Issue 5, Monday 8 April 2002

Great start to new hockey facility 

The new hockey facility recently opened at Peninsula campus by the minister for Sport and Recreation Mr Justin Madden will provide a focal point for students, staff and local community to become a regional centre for excellence in the sport.

The $1 million synthetic facility has been jointly funded by six different organisations including MONSU ($305,000), Monash University ($110,000), Frankston City Council ($163,950), Mornington Peninsula Shire Council ($125,000), Sports and Recreation Victoria ($250,000) and local hockey clubs ($50,000).

Frankston City Council also provided the project management expertise and Monash University will provide further funding for the development of the facility's car park.

In officially opening the facility, Mr Madden said the hockey pitch not only provided a much needed boost for the sport in the region but also showed what could be achieved when communities work together.

"Facilities like this don't just happen. Even with the funding, there is still a lot of collaboration and cooperation needed to make it happen," he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Darvall congratulated all concerned.

'It is important that Monash take an active role in the communities it is a part of, and joint ventures such as these show that we are not just about teaching and research but also about cooperation in many areas."

Justin Madden 'tossed' the hockey stick to begin the Mornington Peninsula Hockey  Club's  Under 11s and Under 13's game.

Monash Peninsula Race Day

The third annual Monash Peninsula Race Day will be held at the Mornington Racecourse this Saturday 13 April.

Students are admitted free to the racecourse on presentation of their student ID card. There are also free course admission tickets available to staff wishing to attend. Anyone interested in attending, should contact Christel Kent on extn 44396.

Japanese visitors enrich school life

Seventy six students from Japan and Hong Kong have recently undertaken intensive English language courses at the Peninsula campus. 

The Monash University English Language Centre hosted 60 Japanese students from Bunkyo University, Notre Dame Women’s College of Kyoto and Fukuoka International University and a further 16 from Sun Kei Secondary College in Hong Kong.

While at Monash the students lived with host families on the Mornington Peninsula, which enriched their overall Australian experience.

The Bunkyo University students have been attending the English Language Centre for many years. Last year 81 students from Bunkyo were on campus between October and December. One of the students who visited previously returned to Melbourne with the latest group in February, and stayed again with the same host family.

This year marks the first visit by students from Notre Dame. These students were able to visit Kananook Primary School, which teaches Japanese language as part of its curriculum. 

The visit provided a valuable and memorable opportunity for both the primary school students and the international students who were able to help the Prep grade children with their Japanese writing.

The students attending the English Language Centre are encouraged to mix with Australian and other international students on campus during their stay, which assists them with their social English and helps enrich their time at Monash.

Japanese Students from Notre Dame interact with students at Kananook Primary School. The Japanese students were also given a tour of the school

Walking away the winter blues

Occupational Health, Safety and Environment will be
coordinating a campus lunchtime walk at Peninsula on Wednesday 1 May. 

Last year OHSE ran successful walks at other campuses and is extending the opportunity to staff at the Peninsula campus this year. 

What can you win when you walk with OHSE?

• You can win a healthier heart
• You can win a fitter body 
• You can win stronger bones 
• You can win improved psychological health 
• You can win an increased metabolic rate and a leaner body 

OHSE considers that every walker is a winner in the health stakes and would like to encourage all Monash staff to set up a regular walking program.

Anyone interested in starting a walking group or just getting out of the office at lunchtime can join OHSE and other Peninsula campus staff on Wednesday May at 1 pm. Walkers should meet at the Fitness Centre.

The walk will be about 2.5 kms long and will take about 30 minutes to complete. All walkers are welcome to join a
complimentary, light, healthy lunch following the walk.

Each participant will also have the chance to win some great spot prizes while receiving some valuable health advice about forming regular walking groups.

If you are have not exercised recently or have a serious medical condition you should check with your doctor before joining the walk. On the day bring a hat, sunscreen, drink and comfortable shoes. 

To register for the walk, contact Angela Wall or Ann Tapley, Occupational Health Advisors at the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on extn 51014.

Peninsula notes

TRIVIA NIGHT

MONSU is holding a free trivia night on Thursday 11 April at 8 pm in the Seahorse Tavern. Finger food will be  provided, and the table that wins each round will receive a jug of beer. Please RSVP for numbers to Sarah Terkuile or Paul Mitchell.

STAFF SOCIAL CLUB

Don't forget to register for the Casino night on Wednesday 24 April. The cost is $8 for members and $12 for non members, which includes the bus trip, buffet meal and gaming voucher. Bookings through Michael Mirra on extn 44212.

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Director - Peninsula 

Contributions can be emailed to julie.ryan@adm.monash.edu.au by 5 PM Thursdays.