Notes from the Master
Easter is upon us and with that an opportunity to hopefully have a well-deserved mid-semester break. My wife, Brenda, and I
are looking forward to enjoying a few days away in the Tekapo and Mount Cook area. Whatever you have planned for the
break, please schedule at least some time away from the studies; you’ll feel that much better for it.
Soon after taking up my role as Master of St Margaret’s I realised that the College did not have a photograph of the former
Master, Dr Peter Norris, on display. After discussion with Dr Norris, we arranged for a studio photograph to be taken and in
March a beautiful framed photograph was hung on the wall in front of the entrance to the Norris Dining Hall.
Retired Master Dr. Peter Norris’s portrait in the Entrance to the Norris Dining Hall. (Courtesy of McRobie Studios).
Thank you again, Dr Norris, for your immense contribution to St
Margaret’s College over 28 years as Master.
I have enjoyed the “10-minute chats” I’ve been having with both
first year and returning Members and am greatly encouraged by
how well everyone seems to be settling into the College for the
2017 academic year. Thank you everyone for helping to make
our College such a homely, caring and friendly place. We are
definitely more than just a place to stay. It’s also especially
pleasing to note Members’ conscientiousness towards their
studies, mixed with some healthy fun, exercise and relaxation of
course!
Member’s Contributions to the Newsletter
I am very pleased to note the many contributions by Members in
this edition of the St Mag’s Newsletter; thank you so much for
your enthusiastic efforts. Further contributions for subsequent
editions are warmly encouraged. Please do contact the Deputy
Master Bruce Cowan, or send contributions for publication by email to [email protected] if you would like to include an
article or two.
Athena - probably the
most decorated cat in Otago
- Photo by Rozie MacRae
Dr. Norris admires the new addition to the College.
1
IT Notes
Who - or What - is TED?
The Principal Problem of the 21st Century
- Prof. Robert Patman, Politics Dept.
There are, as is well known, more than a few challenges facing us
in the 21st. Century, not least being Climate Change. The subject
of this piece is one perhaps a little less evident, but potentially as
damaging if the necessary steps are not taken soon. Already we
are seeing the effects as more and more people react against
what they regard as ‘the Establishment.’ Most obviously this is
seen in the USA and in Britain over ‘Brexit’, and there are similar
sentiments in other parts of the world, also.
If you’re not yet familiar with TED, it is definitely worth a look, both
from the point of courses you are doing, and for general interest. The
TED website from USA features more than 2,300 talks covering a wide
range of topics, including technology, business, design, science, and
global issues.
Some talks are meant to teach you something specific, while others are
there mainly for entertainment. The one constant with all the TED
videos, however, is that you’re likely to find something interesting in
each one.
For a taste of TED, try Al Gore on reasons for optimism over climate
change:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfgkFaswn4
Another one (of the many) I
liked was a 6-minute one of
David Gallo on “Underwater
Astonishments”:
Just Google Underwater
astonishment Gallo Youtube
to see this one.
A summary of Prof. Patman’s remarks follows:
• No-one has any say in the circumstances into which they are
born. Inequality and marginalisation of many people are major
problems for us in the 21st century.
• Nearly 20% of the world’s population don’t get enough to eat
on a daily basis.
• Almost 20% cannot read or write, cutting off many talented
and intelligent people from contributing as they could.
• 18% do not have access to safe water, even for drinking, and at
the same time, wealth is becoming more concentrated in
fewer hands.
Globalisation is technologically driven, the technology will
remain and advance, so globalisation is here to stay.
‘The real problem is not to try the impossible of eradicating
globalisation, but how to make the economy work for more
people in a globalisation framework.’
A cuttlefish - you will have to
watch the video to see what
happens next . . . . . .
See also the account of Prof. Patman’s visit as an Academic
breakfast guest in this edition.
[Editor’s note: At one point Professor Patman employed the
phrase ‘trumped-up excuse’, and it struck me this phrase might
have changed its meaning recently. And indeed, according to
the Urban Dictionary ‘Trumped-up” means the feeling of
excitement for a Donald Trump Presidency. The Oxford
dictionary, on the other hand, offers synonyms for ‘trumped-up’
such as ‘fabricate’, ‘contrive’, ‘falsify’ and ‘fake’. ]
There is also an iPad app for Ted Talks.
