This year our Class of 2012 are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their graduation. Shakyra Baskeyfield shares her story since graduating from the College. ​

What did you do after finishing Year 12?
I took a gap year where I worked full time completing my Certificate 3 in Children’s Services. I then moved to Perth where I worked as a nanny while studying a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Education where I majored in Theatre, English, and Philosophy and Ethics, all of which I discovered my passion for through my secondary studies. ​

What are you up to now?
Since graduating I have been working as a teacher, coordinating the Drama program at a large public school south of Perth. In 2021 a Master in Education where I specialised in Educational Wellbeing. I have since started a degree in Sexology where I intend to help to influence a healthy approach to sex education within schools. ​

Reflection on your time at Nagle.
I loved my time in the Drama program and performing in Dracula Spectacular was a truly ridiculous and memorable experience. I also appreciated at the time, and as an adult, Mr Cameron’s Philosophy and Ethics lessons where we learned a huge amount about life and experiences, a little philosophy too. ​

Any advice for our students?
Breathe. I spent a huge amount of time desperately trying to be perfect and it was exhausting. It also meant I missed out on some valuable experiences and opportunities for fun. People always say that high school is the best years of your life but honestly it just provided me with the opportunities to reach the best years of mine. I worked hard and it paid off, I just wish I had taken a little more time to enjoy the ride.

Aim high and do not stop striving for your goals, but make sure they are yours and no one else’s.

This year our Class of 2012 are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their graduation. Elizabeth Arthurs shares her story since graduating from the College. ​

Reflection on your time at Nagle.
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves that high school is meant to be the “best years of our lives”, but if you are reading this and you are struggling, I want you to know that it is OK, and I promise life does get better after high school. When all you have done is attend school everyday from kindy to Year 12 it’s hard to fathom life outside of that. My baby sister is currently choosing her subjects for Year 11 next year so I have been recently reflecting a lot on my time in high school and have been forcing my (not so) wise words onto her. But like all things in life, she must go through this experience for herself and give herself space to make her own choices.
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I was a classic overachiever at high school who studied far too much and worked far too hard for a good ATAR. I did little else for the two years, and sure, my name is up on the board in the Library in the “400 club” but who cares? Upon reflection, I wish that I had spent more time being present, enjoying the company of my classmates, spending time with friends and doing some hobbies instead of stressing myself sick about getting the highest mark. Unless I wanted an assured pathway to medicine or wanted to become a Vet, then my ATAR really became a surplus. I wish that I had studied less and had more fun. No one cares what mark I got except for me. And no one cares to this day at work. I do not rock up to a new job and say “Hey, what ATAR did you get?” 

Any advice for our students?
Getting a “good” ATAR is not the be-all and end-all, there is more to life than good grades and if you graduate with marks you are not happy with, it does not define you. You are not stupid and you are not a failure. And if you really want to get into a course that you initially did not get the marks for, you can make it happen some other way if it is truly what you want.

Some of the smartest people I know received marks they were not happy with and ended up doing their PHD! There are ways to get into university if you do not get the initial marks you want, and if you do not want to go to university and have plans to do a trade or get into a sector that doe not require a degree then that is equally as valid and important. University only seems to make sense these days for specific jobs or if you have an interest in a specific academic area that you wish to learn more about. We need people to do all sorts of jobs to make the world go round.

My younger brother chose not to complete ATAR and now he is studying Psychology at university. A friend of mine did not complete ATAR and now works high up in the Department of Communities earning more money than me! She started in an entry level job for Housing and climbed her way up. Do not pack everything in to focus on Years 11 and 12. If you are working a little job on the side, if you are playing sport or music or have a hobby you really enjoy, my advice would be to keep going with those things,  because the older you get, the more thankful you will be to have rich and fulfilling ways to spend your time.  
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Life is more than the job you choose or the career you study. My goal this year is to fill my cup up with things I enjoy, hobbies, experiences, travel, time with friends and family. Monday to Friday I pay my rent by working as a social worker, but I do not like to identify solely as that. I am more than the work I do.

