( Kate Mooney, Sexuality Officer, MONSU Caulfield introduces Rosemary McKenzie)

(Rosemary McKenzie and Suzanne Wolf)

Positive Psychology

Positive Monash aims to bring positive psychology to Monash, providing different perspectives to help people foster strength, optimism and confidence.

Late in 2008 Positive Monash held a competition asking staff and students to convey their positive stories about their time at Monash.

More than 60 entries were received covering different aspects of university life, from volunteering, favourite teachers and the welcoming environment at Monash.

Winning entries included Meagen Teague, a Master of Education student from the Gippsland campus, who wrote about her experience volunteering to teach international students to swim.

Chana Grossbaum, an Art and Design student from the Caulfield campus, collected handwritten letters from people that told of something they had always wanted to say but had not.

Read Meagan’s and Chana’s winning entries below …..

Meagan Teague

My positive Monash story is dedicated to the deserving participants of the swimming program in Gippsland. They have opened my eyes and my heart to the diversity and richness cherished within our regional campus.

In 2006 I volunteered to lead student trips and tours to various Victorian attractions including; Phillip Island, Wilson’s Promontory, Walhalla, and a delightful Gourmet Trail across Gippsland. These trips were predominately catering for the international students; who without access to a car would otherwise never have the opportunity to visit.

I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, completely naïve about the cultural gap dividing local and international Monash students. After the first trip to the beach- I expected, and was prepared that they would want to go for a swim or at least a paddle, but was surprised when they quickly responded that they didn’t want to be eaten by sharks or drown. Completely dismayed, they admitted they have never been swimming and were afraid of the water.

Once we returned to campus, with the help of Brett Bailey (MUGSU sport and recreational officer at the time) we established a modified learn to swim program offered to all Gippsland students free at the local swimming pool. The essence of the program was to promote and encourage water awareness- so that students would recognise their abilities and competence level to be able to independently enjoy water experiences in the pool and the beach.

Three years on, every Saturday morning (even over uni holidays) up to twenty students, including postgraduates and their families turn up to the local pool, in pants, shorts and tops, smiles and goggles. Volunteering has never been so rewarding -I will never forget the innocent look of terror and absolute trust in their first week; or their progression through to diving and swimming laps with ease. The giggles and laughter echoed in the local pool, as we even attempted water aerobics, snorkelling and our own mini Olympics.

The participants may have gain an invaluable “Aussie” skill in the water, but the impact of their participation has greatly enhanced my positive experiences at Monash. Their warmth and understanding inspired my decision to become an International Student Mentor and to assist with functions such as the International Flag Raising Ceremony, International Education Week, Big Day Out and to become more involved with GAPS, and research activities.

The cultural and spiritual awareness I have developed, also resonates with the local community who have shared the pool, change rooms and saunas during and after the entertaining swimming lessons. The lifeguards and locals have all commented how impressive it is to watch fully grown adults develop from water phobic to comfortable lap swimmers with their own unique flair (you have to watch a Bangladesh kicking style to fully appreciate the joy each Saturday morning).

It is with great sadness that this Saturday will be the last learn to swim offered on the campus. Over 50 international students have participated within the program however, MUGSU sport and recreation department were unable to locate another volunteer to take on the role each week. I am coming to the end of my time on the Gippsland campus after six spectacular years an in the final months of my thesis- I have to regrettably stop offering learn to swim.

This positive Monash story I hope inspires others to take on the role, be a volunteer and gain true experiences, it will open your eyes to a world of opportunities…so thanks to my swimmers- I owe you immeasurably.

Chana Grossbaum

Two words. That's all my Sculpture teacher told us to do. The two magical words, as broad as the ocean and as deep as you want to go, were: People project. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less. We could do whatever we wanted, in whatever capacity, as long it somehow related to people.

He gave us five minutes to rack our brains, search our souls and come up with that elusive something all artists crave: ideas. When it was my turn, the words tumbled out, almost on their own. After that, there was no going back.

I was going to collect as many hand written letters as possible. Each was to carry the same theme: telling someone something you've always wanted to say, but for whatever reason, never had. The letters were to be addressed to the intended recipient, but of course they were never sent. Instead I collected a nice bundle of woes and joys, regrets and secret admirations.

To extend the project, I formed a letter of my own, which I dropped into 50 random mailboxes in my area. In this letter, I explained my motives and asked the stranger to participate in my project by writing a letter and sending it to me. In the words on the actual letter, "one small random act of kindness on your part, is a big, not so random act of pulling together this art piece."

A week later I received a call from 3AW. A friend of the program received my letter and it piqued her interest enough to bring it to the attention of her friend at 3AW. They wanted to interview me about the project the next day on The Breakfast Show.

Of course I agreed, even though the butterflies in my stomach were skydiving off aeroplanes. The next morning, I was interviewed on The Breakfast Show with Ross and John.

