reflections Autumn 2004 FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF AVONDALE

Visit : alumni tour p3

Homecoming 2004 p10

Fascinating research revealed p12,13 Table of contents

2 Editorial 3 Alumni Tour 4,5 Graduation Photos President’s 6,7 Meet the new Vice President and Associate Vice President 8 Student Awards Corner 9 Thank You 10 Homecoming Program 11 Sarah’s Avondale adventure Avondale began the 2004 academic challenged students at the College 12,13 Research Projects year with a strong spiritual emphasis. Church service on March 13 to 14 Campus News: New staff The Staff Retreat meetings in experience the empowerment of a 15 Alumnotes February focused on the spiritual relationship with Jesus. Baptisms dimensions of Avondale’s mission. climaxed three of the Friday evening 16 Marketing to the Orient The keynote address by Dr Barry services in March. Avondale lecturer –––––––––––––––––––––––– Hill, Education Director of the South Dr Darren Morton, speaker for the refections Pacifc Division, highlighted the Festival of Faith (week of spiritual importance of spiritual values in emphasis) in April, focused on God’s refections is an offcial publication of education. Selected Avondale staff leading in people’s lives, including Avondale College, published biannually reported on ways in which they seek the lives of Avondale staff. for alumni and friends to create a positive spiritual tone and Editor: Kevin Judge project Adventist values in their areas The year has opened well. Avondale Associate Editor: Heather Potter of responsibility. Group discussions has record enrolments in teacher Consultant: Joan Patrick developed strategies for advancing education, and the frst-year nursing Layout and Design: Heather Potter the Avondale’s Christian/Seventh-day intake has risen for the third Avondale College Alumni Association Adventist ethos. The ideas generated successive year. The total enrolment President: Calvyn Townend in these discussions have been passed of 905 is just short of last year’s on to the College’s new Spiritual record. Avondale Administration Life Committee, and will inform President: John Cox the development of the spiritual I would like to express special Vice President Academic: Vivienne Watts masterplan for 2004. appreciation for the excellent support provided by past students and other Associate Vice President Academic: Dr Kerri-Lee Krause, keynote friends of Avondale. I look forward Harwood Lockton speaker at the Opening Convocation to even closer relationships between Vice President Finance: Rob Ellison on March 3, highlighted to students Avondale and the church of which the opportunities in higher education we are a part. Vice President Planning and and the importance of spiritual Administrative Services: Bruce Youlden development. The College President – John Cox Development & Alumni Relations Director: Kevin Judge Voluntary Subscriptions to Refections –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Thank you to all donors for your continued support. Please send any address changes to: The Refections team is committed to providing a quality magazine Development and Alumni Relations to enable Alumni to keep in touch with Avondale. Offce PO Box 19, Cooranbong, The mailing list for Refections is increasing each year and printing, paper and postage NSW 2265, costs are a challenge for the College to meet. A $10 gift would be much appreciated and would help ensure the same high standard of the publication for each edition. Or call: +61 (0)2 4980 2296 Or email: [email protected] Please make payment in Australian dollars to Website:www.avondale.edu.au Avondale College, PO Box 19, Cooranbong, NSW 2265, Australia Donations over $2 are tax deductible 2 Alumni head south to mainland STOP PRESS! ALUMNI TOUR PLANNED FOR 2005

An exciting opportunity for exploring Tasmania by boat, A tour brochure detailing cost Avondale Alumni is on the cards train and coach. This will be the (less than $3000), itinerary and for 2005! Recently the Alumni ultimate experience, the chance of other important information will Association voted to sponsor a a lifetime. be available shortly. Seats will be 19-day tour to beautiful Tasmania, limited, so it is important to make leaving Sydney by charter bus on A special highlight will be a decision now to be part of this February 18 and returning from Sabbath reunions with local inaugural Alumni South Bound Launceston by air on March 8. alumni in Canberra, Melbourne Tour. Alumni south of Canberra The tour itinerary will include and Hobart – a rare opportunity who wish to join the tour will some of Australia’s fnest scenery to re-unite with past friends and be charged according to pick-up as well as places of great historic colleagues from college days. point, and reservation will depend interest. Sightseeing visits to the on spaces available from Sydney. Snowy Mountains, Mt Buffalo By invitation, Keith and Ngaire National Park, Sovereign Hill Clouten (both Avondale alumni) To express interest in this tour, and the Eureka Stockade sound will organize and manage the tour. please fll out the form and and light show, the Grampians, The Cloutens have organized and return to Alumni South Bound Phillip Island and the penguins, conducted many very successful 2005, PO Box 19, Avondale are just some of the itinerary on tours on four continents during the College, NSW 2265 or email the trip south to Melbourne. A past ffteen years. [email protected] further nine days will be spent

Photographs courtesy of Dr Lynden Rogers ALUMNI SOUTH BOUND 2005 I am interested in receiving further information regarding the proposed tour for Alumni to Tasmania in 2005.

