The gazette september 2013 by Great Southern Institute of Technology

Gazette The

Monthly Newsletter September 2013 Volume 4, No 7

Career choices a treat for new nurses

As they approach the end of their BSc (Nursing) through Curtin University, a group of students at Great Southern Institute of Technology have been busy planning their post-graduate year in the workforce. Choosing a location, identifying their preferred area of nursing, submitting applications and attending interviews characterise the last few months of study for those about to graduate, and all nurses in this year’s group are excited to have finalised their plans for 2014. The institute’s Curtin Nursing Coordinator Catherine Attwell explained the post-graduate year followed 3½ years of study, which had been undertaken both on campus and on practical nursing

Portia van Baaren and Rachel Goodall, who will graduate with a BSc (Nursing) in November, are preparing for a busy post-graduate year working at the new Albany Hospital. placements throughout the State. This year’s course finishes in November, and most students will enjoy an extended Christmas break before tackling the challenges and rigours of their new career at the coalface. They will then happily swap study and

assignments for the shifts and weekend work which will be part and parcel of their vocation. Two nurses who are eagerly anticipating working in the modern environment of the new Albany Hospital are Portia van Baaren and Rachel Goodall. Continued on page 2

Great Southern Gazette

Want to read The Gazette in another format? To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888. To download a PDF, click on the icon under the bookshelf at http://documents.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au or visit our website: www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au and click on the icon on the front page.

Career choices a treat for nurses department after completing her postFrom page 1 graduate year. The pair have secured placements in the “I love the fast pace and the teamwork,” hospital’s 12-month post-graduate program Rachel explained. which encompasses surgical, medical, “With the high turnover of patients, it’s rehabilitation and day procedure nursing. never boring,” she added. Portia said she had worked at the hospital Both applauded the delivery of the Curtin on some of her practical placements and degree at the Albany campus of GSIT, enjoyed excellent support from the other for the small class sizes and high level of staff as well as the first-class working lecturer support. environment. A career in the area of critical care is “Help is always available, you never need to struggle,” Rachel said. Portia’s aim for the future. “I want to work in the high-dependency Portia agreed. “Doing the unit because you course down here have to be on your toes,” Portia is excellent, you Help is always available, get much better said. you never need to struggle. “It’s a highpreparation for the workforce,” pressure environment and she said. “The lecturers are there when you need you quickly expand your knowledge base,” them, and give you extra time if necessary – she added. Rachel said the transition to the workforce it all builds your confidence,” she added. Catherine said the graduating nurses had after years of study was an exciting prospect. been a hard-working and capable group who would be a credit to the profession. “I’m looking forward to implementing the skills we’ve been learning – it will all be For more information on Curtin University’s reinforced once we get there,” she said. BSc (Nursing) delivered through GSIT, phone Catherine Attwell on 9892 7531. She aims to work in the busy emergency

“

”

Great Southern Gazette

Ben mixes with celebrity

Left: GSIT music student Ben Nelson at the mixing board. Above: Ben with country singer Bill Chambers. Meticulous preparation for live music performances is always recommended – but impromptu gigs can turn out to be just as much fun. Great Southern Institute of Technology music student Ben Nelson recently discovered this as his experience as a sound technician was called upon when country singer Bill Chambers visited Denmark. Chambers stopped at the south coast town on his Western Australian tour, and put on an extra gig at the Old Butter Factory with Belle Harvey and Ruby Boots, who were accompanying him on the tour. GSIT Music Lecturer Tony King introduced event organiser Chris Edmonson to Ben, who was asked to help with setting up gear, though his skills were put to even greater use than he anticipated. “This developed into me running the sound for the night and using my own public address system,” Ben said. The vibe of the night was clearly a thrill for the music student, whose work drew praise

from the performers, the organisers and the audience. “It was a fun, intimate gig, with around 50 people attending,” Ben said. “This was great, considering it was an entirely walk-in crowd on a Thursday night in Denmark,” he said. “All the performers put on a brilliant show, playing in on each other’s songs during the night.” A celebrated country singer in his own right, Chambers is also the father of singersongwriter Kasey Chambers. Ben said Chambers was a talented and accomplished musician and a great storyteller. “He shared his life experiences in the country music scene in Australia and internationally with humour and charm,” Ben said. For Ben, who is relatively new to the music industry, an opportunity to work with one of Australia’s best-known artists was invaluable. Continued on page 8