It’s called ‘Ted’ and is free.
Here are the ten titles of
“The top TED talks of 2016”
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Dph6ynRVyUc]
Can we build AI without losing control over it?
Gene editing can wipe out mosquitoes forever.
The secret to effective nonviolent resistance.
Here's how we can fix the refugee system.
A prosecutor's vision for justice.
What do you think when you look at me?
Inside the mind of a master procrastinator.
The discovery of gravitational waves.
Hunting for dinosaurs showed me our place in the universe.
The visual history of social dance.
Dalia Mogahed, A Muslim
Academic, gave the TED talk on:
What do you think when you look
at me?
Can you identify this animal?
See page 8 for more information.
2
Our first challenge for the year was getting through an
“interview” with Dr. Tustin. Thankfully, it was less of an interview
and more of a catch up chat. It was good bantz1.
Before we headed away on our road trip, we had a talk with
Commander Phil Bradshaw. It was a warm day, and while our
bodies were cooking, a great discussion was cooking too. We
covered various topics ranging from professionalism to
“knowing when to leave”.
Exec Training and Bonding Xavier Parackal
The Exec are an enthusiastic friendly bunch of returners elected
by the members of the college to organise/arrange events and
functions through the year and be a friendly face to talk to. Over
a period of a week we had activities such as first aid, fire training
and events organised by Strength Finders to help us learn more
about ourselves and how to work more effectively as a team to
take care of the college and its members. The Exec and the
Welfare staff also had team bonding events such as clay pigeon
shooting and laser tag where we learnt more about each other,
like not to mess with JB, Yezen, Hannah or Sarah when they have
a gun in their hand …whether it’s a laser gun or a shotgun.
1[For the unitiated,”bantz” = a state of mind. To have "de bantz” - to have
banter with, and understanding of other people with..."De Bantz”. - Ed.]
Divya Jogia: Cooking together as a group and
Strengthfinders
It was long drive north, however the expected fatigue of our
travels didn't really hit until after grocery shopping, when we
realised we were famished. The first senior team set the bar with
our first homemade meal of the trip: heartily topped pizzas!! - (of
both natures, savoury and sweet!) It was delicious - it filled the
spot and provided us just what we needed to fuel us for
tomorrow, a day with our strength finders mentors.
I, personally, found the session with our mentors extremely
‘enlightening.’ I learnt so much about my character and
understood in further depth some of my unique traits. I learnt
that these traits or strengths could be used to complement
others and provide variety to our team to make us effective and
strong. I was amazed at how different each of us were - and yet
we worked so well together, more so with this insight into each
other's characters. We are each so important to the team and I
am so so privileged and excited to work with this incredible
group of gorgeous peeps this year!
Clay Pigeon Shoot
“A team that shoots together, stays together.”
Mehrbano Malik: Arriving in Twizel and meeting the
President and Vice President of the College Council
We set out from Christchurch with only minor drama (the motel
called to ask where the toilet roll holder was?? In the toilet roll,
obviously…) and drove through the stunning Mackenzie
country to Twizel. The long drive was livened up by some ABBA
and more great beats, before we stopped off at Lake Tekapo. The
water was a milky blue-green so vivid it seemed unreal (thanks
to glacial flour, from the sediment trapped in the glaciers that
feed the lake). We stepped into the Church of the Good
Shepherd, admired the breathtaking views, dabbled in the icy
lake waters and headed off again for Twizel.
Laser Tag
Welfare Staff Training
The Welfare staff undertook a period of training before the start
of semester one, and members were asked to write a short
account of events that took place for this training:
Anthony Goh: Beginning the Trip and meeting with
Commander Phil Bradshaw
We all sat together for the first time on Monday as a complete
team, aware that these were the people we’d be tackling the job
with together.
The St Margaret's College Welfare Staff bring out their inner child at a
playground in the early hours of the morning.
3
Welfare Staff Training cont.