Name: ______

Address:______

______City: ______PC:______

Phone:______Email Address: ______

Please note: There is no obligation at this point, and the tour will depend on indicated interest. 3 Graduation Class of

Guest lecturer Barry Hill in all his glory

Liliana Osorio and Cescobel Monge

Alastair and Michelle Clark with family

Bryce Wastney and family.

Calvin Tampubolon, Sharee Ward and Timothy Teulilo Shontell Dougherty and family 2003

“The Masters”: Postgraduate Group

Reena Pitta and Moritess Cerdenola

Janelle Isaacs celebrates

Brad Collet with Zennon Els and Scott Dobson

Joanne Lynch with husband, Peter, Quentin Campbell and family 5 and daughter, Alexandra New Vice President: Vivienne Watts Shares her vision

Dr Vivienne Watts has taken up surgery. I the position of Vice President married a Academic at Avondale in 2004. minister and Prior to this appointment she spent six years in was a Senior Lecturer in the various parishes in Faculty of Education at Central the South Queensland University. Vivienne Conference, during has a wealth of experience in the which time I completed my higher education sector and brings music studies in voice and was to Avondale a multi-disciplinary a nurse educator for some time. background in nursing and My husband and I then spent What are your frst impressions teaching as well as a broad four years at Andrews University of being back on the Avondale understanding of the university where I completed a Bachelor of campus? sector. Science in health, a Master of Arts Staff genuinely care about in religion and also upgraded my each other, work hard, and are Vivienne, before taking up this nursing qualifcations. dedicated to their Lord and to appointment, how much did you their profession. The rural setting know about Avondale? Upon my return to Australia is ideal for a spiritually-focused As an alumnus of Avondale, I worked as a charge nurse in education and some of the I have followed the progress a Melbourne public hospital, facilities are among the best that I of the institution with keen completed a Graduate have seen. Of course there is still interest. Also, I have kept in Diploma in Education and much to do but the enthusiasm touch with friends who were worked as a primary teacher and positive attitude that exists my contemporaries at Avondale. before becoming a parent and among staff and students lay a Recently I was a member of one commencing employment at solid foundation for growth in the accreditation panel for the college, the then Capricornia Institute of higher education sector. and this accreditation process Advanced Education. During gave me some insights into my tenure at that institution, it What is your vision for Avondale in its current form. changed its name and identity Avondale? several times, so I have had the Avondale College already has You graduated from Avondale experience of being part of a a reputation for good teaching, in 1971. What did you do developing institution that now personalised curriculum, small after gaining your Avondale enrols more than 20,000 students. class sizes and its Christian ethos, experience? I completed my PhD in 1997 at and I think these characteristics I worked as a theatre nurse in the Queensland University of should be maintained. In several hospitals in Queensland Technology, which houses the addition, I believe Avondale has and specialized primarily in largest teacher education faculty the capacity to operate at multiple the areas of renal transplants, in Australia. sites, thus making a Christian eye, vascular and general 6 education accessible to more people. The Sydney campus in particular could be expanded and new sites established. Associate VP

In the scholarly realm, I would like to see the institution Harwood Lockton rises to acknowledged for its scholarly and innovative work, offer top job after 25 years of doctoral degrees, and be a leader in at least one area of scholarly activity. service to Avondale

