WELCOME FROM THE 2020 STUDENT LEADERS

By Georgia Potter

Senior Student 2020

As the Senior Student for 2020, I cannot wait to warmly welcome and immerse the incoming cohort of Sancta residents into everything our amazing College has to offer.

During my two years at Sancta, I have been graced with the allure of the College itself, and arguably more significant, the allure of the people that reside within its walls. I myself, originating from a rural town and moving to Sydney to study my desired degree not knowing a single soul, understand the daunting process of tackling university study in a foreign environment.

With this, there will be challenges. Challenges in your degree, challenges in settling into a new lifestyle, and challenges in adapting to the demands of young adulthood. Therein lies the support provided by Sancta.

I can attest that the unwavering sense of community at Sancta eases these obstacles and accommodates its residents through a dynamic, inclusive and lively culture. This powerful culture radiates everywhere— from the Dining Hall where we share meals, to the common rooms, and in the beautiful Quadrangle situated at the heart of our College. Our culture creates a home away from home for all Sancta girls and facilitates personal growth as we collectively live through shared experiences and progress through our studies.

Leading our great College into 2020, there are several things I wish to pursue as we strive to better the experience for both returning and new residents.

Firstly, I wish to uphold the loud and proud spirit that lies at the heart of the Sancta community. Our rowdy masses of red and white have always mirrored our competitive presence in the Intercollegiate arena – let’s continue to prove we are a force to be reckoned with! I will encourage all incoming residents to involve themselves as much as possible. What you invest in Sancta, I can guarantee you will be rewarded twofold!

The strength and vibrance of Sancta’s postgraduate community continues to be integral to our diverse cultural identity. I see the year ahead as an opportunity to strengthen our undergraduate and postgraduate relations through more bonding events and integration initiatives. In doing so, the sense of community within Sancta will only continue to grow, as we harness our diversity as a College and embrace the qualities that differentiate Sancta from its counterparts.

In essence, the Sancta community is like no other – a place of support where we can grow and learn together. I see 2020 shaping up to be another ground-breaking year of success and prosperity, where we build and strengthen our community beyond expectation.

I very much look forward to welcoming all the incoming students, as well as seeing the Sancta community grow with its limitless potential.

By Clara Jane Armstrong

Senior Common Room President 2020

To our incoming postgraduate students, Welcome!

On behalf of myself, the Senior Common Room Executive and our postgraduate community, we could not be happier that you will soon be joining our home away from home. We have not long ago been right where you are now – on the cusp of a major change in life that can at times, both excite and terrify you. Perhaps you’re starting your journey from interstate or coming to us from across the oceans – regardless of where it has begun, we are thrilled it has led you here.

And on that note, I’d like to take a moment to say, congratulations! Your acceptance into postgraduate study is an incredible achievement that has no doubt come with hard work and sacrifice. So, take pride in your accomplishment and we can’t wait to raise a glass to you when you arrive!

We understand that there is no shortage of challenges that come with taking the leap of faith you are about to, and we are not strangers to the uncertainty and homesickness that can come with leaving behind the people and places you know. But I can promise you that with a deep breath and a little faith, Sancta will soon be a welcome refuge at the end of a long day.

Here, you will meet people that challenge your perspectives, open your mind to things you hadn’t considered, but above all, will accept you for what you believe in and where you have come from.

Here, more than anything, you will find community – people who share more than a place to live but a shared purpose and commitment to each other. So, until we meet (which I hope to be soon), I leave you with some advice as you start your journey:

1. There is far more power than we realise in “hello”. Don’t be afraid to say it – for me it’s been the start of many kindred friendships that I will cherish long after I’ve moved on. And;

2. Your time here is short – it’s not easy when the world moves so fast, but don’t let it slip through your fingers.

P.S. Don’t be afraid to reach for your loftiest goals. We’re behind you – win, lose or draw.

Warmest wishes and best of luck on the road ahead.