WEEKLY NEWS
Issue #9
12th—19th May 2017
DUCHESNE DATES
Friday 12th May Duch Ball
Saturday 13th May Duch Recovery & Parents Cocktail Party
Sunday 14th May Rowing Regatta
Monday 15th May Becoming a Professional— Writing your CV with Hannah Milford.
7pm in the Dining Hall
Campus dates
Cricket 13th May; Rowing Regatta & Waterpolo 14th May; Debating 15th May; Waterpolo 19th
May.
From the Head of College
Food for thought
I am presently reading “The Wife Drought” by Annabel Crabb. She delves into
the history behind workplace gender inequity and then steps us forward into
this era, when we believe, (mistakenly, she asserts) that women have equal
opportunities in the work place. The irony in the title points to the fact that
women who aspire to lead in the corporate world particularly, have to carry
the additional load of child and house care without the assistance of a ‘wife’.
Research backs this up. Sally Anne Pitkin Winner of the Telstar Business Women’s Award in
1999 says this, “I believe for our community to be strong we need to support the right and
endeavours of women to participate fully in all aspects our community, including in business,
government, the social sector and with family. Economic independence and education are key
elements in women’s participation and will help the voices of women to be
heard at all levels in our society.” I challenge you to think about how far
Note:
we have come since 1999 and to engage in conversation as you
prepare for the Ball. What is your responsibility (if any) as the
So that all residents
generation of women who will hopefully wave the flag for gender
have a chance to read
equity in the future?
the weekly newsletter,
please do not remove
it from the Dining
Hall.
Thérèse
From the Deputy Head (Acting)
As this goes to print, you will be preparing for the ball… it is going to be a full and exciting
weekend and a first experience for some. Last weekend I went with some girls to see Swan
Lake and some had never been to a ballet before. It was wonderful to be able to share such
a special cultural experience. There are so many opportunities awaiting us. Don’t get
complacent in the daily routine, challenge yourself to try something new, explore something different.
Overcoming the fear of trying something new and having a go can be an incredibly enriching experience.
Start small and then think big! Carpe Diem—seize the day.
Inclusively yours, Vanessa
French Formal
Dinner
The Spirituality Formal Dinner is on
the 24th of May. It will be French
themed in recognition of Duchesne’s
origins, so channel Coco Chanel and
come in your finest French outfit to
indulge in everything French. You
might even leave with an appreciation of the French language!
As usual, apologies need to be sent
to Vanessa by 9 am Monday 22nd.
Please indicate whether you require
a late meal.
Our spectacular ballet queens!
NAAUC
It’s never too late…
To keep exploring
Life is a journey.
A wonderful odyssey.
But some people just wander around in
circles.
Caught in a rut.
Break out.
Become an explorer.
Try new ways.
New things.
Explore new paths.
Take the mystery tour.
Nominations for the NAAUC conference need to be in by
Thursday 18th of May. See President Grace for more details.
Crockery
Along with an additional toaster, the bowls have arrived for
our winter soups, burrito bowls and make your own salads!
Noise and Men
Despite our numerous reminders, we are still getting reports of
unaccompanied gentlemen callers in the corridors and the
bathrooms and disrespectful levels of noise. You are part of a
community that lives by the values of the Sisters of the Sacred
Heart. If you cannot live by these values you will be required to
show cause to the Head of College on why you should remain
at Duchesne.
Progress Meetings
2nd and 3rd years, please make an appointment to see Denis,
Thérèse or Vanessa for your progress meetings asap. We look
forward to seeing you!
From the Dean of Studies
Email Etiquette. I hear that some of you might like some suggestions when it comes to
writing a more formal email to your university teachers. What follows is an edited excerpt from a bigger item whose details I can send you, if you wish.
1. Use a clear subject line. The subject “Rhetorical Analysis Essay” should work a bit better than
“heeeeelp!” (and it’s much better than the unforgivable blank subject line).
2. Use a salutation and a signature. Instead of jumping right into your message or saying “hey,” begin
with a greeting like “Hello” or “Good afternoon,” or even “Dear” and then address your teacher by the appropriate title and last name, such as “Prof. Xavier” or “Dr. Octavius.” (Although a salutation can be tricky,
depending on your teacher’s gender, rank and level of education, “Professor” can be a safe bet for addressing a university teacher.) Instead of concluding with “Sent from my iPhone” or nothing at all, include a signature, such as “Best wishes” or “Yours Sincerely,” followed by your name and student number.
3. Use standard punctuation, capitalisation, spelling and grammar. Instead of writing “idk what
2 rite about in my paper can you help??” try something comparable to “I am writing to ask about the topics
you suggested in the LATN3001 class yesterday.”
4. Do your part in solving what you need to solve. If you email to ask something that you could
readily find by yourself, you risk presenting yourself as less resourceful than you ought to be. But if you
mention that you’ve already checked the Electronic Course Profile and Blackboard, asked classmates and
looked through old emails from the teacher, then you present yourself as responsible and as taking initiative. So, instead of asking, “What’s our homework for tonight?” you might write, “I looked through the ECP
for this weekend’s assigned work, but I am unable to locate it.”
5. Be aware of concerns about entitlement. Rightly or wrongly, some teachers feel that students
“these days” have too strong a sense of entitlement. If you appear to demand help, shrug off absences or
assume late work will be accepted without penalty because you feel you have a good reason, your teachers
may see you as irresponsible or presumptuous. Even if it is true that “the printer wasn’t printing” and you
“really need a 7 in this class,” your email will be more effective if you take responsibility for your own action/inaction: “I didn’t plan ahead well enough, and I accept whatever measures you have in place for late
work.”
6. Add a touch of humanity. Some of the most effective emails are not strictly business-related, not
strictly about the syllabus, the grade, an absence or an assignment. While avoiding obvious flattery, you
might comment on something said in class, share information regarding an event the teacher might want to
know about or pass on an article from your news feed that is relevant to the course. These sorts of flourishes, woven in gracefully, put a relational touch to the email, recognising that teachers are not academic bean
-counters but people too.
Best wishes…Denis
Choralfest
in action
Meet... Jamie Russell
Hi, I’m Jamie the Head Chef at Duchesne College. Growing up in Brisbane, I joined the
Royal Australian Navy after school were I began my career in Hospitality. Since leaving
the Navy I have worked in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as a Chef and have had the
privilege of being the Head Chef in most of my roles. The best thing about being a chef is
that I have been able to cook for a lot of TV and sporting celebrities and the adrenalin
rush of a busy service. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and playing with
my 3 dogs. I also love flying drones, fishing and bodyboarding; my passion and most
favourite thing is sports and fitness. I recently became a PT and have been involved in sports my whole life
from coaching kids teams to playing rugby league and Oztag. In 2011/12 I represented Queensland Oztag in
the state cup which I hope I get to do again one day. I also love watching the Brisbane Broncos play at
Suncorp. I am very passionate about my role at Duchesne College and enjoy being your Head Chef.
Rehearsing for Choralfest and
Mothers Day Card making
RA Duty Roster 6th —12th May
RA phone 0447 212 596
SAT
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TUES
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Claudia
Bridget
Sinead
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Remember—Call the Night Porter first, then UQ Security, then your RA last!
UQ Security is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 3365 3333 in an emergency, or
3365 1234 for general enquiries.
Our Night Porters work 5– 11pm every evening. Their number is 0430 100 475
Quest Security work 11pm—6 am 7 days a week. Their number is 0449 726 710