Issue 12, Wednesday 27 October 2004

Celebrations for Education graduates

When 200 Education students at Peninsula campus attended the Graduates' Conference last week, it was a chance to listen to leading teachers and school principals speak about their experiences, as well as a time to reflect on the skills and knowledge they've learned during the last four years of their degree.

The faculty's Campus Coordinator, Bob Greaves said “The idea was to introduce students to the concept of attending conferences and establishing networks."

This was the first time the Faculty of Education at Peninsula campus has held such a conference.

"We hope to inspire the students to be proactive as they embark on their teaching career next year,” said Bob.

Key guest speaker Viv White, CEO of the Victorian Schools Innovation Commission (VSIC), spoke about the profession; the challenges and difficulties but also the rewards and sense of achievement these future teachers will experience.

Her advice to them is to “think actively, act progressively and be aware of what's around you”.

The first of its kind in Australia, VSIC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works with the government, schools and industries to find innovative ways of enhancing education in public schools.

“Students are both the reasons for the work of school reform and are the major resource for accomplishing it, and have the biggest stake in its success” she said.

Awards were also given out on the day to students who achieved outstanding academic performances. The conference concluded with a panel discussion about surviving the “interview” and the first year of teaching.

Helping students prepare for VCE exams

A series of VCE revision classes were held at Peninsula campus on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October, to assist local VCE students prepare for their exams. Conducted by experienced teachers from local high schools and Chisholm TAFE, the classes were attended by over 500 students wanting to get the head start for their end-of-year exams.

The VCE revision classes were organised by the Peninsula Education Precinct, which incorporates Monash University, Chisholm TAFE, Frankston High School and Monterey Secondary College.Classes were at an affordable cost of $10 per two-hour sessions.

Peninsula Campus Manager, Jill McLachlan who played an integral role in establishing the Education Precinct, said “the aim is to develop pathways to assist local students maximise the learning opportunities and outcomes”. As this was a trial program, the success of these classes means that the Peninsula Education Precinct can offer similar programs in the future.

Travelling patterns at Peninsula campus  

Staff and students at Peninsula campus are encouraged to respond to a TravelSmart survey about current patterns of transport usage.  

The information gathered from this survey will be used to help determine:  

• Whether there is sufficient demand to lobby local and state authorities for the introduction of a "round Frankston shuttle bus" that would run from Frankston train station to Peninsula campus,

• Whether there is sufficient demand to consider the reintroduction of a shuttle bus running between Peninsula and Clayton campuses,

• Current patterns of transport usage to determine whether there are strategies we can employ to help reduce the numbers of cars being used to travel to and from the campus each day, and

• Future parking needs of this campus.  

The survey results will play a pivotal part in campus planning hence your participation is essential. Students are also asked to be involved therefore please encourage your students to respond to the survey. Participants can go into the draw to win a prize. The survey is open until 5 pm Friday 29 October.

Staff assistance program  

Effective from 1 September 2004 Monash University has launched a combined internal/external Employee Assistance Program (EAP) whereby staff will be able to access the internal counselling services provided by University Counselling Services or external counselling services provided by IPS Worldwide.  

The Employee Assistance Program provides short term confidential counselling and consulting services that focus on the early assessment and prevention and remediation of personal problems experienced by staff or members of their families in dealing with personal issues.

Staff in a supervisory position can contact Supervisor Assist which is an extension of EAP and an advisory service. They can speak to experienced management consultants at IPS who will assist in discussing strategies aimed at managing organisational issues.  

A briefing session has been organised by the two providers at this campus on Tuesday 9 November, 1-2 pm in room A1.17. To reserve a place, contact Lay Lin Oh.

Peninsula notes

The premiere of

Image: Village Cinemas The Footprints Relay for Life team is delighted to announce that they have secured a premiere showing of Bridget Jones - The Edge of Reason on its official opening night, Thursday 11 November, 7.00 pm at Frankston Cinemas. Tickets are only $9.00 and $8.00 for students. Get your friends together and come and enjoy the long awaited sequel to Bridget Jones' Diary while at the same time supporting the fight against cancer and Relay for Life. Tickets will sell fast, so contact Tanya O'Brien ext. 44317 to secure your booking.

Melbourne Cup lunch

The Peninsula staff social club has organised a Melbourne Cup lunch at the Seahorse Tavern.

With a complementary glass of sparkling wine. Bookings and payment at the Seahorse Tavern.

And why not join in the fun by entering our Melbourne Cup sweeps. At only $2, $5, $10 to enter, you could win...

Basic yoga for relaxation and flexibility

Join Dale Halstead for Yoga for Beginners at Community Services, Group room, building A. Classes started on Thursday 21 st October at 1.00pm

Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket/rug and pillow. Any queries ring Community Services on 44223.

Farewell for Kay Burdett

Kay Burdett, Technical Officer in the School of Applied Sciences and Engineering is due to retire on Friday 26 November. The staff of the School warmly invites all present and past friends and colleagues of Kay to celebrate her years of service.

A morning tea will be held on Wednesday 24 November, at 11.00 am in the foyer on level 2 of building G. To assist with catering, please RSVP by Friday, 19 November to Jenny McGrath ext. 44365.

Authorised by the Office of the Academic Director - Peninsula