I would like to see Avondale take Harwood Lockton has recently well as present it in an appealing an entrepreneurial stance so that, been appointed Associate Vice manner in their daily lives.” a signifcant percentage of its President (Academic Affairs) annual operating income came at Avondale. The position was He added: “I enjoy working at from its scholarly activities. created due to the increasing Avondale because it’s a very complexity of government congenial environment – great I believe that the Adventist legislative requirements for colleagues, great students. I church has been actively involved academic bodies and the have particularly enjoyed taking in indigenous education for a additional workload that this students overseas on service long time and Avondale could brings. Mr Lockton has worked projects over the past decade capitalize on this involvement by as a lecturer at the college for 25 and setting up the International creating educational and career years and his teaching load has Development Studies course.” pathways for selected indigenous been assumed by Brad Watson. Mr Lockton will also be assisting students. with Avondale’s university status Mr Lockton said his vision was application. On the innovative side, camp to see an increase in enrolments meetings and other church at Avondale but he also wished gatherings could become virtual to see students grow in campuses and include tertiary their understanding of subjects in their workshop Christianity. programs in association with “I would like students distance study. In this way, to have a growing people could access tertiary level understanding courses that accumulate over time of what it toward a degree. Avondale could means to think also host Bible conferences that ‘Christianly’ provide a forum for church people - to engage to present the results of their own intellectually Bible research. with our faith and then In collaboration with established to link our universities, and through the use heads with of technology, we could broaden our hearts the range of courses and subjects and hands,” offered by Avondale so that more he said. Christian graduates are able to “Graduates go out into a greater diversity of of Avondale professions. should be able to intellectually defend their Christianity as Student Volunteer Awards Faithful service recognised

Avondale Bachelor of Business staff and students in her graduate Heidi Randall won the service locations. “She has inaugural Avondale Volunteer a real heart for service, Service award for 2003 at an and was considered a most Awards ceremony at the college in worthy inaugural recipient November last year. of the award,” he said.

Heidi served in Japan for two Heidi graduated in years in between studying for her 2003 and is teaching in degree. South Pacifc Division Brisbane. Volunteer Services Director Pr Mel Lemke said that Heidi was The 2004 winner of the very much appreciated by both award was announced at a ceremony in March. Scott Wareham served as a Dean for a year in 2001/2002 at Shannedoah Academy, in Virginia USA, and last year he volunteered in the North New Zealand Conference The sponsors of the Avondale working with the Youth Volunteers Service Award are department. Scott is now working Marion and Cyril Youlden, and with returning volunteers on the Anna Rieger. This is a perpetual college campus to help integrate award of $500 each year. them back into Australian life.

Students Rewarded for Achievement and Service

achievement in 2003. Lorinda is now teaching at Longburn College, New Zealand, and Owen is employed by the South Pacifc Division in its auditing offce.

Each year the Alumni Association makes an award of $1000 to Bergmann for her enthusiastic a fourth-year student involvement in projects such Lorinda Bruce and Owen Ryan, who has been involved in service as StormCo, a student mission both fnal-year students, won the to the community. The 2003 outreach program, throughout the Avondale Foundation award was presented to Michelle year. She now works in Sydney. 8 Awards for outstanding Building for the future Thank you!

Your support to the annual appeal and bi-annual offering will be invaluable to the future of Avondale 9 Homecoming 2004 August 27-29 1934, 1944, 1954, 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994 Guest Speaker: Dr Niels-Erik Andreason, former Avondale lecturer and currently President of Andrews University

Program features include:

Friday Sabbath Sunday

Murdoch Lecture 11.00am Sanitarium Breakfast Golf Classic (registration Dr Andreason Sabbath services necessary) Alumni Luncheon Class year luncheons and (reservation essential) reunions Vespers President’s Reception (reservation necessary) Homecoming Concert – Jaime & Emily Jorge

Reunion Hosts and co-ordinators If you want more information about the weekend, or if you can can help connect with students from your era, these are the people to contact.

1944 Russell Kranz, 02 4973 3147 1954 Des Hills, 02 4973 3520, Eleanor and Ken Thomson, 02 4977 1061 1964 Judy Banks , 02 4977 1744 1974 Michelle Coltheart, 02 4950 5603 1979 Linda Wemyss, 02 4970 5598 1984 Len Hokin, 0407 736 168 1994 Karena Deppler, 02 4977 1265

Hosts are appointed by the Homecoming Committee and they do their best to contact the student group from each honour year. This is not always easy and we solicit your help in spreading the word about dates, times and program details; or by updating our database with a current address. 10 My Avondale adventure

Over the years I’ve learned that thousands of miles college is not just an opportunity from home wasn’t to obtain an education but also an really a concern. opportunity to grow closer to God Getting to see the and to see His hand in your life. amazing beaches and Deciding to come to Avondale the kangaroos was was not an easy decision; also defnitely a plus however, seven months later I am but more importantly still here in the great metropolis being here at Avondale of Cooranbong continuing with has shown me a clearer my Avondale adventure and I can picture of Christ, His safely say that it is by far one of character, and what it the best decisions I’ve ever made means to let Him have in my life. complete control over my life. Coming to Avondale meant Of all the lessons adapting to another country and learned since my culture and while that was a arrival I’ve discovered slight challenge, ftting into the that a new country atmosphere and spiritual structure and a new university at Avondale was pie. After will not hinder Gods plan for me, and to my life and I know that just one week on campus I was they have simply added another what I’ve learned and experienced totally absorbed in the amazing dimension of perspective and here will stay with me long after praise and worship styles and strength to my life that were the educating ends and my plane felt so blessed for having met so absent before. Simply, I feel my lands back home. many wonderful people in such Avondale adventure has been an – by Sarah Postler a short period of time that being enormous asset to my education Michigan, USA Words to Live by

