News

Laurie Guy writes...

I used to read the (often boring) creative writing of an elderly chap from my local area when I was a pastor many moons ago. One sentence from that writing has stuck with me ever since: Man’s two most noble virtues are love and reason. Love I could understand – but reason?

Now I think that old man – non-inclusive language aside – was right on the button. It is a wonderful thing to be able to think, reflect, reason.

That being so, what a wonderful privilege to be at a learning place like Carey, especially to think and learn about the deepest things of life and eternity and God! But we don’t get this chance for ever. It’s a one-off, an opportunity for a season – and we need to make the most of it.

This is particularly the case because the government is increasingly squeezing tertiary education to make sure it is delivered well and effectively to students who succeed. The opportunity for a second chance in tertiary education has shrunk a lot in the last five years.

One government measure is to set limits on the number of students at tertiary institutions, including Carey. Last year we were sitting precariously, because our student numbers were way over the limit set for us. This year we can breathe easier because we got a significant increase in permitted numbers last December – just one of a handful of institutions like ours to get that increase.

However, government capping of Carey numbers still remains tight. And government threatens to penalise institutions where qualification completion rates is low. So every student needs to be a successful student. Failing students occupy the space of another student who couldn’t get entry in a tight enrolment environment; they drag the institution like Carey into potential penalty because of their failure; and they risk damaging any further chance they might have had to study because they can no longer get student loans and allowances through StudyLink.

The current squeeze has led Carey to opt for the first time to enrol all new students only in the one-year Certificate. Complete that OK, and you can then extend your enrolment into your desired two- or three-year qualification. However, fail in the first year and you may not be able to go on.

Who fails? Seldom is it a lack of ability. Usually it is one of three factors: laziness (not doing the hard yards), procrastination (putting off doing your assignments till the last minute) or over-commitment with things outside of study. What is needed is discipline and application.

If you are struggling in class, go and see your lecturer – they will welcome the opportunity to help you. Or contact the Dean of Studies (Peter Hart). He likewise will be glad to help.

But carpe diem! (Latin for ‘seize the day’). Make the most of your opportunity. You have the opportunity in 2011 to develop a very noble quality – reason – in the arena of the thing that really matters – faith. Carpe diem!

Laurie Guy




A morning of sports and games and just hanging out getting to know others! Rounded off with lunch together at 12 noon.

Meet at 9:30am in the Dining Room for morning tea together and then it’ll be into a couple of hours of different sports activities in teams together. Volleyball, indoor bowls, table tennis...etc. You don’t need to be sporty, just come and have some fun!

There are prizes for the best dressed boy and girl in team colours.

NB: This takes the place of the usual formation groups and Community Worship. Crèche will still take place.


Praying for the college, community, country and people. All welcome to join in.


Graduation
Saturday 2 April
Manukau City Baptist @ 4pm
Speaker: Nigel Pollock

Come celebrate with those who have completed their qualifications.


Need some ideas for effective study…making good notes…reading books efficiently…how not to waste time?
On Wednesday 16 March from 1.30 – 2.15 Peter Hart will be running a Study Skills workshop (room 1). If you’re new to tertiary study, why not come along?
(If you can’t make it at that time, and would like some help with study skills, contact Peter (email peter.hart@carey.ac.nz)


This week is the second week of Lent. Come along on Wednesdays at 12.40 at the Chapel as we reflect on Lent. All are welcome!

The tea urn was left going overnight on Tuesday last week. On discovering this the next morning, there was only a small amount of water covering the element. Had the urn run dry, the college would have had a fire. Although there are students on specific "supper duties" the urn becomes a concern if the duty person is not on site. PLEASE can all evening students be aware that the urn must be turned off. If you are the duty person, please ensure that you have someone else taking the responsibility of checking the urn and avoiding what could be disastrous for the college. Thank you, Chris Lucas, EA Adminsitration

Are you a full time student and regularly use the bus, ferry or train to get to Carey or around the city? We have a number of MAXX ID stickers that go on your student ID card which will allow you up to 40% discount of the cost of public transport. Please see reception for this sticker!