The best bit of advice I received from a former mentor at university was “what do you want your day to look like?”, that helped me narrow down my career choice to social work. And honestly, I am not sure if this is something I will do until I retire. And that is ok! I am still a bit lost and trying to figure it out. That is called being an adult. The secret is, we all pretend we know what we are doing…

If anyone would like to reach out and discuss social work as a possible career choice or would like to get in touch in general, my email address is: Elizabeth.arthurs@health.wa.gov.au

Best of luck xx

What did you do after finishing Year 12?
It took a few years to figure out what I wanted to do, but after completing an Advanced Diploma in Radio Broadcasting I have spent the last five years as a radio host + MC, including a stint doing Geraldton breakfast radio! 

What are you up to now?
​I am living in Perth and I currently work on a few stations here as well as host events and functions. 

Reflection on your time at Nagle
A lot of my best friends (and my housemate) are people I went to high school with and I loved my time there. 

This year our Class of 2012 are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Kelsey Houwen, our 2012 Head Girl, shares her story since graduating from the College. ​

What did you do after finishing Year 12?
After I finished Year 12 I moved straight to Perth to study at UWA. I lived on campus for four years while I completed my studies, which I highly recommend to regional students if you have the opportunity. I completed my law degree in 2020 and began working at the District Court of Western Australia. I did a little travel while I was studying but planned to do more when I finished uni. Unfortunately, COVID derailed that plan so I hope in the next couple of years I can fit some more overseas holidays in! 

What are you up to now?
Nowadays I live in Perth with my partner, Matt, and I am working as a criminal lawyer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. 

Reflection on your time at Nagle
I have very fond memories of my time at Nagle. I had such a fantastic experience, and my friends from school are still some of my closest friends. I also appreciate all the support and guidance that the staff gave me throughout high school.

Any advice for our students?
Enjoy your time at school, particularly with the people around you. It is cliche to say, but it does go by pretty quickly and soon you will miss seeing your school friends every day. And try not to worry too much about what life after school is going to look like. My path to where I am today was by no means smooth, but somehow all the little mishaps led me right to where I am meant to be.

​Welcome to my ‘Principal Reflection’ for Term 2. I trust you are all keeping warm and cosy as we head into the cooler winter months.
 
As we move towards the end of the first semester for 2022, I would like to congratulate all of our students on their application and endeavour so far this year under trying circumstances. When you receive your child’s report via SEQTA, I encourage you to sit down together as a family to reflect on the successes and acknowledge the areas where improvements could be made. It is through constructive feedback and evaluation that we all improve. Early in Term 3, parents/guardians of students in all Year groups will have an opportunity to meet with their child’s teachers to discuss their progress. Please do avail yourself of this opportunity, even if an interview has not been requested by the teacher. 
 
Year 12 Retreat
Our Year 12 students recently attended a three-day Retreat at Nukara Farm. This was one of the last opportunities they had to come together as a group, before they graduate in a few months’ time. The Retreat was a wonderful opportunity for our students to reflect on their time at the College, their relationship with God and their future pathways away from the busyness of school and home. Feedback from our students and staff who attended was very positive. Such events are only possibly because of the commitment of our staff who give up their time to facilitate sessions and stay overnight with our students and I offer my sincere thanks to Mrs Helen Dixon, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, and Mr Damian Ramos, Deputy Principal – Faith and Life, who organised the Retreat. I also take this opportunity to thank our Heads of House who facilitated sessions and the many other staff who spent a significant amount of time supporting and engaging with our students to make this Retreat so successful. 

​For (M)Others’ Day
Earlier this term, the College celebrated For (M)Others’ Day. For a number of years, the College has held separate special days to recognise the contribution of fathers (Fathers’ Day Breakfast) and grandparents (Grandparents’ Morning Tea) in the lives of our students, however, no event was held to acknowledge the essential roles that mothers play. Last year, to resolve this concern and recognise the mothers and mother figures in our community, the College invited the mothers of our Year 10 students to a Mass and morning tea at the College. This celebration is now embedded into our College calendar and it was wonderful to see so many mums taking time from their busy schedules to spend the morning with us. My thanks to Mr Damian Ramos, Deputy Principal – Faith and Life, and Mrs Helen Dixon, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, who were the main organisers of this event. My thanks also to the many staff who were involved and helped to ensure the day was a great success. 

