Issue 2, Monday 10 February 2003

Early childhood education under the spotlight

Early childhood educators and researchers from around Australia and the world meet at Monash University’s Peninsula campus recently for the Annual Conference of Australian Research in Early Childhood Education.

This conference brought together academics and educators involved in a range of early childhood settings to discuss the issues and present research relevant to the needs of children, parents, educators, carers and students.

A range of research was be presented such as the impact on children who experience different childcare settings in their early years, parents’ role in education, the teacher-child relationship, providing relevant opportunities for gifted pre-school children, and teaching methods for educators. 

In addition to the research papers, a symposium and panel discussion was held, highlighting issues of quality, standards and internationalisation in early childhood education, with participants from Canada, Japan, Norway, New Zealand and Singapore providing an international and multicultural focus.

Peninsula campus staff (red) parking permits

Applications for 2003 staff parking permits for Peninsula campus closed on 14 January 2003. Permits paid for may be collected from Ms Lay Lin Oh, in Room C2.08, Administration Building C, from next Monday 17 February 2003, between the hours of  8.45 am to 1 pm, AND 2 pm to 5 pm.

Staff who are unable to collect the permit may arrange for somebody else to do so on their behalf.

Normal parking restrictions will apply on campus from Monday, 24 February 2003. Vehicles parked in permit areas without a valid permit will be issued with a warning notice in the first instance.

Restrictions in the metered parking areas will be enforced to maintain a
turnover of vehicles in these areas.

Investing in your future

Paula Romberg from RetireInvest Malvern is pleased present two FREE workshops designed to help women build their financial independence.  You are welcome to attend one or both workshops.

Getting Started - Thursday 20 March at 1pm in C1.02.
This interactive workshop is ideal if you want to learn about investment principles. Learn how to take financial control by increasing your knowledge about investments, how tax affects your investment decisions and how to manage risk.  Paula will discuss superannuation, whether to repay your mortgage or invest and how making additional contributions before tax to superannuation may benefit you.

Beyond Basics - Thursday 27 March at 1pm in C1.02.
The second interactive workshop lets you explore ways to get greater financial choice. Drawing on the basic principles from the first workshop Paula will compare different investment strategies, delve a bit further into tax and investing and look at borrowing to invest. 

Each workshop will run for approximately 50 minutes, with questions encouraged during the session. A light lunch will be provided.

Bookings are essential and must be made with Kate Chamberlain at RetireInvest Malvern on 9500 1460. Choose the workshop that’s right for you. Or attend both.

NOTE: RetireInvest is more than happy to run similar seminars on campus for men if the demand exists. Please contact Paula Romberg on 9500 1460 to register your interest.

Spinning into a new year

The Fitness Centre will hold the first Spinning Master Class for 2003 on Monday 24 February at 5.30pm. 

The 2 hours class will be taken by three different instructors - Jason 'Killer' Keyt, Paul 'Mad Dog' Mitchell and Tim 'Wildman' Wallace. Anyone wishing to undertake the challenge should book their place at the gym on 9770 1495. The class is free for full members and $7 for casuals.

Orientation 2003

Staff are reminded that if they would like to participate in the academic procession as part of the Orientation Opening Ceremony they must advise Julie Ryan of their highest qualification, the institution where they received that qualification, their height and head size by the end of this week.

If you are unsure if you have registered, you can check whether your name is on the list here.

Congratulations to Bob Greaves, Faculty of Education coordinator, who has been appointed chair of the University Orientation Committee. 

There are many exciting student activities run during Orientation that staff are invited and encouraged to attend including the a fun trivia night on Tuesday 4 March at 7.30 pm in the Seahorse Tavern. Get a team together and compete against other students and staff.

There is also the annual faculty challenge being held on Wednesday 5 March at 1 pm. Staff are encouraged to get at team together to participate. The Campus Admin team currently holds the champion position in this sought after event. Anyone interested in further information can visit the Orientation website or contact Robert Tobin.

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Director - Peninsula