Monday 14th March 2011
The College welcomes back its first group of students as part of the University of Canterbury's re-start programme.
We are proud to report that our housemen and housewomen are cheerful and pleased to be back in residence.
Friday 11th March 2011
In line with the University's re-start programme, College House staff look forward to welcoming back on Sunday evening, all students whose courses begin on Monday 14th March.
As other course resumption times are confirmed College House will support our students’ progressive return to the House, with 6pm return time expected on the evening prior to course commencement.
There have been progressive checks of our buildings and our site that have been taking place since the earthquake. And our students will return to some changes. The College House Dining Hall, Kitchen, Main Block and Chapel are closed as a precautionary measure to allow for engineers’ recommendations for detailed checks to be carried out and if necessary, for remedial attention to be given to those areas. The Dining Hall is being relocated to the Recreation Block area and a relocatable kitchen installed alongside. Formal Dining traditions will continue. Main Block students will be housed in the Lodge while structural checks continue.
Wednesday 9th March 2011
Message from the Principal.
College House and the other halls of residence are working co-operatively with the University’s progressive restart planning and we will re-open from Sunday evening 13th March with 6pm dinner for those students whose courses commence the following day; Monday 14th March.
As other course resumption times are confirmed College House will support our students’ progressive return to the House, with 6pm return time expected on the evening prior to course commencement.
There have been progressive checks of our buildings and our site that have been taking place since the earthquake. And our students will return to some changes. The College House Dining Hall, Kitchen, Main Block and Chapel are closed as a precautionary measure to allow for engineers’ recommendations for detailed checks to be carried out and if necessary, for remedial attention to be given to those areas. The Dining Hall is being relocated to the Recreation Block area and a relocatable kitchen installed alongside. Formal Dining traditions will continue. Main Block students will be housed in the Lodge while structural checks continue.
We intend that our students will enjoy full academic and tutorial support. The calendar will inevitably require some adjustments but wherever possible, traditions will be maintained.
We know and trust that our students will be resilient to the changes that this year will bring, and we look forward to welcoming our students back to our own re-start programme at College House.
Laraine Sharr (BM)
Tuesday 8th March 2011
Following the Vice Chancellor’s announcement of a progressive re-start at the University of Canterbury, all Room 16’s will be in contact with their House members to determine their individual course start dates and their return to CH. The expectation is that CH students will return to the College on the afternoon before their course begins, in time for 6pm dinner that evening.
BM will be in contact with all students today by email, with more details.
Monday 7th March 2011
The College is awaiting an announcement from the University later this evening relating to the return of students to the campus.
The university has indicated it is unlikely to reopen before the 14th March. CH students should not make travel plans yet and families might like to wait before planning vacations because student holidays are likely to be changed when the university reschedules its academic programme and calendar.
We urge any CH students considering taking up an exchange with another university in NZ, to please contact the Dean, David Leavy, to discuss.
A final inspection of the College House buildings is taking place this evening.
We advise students to check the university’s website for regular updates and all CH students will be contacted by the College with confirmation and further details about when to return.
Thursday 3rd March 2011
The College Administration Office has re-opened.
The university has indicated it is unlikely to reopen before the 14th March.
CH students should not make travel plans yet and families might like to wait before planning vacations because student holidays are likely to be changed when the university reschedules its academic programme and calendar.
We advise students to check the university’s website for regular updates and all CH students will be contacted by the College with details about when to return.
If students wish to collect gear from their rooms, they must make a time through the CH office reception and must visit during office hours; Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
College House is pleased to be able to offer the engineering firm Tonkin and Taylor temporary office space in the Study Centre over the next couple of weeks as they assist the Earthquake Commission.
Wednesday 2nd March 2011
A number of staff have returned to the College, and the Administration Office has re-opened.
College House is so immensely proud of the work being done by College House recent alumni and other University of Canterbury students who are involved in the Student Volunteer Movement - helping in the eastern suburbs. An incredible demonstration of volunteerism.
Monday 28th February 2011
College House is pleased to be able to offer the engineering firm Tonkin and Taylor temporary office space in the Study Centre over the next couple of weeks as they assist the Earthquake Commission.
Friday 25th February 2011
Kitchen staff, tutors and the last of our students have this morning prepared 200 lunches for the Student volunteer army.
All CH students will have left the College to be with their families and friends by this evening.
The College will be closed for a long weekend, allowing staff time to be with their families and to fix their own homes.
Skeleton staff will return to the College on Wednesday 2nd March.
The university has indicated it is unlikely to reopen before the 14th March.
CH students should not make travel plans yet and families might like to wait before planning vacations because student holidays are likely to be changed when the university reschedules its academic programme and calendar.
We advise students to check the university’s website for regular updates and they will all be contacted by the College with details about when to return.
All parents will have been contacted by phone by a member of the College House staff by Sunday evening at the latest.
College House is pleased to be able to offer the engineering firm Tonkin and Taylor temporary office space in the Study Centre over the next couple of weeks as they assist the Earthquake Commission.
Thursday 24th February 2011
A small number of College House students have remained at the College waiting for flights.
20-25 were able to assist with the Student Volunteer army with digging sand and silt in the outer suburbs.
The tutors, when not assisting with the volunteers, have been shuttling our students to the airport and we have been tremendously grateful to them and proud of the work they have done in supporting our students.
Wednesday 23rd February 2011
The University of Canterbury has officially announced it will be closed until further notice.
For more updates on the University's status please visit http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
A number of students are still in residence at CH although many have returned home to their families.
Those in residence are safe and warm on site and well fed.
The CH buildings were today inspected by university engineering staff and have been judged safe.
Although some superficial damage has been sustained, the structure is sound.
The suburbs of Ilam and Avonhead have fared well.
EARTHQUAKE - Tuesday Feb 22nd 2011.
Earthquake response at College House:
Students are all accounted for and safe and well although shaken.
There are ongoing aftershocks.
The College is following through with earthquake policies and monitoring buildings and the general situation.
For more information please visit the University of Canterbury's website.