Dean's Report

One thing we’ve all learnt over the past 18 months is that plans are almost certain to change! My recent leave is a case in point – I travelled to Sydney only to be caught up in their latest COVID-19 cluster and subsequently returned to Melbourne for 14 days of home quarantine. I’m looking forward to re-joining the world on Thursday.

Congratulations

My warmest congratulations to Associate Professor Larissa McLean Davies for her recent University of Melbourne Excellence Award for Engagement. Larissa received this award in recognition of her substantive contribution to enhancing teachers’ knowledge in the areas of literacy and English teaching with her leading cutting-edge literacy custom education programs and workshops, and innovative resource development and curriculum review projects for State and Territory Governments and education leaders. It is always pleasing to see one of our MGSE colleagues acknowledged in these competitive and prestigious University awards.

I am also delighted to announce that the University has bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus on Helen Cahill. This is a fitting tribute for such a widely respected academic with a distinguished career. We will pay further tribute to Helen at her retirement celebration on 19 August.

Pandemic Reset Program

Today sees the release of the Human Resources Change Plan, which is available for consultation until the 3rd of August. The proposal is another component of the Professional Services Redesign (PSR) that continues to roll out in response to the Pandemic Reset Program. This proposal will see the centralisation of HR services with an embedded HR Business Partner at MGSE and an HR Director and Assistant HR Director servicing the new MGSE/FBE/MLS divisional grouping. This will affect each member of MGSE’s current HR team who, under Paula McAllister’s leadership, have supported and served MGSE so well. I know you will all take this into consideration in your dealings with the team as they absorb the implications of the change proposal, recognising that the new structure does create a number of opportunities. A drop in session has been organised for Tuesday 13 July at 10 am for any staff who have questions about the new HR services.

It is a particularly busy time for recruitment at MGSE with both academic and professional positions being advertised. While we recruit for a new Academic Services Senior Manager, Phil Tudor, our Senior Manager Strategy, Planning and Resources will be acting in the role.

MGSE Upcoming Events

We have a series of important events occurring in July including an online Dean’s Lecture presented by Dr Lois Peeler AM this Friday at 3 pm to celebrate NAIDOC Week: there is still time to register to attend. Last week we held an MGSE Strategy planning workshop and we were delighted with the productive and enthusiastic response from staff – another session is planned for Friday 16 March with more details forthcoming. The MGSE Awards will be presented on Thursday 29 July at the Copland Theatre, The Spot and it is important that you register if you are planning to attend to ensure we comply with the University’s COVID-Safe rules.

Lastly, I would also like to invite you to an MGSE Staff event on Thursday 22 July in the Level 3 Staff room at 3 pm. This is an occasion to acknowledge and thank you all for your extraordinary effort in Semester One. There have been challenges to overcome and I recognise that, of course, there will be more challenges ahead. This will be a great opportunity to get together and I’m looking forward to catching up with you in person.

Jim