Dear students
As our year draws to a close, I write to you for the final time in 2020.
You have received a detailed email from Professor Clare Pollock, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students on Monday. In her message, Professor Pollock reflected on, ‘a year like no other’ and provided you with important information on current COVID-19 safety here in South Australia, student services and support. I hope you have had the opportunity to read these updates.
As much has been said already about 2020, I write to congratulate you for your resilience and determination to succeed in your studies this year despite all the challenges brought by the global pandemic. These challenges include financial challenges. Please be assured that we will continue the six instalment payment plan option in Semester 1 2021. If you have not previously applied for the State Government’s International Student Support program, please do so via the FUSA Website.
On a personal note, I have been inspired by so many of the stories, feedback and achievements from everyone this year. Whether it be how students have managed here in Adelaide being far from home, or students at home, undertaking online studies and unable to be with us on campus, everyone should all be proud.
As I reflect on 2020, I am reminded by a former student of ours Kabita Sijal and a powerful quote she provided as a part of our ‘In the Frame – Stories of International Empowerment’ project last year. When reflecting on her experience surviving the devastating 2015 Earthquake in Nepal and later the challenges of adapting to life and studies in a different country, Kabita said:
“I would like to say that it is more important to focus on how we react rather than emphasising on what happens to us. Life is like photography; we do need the negatives to develop”.
As we look to 2021, I think we can all take inspiration from how we have reacted and developed this year.
Now is the time for all of us to rest and reinvigorate. I urge you to connect with friends and family; however, you can. For me, this will mean connecting with friends here in Adelaide and my family in Sweden remotely. I know many of you will be in a similar position.
Today, the 18th will be the last day for University staff before returning to campus on Monday 11th of January. This is a longer University closedown period than normal. Because of this, we have worked with student representatives in co-creating the Summer Break Series if you are in Adelaide.
If you are not aware of the Summer Break Series, I urge you to visit the website. Over the University closedown period, we have provided as much information as we can, in collaboration with Study Adelaide, on fun activities and events to enjoy here in South Australia. We are fortunate to be in a position where we can still be ‘out and about’ attending events and activities here. Many are free so make the most of it!
We will be updating the events and activities for January and February when we return on Monday the 11th January 2021.
Finally, and most importantly, I wish you a happy and safe break. We can’t wait to see and hear from you again in the New Year.
Warm regards,
Sebastian Raneskold
Vice-President & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)
Flinders International