Graduating Students
For graduating students it is almost time to leave QIBT and go on to Griffith. Therefore it is very important that you have all the correct information for an easy transition.
For details of Griffith Information Sessions follow this path on your portal:
My support> Learning support> Learning resources> Workshops
For fact sheets on the portal go to:
My info> Fact sheets> Graduating students
QIBT’s re-brand and short film competition
Some of you may have noticed that QIBT has recently rebranded (changed our logo and corporate colours) to reflect the master brand of our parent company Navitas. The QIBT website, brochures and our reception area have all been revamped to reflect our fresh new image and we feel the new look communicates well our core values of Conviction, Drive, Adventure, Rigor & Respect.
To celebrate this, and to get our students thinking creatively about what QIBT means to them, we are holding our first ever Short Film Competition , open to all current QIBT students. The winners will earn some great prizes and have their films featured on QIBT’s new home page ‘video vault’, which receives over 2000 visits a day! Don’t forget to get your entry in before September 1st – see the www.qibt.qld.edu.au for entry details.
Staff Profile - Gerard Roache
Gerard Roache is the Academic Coordinator for Hotel Management . He joined QIBT in June 2008 after eight years abroad. Gerard began his hotel career after undertaking a Hospitality Management degree. He continued studies during both his hotel and teaching careers gaining a Masters degree in Education, Graduate Diploma in Management and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education and Training. Gerard and his family moved to Dubai in 1998 where he was active in setting up tourism and hospitality programs. Prior to moving to Dubai Gerard lectured in Hospitality and Business for seven years at the Gatton campus of the University of Queensland. Gerard rates opening two five star hotels as the most memorable and challenging jobs he had in his hotel career. Although he fondly remembers opening a retirement village with his wife Bridget; a nurse. Gerard and Bridget have two children and are happy to be back in Australia after their adventures in the Middle East.
Amazing Students
We have some amazingly gifted and talented students here at QIBT.
• Augusta Da Cunha, from India, has some astounding achievements. She has completed the International Duke of Edinburgh Award and also participated in the Chopin Piano Competition in both 2001 and 2004.
• Lelum Lilantha has performed in a rock band which was nominated to play in the 2007 Sri Lankan Idol.
• Meraj Yusuf also has a talent for music. He has won a few competitions with his extraordinary voice. He sings equally well in English and Hindi.
• Ruwan Fernando, from Sri Lanka, is a professional Latin American Dancer who has his own dance studio. We may see him competing in Australia very soon.
These are just a few of the exceptional students that we have here at QIBT. We should each strive for excellence in what we do. After all it is this that brings colour to our life.
Welcome to New and Returning Staff
• Saju Jose is as lecturer and tutor in Introduction to Marketing. He is completing his PhD in Microfinance at Griffith University and has many years experience in University teaching and research as well as industry
• Robyn Woolgar is a teacher in Introduction to Computing. She has had extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry and has taught at TAFE for many years
• Barry Jurd has returned to us to lecture in Accounting for Decision Making. We are proud to say that Barry won ‘Lecturer of the Year – 2007’. Barry has lectured and tutored at Griffith University for many years and has extensive experience as a charted accountant in the hospitality industry.’
A warm welcome to Saju, Robyn and Barry!
Stress Management
Hello Students - By the time you read this, mid-semester exams will have come and gone. However, around the corner are assignments and end of semester exams.
At this time of semester many students will experience stress and pressure as a result of our own and others expectations. To perform at your best during this time I offer the following suggestions.
Recipes for Calm:
BREATHING
Practise slow, regular breathing into the abdomen, not the upper chest. Breathe evenly, not too quickly. Do not hold your breath. Full slow breathing leads to calmness.
RAG DOLL TECHNIQUE
Let go of muscle tension. Let yourself just flop.
PLEASANT THOUGHTS
Think about a pleasant memory such as a holiday. Visualise your own special place - mountain, forest, beach.
PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION
Start at the toes and work through each muscle group until you get to your head, relaxing each muscle group separately.
TALK TO A FRIEND
‘A trouble shared is a trouble halved’.
REGULAR-EXERCISE
This is not ‘kill yourself exercise’. Find something you enjoy doing such as walking the dog, jogging with a friend, tennis or gym. The important thing is that it should be regular and not just once a week.
REVIEW COMMITMENTS
‘Something’s got to give’. Ask yourself what must be done. Get rid of the rest.
DEAL WITH PROBLEMS ONE STEP AT A TIME
Don’t ‘bite off more than you can chew’. Break a large task into its component parts, it becomes less daunting this way.
If you are having troubles dealing with stress please talk to someone. I am available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Please make an appointment at Reception or contact me via the QIBT student portal.
Take Care
Chris Hannigan
Student Welfare Advisor
Brisbane Events
Southbank
Why not invite your friends for a BBQ at Southbank. If you go on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday you can have a look at the Arts and Crafts market.
Riverfestival
At this time every year the people of Brisbane like to celebrate the river. Don’t miss Queensland’s largest display of fireworks on the 30th of August (Riverfire). There is much free entertainment to experience. www.riverfestival.com.au
Picasso - Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) - Closes September 14th.
Don’t miss Picasso and his collection. This exhibition has never before been outside Europe. Get to understand Picasso’s influences as well as his contribution to the evolution of modern art. Enhance your experience with the free guided tour. www.qag.qld.gov.au
State Library
Did you know that the state library has free wireless internet access? What a great place to study and/or chat online with your family/friends. www.slq.qld.gov.au
Bronwyn’s Sunshine Coast Feature
Looking for a great weekend away or something to do in the holidays? Why not try exploring the beautiful relaxing Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast is a great getaway only an hour drive north of Brisbane, or an hour and half by bus or train. With popular towns like Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and Caloundra, there is always something to do. Here are some tips to try when going to the Sunshine Coast:
1. Australia Zoo
2. Eumundi Markets
3. Noosa National Park
4. Climb Mt Coolum
5. Walk along the Mooloolaba Esplanade
6. Learn to surf in Noosa
7. Drive through the Maleny and Montville Hinterland
8. Kite Surfing in Maroochydore
9. Shopping at Sunshine Plaza
10. Eat fish and chips on the beach in Caloundra
For more information about things to do or on accommodation on the sunshine coast, you can check out these websites:
http://www.sunshinecoast-bc.com/sunshinecoastthingstodo.html
http://www.sunshinecoast-australia.com/
Future Newsletters
Thanks for reading this August edition of the QIBT Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed reading about the staff and students here at QIBT. The Newsletter will occur once a month; so watch out for the September issue. I am more than happy to include news articles from students and staff. Thank you to all that assisted in the creation of this issue. If you would like to make a contribution to the newsletter then please email chris.rayner@qibt.qld.edu.au
Editor: Christopher Rayner