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PENINSULA ONLINEIssue 3 Early Years Learning Framework and Standards Panel
"The Australian Government has committed to developing a national Early Years Learning Framework which will have a specific emphasis on play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy skills and social development. The Framework will be linked to the National Quality Standards for Child Care and Preschool to ensure they encompass a nationally consistent and quality early childhood education component. The Framework will be developed in consultation with State and Territory Governments and early childhood experts and educators.
An expert panel has been established as a reference group to guide the development of the Early Years Learning Framework. The Expert Panel Members that will support this work are: Professor Marilyn Fleer, Director for the Centre for Research into Childhood Studies and Program Leader for Primary and Early Childhood Education, Monash University; Professor Alison Elliot, Professor and Head of School of Education, Charles Darwin University; Professor Collette Tayler, Chair of Early Childhood Education and Care, Melbourne University; and Professor Karen Martin, Associate Professor in Early Childhood, School of Education, Southern Cross University. Helen's Experiences at the 2020 SummitProfessor Helen Keleher, Head of Health Science from Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences recently attended the 2020 Summit. The 2020 Summit was held at Parliament House on 19 and 20 April. The Summit was convened by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd with the intention of shaping a long term strategy for the nation’s future. The Summit brought together some of the best and brightest brains from across the country to tackle the long term challenges confronting Australia’s future – challenges requiring long-term responses from the nation beyond the usual three year electoral cycle. To do this, the Government brought together 1000 leading Australians to debate and develop long-term options for the nation across 10 critical areas. Helen was nominated to join the health stream - 'Towards a long-term health strategy'. Helen was kind enough to provide the following report on her experiences at the Summit. “During the two weeks before the Summit, we were asked to register on the 2020 website and then blogs were set up for posting of early 'big ideas'. There was considerable discussion between those attending the health stream and that allowed the Chairs to work up the main themes which formed the working groups during the Summit. Public health was front and centre of the health stream discussions in terms of prevention, health promotion and health inequalities. Public health research was also prominent in the research sub-group which considered health research, research translation and research training.
The working group which I selected was focused on 'health inequalities'. It was significant that the Co-Chairs of the health stream, Professor Michael Good and Minister Nicola Roxon, recognised health inequalities as a key issue for Australia and ensured there was a working group to examine ideas to tackle the growing problems of inequality. The health inequalities sub-group recommended the establishment of a Health Equalities Commission to monitor progress on the growing gap between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in Australia . The first priority of the Commission is to be on closing the gap on Indigenous health outcomes with a simultaneous body of work on poverty, and inequalities emerging particularly among refugee and migrant groups. We discussed the paucity of data about health inequalities to enable action and the lack of sophistication of existing data bases about the nature of health inequalities and their connections with social inequity. It was wonderful to work alongside committed people, dedicated to increasing health equity. As with all streams and sub-groups, our discussions became more intense as we strove towards agreement on our big idea and policy recommendations that had the potential to be taken forward. This had to be achieved by 12md on Day 2 when each sub-group was required to have prepared a communique that contributed to the interim report from each stream. On the morning of Day One, I had raised health literacy as an issue, citing the ABS data that shakes any beliefs we might hold about Australia being a widely literate nation. It was very pleasing therefore, to see the health stream put forward a recommendation for a national health literacy program. Health literacy is of course, integral to the success of the proposed national preventative health agency and strategy. The focus in the report on universal first aid training is an idea likely to appeal to governments but there is a much broader approach needed to overcome the difficulties experienced by far too many Australians in understanding and using health information. For me, being a participant in Australia's 2020 Summit was an inspiring experience - to work alongside people filled with optimism and focused on the future, is a rare opportunity. Sure, there were lots of famous faces there and that was a little surreal but all were there to focus on Australia 's future and that created a terrific atmosphere. Logistically, the whole event was extremely well organised, with a good balance between formal sessions and networking breaks that enabled conversations between people from other streams. The atmosphere was uplifting and often moving. I will always remember the comments from Indigenous friends and colleagues who said that they