Page 27 - Luce 2021

S enior C o mmon Ro om

The Deputy Principal reflects

on College life in 2021

As I reflect on the year that
has passed since I wrote
my last Luce article about
the five things I loved about
the College in COVID
times, I am reminded of the
resilience of people and the
ability of communities to
undergo renewal and bring Students performing the signature ‘Dr Powell’ move at the JCH Ball
energy to events and activities again. Here is a snapshot of
some of the wonderful happenings of the year. Even though The Arts
we were sad to farewell a number of long serving tutors and The splendid, multi-coloured squares of the iso-blanket,
staff, we are excited for them as they move into careers and knitted during the long lockdowns of 2020, were finally sewn
new life stages. So, this Luce article is about reflecting on five together and completed, and presented to the College at the
important aspects of College life in 2021. valedictory evening. The Oratory Competition, which had to
be cancelled last year, was held via Zoom in October. The
Continuing Culture College play, The Workscheme Wars, premiered on film after
With life returning to something resembling normal a number of postponements. It was a huge success with Dr
from March through to June, some of the lovely JCH Powell announcing that it was the best College play in his 20
traditions returned to the calendar – Formal Halls, musical years at JCH. Alice Pung, JCH Artist-In-Residence, launched
performances, Clubbers’ Suppers and board games’ nights. her new book, One Hundred Days, and a Zoom gathering of
Creativity and kindness continued to be evident in the students, staff and alumni engaged in a spirited conversation.
corridors and common rooms of JCH. When a student or
a few students developed COVID-like symptoms, students The College Ball
would rally around and support tutors and staff to deliver Two years in the planning, the College Ball was finally held
meals and collect essentials for those needing to isolate, at Bobby McGee’s on Friday 23 April and, despite restriction
caring for each other as best they could. When vaccines on numbers on the dance floor, a lot of dancing was enjoyed
became available to young adults, students did their best to and observed, including the signature moves of Dr Powell.
obtain a vaccination at the earliest possible opportunity. It is my strong belief that these special moves will be
incorporated into future ‘Fresher Dances’.

Strong Results and Enriched Academic Program
Despite the ongoing lockdowns and frustrations of COVID,
JCH students excelled academically with 45% of results
being first class honours. Dean of Studies, Bee Ellis, organised
a successful online forum entitled ‘Women in STEMM’.
Another forum showcased young college graduates who had
chosen interesting career paths and were delighted to find
themselves in positions that they loved. The presenters were:
Rosie Lane, Program Coordinator for the Australian Network
on Disability; Abu Bhartia, Senior Systems Architect for
Streamwise D.I; and Lena Charles, Yorta-Yorta Gunai Kurnai
woman who is Impact Coordinator for Clothing the Gaps
Foundation

Farewells
With the announcement of Dr Powell’s retirement, Janet
Clarke Hall approaches the end of an era. Four long-serving
tutors left to pursue other study, work and life opportunities.
Natalia Evertsz graduated from Medicine to commence an
Kyla Fritz shows off the scale of the iso-blanket

J anet Clarke Hall 27