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Amazing Community,
Awesome Experience.
The
Pelican
A look back on the activities,
events and achievements
which have occurred with
the College this semester.
ISSUE NO.1 | JUNE/JULY 2021
IN THIS EDITION Head of College Welcome 3 College Board Chairman Report 4 From Our Chaplain 6 President's Address 7 Charity Events 9 John x Burg High Tea 10 Academic Giants 12 Annual Gala Ball 14 Meet our Dean 16 Major Milestones 17 Our Community Engagement Manager 18 College Alumni Reports 19 Building Progress 23
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
Head of College
Welcome
A Connected Community of Care and Companionship!
Welcome to our inaugural John XXIII
College Magazine, The Pelican. I am
honoured to be able to communicate
with you as a member of this amazing
community. A community which
has absolutely shone in 2021 due to
its inclusivity, strong staff support
structures, good governance and
outstanding student leadership. To that
end I have been delighted to be able to
participate in a few key initiatives which
have taken place thus far this year.
The first was our ability to establish in coming years thanks to this process outstanding in their work ethic, care and
our College Values. The values were a and feedback sought and received more contribution this Semester.
culmination of a dynamic and robust broadly in recent months. I look forward
meeting held between students, staff John XXIII College is well placed to reach
to reporting on our ‘2026 Strategy’ as
and Board members over many hours to its aspirations in the coming years, with
our Board and Management utilise this
uncover what is truly at the heart of the strong student numbers, an exciting
feedback to set the path for the coming
Johns experience today. The following infrastructure upgrade program that
years for John XXIII.
were identified as the 5 key values for would be the envy of any other college
John XXIII in 2021 as a legacy for the The third has been our recent nationally and a connected community
coming years: introduction of our Student Executive at all levels. There is still much to be
team which will work closely with achieved, although together we aim to
• Spirit – the energy we create management to support our residents bring out the best in all stakeholders
supporting each other. to have the ultimate college journey as through their Johns journey and in turn
• Respect – for self, others and our a part of our aspiration to be the envy drive the College forward to support our
precinct. of every other college in Australia. The students in 2021 and beyond to achieve
• Service – Supporting the Student Executive team consists of our all that they are deserving of.
community. Chair - RA President – Zoe Reeve, Our
Finally, I wish to offer my sincerest
RA Vice-President- Theo Ong, Our two
• Companionship –stronger as one. thanks on behalf of Alyssa and our
Head Students Pastoral, Ally McBain
three children Chloe, Jack and Mia for
• Growth – Evolving through the J23 and Jimmy Incoll and our Two Head
the incredibly warm welcome we have
journey. Students Academic, Abby Faure and
received since our arrival in Canberra
Giselle Laszok. These young men and
The second was the College’s Strategic from people at all levels of the College.
women are the epitome of all that is
Planning process highlighted by our I look forward to working with, and
good about Johns, as aspirational,
two-day symposium attended by no less learning from, each of you in the coming
emotionally intelligent, selfless
than thirty stakeholders, representing years.
contributors whose journey beyond
the College Board, staff, students,
College life, will no doubt be as inspiring
university staff, alumni and industry
as the one we are currently witnessing.
leaders. The discussions were robust Jas Lincoln
and fruitful and we are excited to see To that end the entire student
Head of College
the direction our great college will take leadership team at Johns have been
3
College board
Chairman report
For the following four years, the board at that time referred
back to its plan regularly and worked hard to achieve its goals
with support from the ANU, staff and (most importantly) the
student body. I think we were mostly successful in creating a
happy and lively place to call ‘home’ for our residents.
Then came the 2016 Strategic Plan process with another
round of meetings, discussion and consultations. For a
planning process to be valuable, these gatherings have to
be regarded as serious hard work with a great deal of really
intense listening, fearless conversations together with a
constant sorting, promoting and rejecting of ideas until a truly
cogent way forward is reached. In that way we produced the
next plan. One issue which motivated us was that the College
Hello All, was approaching the 50th anniversary of its opening, so most
of our facilities were 50 years old and getting tired.
