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Congratulations to Mary Goodacre (1985-87) who is one of only 30 people to be accepted into the into the 2012 Australian Rural Leadership program. She has been sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation for work in the wool industry and is looking forward to the challenges it will offer her (for more details refer to www.rural-leaders.com.au).

Mary and her husband, Mark Adams are partners in their Merino, beef and native grass enterprise between Canowindra and Eugowra, NSW, and in their rural consultancy serving the livestock industries. After studying agricultural science, Mary worked with several agricultural and environmental organisations in NSW and the Northern Territory, and was appointed to three natural resource and Aboriginal cultural heritage boards in NSW. As Mary says she is proud to live and work in the small, vibrant rural communities that she calls home.

In a message to Dr Leech, Mary says ” I hope you have some good “Agger” freshers, sophomores and seniors in Sancta this year – the opportunities for them will be unlimited after graduation, particularly if their hearts are set on heading/returning to the country.

She goes on to say “I doubt I’d be where I am today in the wool industry and ARLP without the great start I had at Sancta during my undergraduate years.” Click here to read the Press Release.

While meeting up with fellow summer schoolies, people pronounced their passion for Ancient Rome and how the course ties in nicely with their History teaching degrees, majors and honours thesis. Now it was my turn to convince the historically gifted contingent of my worth, “I study Media and Communications and Intermediate Italian.” I was hesitant to reveal my Italian language study given my spoken Italiano is slightly questionable at times, however, on cue the tour coordinator nominated me as a handy translator. Lastly, to secure my history-cred, I name dropped, “I love Dr. Estelle Lazer.” Mutual fans of her archaeological work present in the room nodded and so did she.

Admittedly, I thought of summer school overseas as a chance for a holiday with limited study components. How I was wrong. At our pre-departure meet and greet we were promptly handed the course outline and directed to page 3, “Assessment Tasks and Due Dates.” I was confronted by four assignments, two of which were due before leaving. I guess this was inevitable, credit points would have to be earned not only by devouring gelati and site-seeing. Finding time to read prescribed texts and write book reviews in the lead up to Christmas was somewhat overwhelming, however, in hindsight, the compulsory tasks greatly enhanced my trip.

The group stayed in a small suburb of Rome, Trastevere, for the majority of the trip. Cobble stoned streets dotted with restaurants and vespas made this trendy area a true delight. Morning coffees from Luciano’s Café became a staple and energised us for the days ahead. From exploring the famous Colosseum to tasting the finest pizza of Tarquinia, shopping in Florence, watching a passionate soccer match, visiting spectacular churches, driving along the Almalfi Coast and dining out every night with talented people and now life friends– this was the most enriching and pleasurable University course I have ever encountered. Despite some lost luggage at the airport, everything ran smoothly with help from the weather gods and dare I say gods themselves, Dr Kathryn Welch, Dr Estelle Lazer and our local tour guide, Osciri.

Evening lectures and having to upload site reports did not dampen the experience one bit. In fact, everyone came together in the wi-fi equipped lobby, sharing information, ideas, cheese and wine. Our last night in Rome was spent chatting over a seven course farewell dinner and holding back tears because summer school was at an end. If you are reading this I encourage you to start saving now and enrol for the next trip. This unique course has reinvigorated my university study and I am thankful for the opportunity. Roma…amor.

From left to right - Maria Ramos, Sarah Wigan, Breann Szczepanik (Sancta student), Laura Hanlon (Sancta student), Elena Zagoudis, and Beth Williams.

My! What a week! Along with the rest of the House Committee for 2012, I returned back to college early to prepare for the arrival of our new students. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as only a year ago, I was preparing to make the big move to the ‘Big Smoke’ to start my academic career at Sydney University.

Being on the other side of O-Week, as a leader, was such a rewarding experience. Not only did I have the honour of working alongside a most talented group of young women, I was also able to have some input into the shaping of the college experience here at Sancta Sophia.

