Offcourse
Issue 4 June/July 2008 | Email Offcourse - Christel.Kent@adm.monash.edu.au.
2008 University-wide 10,000 Steps Challenge
Get your walking shoes on, the Monash September 10,000 Steps
Challenge is on again! The 2008 challenge will start on Monday 15
September as a virtual walk visiting all Monash University campuses
and finish on Thursday 16 October.
For some Caulfield staff, this may sound like a repeat walk of a
challenge completed by our campus earlier in the year, but don't let
that discourage you, our campus has the advantage!!
Participants are encouraged to form teams of eight (led by a team
captain) which can consist of Monash staff, family, friends, or
students.
To achieve 10,000 steps in a day, participants will need to
couple their usual daily activities together with a 30 minute walk.
The number of steps walked per day can be counted using pedometers
which will be included as part of each participant's challenge pack.
Team progress can be monitored by the team members using the
10,000 steps website.
For more information and to register for the 10,000 steps event
visit the Occupational
Health and Safety website.
Registration for the event closes on 15 August, so please take
the time to register soon.
Mid-Year Orientation
Approximately 300 students were
welcomed to the Caulfield Campus at mid-year Orientation.
Professor Rob Willis, Campus Director, provided a welcome to the
campus, together with Kristine Banks-Smith, President, MONSU
Caulfield. As a large number of students at the mid-year
intake are international students, Elaine Liu, representative
from the OSS provided some good advice and encouragement for the
students to become involved in university life.
A range of academic and
information sessions, together with sporting activities were held in
the days after the Campus Welcome, with MONSU Caulfield hosting
social activities in Week 2 of Semester 2.
Further to the Profile last month on
Sharmaine Squire ....
Most of us have in some way been touched by
cancer, either through an experience of our own or someone we know.
Monash staff member Sharmaine Squire
from Marketing and Student Recruitment has recently had 2 family
members affected by cancer and felt compelled to do something to
honour her family members.
In September this year Sharmaine is
participating in her own (extended) version of the 10,000 steps
challenge - the Great Wall of China Trek for the Australian Cancer
Research Foundation.
‘I am both excited and nervous about it.
The purpose of this walk for me is to raise funds for cancer
research. My sister passed away from cancer in April this year and
my dad passed away with cancer approximately 18 months ago and I
have been feeling the need to do something, to contribute. I learnt
of an organisation that co-ordinates the Great Wall of China trek
and raises funds for various charities, including Autism Spectrum
Australia, The Spastic Centre and the Australian Cancer Research
Foundation. It also acts as the co-ordinator for a whole range of
other treks which include Kilimanjaro, The Kokoda Trail, Trek for
Tibet and others.’
Sharmaine leaves Australia on Sunday, 28
September and returns on Wednesday, 8 October. To see where
Sharmaine will be visiting on her trip
download her itinerary here.
We are encouraging all 10,000 steps
participants who have been touched by cancer to send Sharmaine a
message of support.
Send your message here.
Sharmaine will also be taking a green 10,000
steps challenge t-shirt with her on her trek to the Great Wall. You
can sign a dedication on the t-shirt to someone you know that has
been touched by cancer. The t-shirt will be sent to you by internal
mail.
Send your interest here in signing the t-shirt, don’t forget to
include your office location so the t-shirt can be sent to you.
Make a donation to Sharmaine’s trek
By making a donation to Sharmaine’s trek, every dollar goes to
funding the major Australian cancer research projects that make a
big difference to our understanding of cancer so we know more about
prevention, can diagnose the different cancers earlier, will be able
to treat cancer more effectively, with less toxicity. Ultimately our
goal is to find cures for all cancers.
If you would like to donate visit the Every day
hero – where living is giving site for
Sharmaine
Squire’s webpage.
Call for new Director of Music for the
Caulfield Singers
The Caulfield Singers is calling
out for a new Director of Music. If you think you have the
skills and desire to lead a group of enthusiastic and dedicated
singers, please contact Eliza Bram via email :
eliza.bram@adm.monash.edu.au
News from Health Wellbeing and Development
Mindfulness Meditation now
offered every day from 12.00 to 12.30 p.m. in the Spiritual Centre,
Building B, Level 1, Room 1.56.
No need to book, just go along.
Please contact HWD on ext 32500
for further information.
Positive Psychology
a weekly discussion group that explores concepts and ideas
in positive psychology. Lead by Jeff McLean (Faculty of
Business & Economics) and Suzanne Wolf (HWD) held every Tuesday from
1.00 to 2.00 p.m. in Building B, Level 1, Room 1.54.
Topics over the next few weeks
include: Gratitude, Win-Win and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies.
No need to book, just go along.
News from the Office of Climate Change &
Sustainable Business Project
On the road to
Oblivion: the future of private transport a presentation by Associate Professor Damon Honnery -
Wednesday 13th August between 1.00 -2.00pm in the Link
Theatre, Building S, Level 2.
Summary: Climate change, peak oil and energy security
are three major issues facing all countries including Australia. If
the climate scientists are correct we have somewhere between 30-50
years to reduce by as much as a factor of 10 our greenhouse gas
emissions. If the Association for the Study of Peak Oil is correct,
we may soon see a decline in the supply of conventional oil. For the
transport sector which is almost exclusively fuelled by oil, the
challenge is even greater. Energy efficiency, alternative power
systems, biofuels fuels, increasing occupancy and mode shift
represent some of the options we have. Will they be enough, or is
time running out? In this talk we will examine what our chances are
of developing a sustainable transport system.
