A reflection on the past year at Selwyn College from the Warden, Luke McClelland.

As I reflect on the year, I am reminded of an apt whakatauki, “Ka mua, ka muri”, which translates as walking backwards into the future. In other words, the past being central to and shaping both our present and future identity.

This of course is relevant to Selwyn College’s 126-year history and tradition as an Anglican institution. It is also relevant I believe to how unforeseen events affect us, both as individuals and communities, in that transformative experiences are carried forward with us in our kete for life.

Three significant events come to mind when thinking about the Selwyn College community this year: the Christchurch terrorist attack; the death of Mason Pendrous at a residential college in Christchurch; and the death of University of Otago student Sophia Crestani at a North Dunedin flat party. Members of our community were significantly affected by these events, as they were by a myriad of other individual and personal situations.

A fundamental and ever-increasing aspect of our work at Selwyn is the provision of pastoral care and support. In addition to the senior staff who live on-site, others who contribute to this duty include the College Chaplain, Sub-Wardens, our Administrator and wider college staff, in particular our dependable Domestic team, who each year establish close connection with residents of the floors/buildings they are charged with looking after.

I could not ask for more from the Selwyn staff – each demonstrate immense loyalty to the College and dedication to their work, all to ensure the resident experience is as safe, supportive and enjoyable as possible. I have also been extremely humbled by the manner in which Selwyn residents have looked after one another, led in particular by the elected members of the Selwyn College Student Association and the Returners (second year residents).

After a wonderfully rewarding year as Warden, it is this, in addition to the hopeful new and affirming phase for Selwyn College that I am contemplating as I walk backwards into the future.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Luke McClelland

Warden, Te Maru Pūmanawa (Selwyn College)