Great Southern Gazette

From the MD’s Desk Entitlement Model The important news this month, of course, is the announcement of the Entitlement Model. Members of the college Executive are closely analysing the potential impact on the institute. We are working on an appropriate communication strategy for students and stakeholders, and liaising with schools. We know there will be an increase in fees, but we will not know the full implications of the initiative until students make decisions about their enrolments next year. The Department of Training and Workforce Development has published information on the initiative on their website (entitled Future Skills WA); the information is constantly being updated. As updated information becomes available, we will revise the details on our website and on a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ sheet which has been issued to frontline staff. I strongly recommend all staff familiarise themselves with the information on the Future Skills WA section of the Department’s website. You will find a quick link to this from the main page of our intranet – this is the page which appears when you open your browser. We have also made the information available to the public via our internet site. If you have any questions or issues you think of, or come across, please bring them to my attention or approach one of the executive team so we can seek clarification for you. The more information and the greater clarification we have on this issue, the better prepared we are going to be.

The Portfolio Managers are confident we will reach profile in 2013. We have also now submitted the 2013 September Profile addendum and have commenced planning for next year’s profile. Following preparations, we will have ongoing negotiations with the Department to finalise profile delivery for 2014.

Profile We have been monitoring profile carefully with 90 per cent achieved to date. Can I thank everyone for their efforts to date in achieving this profile milestone.

Skills West Expo Our institute was well represented at the Skills West Expo in Perth on the weekend of 13-15 September. Continued on page 5

TAC Audit Our Quality Team, under the direction of Sue Bennett-Ng, is making excellent progress in preparation for the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) audit. Ruth McLean has organised regular meetings and professional development sessions for relevant academic staff, and the team has worked collaboratively to meet the deadline for the submission of the necessary documentation to TAC for assessment prior to the audit. The institute engaged the services of a TAC auditor to visit and report on our level of readiness. This resulted in some useful feedback allowing us to amend documents and processes in line with the auditor’s recommendations before the on-site audit takes place in the second last week in October. I would like to thank all staff, both academic and administrative, who have given tirelessly of their skills and expertise as we approach the audit. My impression is the institute is well prepared for the audit. Budgets Congratulations to everyone on the excellent management of your budgets, particularly since extra constraints were imposed in May.

Great Southern Gazette

From the MD’s Desk From page 4 Jan Auld and Bev Baxter organised a stand to promote all seven of the regional institutes, and Kathy Keay and Jan Davidson presented trades and industrial training information to visitors in the busy Try-A-Trade area. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our offerings to a wider audience. See the photos on page 8. Capital works The recent spate of wet weather has delayed the final stage of work to the Skills Development Centre shed on the south side of Anson Road. However, this will be ready for course delivery within the next few weeks. Furthermore, I am sure we have all now noticed that work has commenced on the Health Sciences and Community Services Training Centre and we will provide regular updates on its progress.

Student Services I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Student Services Director Chris Jones back from extended leave. After three months pedalling across the US on a bicycle and a holiday in Europe, he looks fit and relaxed – and ready for new challenges. In closing Finally, this is my last address to Great Southern Institute staff before I return to my position at Polytechnic West. I would like to thank you all sincerely for making my time here rewarding and enjoyable. I would particularly like to thank the Executive Management Team, and Lexy and Cassie, for the professional support and camaraderie that I have been afforded during my time at the institute. I have been particularly impressed with the level of dedication of staff in all areas, and especially your commitment to ensuring great outcomes for our students. I wish you all the very best and I hope to see at least some of you again in the future. Cheers, Bill

Lecturer lops locks for men’s month Lecturer Jay Rowles’s hair is a big earner – whether he’s with it or without it, it seems. For the past two years, he has grown a moustache for Movember to raise awareness of – and funds for – men’s health. This year, though, he’s gone to the other extreme for Blue September, an organisation dedicated to fighting men’s cancer. Jay had his flowing locks shaved off in a ceremony at the Mount Barker Football Club at the weekend, raising more than $2000 in the process. As this was Jay’s first

haircut for over a year, it was quite a sacrifice. Visit the website at: http:// www.blueseptember.org.au/ about_blue_september.php for more information.

It’s not too late to donate to this worthy cause. Jay is happy to take your money, just call in and see him in R Block and admire his nude noodle while you’re there.

Great Southern Gazette

Keeping abreast of the latest developments and best practice in industry is a primary aim of Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers and program coordinators. Students enrolling in courses can be confident they are receiving up-todate training to industry standards, and employers can expect a level of competence from those trained on our campuses. All lecturers are encouraged to participate in industry consultation and attend seminars and conferences, and portfolio budgets allow for professional and career development opportunities. This month, The Gazette starts a series of articles featuring staff who are committed to providing cutting-edge training. For the first article, the spotlight falls on Aged Care Program Coordinator Bev Alexander and Aged Care Lecturer Len Radcliffe.

