Principal’s Reflection Term 3 2025
Chapel Windows Commissioned
Approximately half the windows in our College chapel were stained glass, with various pictures linked to the College and its heritage. Each one of these windows was custom designed and hand painted, taking months to create, and only one company in Perth produces them using this bespoke method. Five years ago, the decision was made to complete the rest of the windows in the same style as already existed. Members of our College community were offered the opportunity to contribute to the cost of these windows. Those that contributed had their name included below the window in recognition of their support. After years of design and production, these windows were finished recently and were blessed by Bishop Michael in a ceremony held during the Term. Those members of the community who contributed to their installation were invited to attend the blessing, followed by afternoon tea. These new windows are stunning and have added to the beauty of our chapel. On behalf of the College, I thank those who contributed to the cost of these new windows, those that produced and installed them and Bishop Michael for his blessing at our commissioning. I’ve no doubt that these windows will bring much joy for many years to come.
Year 8 Grandparents’ Morning Tea
It was fantastic to see so many people able to make it along to our Grandparents’ Morning Tea held on a cold morning in August. Whilst addressing our Grandparents’, I noted the unconditional love that can exist between a grandparent and a grandchild. Grandparents being a presence in their grandchildren’s lives is so powerful. Being there to support them, listen to them and watch them grow, much as they may well have done with their own children, but through a different lens and perhaps with the benefit of wisdom.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Last year, the College commenced preparations, rehearsals and planning for our recent production, ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’. The cast and crew thrilled audiences with their entertaining and highly professional interpretation of this favourite musical production. The feedback we received from people who saw the show has been wonderful and a testament to the many hours of dedication, mostly on weekends and after hours, by all concerned. I congratulate all of our students who were involved and thank our key staff in Mr Matthew Grigsby (Producer), Miss Erin Kelly (Director), Mr Neil Gregson (Assistant Director), Mr James Softly (Musical Director), Mr Tim Carrier (Set Design and Construction), Ms Kathryn Chynoweth (Props and Costumes), Mr Digby Edwards (Set Construction), Mr Jack Western (Set Construction), Mrs Rachael Nguyen (Promotions), Mr Ian Weggler (Bass Guitarist) and Ms Devon Bouffard (Support) for their outstanding efforts. Well done to everyone!
Randolph Stow Young Writers Award
Winners for this year’s Randolph Stow Young Writers Award were announced at a ceremony held at the Queen’s Park Theatre. This is an annual competition held by the City of Greater Geraldton Regional Library for all schools in the Mid-West to demonstrate their prose and poetry writing skills. This year, the Library received 677 entries from 20 schools across the Mid-West region. It was wonderful to see Nagle so well represented. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Mrs Safire Beukes, Head of Learning Area – English, Ms Sarah Clune, our Library Manager and all other English staff who supported our students in preparing their submissions. It was wonderful to see so many of our students recognised for their fine work at this event. Well done to all our students who submitted entries to the competition and especially those who had their work recognised by the judges.
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
My thanks go to all staff, and especially Mr Joe Italiano, Sports Coordinator, along with the Health and Physical Education Learning Area, for organising our Interhouse Athletics Carnival. It was a fantastic event, and it was great to see so many of our students competing for their Houses and enjoying the day.
Congratulations to all our students who tried their best, regardless of where they finished in an event. The most important thing is that you try your best. A special congratulations to our students in Kelly House who were the overall winners! In addition, I offer my congratulations to all our students who were chosen to represent the College at the ACC Carnival in Week 9 where we finished fourth in B Division.
Book Week
The College celebrated Book Week recently with this year’s theme being ‘Book an Adventure’. It was fantastic to see so many of our students and staff get involved in the various activities organised by the English Learning Area and Library staff. Our Year 7 students, along with their Senior school buddies, looked impressive in their costumes and the ‘Book Week Parade’ proved to be a huge hit. I am not sure who enjoyed dressing up more, our students or our staff!
My thanks go to the many staff who made an effort to dress up for the occasion. Our students certainly loved seeing you dressed as your favourite book characters!
Year 9 Fathers’ Day Breakfast
The Year 9 Fathers’ Day Breakfast event acknowledges the contribution of fathers and significant males in the lives of our students. It was great to see so many gentlemen come and enjoy the morning with our students. I asked our students to take the time on Fathers’ Day to tell their dad (or significant male role model) how important they are to them and thank them for everything that they do. Whilst our young people may not realise it just yet, dads’, and male role models, play a key role in shaping who they are as a person and who they will become in the future. This is a truly essential role in society, as much now as it has ever been. My thanks go to Mr Mitch Boyle, Director of Students – Year 9 and Ms Jacky Patience for coordinating the event.
Principal’s Honour List
Our academically high performing students were acknowledged at our recent whole school assembly early in Term 3. It was wonderful to recognise the hard work of these students formally in front of the whole College community. The Principal’s Award provides a benchmark for others in their pursuit of academic excellence. To all our students who achieved their academic goals in Semester 1 2025, well done and keep up the great work!
Year 12 Farewell
Our Year 12 students celebrated their final days of formal schooling this week. Their final Assembly was a great celebration and conclusion to their time at the College. It is important to stop and reflect on their achievement of finishing their secondary education. The College has valued the contribution that they have made as Senior students in our community. We thank them for their efforts and for further developing and nurturing the important sense of school spirit which we value so deeply. Our Year 12 students exited the College through a guard of honour. As is tradition, the front gates are then ceremoniously closed signifying that when one door closes, another door opens. We are proud of every one of our Year 12 students and we wish them every blessing and happiness as they begin the next chapter of their lives. We will formally acknowledge their achievements at our Graduation Ceremony early next Term.
Kind Regards,
Mr Michael Williams
Principal