College Functions
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One of the greatest things about College are all of the fun activities that are organised throughout the year. They provide a great way to meet new people and to make wonderful friendships. Many functions are annual traditions and everybody thoroughly looks forward to getting involved. The functions vary greatly, from formal to fun to fundraising. Students get to dress up in fancy dress or formal wear, play games or receive awards. They are a great and important part of College life. During exam periods no functions are held to ensure that everyone can focus wholly on their studies. Some College functions in 2011 included:
Commencement Dinner
This is our first official Formal Dinner of the year. It is a time where we acknowledge the academic efforts of those students from the previous year across all faculties. Scholarships are awarded to those who excel in their chosen area of study and others who performed at a credit average or above are awarded with a medallion and a certificate of excellence. It is wonderful to see everyone in their formal gear, celebrating their fellow students.
Thunderbolts
A real tradition only at Drummond & Smith! We have our very own bonfire in the courtyard and everyone enjoys the music and games (and a mechanical bull!) with a drink in their hand. In true Thunderbolts spirit, all are dressed up in ‘flannies’. Have a look here for some more info on this amazing function.
Dogs Day
There are two parts to this function. The first part is a game of paintball played out at the venue. With two teams going head to head, they must complete the tasks and overcome the enemy. Try and work together to be the number one team because if you make a wrong move, then you may come away with some war wounds. The second part is a unique experience shared by the whole college. We venture out to Echidna Gully by bus where we are met by beverages, a giant BBQ, a bonfire and karaoke. Always a GREAT night enjoyed by all.
DH Drummond Memorial Lecture
This is an annual formal dinner that recognises the contributions made by D H Drummond to secure a regional teachers college in Armidale. It is from here that the University became existent as the teachers college outgrew its capacity as an institution, hence the creation of the University of New England. With special guest speaker, the Hon. Richard Torbay in 2007, the dinner commemorates the person for which the college was originally named.
Christmas in July
HO HO HO! Let’s celebrate with a delicious formal dinner with a roast and Christmas pudding. Held in D’Week, Christmas in July is all about giving. Secret Santa names are given out to all those who wish to participate. It isn’t about getting an expensive present, just $5 or $10 will do to find a present worth a laugh. Santa will be there in all his glory to hand out the presents from under the Christmas tree.
Awards Dinner
This function is a formal dinner which recognises the achievements of individuals in both men’s and women’s sport as well as our cultural side of the college. Students are awarded trophies, medallions and certificates for being involved in the different sports and cultural events. Sportsman, Sportswoman and Cultural person of the year are awarded at the end of the dinner.
Valedictory Dinner
It is time to say goodbye to those who have completed their degree. A formal dinner is held to congratulate their academic success and to farewell our graduates. Valedictorians are presented with a gift of appreciation from the principal for their studious efforts over the past years. Also at the dinner, the college person of the year will be announced along with the Gil Macpherson award for outstanding achievements in the cultural aspects of the college.
Ball & Ball Recovery
Drummond and Smith's Annual Ball is our most impressive occasion. The afternoon is spent getting ready for the greatest night of the year. Girls get the hair done and their nails done (usually by other girls at College), dresses swap hands, boys iron their shirts and shine their shoes. Every year a special Ball Committee organises a great theme (2011 – Masquerade Ball) and helps with the preparation of the event. Everyone enjoys dinner and dessert while listening to a live band and getting photos taken with the professional photographer. Don’t forget that you will need to get up at 9am the next day for Recovery.
After a night out for Ball, it is time to get up for a day of fun: Ball Recovery. Everyone can relax in the sunny courtyard and listen to the college band. There's the jumping castle, snacks and drinks on a wonderful lazy afternoon. 2011 saw the first Ball Recovery organised in conjunction with our sister College, Duval.
D Week
The beginning of semester 2 brings along another week full of functions. Similar to O’Week, D’Week comprises of 5 separate functions. The first is Mad Hatters, Tuesday and Friday night are dress up functions. Wednesday is the Drummond and Smith Mini-Olympics. Events include egg throwing, potato sack races, egg and spoon races, husband and wife carrying and much more. Thursday night is Christmas in July with a very special visit from Santa to hand out the secret Santa presents while having a delicious roast formal dinner.