New thinking influences aged care With the growing number of seniors in our society, aged care is a burgeoning industry and workers are much in demand. Training people to fill positions in aged care facilities and provide allied services is carried out under the guidance of Aged Care Program Coordinator Bev Alexander in the instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Sciences and Community Services portfolio. Bev, whose background is in tertiary teaching, took up the post of Home and Community Care (HACC) coordinator in the mid1990s. She combined this HACC work with teaching part-time at TAFE, moving to full-time TAFE teaching in 2000 and later training as an aged care auditor, assessing residential facilities to ensure high standards and quality care. Although she is no longer

Len Radcliffe and Bev Alexander. an auditor, she still attends conferences to stay abreast of the requirements for standards within the residential aged care sector. Bev has expanded on the valuable contacts

established in those early years and residential facilities now frequently invite her to professional development sessions for their own staff. Continued on page 7

Great Southern Gazette From page 6 Conversely, Bev said, she invited people from the aged care sector to address students on campus. Bev’s areas of specialisation are extensive. They include legislation, quality standards control and documentation. She also attends meetings to talk on cultural issues and palliative care. She has served on boards of management and works closely with organisations advocating health and wellbeing for seniors and people with disability. Bev delivers training and assesses student work in an aged care facility approximately one day a week, giving her the opportunity to talk to managers, validate assessment tools and learner guides, and receive feedback. In addition, Bev and the staff within the section attend as many professional development sessions as possible, travelling to Perth where necessary to boost their knowledge.

“

We need to be up with changes as they happen, so we can bring this information to the classroom.

”

One of the team is Len Radcliffe, whose career in aged care started 26 years ago when he took a position in a residential home. Formerly working in a trade, Len said he had never known personal satisfaction from work until he moved into aged care. “I feel like I’m giving – it makes my life worthwhile,” Len said. Len combined his work with TAFE lecturing in 2006, a move which has compounded the rewards. “Some students take Certificates III and IV [in Aged Care], then go on to enrolled nursing and registered nursing,” Len said. “When I see people achieve their ambitions, that’s very rewarding,” he added.

7 “I want students to be the best they can be and take best practice into the workplace.” Len said industry experience was extremely important for lecturers. “I know what personal carers need to know,” Len said. “What we teach here is best practice, and, importantly, maintaining it.” An enrolled nurse, Len splits his working week between Clarence Estate and GSIT lecturing, spending a third of his delivery time in aged care facilities and the rest on campus. In addition to working at Clarence Estate, he trains staff there in manual handling, continence management and personal care. Both Bev and Len place great value on the networks they have established with people in the aged care sector. “Len and I are just two of a holistic team visiting facilities in Kojonup, Katanning, Manjimup, Albany and Mount Barker,” Bev said. Next month, the pair will travel to Perth for an annual conference presented by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency in Perth – the fourth such conference they will have attended. Both advocate a career in aged care, not only for the personal satisfaction workers report, but also for the opportunities for advancement within the aged care and health sectors. Bev said she took pride in the way the team prepared students to be skilled personal care workers. “It’s nice when we watch students develop and see them becoming good care workers,” Bev said. For Len, caring for people towards the end of their lives is a privilege. “The clients are with you for only a short period, so it’s a privilege to be able to make their lives as comfortable and pleasant as you can,” Len said. He realises that to continue this rewarding task, up-to-date training is vital. “The industry is changing constantly and we need to be up with the changes as they happen, so we can bring this information to the classroom,” Len said.

Great Southern Gazette

Maximum exposure at training event At the recent Skills West Expo in Perth, Great Southern Institute of Technology was represented on two stands. Visitors from all over the State received information on our training and the Great Southern lifestyle. Jan Auld and Bev Baxter organised a display for seven regional institutes and represented GSIT at the Training in the Regions stand. Kathy Keay and Jan Davidson demonstrated the benefits of trade careers and industrial training courses at a stand located in the buzzing TryA-Trade area as part of the Construction Training Fund display. Both were kept busy with enquiries throughout the three days of the expo and some useful contacts were made.

Jan Davidson and Kathy Keay at Skills West Expo.

Jan Auld at the Training in the Regions stand.

Ben mixes with celebrity From page 3 “I have been involved in the music industry for a little over a year now,” Ben explained. Having attended a course in Live Sound Production in Adelaide last year, he moved to Albany in November and enrolled in the Certificate II in Music at GSIT’s Denmark campus in Semester 1 this year.

in Music and Certificate III in Music Business. Eager to learn and make his mark on the local music “My lecturer, Tony King, has been instrumental in my scene in the future, he now plans to build on his development as a soundie, contacts within the music assisting me in making industry and develop his contact with musicians and sound engineering skills event coordinators in the Great Southern, and helping at live performances while furthering his understanding me develop a better ear for of music. the music I’m mixing,” Ben For more information on said. music courses at GSIT, In Semester 2, Ben is phone 9892 8888 or honing his skills while studying for the Certificate III Freecall 1800 675 781.