In Twizel we were joined by Rachel Cardoza and Hamish Wixon,
members of the college council. We all had long chats over
dinner (pasta and apple crumble provided by the coolest senior
team) - Rachel and Hamish are both awesome people with great
stories and even better advice. It was a late, hot night, and our
sleeping bags were mostly left unused. The boys were all in the
sleepout, and we all had awesome bunk beds (ladders at varying
levels of steadiness).
researchers. We were all in awe of the brilliance of the sights we
could perceive through the telescopes. Especially the crystal
clear view we got of the moon.
Sarah McQueen: Learning about Conflict Resolu+on and
how to deal with Homesickness & Loneliness AND a trip to
Lake Ohau.
Wednesday started off with an informative chat in the Sun about
conflict and strategies to resolve it led by Dr Tustin. Following
which we discussed our experience of homesickness and
approaches we can use to help others which this.
After lunch, we had headed off for a relaxing afternoon. This
comprised of a visit to High- Country salmon farm to feed the
fish and see the farm on the canals. Afterwards we headed to a
spring lake for a swim thanks to the knowledge of Rowan who
drove us down some gravel paths. There happened to be a great
spot for jumping of the rocks and even Dr Tustin joined in with
driving off them. Jumping back into the van, we headed to Lake
Ohau for the rest of the afternoon, to chill in the sun and enjoy
each other’s company.
Likhit Dukkipa+: The Mt Cook Walk
On day 2 in Twizel we headed off to the Mount Cook village to
spend the late morning and the afternoon going for a trek along
the Hooker Valley Track. The weather was atrocious to say the
least. Heavy winds and strong rain constantly battered us. The
rain fell so furiously that it felt like pins and nails being hurled at
us. Some of the staff of lighter complexion had some serious red
cherries on their face, legs and necks (hmm… Hannah…). To say
that the scenery and the track were spectacular is an
understatement. No matter what the weather, Mount Cook and
the Mackenzie country always look like they are from another
planet. Such beautiful places. With the weather getting worse
and the winds almost knocking us off the bridges and walkways
the group decided to split with one group to carry on and the
other to return. I braved it out and along with Hamish Wixon and
a few others we marched forward in order to conquer the track.
Our efforts did not disappoint as we were treated to a
spectacular view of the lake with glaciers slowly melting in them
like marshmallows in hot chocolate. After a quick chocolate
refreshment and some cheeky photos we headed back. We
arrived literally bruised and battered back at the base. However
it was all worth it as we had an enjoyable and memorable time
that included e banter with Hamish and the rest of the team. On
arrival we were greeted by Dr Tustin who ferried us to the
Hermitage where Rachel and the rest of the team were waiting
with hot food and beverages for us cold and ragged souls. This
trek is one that I infer we will all remember as we are more likely
to remember challenging experiences and ones that are truly
rewarding.
Sandra Mathew: Fire Safety Training and Clay
Target Shooting with the Exec. Wellbeing Talk with
Chrissy Griffiths.
Upon arriving back in Dunedin, we met the new Student
Executive for 2017 who were energetic and ready to kick off Oweek activities. The remaining part of our training was with the
Exec and this included Fire Safety and Clay Target Shooting. The
Fire Safety training highlighted the importance of maintaining
safe, hazard free areas around the college and knowledge of
how to handle a fire. The Welfare and Exec finished off that day
learning how to use different types of fire extinguishers and
having fun while doing so. Our competitive hats were put on
when we were head to head in a Clay Target Shooting
competition. The weather took a turn for the worse with hail and
thunder all around but most of us still managed to aim with
good accuracy. Last but not least, one of our college fellows,
Chrissy Griffiths, spoke with us about wellbeing in order for us to
understand the importance of taking care of our residents as
well as ourselves. She gave us good insight into how to maintain
our wellbeing as it is important that we are well and able before
we try to help others.
James Olliver: Learning about Professionalism and
Wellbeing along with a Twilight Tour at Mt John.
