Term 3, Week 5

Much is made of the “Battle of the Colours” narrative and how this always translates to hard-fought contests between the blue and white of St Joseph’s Nudgee College and the cardinal red and black of St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Rivalries are a wonderful way to connect and bind a community together. However, during this time, it is important to acknowledge the significance of Gregory Terrace’s role in the Nudgee College story. We commenced our existence as the boarding arm of St Joseph’s College and for many decades, we were only a boarding school. Had it not been for the limitation and availability of land adjacent to Terrace, and potential funds, in the late 1880s, there may not have been a need for the foundation of our great school. 
While we need to be gracious and thankful for the necessary split in 1891, I wish all of our chess, basketball, and rugby boys the best and hope to see many triumphs, great experiences, and strengthening of the bonds between our two great schools this weekend.

Next week, several young men will take steps toward their full initiation and welcome into the Catholic Church. Mr Simon Lilley and members of his Mission and Identity team, along with College Chaplain, Fr John Gillen, have been working with a healthy number of boys from a variety of grades as they are educated in the ways of the Church, the importance and rewards of faith and finally, take part in some of all of the beautiful sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. This is a very special time for all boys involved, their families, and the wider Nudgee College community. I pray for each of the young men involved and ask that you do too.  Thank you to all who have helped enliven their journey. 

Finally, to all those attending the College on Sunday for the annual Long Lunch, I hope you have a great time. Community and connection are traits that reign supreme at Nudgee and this event is a great example of the joy that people experience by being involved in such a strong community. In advance, I would like to extend a very big thank you to our Ladies Auxiliary group, Development and Communications team, Catering team, the AV Team, and finally, but not least, our Property and Services team for all the work that has occurred to this point and will occur to ensure our boys have Wilkes Oval back early next week. 

The boys joined several girls from Lourdes Hill, San Sisto, and various other girls’ colleges, along with boys from Villanova and Marist College to discuss various implications of the dangerous features which affect relationships.  These factors, when not addressed can escalate and of course, we have seen the outcomes so much in the media when violence ensues.  

Key to the discussion was the red flags, which if observed early and reflected upon, can be a source of focus and working towards a better relationship.  The red flags fly on both sides, but if identified early and be the reason for a better, understanding, and flourishing relationship. Sadly, the extreme cases we see reported in the media are the result of red flags not being identified and acted upon (by some people within and surrounding the relationship). There is fear, there are poor choices, and there is abuse of trust and power.  In the extreme, there's the physical power that dominates the popular rhetoric.  As a College, we will stand against such behaviours in our annual Stella Fella campaign in Week 8.

It was a wonderful exercise in liberating the hearts and minds of these young men from Nudgee.

Mary MacKillop Feast Day

On Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of Mary MacKillop, St Mary of the Cross.

Mary MacKillop's Feast Day is celebrated to honour her significant contributions to the Catholic Church and her exemplary life as a model of holiness and dedication. She is recognized as the first Australian to be canonised, highlighting her importance in the Church's history in Australia.

Her life was marked by a profound commitment to education, particularly for the poor in rural Australia. As the founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, she established numerous schools aimed at providing both intellectual and spiritual formation to children, embodying the Church's mission of evangelization through education. Pope Francis emphasised her role as a great educator and a witness to the Gospel, noting her dedication to the spiritual and human formation of young people.

Mary MacKillop's Feast Day also serves as a reminder of her perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite numerous challenges, including opposition within the Church, she maintained her faith and trust in God's providence, which inspired many to follow her example. Her legacy continues to influence educators, parents, and catechists today, encouraging them to introduce young people to the beauty of faith and friendship with Jesus.

Year 7 Galilee Retreat Days

Last week our Year 7 boys continued their journey through the Retreat program by participating in their Galilee retreat at Shorncliffe. Supported by their House Deans and Year 11 leaders, Mr Brent Mitchell led a wonderfully reflective and contemplative experience for the boys. Our young men delved into three stories of Jesus at the Sea of Galilee, finding profound connections to our modern lives. Through these narratives, they explored how to navigate life's rough waters, discover stillness, embrace courage, and understand the discomfort of trust, all while contemplating their calling as a Nudgee man. The retreat was not only fun but also a meaningful experience, contributing to the spiritual formation of our young men as true signs of faith.

COMING UP
Year 9 Immersion
We are looking ahead to the Year 9 Immersion with boys travelling to various parts of the region and as far as the Kimberley, Fiji, and PNG. 

The experiences will further enhance the boys’ experience of the other in our worlds and enable unexpected transformations in how they see themselves in a world of need, inequality, and injustice.

Stella Fella Day
For many years, Nudgee has participated in Stella Fella Day, a time to advocate for women experiencing forms of violence. Each year throughout the campaign period, Nudgee men swap their normal winter ties for a bow tie to symbolise being a ‘Stella Fella’. Last year over four hundred boys participated in either wearing a bow tie or signing our school pledge to ‘never commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.’ Boys are asked to consider making a stand to end injustices that may impact women in our world, with a particular focus on the systemic discrimination and challenges faced in other nations where health and opportunity are lessened through various factors.  However, in their daily lives they also are making a stand against behaviours which may undermine the human dignity of all…in others and themselves.

Daniel is a youth advocate and educator. He partners with schools and communities to challenge porn culture and the sexualisation of women and girls. He works with young men across Australia to reimagine masculinity and embody a vision of manhood defined by virtue.

Daniel’s vision with his workshops is to “Champion Boys…Challenge Culture”. This falls in line with Nudgee College's vision and values for our boys.

This directory proudly supports our community members and sponsors. If you are an Old Boy, parent, staff member, or current sponsor, you are invited to submit your business to our directory by filling out this form.

This is currently a free service to demonstrate how much we value our community supporting each other! This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to the community and to be aware of which businesses are owned by parents, Old Boys, sponsors, or staff. 

It has proven already to be very popular with hundreds of entries coming in since our launch on Tuesday. We hope you find this a valuable resource!
 

12 August 

• Cattle Club at EKKA

15 August 

• Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival starts
• Year 11 Semi Formal 

16 August 

• GPS Track and Field starts

19 August 

• Interhouse Debating starts
• National Skills Week starts 

20 August 

• Principal's Tour Goondiwindi, Moree, Roma
• Principal's Awards

22 August 

• Year 8 Father & Son Evening 

24 August

• Senior Old Boys' Reunion