​NAPLAN Testing
Recently, our Year 7 and Year 9 students sat the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), and some of our Years 10, 11 and 12 students sat the Online Numeracy and Literacy Assessment (OLNA). Whilst it is important for students to try their very best on these assessments, they are not the ‘be all and end all’ of school. These tests are merely a snapshot in time to see how students and the College are progressing in the areas of literacy and numeracy. As a Catholic college we have a holistic approach to a child’s education that focuses on the development of the whole child and not just academics. It is important to remind our students that there is far more to our school than just quantitative testing and assessment. These tests do not measure a person’s value or recognise their many talents, skills and attributes. The NAPLAN and OLNA tests are just one small part of a much bigger picture in the life of the College.     
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Interhouse Cross Country
Recently, the Interhouse Cross Country event was held in good conditions. For many, distance running can be tough and it requires a committed effort over a sustained period. I could see on the faces of many of our students the physical demands that accompanies any endurance-based activity. What I also saw was determination to not only meet the challenge, but to embrace it. To those students who gave their best, whether they came first or last, I offer my congratulations on your fantastic effort. Such resilience needs continual nurturing. In partnership with our families, the College seeks to continue this growth our students through a mix of challenging and stretching opportunities, together with encouragement in the context of a supportive community. To all staff involved, especially our Sports Coordinator, Mr Joseph Italiano, well done on another fantastic event for our students to enjoy. My congratulations also extends to Kelly House on winning the overall shield.

The results from the Carnival can be found here: Interhouse Cross Country Carnival

​Sorry Day
During the Term, the College recognised ‘Sorry Day’ with a whole school Assembly. This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect, particularly as it relates to the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and what we can all do to address and rectify many of the painful experiences of the past. At the Assembly, some of our Aboriginal students spoke about their experiences. I also talked to the students about ‘Sorry Day’ and what I perceive it to mean. I explained that, saying ‘sorry’ for past events does not necessarily mean you have personally done anything wrong, however, we as a nation are attempting to recognising that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been mistreated in the past and many continue to experience racism and prejudice today. I explained to the students that, in much the same way as you may say to a friend ‘sorry for your loss’ if someone close to them passes away, we are recognising that something has happened and we empathise with their situation. Quite often when a friend has a sad experience such as someone close to them passing away, we might add, ‘what can I do to help?’ I explained to our students that this is how I perceive ‘Sorry Day’. We are recognising that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been wronged, and we as individuals and as a country, are saying ‘sorry this has happened and what can we all do to help?’.   

Year 7 2023
Preparations for the 2023 school year are well underway. We are experiencing significant demand for positions next year and are quickly approaching capacity for our Year 7 cohort. I strongly encourage families who would like their child to be a Nagle student in 2023 but have not yet completed an enrolment application to attend to this as a matter of priority. Similarly, if you are aware of families who would like to enrol their child at Nagle next year but have not yet submitted an enrolment application, please ask them to do so as soon as possible. Please note that current enrolment at a Catholic primary school does not​ automatically guarantee a position at a Catholic secondary school. I appreciate your support in relation to this matter.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
Interviews will be held for students in Years 7 to 12 from 3.30pm to 6.00pm on Wednesday 20 July and Tuesday 2 August in our Bishop Justin Bianchini Gymnasium. Information on how to book can be found on our website: www.ncc.wa.edu.au/pto1.html. Should parents/guardians encounter any problems, please contact Ms Jacky Patience by emailing jacqueline.patienece@cewa.edu.au
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I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy school holidays. Our College Reception will be closed from Monday 4 July to Wednesday 13 July, reopening Thursday 14 July at 9.00am. Term 3 commences for all students on Tuesday 19 July 2022. 

Mr Michael Williams
Principal

This year our Class of 2002 are celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their graduation. Melanie Walls, shares her story since graduating from the College. ​

What are you up to now?
I am now the Scientific Director of the clinic, The Fertility Specialists of WA and Regional Scientific Director (WA) for the City Fertility Group, where I oversee the day to day running of two IVF Laboratories. We have a team of 18 incredible scientists who work daily to help couples towards their dream of a healthy baby. I am married and have two little kids, Elsie is 3 and Finn is 1.

Reflection on your time at Nagle
I just have the best memories from my time at Nagle. I loved St Patrick’s day and having a pool on campus on hot days but mostly for me it was the long-lasting friendships I made, I still have an incredibly close group of friends from high school. Even though some of us live in different places now, we always catch up when we can and it is like we were never apart when we do. I think this is rare, as most of my Perth friends and colleagues have lost touch with their high school friends. Maybe it is  a country kid thing, growing up in the country was the absolute best!