Tuesday was full of discussions led by the Senior Staff and Dr
Tustin. The Senior Staff led discussions on Professionalism and
Relating to others. These were invaluable discussions that
sparked many different topics of conversation on how we should
act and uphold the rules placed down in the college. It also
helped us to discuss how we could better improve the
environment of the college to fit with the large variety of
members that we have. In the evening we had an utterly
magnificent experience at the Mt John observatory. The
observatory is the home to any research telescopes for the
University of Canterbury but in the evenings they hold tours to
introduce people to the wonders of the night sky. We had red
flash lights to help protect the sky and keep the stars as clear
and as visible as possible for our experience and for the
Welfare Staff eagerly awaiting dinner whilst learning the names of all
the new members.
4
Complete Idiots Guide to Music Theory
All the books in the St. Margaret’s library have been donated, mostly by past students and
University Staff. The latest addition is Miller’s “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory”, a
handy addition to our rather small Music section, courtesy of Adam Clarke. It comes complete
with its CD “Ear Training Course”. This one was given to the Library by Adam Clarke.
Associate Professor of Music Theory Frank Felice said in his preface to this book, ”This is the
book I wished I had in High School.” In a comparison with this book and the “Music Theory for
Dummies”, the “Complete Idiot’s” book came out well on top (Greg Barbrick of Blogcritics).
Barbrick comments that “Overall, the feel of Music Theory For Dummies is lightweight. “
compared to the Complete Idiot’s Guide.
Other publications added to the library this year:
Author
Title
Section
Donor
Geering
Peake et a
Clarke
Maori Dept
Maori Dept
Maori Dept
Smith, Gallagher
and Taylor
From the Big Bang to God
The Life-Cycle of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
1000 Years of Annoying the French
Maori102 UniTutor Summary Book
Maori102 2015 Unitutor Question Booklet
Maori102 Unitutor Answer Booklet
Philosophy
Chemistry
History
NZ
NZ
NZ
Anonymous
Alfred Tong
John Cross
Anne Jude
Anne Jude
Anne Jude
Freda Du Faur-Southern Alps (Poetry)
NZ
Sarah Smith
Intercollege Cricket Report by Likhit Dukkipati, Photos Sandra
Matthews
This was the first time that the college participated in the
University wide cricket competition. The team was chosen based
on a rigorous selection process, consisting of hastily finding
people we could convince to play. Nonetheless, the team was of
outstanding talent, commitment and love for the game. We
played at Logan Park on a lazy Sunday afternoon with slightly
overcast conditions and damp pitches aiding our high quality
swing bowlers.
The games were tweaked slightly to
accommodate the short time frame we had. We went into our
first game with nerves, but soon our rustiness blew away and we
had our first game in the bag. This victorious momentum
continued in the next game. The third one was unfortunately our
first loss and we wholeheartedly as a team put the blame on
some substandard umpiring (we are in the process of writing a
formal complaint to the ICC umpires elite panel)! We did not let
this bring us down and we rallied some disheartened souls in
the team to win the next two games in some classic nail biting
fashion. Wining 4/5 games and coming a credible 13th out of 37
teams is a great effort considering we had no practice
beforehand. We certainly felt our performances were worthy
enough for us to play on the University oval just next door.
Xavier Packarel and Yi Biao Ang chipped in their expertise. Our
premier bowlers were Daniel Zhang, Raksheel Chand and Milan
Sundermann. Our world class batsman were Paul Hulston and
Niket Shah. Shaun Vas Viegas was the star allrounder. I think the
Black Caps should take some notes from these individuals. It was
an absolute honour to lead this team and I thoroughly enjoyed
playing with the lads. Thanks to Dr Tustin and Sandra Mathew for
the support on the side-lines.
Likhit Dukkipati bowling with some steam
Shaun Vas Vegas smashing the ball through the covers with one hand
5
Academic Breakfast Reports
Editor’s note: It is impossible in a short paragraph to do full justice to these generally 45 minute interchanges. Here we provide merely a summary.
March 8th Prof. Abigail
Smith, Marine Science
Born in the USA, Prof. Abigail Smith is
nevertheless a very keen cricket fan. She
agreed to be our breakfast speaker
although she was on leave for 3 days, and
then went straight on to watch the South
Africa - New Zealand Test Match at the
University Oval, so special thanks for that!.
