St Andrew's College had the great privilege this year of hosting South African writer Marguerite Poland as our first Author in Residence. Over a period of three wonderfully busy days she gave a series of lectures and talks, held a variety of group discussions, and met with individual boys and girls.
A "writer's study" was recreated in the Cawse Library where pupils visited her throughout the school day; in the evenings she was invited into common rooms, or just found herself sitting on the lawns with small groups of pupils eager to listen to her and to tell her their stories. Everywhere she went she was asked to autograph copies of her novel Shades. At the end of her visit she gave a public lecture in the Centenary Hall, attended by many of her fellow writers and fans in Grahamstown.
In every situation, and to everyone she encountered, Marguerite gave warmly and generously of herself, and to everyone who sought her out she listened closely and sincerely.
The subjects which she addressed in her talks ranged from African cosmology, myths and legends, to rugby, male friendships and hero worship. She gave an illustrated talk on the symbolic naming of Nguni cattle, which was the subject of her PhD thesis, and she gave us fascinating glimpses into her current research for a new novel set at St Andrew's College in the 1910s.
Missing Helen8th May 2012
"Missing Helen" will be St Andrew's College and DSG's Dance 2012 Production. Updates on the preparation and production will be posted here.
Ireland Debating Tour4th May 2012
13 College Debaters participated in the St Andrew's Ireland Model United Nations competition in Dublin.