Accept that some days you’re the It may be that your sole purpose If ignorance is bliss, why aren’t pigeon, and some days you’re the in life is simply to serve as a more people happy? statue. warning to others. You may be only one person in Always keep your words soft and Never put both feet in your mouth the world, but you may also be the sweet, just in case you have to eat at the same time, because then world to one person. them. you don’t have a leg to stand on.

Always read stuff that will make Birthdays are good for you; the A truly happy person is one who you look good if you die in the more you have, the longer you can enjoy the scenery on a detour. middle of it. live. Happiness comes through doors If you lend someone $20, and Ever notice that the people who you didn’t even know you left never see that person again, it was are late are often much jollier than open. probably worth it. the people who have to wait for them? Don’t cry because it’s over; smile The early worm gets eaten by the because it happened. 11 bird, so sleep late. Wrasses and Brown

Underwater+ Escapades Barrels By Jason Morton BSc, Lecturer Biology Ever since my earliest memories I have dreamed of becoming a biologist. Now living the dream, I fnd it hard to convince colleagues that my occupation is indeed work. My work currently use of SCUBA for fsh surveys slopes in 40-degree heat, fending involves completing a PhD and the following of individual off leeches, ticks, stinging nettles research project on the ecology fsh using a handheld underwater and lawyer vines. This is real of wrasses on temperate rocky digital camera to record work! Former Avondaleans will shores with support from an behaviour. An average week be familiar with the Watagan Academic Postgraduate Award involves between six and fourteen (APA) scholarship (University of hours under the water following Mountains which form a forested Newcastle) and Avondale College. fsh; enough time to recognise backdrop to the College on the individual fsh and make you western horizon. Geologically- Wrasses are coastal fshes often feel very much part of the whole speaking, the Watagans are mostly displaying brilliant colouration underwater environment. formed from sedimentary rocks and a wonderful curiosity for which have weathered to produce divers. These fsh are best known The overall aim of the project is for their ability to change sex, to gain a greater understanding generally low-fertility soils. But with all individuals starting of these currently poorly known at Mt Warrawolong, which at life as females then, for some, fshes with the purpose to predict 641 metres above sea level is the changing sex into males. Wrasses the effect of fshing pressure on highest point in the Watagans, are a highly variable family with rocky reefs. Several interesting things are different. Here there species ranging from the Cleaner discoveries have already been is a capping of basaltic lava Wrasse (the ones we often see on made but I must look forward to some 100 metres thick. This has wildlife documentaries pecking many more diving hours before parasites off other fshes) to the my underwater friends provide produced different soil and hence very large Humpheaded Maori answers to my growing list of the mountain hosts a number of Wrasse and Eastern Blue Groper. other questions. plant species which are not to be found elsewhere in the vicinity. My particular interest in wrasses Embracing Brown Among these is an isolated involves looking at population population of about 200 individual trends and discovering more about Barrels trees of the majestic Eucalyptus the life of these fshes. Questions of particular importance include: by Howard Fisher MScAgr, fastigata (brown barrel). The What do they eat? How old are PhD, Senior Lecturer, Geography largest one has a girth of 5.5 they? Who are their friends/foes? metres. Do they travel far? When do they Unlike my youthful colleague reproduce? At what age do they Jason, who drifts blissfully Mt Warrawolong presents the full change sex? Most of my research beneath the waves, I urge my range of aspects, right around focuses on the Terrigal, Norah the compass, and provides a chronometrically-challenged Head and Catherine Hill good opportunity to study the 12 Bay area and involves the frame up and down 45-degree effects of aspect-related factors on the distribution patterns of the One fnding that has come to light members of the fora, especially is that there are very few young brown barrel, which is restricted brown barrels here. When the to the south- and east-facing old ones die, there may be none slopes. In addition there is an interaction with the rainforest to take their place. This could communities which occupy the be attributable to the absence more-sheltered gullies. I am of fre in recent years, and the completing a census of the brown consequent development of a barrel population, which includes smothering understorey of other mapping the locations of the plants, mostly rainforest types. individual trees, determining the The balance of the communities distributional limits, and recording their girths. To measure the latter and the fate of the brown barrel I literally hug the trees, embracing population could depend on them with a tape measure. For the striking of a match – or a the big ones, the embrace is lightning bolt. cumulative!

