In Principio v17 no3 (2006)

A Personal Reflection • Executive Dean, College of Nursing, Professor Margot Kearns My first introduction to Notre Dame was early in 2005 when I got the call to come and discuss the prospect of developing the science program in a new Bachelor of Nursing curriculum. I was given directions that led to a derelict schoolhouse in the back streets of inner-city Glebe. After wandering through a building that consisted of bedrooms decorated with religious ornaments I realised I may have been in the wrong spot. Sneaking out unseen, I went to another building that was mostly unoccupied. Here I met Peter Glasson, the Director, and Barbara Newman, the nursing team. During the meeting I heard of plans to establish a new university in Sydney in 2006. Sure, I had only seen two people, and no campus. I left a 'doubting Thomas'. How could they start a new university? On returning to the comfort of my alma mater, a venerable sandstone institution, I did some research on Notre Dame. It did seem like a real university but..... A couple of months passed before the next call. This time I was directed to another derelict school, St Benedict's on Broadway. The job description had changed - dramatically - to Dean of Nursing. I met with the Vice Chancellor, Peter Tannock and he revealed the Notre Dame story and vision. The VC's passion for this venture was contagious and from here on I couldn't stop thinking about the excitement of being part of a foundation team and the daunting challenges it would bring. To write a new nursing curriculum and to seek accreditation with the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW in itself is an enormous task. But to also convince the Board that a building site would be transformed into a quality tertiary institution and to find clinical partners for student placements, all in a six month turn-around, was a tall order. Luckily Dr Lyn Raymond also took the leap of faith and with much help from Fremantle we started the crusade. 18 months on from that first meeting in Glebe, that derelict Broadway school site is a beautiful campus. I am about to move into my fourth office and next year will move into another transformed, former school site at Darlinghurst. The 55 foundation nursing students have completed their first year of study. Our plan for 2007 isan intake of 120 additional nursing students. The Notre Dame School of Nursing is already making its mark in the Sydney healthcare market through student placements at major Sydney hospitals. Someone was looking after us, perhaps St Jude, St Benedict, Our Lady? Along with the Notre Dame energy, commitment and determination the vision became a reality. d CAPITAL DEVE LOPMENTS Major capital development activity is taking place in both Fremantle and Sydney. Fremantle The latest 're-cycling' project, the Fremantle Hotel, was blessed and officially opened on Friday 20 October. Governor and Trustee, Monsignor Michael Keating was the celebrant for this important event. Donors and staff gathered together for the blessing and later enjoyed some 'Notre Dame hospitality' in the hotel's historic bars. Work is scheduled to commence on the new Health Sciences Research building. This new facility will not only be a valuable addition for Health Sciences and research, it will also assist with the general teaching capacity of the Campus. It has been largely funded by a grant from the Commonwealth government. & Installing new insulation in the ceiling of St Teresa's Library. The further development of St Teresa's Library has received approval from the Board. Funds raised through the Annual Appeal over the last two years have contributed to ensuring this up-grade is possible. The Library was developed in the mid 1990's, when the student population was quite small. It is now a priority that it is brought up to a standard to support students adequately. A new ceiling, new air-conditioning/heating and new lighting will be installed. The up-grading is planned to be finished by the start of the new academic year in 2007.