NC PERFORMING ARTS

Debating

This year the Senior A boys defended the rights of workers, pushed to extend juror prudence and negated generational bias in our electoral system. A season full of split decisions reminded us of the subjective nature of this sport. However, the unprecedented lengths the panels took to deliberate encouraged the boys to come out swinging week after week.

I was most proud of the Senior As in Week 7 of Term 1, during which they debated Anglican Church Grammar School in the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) competition on the Wednesday, and St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace in the GPS competition on the Friday. The boys faced two of the strongest school teams, with two complex topics: ‘we regret the AUKUS Alliance’ and ‘capitalism stifles the arts’. It’s hard to describe just how big an ask this week was. Nonetheless, Jack Hallett gave as good as he got defending the AUKUS Alliance against a national team debater’s Points of Information (POI). Josh Ford’s knowledge of the metaphysics of art and practicalities of economics systems shone against Gregory Terrace. Sam Aggs methodically dismantled each push the opposition produced at third. Oliver Kele showed the technical skill and depth of intellect that put him in the top 12 debaters in the state this year.

I think it’s important to note that the game has changed in recent years. Expectations are that our Senior As are able to deliver nuance to universitylevel topics. Although often only one of the three adjudicators thought we did this better than the opposition, I was proud to see this skillset from each one of the Senior A debaters throughout the season.

WRITTEN BY SENIOR A DEBATING COACH MR DOMINIC CARROLL

Left to right: Josh Ford, Oliver Kele, Sam Aggs.

Regional Music Tour

On Thursday 16 June, a group of Nudgee College Music students embarked on a Music Tour of regional Queensland. The tour group began in Bundaberg and travelled to Rockhampton, Biloela, Theodore, Dalby and Toowoomba. Each concert along the journey kicked off with a performance from the Drumline, followed by the NC Brotherhood choir, and concluded with Rock Band 1.

From performing in a cave, to bustling markets and primary schools full of excited children, the tour provided the boys with many different opportunities to showcase their talents.

Year 11 student Michael La Monaca said their concert at the Cathedral Cave in Carnarvon National Park was a highlight, despite the challenge of manoeuvring large, heavy instruments through the cave’s steep, narrow pathways.

“The views were stunning and experiencing the acoustics of the cave as a performer was truly incredible,” he said.

Fellow Year 11 musician Mladen Markovic cited the school performances as his standout experiences from the tour.

“While performing at Our Lady of Lourdes in Toowoomba, it was amazing watching the audience participate in all of the songs,” he said.

In addition to the concerts, the boys greatly enjoyed their recreation time, which included visiting the Rockhampton Zoo and movie nights. Year 10 student Daniel Cross cited playing rugby on the beach and enjoying fish and chips with friends as particular highlights.

Director of Performing Arts Ms Alexandra Khafagi said it was great watching the Nudgee College musicians engage so positively with their audiences and respond with such energetic performances.

“For me this tour confirmed that music brings out the best in people of all ages, and is a language that brings joy,” she said.

“Watching little kids dancing alongside their teachers in front of our student musicians was a true privilege.”

NC Brotherhood performing at the Rockhampton Markets.