The Voice, February 2024

The voice

Welcome to country

Avondale University acknowledges our Sovereign God as Creator and Provider of all things. We respectfully acknowledge the Awabakal and Darramuragal people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, work, study and worship across our Lake Macquarie and Sydney campuses. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nations People

DISCLAIMER

Our aim is to provide a platform for students and staff to share their thoughts, ideas, and their experiences in the world through their own Christian perspective; everyone's Christian experience is different, and we want to acknowledge that. 'The Voice' is an extension of the minds of the student body at present, not the views of the institution

F r o m t h e e d i t o r

At the turn of the 20th Century, Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, looked out at the New Years celebrations and added a new line to his poem, “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been”

To whoever is reading this message today, congratulations, you are about to begin a new year of university which is full of things that have never been. For some of you, these ‘things’ will see you abseiling off of cliffs, completing an internship, teaching a lesson for the first time, or even helping to save a life! The possibilities are endless.

If any of you have ever sat next to me in the opening class of the year you’d know that one of the first things I do is take out my fresh notebook (because some of us dinosaurs still use those) and turn to that first blank page. In a way, each new year at Avondale is like that notebook, just waiting for your experiences to fill its pages.

Not all of these experiences will be incredible. At the time of writing, Rilke did not know that the next few years of his life would be full of great disasters such as the First World War, the sinking of the Titanic, The Great Depression, and a Second World War. At Avondale you may not face great horrors such as these, but life can still get tough sometimes.

But our challenge this year is to take hold of the spirit of hope Rilke imparts A hope which encourages us to step out of our comfort zone, meet new people, make mistakes, attempt challenges, and make many lasting memories to look back upon.

I can’t wait to hear your stories

P S If you’re feeling like a fish out of water, our first issue of the year is themed ‘Surviving Avondale’. We hope you enjoy some tips and tricks for making the most of your time with us!

Get in Contact

ASL Publications

Zoe Cochrane - s20068404@student avondale edu au

Taelon Steele - s14126382@student avondale edu au

Bailee McLeod - Bailee.Mcleod@avondale.edu.au

Security

Phone: (02) 4980 2333

Extension: #333

Email: security@avondale edu au

Avondale University Church

Pr Norman Hurlow - Norman. Hurlow@avondale.edu.au

Pr Morgan Vincent - Morgan Vincent@avondale edu au

Phone: (02) 4980 2272

Extension: #272

Email: collegechurch@avondale edu au

Located in the main foyer of University Church

Social Media

The Voice @thevoiceavondale

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Wellbeing Centre

Phone: 0403 478 994 (SMS preferred)

Email: counselling@avondale edu au (appointment queries only)

The counsellor's office is situated in the Wellbeing Centre

Counsellors

Lana Hibbard (lead clinical counsellor)

Jonathan Gould

Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns

Watson Hall @wearewatson

Ella Boyd Hall @weareellaboyd

Salt Ministries @saltavondaleuni

Avondale University Church @avondaleunichurch

CCONTRI ONTRI BBUTORS UTORS

zoe zoe

taelon

contributor in focus

Taelon is a Secondary Education student majoring in English and Business. He likes collecting power moves, calls movies 'films' (and watches ones you've never heard of), has a subconscious habit of taking photos of every bit of light and shadow he sees, is a casual surf addict, and will take you to the beach at every opportunity If he's not doing any of the above he's adding to his growing list of hobbies and interests.

What is something unique/weird that you love/do that others should try?

Perhaps not something completely unique, but definitely part of who I am- whenever I hear, see, or experience anything that inspires me- be it somethingsomeone said, a photo, or a slice of cinema- I like to file it somewhere in my phone. This habit has manifested itself into a plethora of notes (e.g. a quote book, a list of scenes from films with time stamps, witty lines I like, songs that evoke specific emotions, albums of saved photos, and more) for safekeeping. I hope to collect it all and use it as inspiration for my own feature film one day. Say something funny and you too may be able to contribute.

samara samara

bella bella

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

SOME OF THE WORST STUDENT FAILS IN AVONDALE’S HISTORY

By Zoe Cochrane

When I happen to meet Avondale alumni and hear them regaling one another with stories of their time at Avondale, there is one subject which never fails to get the table talking; student fails So this edition of Historic Avondale is a countdown dedicated to the best blunders and worst ideas of 127 years of student misdemeanours But please, don’t try these at home!

5) Monty’s Python

Students in dorms will understand the great sorrow one can feel when separated from their beloved pets. But in the late 1930s, a student named Monty found the worst cure for his heartache when he attempted to sneak a pet into his dorm room.