Any advice for our students?
Do not stress too much if you do not know exactly what you want to do, that is rare, and almost never works out the way you plan. If you do know what you want to be, but do not get the ATAR to get into it, there is ALWAYS another way, if you are passionate about it and dedicated, you will get there in the end!

What did you do after finishing Year 12?
After finishing Year 12, I went to study a Bachelor of Arts (Art) (First Class Honours) at Curtin University. I visited Melbourne a couple of times whilst studying and was overwhelmed with how welcoming and energetic the city felt, so with some exhibitions in the eastern states coming up, I decided to move to Melbourne in 2008. From here, I started volunteering and subsequently working at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and travelled to Japan and New York to start to get a taste of the world.

What are you up to now?
​I an currently studying a Masters of Contemporary Art at VCA, University of Melbourne. I make my living as an Artist working on exhibitions, participating in local and international art residencies, delivering workshops and developing large scale public artworks in Australia and overseas. 

Reflection on your time at Nagle
I am not gonna lie, high school was hard, so awkward and so lonely at times. I placed a lot of expectations on myself and tended to swing between trying to fit in and feeling completely out of place (but I think a lot of people feel this way at high school!). The teachers at Nagle were really supportive and I am very grateful for the opportunities I had to go on trips to Canberra and Perth as well as being allowed access to the Art rooms at lunchtimes! 

Any advice for our students?
Now, I was not going to write a bunch of advice, but that is exactly what is it come out, so strap in...
·  Do not try to be anyone but yourself (people know when you are faking).
·  Successful people are those that stand on their own two feet and then look around to see how they can pull others up with them.
·  No one is coming to discover you (sorry), get out there and make space for yourself.
·  Collaboration and community are important, as is spending time on your own. Give it a go at least once. 
·  Ask for help when you need it.
·  It is okay if things do not happen exactly how you thought they would, there are always other ways of getting to where you want to go, practice being open to alternatives.
·  Be curious about the world and listen. The most interesting people never stop learning.
All the best for the current Year 12s!

This year our Class of 2002 are celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their graduation. Yasmine Phillips, our 2002 Head Girl, shares her story since graduating from the College. ​

What did you do after finishing Year 12?
After Year 12, I moved to Perth to study a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Journalism and Public Relations) at Curtin University. My first jobs included working as a journalist in Narrogin and Albany before being offered a cadetship at The West Australian newspaper and then working at The Sunday Times as a reporter, Deputy Head of News and then Head of News. During my time with News Corp, I also completed a placement with the New York Post through their international development program. After that, I moved into public relations where I was the Senior Media Adviser to the Treasurer of Western Australia before joining Curtin University in 2017. I also made the most of every opportunity during this time to travel the world whenever I had the annual leave to do so! 

What are you up to now?
I am working at Curtin University as the Media Relations Manager. My role entails sharing the wonderful stories of Curtin students and staff with the general public, as well as telling the inspiring research stories from our brilliant academics by working with media outlets across radio, TV, newspapers and online. I currently work part-time after returning from maternity leave following the birth of my daughter, Ava. 

Reflection on your time at Nagle
I have the best memories of my time at Nagle - I truly feel blessed to have completed high school there. I made incredible friendships that continue today and received so many lasting opportunities from the brilliant teachers who went above and beyond. It will always be a very special place to me. 

Advice for our students
I think the most important advice is finding something you enjoy and you are passionate about. If you are doing what you love, it makes all the difference! I also think there are so many extra opportunities available for country students - all you have to do is look for them.​

It was wonderful to be able to gather for our all-school Assembly this week, our first for the year. A number of awards were presented for student achievements. 

Interhouse Cross Country Carnival
Well done to the following students for their achievements at the Carnival. 

The Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge is an international initiative aiming to promote Computer Science among school students at all ages. The Challenge is open twice a year to Australia students in Years 3 to 12, and engages students' computational thinking and problem solving skills in a fun, interactive environment.

What is Computational Thinking? 
It involves integrating strategies such as organising data logically; breaking down problems into parts; interpreting patterns and models; and designing and implementing algorithms.  The six Computational Thinking skills are: 

• Decomposition - breaking down problems into smaller, easier parts
• Pattern Recognition - using patterns in information to solve problems
• Abstraction - finding information that is useful and taking away any information that is unhelpful
• Modelling and Simulation - trying out different solutions or tracing the path of information to solve problems
• Algorithms - creating a set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task
• Evaluation - assessing a solution to a problem and using that information again on new problems. 