felt able to sing the National Anthem during the Summit opening ceremony with pride and a sense of belonging for the first time. One of best things about the Summit was the atmosphere of working towards a better future, but the final session was a real highlight. In pairs (the Stream Chair and the appropriate Minister) reported back on the work that came out of their Stream - their 'big ideas' (no more than five) and their policy proposals (one of which had to be cost neutral). Then by 3pm, the draft report containing the proposals of all the groups were presented to the Prime Minister, Keven Rudd in a bound document. We all realised how much had been achieved in such a short time - how well the groups had worked together and just what can be done by a willingness to tackle the big issues and develop solutions. The Summit was just a beginning - there is much work to be done now and Monash University has opportunities to shape research agendas around many of the issues which bubbled up during the Summit" Guidelines for Health & Safety During Student & Staff PlacementsAt the March 2008 meeting of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee, the following document was approved for implementation Guidelines for health and safety during student and staff placements. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that the identification and control of risks associated with placements undertaken by staff and students from Monash University is in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). The placement of students and staff in industries, government organisations and other educational establishments to undertake research, training or work experience is an integral part of many courses at Peninsula campus and the work environment at Monash University. When working or studying in non-University premises, the primary responsibility for the health and safety of Monash University staff and students becomes that of the placement provider. However, Monash University has a responsibility to ensure that the placement organisations provide systems for a safe place of work or study and that students and staff are not put at risk during the placement. Business Associates Breakfast ProgramThe next seminar on the agenda for the Monash-Peninsula Business Associates Breakfast Program will be held on Tuesday 24 June. The topic will be "Forecasting the Future" and will be facilitated by Mr Mark Rodrigues, Senior Economist from the ANZ Bank. Mark will discuss current economic trends influencing future profitability of small businesses and the Australian economy in general. More information can be found on the Faculty of Business & Economics web page or by contacting Narelle Krueger. Mid-Week Get Together: Chocolate Moulding & Origami Box Making
The Peninsula Campus held its fifth midweek get together (MWGT) event recently; Chocolate moulding and origami box making. Students were taught how to mould plain chocolate buttons into creative shapes in the form of animals, flowers, people, and various objects. To compliment the midweek get-together's theme 'Origami box making', a free sushi cuisine was provided. Students helped each other fold and cut paper into boxes to put their chocolates in. They also randomly paired up to answer chocolate quizzes. Prizes were awarded to the most creative boxes. Many of the students commented that the program was fun and entertaining and they learned something new as well as making new friends. Other events held this semester included line dancing, the Monash amazing race, comedy night, games night and chocolate making night.
MWGT is a regular community event for all students. It hosts a variety of both social and educational interactive activities that seek to promote cross cultural interest, competency and friendships among local and international students. It also provides a regular information meeting venue for students to become connected to a team of staff and volunteer students, who can assist with coaching support and resources to assist them with their transition to the university. Planning for future events for semester 2, 2008 is underway and the MWGT committee hopes to see more students who are interested in connecting to the university through meeting other students from other cultures come to these awesome events and to simply have fun. For further information please contact Vandhinak Kim, Student Advisor, Health Wellbeing and Development (HWD) Hub at hub.peninsula@adm.monash.edu.au. An Opportunity to be remembered in Peninsula's HistoryThis year is the 50th Anniversary of the Peninsula Campus. To commemorate this milestone Campus Management has initiated a project to produce a TIME CAPSULE to be opened 50 years down the track in 2058 when celebrating the Campus' Centenary Anniversary. 50th Anniversary BannersSpeaking of the 50th Anniversary, campus Management has secured two new 50th anniversary banners. We would like to offer you the opportunity to display the banners in your area for a short time. You may like to display them in your foyer or at an upcoming event or activity. Please contact Rachael Martyn on 9904-4015 if you're interested. Weekly Meditation and Relaxation SessionsWeekly mindfulness meditation and relaxation sessions will commence on Tuesday 3rd June 2008 in Room A1.19, Level 1, Building A. Our counsellors will take it in turns to conduct the sessions in one month blocks with Sandra McNamara facilitating the first month. No need to book but please do arrive by 1.15pm. For further information call Health, Wellbeing and Development on extension 44223 or email Sandra.Mcnamara@adm.monash.edu.au ‘Walk in Winter’ – Are you up for a challenge?