Her research interest include marine sedimentology and skeletal
geochemistry
In response to a question, Prof. Smith described why the inside
of paua shells is coloured. She noted that this is not due to a
pigment or pigments, but a form of calcium carbonate which
forms a diffraction grating, splitting white light into its
component parts, like oil on water. It is a tougher, more durable
form of calcium carbonate than the outer part of the shell,
requiring more energy expenditure in its formation than this
outer form.
Commenting on how the seas have changed (and are changing),
she noted in particular the acidification of sea water and its
effect on marine life. Some remarkable behavioural changes
occur among some marine creatures living in a more acid
environment. For example, instead of hiding when in danger,
they come out into the open, and rather than speeding away
from potential predators, they swim towards them. The changes
appear to result from an alteration in the molecular stability of a
neurotransmitter.
Again in response to a question, Prof. Smith stated firmly that
climate change is real, quoting “burning fossil fuel is like feeding
your grandchildren cyanide”
New Zealand, because of its geographical isolation, has a unique
marine fauna not found any where else
Both Prof Smith and her husband Prof. Hamish Spencer have
animal species named after them in honour of their
contributions to their different fields (the bryozoan Exochella
abigailae, and mollusc Hortia spenceri respectively).
Given Prof. Smith’s lively and interesting presentation, it was no
surprise to hear that she enjoys teachings well as research.
March 15th Prof Kevin
Clements, Peace and
Conflict Studies
In the words of Prof. Clements, the work of
the National Centre for Peace and Conflict
Studies is concerned with “understanding
the origins and sources of violent conflict at interpersonal,
intergroup and international levels, then trying to figure out
ways in which we can respond to that creatively and nonviolently wherever possible.” The focus is not merely to
understand, but also to change these situations in a
transformative way.
Entry to the course does not require a specific degree, and their postgraduates come from any discipline. The current group are from Health
Sciences, Law, Geography, Classics, Politics, and so on. The Masters
course is one year, and, courtesy of a generous donor, these students
can choose anywhere in the world for their internship, and they receive
financial support for this work.
The Centre has 31 PhDs from 19 different countries as well as 17 Masters
students. In keeping with the general aims, the hierarchy within the
Department is minimised, with maximal community inside the Centre.
There is a big focus on the Asia-Pacific region. For example, one student
is working in the Philippines on justice, human rights and peace in the
face of the actions of President Duterte. Graduates have obtained
several interesting posts, such as in Foreign Affairs, United Nations,
Action Asia in Cambodia, and others. There is a recently qualified Doctor
of Medicine who is now pursuing a Masters degree in the Centre and
finding it ‘liberating’.
March 22nd Prof Ian Lamont,
Biochemistry and Genetics
Prof. Lamont1 studied Microbiology in Edinburgh
(where he was born before moving to St. Andrews),
then Genetics for a PhD at Oxford. After an
enjoyable spell at the excellent molecular biology
centre in Adelaide, he moved to the Biochemistry
Dept. at Otago. Ian has always been interested in
bacteria and the molecules that work inside them, along with the
associated genetics, and this is the focus of his research. His primary
interest is organisms such as pseudomonas aeruginosa and their role in
very serious infections, such as those associated with cystic fibrosis, the
most common life threatening genetic disorder affecting New Zealand
children.
This disease affects the structure of mucus, which is sometimes
described as ‘hyperviscous’ - very sticky, and resistant to the normal
ciliary systems that move mucus out of the lungs. Also, if the blockages
affect the pancreas, this will reduce or stop enzymes from being
released to digest food, causing problems with poor weight gain and
malnutrition due to malabsorption.
Pseudomonas organisms are common in the environment, and most of
us generally have no trouble resisting infection by them, but those with
Cystic Fibrosis are particularly vulnerable to lung infections due to these
bacteria. The research group headed by Ian is looking, among other
things, into why the organism is so resistant to the body’s defences in
Cystic Fibrosis.
A particularly distressing feature is that sufferers are more likely to pick
up P. aeruginosa from other sufferers. This means that the very useful
supportive groups that are associated with fellow-sufferers from a
particular conditions are contraindicated in Cystic Fibrosis.