Great Southern Gazette

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Colin forges a great career

After several years working as a trades assistant in the metal fabrication industry, Colin Ewen recognised the benefits of gaining a qualification. Combining employment and study was one attraction for Colin, who recently secured an apprenticeship with Evertrans Motorbody Builders in Albany and now attends Great Southern Institute of Technology one day a week. “I had a three-month trial at Evertrans, then this was extended and they offered me an apprenticeship,” Colin said. His experience includes carrying out repairs to trucks and trailers, as well as custom jobs such as manufacturing side Colin Ewen recommends apprenticeships tippers, ute trays and pallet lifters on for the excellent training and good career vehicles. opportunities. He works on the entire construction process which involves cutting, welding and progressing to the next. fitting metal, then finishing it in preparation Colin’s employer Russell Hart of Evertrans for painting. said he liked to employ apprentices While Colin enjoys all phases of the because they could be trained to the firm’s construction, he said the best part of his job high standards and to suit its workshop. was taking pride in the finished project. “Colin is a great employee with a good “It makes it all worthwhile when you see it attitude towards his work,” Russell said. just before it leaves the workshop,” he said. An Aboriginal student, Colin knows he can He also appreciates the support he access any necessary support through the receives from his colleagues. institute’s Aboriginal Programs section at “I enjoy working at Evertrans, it’s a big any time during his apprenticeship. business, so there are a lot of people While honing his metal fabrication skills in working there,” Colin said. the factory and supplementing his learning “You learn from others and there’s always in the classroom are his priorities for now, someone to ask if you have a problem,” he Colin plans to stay in Albany for a few years said. once he has his qualification. Clearly enjoying the practical side of his “But boilermakers are in demand, and Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication I can take my qualification anywhere in Trade, Colin said the projects were easy, Australia,” he said. but the maths was a bit more challenging. He recommends apprenticeships for the However, he said his lecturer Josh excellent training and career opportunities Cunningham was patient and helpful, they bring, and has advice for those making sure he had a thorough contemplating a trade certificate. understanding of each topic before “Don’t leave it too late,” he said.

Great Southern Gazette

Technology transforms teaching Over the past two decades, information technology has transformed the way we live – and had a massive impact on the way we teach and learn. In addition to computers, personal data devices such as smart phones and tablets are now well recognised as valuable tools for training delivery as well as for lecturer and student communication. The term ‘e-learning’ has crept into the vocabulary of students at all levels. “E-learning is simply using technology to interact with students and aid in the learning process,” GSIT Principal Lecturer Ray Tuckey explained. “The term online learning is used broadly, but it is one aspect of e-learning, and most students and lecturers use some form of e-learning,” he said. The institute does, however, deliver several courses purely online, requiring no student attendance in the classroom. This makes courses accessible to people outside the region and those choosing the flexibility this mode of learning affords. Many people studying for online courses are employed and enjoy the freedom from timetable constraints without sacrificing lecturer support. Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers have not only embraced technology for e-learning, they have also developed their own innovative resources. Using images, graphics, videos, sound and music – and lesson-facilitation programs such as Moodle – lecturers have taken their students to a vibrant and exciting environment a world away from the traditional ‘chalk and talk’ scenario. While hands-on learning in some areas such as trades, primary industries, the arts and health sciences cannot be substituted, e-learning still has a place in these areas for enriching classroom delivery and assignments. Ray said the internet was an excellent tool to supplement learning. To stay abreast of advances in technology and allow students to access the latest

information, the institute invests heavily in technology. These investments include interactive ‘Smart Boards’, which are used in conjunction with data projectors and behave like a big touchscreen at the front of the classroom. Banks of laptop computers and iPads – all available for entire classes – are stored and recharged on their own purposebuilt trolleys for easy transportation, and student computers in the Library Resource Centre provide free access to the internet. Ray advocates the Moodle platform for its interactive features and self-contained learning activities allowing students to progress at their own pace. “From PowerPoint presentations to webbased videos on YouTube or Vimeo, all have their place in the modern learning environment,” he said. Ray said with communication revolutionised by email, SMS texting and social media, lecturer support was also easily accessible. “It all contributes to good quality, all-round learning,” he said.