I attended College as a student from 1971 to 1974 and
maintained social contact with the College after that. I joined
the Board in late 2009 at the request of Michael Flynn, then a The 2016 Strategic plan concentrated on:
senior lawyer and Board member, who wanted to arrange a
replacement before he retired. 1. Building on the Dominican Charism by promoting
the College’s academic mentor program, engaging a
One of the first significant events I became involved with was night porter, increasing the support staff including the
a series of strategy meetings which culminated in the 2011 College Psychologist and a new Dean’s position. All of
Strategic Plan. We decided that 5 years was a good period these changes were aimed at providing a high-quality
during which to implement a long-term strategic plan and we response to student needs.
have stuck to that philosophy since then.
2. Building on our existing financial models to produce
a regular, modest financial surplus so as to fund
The 2011 Strategic plan concentrated on: improvements that the College really needed.
1. Implementing the Dominican Charism which promoted 3. Balancing the need to create a surplus with very careful
community, spirituality, learning and service. budgeting to ensure that we could offer competitive
and affordable accommodation services to our
2. Enhancing the role and leadership capacity of students students.
in the College, especially our women students.
4. Continuing the never-ending work of making the
3. Creating a “family” of students inside the College who College a fully inclusive, exciting, challenging and
could rely on each other for support. happy place to live.
4. Stabilising College enrolment and finances. 5. Financing and completing a $3M refurbishment of all
5. Upgrading some of the more tired and run-down the rooms in the accommodation block which had
areas of the accommodation block. This last item is commenced by that time and arranging a rotational
a constant preoccupation of the Board and has been bathroom upgrade.
ongoing for at least 30 years.
4
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
6. Engaging in the preparation for a major upgrade to the finalising the 2016 Strategic Plan by finishing the current
front public areas of the College. round of building work and looking carefully, together with
our students, staff, the ANU and our recent alumni, at where
On a social and human level, it seems to me that our College
we succeeded and where we failed in producing a truly happy
has continued to become better and better. While there is
home where all our students thrive. I have no doubt there
always room for improvement in our student’s community
will be improvements to be suggested along with some good
life, the residents I talk to are usually very positive about
old things to be valued and retained. It is likely that we will
their experience in College. On a material level, the massive
be looking at enhanced study facilities inside the College,
upheaval at the front of our building is evidence that
and improving the academic and pastoral programs, and at
our business plan to enhance our facilities is gradually
fostering our recent graduates’ prospects for further study or
succeeding. I hope that those who have been around for
career enhancement in their chosen fields of endeavour.
a while agree that we are still improving. The dining room
and alfresco eating area were rushed into final shape for The process started in May with some general discussions and
the opening of First Term 2021 and I sincerely hope that workshop sessions. It might then involve an online survey
everybody enjoys the new look. for whole of College participation. It is likely to end later in
the year with a new formal plan which will be available for
But then came 2020, which the College would have to regard
everybody to see. Then the second phase of the hard work
as its annus horribilis. While the building work was just
starts, the gradual and progressive implementation of what
starting, bushfire smoke closed the ANU for three weeks and
we have decided will need to be done to further improve the
stopped all activity. Then we were relieved from the smoke by
College experience for all our students. In implementing all of
a massive hailstorm which destroyed the College roof so that
our aspirations, the Board always works very closely with the
it required almost complete replacement. Work on the chapel
College management staff and seeks the input of our student
roof is still awaiting a start date. The disruption of the building
body (past and present) to make sure that we keep on track. I
work continued relentlessly but it turned out to be not so
look forward to this close collaboration continuing.
hard to arrange the replacement roof because the COVID-19
pestilence (combined with everything else made it next to
impossible to keep open and forced us to close the College for
And this, in short, is a brief summary of what will be occurring
almost 6 months. During all of that, a court case which was
in the minds of the Board Members in 2021.
extremely critical of our previous handling of an historical
assault event which occurred outside the College was handed
down. The Board believed that things could only get better,
John Harris
because they couldn’t get much worse. We were very thankful
for the understanding and forbearance of our longsuffering John XXIII College Board Chairman
students and we are still grateful for your steady support. We
thank you for the cheerful optimism which you brought back
with you to the College.
