2019 Parents’ Cocktail Evening
On Friday 8th March 2019, St Andrew’s College welcomed more than 120 parents of current students to the annual Parents’ Cocktail Evening. The event provided an opportunity for new and returning parents to meet one another and hear from the Principal, Senior Student and other members of the College community.
Guests were greeted by the talented musicians of the St Andrew’s College Jazz Band before the Principal, Wayne Erickson, officially welcomed parents. The Principal explained that the College is more than just a place of residence, but rather an enduring community of which parents are a part. He also spoke about outstanding academic results last year, cultural renewal, and an important principle adhered to by the College: trusting students to self-govern and make important decisions. ‘We set the fences wide here,’ he remarked.
Following this welcome, parents heard from talented Palladian contestant Tom Hunt (Fr 2017), who is a self-taught pianist. His passionate performance of ‘Celestial Blues’, an original composition, was received enthusiastically. Chair of Council Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982) then updated parents on the College’s Thyne Reid Link Development and encouraged them to support the exciting project, which will enable greater access to the St Andrew’s experience. He also reiterated the Principal’s excitement about the academic performance of the College.
After the screening of a 2019 Welcome Week video assembled by St Andrew’s College Photography Intern Clare Armstrong (Fr 2017), Senior Student Jack Mackenzie-Wood (Fr 2017) took the opportunity to thank parents for their presence and reiterated the Principal’s comments regarding trust and autonomy of the Students’ Club. ‘Drews offers young men and women the opportunity to develop the independence, responsibility and leadership skills that will stand them in good stead for the future,’ he said.
The attention of parents was then turned away from the present and towards the future by the Dean of Admissions, Will Cesta (Fr 2013), who speculated on what St Andrew’s College might be doing in 30 years’ time. He drew attention to trends within the higher education sector (including a growth in online learning and market demand for micro-credentials) and predicted that the quality of university life will decline. ‘This is a problem colleges are in a unique position to remedy,’ he said. Will also pointed out that the College’s low acceptance rate (14% in 2019) reflects growing demand for ‘collegiate education’ and dissatisfaction with ‘just accommodation’.
Formalities concluded with words from current parent Natalie Best, mother of Harrison (Fr 2019), Tamara (Fr 2016) and Isabella (Fr 2014). Natalie provided an insight into life at St Andrew’s from a parent’s perspective, sharing the positive impact the experience has had on her children. She also encouraged parents to remain engaged with the community.
We would like to thank all who attended the Parents’ Cocktail Evening. Photos from the evening can be found on the College’s Facebook page.
If you would like more information about the College’s events, please contact the Advancement Office:
E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au T: 02 9565 7302
