The gazette august 2014

August 2014Volume 5, No 6

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

Scholarships ease the way to studyTwenty-six students at Great Southern Institute of Technology have been awarded scholarships to ease the cost of study in Semester 2.The students, supported by their friends

and family, gathered at recent presentation ceremonies held at Katanning, Albany and Denmark.GSIT Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa

said she was most grateful to the sponsors for their philanthropy and generosity, which supported the scholarship winners in achieving their career and personal goals.“The valuable encouragement and

financial assistance provided by the sponsors will help the recipients to make a positive contribution to their communities through their chosen career paths,” Ms Rozlapa said.“Their sponsorship demonstrates their

commitment to rewarding educational effort and helps to remove financial obstacles to academic success,” she said.Ms Rozlapa said the range of applications

received each semester reflected the diversity of students at the institute.“We have school leavers, single parents

and mature-age students, and people from various cultural and economic backgrounds,” she said.The Jack Family Charitable Trust

committed to distributing 20 scholarships of $500 each in both semesters this year. This trust was set up by the late Muriel Freeman, who endowed it with some $2.5 million, of which about $250,000 is distributed each year to worthwhile causes in the fields of education, health, youth, the arts and community services.

Continued on page 10

Great Southern Institute of Technology students celebrate the receipt of scholarships to help fund their studies in Semester 2.

Great Southern Gazette – August 20142

IndigenousTutorial Assistance

Scheme

• ALBANY • DENMARK • KATANNING • MOUNT BARKER

AMA1

670

Many Aboriginal students can benefit from academic tutoring support. Aboriginal Programs administers the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) which organises and funds one-to-one tutorial assistance.

If you have a student who would benefit from additional academic support, contact Aboriginal Programs or if you have the skills to deliver tutorial support, contact us and let us know of your availability.

Great Southern Institute of Technology Aboriginal Programs

Albany: Shirley Hansen 9892 8779 Melissa Meyer 9892 7503

Katanning: Melissa Berrigan 9821 6402 Shiekiel Ford 9821 6444

Learning Noongar PeopleKadadjiny Noongar MoortAboriginal Programs

Your regional TAFE

FREECALL1800 675 781 www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888.To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.

Want to read The Gazette in another format?

www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Great Southern Gazette – August 2014 3

Pair head north for final practice

In their final semester of their 3½-year nursing degree, a group of students at Great Southern Institute of Technology are preparing for their last clinical placements in hospitals and health centres around the State.The group are studying for the BSc

(Nursing) through Curtin University, a course delivered entirely at GSIT’s Albany campus.While most will stay in the Great Southern

for this final practical component of their course, two are packing to travel north for a different perspective on their chosen area of nursing.Peter O’Keefe will spend his six weeks

in Carnarvon and Geraldton, while Sally Vlahov will expand her experience in far-north Kununurra.Both have a Diploma of Nursing

qualification and have been studying for the degree while working.Peter, whose chosen area is in mental

health, is looking forward to the stimulation

of new experiences in a different environment.“I have been nursing for some years,

which has included general medical and rehabilitation nursing,” Peter said.“I’ve worked in mental health for 18 months

and have a good relationship with regional clients,” he said.“So working in a new location with

clients I’m not familiar with will be more challenging, but I will be developing my skills.“I’m looking forward to working with the

Indigenous population and being able to see people in their own environment rather than in hospital,” Peter said.“I expect they will be a lot more relaxed

than in an institution,” he added.Peter’s journey to his degree started

in quite a different role. After moving to Denmark 18 years ago, the experienced all-round tradesman found a position as orderly and gardener at the Denmark Hospital.

Continued on page 5

BSc (Nursing) students Peter O’Keefe and Sally Vlahov are preparing for clinical placements in northern WA.


