Acting Dean's Report

As most of you are aware, Jim is taking a well deserved couple of weeks’ leave, so in the interim I am Acting Dean and delighted to share some updates with you.

The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy for all of us, with staff finalising their subjects, marking and writing research reports amongst other activities. This has been made all the more difficult by our circuit breaker lock down. While it feels like somewhat of a setback to getting us all back to campus, I note that many offices and businesses around our building are starting to open up again. I'm really looking forward to seeing many of you back in our buildings over the next couple of weeks. You’ll be pleased to see that we have had lovely new plants installed in our work areas, which not only improves the ambience of our workspaces but helps to keep the air clean.

I'm sure that I do not have to reiterate that taking care of yourselves and staying safe is, of course, of greatest priority. If the last lockdown has raised concerns for you, please ensure that you reach out as there are many mechanisms of support within the University and MGSE.

Strategy 2027

I suspect the next couple of weeks will be equally as busy as our staff respond to a number of work priorities on a variety of fronts. The University is currently in the planning stages for 2022 and beyond. Keryn Negri and I attended the University mid-year dialogue this week and there was a great deal of discussion about our recovery program going forward. Similarly, at MGSE we are also in future-planning mode as we develop our next Strategic Plan. Can I remind you that we have a number of Strategy planning sessions with staff beginning with an online session on Friday 2 July , and two in-person sessions on 14 and 16 July (further details coming soon).

As many of you would be aware we are about to commence on a number of staff recruitments to ensure we can replenish our workforce going forward. We will be providing more updates over the next month about this process in a number of areas.

Initial Teacher Education

A significant point of interest this week was the release of the Initial Teacher Education review discussion paper. We are currently working on an MGSE response, and I know many of you are keen to contribute.  It is also important to note that MGSE will be involved in several submissions, for example as members of the G08, Universities Australia, the Victorian and Australian Council of Deans and the TPA consortium, the AFGT.

NAIDOC Week

A number of events are coming up that I would like to draw your attention to, most particularly in NAIDOC Week. This newsletter has details of the activities MGSE is involved in including the Dean’s Lecture with Dr Lois Peeler AM, don’t forget to register for this important event.

Staff Farewells

I would like to make special mention of two of our valued staff members who are leaving us, in particular Genevieve Jordan who has accepted a position at another institution in a marketing division. I'm sure you will join with me in wishing her well in her future position and, of course, thanking her for her hard work and dedication to MGSE over the past four years. I also note that this is Helen Cahill's last week as she officially moves into retirement.  It goes without saying that this is a special time for Helen and her family as we celebrate her amazing career and contribution to MGSE.  Helen’s farewell has been postponed so that we can have a face to face event on 19 August, please register so we have your details for catering. More information will be forthcoming closer to the date.

Take care.

Janet