholeheartedly thank our students and staff for their involvement in Open Day. The school, as it has a habit of doing, looked incredible due to the collective effort of our highly committed and dedicated staff. It was very hard not to be extremely ‘house proud’.
As I mentioned to the students assembled on Tuesday this week, whilst visitors commented on our incredible facilities, how approachable and helpful our staff were, the appropriate and convenient services provided to students and families and the general positive feel they received when exploring the many offerings of Nudgee College, it was the interactions with our students that impressed them the most. As I watched our student volunteers lead and engage with prospective families, some of whom were pushing their newborn son in a pram, I could not help but recall the line of poem I studied in Year 12 English.
“It seemed they looked upon themselves (sons), In Time’s prophetic glass” is a line found in legendary Australian poet David Campbell’s “Men in Green”. The line, “Time’s prophetic glass” has always resonated strongly with this barely average English student. As I viewed and met these tiny prospective Nudgee students, I could not help but think that the parents who were engaging with our boys and being rightly impressed, were thinking that they were viewing what their little man may become. Our assets at Nudgee College are quite obvious; we are blessed with so many beautiful buildings, rich heritage and traditions, incredibly kept grounds and machinery to maintain it, state-of-the-art facilities and incredible staff who ensure the boys are well served and provided the opportunities that see them achieve to their highest ability, but, I firmly believe that our greatest assets are our students.
End of Term
It goes without saying that higher attendance rates yield greater results and help students fulfil their potential. It is common sense, but also backed by valid research. As we approach the conclusion of a very packed, rewarding and fulfilling Term 2, it is important that all families ensure that their boys are present until our final day (June 13). A student whose attendance rate is 90%, which is a high sounding rate, will still miss the equivalent of one week per term. Across a year, that is the equivalent of a month's learning that they are missing out on. Whilst there are often valid reasons for absences through unavoidable circumstances, it is important that students are attending school each day when such circumstances are not present. This will lead to far better outcomes. I look forward to enjoying a strong finish to Term 2.