Prof Lamont mentioned that students from Biochemistry sometimes
move into surprisingly diverse jobs, such as becoming patent lawyers
for example.
1(“Lamont” should be pronounced with stress on the first syllable only - and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is pronounced pretty much as it reads, with a soft ‘g’).
6
Prof. Robert Patman, Dept. of Politics.
He commented on the Trump family having extensive
commercial interests in Russia, that Mr. Putin has an Intelligence
background (he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the KGB) and his
mind-set is looking for ways to take advantage of a situation,
while Donald Trump has a colourful lifestyle, and therefore may
be vulnerable.
Informed at the age of 16 that he was not going to achieve his
dream of being a professional soccer
player, Professor Patman decided he
would have to take school seriously and surprised himself and his family by
rapidly progressing academically. He
was “deeply shocked” at the suggestion
of a member of the school’s staff that he
should apply for University, there being
n o f a m i l y h i s to r y o f U n i ve r s i t y
attendance and some misconceptions
about what Universities were about.
Encouraged by an excellent History teacher, and by family
discussions on world affairs from early childhood, he went to
University and studied International Relations, going on to a
Ph.D. on ‘Russian policy in the Horn of Africa’.
Dr. Brad Hurren, Anatomy.
Though born in Whakatane in the North
Island, Brad was attracted to Otago partly
because his brother studied here and clearly
enjoyed it. Beginning in 2001 as an
undergraduate in Health Science, Brad rapidly
found that his main interest was in Anatomy,
while some of the other subjects were of little
interest, so switched his major to a B.Sc. in
Anatomy and Physiology early in his first year. As so many
speakers have done in the past, he urged people to consider first
year as a ‘pathfinding’ year in which they had a chance to find
out where their main interests lay. This includes making full use
of the course advising every Department offers and being
prepared to change streams to pursue something they loved.
His first job after graduating was to create the HUBS Anatomy
laboratory course which many of the students are now studying.
He studied for a Dip. Grad in Science, then a Ph.D. Currently he
teaches Anatomy at 1st year and 2nd year, as well as
contributing to Physiotherapy teaching, Neuroanatomy in the
Medical degree and undertaking a side helping of Educational
Research. A topic he recently presented a paper on was students
attitudes to the use of animal tissues in Anatomy teaching generally that it is very helpful.
Also among his activities was shaving his beard off between two
Anatomy modules after “a night out”, with the result that some
students thought he was a different lecturer! He recently won an
University award as the top tutor/lab demonstrator, which he
attributes (apart from bribery, according to Brad) to his desire to
always be engaged with the material he is teaching, to be
excited by it and make sure everyone is having fun,
acknowledging that the human body is intrinsically interesting
to students, anyway.
He had a few anecdotes, not least that, approaching the podium
to the very first lab he was teaching, he tripped and fell, cut his
forehead, and had a student faint at the sight of the blood.
With the session then open to questions, Brad offered a number
of pieces of good advice.
1. A reiteration of the above comment on pursuing what appeals
to you most - he used the phrase “picking a passion”.
2. Use flash cards to help study, particularly for the early more
superficial concepts.
3. First year Health Science students, and anyone studying
Anatomy, has access to the Anatomy museum on the second
floor of the Lindo-Ferguson building directly opposite the
Hospital main entrance.
Opening the proceedings to involve the breakfast group
resulted in some searching and informed questions from
students. There was a quite fascinating discussion of current
events, primarily concerning the U.S., Britain and Brexit, and
Russia that was so absorbing for those present that it ran on for
longer than any other breakfast I have attended over 15 years of
academic breakfasts.
In answer to a question suggesting people should not be
surprised at Donald Trump simply fulfilling his election promises,
Prof. Patman differentiated voters into the roughly 25% who
fully supported everything he had promised (a group known as
‘Trumpets’, apparently), and those who felt ‘this person is going
to make some positive changes overall’ without supporting
every aspect of the stated agenda, a group composing around
20%. On a number of occasions during this discussion, Prof.
Patman noted Donald Trump had run for election on an antiestablishment vote, but so much in his past history and in what
he was now doing was as ‘establishment’ as could be. He pointed
out that Mr. Trump, born into wealth and into the family
business, made his name as a star on “The Apprentice” TV show,
passing judgement on the performances of contestants in
interview situations when he himself never had to undergo an
interview.
