Page 16 - Luce 2018

S enior C o mmon Ro om S enior C o mmon Ro om

From the From the

Deputy Principal Director of Studies

My first year at Janet Clarke Hall was In the academic life of Janet Clarke It is this support that contributes so
a delight beyond my expectations. Hall, one of the challenges for our strongly to the success of our students.
I discovered a gentle, friendly and students is the transition from child In 2018, JCH provided close to 70
welcoming place that manages to to adult learner. The evolution of the tutorials per week across a wide range
combine the quest for academic learning system worldwide has led of teaching areas. These tutorials
excellence with a vibrant community, to the development of many different enable our students to question, clarify
cultural and sporting life. After many approaches to learning. Many of and extend their understanding. Our
years in another college, I certainly us understand the term ‘pedagogy’ tutors spend many hours preparing not
knew the cycles of the college year but which, plainly stated, refers to the art only content, but method of delivery,
was introduced to new traditions and of teaching and is often child-focused. that move students towards becoming Facilities Manager Bruce Stewart &
celebrations. Less well known is ‘andragogy’ which self-directed learners. Donna Davies
Margie Welsford and her blue heeler ‘Delta’ at intercollegiate cricket refers to the learning methods and
In twelve years I have never experienced champion, so he and Katherine lifted the range of experts from different fields. strategies for educating adults. Our strong academic results in 2018 We complement our tutorial program
an Orientation Week that was more JCH squash team to a new level. Mayuri began the year with a forum on continue to impress with 40% of all with an equally impressive selection
respectful, warm-hearted and fun. New research skills. Dr Steve Carey, father of The premise of andragogy is the ability student subjects awarded First Class of guest speakers and visitors who are
students, drawn from a diverse array of Congratulations to Michael Stuiber James, talked about his literary interest to respond to internal motivators. It is honours and 91% of all grades at regularly welcomed to the College.
places around Australia and across the our physics tutor, who submitted and in Jane Austen. Dr Caitlin Overington more problem-centred than content- honours level or above (60% or above). The speakers cover a wide variety of
world, brought a richness of creativity passed his PhD thesis shortly before presented her fascinating PhD findings centred. For a young person moving The average grade achieved by all subject areas and interests and challenge
and talents. Orientation and welcome flying off to Germany to visit his family in the area of criminology, surveillance from a secondary school system of students across the College was 77%. the students to consider the world
activities included watching Shakespeare for Christmas. Michael also started an and safety. Former JCH tutor, Katherine teacher directed knowledge-based outside Janet Clarke Hall. In addition,
in the Botanic Gardens, a Scavenger astronomy club at JCH and brought in Hart, gave a very helpful talk to our learning, the andragogy style of Of course, some outside observers we provide opportunities for field trips
Hunt around the city and an ‘Open Mic’ astronomers and powerful telescopes for students about sleep hygiene. James learning can be challenging. may wonder whether our students and ventures outside the College. It
night showcasing the talents of students the students to experience. Carey offered a forum on ‘How to are studying 24/7. That is certainly is pleasing to see the students taking
and tutors. Network’. This is the journey we witness almost not the philosophy of the College and an active role in the preparation and
Jack Tan returned to JCH after three daily with our students as they move to we work hard to select students on planning of many of these events –
We began the year with a relatively years at Whitley College to tutor creative The Formal Dinners throughout the year a self-directed style of learning. It is a their willingness to contribute to our embracing opportunities to develop
inexperienced Resident Tutor group, writing and literature. Jack helped our were highlights. The Mid-Winter Dinner, journey that is well and truly supported community through service, leadership, into self-directed seekers of truth and
who, nonetheless, gave wonderful international students to settle in and which includes the Ethel Bage Memorial by our talented tutors who encourage sport and arts and cultural programs. knowledge as they venture into the
teaching, mentoring and care for our prompted us to go and listen to some Debate, was held on the first evening our students to see past the content of Their ability to balance participation world beyond JCH.
students. They also involved themselves of the wonderful music on offer in of second semester. A serious and their subjects and move to a deeper in these areas, whilst maintaining a
in the full range of College activities, Melbourne, including by some of our spirited debate occurred on the topic: understanding and meaning. scholarly life, can only be described Mrs Donna Davies
supporting and involving themselves own talented students. ‘This house believes that robots that as impressive. Director of Studies
in sporting, cultural and social events, exhibit Artificial Intelligence (AI) should
major dinners and other events. Dr Mayuri Wijayasundara tutored in be granted limited human rights’. The
business subjects. She worked at the Junior Common Room, arguing for the
New tutors included: University of Melbourne for the first affirmative, was the winner. A Public
half of the year before being appointed Speaking Competition was sponsored
James Carey who tutored in politics and to a lectureship at Deakin University. by tutor and barrister Brian Kennedy
history. James completed his Masters Mayuri was a valuable player on the and his partner Laura Hartmann.
in International Politics in the middle of basketball team and involved herself in Twelve speakers performed eloquently
the year and participated in a number many aspects of JCH life. Although she and the judges, His Honour Judge
of sporting competitions. James was will not continue as a tutor, she will still Joshua Wilson QC and VCAT Senior
awarded the Enid Joske Scholarship for be around the College and living with Member Silvana Wilson, had a hard job
his contribution to JCH and the wider partner Michael and son Leon. choosing winners. A Creative Writing
community. Competition also saw a number of
We farewelled David Chan and his budding writers submitting poetry and
Emily Delahunty tutored in literature partner Dieu after two years with us. prose. Jack Tan and Alice Pung were
and sociology whilst studying a Masters David was our commerce tutor and, the judges and Dr Powell sponsored the
in Secondary Teaching. As well as among other things, was a member prizes in each category. Students and
supporting the netball team, Emily of the rowing team. He was also seen staff enjoyed hearing some of the entries
enjoyed craft activities with students and handing out treats on Halloween, read out around the fire in a most
almost won the debate singlehandedly. dressed as a Golden Gaytime. enjoyable event.

Katherine Fitzgerald tutored in maths The College year often feels like a Ms Margie Welsford
and psychology and taught at Knox whirlwind of amazing events and Dean and Deputy Principal
School. She was also studying a activities – many of which I will leave
Masters of Counselling through Monash you to read about as they have been
University and holds yoga classes for mentioned elsewhere in this edition.
our students. Her partner, Rex Hedrick, Regular forums throughout the year
is currently the Australian Open squash offer opportuniies to hear from a Michael Stuiber, Mayuri Wijayasundara, James Carey, David Chan, Katherine Fitzgerald, Rex Hedrick, Emily Delahunty, Jack Tan

16 LUCE Number 17 2018 J anet Clarke Hall 17