We kicked off the week with the Commencement Dinner where the new students signed the college registry and officially joined the Alumni network. Our dining hall, full to the brim, was buzzing with an atmosphere of excitement, nerves and anticipation. Questions were flying! Who will I become friends with? Will I enjoy university? Why must we were academic dress that resembles Harry Potter robes? Perhaps the most important question being; what am I becoming a part of by signing the Sancta Sophia registry? The answer is something truly special. By becoming part of our College network, you are joining an outstanding group of intelligent individuals who believe in the transformative power of educating the whole personality.

For me, College has been so much more than a roof over my head. It has enriched my overall university experience, beyond the classroom, providing countless opportunities to contribute socially, culturally, spiritually and academically to society. At the end of last year, I decided to run for the position of Junior Intercol Representative on the 2012 House Committee. This is my way of giving back to Sancta, and the opportunities it has graced me with, to be a part of the decision processes and ensure that every student’s College experience has been as positive and exciting as mine.

I am so excited for things to come. This year’s House Committee is made up of a remarkable group of girls. Working together, we effectively overcame all obstacles during O-Week and supported each other through all the stress and sleep deprivation that went into organising it. I have no doubt that the girls will maintain their strong work ethic throughout the year. This year, we hope to introduce new traditions, whilst reinforcing already established customs to create a cohesive and supportive environment for students to excel. We will strive to maintain the College ethos and ensure an ongoing enthusiastic attitude throughout the year.

On behalf of the House Committee for 2012, I would like to extend an invitation for all parents, Alumni members, staff and students to join us as we ‘Walk in Wisdom’ in 2012. What an exciting time to be alive!

A Fresh Start

The Dining Hall is back in full swing – the first of many functions started on the 25th February – the Commencement Dinner to welcome freshers and their parents, followed by Dinner with Warrane College on the 27th and then with St John’s College on 29th February. The first Faculty Lunch was held on the 2nd March and the first full College Formal Dinner Series commenced on the 5th March with special guest Sister Mary Shanahan (former Sancta Principal) who warmed the student’s hearts with her speech (read Angelica’s article on O-Week).

At the Cardinal’s Dinner & Mass on the 14th March we welcomed College Visitor, Cardinal George Pell. We celebrated Champagne in the Quad for our Alumni on the 24th March, and later enjoyed a very special Academic Dinner on the 26th March. The wisdom and pride of a great woman leader, Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW and Chancellor of the University of Sydney permeated the evening as we celebrated exceptional student results, a number with First Class Honours , on the Dean’s List and University Merit List and various other outstanding academic achievements.  Well done all of you!

A Warm Welcome to the 2012 House Committee!

Postgraduate Update

The first dinner for the Senior Common Room (postgraduate residents) was held on Wednesday 7th March in Sancta’s Council Room. Representatives from Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) attended, distributed information packs and presented their services, support and engagement opportunities for resident postgraduates. With a total of 36 postgraduates in residence this semester, members had a very enjoyable evening catching up and meeting new members from other academic disciplines and backgrounds.

Elections were also held and we welcome and congratulate Sancta’s 2012 President of the SCR, Hayley Worth and the Social Secretary of the SCR, Grace Connelly.

Residents Assistants Training

This year, the new RA team bonded on Sydney Harbour waters on a 2.5 hour kayaking expedition from Spit Bridge. Paddling in pairs, RAs took in the surroundings with waterproof cameras and a personal guide who led them along the harbour, observing old wreckages and the history of the coastal properties with a brief rejuvenation stop on a sandy embankment where they enjoyed afternoon tea before paddling back to civilisation. St John’s Ambulance Australia awarded a First Aid research grant, focusing on intoxication in residential community settings. The Sancta Sophia College RA Team and House Committee Executive participated in the undertaking of the research training module on Wednesday 22nd February.