From the MD’s Desk

First, congratulations to all staff whose efforts made our Albany campus open day on 8 August such a great event.All the sections put in a lot of work to impress our visitors, and the standard of exhibits and competitions was amazing, so well done to all concerned.Feedback has suggested

we had a good number of visitors, all of whom had an interest in this institute. Certainly, there was plenty for them to see and do on the day.See the pictures taken

across the campus on open day on pages 14 to 17.ScholarshipsTwenty-six scholarships will help with study costs for deserving students in Semester 2.I send my sincere thanks

to our generous sponsors the Jack Family Charitable Trust, the Grist Family, Albany Halfway House Association, Albany Youth Support Association, Albany Community Living Association, the Denmark Music Foundation and the South West Land and Sea Council.The scholarships were

handed to students at presentation ceremonies in Katanning, Albany and Denmark last week.Capital worksThe impressive new health science block is nearly

ready for occupation, and staff have been busy preparing for the move.I appreciate the extra

effort everyone has made, especially since classes are going on during the move. I’m sure the benefits of your new work environment will be worth it.Watch the construction

of the block in a series of time-lapse photographs Lionel took over the past few months. He has made this into a video which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whXgyonRbqI&list=UUvQnuXhCZROiuK4wxf3tmjg.In other areas of the

Albany campus, M Block refurbishment is due for completion in mid-October and A Block is expected to be completely refurbished by mid-November.The earthworks for gas, fire

service and sewer upgrades are nearing completion, then restoration work will start on the gardens which have been disturbed by the digging.ITNew infrastructure installed at Mount Barker and Katanning means staff can now connect to wifi networks from those campuses.The intranet project is

progressing well under the management of Jo Hawkins and Justin Laing. The pair have been working with the

developer and the designs are being adjusted following feedback from key staff at a series of workshops.Consultative CommitteeNominations have been called to expand the membership of the Institute Consultative Committee by adding a portfolio manager and an additional representative from our administration staff.Also, two existing

members’ terms are about to expire, so I encourage all interested staff to nominate for one of these positions.Aboriginal ProgramsReconciliation Australia

http://www.reconciliation.org.au/ supports development of plans to develop relationships, show respect and increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Shirley Hansen has

been working on a reconciliation action plan for the institute. Following consultation with the Aboriginal community and stakeholder organisations, Shirley has prepared the plan for examination and endorsement by the institute’s Governing Council.The plan will be launched

on 22 October at an institute morning tea attended by representatives from the community, Governing Council and Aboriginal organisations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whXgyonRbqI&list=UUvQnuXhCZROiuK4wxf3tmjg




http://www.reconciliation.org.au/

http://www.reconciliation.org.au/


From the MD’s Desk

From page 3He was then taken on

part-time as a carer for the resident males, a position for which he quickly realised he had an affinity.So Peter changed to

a career in nursing and recognised the benefits of gaining qualifications.Studying while working,

though, brought challenges for Peter.“It increased the workload,

but the benefits included the practical application on the job of what I was learning in the classroom,” he said.“Work felt like doing

permanent clinical practice.”Peter is anticipating a

long, rewarding future.“I had changed career a

few times, but in nursing, you can always change fields to get the challenge you want,” he said.For her part, Sally wanted

a career working with people.“Every day in nursing is

different, and you’re always learning,” Sally said.She will be based at

Kununurra Hospital for her six-week practice, but she will also spend time working in the varied environments of Aboriginal communities. “I’m excited about the

prospect of visiting the remote communities with mostly Aboriginal people and learning new skills,”

she said.Sally advocates the

degree course delivered at GSIT in Albany.“The smaller classes

mean we can access more individual help, get to know people a lot better than in Perth, and have the lecturers’ attention when we need it,” she said.“The lecturers have been

extremely supportive.”The students’ commitment

to their practical placements is all the more impressive given they fund their own travel and accommodation in order to benefit from the experience.For more information on

nursing courses through GSIT, phone 9892 8888.

