Dean of Studies

The journey is more important than the destination [1].

“You will always be more than your accomplishments,” – Jeremy Lin

This was the advice given by former NBA basketballer Jeremy Lin to recent graduates of Harvard University. Since Lin graduated from Harvard in 2010, he has broken cultural barriers as a professional basketballer in the NBA (the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to be an NBA starter), as well as an activist, philanthropist and person of Christian faith. At the peak of his profile and highlights as a player, the fan and media phenomenon became known as, ‘Linsanity’. 

However, Lin notes that at the time, he didn’t slow down and appreciate the moment whilst he was immersed in it, barely able to eat or sleep, battling anxiety and often, ‘shaking in bed’.

“I had finally accomplished my dreams of becoming a starting NBA basketball player, and all I could think about was the next game,” he said. “That’s when I learned that if you can’t be content in a journey, you will not be content at your destination. There will always be a new goal.”

Whilst not immediately drafted out of university, Lin was impressive at summer try-outs and over the next few seasons would scrape onto team rosters, then be let go and end up at another team, often dealing with the uncertainty that accompanies this process and knowing that he could be cut from a team roster or traded at short notice. That was until a 26-game streak of play and scoring with the New York Knicks that was dubbed, ‘Linsanity’. 

Though now having announced his retirement at 32 years of age and no longer planning his NBA comeback, Lin is at peace with this and has recollected that figuring out who he was, and why he did what he did, was “a journey” that came down to identity and faith.

“After being at the top of the world with Linsanity, I can tell you that success without community is absolutely meaningless. Getting somewhere without being able to bring someone up with you isn’t worth it.”

He offered advice for graduating students to ask themselves the following questions: ‘Who are you going to be? Why do you do what you do? And who are you going to bring up with you along the way?’

In asking these questions, we begin to focus our attention on the present, on what we can do right now to improve ourselves, our (academic) habits and to look up to see who is a part of this journey – and who can assist us to achieve our goals. Equally as important, we can take the time in the moment to appreciate that we are part of a larger school community, and there are many others that are also cheering us on as we pursue personal goals and personal bests.

Examination Timetable – Semester One 

St Norbert Day

In 2021, St Norbert Day will be celebrated on Friday 4th June, and an updated program of activities is as follows:

FOOD

The College will provide morning tea for staff and students on the day and this will be distributed in the House areas. Students are requested to either bring their own lunch or purchase lunch at their activity venue if facilities are available. 

UNIFORM 

Due to a delay in our tracksuit orders, we understand that many students, in particular Year 7s, do not have a tracksuit to wear on St Norbert Day so the following options will be in place for Friday 4 June for ALL STUDENTS.

ALL STUDENTS must wear their House Shirtwith:

• Either jeans, casual trousers/pants, tracksuit pants (College or other) or PE shorts and
• Either the College Tracksuit top, Leavers Jacket or College jumper
• Closed in shoes (no heels) and socks. Runners are recommended.

Please dress appropriately with your activity in mind and remembering that we will be attending a liturgy in the morning.

All items of clothing should be in good condition (eg no rips).  Jewellery and personal presentation standards still apply.

Activities

The College will organise transport following the confirmation of final student numbers attending. Should a student intend to be collected directly from the activity, written permission must be provided to the College no later than Tuesday 2nd June (8:45am).

OLNA (Round 2) – Year 10 – 12 students

The OLNA (Round 2) will take place in Term Three on the following dates:

1. OLNA Writing – Monday 30th August
2. OLNA Reading – Tuesday 31st August
3. OLNA Numeracy – Monday 6th September

Students will have received a letter indicating if they are required to attend the respective assessments in either the BP Forum or Business Centre.

University of Notre Dame – Young Achievers Early Offer Program

The Young Achievers Early Offer Program is now open. To apply to the Fremantle campus, students will collate their Year 11 and Year 12* mid-year reports in a digital file, whilst applications to the Sydney campus, will need to provide their 8-digit NESA number ready to provide, and also collate their Year 11 and Year 12* mid-year reports in a digital file.

(* If you don’t haven’t received your Year 12 report yet, you can submit an application and provide this once available.)

In the application you will be asked about your non-academic commitments and to provide details. You may also wish to upload supporting documentation, which may include recommendations from school or community groups You may also include awards, certificates, articles and a curriculum vitae. Please note that some programs require specific information from applicants which accrediting bodies require. The University of Notre Dame consider the whole person and ask students to answer the following:

1. Tell us how you contribute, and how frequently, to community life.
2. Why are you applying to study at Notre Dame?
3. Why have you chosen to study this degree?

Visit https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/early-offer/early-offer-2022 to find out how to apply.

[1] https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/05/basketball-star-jeremy-lin-gets-candid/

Mr Rod Dowling 

(Dean of Studies)