Our ACE Program students took part in the Challenge in Term 1 with some fantastic results. Well done to the following students who were awarded Merits, Credits, Distinctions and High Distinctions. 

​Some students ran, others walked and a few skipped. With perfect weather conditions, our annual Interhouse Cross Country Carnival was a wonderful day for students and staff to enjoy the outdoors as they competed in our first Carnival for the year.
 
Congratulations to our two record breakers:
Samaia – Year 10 Girls record with a time of 14:06:41
Will – Year 12 Boys record with a time of 11:53:86
 
With the theme of the Carnival participation, and with every point helping their House’s tally, a special mention goes to Zachary, Year 10, who despite having a pre-existing injury decided to walk the entire course on crutches, with Benji keeping him company.
 
Well done to the Carnival winner, Kelly House!

​As I am sure many of you would agree, 2022 has not commenced without its challenges and the College has been no exception to this reality. The regular changes and updates regarding COVID-19 compliance and their implementation has been difficult to say the least. This is in addition to the postponement or cancelling of many events and activities that would normally take place as part of life at the College, such as the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and St Pat’s Day Games, along with many camps, trips and excursions. Whilst schools are predominantly places dedicated to teaching and learning, there is far more to a holistic education than just classroom teaching. These are the camps, trips and various other extra-curricular activities that all complement a students’ experiences to provide a well rounded educational experience. Whilst staff at the College have become dynamic and inventive in trying to deliver some of these events for our students, it is never quite the same as the full experience and what we want to provide for our community. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, life for all of us will revert back to a degree of normalcy and we can again provide rich experiences for our students.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of our staff at the College who continue to develop creative ways to engage our students in their learning, despite the current challenges. Their commitment and dedication make a real difference to the students under their care, and I feel it is important to recognise this contribution in trying conditions. Well done to all.
 
Principal’s Honour List
Our highest achieving students in Semester 2 2021 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 and 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. The list of award winners can be found here.
 
Year 12 Ball
It was wonderful that we were able to hold our Year 12 Ball at the start of this Term. Our Year 12 Seniors were barely recognisable as they walked the red carpet. All of 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 Miss Melissa Buscumb 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.

In Week 7, the College celebrated Maths Week to coincide with International Pi Day (March 14 = 3.14). Our Maths Learning Area staff were busy coordinating many fun activities and competitions during Break times that highlighted different mathematical talents that our students possess. A number of activities and videos showcasing Maths were also run during class time for all students. Staff enjoyed a delicious cake on Wednesday whilst tackling a challenging maths quiz. Seeing the excitement of the students this week clearly showed Maths can be fun!

​Knots Activity
The first to unknot themselves was Year 7 students, Molly and Lucie

​VET Pathways can make school more interesting and relevant to students while kick starting their career with recognised qualifications. They can graduate with their WACE and have the choice to continue in their TAFE studies or decide to move into a higher education course. This pathway is a great introduction into the world of work. Students will learn practical skills in Year 11 and Year 12 while gaining insight into the needs of the workplace. Success in their chosen program can lead to employment or give them a head start in other nationally recognised qualifications. Some higher level qualifications will offer pathways into higher education and university studies. 

Here are some of our students in action at Central Regional TAFE developing their trade skills.​

​The Year 12 Ball, a night of glitz and glamour, beautiful dresses and sharp suits, vintage cars, and a red carpet walk. It was a wonderful night for our students to celebrate their final year, with plenty of laughter, smiles, and some great dancing moves on display throughout the night.

The Principal's Award is awarded to students who have excelled academically throughout the Semester. We delighted to announce the recipients of the award for Semester 2, 2021. Congratulations to all of the award winners on this well-deserved acknowledgement for their effort and dedication to their studies. 

Please note: Not all students were present to receive their Certificates. 

​At our final Assembly for the year a number of awards were presented to students followed by Christmas lucky dip prizes and Christmas carols!

​Civics and Citizenship Awards
This award goes to a student in each Year group from Years 7 to 9, who has been a standout in class, noted by their HASS teachers along with other staff who have felt compelled enough to make SEQTA entries about their positive conduct. These awards are not just for being a “good HASS student” but rather, they are awards for their civic mindedness and participation as a citizen of the College. The recipients of this year’s prizes are students who are doers. The ones who can “walk the walk” and who are active in making a positive impact.   
 
