The latest news from the Master: Ms Rose Alwyn BA MBA
A new year begins...
Yesterday, in the Cathedral of St Peter, the College assembled together for its Commencement Service.
The Commencement Service actually marks the end of a period of induction and orientation for new students, and the beginning of the serious part of the year.
The service today also marked the commencement of our new chaplain, the Rev’d Mark Sibly. Mark has also been appointed as Senior Associate Priest at the Cathedral and this shared role is a special one. The Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev’d Dr Sarah Macneil and I look forward to the wonderful opportunities this presents for both of our communities.
Mark’s role, can best be described as ‘loitering with intent’ (a phrase I have borrowed from the Archbishop) – one of presence; of availability to students and staff, with an open door for whoever might drop by; of offering counselling and support, engaging in other dialogues, marshalling resources in difficult times, accompanying groups and individuals through various challenges, and mentoring students.
Whilst Christian values inform many aspects of our life together, spiritual dimensions of being human are expressed and explored in a variety of traditions, which is a diversity we value. At St Mark’s we are concerned with the overall wellbeing of every person in our community and with the quality of our life together. Helping to integrate the academic with other aspects of life - questions of vocation, personal relationships, experiencing native and diverse cultures, spirituality, physical and mental health – these are all very much part of our mission.
The commencement service also provides us with a perfect opportunity to reflect about what we intend to do individually this year; to think about our role in the College community and to dedicate ourselves not only to self development but to the development of the College and ultimately our broader community. Whatever happens in the College community affects us all positively or negatively at the time and afterwards.
The experience of College life is intense and comes at a critical time of personal development – here is where philosophies of life, work habits, career choices, lifelong friends are made and many other things crystallised – incredible when one thinks that one’s actual time in College is a very small proportion of one’s life - So I encourage you to make the most of your time at St Mark’s and begin with the end in mind.
This recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/lifting-the-lid-on-college-life-20090915-foli.html was originally forwarded to me by a former student of St Mark's and I have read the many responses, in particular those of my Colleagues at Trinity College Melbourne and St Andrew's in Sydney.
It is certainly a mistake to see the world of university residential colleges in general, as similar in content and tone to that which Alexis Carey argues, but equally a mistake to blindly defend where there may indeed be room for change. For example, maintaining tradition for tradition's sake - and indeed many College traditions can be seen as 'defending the indefensible', or as Oscar Wilde said (of fox-hunting) "the uneatable pursued by the unspeakable". Whilst an acknowledgement of one's history and traditions is important - revisiting history in that sense can, and should only serve to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Australian university residential colleges still offer education as well as pedagogy in that many colleges also seek to provide working examples of tolerance of difference and non-discrimination. If a College refuses to accept that responsibility then they may find difficult in relating to the 'real world.'
In applying this further to College life, it is also Oscar Wilde that said "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember that nothing worth knowing can be taught." There is a wide body of evidence (including a recent Harvard study) that supports the notion that the best learning at university occurs outside of 'the classroom' especially in student residential settings, combined with extracurricular activities. In other words an environment that sounds awfully similar to the one provided by St Mark's and other Adelaide residential colleges. It is just as vital to be engaged with one's peers as it is to study. Colleges aim to cater for both. Inter-college sport, and debating, social functions and 'in-house' activities create a continuing programme of interaction, multicultural exchange, spiritual development, enjoyment, celebration and fun as a community. With the absence of so many of these activities now from University Campuses, the Colleges have an even greater responsibility and role to play in the education and development of young people today.
St Mark's provides an open-minded education that fosters and encourages intellectual and personal breadth, learning through discussion and debate about a range of experiences and ideas.
In a world of rapid change, such an education should help equip the young people today with the skills that they need - skills of being able to master new and changing bodies of knowledge and expertise which have not been previously mastered - and so to be able to respond effectively to the change and growth of knowledge which is and will be one of the hallmarks of this century. A recent survey of Australian Employers showed that it is the attributes of written and oral communication, team work and problem solving that they are looking for. It is these skills that are developed and nurtured through a liberal education that also helps students to understand their specialty in a wider context.
College life can be superb, nurturing and uplifting, but it can be the opposite if shallow and anti-intellectual values are allowed to emerge as a dominant culture. Therefore, at St Mark's we always seek a balance in life which helps and encourages students themselves to maintain a balance so that they achieve to their fullest potential.
Articles such as Carey's remind us that we must maintain a culture of continuous improvement and be ever aware of the tone that we set in our own Colleges.
How many times have you heard it said "It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game'?