On the subject of Brexit, (the exit of Britain from the European
Union), Prof. Patman noted that, if it goes ahead, Great Britain
will break up, with both Northern Ireland and Scotland pulling
out. He feels that, as the full effects of Brexit emerge (including 3
million out of work for some years at least), we may still see
“more political convulsions in Britain over this issue.”
Commenting on the repressive regime in Russia, Prof. Patman
noted the advantages to Mr. Putin of the Western liberal order
failing, since it bolsters his position in Russia and beyond. Hence
his support, not only for Mr. Trump as U.S. President as well as
Brexit, but also bizarrely for extreme right-wing politicians in
France and Germany.
7
Dr. Brad Hurren (Continued)
Orokonui 2017 - Bruce Cowan
4. On the subject of dissection of human bodies, he mentioned
the Anatomy Dept. code of conduct and noted that the donors
and their families had made a difficult decision, and they
“absolutely wanted you to learn from their gift.”
5. The usefulness of working with your peers in groups, helping
each other to understand different aspects of the material.,
particularly important where class size is so large, as in HUBS.
6. Going to lectures is important
7. Use any extra time you have in labs to ask demonstrators
about items that you are struggling with - the staff-student ratio
is generally much better in labs.
8. Always look at your student e-mails - see footnote1 on
redirecting student e-mails to your other e-mail address(es). This
way you will see them along with all your other e-mails.
9. Make time for yourself as well as making full use of the
University facilities.
10. Make sure your answers to exam questions - especially essays
- are relevant and concise.
11. When answering MCQs, the answer that jumps out at you
straight away is probably going to be the right one - make it
lightly, then go back to check it.
We came! We saw! We thrashed the thistles and annihilated the
grass! Orokonui Bay looked a whole lot better after St Margaret’s
College knocked it into shape during Orientation Week!
For several years members of the College have been helping the
volunteers at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary with the process of
planting and maintaining thousands of native trees and shrubs
in the low-lying estuary adjacent to the Ecosanctuary. The
opportunity to see that there is something (you know, like
scenery, interesting people, wildlife…..) outside the campus, to
do something that we can be proud of (“you know, son, I once
weeded around that rimu tree, and that is why it is so big and
strong!”), to get to know the other College members better (“we
were all strangers a couple of days ago and now we share our
gardening gloves!”), and save money by not having to go to the
gym, is an experience that has been enjoyed by hundreds of St
Margaret’s College residents now.
1Linking
Student e-mail with a Gmail address: If you normally use Gmail,
you can have messages sent to your student account appearing in your
Gmail account also. Open your Gmail and click on the icon of a cog
wheel (upper right)and choose “Settings”. One of the options at the top
of the page is “Accounts and Import”. Click on that and select “Check mail
from other accounts”. Click on “Add a mail account”, and follow the
screen instructions. (As I don’t have a student e-mail, I haven’t tested this,
but it works with my other e-mail address. It can probably be done with
other e-mail services. Let me know if it doesn’t work for you, or contact
ITS - John Cross).
Naveen Pallavan
This possum was photographed in a back garden in Dunedin, the
original being on the left. The right hand version is simply inverted in
Photoshop.
Want to Learn Sign
Language?
Gigi Low (foreground), Emma
O’Carroll, and Sarah McQueen
Emma Robinson in the foreground
Our Volunteering Day is the
envy of other Colleges, but
because they do not have the
famous St Mag’s spirit they
cannot rival us for enthusiasm,
numbers or the amount of
good we achieve. Even though
the weather was not kind to us
t h i s y e a r, p e o p l e w e r e
reluctant to come out of the
rain to return home a bit early.
Thanks to Hannah Brown for
organising it, and to Wendy
Harrex and her volunteers at
Orokonui for arranging the
equipment and giving us
information about the project.
I have heard reports that Alf Arlidge
is willing to teach the essentials.
Editor - John Cross
Exec. Editor - Bruce Cowan
Contributions for publication e-mail to
[email protected]
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