Pair head north for final practice

40th anniversaryPreparations for our 40th anniversary are progressing. The celebrations on 31 October will be combined with the official opening of the health sciences block by Dr Kim Hames, Deputy Premier; Minister for health; Training and Workforce Development.Institute Communications has produced

a book of photographs taken over our 40 years, which will provide a memento of the occasion and an entertaining glimpse into our varied activities.VET in SchoolsWe have produced new VETiS web pages on the institute’s website for the benefit of students looking at options for 2015, as well as their parents and school VET coordinators. Well done to staff of the Teaching and Learning portfolio for their

work on this project.Representatives of seven high schools

attended an information session early this month, and feedback was very positive. Diggers and DealersJan Davidson and I recently travelled to Kalgoorlie for the annual Diggers and Dealers conference and expo. We promoted the TAFE Regional consortium of seven publicly funded training providers, and took the opportunity to speak directly with people from mining and support industries to raise awareness of the training we offer.Finally, look for the September edition

of our Prime magazine which will be distributed around the campuses next week.Until next month, happy reading,Lidia


With strong connections to Great Southern Institute of Technology and several years in education, it was perhaps a natural progression for Wayne Devine to join the institute’s Governing Council.Wayne has served as

Manager of Aboriginal Education at the Department of Education in Albany for the past three years and sits on the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Council, with which he has been involved with strategic planning and the formation of a reconciliation action plan.Wayne is looking forward

to serving on the Governing Council, where his knowledge and experience of Aboriginal education and training will bring another perspective to corporate decision-making.“I work with schools and

I have to have my finger on the pulse at a local community level,” Wayne said.“I am keen to bring to the

council research information and data regarding students in school, including relevant changes and trends,” he said.But Wayne believes he

will also benefit personally and professionally from his representation on the council.“It will be a learning

experience both ways,” he said.“I’ll find out what the

Governing Council involves and the kind of decisions which are made at this level.“It will be a good

opportunity professionally to get more involved with the training side in connection with education.”Wayne, a musician,

began his career as a pre-primary education assistant, where he enlightened

and entertained students through his teaching of music, dance and culture.He went on to teacher

training, and took various positions in Aboriginal education before being seconded to the district office.“I started at grass roots

level, but I was building the skill sets to become a manager,” Wayne explained.His current position

involves developing new educational policies and finding better ways to engage Aboriginal school students.

Continued on page 7

Great Southern Institute of Technology has welcomed Wayne Devine to the board of the Governing Council. Wayne’s valuable experience in the field of Aboriginal education will benefit institute staff and students.

Manager an asset to our council


The Governing Council is the governing body of Great Southern Institute of Technology, having the right of authority to control and influence its operations and affairs. The council is also designated as the employing authority and the accountable authority under the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985.

Membership of Great Southern Institute Governing Council is made up of community and industry representatives applying to, and nominated by, the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

Under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, the Governing Council is to:a) prepare an institute training profile for the approval of the Minister as and when required by the Ministerb) develop and implement strategic and management plans for the institutec) ensure the institute’s courses, programs and services are responsive to, and meet, the needs of students, industry and the communityd) ensure that the institute’s commitments under its resource agreement and any other contractual arrangements are met.

Fast Facts

From page 6“A proportion of

Aboriginal students are not academically biased, but other career pathways can lead directly to good jobs,” he said.“I run working groups

and interagency programs which help students find engagement and satisfaction with education.“I am also working with

schools and teachers and giving them a better understanding of how Aboriginal students engage.”

As an extension of this, Wayne delivers cultural awareness training for GSIT staff.He also works closely with

the institute’s Aboriginal Programs branch, Mentoring Lecturers Paula Foenander and Simon London, and Portfolio Manager Health Sciences and Community Services Donna Blight, whose portfolio administers the Aboriginal School-Based Traineeship (ASBT) program in sports health and fitness, and trains Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEOs) working in local schools.As a student of Certificate

IV in Training and Assessment, Wayne has also experienced the

institute from the other side of the classroom, giving him an all-round appreciation of the business.

“Staff at the institute are supportive and helpful, and I’m looking forward to sharing information to provide them with clear direction from the perspective of Aboriginal education,” Wayne said.

Manager an asset to our council It will be a good

opportunity professionally to get more involved with the training side in connection with education.

Terms of Reference


Cooking classes at Great Southern Institute of Technology give students a taste of the real world of work in a commercial kitchen.Students learn the basics of work

health and safety – imperative in the potentially high-risk area of a kitchen – as well as various techniques to cater for small groups or big crowds.The VET in Schools class

taking the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations has been studying in the training kitchen at the Albany campus with Cookery Lecturer Andrea Gallagher.On Friday mornings, the students

are given a demonstration of the day’s fare, which they then create from recipes.Baked apples, pavlova and devilled

eggs on a recent menu called into practice a variety of ingredients and techniques and kept the group busy.