And so, to 2021. As you may have guessed, it is the year
for us to work on refreshing the College’s strategic plan for
the next five years. The first item to be dealt with will be
5
from our
CHAPLAIN
On the back of an annus horribilis last year with COVID-19 the on the Sunday at the College Chapel, though avenues are
Catholic Chaplaincy both to the College and to the University being explored to see where Sunday Mass may be celebrated
was hampered somewhat. With the University and College elsewhere on campus.
being locked down for a considerable time it was difficult
Though the picture may seem grim a flourishing Bible Study
to get any traction with regard to activities, and the general
takes place on Monday nights and this will continue, now
rhythm of chaplaincy work had been severely interrupted.
that access to the chaplaincy office is finally being made less
The first change last year was to begin offering Sunday Mass restrictive. Efforts are also being made to set up an Alpha
at 7pm rather than at the traditional time of 10:30am. This course on campus. Alpha is a programme which introduces
alteration to the timetable came about as Fr Mannes had people to the very fundamentals of the Christian faith. Finally,
been made parish priest of Holy Rosary Church, Watson. The Fr Mannes has been visiting as chaplain to other residential
new time gave students the possibility of a ‘last chance’ Mass halls and has been liasing with other Christian groups on
on Sunday’s after a day of studying or possibly socializing campus. One can only pray that Semester 2 may bring about
the night before. Added to the timetable change was also a hopeful springtime after the winter of COVID-19 and other
the conclusion of daily Mass on campus which had been the misfortunes that have been endured up to date.
case when a permanent resident chaplain was residing at the
College.
Regards,
This year too has had its raft of challenges. With the continued
caution regarding COVID-19 access to the chaplaincy office in
the Di Riddell Building has been fairly restrictive to students
Fr Mannes Tellis OP
and thus the normal array of activities such as bible study,
Mass and other recreational events have been curtailed Chaplain to John XXIII College & ANU
somewhat. Added to this scenario the College Chapel has now
been declared a ‘no go zone’ due to a build up of mould and
other environmental effects stemming from a leaky roof and a
freak hailstorm earlier on in 2020. This situation has led to the
temporary suspension of Masses on weekdays and
6
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
President's
Address
Term one was jam-packed with events, sports, arts, parties, laughs, academics (at
least some) and more for the John XXIII Community, and this is just the beginning.
In just seven short weeks the Residents’ Association facilitated humble third on the Interhall Sports ladder. As a College, we
and organised a wide range of fantastic events and activities think it’s important to let the other halls feel some short-lived
to bring the Johns community together. glory before we inevitably bring the sport shield back to its
rightful home. In great news we finished the semester on top
In February, we started off with O-Week; with events ranging
of the iso ladder!
from Bob Ross painting tutorials to a huge pyjama themed
party in civic to our very own colour run at Black Mountain
Peninsula, residents were introduced to the vibrant and
Arts
multifaceted culture at our college while mingling with and
meeting our new first year residents. At Johns we pride The Interhall Arts Competition heated up this term, with
ourselves on having strong and empowered communities of unprecedented interest in 40 hours of film, trivia, debating
male-identifying, female-identifying and non-binary/gender and theatre sports – never before have Johns’ arts reps had
fluid residents that build each other up and help each other to take applications to ensure we weren’t over the limit of
out. Senior Resident, Maggie Reynolds, ran a fantastic event participants. Our ressies put on an incredible show every
for International Women's Day that saw all ressies come time, and the arts reps should be commended for their tireless
together to celebrate wonderful women in J23 and around the efforts in encouraging and facilitating the Arts at our College.
world. As auditions for the Johns Production begin, we are excited to
see what Arts Theatre Rep Joshua Khoury has in store for us.
