Archive for June, 2018

Graduate Research Students June 2018

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

Dear students,

In this edition of the International Newsletter, we share some fun events to help get you through the middle of the university year. We’ve also created a new section for students with partners or families.

Campus life

Monash Foodies
Check out the Monash Foodies Instagram for updates on awesome deals on offer and tips on where to find the tastiest food on campus. You can even vote on whether you’d like to see a barber, a bubble tea shop or a clothing and record store on Clayton campus!

Sick of studying?
The MPA Postgrad lounge at Caulfield campus now has its own arcade machine! See if you can beat your friends at Pac-Man or Donkey Kong.
Where: Postgrad lounge, Building H, Caulfield campus

Inside Monash
Thinking about changing your course or starting another degree? Register for Inside Monash seminars, the best way you can start researching your course. Seminars for Nursing and Midwifery, Psychology and Business are being held in June.

Staying safe on campus

24/7 safety escorts
If you ever feel unsafe getting around campus, security offers are available to escort you to your car, public transports, taxi pick-up points or other locations on or in the near vicinity of the campus. This free 24 hour service is available to all students from anywhere in campus. If you intend to study late at night and know you will need assistance, try to book in advance to avoid delays.

Scam alert for international students
Victoria Police have warned international students to watch out for scammers pretending to be officials from the Chinese Government or Chinese Police asking for large sums of money and calling students directly on their mobile phones or through WeChat and Whatsapp. We recommend you visit the Australian Government ScamWatch website for tips to protect yourself and if you’re suspicious, check the latest scam news and alerts. Scamwatch also has information in a range of languages.

Information for parents and partners
Check out the Parents and Partners section of the newsletter for information about opportunities and events for you and your family.

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Opportunities

Help us welcome new international students to Monash!
International students are invited to apply to become a Welcome Ambassador for orientation week in Semester 2 (Monday July 16 – Friday July 20). Welcome Ambassadors will help to answer questions from new international students about life in Melbourne and at Monash and help to engage in interactive games and competitions. If you’re interested in becoming a Welcome ambassador please fill in this expression of interest form. Email ISS@monash.edu for further information.

Become an ASK Me Ambassador
Apply to become an ASK Me Ambassador for an awesome leadership and training opportunity, and to make new friends on campus. You’ll help new students feel engaged and supported while at Monash, enhance their wellbeing and encourage them to engage with student services. You’ll also receive a free t-shirt and hoodie, a Certificate III in active volunteering and access to training sessions! MSA and Team Monash are looking for ASK Me volunteers for Caulfield campus in particular.

Be the International Student of the Year!
The Victorian International Education Awards 2018 are now open, with heaps of awards available for international students in different fields. Recipients of the Student Awards will be recognised as advocates for the Victorian Government’s Study Melbourne initiative and help promote Victoria as a leading international student destination. They will also win funds to contribute to their study at an educational institution in Victoria! Applications are now open and close at midnight on Sunday June 17. Visit the Study Melbourne website to apply.

Express your interest in Be You-Be Scene
The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) and the International Education Association (ISANA) are working together on a new project, Be You-Be Scene (Stories at the Heart of Change), which will give international students a platform to identify and talk about their experiences. Students will be part of creative workshops, focus groups and outreach consultation workshops, and will eventually develop scenes to be performed on stage. Express your interest by filling in this form.

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What’s On

Winter Wonderland Postgraduate Ball
Tickets for the inaugural MPA Postgraduate Ball are now on sale. This year’s theme is ‘Winter Wonderland’. You’ll get to dress in your cosiest winter clothes, interact with other postgrads from all faculties, enjoy cold drinks and hot canapes to warm the insides. Don’t miss the coolest event on the MPA social calendar!
When: Friday August 17
Where: San Remo Ballroom, Carlton

Experience Australian Footy
The Melbourne Football Club is hosting a Student Match Day Experience! This includes the chance to find out more about Australian footy, learn the skills and then watch Melbourne Football Club play at Australia’s biggest sporting stadium – the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Attendees will receive a special thank you gift and free ticket from Melbourne for taking part. Places are limited so make sure you register online quick!
When: Sunday 1 July, 10.45am arrival for 11.15am start
Where: Goschs Paddock — Corner of Punt Rd and Olympic Blvd, Richmond

Things to do in Melbourne this month

Partners and Parents June 2018

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

School Holiday Program at Monash Clayton
Funding is available to provide financial relief during the school holiday period for school aged children to assist with child care costs. International students on a student visa may apply for financial assistance for 50% of the cost for school-aged children (5-12 years) attending the Camp Australia School Holiday Program at Monash University Clayton Campus during the school holiday period 2 to 14th July.

Note: Those who are eligible for the Centrelink Child Care Subsidy or are currently registered to receive Child Care Benefit will not be eligible to claim the rebate from the university.

The Maximum amount refunded to each eligible family is for 2 days care per week (incurred throughout the school holiday period) for each school-aged child.

Register your interest in this program to obtain more information about this opportunity by sending an email to: iss@monash.edu. At this stage, this opportunity is only available for 2018 and there is no guarantee that this funding will be available on an ongoing basis.

Book your place in a school holiday program
The City of Monash Public Library Service is hosting free and low cost school holiday programs for kids ages 5 years and older at all of its branches. Register on the Library website to make sure your child has a fun, educational school break.

Kindergarten enrolments
Enrolments for kindergartens across Melbourne are opening now and will close over the next few months! Spaces are limited in many kindergartens, so start researching now. The Victorian Government has posted handy FAQs for parents whose children are ready to start kindergarten.

Postgrad Parent Club
Meet other Mums and Dads while your kids play, all while enjoying a free coffee! Contact Rhian Adlam to register.
When: Clayton – every second Thursday, 2:00pm at Saporo Cafe New Horizons
Caulfield – every second Thursday, 10:00am at Monsu Cafe

Parenting rooms on campus
Did you know all of our campuses have special facilities for feeding, breastfeeding, expressing milk, baby changing and soothing? More info here.

Meet with other first time parents
Monash Council organises parent groups which enable first time parents to meet in a supportive environment and learn valuable information. Groups are facilitated by qualified Maternal and Child Health Nurses who are there to answer any questions you have. Find out more.

International Students with Families
Come to an networking information event to assist international students with families. Meet like-minded people, make social connections and gather information on services and programs to help you settle into Melbourne and children. Partners and children are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Register online.

Local community and Monash service representatives will be available to answer any questions you might have on a range of topics including;  child care, accommodation, English language support, healthcare and more.

When: Friday  17 August 4 to 6pm
Where: Graduate Hub Seminar Room 2, Campbell Hall. 21 Sports Walk, Clayton

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What’s On for families

Activities for kids over the winter school holidays

  • The NGV hosts a number of unique workshops for kids who want to experience art and the gallery.
  • The State Library of Victoria holds talks, workshops, films, tours and more so families can learn more about our collections and Victoria’s amazing history.
  • See koalas, wallabies and dingoes and experience the beautiful Australian bush with your family at Gumbuya Park.
  • Scienceworks hosts all sorts of school holiday activities for kids who are curious about how the world works.
  • Australia’s premier preserved steam railway, Puffing Billy, operates every day during the school holidays.
  • Does your child have a special interest? Check out the Victorian Government’s extensive list of school holiday programs and activities.