Year 7 $100 Civics and Citizenship Award, sponsored by Sandra Carr and Steve Martin, presented by Lara Dalton
Congratulations to, Eli. Eli thinks deeply and engages in thoughtful discussions. He understands the importance of being involved in the many opportunities put forward at the College and values the intrinsic reward experienced within, by being an active citizen. 
 
Year 8 $100 Civics and Citizenship Award, sponsored by Darren West, presented by Mr Michael Williams
Congratulations to Sophie for making the most of the opportunities presented at Nagle this year. Sophie is very interested and engaged, and wants to pursue a career in the area of Civics. She intelligently contribute to class discussions and completes all tasks to a high standard. Sophie has been actively involved in our College community and has performed both academically and in many other facets of college life, including performances.
 
Year 9 $100 Lara Dalton Citizenship Award and book donated by Hon Melissa Price MP, presented by Lara Dalton and Carolyn Correll on behalf of Melissa Price.
Congratulations to Tasruinn. Tasruinn is described as a student who is engaged, questioning and is consistent in his effort. He has been noted by his teachers as a hard-working student who demonstrates wisdom and maturity in their discussions and conduct. 

​The ADF Long Tan Awards
The Australian Defence Forces (ADF) Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards recognise the outstanding leadership qualities of school students throughout Australia.
 
The first award recognises and celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding qualities in areas such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, reliability, service to school and our community.
Congratulations to Year 10 student, James, on being the recipient of the ADF Long Tan Award. James was presented with a certificate of achievement and $250 cash prize.
 
The second ward, The Australian Defence Force Innovators Award encourages the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers who are succeeding in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Well done to Year 10 student, India, on being the recipient of this year’s award. India was presented with a certificate of achievement and $250 cash prize. 

​Welcome to the Principal’s Reflection for Term 4!
 
Year 12 Graduation Mass & Ceremony
The Year 12 Graduation Mass, held in the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, was a very special opportunity for our students to gather in prayer one last time. Similar to the time spent on the Year 12 Retreat, the time spent together at the Mass was a wonderful experience for our students, staff and family members who were able to attend.
 
The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, held in the Bishop Justin Bianchini Gymnasium, was also a meaningful experience. Our students, from varying backgrounds, shared their experience of being a student at Nagle. Their personal reflections were open and honest, and reflected positively upon their fellow students, teachers and support staff. The night was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of this group of fine young adults.
 
On behalf of the Nagle Catholic College community, I wish all our departing Year 12 students the very best for the future. I hope they will look back on their time at the College with fond memories. 

Year 7 2022 Orientation Day
Our Year 7 2022 students, in preparation for their commencement at the College, completed their Orientation Day in late October. Our new students spent some time with their Heads of House and House Captains, learning about what life is like as a Nagle student and enjoying a variety of activities over the day. As was expected, our new students started a little nervous, however, they left the College very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. A significant number of staff were involved in making the day a success, and it would be impossible to acknowledge all of them here. I would though like to make mention of Mrs Jessica Da Silva, Director of Students – Year 7, who coordinated and planned the Orientation Day.  

2022 Student Leaders
I had the pleasure of announcing our 2022 student leaders at the Commissioning Assembly this Term. As leaders, they have a significant role in continuing the welcoming and inclusive environment at the College. It was great to celebrate this momentous occasion with them and their families.
I also congratulated all of our Year 11 students on becoming our new Seniors at the College. I view each and every one of them as a leader and I look forward to the important contribution that they will make to the life of the College in 2022. 
Link: 2022 Student Leadership Council

​Primary Schools Music Tour
In November, our Music students toured three of our feeder Catholic primary schools, performing and showcasing their talents to the younger students. Well done to all of our students who performed. The development of our Music programs this year has been amazing to watch under the direction of our new Head of Music, Mr James Softly. Thank you to Mr James Softly and Miss Erin Kelly for coordinating the tour. We all look forward to listening to even more amazing performances next year!

​Presentation Ceremony
The College’s Presentation Ceremony was held in early December. This was a fantastic celebration of our students’ achievements in 2021. As a College, we are very proud of all of our students and the contributions they make to their own personal development, as well as to the growth of the College. The Presentation Ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge this in the presence of families, staff and invited guests. The organisation of the Presentation Ceremony is complex and I thank Mr Danny Bowen, Mr Damian Ramos, Mrs Emma Maluish and Mrs Sarah Boyle for the coordination of this event. I also thank our students and staff who assisted with any aspects of the organisation, setting up or packing up.