In March, we held our first “Guys, Gals and Non-Binary Pals”
night which gave the ressies a unique opportunity to bond
with others of their gender. All female-identifying residents
Overall, term one has been an exceptional start to the year.
were randomly paired and asked to dress as a “Dynamic
The leadership team has worked seamlessly to bring and
Duo” while male-identifying residents were given fun
enhance the wonderful culture in our College and all ressies
tasks to complete together during the night. This created
have made a huge effort to get around each other in all facets
beautiful inter-year mixing that has later bloomed into great
of life. As an RA, we are extremely grateful to the residents,
friendships. Later in the term, Environment Officer, Julia
as well as the admin team for their endless help in kicking
Baird, held a Clean Up Australia Day event which provided
so many goals this term. A special thank you is deserving of
ressies with an easy opportunity to do something good in
Jeremy Mutton – a dedicated member of the J23 admin team
our community and Julia has been working around the clock
who we farewelled this term, but whose work over the past 4
with the Johns maintenance team to implement a novel
years has been instrumental in making this college the place
composting system that will substantially reduce our carbon
it is today. We would also like to thank Jas Lincoln, TJ Christie,
footprint – a central goal of ours at Johns.
Maia Longfield and Reilly Pickering for their efforts in giving
2021 such an incredible start. With that, we look forward to
what the rest of the year has in store.
Sports
Kicking it off strong with a riveting match of lawn bowls,
Johns’ sportsmanship and talent was, as always, put on As you were.
stunning display in term one, with ressies getting involved
Zoe Reeve
in touch football, volleyball, road relay and disc, the sporting
prowess of the fine young people at this college put us as a President of the 2021 Residents’ Association.
7
8
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
CHARITY
EVENTS
Charity at Johns is essential to our culture, and everyone
always loves to participate.
Charity at Johns is essential to our culture, and everyone Another great event with Burgmann is the Johns x Burg High
always loves to participate. First up, we held Vinnies day, Tea held in our very own dining hall. With amazing raffle
which is a day where all new residents get to learn about prizes, almost $1.5k in funds raised were donated to Taboo
all the volunteer programs available with Vinnies, such as ANU - a not-for-profit organisation supporting women in
the Night patrol van, Home Visits and Migrant and Refugee developing countries to gain access to menstrual hygiene
reading. products! Another great initiative is recreating merchandise
for charity; we are releasing a new item on the 23rd of every
A significant aspect of the day is everyone going to Vinnies op-
month to raise money and look good while doing it!
shops to get some great outfits for the upcoming weeks, such
as Vinnies fair, Pelican Day and Tav nights. The year so far has been phenomenal for charity and Vinnies,
and there will be far more opportunities for everyone to get
This year, the sports reps held the first Pink Stumps event
involved over the rest of the year!
to support the Jane McGrath Foundation raising money for
Breast Cancer Nurses. Residents played a cricket game against
Burgmann, with the College donating the most before the
event receiving a bonus 15 runs to our very deserving team.
VINNIES DAY - FEB 2021 PINK STUMPS EVENT JOHN X BURG HIGH TEA
Raising money to help those Was run to raise funds for the Held to raise money for
within our local Canberra Jane McGrath Foundation, Taboo ANU, a non-for-profit
community. raising money for breast cancer organisation supporting women
nurses. in developing countries.
9
JOHN x BURG HIGH TEA 10
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
CHARITY
MARCH 2021
11ACADEMIC
GIANTS
The following students received High Distinction Averages in 4 units or more Semester 2, 2020. We celebrated the efforts of these
amazing young men and women at our Academic Dinner where we had the great honour of welcoming Deputy Vice Chancellor
Professor Grady Venville as our Guest Speaker. Congratulations to Jack Palmer Overall Highest GPA for Semester 2, 2020. Joshua
Brown who was the 2nd Year Highest GPA and Charlotte Collier & Scarlett Craig 1st Year Highest GPA.
