Sample Nudgee College’s vibrant school life at college open day

Find out why St Joseph’s Nudgee College is a ‘school that can fulfil a boy’s dreams’, at their upcoming open day.

Nudgee College Open Day

Find out why St Joseph’s Nudgee College is a ‘school that can fulfil a boy’s dreams’, at their upcoming open day.

Outstanding facilities across a 136-hectare campus will be on show at the St Joseph’s Nudgee College Open Day, but it’s the school’s community spirit that will shine the brightest.

Established in 1891, it’s one of the oldest Catholic boys’ boarding schools in Australia, and on Saturday, May 18, prospective families will get a taste of the diverse educational, cultural and sporting opportunities on offer.

Principal Peter Fullagar says staff are approaching the day with a great sense of excitement.

“We’ll have current students available to lead prospective families on tours through the school to visit our fantastic facilities, such as the DJ Hanly Learning Centre, the Bathersby Boarding Village, the Cleary Building for art and music, and the recently-refurbished McKennariey Centre,” he says.

“However, while our facilities are important to the school, they’re not as important as the people who use them - the students, the staff, the parents and the community.

“I know prospective families will be made to feel welcome and I’m confident our Open Day will give them the opportunity to experience something of our special community spirit.”

A variety of academic, sporting, cultural and social justice activities and demonstrations throughout the day will allow families to sample the many dimensions of the College’s vibrant school life, while current students will be on hand to chat to.

The holistic approach to education, personal development and the continued wellbeing of each of the 1600+ students remains evident in the school’s ethos and culture.

“Nudgee College has a grand reputation that has been built by successive generations of students, Christian brothers, staff, parents, Old Boys and community members over the last 128 years,” Mr Fullagar says.

“And not only do we celebrate this rich history, the current generation seeks to build upon it.

“This is achieved on a daily basis by students who are taught, cared for and challenged by our teachers, who want the best for each student. The holistic education, personal development and wellbeing of our students remains our key focus.”

Across the campus, grand and contemporary buildings house cultural facilities, technologically-advanced classrooms, learning centres and science labs. Outside, there’s an impressive collection of sporting facilities including 13 playing fields for cricket, rugby and football; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a gymnasium, an Olympic-grade athletics track and 25 and 50 metre swimming pools.

Boarding remains a core tradition of the college, and the Open Day will also give families the chance to tour the boarding house and get a feel for the family environment.

The day also features a GPS (Greater Public Schools Association of Queensland) school sport event, which Mr Fullagar always draws a crowd and generates a great atmosphere on campus.

“Coinciding with our Open Day will be our GPS competition in football and tennis,” he says.

“There is no better way to immerse yourself in the college’s sporting life than by attending one of our home games,” he says.

“Finally, as families tour the campus, I encourage them to meet and to talk with our passionate Nudgee College boys as well as with our dedicated staff and supportive parent representatives. In doing so, I’m confident prospective parents will find that St Joseph’s Nudgee College is indeed a school that can fulfil a boy’s dreams.”

The St Joseph’s Nudgee College Open Day is on Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 2pm at the school campus at 2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall.

For more information about Nudgee College’s boarding program, head to nudgee.com

Originally published as Sample Nudgee College’s vibrant school life at college open day