CAMPUS Issue 9, September 2020
GAF scholars during our UTAS virtual catch up
CEO's welcome
As the second half of 2020 rolls on, it is an opportunity to reflect on how we have navigated a time of crisis. The past six months have held many challenges and we hope you are all coping as best you can. It is healthy to stop, check-in and recognise if you are having difficulties. These are tough times, particularly for those of you experiencing extended lockdowns throughout much of Victoria.
During recent virtual scholar events, the GAF team has learnt how our community has coped during this time and we are proud of the resilience and strength each of you has shown. In these meetups we learnt about the healthy habits scholars have embraced during this time. We found these tips and approaches so inspiring that we collated them in a blogpost as a valuable resource to demonstrate our GAF community’s shared wisdom.
The Foundation’s first online professional development offering, the GAF Future Leaders seminar, is now available. This recording of a seminar held in Melbourne this year focuses on empathic leadership, communication, boundary setting, and personal management. These are important skills to develop and strengthen you in your chosen profession and in
life more broadly, at any time in your learning journey. I encourage you to make use of this fantastic resource. Sharon Pakir is a dynamic and engaging facilitator and works on the principle that “we become great leaders when we become our best selves.”
We are also happy to announce the winner of the #WheretheGAFareyou? Competition. See the winning entry below and thanks to all those who entered.
Lastly, I would like to emphasise the Foundation’s commitment to be responsive and adaptive to the needs of our community. We understand how difficult this time is and encourage any scholar who needs to pause their studies for the benefit of their health and wellbeing to reach out to their institution. We pride ourselves on being approachable, understanding and encouraging as a funding partner Life often throws us unexpected challenges and these current circumstances will be impacting many of you in a variety of ways. Do not be concerned at all if you need to seek assistance from your university – we will be as supportive as we possibly can be.
I hope you all take care and stay safe. Good luck with your studies and the rest of 2020. I am already looking forward to a much better 2021!
Craig Connelly CEOVirtual catch ups
Lessons learnt in lockdown
Each year the GAF team arranges events across Australia to meet commencing and ongoing scholars at our various partner institutions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, the team has engaged with our scholars virtually, with online meetups through Zoom.
During the meetups, we learnt about challenges facing our community, such as online learning, isolation, disruption of future plans and loss of jobs and opportunities.Our scholars shared the lessons they will take away from this uncertain time, including the importance of healthy mental habits to develop resilience,
maintain a sense of wellbeing and emotional strength. Below we have compiled their suggestions for staying happy and healthy
