Issue 8, Monday 20 May 2002

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 

Peninsula campus staff and students have the opportunity to take part in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea while helping the fight against cancer this week. 

Have a Cuppa for Cancer in the Student Lounge of the Cafe this Thursday  23 May between 10.30 am and 11.30 am. For a gold coin donation you can enjoy morning tea with other staff and students with all money raised going to the Cancer Council of Victoria to assist in cancer research, education and prevention.

Health and fitness news

Walking group

A regular walking group has been set up on campus. The meets outside the fitness centre  on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 1 pm for a brisk 30 minute walk around the campus and surrounding neighbourhood. the walk is led by a experienced fitness instructor. There is no need to book and the session is free. 

Mind, Body, Spirit

Mind, Body, Spirit classes, which consist of gentle rhythmical movements, stretching, breathing, postural alignment and relaxation, are currently being held at the Fitness Centre. Classes are at 5 pm on Tuesdays at 5 pm Bookings are essential and should be made by contacting the gym on 9770 1495 on the day of the class. For more information about Mind, Body, Spirit classes, contact Rosemary Bennett on extn 44226. 

The student as researcher

The work of 60 fourth year education students was displayed through a poster session recently as part of the 'Teacher as a Researcher' subject.

The aim of the project was for students to explore the research possibilities in education, including research in schools and other educational settings. The students' research interests included:

• student ability grouping;
•  play and its contribution to the development of children's numeracy
  skills, literacy skills, social skills, and rehabilitation in hospitals;
• students' language and literacy development, including issues of their
  self-efficacy in reading, as well as the experiences of low SES students and students with English as their second language;
• symbolism in children's drawings;
• thematic approaches to curriculum planning;
• student transition between pre and primary school;
• student discipline;
• involving parents, including fathers, in preschools and kindergartens; and
• the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

A special Teachers Walk-Through was also organised as part of the display during which time teachers from the neighbouring education communities viewed the posters and made comments on feedback forms for each poster.

Education lecturer Associate Professor Trevor Gale explained that the posters were more than just 'pretty pictures' but involved in depth research by the students. 

The Research Poster Session was officially opened by Dr Jeff Northfield, retired Professor of Education at Monash University and long-standing advocate of teacher research, and was attended by around 80 students and staff.

Peninsula notes

Social club news

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Staff Social Club Annual General meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 June at 12 noon in C1.02. All members, prospective members and interested parties are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided. 

The next event organised by the Staff Social Club is a music and curry night at Soulsa's restaurant, 341 Pt Nepean Road, Dromana on Wednesday 19 June. The cost is $15 per person which covers a selection of curries served with rice, pappadums, salsa and chutney as well as entertainment. BYO wine. Places are limited so get in early. Payment to Paul De Lange to secure your booking.  

MONSU Service Desk

As of Monday 20 May the MONSU Service Desk will be closing at 5.30 pm from Mondays to Thursdays.

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Director - Peninsula 

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