Great Southern Gazette

Induction a vital introduction For many people who come to study at Great Southern Institute of Technology, joining a vocational education and training facility is a new experience. Some, of course, will return, particularly if they have a positive and enjoyable time on our campuses. The benefits for the students and the institute are compounded if these happy customers then tell their friends. To get every student off to a great start, GSIT has a documented induction process, which also helps students throughout their learning journey. For lecturers – and for administrative staff who have contact with students – this essential first step helps them to integrate and understand their new environment and the expectations placed on them. On the intranet, staff will find the Induction of Students procedure, the Student Induction Checklist and a Student Induction PowerPoint presentation. Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean said these documents were useful to staff from the first student contact and throughout the learning process. “The documents are excellent references for ensuring nothing essential is forgotten, such as introducing the student handbook and code of conduct,” Ruth said. “They also detail where extra support is available for people with disability, Aboriginal people and students needing in-class literacy support,” she said. Ruth has organised a series of breakfast meetings for staff in portfolios and key administration areas who have an impact on the student experience from course promotion to

GSIT Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean advocates the student induction process as an essential first step for students on their learning journey.

issue of qualifications. The next meeting, on Thursday 26 September, is aptly titled ‘The Student Journey’. It gives each participant the chance to demonstrate the part they play in the process, and gain an understanding of the role of others. “We all influence the student journey,” Ruth said. “So it’s important we all work together to get the best outcomes for our clients,” she said. “With high quality training and an excellent student experience, it’s no coincidence that so many people choose to return to study here,” she said.

Great Southern Gazette

Show off your shouty shirt It’s that time of year when we dig into the darkest recesses of our wardrobes and drag out the brightest, daggiest and most offensive items – and proudly wear them to work. Not only will we get away with showing off our antisocial garb, but we’ll also feel good for doing so, because we’ll be helping to make life easier for deaf

children at the same time. Loud Shirt Day on Friday 18 October is when we pay a little or a lot for the privilege of looking ridiculous. Last year’s effort raised $186, so let’s try and eclipse that figure. Collection boxes will be in varous locations around the institute, so please give generously.

Safety First With Rick Muller

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing or equipment designed to protect the wearer against workplace hazards. PPE should only be considered when the hazard cannot be eliminated or where the risk cannot be controlled using other methods from the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Isolation, Engineering, Administration and PPE). PPE is the least effective control measure because the hazards and risks are still present. There are also issues of proper fit and design for different individuals, and PPE can sometimes be awkward, uncomfortable and limiting. A PPE poster has been put up on all PPE cabinets at the institute. This poster outlines some requirements and practices for the management of PPE to assist with the correct use, replacement, maintenance and storage. It is also useful as a training tool in the correct use and care of PPE.

Wear the right gear for safety Posters (left) and signs (below) indicate the location, and detail the correct use, of PPE.

Great Southern Gazette

SUPPORT SUPPORT DEAF CHILDREN DEAF CHILDREN $30 $55 $30 $75 $55 $75

LIBRARY BOOKS

help provide books for our resource library to help children develop language and speech

PARENT PACK

help provide a family with a parent pack including information, LIBRARY resources and BOOKS games to assist their child’s development help provide books for our resource library to help children develop language and speech

GROUP ACTIVITY SESSION help provide a group session to develop a child’s listening, language andPACK social abilities through craft, singing and activities PARENT help provide a family with a parent pack including information, resources and games to assist their child’s development

$100

AVA, AG E

SCHOOL MATERIALS

help provide materials to assist families in their child’s transition from early intervention to school help provide a group session to develop a child’s listening, AVA, AG language and social abilities through craft, singing and activities E2

GROUP ACTIVITY SESSION

GE 3 NAH, A SAVAN

$250 $100 $400 $250

CHILD HEARING ASSESSMENT help provide a listening and speech assessment to monitor a child’s progress to ensure key milestones are achieved SCHOOL MATERIALS help provide materials to assist families in their child’s transition from early intervention to school

SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING help provide training to school teachers for how to best equip theirHEARING classroom forASSESSMENT deaf and hearing impaired children CHILD help provide a listening and speech assessment to monitor a child’s progress to ensure key milestones are achieved

ALL FUNDS RAISED FROM LOUD SHIRT DAY WILL HELP TO GIVE THE GIFT OF SOUND AND SPEECH TO DEAF CHILDREN. SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING GE 3 NAH, A SAVAN

$400

help provide training to school teachers for how to best equip their classroom for deaf and hearing impaired children

Friday 18 October ALL FUNDS RAISED FROM LOUD SHIRT DAY WILL HELP TO GIVE THE GIFT OF SOUND AND SPEECH TO DEAF CHILDREN.