Green Coffee Hour
- Don't forget to come along to Green Coffee Hour - Wednesday 13th
August 10am – 11am at MamaDuke, Basement, Building H. Join with
others to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by
global climate change.
If you would like
to become involved, or want more information please contact
Jeff.McLean@buseco.monash.edu.au Phone 9903 2608 or
Wayne.Gumley@buseco.monash.edu.au Phone 9903 2784
Around the Bay in a
Day bike ride
“Around
the Bay" is one of the world's biggest and most popular cycling
participation events in Melbourne. With a choice of four ride
distances (50km, 100km, 210km or 250km), once again this
year's event offers a challenge for riders of all abilities. The
event will start and finish at the Alexandra Gardens, the
most popular location to date for this event.
TeamMONASH™ will be supporting entrants, with particular emphasis
on assisting 50km Bay ride and 100km entrants.
The first 400 participants to join TeamMONASH™ for this event will
receive a free uniform and gain access to our VIP marquee
where free food and massages are available.
You only have
to follow the three steps detailed on our website and you’ll be part
of the team.
The Smith Family
is the charity linked to this event. All TeamMONASH™ participants
are encouraged to seek sponsorship to help support The Smith
Family’s
Learning for Life program.
And don’t forget to
attend the Pre-Event Function on Tuesday 23 September held at
Monash University, Caulfield Campus to find out further information
about the event and collect your uniform.
For further information, please click on one of the following links:
Website:
http://www.sport.monash.edu.au/events
Contact:
participants@sport.monash.edu.au
Exam Help
Desk
MONSU Caulfield Student Assistance would
like to express their thanks to the many staff who took the time to
assist at the Exam Help Desk at the Caulfield Racecourse during the
Semester 1 exam period – 5 June to 27 June.
The Exam Help Desk is a
terrific service that helps students by providing:
-
Directions to exam venues
-
Exam seat numbers
-
Stationery supplies
-
Assistance with general queries
Look out for the “call for
volunteers” to assist with the Exam Help Desk later in the year.
OHSE Consultant
Peter Fell, OHS
Consultant - Caulfield campus now has an office in Building A, Level
1, Room A1.05. For advice on OHS matters Peter can be contacted on ext. 31322.
Shiatsu Therapy
Shiatsu therapy is massage-style body work
based on Eastern traditions. Each treatment is tailored to
suit each client's special requirements and may also include
dietary and exercise options. Shiatsu provides a
relaxing experience to reduce stress and promote health and
wellbeing.
Sessions are generally 1 hour. Staff and student discounts
apply.
To make an appointment with Alex Caldwell, call the Health
Service on ext. 31177.
Christmas Cheer Market
A Christmas Cheer
Market will be held on Tuesday 25 November commencing at 4.00 p.m.
in the Clayfield Room. If
you are interested in having a table/stall please contact Adeline
Christie via email:
adeline.christie@buseco.monash.edu.au
Women's Networking & Support Group
If
you enjoy meeting other staff on campus over lunch, why not join the
Caulfield Women's Networking & Support Group? The group
meets monthly on Mondays and always has interesting speakers.
If you would like to join or have further queries, please contact
Helen Dunne on ext. 31595 or via email:
helen.dunne@adm.monash.edu.au
Campus Book Club
The Campus Book Club meets on a monthly basis and would welcome
new members. If you would like to join please contact Wendy Plones
via email:
wendy.plones@buseco.monash.edu.au
The Quilting Group
Members from the Women's Networking Group and other staff
continue to meet each fortnight as part of the Quilting Group. No experience necessary, all are
welcome to join. If you would like to join, please contact
Adeline Christie:
adeline.christie@buseco.monash.edu.au
Witnessing of Documents
If you need documents
witnessed, please contact Christel Kent who will
provide you with names of staff who can assist.
If you are qualified to witness documents and you are happy to be
added to the list of those who can assist, please contact Christel
Kent by telephone ext. 31000 or via email:
christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au
Caulfield Profiles
In this edition of Offcourse, we profile Wendy Plones,
Training Supervisor, Technology Services Group (Faculty of Business
& Economics) and convenor of The Book Club ...
What is
your role here at Monash Caulfield and how long have you been with
the University?
I have been at the 'University' since February
1977 when it was the Caulfield Institute of Technology. I started
with the Department of Management as a Laboratory Assistant in the
Secretarial Studies laboratory where my primary function was to test
the students in their shorthand and typing skills.
Where
were you before coming to Monash?
Before coming to 'Monash' I was home looking
after my twin daughters and studying for an Arts degree at Monash in
my 'spare time'!!
What do
you like to do in your spare time?
I love to walk my dogs - a very energetic
Kelpie cross and a Border Collie. I also love my garden (although
you would not think so at present) and I love to read.
Do you
have a favourite quote you would like to share?
Take each day as it comes and always be there
for the family and friends you love..
What was
the name of the last novel you read/or are reading?
Currently reading "My Sister's Keeper". Very
thought provoking. Some of the best books I have read recently would
be "The Book Thief'" and "Cloudstreet" - both thanks to the Book
Club!!
Have you
done much travelling?
Have done lots of travelling in Australia.
Particularly love the Whitsundays and Broome. Went overseas for the
first time in 2006 with one of my daughters. Loved all of it -
Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, England, Scotland and Ireland.
Will be going overseas again with my husband who is originally from
the Netherlands. He has not been back since coming to Australia as
a 9 year old, so it will be interesting to see his reaction,
especially to the Netherlands.
If you would like to be "profiled" in an upcoming edition of Offcourse, please email me at
christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au.
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