Spritual Life

Intellectual & cultural Life, Community Service, Social Life

Part of the all-round educational opportunity offered by St Paul’s, in the context of the wider University of Sydney, is the opportunity to participate in a rich intellectual, cultural, community service, and social life in and beyond the College. While naturally giving primacy to your academic success, you are warmly encouraged to make the most of this opportunity, through participation in both College and University activities.

DEBATING

There are various opportunities for Paulines to exercise their oratorical skills. The College debating team competes in the intercollege competition for the Palladian Cup, and more informal debates are sometimes against other colleges, and internally from time to time). The University of Sydney Union runs an impressive debating program, competing at local, national and international tournaments. As well as competing, student debaters train and mentor high school students in the art of debating. College members have a rich tradition of participation in university debating. The World Universities Debating competition has featured several Paulines over recent decades.

FORUMS, SPEAKERS, AND SYMPOSIA

During semester speakers will be invited to the College to lead discussions of diverse topics in various formats, and you are warmly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Usually there will be a guest speaker on Monday evenings and they will alternate between speaking in the JCR and MCR. Talks in the JCR usually begin at 7:30pm after Undergraduate formal dinner and Talks in the MCR usually begin at 6:15 followed by Graduate House formal dinner. Anyone attending the talk is invited to dine at the formal dinner the guest is dining at.

MUMMERS

St Paul’s College Mummers is the College’s drama group. It was founded in 1948, by the then Warden, Felix Arnott. Mummers usually stage a play towards the end of both first semester and second semester. Plays are usually conducted in conjunction with The Women’s College.

MUSIC

Music is one of the highlights of College life. The Director of Music, Mr Jack Stephens, manages music in Chapel, and conducts a choir made up of Paulines and elsewhere. One or more convenor is usually appointed each year to promote music in general among the students. There are occasional musical performances at Dinner. Any effort to make the College more musical is encouraged.

Grand pianos are located in the JCR and MCR and there are upright pianos in the Hall and Rogers Room.

OUTREACH SYNDICATE – SERVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY

Since its foundation, Paulines have involved themselves in community service and social justice activities, especially in and around the College neighbourhood. Such activities are coordinated by the Outreach Syndicate and in liaison with the Chaplain.

In recent years there has been a particular interest in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience and 180 Degrees Consulting (both enterprises founded by Paulines), and serving at the Jordan Cafe as part of Newtown Mission at lunchtimes, and regular clothing drives for the Op Shop at Berkeley Life Centre in the Illawarra.

Students also recently connected with the the Cana Shelter for homeless men in partnership with Christ Church St Laurence at Railway Square whereby once a month we send down a team of Paulines to prepare meals, set up the beds and stay over with members of the street community.

New for 2021 was an on-line weekly tutorial programme helping students from regional NSW government High School prepare for their HSC exams. After a successful pilot programme with Eden Marine High School last year, Narrabri High is also coming on board in 2022 and the Outreach Syndicate and/or the Chaplain would love to hear from any Paulines keen to get on board with this or any Outreach activities.

PALLADIAN CUP

Throughout the year all six colleges on campus compete in the Intercollegiate Performing Arts Challenge for the Palladian Cup. The competition has ten sections: Oration, Solo Vocal, Ensemble Vocal, Solo Instrumental, Ensemble Instrumental, Solo Drama, Ensemble Drama, Dance, Debating, and Art. Paulines are strongly urged both to volunteer for the Palladian competitions and to support those Paulines representing the College by their attendance at the individual events.

PROVEDORES

The Provedores act as a liaison between resident members of the College and the Kitchen. If you have recommendations about the menu, the Provedore/s should be your first point of reference. If you have special dietary requirements (including allergies), please inform the Registrar through the form circulated for this purpose; she will tell the kitchen.