For years, the students who worked at the dairy farm had faced a continual problem of rats getting into the food meant for the farm animals Then one day, the rat problem simply stopped! Mystified but grateful, the farm boys thanked their mysterious helper then went about their business, until months later, they discovered the identity of the rat-catcher A two-metre-long diamond python who had taken up residence in the feed shed.

When Monty heard about the python he had the ‘magnificent’ idea to adopt the python as a pet, and brought his scaly companion back to his dorm room But one stormy day while Monty was in class, the snake grew agitated and totally trashed his room, terrifying the other boys with its hissing rage Needless to say, the python was unceremoniously escorted back to the dairy, where it spent the rest of its days.

4) Love Notes To The Lecturers

Campus crushes are always the talk of the town, but there was a time when dating at Avondale was strictly forbidden! So many pains were taken to separate men and women that they were escorted in lines to all their classes to avoid any unnecessary touching or flirtatious looks In the 1940s, these rules had relaxed somewhat, but students were still fearful of being caught

In 1942, a male student was so frantic about submitting his assignment book to his lecturer, Lionel Turner, that he totally forgot about the love note he had hidden within its pages The young man hadn’t the courage to confess his love for his lady, but had attempted to take down his feelings on paper when he was supposed to be studying

By the time he realised his mistake he was frantic His love note was in the

hands of his lecturer, surely he would be punished! But when the assignment was handed back he found the note still tucked in its envelope. Thinking he’d gotten away with it, the student opened his love note to find that Turner had corrected all his spelling mistakes in bright red ink and enclosed it with the words, ‘Good luck’

3) The ‘Almost Perfect’ Prank

There’ve been many memorable pranks in Avondale’s history, but few students have had the guts to make their lecturers the target of their mischief In 1921, a male student was frustrated that the lecturers who lived on campus were so diligent that students couldn’t get away with anything, so he decided to use their diligence against them

At midnight, he climbed the bell tower, attached some rope to the bell, and snuck back down into the orchard behind the dorms Tugging on the rope, he smiled as he saw an exhausted, half-dressed lecturer rush outside to investigate the bell, and trudge back to bed having found nothing. Twice more, he rang the bell and watched the befuddled investigation, laughing all the while.

But what he hadn’t counted on was the intelligence of his lecturer, who noticed the rope and waited until the

student rang it again. Following the rope, the lecturer circled behind the student and when he rang it again gave him the fright of his life. The student was punished accordingly

2) The Bush Tryst

When strict rules exist, students will go to crazy lengths to get around them In the ‘no dating era’, those who were interested in one another tried many methods of getting together unnoticed. Of course they were allowed to apply to the college committee for a chaperoned ‘no-touch’ date, but who’d want to do that?

They tried meeting in the paddocks, but were caught. They ‘went for a walk’ but were caught, and necessitated the creation of ‘boy’s walk’ and ‘girl’s walk’ to keep them separated And some, such as Fred Holder and his girlfriend, tried meeting in the dense bushland, hoping to be undetected

Seated on a log with his girlfriend perched on his lap, Fred Holder was about to have his first kiss when a lecturer on patrol for couples spotted them, and yelled out “Holder!”

In a rare show of bravery, Fred hollered back, “That’s what I’m trying to do!”

1) Burning Down The Dorms

With all our technology and comfortable dorm rooms today it seems strange to think that radiators were once a banned item at Avondale But in the 1930s, this student fail offers a fantastic example of why these items had no place in a dorm room

In 1939, a group of boys huddled around an illegal radiator in their room for warmth, but soon the sound of approaching footsteps alerted them to the presence of a preceptor Panicking, the boys shoved the radiator under a bed without turning it off, but within moments the bed was on fire and so was the room.

The student fire brigade rushed over with their hoses, but lost control of them due to the high pressure, and sprayed the preceptor from head to toe in muddy water The blaze was eventually subdued, but moments like these were the stuff of nightmares for the administrators of Avondale

WO/ WO/

What is your favourite memory of the other person?

On the last night of Summerfest, we were in a dance circle together.

Most highly recommended Avondale activity?

Lovers Ledge, IYKYK

If the other person was an animal, what would they be?

A bear for sure.

What is your favourite date with the other person?

On our first date, we watched Princess and the Frog at Square Jetty and went stargazing

What was your dream job growing up?

To be Hannah Montana.

If you had to describe the other person using a song, what song would you choose?