Vision for Learning
Over the last few years, the College has been developing its own Vision for Learning. A Vision for Learning enables a school to clearly articulate a defined set of beliefs and values which underpin its story, context and culture. It attempts to address three fundamental questions;
 
Who we are?
Why are we?
What do we represent?
 
By identifying these intentions that form the basis of our practice, we provide a frame of reference about our identity for all members of our community. When a person joins our College, whether they be a student or staff member, it is anticipated that they will see who and what Nagle Catholic College represents through our Vison for Learning and seek to align themselves with these core practices and beliefs. Our Vision for Learning, ‘One Step Beyond’, articulates our beliefs and aspirations as a ‘Christ Focused, Student Centred’ College. This vision encompasses the whole person and goes beyond just the teaching and learning component of education. A Nagle Catholic College education intends to be more holistic and formative. 
 
Catholic schools will be concerned with the development of students as responsible, inner-directed individuals of Christian virtue, capable of free choice and of making value judgements enlightened by formed Christian conscience. Catholic schools seek to help students to develop a total commitment to Christ. Bishops’ Mandate, #19.
 
Our Vision for Learning is fundamentally a guide intended to articulate who we are, what we represent and what type of educational opportunities we provide our students - an education that supports the unique journey of every student at Nagle Catholic College. 
 
I encourage you to have a look at our Vision for Learning. You can find it using the following link.

College Plans
Over the course of this year, the College has been creating new plans that will guide the strategic direction of the College over the next four years. These plans have been generated based on the feedback provided by all relevant stakeholders at the College, including our families, staff, School Advisory Council members, Parents' and Friends' Association and, most importantly, our students. These plans include a new Strategic Plan, an Evangelisation Plan and a Reconciliation Action Plan. Links to these three plans are included below. I encourage you to review these plans for yourself and discover the exciting intentions we have for the College into the future.

​Links:

• Strategic Plan
• Evangelisation Plan
• Reconciliation Action Plan

End of Year
To our staff who are leaving the College at the end of this year, I thank you for your dedication and support during your time at Nagle. I trust you have enjoyed your experiences here and that you are leaving with many happy memories of your time at the College. I wish you all the very best in the next phase of your life.
 
The College has now the finalised the 2022 Calendar and it is available here. We look forward to welcoming Years 7, 11, and 12 students on Monday 31 January and Years 8 to 10 students on Tuesday 1 February. 
 
Lastly, I extend the abundant blessings of the Advent season to all families in our community. Some of our students are leaving us this year for other educational opportunities locally, or intra and interstate and I wish you all the very best for your future success. To all of our families, I wish you a restful and fruitful Christmas break. Thank you for your trust and support over the course of the year.
 
Regards,
Mr Michael Williams
Principal

​This year, we introduced our new Academic Curriculum Extension (ACE) Program for Years 8 and 9 students. The purpose of ACE is to challenge and enrich students, and foster and develop their gifts and talents, by tapping into their interests and individual learning preferences in a fun and engaging way. In 2022, ACE will be extended to include students from Years 7 to 10.

Students are challenged in many ways to develop their ability to research, think and learn at a higher level. The classes have engaged in a diverse range of extension activities, catering for different interests and aspirations.

We asked our students to share their reflections on the program this year,
ACE is an amazing opportunity where I was able to further develop my thinking, collaborative and academic skills in a challenging and engaging environment through a variety of activities. I was able to grow both individually and in a group in a way that is different from the standard classroom learning and curriculum outline we are normally in. This class has given me an opportunity to work with many likeminded people, and allowed me to work with many of my peers who I otherwise wouldn’t have interacted with. - Winnie

It is an excellent subject that allows for flexible learning, allowing independency for each person's learning. It also develops skills such as: out of the box thinking, problem solving and extensions in our various interests, which are supported by our teacher. It has also strengthened our teamwork abilities and our abilities to work more cohesively as a team and the ability to work with those we don't know so well. This was further developed on the ACE camp, where we got to know more about each other. - Ratu

I like ACE because it is not a typical class where you only learn one topic but instead engage in a whole range of topics. I like having a class full of like-minded people who take interest in the same things as I do as it helps me understand things in a new and different way. The ACE camp was the definite highlight as it allowed us to experience things that we may have never experienced in our lives. - Ruby
 