High Distinction Average
• Joshua Brown
• Jasmine Cash
• Charlotte Collier
• Scarlett Craig
• Mikaela Dalgleish
• Josephine Happell
• Chelsea Kinnard
Jack Palmer Joshua Brown • Sophie McCredie
Overall Highest GPA for the 2nd Highest GPA for the • Jack Palmer
Semester 2, 2020. Semester 2, 2020.
• Maximillan Stynes
• Susie Quinn
• Grace Ross-Farrell
• Olivia Rylah
• Nikolai Sas
• Hannah Young
• Charlotte Lawerence
• Isabel Gray
• Eleanor Grundy
• Sophie Hogg
Charlotte Collier Scarlett Craig
• Chelsea Kesby
1st Year Highest GPA. 1st Year Highest GPA.
12Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
13John XXIII ANNUAL GALA Our Annual Gala was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of many students and staff! 14
Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
GALA
MARCH 2021
15MEET
OUR DEAN
Reilly Pickering, Dean of John XXIII College
What has been your favourite project at J23?
I loved being a part of bringing the Gala idea from paper and
making it happen. There was a heap of behind the scene stuff
and I really liked working with the team to bring the idea to
light. One of the best parts was watching the students have a
great night and the Dining Hall transition into a pretty special
place to be.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I really enjoy my sport, in particular rugby, the comradery is
special to me, my club means a lot to me and it’s been a great
In order to get to know Reilly a little better, a short interview 5 years. Anyone who knows me, knows if the footy is on, I’ll
was conducted around his experience of being apart of the be watching it. I play Union for the Uni North Owls, I love the
J23 College community and a few insights into his life. mate ship it facilitates and what better way to enjoy the game
you love than play it. Other than that, I do the simple stuff,
hang out with mates, watch the Brumbies at GIO, head to the
What do you like most about working at J23? coast and I try to get home to see my family when I can.
The Community: Students and the Staff are the stand-outs for
me. Everyone is so close knit which makes the working day What is something not many people know?
really enjoyable, it makes it a heap easier to live where you
work, when you really love the place. Some of you may know that I’m really into cars, I love
everything to do with the building and pulling apart process. I
try and get to the track whenever I get enough time.
What drew you to J23 originally? I’m also an avid collector of sneakers… in particular 'Jordans'.
Yamba and the coast will always be my home but I decided to
move to follow sports and education. I definitely wanted to
live in a place full of the hustle and bustle that city life brings. What is the best thing you've done in Canberra?
I needed a place that was close to water, work and study.
Second to being at GIO stadium watching the Brumbies win,
Canberra has been that place for me.
would be having a meal with friends at Akiba, one of the best
I knew Jas from my high school, he was my House Master at restaurants I’ve been too.
boarding school and I have always looked up to him, he has
been instrumental in my life; as a mentor, someone I look up
to and admire. In fact he suggested the career path of teaching
and that’s what I am studying.
16Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
MAJOR
Milestones
Celebrating 15 Years of Service
Fondly known as “Trad” Mr William Wallace our Operations “Trad is well and truly the backbone of J23. Not only does
Manager has hit the huge milestone of 15 years of service. he undertake the enormous job of maintaining the facilities,
Congratulations! This is a significant year for you as you Trad voluntarily involves himself in many other aspects of J23,
celebrate an important service anniversary with John XXIII such as spectating (and even playing) college sport, and has
College. been doing so for the last 15 years.”
As you reach this milestone in your career with John XXIII - Richard O’Brien Charity President
College, it is with great pride that we acknowledge your
dedicated service.
People are and always will be our greatest asset. Please know
that you are an important member of our team and your
abilities and contributions will be an important part of our
continued success.
