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LEAVING THE BOARDING VILLAGE Acting Dean of Boarding Mr Sean Toovey and graduating boarders speak about the rituals and emotions surrounding leaving the Boarding Village to commence the next chapter of their lives.
‘Home away from home’ There is a great deal to unpack in these four words. For 130 years, St Joseph’s Nudgee College has prided itself on being a ‘home away from home’ for thousands of young men. Coming to the College as boys and, passing through all the formation experiences on offer, they leave as young men ready to live out the motto of Signum Fidei - a ‘Sign of Faith’. As with any ending, there needs to be layers of preparation to have them ready to pass through the gates as Old Boys. This is a very deliberate and staged process. Nudgee College is like a safety blanket, and students will react in different ways when they see the
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finish line in sight. Some get nervous and anxious whereas some can’t wait to leave and start the next chapter of their lives. Within these extremes falls every young graduate – a mixture of excitement yet apprehension Atticus Johnston said he felt this mixture of emotions about leaving the Boarding Village. “Nudgee College has been such a huge part of our lives,” he said. “For the time you are in Boarding, life revolves around Nudgee College more than any other part of your life. The milestone events help in coming to terms with the realisation that it won’t be the centre for much longer, and I feel they have helped in preparing me for that. There is comfort in the
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knowledge that everyone in the years before me, including my brother, has gone through this, and that it will be fine.” Bill Banks said that while he is excited for the next chapter, he is also grateful for his time at the College and in Boarding. “For the past six years, I have been surrounded by some really great mates,” he said, “and just realising that they are not going to be there every day is a little bit scary, but I think the network Nudgee College creates is better than any other school.” To be a Boarding student at Nudgee College is something sacred and something special – a lifelong bond