Great Southern Gazette

Quality document updates The following Quality Documents have been deleted, added and updated on the intranet: Deleted: CCRD001 QP020

Institute Communication Service Guide – information already contained in Staff Handbook and other documents on intranet Purchase of Training Packages

New: POSP024 QFAS0125 TD018

Qualifications Policy Scope Application Equivalence Matrix form Student Induction Procedure (Trainers) for Short Courses

New Quality Documents for the State Training Providers Income Contingent Loans (ICL): POSP025 VET FEE-HELP Grievances, Complaints and Appeals Policy POSP026 VET FEE-HELP Fair Treatment and Equal Benefits and Opportunity Policy POSP027 VET FEE-HELP Tuition Fee Refund Policy POSP028 VET FEE-HELP Re-Crediting a FEE-HELP Balance Policy POSP029 VET FEE-HELP Privacy Policy QPRD004 Statement VET Tuition Assurance Reviewed and Updated: AS002 Credit Transfer and Exemptions – Updated information on exemptions AS007 Student Qualification – Issue – Minor changes AS034 Scope Management – Removed Pending Applications, changed wording in step 7 ASRD010 Code of Practice for Assessors Information Sheet – Replaced ‘moderation’ wording with ‘validation’, updated AQTF 2010 references, removed specific Principal Lecturer for assistance ASRD011 Collecting and Responding to Performance Data Information Sheet – removed CMIS reference, added UE and ASRI, AQTF 2010 references ASRD012 Developing Training and Assessment Strategy Overviews Information Sheet – Included training.gov.au for latest Training Package, Local Industry Reference Groups for information, personalising for real groups, lecturers to use Equivalence Matrix, T Drive for storage, Scope Officer for assistance, updated AQTF 2010 references, removed specific Principal Lecturers for assistance ASRD013 Developing Training and Assessment Plans Information Sheet – Removed double up of TASO information, updated Unit of Competency: Develop Assessment Tools. Included collection methods guided by Unit of Competency evidence guide, if GSIT templates not being used alternative format to be validated by PM, updated AQTF 2010 references, removed specific Principal Lecturers for assistance

Great Southern Gazette

Quality document updates ASRD014

ASRD015

ASRD016 ASRD019

ASRD020 CC001 POAS007 POAS015 POSP001 POSP005 POSP008 POSP019 QFAS0067 QFAS0070 QFAS0079 QFCS0086 QFCS0087 QFSP0038

Ensuring Validity, Reliability, Flexibility and Fairness Information Sheet – Replaced ‘moderation’ wording with ‘validation’, updated AQTF 2010 references, removed specific Principal Lecturer for assistance Ensuring Sufficiency, Authenticity, Currency and Validity Information Sheet – Updated AQTF 2010 references, removed specific Principal Lecturer for assistance Organising and Conducting Assessment Information Sheet – updated TAE10 and AQTF 2010 references Competency Requirements for Trainers and Assessors Information Sheet – updated TAE10 and AQTF 2010 references, Replaced National Quality Council with National Skills Standards Council, updated Trainer, Assessor and Delivering under supervision information and notes Providing Assessment Feedback Information Sheet – Substantial review Photographs for Promotion and Advertising procedure – Updated wording for under 18s Version Control policy – Removed TRIM register and scope registration information as no longer relevant Apprentice/Traineeship Administration policy – Substantial review Media and External Correspondence – Deleted separate instructions for regions, updated form and policy names GSIT Sustainability Policy and Action Plan (2012-2015) – Added responses to the actions Promotions Protocol – Added advertising requests through Media Coordinator Website Content Management – Updated sections and position titles VET Capacity to Deliver Checklist – Substantial review Trainee Action form – Included Apprentices and areas to record specific information Training and Assessment Strategy Overview – Updated policy references, removed attachment list Exit Questionnaire – Included: ‘staff returning items/equipment purchased with staff award funds’ Staff Induction Checklist – OSH-related questions added AQTF Internal Audit Self-Assessment Guide – minor changes

If you find any Quality Document with out-of-date information, please phone Caro Saunders on 8742.

Great Southern Gazette

Peter Nelligan, fourth from the left, with the Busy Bee Creations group.