Thank you for all that you do and please accept our good
wishes on the anniversary of your employment with John
XXIII College.
Here are a few things our community had to say about Trad:
"Trad is a fantastic contributor and his knowledge of all things
Johns is impressive. Thanks for your ongoing contribution
Trad"
- Jas Lincoln, Head of College
“Trad is an absolute expert on all things Johns and is truly
instrumental to keeping our buildings up and running. Not
only is he a legend in the maintenance rooms, but also on the
hockey field where he represents Johns every year. He has
great banter with all of the residents, and we are very lucky to
have had him around for so long.”
- Zoe Reeve President of the 2021 Residents Association
17FROM OUR COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
passionate team always looking to make you, the College the
community at large, have a meaningful connection.
My focus will be on:
• Developing initiatives such as a mentoring program for
graduating students to connect with the huge expertise
and knowledge we have within our alumni;
• Building further opportunities for you to connect with
our senior students through LinkedIn, social events,
career fairs
• Ideas - Some of the alumni could speak at fairs, on-line,
talking up the College and their experience, “Johns Day
BBQ – get together a day which was established in 1973
• Encourage your continued engagement with the College
and enhance your network - through LinkedIn and
College publications. We will invite your contributions -
insights into your College experience, your current career
highlights.
Hello, my name is Hollie McGowan, I would love to take this The aim is to build on your connection with the College
opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a little about through the Alumni - when you were a resident of this College
this new vital role to the College. Community Engagement you were part of a community, a community that is stronger
Manager is a role that I am extremely passionate about and more dynamic for your involvement.
and grateful to be given such an opportunity to help build
relationships with you and our broader community. I am I will be your point of contact, working for you and the
excited and look forward to working for our huge Alumni students, supporting Jas Lincoln to make this the most active
Community and supporting Jas Lincoln as Head of John and impactful Network possible.
XXIII College as he endeavours to make our networking
relationships strong.
Regards,
I have worked in an ANU school of residence since 2009, my
first role in Admissions was at Fenner Hall – a post graduate
residence. I soon realised it was the human elements that Hollie
inspired and motivated me - the relationships with students
Community Engagement Manager
and their families, facilitating connections across the College,
listening to and finding solutions to problems experienced by
students. It is a natural progression to now contribute to an
Alumni Network.
I started at John XXIII College in 2019 and I have loved every
moment since. John XXIII College is a small dedicated and
18Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
Hear from our
COLLEGE ALUMNI
Jonathon Peatfield, First Year 2004
I was standing with a group of new mates, at our first “Out Maggs) were created and supported by Johns Alumni. I was
the Back day” back in 2004. We had a hilarious O’week and lucky enough to head back and meet the current Johns crew
meet plenty of infamous Johns characters, D.Dot etc.. I knew at commencement dinner this year, it was great to see the
instantly that I was going to have an amazing time at College. place is alive and well, with an energy and enthusiasm that
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better in walked what was buzzing. Hopefully they can revisit the glory days and
looked like the band. One bloke looked like a legit rock star, take out both the sports and arts shield.
he walked in with swagger and carrying what I thought was
Good luck to the new Head of College Jason Lincoln and his
a guitar case. The bloke next to him was wearing a frilly baby
team and thanks to all those who made my time so enjoyable.
blue suit, he looked like he was straight out of the 70’s! The
third bloke had a mop of ginger hair that Ronald McDonald
would be proud of. Turns out they weren’t the Roger Bone
Cheers,
Band, but rather a few ex-ressies who rolled in for the
festivities, Trev, Con and Grug. The guitar case was actually Jonathon Peatfield
Trevs overnight bag with a few dirty clothes in it, Con had CEO , LIFE EDUCATION NSW/ACT
been wearing the baby blue suit all week (and probably most
weekends since) and Grug now has an honorary power point
in the computer room.
The eclectic mix of personalities that came together during
my time at Johns is what made it so unique and exciting.