L-R Sarah Stewart, Melissa Franks, Kellie West, Sarah Johnston, Chris Lam (missing from photo Rachel Johnstone and Hayley Worth)

Alison attended The University of Sydney in 1939. She was enrolled in the Arts Faculty where she studied History, English, Latin and Psychology. She graduated with distinction with a pass Arts degree in 1942. While at the university Alison was a student at Sancta Sophia College which at that time was still administered by the Sacré Coeur nuns. As she says there were quite a few ex-Rose Bay students, so it was a happy and familiar background. College life was very pleasant where the students mixed easily with the men’s Colleges and shared tutorials as well as entertainments such as dances and sporting events. Thankfully, some things never change!

On graduation, Alison was employed by Australian Wireless Association (AWA) where she was in charge of the statistical evaluation of wireless parts. She then worked at the Ministry of Munitions where she was engaged in keeping the statistics of the movement of vehicle parts. Because she had a degree in Psychology she was then commandeered to work in the Federal Manpower Directorate.

Towards the end of the War, Alison was involved in planning and in setting up the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) which eventually became part of the existing Department of Labour and National Service. During this time Alison became an Assistant Secretary of the Department, a senior position within the Public Service. The appointment of women to this rank at that time was unusual and Alison was one of the first women to achieve this rank.

The Secretary of the Department at this time was Sir Henry Bland. He put Alison in charge of the International Branch of the Department which had close links to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva.

Through this organisation policies and standards relating to labour conditions were drawn up and Conventions which hopefully would be adopted (ratified) by members countries and subject to inspection and confirmation by the ILO. In her capacity as Head of the International Branch of her Department, Ms Stephen travelled to Geneva 2-3 times a year and on occasions chaired meetings and addressed plenary sessions.

In 1960 after the referendum which gave the Aboriginal people the right to vote, Sir Henry put Ms Stephen in charge of Aboriginal Employment in Australia, a position she held for 3-4 years. Her aim was to improve the education of the Aboriginal population and employment opportunities.

By 1973 Alison was again involved in international employment policy direction until her retirement in 1981. She was one of the first women to chair international meetings at the United Nations in Geneva. During this latter period of her career she was tasked with promoting the policies that had been developed in Geneva in Australia.

What’s Cooking – New Chef Drew McKenzie joins Sancta & Sancta Catering wins Service Excellence Award

“I love cooking and have earned most of my experience in restaurants. Most recently I was working as sous chef at Glebe Point Diner. My favourite things to cook are macaroons. I like to keep fit and eat healthy (I don’t eat the macaroons!). I work out at home or in the park and love running, barefoot. I’m also a bit of a nerd as I enjoy reading sci-fi and fantasy novels. I’m quite shy so be sure to say hello.” On a savoury note, our caterer, Sodexo, held their annual Star Awards at Luna Park Ballroom on the 9th of March. The Sancta team were runners up in the Team Award for Service Excellence – a great achievement for all the hard work in their first year at Sancta. Congratulations Ryan, Dee and the team! We all look forward to sampling new delights – both sweet and savoury – from the kitchen this year.

Sustainability – Make a Green Pledge Campaign

Did you know that the University of Sydney throws away over 140,000 plastic water bottles a year? As part of the Sancta Sustainability Program, Sancta Sophia College has taken on the “Make a green pledge” campaign. You can help save the environment and reduce landfill by purchasing:
1) A reusable Sancta red alloy drink bottle for your water; and
2) A recyclable Sancta Karma Cup for your tea and coffee.
Walk in Wisdom by thinking Green! These items are available for purchase from the Marketing Manager on Mondays and Tuesdays. Did you know that Sancta established its Environment Committee in 2009? Headed up by Terry Nixon (Operations Manager) and Bruce Davie (Business Manager), the project has resulted in extensive sustainable enhancements to the College’s facilities, buildings and surrounding landscape.