Busy Bees welcome VIP visitor The group of students taking part in the Busy Bee Creations program at Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Clothing Production workshop warmly welcomed a Perth visitor recently. Department of Training and Workforce Development Senior Project Officer Peter Nelligan viewed the Busy Bees’ project and talked to the students, their lecturers and in-class assistants. The project has been funded by the Department under an Equity and Innovation tender. Since early 2012, the students, all with disability, have been sewing numerous useful and decorative items as part of their class. They operate the program like a business, closely controlling production

costs and calculating profits, then marketing and selling the items at the institute, at community market stalls and through students’ Facebook pages. Mr Nelligan said he was impressed by the activity, enthusiasm, atmosphere, products and successes of all the participants. “I was also impressed by the confidence of the students to show and explain their products and markets to me, having just met them,” Mr Nelligan said. Clothing production lecturer Robyn Wills said the students had been inspired by Mr Nelligan’s visit, and they were proud to show him their work. A range of items from the Busy Bee Creations program is on sale at the institute’s Albany campus bookshop.

Bright sparks – here’s your chance to shine You may have noticed the yellow suggestions box on the intranet – it’s below your favourite pages. If you have any bright ideas for improving our services to our customers or colleagues, click on the box to send an email. Your idea might be about streamlining a process, reporting

faults, or saving resources. Your email will be forwarded to the appropriate section for the necessary research and consideration. Not all suggestions will be appropriate for action, but you will receive acknowledgement and you will be advised if your idea is adopted.

Great Southern Gazette

Access All Areas

with Wendy Macliver

Getting the Word out – creating accessible documents

Here are a few simple things you can do to make your Word documents more accessible for everyone. • Use a 12 point sans-serif font such as Arial. • Use Word styles with headings. Headings will allow screen reader users to navigate through the page easily and will make the page more usable for everyone. • Add alternative text for images, in the Description box. If an image is only decorative then write this in the description box. • Use headers in tables and repeat the

Donations of books and DVDs are needed for the

BIG 2ND-HAND BOOK

$ALE

header row. • Use high contrast colours. • Don’t use colour alone to convey information. • Change the URL of hyperlinks to a more meaningful description. Word 2010 has a built-in accessibility checker. Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Check Accessibility. This tool makes it easy to identify problems in your document and gives you tips on why this could be a problem and how to fix it. For more information, go to WebAIM – Creating accessible Word documents.

Please leave your donation of books or DVDs at the bookshop All proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis research

Sale will be held in Term 4 in the Library/Bookshop foyer

Great Southern Gazette

Prepare to eat healthily When you get hungry, it’s tempting to reach for the most convenient food, preferably requiring minimal preparation and providing immediate satisfaction. However, many of these snacks are highly processed and contain large amounts of fat, sugar and kilojoules. You can have healthy snacks without spending ages on preparation – it just takes a little forward planning.

Pick up some unsalted nuts such as almonds, peanuts or cashews to make your own trail mix, choose a healthy dip for vegetable sticks or buy some fresh fruit for the sweet craving. If you have a free hour, why not make Hummingbird Muffins using the recipe below. They are a great healthy snack and you’ll be ready for when the hunger hits.

Hummingbird muffins Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 18 regular or 30 mini muffins Ingredients 2 eggs ¼ cup caster sugar 200ml low fat vanilla yoghurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large) 440g can crushed pineapple in natural juice 3 cups self raising flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ¾ cup walnuts (18 halves) Olive or canola oil spray Method Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan forced). Spray the muffin tins with oil. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed for two minutes until light and creamy. Gently mix in the yoghurt, vanilla, bananas and pineapple with juice. Sift the flour and cinnamon onto the batter then stir to combine but do not over mix. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin

tins (3/4 full) and top with a walnut half. Bake in mini-muffin tins for 20 minutes and larger muffins for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tins for five minutes then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. LiveLighter © State of Western Australia 2013, reproduced with permission. For more snack ideas and healthy recipes, go to www.livelighter.com.au.

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

Great Southern Gazette

Self-exploration for art group harmony

Above: Students, support workers, Lecturer Tara Ball and the in-class assistant show off the Team Table Top Mosaic. Below: Five of the students with their individual mosaic mirrors.

On Friday mornings at the Katanning campus of Great Southern Institute of Technology, students have been absorbed creating mosaics, paintings, papier mâché and art and craft in various other media. The Semester 2 ‘Art Access’ class, specifically designed for students with disability, has been very popular, attracting students from Wagin and Katanning, including some from the Katanning Senior High School. Delivering the ‘Learning through Practice’ unit, Lecturer Tara Ball came up with a number of projects to work on with this enthusiastic group. Tara based the projects on a ‘Me, Myself

and I’ theme, and students have created mosaic mirrors, clay faces, name plaques, baked salt-dough figurines, crêpe paper portraits, and painted pot plants. One of the most impressive projects they are all working on is the Team Table top Mosaic. Tara said the students enjoyed the projects and it was very satisfying to see them work together so well as a team. The Katanning Shire will host a Disability Inclusion Art Exhibition from 2 to 20 December and the class’s art projects will be on display. Students are looking forward to seeing their work go into the public gallery. – Rachael Coole