ACE class is an opportunity within the College for the intellectual students to shine their light in ways different from the generic curriculum, which many of us do not find challenging. This class provides us with the challenge we yearn for and allows us to show our true brainpower around other people like us. I have made so many friends in ACE and gained so many happy memories within the class. ACE is an amazing opportunity which we count down to each week as we cannot wait to see the incredible things we will learn, whether it be a logic puzzle or a project on biomimicry. - Chayla
 
ACE is a very fun course designed to stimulate the brain, and many of it’s thought processes. You have a lot of freedom in what you study, and some of the things that are studied in the course are hugely intriguing. I would recommend ACE to anyone wanting to stimulate the brain and develop cognitive function even further. - Aidan
 
ACE is a really great experience where we get a little more freedom to expand on the things we are good at and improve the things we are not good at. It has given me a lot of helpful insight and is one of the highlights of my school day. - Jade
 
In ACE we do many activities that promote brain function in fun ways, like brain teasers, Future Problem Solving and Computational thinking challenges. I have also made many friends in ACE, due to being around others with similar interests. I love that we have this opportunity here at Nagle.  - Hayley
 
For more information on our ACE program please click here. Year 7 2022 applications are currently open with information included in the new student Welcome Packs.  ​

Our Year 9 students are living out our College motto ‘For Others’ by organising two Christmas drives that they hope will help to make the festive season more enjoyable for people less fortunate than themselves.
 
Project 1: Upcycle and recycle previously loved gifts
Do you have previously loved items that you think someone else could give as a gift? These items will be sold at a Market Day at the College on Tuesday 7 December and on Thursday 9 December at the Christmas on the Terrace Market. This is a wonderful opportunity to declutter, recycle and reduce our consumption rate. Profits from this project will go to Centacare to be used for their annual Christmas lunch.
 
Project 2: New gifts for children
This project is asking for gift donations for children in the community. Students will wrap and tag the gifts before donating them to Centacare to give to children in our community.
 
Donations are being collected at our College Reception and PC Reception. 

Please help our Year 9 students make this year a special Christmas from the people in Geraldton.

​At our Week 5 Assembly a number of students were recognised for their recent sporting, academic and artistic achievements.
 
ACC Athletics Champions
In Term 3, the College competed in the ACC B Division Athletics Carnival in Perth. Several students were recipients of individual awards and recognised for their outstanding performances. There were three age Champion Athletics:
U/14 Girl - Lucy
U/14 Boy - Jack
U/15 Boy – Matthew
Matthew, Taylah and Wynand were also selected in the ACC All Star Athletics Team. This meant that one or more of their individual performances at the Carnival, was the best performances across the entire range of ACC Athletics Divisions (A-J). A terrific achievement by them.
Also achieving recognition for outstanding performance was Year 11 student, Tomas, for his selection in the ACC All Stars Basketball Team. Tomas played a big role in helping the ACC All Stars beats the SSWAA All Stars in the game in late October. A terrific effort Tomas! Congratulations. 

​As my time here at Nagle ends, I have this chance to reflect on the last seven years. As a student, stress of tests, assessments, and exams in subjects I loved or loved to hate. Guided by my teachers who, well, do not always feel like your best friend. After six long years freedom awaits a life after school. So, what to do with this new found freedom? A gap year before moving to Perth and starting university. So, I returned for my “7th year” but now it is quite different. My teachers are now my colleagues! I know right? Although it was hard to grasp at first, I did get used to it. As a student you do not really get to see, all the work that goes on, behind the scenes.

Throughout this year I have been able to get a peek inside at the inner workings, especially in the Learning Support Department. I have spent my year working alongside these lovely ladies. Throughout this entire time, there was a problem I had to face. I was now also one of the “ladies” in Learning Support. My role in the Learning Support Department consists of attending classes to assist students with their classwork and assessments. Often tagging along to workplace learning or going on little excursions such as fishing and boxing. Not going to lie it has been challenging at times, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences down in The Hub. I am grateful for the opportunity, and for the jumpstart to my Primary Teacher studies at Curtin University. I would recommend this position to any current students who is interested in pursuing an educational career. I would like to sincerely thank Nagle Catholic College for allowing me to participate in the Gap year program. It has been an experience that I have benefited from. Of course, a big thanks to everyone in Learning support. It has been an amazing year that I will never forget.