Sancta is dedicated to making a sustainable difference and has already made the following environmental enhancements in terms of the day-to-day running of the college:

• Water: The College utilises rainwater harvesting for the College’s landscape. Rainwater tanks supply some toilets for flushing and we have water saving devices for showers and toilets. Our front loading washing machines help to save over 300 kilo litres every year.
• Electricity: All lights in the College are energy saving ie ‘cfl’ compact fluorescent lamps, motion sensors turn lights and fans on and off in bathrooms and lights in common areas are set to timers. Students are advised to try to turn lights, fans and electrical appliances off when they are not in their room, saving not only electricity but removing the possibility of fire.
• Recycling: The College recycles paper, glass and cardboard. Food scraps are composted for the College grounds. Over 80% of building material removed during renovations is reused or recycled.
• Gardening: The College has its own beehive system which supplies fresh honey regularly. The College also has a worm farm, herb, vegetable and flower gardens.
• Design and Implementation: Commercial dryers have been converted to natural gas and further study for the use of hydronic radiators for heating common rooms and the Dining Hall is under investigation.

Sancta Fitness Classes – Fit and Fabulous!

Our own bursar and Fitness Instructor, Inga Novak, has recommenced Sancta in-house fitness classes proving very popular amongst the students. For many, Tuesday mornings are now greeted with a mix of cardio vascular, toning, weights and endurance training. Classes are a brilliant way to stay in shape while balancing university, work and social commitments. Everyone taking part in these free sessions leaves feeling rejuvenated, stress-free and ready for the day ahead. Fully-monitored and supervised, the work-out sessions are held to upbeat music incorporating running, weights, step, skipping ropes and abdominal exercises designed to motivate and challenge students at their own pace. No matter what your fitness level, Inga accommodates the needs of all participants and creates an enjoyable vibe. See the video here.

New at Sancta – Internship Program

Sancta Sophia College aims to provide students with a supportive environment enabling them to build on their strengths, increase their skill sets and develop a sense of pride and passion while they enter the wider community and professional world. We hope our students share with others the values and attitude inspired in them, engaging confidently and capably in their chosen endeavours. With this in mind, Sancta Sophia College has launched an internship program to provide current students with an opportunity to extend their learning experiences, increase their employability and to improve their whole College experience. Several internships have already commenced in the areas of Marketing and Operations. If any Sancta Alumni would like to get involved in mentoring or professional coaching current students please contact our Alumni Relations Manager alumni@sancta.usyd.edu.au

As always, we have been exceptionally busy here over the break, undertaking the usual extensive program of repairs and maintenance – walls and rooms have been painted, floors carpeted, beds, desks and bookshelves purchased and installed. Extensive work has been done in our Library, stabilising and restoring our John Lane Mullins collection in the right hand side of the Library. In the coming weeks, we will be converting the central section of the Library into a resource centre where we will include information on opportunities, eg Rhodes Scholarships, jobs etc. A new room has been created to meet the big demand for places here at Sancta – the first floor laundry in the East Wing has been converted into a really lovely ensuite room. A new office has been created next to the Octa Common Rooms and this is being rented to staff of Arcadia University, an American University whose International branch arranges student exchanges. Income from that – and of course from our Conference Business – goes towards subsidising Student Fees which are still the lowest on the Sydney campus despite the carbon tax and rising food and electricity costs.

The year started off with a hive of activity, the new House Committee was elected and the Resident Assistants received extensive training, part of which included a session by Professor Ian Hickie, Director of the Brain and Mind Research Institute and adviser to the government on mental health issues. On a less serious note, training also involved kayaking and sand! We wish both groups a year full of triumph. Also a special mention to our outstanding achievers for doing Sancta proud (see our Honour Roll).

The mission of Sancta Sophia College is to encourage the development of outstanding graduates who will contribute to society in the broadest sense – socially, culturally, spiritually and academically. We look forward to a very rewarding year.

On Friday 2nd of March Sancta Student, Thanisa Naripthaphan

attended the first of many expo series being around the country

representing Sancta Sophia College.

Ravenswood High in Gordon held “It’s My Future” Expo for

approximately 400 senior students (Years 10, 11 & 12).

These events allow students and parents to talk directly

with ‘Sancta ambassadors’

about what’s it like living on campus.

We know you will be very at home at Sancta and before no time will find your way and pave the way to exciting new careers.

Enjoy your first  semester!