st paul's college

News and Events

		Kokoda Trek - July 2008 In the final week of the mid-year vacation nine Paulines, comprising seven current and two past students, walked the Kokoda track. This was the second group from St Paul’s to walk the track after the inaugural 2006 trek. The group was very fortunate to have experienced historical guides in Bill James and his son Richard (2004-2007). Although all trekkers had their own reflections on the 1942 Kokoda campaign, there were several occasions that were highlights for all: the singing of “Jerusalem” during a service at the Australian memorial at Isurava; an impromptu game of touch football on the Menari airstrip with local children and our porters; meeting Ovuru Ndiki, aged 102 years – chief of Naduri and a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel; a night of songs around the campfire in Efogi with locals which included locally made ‘donuts’. Bill and Richard shared the harrowing stories of these ‘lost battlefields’, including the incredible survival tale of Colin Richardson (in College 1944-48). In short, the trip was a wonderful success. The 2008 trek took place alongside other related St Paul’s ventures, namely the launch of the Kokoda Fund in March and charity work in Oro Province (nearby the Kokoda Track) by Nikolas Kirby, Ashley Fontana and Harrison Grace in July. Fergus Rourke (2004-2008)
		The 2008 Intercollegiate Oration was held at The Women's College on the evening of 28 August. The topic was 'Power'. Ironically, the Oration happened on the day the NSW Government’s Privatisation of 'Power' Supply Bill seemed to short-circuit in Parliament. College Heads have organised the annual Oration for more than 20 years and offer significant prizes to the successful - apart from the greater prize of developing the ancient but vital skill of being able to stand in front of a group of people and persuade them by both the content of an argument and its delivery. Photo courtesy Ivan Head Left to right: Isabella McNeill (3rd, St Andrew's), James Bowe (2nd, St Paul's), Ivan Ah Sam (Principal Adjudicator USU) and Julia Bowes (1st, The Women's College). Candidates entered from the eight Colleges, Halls and Houses of Campus and the orations were delivered to an audience of about 100 people who packed the Main Common Room. James Bowe was awarded the 2008 Asimus Medal for winning the prior speak-off to become the St Paul's College orator.
		SRC Elections George Downing (B Ec Soc Sc III) has been elected an editor of Honi Soit for 2009. George was one of 10 undergraduate students on the ‘Hype’ editorial ticket, and was the only College candidate involved in the 2008 SRC elections. Due to a strong voter turnout, not least from fellow Paulines, the ‘Hype’ ticket won a convincing victory. George’s role on the editorial committee will be chiefly design-orientated, involving composing covers and overseeing a revamp of the newspaper’s layout. Most importantly, however, George will ensure that Pauline views are represented in the University’s principal student mouthpiece, succeeding the vigorous contribution of this year’s Pauline editor, Steve Hind.
		New York and London Events In July 2008 the Warden had the pleasure of meeting with alumni in New York and in London. Thirteen Paulines enjoyed informal drinks, with ten staying for dinner at Bobbie Vans Steakhouse in Midtown. Almost everyone ate in typical NY steakhouse fashion - ie consumed a piece of protein the size of a rockmelon while drinking a glass or two of red. During his three week visit the Warden met with other Paulines and presented Ben Stretch with the 2007 Lehane Medal. In London, twenty people met for drinks, canapés and an update on the College in the elegant surrounds of Goodenough College. In both settings, alumni considered that ongoing Pauline networks would continue to function effectively with occasional meetings.
		Music Composition Chris Williams was selected as one of six budding composers from around the world to attend the Advanced Composition Course at the Dartington Summer School held annually in England. He was selected by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, leading composer and Master of the Queen's Music, on the basis of submitted works. Maxwell Davies will be conducting the course. In July Chris also attended the Soundscape Festival in Pavia, Italy, where his piece for chamber ensemble, "Moonlight and the Sorrow", received its premiere. The work was commissioned at the Festival held last year in Cortona.

		Final of the 2008 Intercol Debating Photo: courtesy Christine Head From left back row:: Steve Hind, Pat Bateman, Joe Payten, Warden, Paul McJannett,(General Mgr USU) Ruchir Punjabi (USU President), Yvonne Rate (Principal,The Women's College), Ivan Ah Sam (Adjudicator) From left front row: Liz Ames, Julia Bowes, Julia Fetherston In a very close debate on the merits of voluntary student unionism, St Paul's defeated The Women's College to win the inaugural USU Intercollegiate Debating Trophy. The Junior Common Room was packed for this standout College and Campus night.
		Debating Victory in 'Australs 2008' Steve Hind, a member of the University of Sydney One debating team, has just returned from Manila. Sydney One were outright winners of the Intervarsity Championship, having gone through the competition undefeated. Fellow members of team were Naomi Oreb and Julia Bowes. Tim Mooney gained a place in the top ten speakers. For full details, see "University debators crowned champions" in e-Newsletter article: http://usyd-alumni.e-newsletter.com.au
		"Raise the Roof" Appeal Your generous financial help is needed so that together we can restore the College's 150 year old roofs - for details, see: Brochure Donation form Mailing details

		Boomalakka for October 2008 is now available for viewing. Click here to download the PDF version.

		Rawson Cup Warm congratulations to the many Paul's men who contributed to this year's successful campaign. "Harry" will be remaining at Paul's for the fourth consecutive year, with credit due to sportsmen, convenors and supporters alike.

		Congratulations to those who achieved academic excellence in 2007. Men with First Class Honours are listed below; there were many more who earned Honours, Prizes and Dean's List mentions. University Medal and Honours Class 1: Thomas Finn (2005) - Medical Science David Gale - Engineering Gerald Teng (2006) - Science Honours Class 1: Blake Arnull-Almond - Commerce Julian Brun (2005) - Law Christopher Brunner (2004) - Mech Engineering (Space) Luke Chapman - Commerce Nicholas Dunford - Commerce Richard Higgins - Law Cameron McCoy (2005) - Law Timothy Osborne - Architecture Aaron Rathmell - Law Peter Rugg - Science Cameron Talbot-Stern (2006) - Mechanical Engineering James Terry (2006) - Agricultural Science Oliver Thorn-Seshold (2006) - Chemistry

		Students' Club Committee 2008 Senior Student: Andrew McKillop Secretary: Justin Hancock Treasurer: Fergus Rourke Intercol Delegates: George Livingston, Ashley Fontana House Committee: Hamish King, Stanley Leahy

		Rhodes Scholarship Eric Wing-Fai Knight of St Paul's College was awarded an Australia at Large Rhodes Scholarship in 2006. He was a Foundation Scholar in College 2002-2005, becoming an associate member of the Senior Common Room in 2005. Eric was an exchange student at Leiden in 2004 and did voluntary work in disadvantaged areas of Costa Rica. He is an outstanding musician. Eric majored in Sociology and Government/International Relations for his BA and has been awarded Hons 1 in Law. He is currently undertaking a DPhil in Economics at Oxford.

		Convocation Medal 2007 Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Chancellor presented Nikolas Kirby with the University of Sydney 2007 Convocation Medal. This is awarded to an outstanding recent graduate who has contributed exceptionally to the diverse life of the University and achieved excellent academic results.