From the Chair & Bird

Each year, the June issue of Blue & White covers both the triumphs and challenges of Semester 1, and this edition is no different. However, as you are aware, the challenges we have all faced in the past few months have been unprecedented. Despite the absence of regular College events – Intercol competitions, celebrations, events and alumni reunions, we have much to share in this issue.

The commencement of the academic year showed a lot of promise. We welcomed the largest fresher cohort in the College’s history, and kicked off with a very successful Welcome Week. Our student mentors went through extensive training in the fortnight prior to the arrival of our freshers and we were extremely proud of their dedication and ability.

The highly anticipated Thyne Reid Link Building finally opened after a long period of construction (see pages 8-11) and we looked ahead to another eventful, exciting year. A recap of ‘How 2020 Began…’ is on page 7.

The COVID-19 pandemic soon emerged and drastically changed College, the country and the world. In March, we made the difficult decision to temporarily encourage all students to move home if possible for the safety of their families and elder relatives, given the uncertainty around how the coronavirus would impact. Less than 30 students who did not have alternative accommodation remained in College. Students moved back home with their families and we began to adjust to the ‘new normal’ – learning and engaging in ways we could have never imagined. We have also provided a rebate of 55% of semester 2 fees to pass on savings from reducing services, as well as investing some of our retained earnings to support our students.

Our Education and Student Life department, impressively led by Director, alumnus Will Cesta, planned and executed an incredibly in-depth online program for our students, with a very short lead time. Thus, the strength of our community has continued unabated, evidenced daily in our online interactions. Finding ways to stay connected in the absence of physical interaction was a challenge that our Andrew’s men and women rose to with enthusiasm. ‘Moving Online’ (page 12) looks at the myriad ways Androvians have continued to remain connected. College has been able to offer unique opportunities in the digital sphere such as language courses, mentoring, and the launch of Drew’s Forum – a platform dedicated to sharing ideas and information.

Our 2020 Student Executive have contributed a piece on page 6; they have remained a positive influence for the Students’ Club throughout this time. We also introduce our

newest St Andrew’s Scholars on page 18. This diverse and ambitious group are a terrific addition to our College and we look forward to following their achievements.

Our Drew’s News blog continues to publish original pieces each week, penned by current students. A new piece by the student editor, ‘Turning Back the Clock’, is on page 28. These pieces often reflect the present state of the world and we encourage our community to visit the blog regularly.

Despite the challenges, we are working hard to retain a strong presence amongst prospective students looking to apply to St Andrew’s for 2021. Our Admissions Marketing program remains robust, despite the lack of expos and events. Our inaugural Pre-Tertiary Mentoring Program is currently underway – you can learn more about this initiative on page 19. It has brought together Year 12 students with current Androvians acting as mentors and tutors. We look forward to seeing this program grow.

COVID-19 has necessitated a postponement of the planned rerunning of the Broderick survey. Over a two-year period starting in 2018, the College implemented all 23 recommendations contained within the Broderick Review report. We look forward to reviewing the survey in 2021, and sharing the results with our community. Our journey of cultural renewal will always remain an important aspect of life at St Andrew’s.

We are in the midst of planning a carefully staged return to College in the coming weeks, following government guidelines

and recommendations. Students returning to campus will be a highlight of 2020 and we are confident that Semester 2 will see St Andrew’s continue to thrive regardless of the changes we must adapt to and the obstacles that may be ahead.

We realise that for many of our own students, COVID-19 has presented unforeseen and considerable hardship. To combat this, we have established the St Andrew's COVID-19 Relief Fund to ensure students can direct their focus to their studies, their well-being and the welfare of their loved ones; not whether they can afford to come to College. The Principal, the College’s Alumni Society and a number of staff, alumni and parents have already made generous donations to help launch the Fund and we ask you to join with us, if you are in a position to do so, in supporting our students. Please contact our Director of Advancement, Hannah Atwell, for more information about how to make a gift.

Our College has overcome many unforeseen hurdles in the first half of this year. Thank you to our students, Council, staff, parents and broader community for their input throughout the semester; the ongoing support we have received has been greatly appreciated.

Wayne Erickson

Principal

Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982)

Senior Student 1985 Chair of Council