We all know very well that it does matter whether you win or lose. And how you play the game is equally important. The means are important and not only the end.
'How you play the game' has many meanings. Certainly it means playing by the rules of the game. Playing the game properly with honesty and integrity also requires playing by rules beyond the game. Good sportsmanship is a central theme in any sport and integral to the success of any club or community. Being a good sport; acting fairly and accepting whatever situation we find ourselves in. Demonstrating humility in victory or in defeat reflects a team's culture just as how a team may celebrate its success or loss. There have been some instances in the last week on the international scene that certainly have not demonstrated humility (the US Open Tennis women's semi-final) or integrity (Formula One). Sporting heroes are required to be role models for our young people.
Modern day coaches might argue that it is best not to think about winning or losing and that the focus should be upon the processes because in the long run the wins and losses will take care themselves.
As the winter sports season here in Adelaide culminates in a series of finals, (and our own Inter-College sporting contest also draws to a close), I am reminded that in finals time, a season of blood, sweat and tears will mean nothing unless a team can hold on or come up with the winning strategy- sure processes, team structures and game plans all have a role. There's is no magic formula to success other than hard work, an iron will and the strictest of disciplines. In the end though, it's the team that wants it the most that will win.
One can't be in perfect form all the time and good form comes and goes in cycles. We all like to win - but it means nothing without integrity.
To those teams that have and do make the finals, my very best wishes for all you deserve.
About a month ago, I was reading an article in the Age on manners, http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/rudeness-will-be-the-death-of-society-20090807-ecv7.html. However it was actually my more recent encounters (in a very wide range of situations) that have made me think about common courtesy, manners and etiquette. One may find the opening quote amusing, however there has been many a business deal or job interview won or lost over the dinner table.
Manners have survived history and culture to influence the ways human beings interact. In fact proper conduct and manners , in everything from conversation to eating have long been the distinguishing mark of social status.
One may even recall the old adage "Manners makyth man." (William of Wykeham (1324 - 1404) [1]. Far be it several hundred years ago - as recent as nearly 200 years ago (1813), Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice explored the many humorous eccentricities in a world of etiquette and proper conduct. And today, in the way we relate to one another: what is acceptable and unacceptable social (and business) behaviour is important.
A person's self awareness, and an awareness of their behaviour and actions and how they affect others is pretty important. Yet many get it wrong - so what has changed and what is different now? Social commentator Hugh Mackay says one major culprit is the proliferation of new technologies such as instant messaging and social networking. He argues that this produces an increasingly fragmented society of subcultures, each with their own sets of rules and customs.
On the other hand, it can be argued that vast differences in generational expectations and changes in the status of women has caused some significant confusion about how to behave publicly. Others argue our fast paced capitalism and focus on the economy has created a society of rampant consumers, who will go to any lengths in the pursuit of self gratification and financial success. Some may have their own views and opinions. However playing the blame game is not only unhelpful - it rarely leads to positive change. However the question must be posed - should we be more mindful of our manners? Do they really maketh the modern man/woman? And - what makes manners good manners?
- Good manners are not something performed by the elite on special occasions.
- Good manners are not a choice on a drop down menu, pulled out to negotiate a good impression.
- Good manners are everyday behaviours. Thoughtful, considerate behaviours performed by everyday people, in everyday places, every day of a lifetime.
- Good manners, like a good education, will not transform you into someone you are not. They will be perceived by others as a natural extension of you.
Think of sport (and not the recent Williams/Clijster's match or any of our infamous sportsmen's recent behaviour) - good manners are a 'home advantage'. It is fortunate that thoroughly bad manners belong to a sad few. Poor manners on the other hand, belong to a large proportion of the population. For many, the 'home advantage' simply does not exist. In fact, they fall short of even general standards. Many have simply not had the opportunity to learn at home or had the privilege of a mentor to guide them. And many are often too embarrassed to ask or simply do not know where to look for advice.
One must decide for one's self, and I will leave you with one more piece of advice from Benjamin Disraeli "Good manners open doors that a good education will not"
[1] Manners Makyth Man is the motto of New College, created by its founder William of Wykeham. The motto is unusual in that it was written in English rather than Latin. It is said that the motto makes a social statement. While it might initially seem to be suggesting that it is beneficial to have good manners, what it really means is that it is not by birth, money, or property that an individual is defined, but by how he (or she) behaves towards other people.
Tomorrow, the Universities and Residential Colleges will hold their annual Open Day. On offer is a range of attractive opportunities for people from all ages and backgrounds who wish to undertake tertiary education.
