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As we figuratively, and almost literally, limp towards the end of what started out a very busy Term 1, we trust you have enjoyed attending your classes, along with the social interaction that coming to U3APP afforded, before our Term was unexpectedly and sadly cut short.
In this e-Bulletin you'll find information on planned new Courses for Term 2, some repeat Courses, as well as a few changes to current Courses.
And while we can't guarantee that U3APP will be open after Easter for Term 2 "face-to-face" classes, we have opened these new Courses up for bookings today, as many of our classes are continuing in various other formats; you can read below how we are doing this.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We would like to remind all our Members that for the safety of all, if you are diagnosed with Coronavirus, it's important you advise the Committee of Management by email at Committee@u3app.org.au.
For those interested in accessing further information, you can regularly check the Australian Government Department of Health Website for updates and advice, as well as the Victorian Government DHHS dedicated Coronavirus page. The ABC is also providing updates via their daily Coronacast podcasts. Click on any of these underlined links to be taken to the relevant website.
And while face to face contact at a U3APP class is not an option at the moment, in the interest and importance of maintaining our social contacts, Members may like to consider how they can keep in touch with others during this difficult time.
'Physical Distancing' rather than 'Social Distancing'
While we recognise that "Social Distancing" is the requirement right now, we prefer to use the term "Physical Distancing" as we recognise the need for our Members to continue to interact on both a social and a learning level, and we are searching for ways to safely do this.
The Committee of Management has appointed a Working Group to work through COVID-19 issues and coordinate a plan of attack to combat the issues identified. The Working Group is meeting regularly and has generated a master plan for the operation of U3APP, and we'll keep you informed of developments on a regular basis.
Jim Pribble, Tutor Support & CoM, has detailed further information on this subject and you can read more below and by clicking here
Look What's Possible If We Put Our Minds To It
In the meantime, some of our Tutors have already risen to the occasion and have generated some novel ways to deliver Course content without needing to meet face-to-face. Their reactions to the challenge have been exceptional to say the least! Here are some of the innovative solutions, but be aware any proposed solution may not have applicability to all Courses - so it's 'Horses for Courses' so to speak.
- Production of material which can be e-mailed (or posted) to participants – Lecture notes, music, ‘stick figures’ showing exercises and exercise routines
- Referring classmates to online programming such as You Tube
- Telephone conferencing
- Arranging meetings in open spaces to meet at suitably safe distances (the risk of each such encounter needs to assessed on an ongoing basis)
- And, a most promising technological solution, teleconferencing using existing online programs, such as Zoom, to provide visual contact for participants during discussions.
In all, the future looks a little brighter on the Coursework front, even if the worldwide scene is a bit depressing. We need to charge ahead and grasp every opportunity to lead the lives we want, not what is dictated by chance.
Before we get to the new Courses for Term 2, please note that if you are currently booked into a Course, year long or less, you don't have to re-enrol each Term or even each Semester, as your booking lasts for the length of the Course for that particular year. So, while you can't carry over your booking into a new calendar year, you are booked into your current Course for its duration this year.
New Courses Planned to Start in Term 2
The following new Courses, planned to start in Term 2, are now available to book. However, due to the very fluid situation at the moment, we're sure you'll understand that we're not in a position to confirm if they'll go ahead at a "face-to-face" level at this stage. Simply click on the Course name for further information - and ensure you're logged in to our website to reserve your place:-
Repeats of Popular Courses
Well we certainly hope they will be!
These repeat Courses are planned to start in Term 2:-
Course Changes in Term 2
Hot Topics! Our Updated Home Page
When you log into the U3A Port Phillip Website, you'll notice a new "Hot Topics" heading. This is your go-to place for current and important information - topics like the one about Grand Prix Access and Parking and the more recent notices about U3APP's closure due to Covid-19. There's also lots of useful information in the form of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) for New Members, as well as a link to Public Events available for all members of the public to book.
High Country & Gippsland Comeback - Fitzroy St
*** Please note - at the time of writing, this initiative is still going ahead. If you're interested, check CoPP website later in the week regarding upcoming weekends.
Port Phillip Council is proud to support bushfire recovery efforts by bringing affected businesses from the High Country and Gippsland to Fitzroy Street, St Kilda for two exciting months of food, drink and retail pop-ups until 26 April. You can find out more about locations, dates and times and how you can support fire-affected businesses by clicking here to be taken to the City of Port Phillip Website, and here to be taken to the Fitzroy Street: Love My Place site which has links to, all the traders taking part in this wonderful initiative
Monash University 50+ Study
Monash University is looking for volunteers to complete an on-line survey, expected to take between 20-25 minutes to complete. The aim of this study is to explore the lives, relationships, and well-being of people aged 50 and over. For further information and to access the link for the study, please click here
Tentative Dates for your Diary
Monday 13 April - Easter Monday holiday
Tuesday 14 April - Term 2 potentially begins - Classes may resume on this day - we'll keep you informed
Wednesday 15 April - Out & About: Tour, Talk and Q&A at the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
Saturday 16 May - Out & About: Port Melbourne History Walk
Saturday 16 May - Saturday Seminar, tba
Monday 8 June - Queen's Birthday holiday - no classes this day
Friday 19 June - Out & About: Guided tour of (Percy) Grainger Museum
Saturday 20 June - Saturday Seminar, tba
Friday 26 June - end Term 2
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