Don't be a hermit this winter, whack on your woollies and join us for a lunchtime walk! Grab a work friend and join in the fun in the lead up to the 10,000 steps challenge. Register now to take part in a range of lunchtime warm up walks that will take you on a tour of your local campus where you will experience and enjoy your campus' unique flora and fauna. When: Monday 16 to Friday 27 July Random prizes will be awarded to participants. Interested in becoming a walk leader? We are seeking five volunteers to become walk leaders. The walk leader will motivate and encourage all participants as they tour around the campus. The walk leader will also receive a 'Thank You' gift pack, donated by Monash Sport. If you would like to be a walk leader and lead two walks, please email Tanya O'Brien ‘Walk in Winter’ is proudly presented by Wellbeing at Monash (WAM) At Monash SeminarsThe Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedics seminar held on the evening of 21st May concluded the series of three 'At Monash Seminars' held at Peninsula campus in 2008. Through these seminars we have been able to showcase almost all of the undergraduate offerings at Peninsula.While attendance numbers were slightly down on last year, interest levels of those who came were again very high. Many students and parents who attended these evenings have expressed a strong interest in returning to Peninsula on Open Day to explore the facilities and get a feel for the campus where they now hope to study. Hosting the seminars at this time is not only a good driver for our main recruitment event later in the year, but it also provides the Year 10 students in attendance the opportunity to seriously think about courses prior to selecting their VCE subjects. For Year 12 students, the course information provided at the seminars is followed up with comprehensive information about application procedures, fees, scholarships, accommodation, SEAS and the offer process at the Peninsula Tertiary Information Service which will be hosted by On-Shore Recruitment at the campus in June. Seventeen secondary schools in the region will bring their Year 12s to this event over two days. A little bit of Korea in PeninsulaAs part of the Monash Academy study program fifty-five Korean students from Kyung Hee University in Korea have come to study at Monash Peninsula campus for ten weeks. Last week the Korean students treated Peninsula staff and students to a display of Korean culture and traditions at a Korean Expo held at the Seahorse Tavern. Students, dressed in traditional clothes called han-bok, cooked a number of traditional foods including bulgogi (beef dish), kimch (fried rice), kimch (omlette) and jop-chae (noodle dish) and encouraged staff and students to join in a range of traditional Korean games. Delicious aromas could be smelt across the campus and everyone enjoyed themselves. On behalf of Monash I'd like to thank the students from Kyung Hee University for sharing some of their culture with us. Performing Arts Upcoming EventsEmily Loves to Bounce
Patch Theatre Company presents Emily Loves to Bounce an enchanting performance inspired by the books of Stephen Michael King. Balls and boxes, eccentricity and efficiency, spontaneity and organisation, all come together in the friendship of Henry and Amy. Through music, games, songs and dance this acclaimed Patch Theatre production inspires the creativity, imagination and exuberance of childhood. When: Friday 4 July at 10am & 11.45am Aladdin
Monash University School Holiday Program (MUSHP) proudly presents: Alpha Shows Aladdin Aladdin is a classic! Alpha Shows Aladdin is a spectacular musical rock concert for children and grown ups of all ages. When: Wednesday 9 July at 2pm For additional information about the Monash University School Holiday Program (MUSHP) contact Janita Grant 9905 5282 Tom Jones
Frankston Theatre Group presents Tom Jones by Joan McAlpine. Proudly sponsored by the George Jenkins Theatre. Based on the 18th Century novel by Henry Fielding, Tom Jones is rich, ripe and rowdy. Follow the adventures of a man much beset by women and Squire Allworthy's adopted son, as Tom falls victim to the charms of one rustic wench after another. When:
Where: George Jenkins Theatre, Building A, Peninsula campus Antal Szalai & Gypsy Band
ATA Allstar Artists present Antal Szalai & Gypsy Band Antal Szalai is considered the best gypsy violin soloist in the world and the recipient of the coveted 'Ferenc Liszt Award' in 2005. Come and hear the evergreen traditional Hungarian and International Gypsy melodies as well as some of the most popular highlights from the world of operetta. When: Thursday 10 July 8pm FootlooseDromana Secondary School presents Footloose When:
Where: George Jenkins Theatre |