Continued on page 9

Keen young cooks feed the hoards

The VET in Schools class taking the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations.


From page 8The youngsters rose to their

biggest challenge at the institute’s open day, though, when they made more than 400 cups of coffee and hot chocolate.Their stand was one of the

event’s most popular attractions.Andrea said the class had used

3kg of hot chocolate, 2kg of coffee and more than 50 litres of milk on the day, and everyone had taken responsibility for a task to keep the operation running like a well-oiled machine.There was a constant queue, but

judging by the number of people walking around the campus clutching a hot drink, they kept the customers happy – the best sign of a successful catering operation.

Keen young cooks feed the hoards

Top left: The VET in Schools students taking Certificate II in Kitchen Operations on Friday mornings.

Left: Jaydn Steele takes his pavlovas from the oven.

Above right: Tehya Sykes and Kayla Burdett show off their devilled eggs.

Right: Jak Srikram is proud of his pavlovas.


From page 1Albany Halfway House

Association sponsored the Don McLeish Memorial Scholarship of $600 for a student of the Certificate IV in Mental Health; Albany Youth Support Association gave a scholarship of $500 for a student taking the Certificate IV in Youth Work; and Albany Community Living Association will pay the total course fee for a student of the Certificate IV in Community Services.For music students, the

Grist Family donated two scholarships of $750 each and the Denmark Music Foundation committed to a $500 scholarship.Recipients were:Jack Family Charitable TrustMatthew CutlerNicolas NelissenTamara CarpenterMichelle SampsonTanya MurrayAlex MurphyRoss HollandFernando AnicalSusannah JohnstonKerry LeahyJessica WiltshireVictoria RathboneCaitlin WinchMandy RedshawLuke SturchAdam BlackburnColin ClinchGraeme BarrettGaylene CoyneJessica Jones

Albany Halfway House Association Don McLeish Memorial ScholarshipLuanna Bertola

Albany Youth Support AssociationGrant Wilson

Albany Community Living AssociationAmanda Dawson

Grist FamilyRuby MoonDaniel Owen

Denmark Music FoundationDavid Sherrott

In addition, the South West Land and Sea Council support Aboriginal students to study at Great Southern Institute through scholarships awarded separately.

Scholarships ease the way to study

At the Denmark ceremony were Richard Grist representing the Jack Family Trust and the Grist Family, Ruby Moon, David Sherrott, Tanja Murray, Daniel Owen, and Anne Stafford, representing GSIT Governing Council and the Grist Family.

At the Katanning ceremony were Colin Clinch, Graeme Barrett, Nicolas Nelissen and Michelle Sampson, with Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa and lecturer Mark Randall.


Jason Ball, Naomi Lake, Eugene Roljic, Tyson Lane, Angela Sounness and Bonnie Brunsden are used to being on the other side of the lens for their digital photography course.

Snappy group capture their worldViewing the world through a camera lens has been a new experience for Certificate I in Visual Arts students at the Albany campus.But it’s one they have relished,

producing numerous digital photographs from their travels around the city.On the institute’s bus, they have

visited Anzac Park, Apex Drive, Middleton Beach, the Albany Entertainment Centre, Emu Point and various churches and other buildings of architectural interest to capture inspiring images.

On their return to the classroom, the photographers have downloaded their shots and used programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint to present them in a variety of ways.Visual Arts Lecturer Kaye Embleton

said the group had been enthusiastic, which had been reflected in the variety and volume of work they had produced.The students, all of whom have a

disability, are gaining confidence behind the camera while exploring the potential of the art of photography.


