Connections Archive

Lyndelle Lawrence
Public relations editorial intern

Staff members and students on Avondale College's Lake Macquarie and Sydney campuses have officially marked the beginning of the academic year during opening ceremonies this past Wednesday (March 4).

Sanitarium Health Food Company chief executive officer Kevin Jackson spoke during opening convocation on the Lake Macquarie campus about passion, purpose and perseverance, the "three Ps" essential for success. "Perseverance is good, but perseverance without purpose and passion is meaningless," he said in his speech. "You are running a race, and while it will be tough at times, you aren't running alone."

Mr Jackson reminded students God is on their side and of their ultimate purpose to reflect the light of God into the dark corners of the world. At the end of his speech, he presented students with this challenge: to live passionately, to persevere and to fulfil your purpose.

Staff members and students shared speaking duties during a more casual opening forum on the Sydney campus. New Avondale Nursing Student Association (ANSA) president Andrew White introduced his new team and acknowledged the previous president, Ernie Koh, who graduated this past year but attended the forum. Students Shayley Porter and Stephanie Schwarze, accompanied by Vivienne Banuag on piano, sang "Take my life and let it be," dedicating the hymn to all Faculty of Nursing and Health staff members and students.

Chaplain Kristina Mazzaferri reports strong student support for social and spiritual activities and clubs, particularly the Charity/Community Outreach Team.

A barbeque lunch hosted by ANSA followed the forum.

Caption: Dr Marion Shields, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education, acknowledges Sanitarium Health Food Company chief executive officer Kevin Jackson following his opening convocation speech.
Credit: Ann Stafford