Steady love – India Arie

FLIC

What is your dream holiday? Italy

Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and what car will you drive? Hopefully with a wedding ring on my finger and some kids and Kareel as my husband that I can come home to after a long day at work with most likely some form of 4WD out the front

What is the most annoying quirk about the other person?

When he makes me make decisions

Favourite thing about the other person? His beautiful smile

MAN MAN

What is your favourite memory of the other person?

Summerfest, we started a dance circle and exchanged socials (I found her beautiful the first moment I saw her)

Most highly recommended Avondale activity?

Lovers Ledge

If the other person was an animal, what would they be?

Bunny

What was your dream job growing up?

Chef/Restaurant owner

What is your favourite date with the other person?

When we went to the beach one night really late and sat and watched the stars, then decided to go for a walk and realized we had locked ourselves out of the car. (Shout out Annalie)

If you had to describe the other person using a song, what song would you choose?

Really love – D’angelo.

What is your dream holiday?

Italy in the Summer

Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and what car will you drive?

Beautiful family, a nice job, and a 4WD of some sort

What is the most annoying quirk about the other person?

Indecisive as heck.

Favourite thing about the other person?

Her beautiful eyes.

KAREEL

ssurviving urviving aavondale vondale ssurviving urviving aavondale vondale

by samara bentley

WELCOME TO AVONDALE!

We are so glad you ’ re here, and know you’ll be eager to try everything there is to do around campus. Having consulted the wisdom of some of my friends, together we have put together a list of tips to help you get the best out of your experience; academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally.

dorm/social life

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT!

There will always be someone around who can help you or point you in the direction of someone who can help you. Your RM’s are a great starting point!

LEAVE YOUR DOOR OPEN IN DORMS!

This is one of the most important tips I could give. You will meet so many more people by doing this!!

SEE THE SIGHTS!

Places like square jetty, shingles, Mereweather, and the Watagans are musts to go and visit.

ACE LAB!

For all the first-year students out there, ACE Lab is designed to give you the opportunity of a lifetime!

GO TO ALL THE EVENTS IN O-WEEK!

You will meet a TONNE of people, especially at speed friending!

spiritual life & emotional wellbeing

SALT PROGRAMMES

Every Friday night (usually in the church or Ella Hughes chapel)

WE HAVE FREE COUNSELLING SERVICES ON CAMPUS.

Pop in and say hi to Lana or Jono! They’re always down for a chat because stress is super normal ��

HOT GIRL (OR BOY) WALKS

Walks are good for mental health. Grab a group of friends and head up Uni drive for a walk or a skate as your study breaks

academic

USE THE TUTORS!!

They are super friendly and extremely helpful. From helping you organise a study timetable to drafting your assignments, they can do it all! And they are absolutely free (yay) All you need to do is book in to go see them ��

sport & fitness

WE HAVE A GYM AND A POOL ON CAMPUS.

Have a chat to your RM’s about a membership but the pool is free! It makes those hot summer days soooo much more bearable!

JOIN PARKRUN!

A 5km community event that happens every Saturday morning at 8am (practically a sleep in) Meets at the tennis courts behind the audo. Running (or walking) = fun

PLAY AT LEAST ONE SPORT

(even if you ’ re bad at it.) There are different categories for all abilities. You’ll have a blast!

USE ENDNOTE

Learn how to use this super helpful referencing tool.

DOWNLOAD GRAMMARLY

Avondale gives it to you for free! It will be your best friend for editing your assignments last minute.

CARRY A LAPTOP CHARGER

Carry one around if you want to make friends easily, lol

And last but not least…try to have a balance. It sounds ironic I know, after I’ve listed all of these amazing things I think you should do. But it is possible to be burnt out from doing too many fun things. And it can be really hard to find that balance in your life. But TRUST ME, you will enjoy your time so much more if you do. If you do try out some of our helpful tips, let us know at thevoice@avondale.edu.au, we’d love to hear how it went!

power moves to establish yourself in dorms

power moves to establish yourself in dorms

By Taelon Steele

Welcome to the residential halls of Avondale for 2024! Whether you're a seasoned resident or a freshie, you may sense the need for calculated social navigation in order to solidify your presence within the dorm walls Perhaps your aim is to establish your room as a point of interest among your friends, or maybe you simply wish to navigate the web of social dynamics with ease, forging connections that last a lifetime. Either way, you may be thinking about how to play the right cards