There were a great mix of country and city people, each
of them having a crack and getting involved was. This was
deemed far more important that what school you went to.
There was no difference between a first year and a fourth year,
and ex-ressise’s remained a huge part of the College, building
a sense of community that still exists. The range of activities
to participate in was almost endless, wig off, talent night,
no talent night, debating, the College show, waterfalling, a
plethora of sports and who could forget IB!
The greatest college event in the country. The place is a hive
of activity and has something for everyone. So get amongst it!
Johns provided me with an incredible network of friends
that I will have for life. We have celebrated 21st, 30th, 40th
birthdays and weddings together. We have also banded
together to farewell friends and family who have been lost too
early. Two charities that are doing amazing work to reduce the
stigma surrounding mental ill health (Batyr - Seb Robertson)
and early detection of skin cancer (Beard Season - Scotty
19MATCH MADE
AT JOHNS
Georgina Robertson (nee Bramma), First Year 1992
I started John XXIII College in 1992 and it changed my life. of us now live in Sydney but a cohort never left the oasis
That is not an understatement. It is at college where I grew of Canberra. My visits back to Canberra, bring back vivid
up into a young adult and learnt about myself and the world memories of studying, laughs, mistakes, cramming, part time
around me. I met friends for life. I studied a double degree jobs, sport and young love.
in Arts (Asian Studies) / Economics which lead to a career in
I was lucky enough to meet my husband at College. At the
Banking. But probably the most surprising and best thing
time, I didn’t know it would be for life, I just thought he was
about College, it is where I met my husband.
kind and funny. He was my friend firstly and that has never
I loved College life, the comradery and friendships developed changed. It is pretty rare, as young adults to grow in the same
on the sporting friends, working in the kitchen, formal direction but Ash and I did and 10 years after leaving College
dinners, fun days out the back and during the numerous we were married and now have three kids – Darcy, Millie and
nights out. I am still close to the group of friends I made at Lydia who are now at high school. We are trying to convince
College. Over our 5 years in Canberra we grew from native them to leave home for University and embark on their own
impressionable high school kids to young adults ready to journey in Canberra and hopefully John XXIII College.
embark on our careers and next stage in our lives. Most
Ashley Robertson, First Year 1992
In 1992 I arrived at John XXIII. I was then 17 year old (and She loved her sports and we shared some great times
looked about 15, thanks to my shortish stature and the amongst the broader group of friends we met.
braces on my teeth!), I’d grown up in Sydney all my life, never
Johns is such a great mix of people and because everyone
really spent much time outside a 5 km radius of my home,
is from different places and backgrounds, there is a culture
and had passed through my high school years without over-
which is really unique. I loved the opportunities to spend such
achievement and as a compliant and quiet kid.
a significant part of my life at the time with these friends and
Whilst my friends went off to Universities in Sydney, I took on look so fondly back on my time at Johns.
the bold move to ANU. When I think back I’m not quite sure
These days, Georgie and I are married with 3 kids. My Degrees
why I did it, leaving what was comfortable, and with easier
at ANU (Commerce/Law) have led me into a career in the
transitions available post school; in life we all make bad
Finance and Electricity sectors. We still see our Johns friends
decisions some time but I would like to think my decision to
regularly and have been there to celebrate and support what
go ANU as one of the first big decisions I made myself which
the 20 years have provided since. We will encourage our kids
was really right; right for me as the person I was then, and am
to head to Johns and see if they can enjoy the experience as
now.
much as we did!
Sometime in first year I met Georgie – we ended up being
good friends for a year and then starting dating. I really felt
out of my league but for some reason she seemed to like me.
20Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
21Back to the
80's
Darren Sutton, First Year 1984
Aristotle is purported to have said ‘give me a child until he is After a period out of College I returned on staff as the
seven and I will show you the man’. Gendered language aside Academic Sub-Dean and then acting Dean of Students. This
it seems reasonable that our values are imprinted on us by gave me a different perspective, but it also reinforced those
our parents, care givers and environment early on. lessons as I observed the next generation of John’s people,
and their development into truly independent people.