For many potential students visiting from rural or metropolitan areas across Australia and overseas, next year many will experience living away from home for the first time.
Year 12 is vastly different to first year university. For first year university students, issues of motivation, different teaching and assessment practices, the feeling of isolation and loneliness together with the challenges of a completely different lifestyle can be overwhelming. After many years of hard work to achieve the grades required for the course that will lead to your career of choice, the incredible challenges of your first year at university, posed by a changed lifestyle, can be extremely challenging
However, there is more to university life than study, shelter and sustenance (Walsh, 2005). Students that decide to live in a college residence are in fact choosing a way of life. Students carry their university experiences with them for the rest of their lives It is our task to ensure that those experiences are as fulfilling as possible, to enrich both the present and the future.
There is much evidence to suggest that college residence is not only encouraged, but mandatory for at least part of the undergraduate years in many of the world's outstanding universities, such as Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Cambridge. The assumption of these universities is that residence is essential to the kind of educational experience that they offer. Students are attracted to these institutions, in part, by the educational world they will inhabit while undertaking study towards their degree. The Harvard prospectus, for example, notes that their residential plan embodies 'more than simply places to live' - 'by design, residential living among students and faculty is an essential part of the Harvard experience' and 'creates collegiate communities within the larger University community' (Powell, 1997, p 3)
The team spirit, accepting 'family' atmosphere and the achievement of academic excellence inherent in the collegiate way of life are qualities which cannot be replicated in other accommodation alternatives. Colleges like St Mark's exist to provide a supportive and stimulating environment in which each student may pursue optimum academic achievement.
Students from rural areas and overseas, encounter loss of family support and dislocation from local networks as they adjust and assimilate a different lifestyle. This is where university colleges have a valuable role, providing support and friendship to balance these new freedoms and responsibilities. Colleges are where students come to live as well as learn, young people across the generations, across the world, have acquired lifelong friendships and cross-cultural understandings in ways not possible through other institutions.
Learning comes from more than just academic activity. It is as vital to be engaged with the student group as study. Colleges aim to cater for both. Inter-college sport, debating, social functions and in-house activities create a continuing programme of interaction, multicultural exchange, spiritual development, enjoyment, celebration and fun as a community.
College is about providing moral support and pastoral care for students weak or strong, especially in crises during their residency. St Mark's provides an excellent environment supporting its students' educational progression and personal development, by nurturing character, intellect and physique in a caring, scholarly community where each individual is a cause for valued equality. While we uphold our traditions we are also well equipped to face the challenges of a changing society. As a former Dean at St Mark's once said "You go to University to learn; you go to St Mark's to get an education".
I encourage you to visit St Mark's this weekend for Open Day and decide for yourself.
The success of the Harry Potter series is well known to us all, yet for JK Rowling, success has not always been the case. Rowling's commencement address at Harvard "The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination",was only brought to my attention over the weekend, and it certainly struck a chord with me.
Rowling talks about failure giving her an inner security that she had never attained by passing examinations - and failure teaching her things about herself that she could have learned no other way. Through failure, she discovered "a strong will, and more discipline than I had suspected; I also found out that I had friends whose value was truly above rubies."
In thinking about success I think about how many of us determine success by not failing...we are satisfied with just passing, with mediocrity we settle for a compromise - for the ordinary not stretching ourselves to reach our full potential.
We can learn from JK Rowling (and others like her) without having necessarily to hit "rock bottom" ourselves and there is no time like the present - don't wait until you hit rock bottom. Success builds confidence and confidence builds success.
Rowling says that failure is inevitable - "It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default."
Think about what causes the failure, not who is to blame - if you can work back to the root cause then you will certainly learn from it.
J. K. Rowling speaks of the need for 'a more expansive view of imagination'- one that involves stepping into not just the imaginary worlds of authors, but also the feelings and experiences of fellow human beings. Empathy and compassion are critical elements to imagination
"Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathise with humans whose experiences we have never shared"
J. K. Rowling terms those people who remain apathetic or indifferent in the face of such challenges, 'wilfully unimaginative' and responsible for allowing monsters to prevail in the world - let's harness creativity, imagination - be creative, imaginative and learn about what it really means to succeed.
The last week at St Mark’s has seen some fine performances in the performing arts...