Great Southern Gazette

HR News With Paula Pattinson

Positions Advertised • EOI Portfolio Support Officer, Health Sciences and Community Services (0.4 FTE) – successful applicant was Aloma Pickett. • EOI Business Systems Officer (0.4 FTE) – successful applicant was Robyn Altus. • Lecturer Environmental Monitoring and Technology – applications closed 12 September. • EOI Casual Lecturers Transport and Safety – applications closed 19 September. • Building Services Officer – applications closed 17 September. • Aboriginal Programs Assistant Albany (0.5-1.0 FTE) – applications close 26 September. • Aboriginal Programs Assistant Katanning (0.2-0.5 FTE) – applications close 26 September. • Campus Clerical Officer Katanning (0.5 FTE) – applications close 26 September. Congratulations to those successful in winning positions. ASL appointments Congratulations to Wendy Macliver who has recently been appointed as an ASL1 Literacy.

Do you have a idea for an article in The Gazette?

New staff A warm welcome is extended to the following new staff: • Shona Link, Casual Lecturer Hairdressing. • Sandra Slade, Casual Lecturer Health. • Gregory Eades, Casual Lecturer Literacy. • Iain MacInnes, Casual Lecturer Hospitality. • Michael-James Terry, Casual Lecturer The Environment and Primary Industries Tenders. • Xiaowen (Catherine) Gong, Restaurant Technician. Long term absences/staff movements • John Langridge, Hospitality Technician, on LSL/other leave until 15 January 2014. • Chris Jones, Director Student Services, returned to work on 16 September. • Peter Young, ASL2 Woolclassing, on LSL/other leave from 1 October to 27 January 2014.

Email marketing@gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Great Southern Gazette

Library Technician Peck Goh demonstrates Lynda.com to visual arts student Layla McGurk.

Savvy students share Lynda’s secrets If you find technology frustrating because you don’t know enough about the program you’re using, chances are Lynda.com has instant answers to help you. Lynda.com is a website with hundreds of instructional videos on a wide range of topics, mainly about software but also including other areas such as photography and business. A computer in the Library Resource Centre at the Albany campus has access to Lynda.com for students needing tutorials to help them tackle almost any software, including the latest applications. This LyndaKiosk is available on Computer 3, near the group study room, and it’s a good idea to book it as this is also the computer with the popular Adobe Suite

installed. No login is needed, and the library staff will help students to navigate the site and choose the best tutorial for their needs. For staff, LyndaPro has been purchased, allowing access for up to five users. This account is also managed by the Library Resource Centre, but it can be used anywhere and at any time. Both LyndaKiosk and LyndaPro provide instant access and premium-level exercise files for an engaging learning experience. Librarian Stephanie Lindsay welcomed the institute’s investment in the licences for the Lynda tutorials. “This will be a great asset to staff and students alike, and I encourage everyone to give it a go,” Stephanie said.

Check out what’s happening at Your Regional TAFE

Great Southern Gazette

Seeds of Sustainability with

Neil Augustson The institute continually monitors its power consumption and compares periodical data to determine if we are becoming more efficient in its use. Recent data shows that for the 12 months between July 2012 and June 2013, the institute reduced its electricity use by 4.93 per cent and gas use by 2.50 per cent. This is a fantastic achievement, especially considering on-campus student numbers are up by 7.5 per cent on last year, hence an expectation that our power usage would increase accordingly. 2013 Juneour Another point of interest is ethat effectiv renewable energy production has increased by 20.63 per cent to 7,646 kWh. This has been attributed to the installation of an additional six 230-watt photovoltaic cells, which were funded via the instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seeds of Sustainability committee.

de i u g r tride

smar

Focus on sustainability is gaining momentum This information shows that our drive towards sustainability is starting to gain momentum and that many of us are endeavouring to make it a habit to switch off lights, air conditioners, gas heaters and other appliances when they are not needed. These things, which are relatively easy to achieve, can make a substantial difference in reducing both the economic and environmental impact for an organisation of our size. On behalf of the Sustainability Committee and Corporate Executive team, I would like to congratulate all staff and students for making a concerted effort to help reduce our impact on the environment. Keep up the good work and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strive to reduce our energy consumption even further in the coming 12 months.

Smartriders are the way to go

r e t r a m s A ay to w el. trav

Students and staff using the transAlbany bus services should be aware that from 1 October 2013, only Smartrider cards and cash will be accepted on buses. Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bus Service will cash in any unused Multirider tickets only until the end of October.