Issue 4, Monday 26 February 2001

Orientation welcomes new students

More than 400 new students started the academic year on the right foot last week with a big breakfast before an official opening ceremony in the George Jenkins Theatre.

Muffins, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and OJ were consumed while piper Jacob Oliver entertained the crowd.  More than 30 staff dressed in academic gowns processed into the George Jenkins Theatre for the official welcome and opening of the new academic year.

Following the opening ceremony, current student hosts gave new students the guided tour, which was followed by lunch and further activities in faculty areas.

The activities continue this week with a range of activities including clubs and societies day, ITS drop in sessions, sports & rec day and O'fest which incorporates live music, comedians, outdoor cinema and a DJ.

Campus director John White (standing) together with Frankston Mayor Cr Mark Conroy, Peninsula campus student president Colin Wolfe and campus Orientation coordinator Julie Ryan welcomed new student to the campus last week.

International Women's Day at Peninsula

Every year around the world, 8 March is celebrated as International Women's Day.

This year at the Peninsula campus a lunch will be held in the student lounge to celebrate International Women's Day and to provide an opportunity for staff and students to get together in an informal, social environment.

Please note that this is NOT a 'women only' or staff/students only function - men and community members are most welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Speakers at the Peninsula campus's inaugural International Women's Day Lunch will be publisher Iris Breuer and Sociology lecturer Cathy Lewis. The cost is $4 for students and $10 for staff, which includes a buffet lunch and drinks.

Numbers are limited so why not book a table of eight for your faculty, area or a group of friends. Tickets can be purchased from the Student Union extn 44217, Community Services extn 44223 or Campus Administration extn 44000. 

Inquiries should be directed to  Jessamy Nicholas, Student Union, extn 44217, or Sue Newman in Community Services, extn 44223.

Happy Birthday

It has been one year since staff from the Monash University Centre for Ambulance & Paramedic Studies moved into their new premises at Peninsula campus. 

Centre director Frank Archer said settling into the new building has been made all the easier thanks to the support from the campus and staff.

For a few months before moving into H building, office space was made available to MUCAPS staff in other areas throughout the campus including Nursing, IT and MONSU.

With the landscaping around the new building almost complete, the centre is looking more 'lived-in' and part of the overall campus environment.

The centre has also recently been awarded it's first research grant from the Victorian Trauma Foundation - an arm of the TAC. 

The centre will use the $130,416 grant to explore two unresolved and controversial questions: 1) is mechanism of injury a useful predictor in pre0hospital trauma triage; and 2) what is the appropriate triage strategy for patients who severely deteriorate at the scene or during transport?

Welcome to the world

Congratulations to Peninsula campus Arts coordinator Dr Seamus O'Hanlon and partner Tanja on the birth of Patrick. 
Patrick was born on 18 January weighing 7lb 8 oz.

Pool vehicles 

In 2001 the motor vehicle insurance excess has been increased to $2000 for all drivers irrespective of age or experience. 

The insurance department advises that this was necessary to keep premium levels at the same price as in 2000.

At Peninsula campus, could staff utilising pool vehicles please ensure that they are returned close to full. Bookings for vehicles can be made by contacting Michael Mirra on extn 44212 or Kevin Kenshole on extn 44392.

Massaging away tired muscles 

Do you have sore, aching muscles or suffer from head aches or bad posture? Then maybe a massage could help.

Qualified masseur Kath Tokeley will be available for appointments again this year, returning to the campus this Thursday 1 March. Kath's expertise in sports, remedial, therapeutic and relaxation massage provides options for all those aching and tired muscles.

Prices are the same as last year - $25 for half hour and $35 for one hour.  To make an appointment, contact Community Services on extn 44223.

Notice board

The Occupational Health & Safety Committee at the Peninsula campus requires a secretary. The committee only meets about four times a year. Anyone interested in this voluntary position should contact Jill McLachlan on extn 44339.

Staff are invited to attend an informal ceremony to officially declare the refurbishment of A building open. The ceremony will be held in the foyer, level 3 of A building at 1 pm this Friday 2 March.
An early afternoon tea will be served afterwards and interested staff can join a tour of the new facilities.

With only a few weeks before the kick off of the 2001 footy season staff wanting to join the tipping competition need to register with Michael Mirra on extn 44212 or Di Dibben at the Switchboard. The cost is only $5 and you can submit you tips either electronically or via the card system. To be in it, the money must be paid up by 29 March.

The first Monash Peninsula Staff Social Club function for 2001 will be held on  Friday 2 March at the MONSU BBQ area at 5 pm. First drink is free for social club members.