Since then, I've received quite a few letters, and some fascinating ones at that. I received one from a disability worker who gave my project as a literacy task to disabled adults. Another came all the way from Dubai and was written by a pilot who was addressing the passenger about the importance of accuracy and precision in being in a pilot. He spoke of how the entire plane can become a 'metal coffin' in an instant if something is miscalculated.

I feel as though this project has given me a window into people's lives. What's important to them, what they wish for and what they would change if they could do it all again.

Everyone has a story inside them. Some will never be told. And some only will if you let go, reach out, dig within and be honest with yourself and the world at large.

Victoria Police Band Rock Caulfield Campus

Members of the Victoria Police Band were on hand to provide some entertainment for staff and students during Week 2. 

Helen Dunne presented the Victoria Police with an Appreciation plaque as a token of community thanks.

( Victoria Police Band)

(Helen Dunne, Campus Manager presents award to the Victoria Police)

Get Up & Go – Walking Buddy Program

Get Up & Go is a new initiative that has being developed by Health, Wellbeing and Development and Monash Sport.  The aim of the program is to encourage walking by pairing volunteers together.

15 Pairs of Walkers and Walkees are currently participating in the Program and if successful will be rolled out across the University.   Even if you are not part of the Program this time around, why not take a break from your desk.  Here are some of the benefits of walking:

A 30-minute walk has great health benefits including

• physical health improvement
• disease prevention
• significant improvement to mental health, helping to reduce depression and anxiety
• positive impact on mood
• increased energy
• improved sleep
• weight loss
• improved study and concentration
• an opportunity for social interaction

What every Man and Woman needs to know about their Health

To raise awareness of men and women’s health issues and encourage men and women to be pro-active about their health, a free seminar is being held for Monash Caulfield staff.

Separate men’s and women’s health seminars will deal with male and female health issues below the waist and will be interactive so your questions will be answered. 

For dates, location and bookings please visit :

http://www.adm.monash.edu/ohse/wellbeing/calendar-all.html/lall

Wellbeing at Monash Committee

Enthusiastic and dynamic new members required.

Wellbeing at Monash is seeking staff with an interest in health and wellbeing to join the Wellbeing at Monash committee.

The aim of the committee is to create a range of dynamic and engaging approaches to increasing wellbeing at Monash, with a focus on improving the physical and mental health across the whole university community.  

The committee provides broad direction and guidance for the Wellbeing at Monash program of events and services.  This is a great opportunity for staff from any campus who are passionate and enthusiastic about improving the wellbeing of Monash staff.

Requirements: Committee members must have an interest in the health and wellbeing of the Monash community and be available to attend at least five (1 hour) meetings per year.

Interested?  Register your interest by emailing the Wellbeing at Monash Coordinator Bryley Sadler- Bryley.sadler@adm.monash.edu.au.  Please include brief details of your current role and your interest in health and wellbeing.

MONSU The Campus Bookstore

Niroshini (Nosh) Thavasingam is the new Textbook Buyer at MONSU The Campus Bookstore.  Please contact Nosh for all your textbook requirements.  She can be contacted on ext. 32147 or via email: 

Niroshini.Thavasingam@thecampusbookstore.com 

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

This month we profile Mara Reifman, Advisor in the Learning Skills area.

How long have you been with the University?

I have been with Learning Skills almost since its beginning, for 19 months now. But I worked at MUELC (Monash University English Language Centre) for 3 years from when I arrived in Australia, in 2002, to 2005.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

I was the ESL coordinator at Care Training Australia, an RTO in Carnegie, for 2 ½ years. I set up their ESL program for migrants and was also coordinating a course in Certificate IV in Community Services.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love reading and going to the cinema. I also sing in a community choir with two weekly rehearsals now as we are holding a big concert at the end of March. I walk every morning before work and it gives me lots of energy but I can’t say I like exercising. Cooking is another hobby, as well as entertaining and making lots of very rich Brazilian desserts. My friends say that when I am having a party they buy shares in the sugar company …

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

In Semester 1, 2009, Learning Skills is integrated in most of the units I work with and engaging in the lecture theatre with 200+ students, as well as I do with a 20-student class will be a big challenge. In 2010 I hope to have Learning Skills embedded in the curriculum of the units I work with.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

Teaching, I love teaching and am very passionate about my job! I firmly believe that if I can make a difference to just a few students at a time, I have done my job well!

The name of the last book you read or are reading?

I have recently read a very good book by Jodi Picoult called ‘The Pact’. I have a few books going at any time. I used to say that my dream was to live in a library so I would be able to read all the books I wanted and I ended up working in a library …

Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?

I have travelled extensively and have lived in the US and Sweden. I’d love to go to Greece, especially the Greek Islands. One day, soon perhaps.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

This is a quote attributed to Rabbi Hillel: "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

If you would like to be "profiled" in an upcoming edition of Offcourse, please email me at christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au.