Last night, the ballroom was packed tightly (standing room only) as the audience were entertained by our very own talented musiciansat the first Arts Evening for the year. On the classical front, arts evening director Warwick Ambrose’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme by Corelli op 42 without music captivated the audience as did Elizabeth Napier’s performance of Gluck’s Che Faro Sneza Euridice – a good introduction to Italian Opera for the audience. Canadian student Brendon Gehringer performed played the piano, the St Mark’s Strings, whose debut performance was at the Downer House Verandah function (Emma Walsh, Charlotte Budenberg, Kathy Radoslovich and Rebecca Hahn) played Pachabel’s Canon and the St Mark’s Singers conducted by Ayesha Richardson sang “Oh Happy Day”
Highlights in contemporary music included a mixture of guitar, vocals and piano by Hannah Donaldson and John Gardner; Josh Mahadevan and Victor Liu; Sam Gurner and Rhys Bawden; Georgie Spanos and Steph Bradshaw; Maddie Osborn and Mitch Flint, the Eddie and Dave from Whyalla, Big Jack and Battle of the Band heroes FNS. It was a splendid night indeed!
St Mark's Players performed Don’s Party last week over two nights again to a full house both nights.
Don's Party is set in 1969 at a party at Don Henderson's place where a group of friends gather to watch the election results and get rolling drunk. The play is essentially an examination of society at the time and while some things change, they still remain the same. The play uses the 1969 election night and its expectation of a Labor victory as a springboard to reveal the personal politics of marriage and failure.
The St Mark’s College production, directed by Jess Conway couched the one-liners and comic set-ups without losing sight of the play's tone of bitterness, disenchantment and loss. St Mark’s Players made good use of the limited stage; eleven characters on stage at one time would have been challenging to direct. The timing and pace of rhythms were well handled by the cast and the crew worked extremely well on the set, costumes and lighting.
Mark Healy immerses himself in the role of Don and delivers the dry Aussie wit with aplomb. His wife Kath, played by Nikita Oddy served as an excellent contrast, her character unfolding as the play progressed culminating in a superbly executed tantrum at the end.
Callum Deakin as Don’s close friend, and rolling drunk developed his character appropriately throughout the play. Georgia Mott was well cast as Jody, making a lovely transition from mad-Lib housewife with feet firmly lodged in the 50s - the discussion between she and Mal regarding small breasts and small member was particularly amusing. Tim Budenberg, dressed in hounds-tooth blazer was most irritating as Jody’s husband Simon and managed to portray one of those people that you feel embarassed for simply because they have walked in the room.
Richard Arnold as the lecherous Mack was again well cast and performed in his own style with great skill. Craig Gartley was one in a million as the obnoxious Cooley, (trying his luck on the Master in the promo at formal hall). He too, looked the part and was a repulsively sleazy character.
Lizzie Arnold as Jenny was a hoot and a one-woman microcosm of the Australian dry sense of humour. Bec Schultz was suitably pretentious as Kerry, preening and posturing herself most appropriately as her clingy dentist husband, Evan, played by Adam Pulford who certainly came into his own during the play as well. Alyssa Kelly in the part of Susan was hilarious, and although she didn't have an enormous number of lines, she had some of the best in the script which she delivered with impeccable comic timing.
Forty years on and many aspects of Don’s Party have stood the test of time (well maybe not the clothing and hair) – moreover, the humour appeals to a range of tastes depending on where you sit on the political or social spectrum. Alcohol plays a significant role in the forward momentum of plots and inevitable disaster, one which undergraduates can relate. In addition to the comical aspects of this play, it offers food for thought – has Australia changed over the last four decades?
And if you’re wondering, the Liberals win!
St Mark’s wins debating final in one of the closest finals seen in a long time
The final of the SAAUCC (Inter-College) debating between St Mark’s and Lincoln had the three adjudicators initially engaged in a debate of their own before reaching a unanimous decision. St Mark’s Debating team captained by Richard Arnold argued the affirmative case “that Economic Development is more important than Human Rights” while Lincoln’s team, captained by Eric George argued the negative. The standard of the debate was very high with St Mark’s only very narrowly defeating Lincoln in one of the closest debating finals seen in a long time.
What could be more important than human rights? Rights to which every person should feel entitled wherever they live. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, http://www.universalrights.net/main/decl_fm.htm drafted in 1948 are intended to be the means to allow people around the world to live freer and more fulfilling lives. Importantly this declaration also covers economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to work, to education, to cultural life, to health care, and to food.
Human rights are universal, although challenges to the universality of the rights might include that in developing economies, economic and social rights are more important than political and civil rights and that a respect for human rights will occur as a result of economic development. However such countries have shown that in the process of economic liberalisation, human rights are denied to marginalised individuals.