Since migrating to Australia from the Philippines in 2005, Fernando Anical has grasped every opportunity to make the most of his new life.The amiable Albany

resident brought with him a degree in electrotechnology, but he knew his poor English language skills would prevent him from getting an Australian qualification to secure an electrician’s job here.So for the past eight

years, he has been learning English, studying for trade tickets to enhance his employment prospects, and working at several jobs to support his family.Now taking a pre-

apprenticeship in electrotechnology as a first step towards his favoured career, Fernando was given a financial boost recently with a $500 scholarship from the Jack Family Charitable Trust, which issues 40 scholarships a year to GSIT students.Fernando said he was most

grateful for the scholarship. “It will be a big help with

my study fees,” he said.Fernando came to Australia

with a job lined up at Fletcher International WA, where he was employed initially on the slaughter floor.When sheep became

scarce and work dried up, he found he needed other skills to get by, so Fernando enrolled in courses at the institute to gain tickets in

such areas as welding, electrical testing and tagging and forklift operation, to boost his employability and ensure financial independence.While these manual skills

help in his part-time job at Bunnings, his other part-time position as a weekend kitchen hand at Great Southern Grammar relies more on his ‘roll up your sleeves and get the job done’ attitude.Fernando’s Filipina wife

Marisol, who works as a cook at Great Southern Grammar, already had two children when the couple

met in 2007. Since they married in 2009, they have had a child of their own, who is now five. Fernando said the children

only spoke English.“It’s good for me as I have

to speak English to the kids, and Marisol helps me a lot,” he said.“Language has been a

barrier, but I try to improve every day.”He is grateful to his

lecturers and GSIT staff for their support and encouragement, and to his new country for the prospects it has offered him.

Continued on page 13

Fernando beats barriers to learning

Scholarship recipient Fernando Anical works at two jobs to support his family and fund his studies at the institute.


From page 12Changing career and buying a home have

been major achievements for Fernando in Australia, but judging by his work ethos and tenacity, these will not be his only accomplishments.He explained he had been employed by a

government utility as an electrical engineer in the Philippines. This line of work is one he intends to pursue again, so after finishing

his pre-apprenticeship course this semester, Fernando will look for an employer so he can serve an apprenticeship, gain an Australian trade certificate and work as an electrician.With the backing of his wife and his

institute lecturers, plus his own positive attitude towards work and independence, Fernando is on course to achieve it.In the meantime, he is prepared to enjoy

the fruits of his labours and the Aussie lifestyle.“I love it here,” Fernando said.“Albany is the best place to live, it’s perfect

for families.”

Fernando beats barriers to learning

Soup kitchen a Relay winnerCookery Lecturer Mark Crabtree (second from right) and his students prepare to serve hot soup and bread rolls to raise money for the Cancer Council WA.

People at the Albany campus took advantage of a hearty winter warmer when students of the Creative Catering program sold cups of hot soup outside the café. For just $2 for a big cup, customers could

choose either Thai-style pumpkin soup or tomato chowder, each served with a warm

bread roll, and all produced by the students in their weekly cooking class.Sales boosted the coffers of the Heff ‘n’

Puffers Relay for Life team to the tune of $141.25, which included a few donations.Everyone who enjoyed a cup agreed the

soup was delicious and excellent value.


Crowds flock to open day attractionsHundreds of visitors turned out to the institute’s open day at the Albany campus on 8 August.Lecturers and administration

staff from all study areas were on hand to chat with prospective students and offer advice on study and careers.Every section produced inspiring

displays to attract and inform visitors of all ages, and the entire campus was buzzing with activity for the four-hour event.Free coffee and hot chocolate

put on by the VET in Schools cookery students, a sausage sizzle, competitions and giveaways were among the major attractions.

Student Sebina Wyatt at the Italian Language stand.

Amber Roth tries the iPad challenge with Lecturer Lucy Wellstead.

Hot chocolate was a favourite for a group of Mount Barker Community College students.

Jean and Alan Downes admire the cabinet making display.

Mount Barker Community College students check out the automotive section.


Children’s Services Lecturer Anne Parker judges Dylan Smith and Angela Jansen’s nappy-changing efforts.

Danielle den Boer and student Shelly Hodge in the beauty therapy room.

Quinton van Rooyen and Lecturer Jay Rowles.

Sue Bailey and Carol Griffiths from Albany Secondary Education Support Centre.

Kimberley Spaanderman, Amanda Spaanderman, Kyla Russell and Chloe Hammond.


Right: Chloe and Liz Pinker bought some

plants from the horticulture

section.

