The field trip to island of Svanøy (“Sunnfjords Perle”) – and its “Norwegian Deer Centre” – is a highlight of our annual year’s end. This time in perfect weather.

During the boat trip, the Biology students took oceanographic measurements and samples of plankton. On Svanøy, during the lowest tides, they scattered on the beautiful rocky shore studying ecological niches of algae and animal species. Each student engaged in an individual investigation. Some went to the shore during low tide at 4 in the morning to take additional measurements or check their marked snails. Others lingered in the field lab for hours studying the plankton with microscopes (and some played cards, too). The “Dream Team” of five volunteer students and four staff put up and took down tents, warmed up and served all the meals.

Dear deer

Johan Trygve Solheim, the leader of the Deer Centre gave us two interesting and practical presentations. He shared from his personal experience and insight – and challenged some established views. His first presentation was about the small island community struggling to keep their population and to live sustainably. During the Deer workshop next day, Trygve gave essential information on deer farming, with a focus on sustainability and ethical treatment of animals – while those animals freely mingled and allowed caressing by fascinated students.

Dugnad

In the evening, everybody contributed two hours of “dugnad” (voluntary communal work) – a kind of exchange for free use of the Centre’s facilities: clearing up some cut wood. On the last day, one group went hiking over the island’s top, another group walked with Rannveig Solheim across the island to explore the historical buildings, a small group went diving and the rest enjoyed the sun and swimming in the sea.

As we watched Trygve, Rannveig, their tractor and emerald bay getting smaller from the departing boat, we were followed by (and cheered to) Trygve’s drone.

See the video on the Deer Centre’s facebook page here or here.

For an album of photographs, click here.

 

Inger Johanne Ravn, a family doctor in Fjaler and former UWC Atlantic College student (class of 1991), gave today’s RCN Life Skills session for first years, house mentors, advisors and colleagues in the Care Centre on ‘Health and Wellness at RCN’. Inger Johanne started with a short presentation in the auditorium on diet, sleep patterns, exercise, managing stress – and then ran a hugely stimulating Question and Answer session. Students and staff received many tips / strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

After the session, Inger Johanne offered to meet any students interested in studying medicine at university. Mark, our Senior University Counsellor, and 12 students joined Inger Johanne in the sunshine to discuss a career in medicine.

Inger Johanne was recently voted the Family Doctor of the Year (2018) by her colleagues in Norway – the first time this has been awarded to a female family doctor.

We are hugely fortunate to have her supporting our students and staff – along with the other doctors in our municipality.