ACF INVESTMENTS LIMITED Some questions answered α[email protected]

Who is ACF investments limited? us to operate on a margin of about 2% be operated like a bank account. ACF Investments Limited is a company (compared with 3% for banks) and still Withdrawal of funds is quick and easy. owned and operated by The Avondale add to reserves and contribute substantial Provided you telephone us before 4.00 Foundation under the direction of amounts each year to Avondale College. pm we will electronically transfer your a group of experienced Adventist withdrawal to reach your bank account businessmen who give freely of their How easy is it to open and operate an by the following day. time to support Avondale College. account? The company has been operating Accounts can be opened by mail. Why invest with ACF investments? successfully for twenty-four years. Request an Information Pack and fll out We can offer you personal service. Today it has about 900 depositors. the application form and mail it to us Don’t get shunted around the country Over the last four years deposits have with your cheque. We pay interest at the to call centres. Just ask to speak to Fay increased from $15 million to $37 end of each quarter 31 March, 30 June, or Chris. million. 30 September and 31 December. Interest can be paid directly into your nominated Our investment policy and How are the funds deposited bank account or added to your term procedures are designed with the invested? deposit. primary purpose of protecting your Most of the funds received are invested funds. We avoid risky investments. in frst mortgages over property up to Can I withdraw amounts from a term 66% of their valuation, which means deposit before maturity? the loans are very secure. At call cash is Unlike other fnancial institutions, we No fees or charges held with the Church central bank. No will allow you to make one withdrawal money is invested in shares in the stock of up to 20% of the amount in a term We offer competitive interest rates market. deposit without an interest penalty. If you withdraw the full amount on deposit Flexible term deposits with How is it possible to offer interest before maturity the interest rate will be withdrawals permitted prior to maturity. rates higher than banks? reduced to the at call rate. We have a policy of offering deposit Our profts are used to support rates higher than offered by Banks and What investment terms are available? Avondale College adding to the $5 Building Societies. We are able to do We offer terms of at call, 3 months, million already contributed to the this because we do not have a large 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and college. expensive branch network. This enables 60 months. An at call account can α[email protected] Campus News - New Faces

Dr Ross Cole Avondale College. Lyell’s role (1980, 1992) will include preparing worship has been resources and offering training Deputy Vice- in worship leadership around the Chancellor at SPD. Pacifc Union College and Graeme Tretheway (1979, 1987) Leticia Maguire (Lee, 1995) and is lecturing in has joined the Tamma Miller (2001) are our two Theology at Avondale. Avondale library new Student Recruiter/Advisors staff. Graeme in the Marketing Department in Dr Jean Carter (1982) was was a high Bethel Hall. the Associate school History National Teacher and Shane Roberts (1998) is the Education later a Teacher new Assistant Director Librarian who Director, Men’s (Curriculum) has taught at Residence, in for Adventist Longburn, Macquarie College, Watson Hall. Schools in Avondale High School and in the Shane has Australia Catholic school system. experience in before coming pastoral ministry to Avondale to lecture in the Brad Watson (1994) is in Sydney. Education department. lecturing in Geography and Dianne Hillsdon (1997) is a Dr John Watts (1972) has joined International former principal of the Adventist the Education Faculty specializing Development. in mathematics education, and Brad has in Hurstville, assessment worked at Sydney and is and evaluation. Kabiufa an experienced John lectured High School English at Central 1995-96, Sonoma College 1997, Language Queensland Carmel College in Perth 1998- teacher. She University for 99, and Gosford Christian School is teaching sixteen years from 2000-2002. During 2003 English prior to joining Brad worked for Asian Aid as language the Avondale marketing manager and assisted in students at Avondale. staff. After project and policy review. graduating from Avondale, John Marcia was in pastoral ministry for ten Carmen Booyens (1998, 2003) Townend years, including two years as is the new Lab (2001) will Associate Youth Director for the Technician for be teaching Victorian Conference. Biology. She microbiology has previously and Pastor Lyell Heise (1969) is worked for biochemistry a former Avondale College Sanitarium for one Church Senior Pastor. His new Technical semester. role is lecturer in the Theology Services. department and Director of the Worship Institute, which is 14 jointly sponsored by the SPD and Alumnotes