Navigating the ecosystem of dorm life is as exhilarating as it can be daunting, but if you're finding yourself feeling overwhelmed, stress less At the end of the day, it's important to remember that it really isn't that deep That being said, I'm here to offer some strategic social manoeuvres to help you effectively solidify your position in communal living this year. If you're an

avid fan of Hamish and Andy, you may know of these manoeuvres as 'power moves' subtle yet effective strategies to carve out your place, in this case, within the bustling residential halls But first, let's begin with some general dorm-life tips

THE ART OF THE COMMON ROOM CONQUEST

In every dormitory wing, it is typical to see an established dorm that serves as the epicentre of social activity - a common room where friendships are strengthened through good banter, good chats, and good entertainment

To establish your dorm as the go-to destination for late-night study sessions or impromptu Netflix marathons, consider investing in a few creature comforts: cozy throws and oversized bean bags can work wonders in transforming your spaceinto a makeshift lounging area Put it this way, if your space is able to

accommodate your peers' naps and TikTok scrolling sessions, they won't overlook the opportunity This home away from home approach to dorm interior design enables conversation and the bonding that comes along with it With all that said, don't forget that your personal time is very important too! It's okay to have your door closed and enjoy personal space - you may soon find that it's not hard to get burnt out.

SOCIAL VALIDATION

While it's tempting to get caught up in the quest for popularity or social validation, remember this: true power lies not in popularity contests or superficial displays of status, but in authenticity, kindness, and genuine connections Instead of striving to

climb the social ladder, focus on building meaningful relationships with your fellow residents, treating everyone - from the outspoken RM's to the quiet introvert down the hallwith respect and empathy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE

And finally, don't underestimate the importance of self-care in maintaining your sanity amidst the chaos of dormitory life Whether it's carving out time for a solo walk up and down University Drive, watching a film by yourself, or treating yourself to a decadent dessert at 7@Avondale, prioritising your well-being is essential for navigating the intricacies of communal living

SPECIFIC POWER MOVES (THE GOOD STUFF)

Now, if you've made it this far, we move on to some specific power plays. Effective power moves are like a persistent fly buzzing around your ear, constantly making its presence known but remaining elusive and just out of reach. Similar to how the fly's subtle yet incessant buzzing captures your attention without being overt, successful power moves leave a lasting impact through subtle actions that subtly influence the situation without drawing unnecessary attention. The following extensive list of manoeuvres (including some Hamish and Andy classics) aim to exist on the cross-section of this fine line, without being too annoying:

1

Label things in your friend's dorm. over time If you by chance have access to a label maker, this can come in handy into subtly confusing your peers This involves placing a dedicated label on specific objects in your friend's room every now and then to produce an amnestic effect Over time this can prove to create a sense of confusion when they walk in and see that their laptop, then pot plant, then apple, then toothbrush, has been effectively identified and labelled If anything, it's a kind gesture, reminding them of what their own items are called

2

Every time you enter your friend's dorm, and they are not present, subtly rearrange one of their objects with a twist, place it upside down, or move it from one side of their desk to the other- this is extra effective if they are particularly neat and OCD, making them question their sanity

Every Caf meal pick on one of your pals by loudly asking them, "Have you washed your hands?"

3 Subtle but effective- especially potent if you target one individual at every opportunity

When someone whom you want to exert dominance over is explaining something to 4 you, interrupt them and say, “Wow wow wow, slow down!' This will make them appear frantic and flustered.

This one might be difficult to pull off, but effective for the short kings When someone

5 tries to enter your dorm, kindly ask them to remove their shoes. Leave yours on This will give you an inch of height advantage over them that was previously nonexistent.

6 Some classic verbal power moves can work a treat as well. For example, when leaving a conversation involving a group of people, point at someone involved and confidently declare, "I'm leaving you in charge, mate." This one comes with the double whammy of asserting your dominance as the group leader, as well as calling someone 'mate'

This Nic Gillard special cannot be overlooked: when talking to someone in a group, say

7 something about them and then state, ' given your history', or 'based on what people have said about you ' Rough After a guitar song that your friend has played, preferably on electric guitar, ask if you

8 can pick up the guitar, strum a chord, and then say, "No it's not the guitar"

If you know the area a little, you may be aware of the OpShops in Morisset These can

9 often reap some fun finds that you can use to add to the décor of your friends' dorms at minimal cost. See what you can find and surprise your pals with an extra desk accessory.

SUBMISSIONS

Read something you like?

If you’d like to contribute to the next issue, we’d love to hear from you! The Voice is always looking for student content to publish. Whether that be:

Creative Writing

Opinion Pieces

Arts/Media

Photography

Student Life Reviews

Miscellaneous

Got ideas? Email us.

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