Below: Wildlife Carer

representative Annette Grant

talks to visitors Helen Kelly

and Marlene Bisby.

Above: GSIT staff Tim Henderson and Bob Vigar were on hand to help out on the day.

Left: Denmark Music Lecturer Tony King (on drums) and his students provided the entertainment.


Left: VET in Schools student Tahlia Lambert serves Glenda Jackson with a free coffee.

Below: Nikki Poulish ran the Department of Agriculture and Food WA’s new exhibition trailer.

SDC’s Sandy Marshall advises Melanie Johnson about lifestyle courses.

Samantha Ahern and Tanielle Sherwood of Business and Creative Industries talk to Kane Dunkley-Cooper.

It wouldn’t be an open day without Leigh Barsby on the barbecue.


The Katanning Senior High School’s VETiS class studying Certificate II in Horticulture recently joined forces with Inclusive Learning students to build a large garden bed at the Community Garden housed at the Community Resource Centre. Students transported old railway sleepers to

build the garden bed in order for the Inclusive Learning students to grow vegetables. The sleepers were stacked and joined

by metal brackets which proved a great opportunity for students to practice their measuring and drilling skills. More than 30 wheelbarrows of soil, mulch

and manure were added to complete the garden bed.KSHS Senior Schools Engagement Program

Coordinator Andrea Rundle and GSIT Lecturer Mark Randall said the students were to be commended for their dedication and teamwork in the completion of this wonderful project. The Community Garden allows community

groups to take ownership of a plot of land permitting the production of home-grown produce. Katanning Senior High School is most

grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a worthwhile community project where students learn a variety of new skills that benefit all stakeholders.

– Andrea Rundle

Students cultivate skills in garden


Sweet-toothed staff and students were in heaven at the Cup Cake Sale organised to raise funds for the Heff ‘n’ Puffers and Spare Parts Relay for Life teams.Chocolate, caramel, coconut, dates, bananas,

berries, nuts, marshmallows, cream cheese, icing and sprinkles of all flavours brought tears of joy to the eyes of the foodies among us – and would-be dieters happily threw caution to the wind for the day. More than 300 cup cakes and other sugary treats

were sold in a trice, bringing in a whopping $1069 for the Heff ‘n’ Puffers and Spare Parts.

Mmmmmm...Magic

Above: A tempting selection of cup cakes.Left: The table was groaning with calories.Below: Carolyn Heffernan sweet-talked customers into buying.


Safety First

With Rick Muller

Spot the hazards and be in to win

The Occupational Safety and Health Committee is excited to launch our first “Spot the Hazard Contest”. The purpose of this contest is to

incorporate a fun way to get everyone thinking about safety both on campus and in our personal lives. How does it work?There are 14 hazards identified by the

committee in this photo. Correctly identify at least five of them and

send an email with the particulars to [email protected].

You will then be entered into a draw for one of two $50 GSIT live work vouchers. There are currently two draws, but if we receive more than 50 entries, a third draw will be introduced.The contest is open to all GSIT staff,

and entries must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 24 September be eligible for the draw.The winner and the 14 hazards will be

announced on Thursday 25 September.Good luck everyone and please remember

– safety is everyone’s responsibility!

There are 14 work health or safety hazards in this photo. Identify five of them and you could win one of two $50 GSIT vouchers. Zoom in to take a closer look.

WIN A $50 GSIT VOUCHER

mailto:rick.muller%40gsit.wa.edu.au?subject=Competition


Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Apps to support learning

The Library has renewed its LyndaKiosk subscription. LyndaKiosk gives GSIT students who use Computer 3 in the LRC instant access to hundreds of software and business skills tutorials at many different levels. No login is required by the

student to use LyndaKiosk and recognition is by IP address.

This subscription complements the institute’s staff subscription to LyndaPro. Using a login and

password, LyndaPro allows staff 24-hour access from anywhere with an internet connection, to the same online content for up to five staff members at any one time.

Staff members wanting a login to LyndaPro can contact the LRC to arrange one or to re-activate their existing login. Using the Lynda service is

a great way to update your technology skills, either by watching a full course or viewing bite-sized portions at your own pace for either basic or in-depth instruction.