Avondale in the Edith Falcke (Freeman, 1942), Tasmanian Conference. writes from , “I Pastor Graham was a college student, and (my Sutherland (President), husband) was not. Two of our Verona Kerrison, daughters spent some time at Glenda Amos, Dean College. But old friends are true Way, Ray and Hazel friends and the older we become, Stanton were voted (the more) we like to refect on onto the committee. We the past. Dave Caldwell (1943) would like to thank this and I were young friends. I wish dedicated team for their I could write like he does. We support. both attended the small Moonee Eva and friends Ponds Church in in our Inset: Eva Kevin Judge crossed childhood. We are the same age. the ditch to attend the We had lovely Godly teachers Eva Everett (1951) North New Zealand and and they set a pattern for us to has organized 15 South New Zealand camp follow”. walkathons since meetings. Kevin reported 1980 for charities that Friends of Avondale See Edith and Dave (circled in in her community. meetings were also held at photograph below) as they were in Some of the recipients these events. the Moonee Ponds Church Group that have benefted from her “We had a very positive response and (inset) Dave as he is today. enthusiasm are Blue Gum from those Lodge, Jacaranda Lodge, Cancer who came Research, Christmas Camp for along and Blind Children, child abuse, everybody Flying Doctor Service, Spastic enjoyed Centre, Bible Society, Wauchope themselves,” Hospital, Wauchope Ambulance he said. “I Service and the fre brigade. always look Approximately $20,000 has been forward to raised over the past 22 years. Well meeting done Eva! former Avondale Camp meetings students Avondale was represented at three at camp Conference camps in January, meetings. It’s 2004. Dr John Cox traveled south also a good to the Tasmanian camp meeting opportunity and enjoyed a very hospitable for old friends time with the attendees. During to relax and the week, John hosted an evening catch up with meal, during which he shared each other his vision for Avondale’s future. in a social A support group made up of environment.” Friends of Avondale was also elected to further the interests of 15 Marketing Avondale to the Orient

The Year 2003 saw the recommencement Avondale of the Elicos (English Language also provides Intensive Course of Study) at Avondale consultancy after a ten year or so lapse due to a to some of downturn in the industry. Avondale has the Bilingual responded to the need for reputable Schools in Language Centres in Australia as a Thailand means for attracting students to learn where there English and later degree courses, as well is a growing as those articulating into degree courses market and from those started elsewhere overseas. interest. This contact Asia is our closest target area for will serve recruiting students and we visit these a ready- countries at least yearly to make contacts market for and cultivate interest in Avondale. Our Avondale safe, rural campus along with smaller as students class numbers has appeal to this market. complete Another rewarding experience took place We have targeted Korea, Japan, Thailand their schooling and look for tertiary last November, 2003 in Bangkok when I and China along with Hong Kong, where education abroad, especially as many visited the Klong (community in poverty good relationships have developed with will have visited on a study tour and have built over the cities water-waste and institutions such as Sahmyook University fallen in love with Avondale’s charm. refuse), which has evolved right beside in Seoul, S’th Korea. a beautiful Muslim mosque. Teachers As part of the Avondale recruiting team at the Bangkok Bilingual school have Study Tour Groups who visit Avondale I have had the privilege of visiting some started a soccer team, and from the trust have opportunity to experience intensive of the countries. On these marketing engendered have moved onto offering English learning, the Australian culture trips I have also been able to lend a English classes to the youngsters of and scenery through excursions, and hand to the local expatriates who are the community. My help in teaching experience Avondale and community reaching out into the communities in was a welcome aid to the two teachers (through home-stay) hospitality frst which they live and serve. One of the who cannot keep up with the growing hand. Dear to our hearts has been a experiences I found enriching was in numbers of children coming each week visiting Thai group each year for the Japan (June 2003), as I worked alongside to sing Christian songs and learn English. past four years. These predominately the Yokohama International SDA Church Buddhist students have learnt English in their outreach to the homeless. Led The world is our oyster presently as with our special Avondale-brand of by Pr. John Fraser and his wife Ann, this opportunities arise to teach English, teaching i.e., using the parables to teach church group fed hundreds of homeless and may it be that we fulfll the ‘great the stories which form the content base. men on Sabbath afternoons, frst commission’ in so doing. Not only have the students loved the ministering to their material needs, then stories – new to them but they have appealing to their spirituality through Lyn Medhurst fourished with this method of learning. song and conversation. Avondale Language Centre Manager Study Tours Director