Through leadership and support for human rights, governments lay the necessary foundations for civil society to take up the responsibility of human rights education and awareness. Respect for human rights plays an important role in the development of basic civil and political rights, the right to freedom of association, opinion and expression And there must also be an equal respect for and promotion of the economic, cultural and social rights if the benefits of development are to be long term and accessible to all.
St Mark's Founders' Day, 25th April.
This year, the Founders' Day Service was held on Sunday 26th April and incorporated both St Mark's and Anzac Days. Held in the chapel, the Acting Dean of the Cathedral, the Rev'd Canon Bill Goodes preached and the College Choir, led by Ms Ayesha Richardson sang "Dona Nobis Pacem". The College Hymn, by Fellow of the College, the Most Rev'd TT Reed was also sung. Afterwards, morning tea was held and a toast to the Founders and Benefactors in Benedictine was drunk. The toast is drunk in Benedictine which has been served for the past forty-five years, from a decanter donated by Sir Henry Simpson Newland, a former Chairman of the Council. He bought the decanter in Canterbury while on a visit to Britain in September 1962 and had it blessed in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral by Canon Julian Bickersteth. Bickersteth was a former Headmaster of St Peter's College and a Founder of the College who had served as a Chaplain in World War I, winning the Military Cross. It was one of Canon Bickersteth's last acts in connection with the College as he died in the following month. (Bickersteth had laid the Foundation stone of the Dining Hall at the College in 1960). The silver shields on the decanter record the date and the names of Sir Henry, Julian Bickersteth and Archie Grenfell Price. There is a story that Sir Henry went to a shop he had remembered from a visit in London in 1898 to get the shields inscribed to be told that the silversmith had left about fifty years ago.
And now, from the history books...
Despite the fact that there were plans to build a University College since the late 1850s, St Mark's sprang in some true sense from the First World War. Interestingly, it was suggested that the College be called Christ's or King's but it was named after St Mark, the Saint whose patronal festival 10 years before had seen the landing of the ANZACS at Gallipoli (25th April).
This founding of the College links with our motto "Spernit Virtus Humum" which was suggested by the first College tutor in Classics, Professor BP Wait. The motto is taken from the Roman Poet Horace from a passage in Ode II, Book III which is an ode in praise of youthful valour, Its context occurs after the famous line "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" - and Horace lived only a few years before St Mark himself. The English translation of the part that Ode II comes from is "virtue opening wide the gates of Heaven for those who have not deserved to die essays her course along forbidden paths and soaring aloft on fleeting pinion spurns the damp earth and vulgur crowd".
By taking a word from each line, we find the three we know, Spernit Virtus Humum, or "virtue spurns the damp earth". Their words have a broader meaning 'virtue' includes concepts such as true human worth, valour and integrity; 'spernit' means rejecting or pushing away from and 'humum' means earthy or baser thoughts and acts.
Former Masters, Rev'd McKenzie and the Hon. Dr John Bannon have prepared succinctly information about our Motto and John Bannon notes that in 1993, a long term resident of the College and Classics Professor, Robert Ussher turned the motto into a positive affirmation with his translation which is now generally used by the College today: 'excellence reaches for the stars'.
So it was natural to call the College after St Mark and to take a motto from a somewhat martial Ode in praise of the qualities of "Virtus" - and the Lion in the coat of arms - the Lion traditionally symbolising bravery, valour, strength, and royalty and the Lion with wings, the symbol of St Mark.
The coat of arms is among one of the many traditions that is important to the College and the original aims and objectives of the College still stand, the College exists to provide a supportive and stimulating environment in which each student may pursue optimum academic achievement and reaching for excellence. The primary aims of collegiate life are to help engender in College members a strong sense of the responsibilities and rights of individuals living in a community with others and to instil in them an equally strong sense of commitment to the common good of our community.
Today, the College encourages its members to participate in the cultural, spiritual, social and sporting events proudly wearing the College coat of arms and continues to value the contributions members make to the life of the College through that participation.
This morning, following a most successful Founders' Day service held in the College Chapel saw the opening of our annual Art Exhibition, "Marksenfeast for the Eyes" and the launch of our new web site. The collective efforts of the Dean and Administrator, together with Andy Schwartz and John Hodgson who have worked with Henry Gooden, director of Good Dog Design are tremendous! New features including a Custom Built Content Management System that allows full site editing, Twitter integration, a fun flash based Student Map and an ability for students and staff to easily submit photos for inclusion on the web-site are just a few of the new features - so go on...have a browse...your feedback is welcome!
