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Offcourse
Issue 6
November/December 2008
Email Offcourse - Christel.Kent@adm.monash.edu.au.
Christmas Giving Tree
This year MONSU Caulfield
and Monash Sport are asking members of the Caulfield Campus community to
donate a gift to support those in need in the local community at Christmas
time. These gifts will be forwarded
to The Salvation Army for distribution to those in need.
Donated presents for
babies, children, teenagers, adults are gratefully accepted, but often the
collection of gifts falls short in the area of teenagers and adults,
particularly older men, so if you could help in these areas, that would be
helpful.
This year collection
points will be located at:
- MONSU Caulfield
Level 3 Service Desk – under the Christmas tree (9.00 a.m. to
5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday)
- MONSU Caulfield
Level 2 Service Desk – Please hand over your gifts to the service
desk staff and mention it’s a donation for the Salvation Army
- Fitness Centre
Reception – Level 1 Building S.
Donated
gifts are best left unwrapped or in a gift bag - in order that they can be sorted
according to age/gender etc.
In previous
years, the Caulfield Campus has donated between 100-200 gifts for those in
need.
Donated
items will be accepted up until close of business, Friday 19 December 2008.
Campus Christmas Celebration
Close to 200 staff
attended the Campus Christmas Celebration on Friday 5 December.
(Staff at the Campus Christmas Celebration)
The Vice-Chancellor was
in attendance and provided a brief summary of the year. Some of the topics he covered were:
-
successful
year – able to provide a good learning environment for students
-
sound
financial management
-
achieving
major objectives in research and education
-
University’s
research performance has been strong and continues to grow
-
successful
launch of the Monash Passport program
-
international
campuses continue to improve
-
successful
events to celebrate Monash’s 50 years
-
pleased
by the appointment of Professor Ed Byrne as his replacement in 2009
(Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins)
The Campus Singers
performed with a song by the Beatles and some Christmas carols, with staff
encouraged to join in with the singing.
(Members of the Campus Singers)
Thanks to Rowan
Crosbie-Goold who very kindly returned to campus to lead the Campus
Singers.
(Rob Willis & Rowan Crosbie-Goold)
Huge Thanks to Adeline Christie –
Monquil & Christmas Cheer Market
Huge thanks to Adeline
Christie who has coordinated Monquil Quilters during 2008. On Friday 31 October, the Monquil group
donated 31 quilts to the MECWAcare group in Malvern.
(Quilts on display prior to handover to
MECWAcare Group)
Thanks are also extended
to Adeline for organising the Christmas Cheer Market which was held in the
Clayfield Room on Tuesday 25 November.
Stallholders included
olive oil products, jewellery, skincare and body products, natural soy
candles, books, paper, cards and delicious Christmas puddings.
(Stallholders at Christmas Cheer Market)
Update – Sharmaine Squire –
Great Wall of China Walk- 28 September to
3 October, 2008
Upon arriving back in Melbourne, I was
asked about my most trying obstacle. My response was “The spiritual
side was overwhelming and it was very hard to overcome the emotion I was
feeling and was constantly reflecting on why I was there and remembering
all the support I had had and recalling a lot of the stories people had
shared with me about the loss of their loved ones due to cancer”.
It was because of these thoughts, feelings and memories that I actually
forced myself to do some of the wall that I doubt I would have otherwise.
The reaction I received from the other trekkers in my group whilst wearing
the signed T-shirts was unexpected. They’re perfect strangers, but
still understood the messages and feeling for those who had written them
and then sharing their stories also.
Although I did walk as much of the wall as I could, I feel a sense of
accomplishment for me personally and for those who had supported me all the
way, it was the real humane experience I had with the people, place and
culture (in China) that has been so much more overwhelming for me. I loved Beijing and would like
to return some day, under different circumstances.
(Trekking on the Great
Wall of China)
(Stunning views)
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
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 Kristine Banks-Smith, MONSU Caulfield President 2007 and 2008
…..
What are you
studying and how long have you been here at Monash Caulfield?
BBus (Acc)/ BBus (Man) 5 years
What made you decide to become a student rep?
I was never one to sit around and complain, I had to do something about it.
Tell us, a little a bit about your roles with MONSU/MONSU Caulfield -
challenges, highlights, etc.
I started with MONSU Caulfield in 2005, where I ran as a General
Representative on Student Council in the elections, and then over summer
the Welfare Officer resigned. I applied for the position and became the
2005 Welfare Officer. I guess I was a bit of a fast mover due to enthusiasm
and my results driven mentality, so in 2006 I moved to the role of
Vice-President. In 2007 I took the step into Presidency which I held for
two terms, and now knowing what my days of Presidency would entail I would
still do it again.
For me generally the challenges are my highlights. During 2007 ending and
early 2008 were the negotiations over the dissolution of Monyx. Having to
negotiate with people on the other side of the table with high powered
positions and decades of experience on me, was a challenge but a very
rewarding challenge. I learnt what no class room could ever teach, and I
think I learnt many things that others won't be lucky enough to learn till
many years out. The key for me was to know my stuff, and have the
confidence to speak up as long as you remain respectful. It also helps that
I'm a big sports player and what happens on the field stays on the field.
One other highlight would be my time on University Council. I loved knowing
the bigger picture, and this time was probably key in giving me the
confidence to deal with 2007.
Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share?
I made it up for my grade 6 graduation (We had to have one!), but I
think it still rings true "Be, Believe & Achieve". A little
bit along the lines of “fake it till you make it”, but not
quite as fake?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm sure most of you who know me can guess anything sports orientated. My
partner and I are even planning to get into more extreme adventure races.
We competed in the Rat Race the other week which consisted just over a 9
hour period of 30k+ running, 70k+ cycling, plus kayaking and much more.
With you finishing your degree at the end of the year, what are your
plans for 2009?
I will still have a couple of Management subjects that I hope to finish at
night school in Semester 1 2009. I would love to end up in the consulting
field on the strategic financial side, preferably working with medium sized
organisations to help them grow whether it be through utilising their
resources more efficiently and effectively, or harnessing opportunities to
help them move to the next step. I believe my involvement and the role I
played in 2007 lead me to this decision.
However saying that, I'm jobless at this stage, so beggars can't be
choosers, and I will take what I can get come next year. I do have some
work experience lined up over January/February, and I'm hoping this will
give me some vital experience that will open some doors. All offers welcome
;-)
Any reflections on your time here at Monash and Caulfield campus.
I think I definitely harnessed the full student experience. I am grateful
for all the opportunities I have had, and though I know I will miss it, I
am ready to move on.
Lastly thank-you to everyone I have come in contact with. Whether you think
you have made my life hard or easy, they were all challenges that made my
journey so great. Thank-you.
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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