Mobile devices and their apps can assist in developing foundation and study skills and increase accessibility to training resources for all learners.Love Apptually is a resource designed

to assist VET practitioners and learners to select apps for mobile devices that support inclusive VET teaching and learning. The resource highlights a number of

mobile and tablet apps focusing on those that support the development

of foundation skills: learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy, and learners with disability.APPitic is a collection of educational

apps which are categorised and reviewed by educational experts.iPad Apps for Dyslexia shows some

of the many apps that are available to assist students with dyslexia or reading and writing difficulties. There are so many others. Help is only

an app away.

Lynda is always there to help you

Semester 2 Free-cycle It seems Sue Dawes and her Free-cycling initiatives are going from strength to strength. At the Semester 2 event,

four tables were loaded with free stationery and office gear, some near-new and almost everything snapped up by eager students and staff within a day or two.


This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).

For the first time, Australia’s new physical activity guidelines address the issue of sitting down for too long.The reason for this is growing evidence

that being sedentary (like sitting or lying down for too long) is bad for health and Australians are on average sedentary for seven to 10 hours a day (not including sleeping). Think about your normal day – how

many hours do you spend sitting at work, studying, browsing the internet or watching television from the couch?The hours add up quickly and sedentary

behaviour can increase your risk of unhealthy weight gain and illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.Released earlier this year, the new

guidelines for adults encourage us to stand up and move more. So here are some simple tips to break up extended periods of sitting during the day:• Stand whenever you take a phone

call• Send documents to a printer across

the room• Go for a walk at lunchtime• Cycle instead of driving to work• Organise a walking meeting • Set a reminder on your computer to

stand up every 30 minutesAustralia’s Physical Activity and

Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for adults also state that doing any physical activity is better than none. We should aim to be physically activity on most, preferably all, days and accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity each week.To read the new guidelines in full go to

the Department of Health website.

Stand up at least every 30 minutes if you work in a sedentary job.

Cycling is a fun activity enjoyed by a growing number of people of all ages.

Make your move to better health


SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability has been an integral part of the Denmark campus’s administrative processes for years.Staff compost kitchen scraps and

leaves from deciduous trees for use on the campus’s organic garden. Also, Campus Coordinator Sue Dybing recently cancelled the shredding service as paper use has been considerably reduced. Instead, staff shred confidential documents on site and recycle them. Sue said reassessing rubbish and

recycling collections had allowed the campus to halve the number of collections. One of Sue’s recent initiatives

highlights how communication can also save money while helping to save our planet.She needed ink cartridges for the

campus’s colour printer. So instead of organising to have them refilled, she first asked the IT section if they had some obsolete cartridges in the dark recesses of their cupboards.IT does not purchase printer

cartridges for the sections, but one of the staff found a complete new set of four colour cartridges from a redundant machine, which he passed on.Sue estimates this has saved

the campus about $800, as just to recharge each cartridge costs about $200.Freecycling guru Sue Dawes

said she received several ink and toner cartridges at each semester’s Freecycling event, and these were usually snapped up.

Recognising the benefits of matching machines to obsolete cartridges, she encourages staff to check shelves and cupboards for hoarded cartridges with some life left in them.Send them to Sue Dawes at the

Albany campus and she will then email all staff just before each Freecycling event with the make and model of printers they will fit.

Denmark Campus Coordinator Sue Dybing has saved the campus hundreds of dollars through recycling initiatives.

Sue saves more than just the planet


HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Positions advertised• L2 Café Supervisor – applications closed 18 August• EOI Casual Lecturers – Grains Management, Waste Management and

Warehousing – applications closed 21 August

New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Sarah Harper, Casual Lecturer Fitness, Albany• David Barrett, Casual Lecturer Fitness, Albany• Jason Miniter, Casual Lecturer Career Development, Albany• Amanda Mackenzie, Casual Class Support, Albany Staff exiting• Joanne Wicks, Portfolio Support Officer HS and CS, ceased 19 August.We are very sad to see you go, Jo, but wish you every success for your new adventures.

Need stationery?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!

Check out what’s happening at

Your Regional TAFE

Documents

The gazette august 2014