Another view is that ‘who we are’ derives from the set of
experiences in our initial period of independence, which for Those lessons have remained with me and have shaped my
many of us was when we were in College. This is the time approach to life and work ever since. As already mentioned
when we challenge those values to arrive at the set that are I have maintained close friendships with some of my ‘fellow
truly our own. collegians’, and have seen them excel as well as face and
overcome incredible challenges.
I don’t think we are static, who we are evolves through-out
our lives, I think that the experience we had during our A career in the public service might not sound exciting and it
College years are foundational. They certainly were for me. certainly wasn’t what I had planned while completing my PhD,
but it has proved personally rewarding and provided a great
I arrived at John XXIII in 1984, a naive seventeen year old
satisfaction from making a difference in a variety of ways.
from a small rural town in South Australia. I was incredibly
fortunate to be allocated a room in B1, which in those days I look back fondly on my years at John XXIII, as a student and
was an all-male ‘corridor’. on staff for a total on seven and a half years over the period
1984 to 1993. Many great memories, so obviously I wasn’t
In O-Week I met a great bunch of people and formed
too drunk, too often, and most importantly made some great
friendships with many of them, some of which remain strong
friends.
to this day. We drank, we laughed, we listened to music way to
loud and we developed bonds based on shared interests and
increasingly shared experiences.
Regards,
I learnt at least as much from my time in College, and with
people from College, as I did from the lectures, tutorials and
laboratory sessions I attended at the ANU. I learned about Darren Sutton
difference and how to respect and value it. I learned about
integrity and how actions speak as loudly and often more
so than words. And I learned about being there for people,
having their back, and backing them up when things were
difficult.
Want to feature in our next issue? We would love to celebrate your successes and share
in your journey beyond College life! Please email me at hollie@johnxxiii.anu.edu.au!
Look forward to hearing from you.
22Community. Spiritually. Learning. Service.
BUILDING
PROGRESS
John XXIII College is currently undertaking the most Stage five is the continuation of the third floor and will include
significant construction project since the College was built in more Student Study and social spaces (this stage is pending
1968-69. There are five stages to the project. additional funding and is a long-term goal).
The first stage was completed in September 2020 and The total cost of the first four stages of the renovations
included the renovation of the Dining Hall and Alfresco dining exceeds $12 Million and is taking over two years to complete.
area (between the dining hall and residential block). The College is half way through the project, residents and staff
are looking forward to utilizing the brand new facilities.
Stage two is well underway and is expected to be completed
early December, 2021. This part of the project will create the
biggest external change to the College since it was built. The
area between the Chapel and Administration will be enclosed
with a two storey glass entrance with a concave wood feature
ceiling between two meeting areas on the second floor. The
administration and communal areas between the original
entrance and dining hall are also being renovated.
Stage three is the rejuvenation of the Junior Common Room,
Tavern and study areas. This is expected to commence in
August and be completed in March/April 2022. This will
involve moving the Tavern to the far wall and opening the
remaining space to create a flexible learning / social room.
Stage four sees the development of a new senior common
room above the Head of College’s office (a third floor). The
third floor has panoramic views over ANU. This stage should
commence this year but requires external approvals is
estimated to be completed within a year of commencement.
23The Pelican is a bi-annual publication
to report on the recent fun events,
activities and achievements achieved
by the community of John XXIII
College.
51 Daley Road, Acton, ACT 2601
Australia
Phone: +61 2 6125 6900
General Enquiries:
enquiries@johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
Special thanks to Ned Mckenzie Farhart, Samuel www.johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
Duckworth, Zoe Reeve and Samuel Barrett for their
contribution of photographs in issue no.1 of The Pelican. Find us on Instagram @johnxxiiicollege_anuYou can also read
