Principal’s Reflection
Term 1 2025
Founders’ Mass and St Pat’s Day Games
Our annual Founders’ Mass commemorates Venerable Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice along with providing an opportunity to commission our Year 12 Seniors. Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice were born in Ireland, and both set up schools for the poor and disadvantaged. The lives of our Founders are the source of the College’s values and echo the College’s motto ‘For Others’. My thanks to Mr Murray Gardiner, Deputy Principal of Faith and Life, who coordinated the Mass on behalf of the College, and the many staff who contributed in a variety of ways. My sincere thanks also to Father Joel who led our celebration, and helped mark this special day in the life of the College.
After our Founders’ Mass, the 2025 St Pat’s Day Games proved to be an exhilarating afternoon with activities including “sponge wars”, “wheelbarrow races” and “slip and slide” just to name a few! Students competed with terrific spirit and enthusiasm in a tradition that has contributed greatly to our College spirit and sense of community. St Pat’s Day Games originated at St Patrick’s College in the late 1980s, as a way of honouring the school’s namesake. The Games consisted of a commando course run through the school, designed by teacher, Mr Geoff Jamieson, and student, Ben Cobley. With the formation of Nagle Catholic College in 1994, the ritual has continued to acknowledge the strong link St Patrick has to the College’s history. St Pat’s Day Games is a truly unique and distinctive event, and a highlight of the year for both students and staff. My thanks go especially to Miss Shania Poletti and Mrs Alisha Wyatt who coordinated the activities, our Maintenance Team who set up the various games and all staff who helped facilitate the many events. Well done to K3 who were the overall winners on the day!
Principal’s Honour List
Our highest achieving students in Semester 2 2024 were recognised as recipients of the Principal’s Award and recorded on the Principal’s Honour List. For every student who made this semester’s list, there are several others close behind offering a healthy challenge and friendly competition. It is important to strive for excellence in all fields of education. I would like to congratulate all students, both those who made the Honour’s List and those who tried their very best last semester, on their commitment to success.
Year 12 Ball
An important milestone for our Year 12 students is the annual College Ball which was held at the start of this Term. Our Year 12 Seniors were barely recognisable as they walked the red carpet. All our students were impeccably dressed, with the right amount of glamour fitting the prestige of this event. The Ball was an outstanding success, hallmarked by some very enthusiastic dancing. Congratulations to Mrs Susan Seaward, Deputy Principal – Students, who was primarily responsible for coordinating the Ball. My thanks also to the many staff who contributed in a variety of different ways to ensure everyone had a good night.
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
In February, the College held its Interhouse Swimming Carnival. It was great to see so many giving their best effort for their House. All students are to be congratulated on their participation and sportsmanship throughout the day. Sincere thanks are extended to the parents and guardians who came along to cheer. Your support was very much appreciated. Congratulations to Mr Joseph Italiano and the Health and Physical Education Learning Area who ran an excellent carnival and thank you to the staff who worked hard throughout the day, the students who assisted and to the staff at Geraldton Aquarena.
Congratulations to Thomas House on winning the overall House trophy!
Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC) Swimming Carnival
A team of Nagle students travelled to Perth to represent the College at the annual ACC Swimming Carnival, held at Challenge Stadium. On behalf of the College, I congratulate our team on their fantastic performance, finishing in first place in C grade. The accompanying teachers spoke highly of our students and noted their competitive spirit and sense of cooperation. We are all very proud of their efforts.
Year 7 Retreat
Our Year 7 students have been very busy with extra-curricular commitments including attending their annual Retreat, which was held at the College late in Term 1. Retreats are an integral part of any Catholic school. They allow our students time away from their academic program to focus on a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with both others and God. Thank you to Mr Murray Gardiner who coordinated the activities for the day, along with the many staff and Year 12 students who assisted.
Easter
Catholics around the world use the season of Lent, a time of prayer, service and fasting, to prepare themselves for Easter. Each year as a College, we use this time to support Project Compassion, the major fundraising campaign of Caritas Australia. Caritas supports the end of world hunger and poverty through various projects around the world. These projects empower people to find long term solutions that improve their lives. My sincere thanks to our students who have so generously donated to this worthy cause and my thanks to staff who have coordinated the various fund-raising events over the Lenten period.
I would like to wish everyone a happy and Holy Easter. This special time on the liturgical calendar provides an opportunity to take time from our hectic schedules and reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for all of us on Good Friday, and our spiritual salvation through his resurrection on Easter Sunday. I trust that you have an enjoyable Easter break with family and friends. With this sentiment in mind, this is a friendly reminder that the College will be closed from Friday 11 April for the Term One break. School will resume for all students on Tuesday 29 April 2025.
Have a wonderful break.
Regards,
Mr Michael Williams
Principal