The weekly walk has survived the first two months of 2020. This week’s walk took us to Ilam Gardens. Photos below of the sights seen en route (including one of UC’s more unusual artworks!).
Next week same time same place. Thursday 12:30pm by the Book Returns Box on Level 1 PJH.
Following the UC wide update on Coronavirus, please find below some more information to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
Current UC initiatives:
• An awareness campaign has started to share the basic principles of hygiene and coughing etiquette, and anti-bacterial hand sanitiser will also be distributed shortly. The awareness campaign will use posters and digital screens around campus. In addition, there will be an informational video providing information on the Coronavirus and preventative measures. The information in the video will be delivered by Dr Joan Allardyce, Director of the UC Medical Centre.
• At this stage respiratory masks are not included in the campaign. The advice we have received is that the basic surgical mask provides very limited protection. However, regardless of the effectiveness, if you feel more comfortable wearing a facial mask, these masks will be provided by the University.
• Self-isolation for 14 days is recommended for any member of staff who have recently been to Wuhan or Hubei province, or who has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with the virus. If this occurs, we will support you while allowing you to work from home (or if required, discretionary leave).
If you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system or provide care/are in close regular contact with someone who has a compromised immune system, please contact your manager so they are aware of this and can discuss with you any support measures needed.
As a flu-like virus it’s important for all of us to follow the basic principles of hygiene and cough etiquette to reduce the risk of infection. If you haven’t already, and you would like to learn more about coronavirus and associated effects, this Radio National interview with Dr Chris Smith, consultant virologist at Cambridge University may be of interest.
Further information is available on the UC homepage (click on the yellow banner)
Today’s weekly walk takes place at the usual time of 12:30pm. To join in, please come to Level 1, Puaka James Hight by the book returns box. The walk will last 30 mins and is taken at a gentle stroll pace.
For cyclists and those who’d like to starting riding their bike more, the Aotearoa Bike Challenge starts on 1st February. This is a “fun, free competition that’s all about seeing which workplaces can get the most people to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more. It’s not just bragging rights on the line, we give away awesome prizes like brand new bikes, restaurant vouchers and loads more. Whether you ride all the time or haven’t ridden in years, the Challenge is for you.”
Further info here: https://www.lovetoride.net/nz
January 19 is popularly thought to be the day when a large number of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. If your resolution this year was to do a little more exercise or practice some self-care, Thursdays are your chance to keep that plan going.
The weekly walk takes place every Thursday at 12:30pm. Duration: 30mins. Difficulty level: easy. Footware requirements: none (but we do sometimes go off road!). The walk takes place in work time, i.e. this does not replace your lunch-break.
If you fancy joining in. We meet by the Book Returns Box on Level 1 Puaka-James Hight.
Today, I received news of the passing of Neville Bishell: https://deaths.press.co.nz/obituaries/the-press-nz/obituary.aspx?n=neville-bishell&pid=194948716&fhid=12638
Neville’s wife Cynthia was Collection Services Manager at UC up until 2010.
Many of you will have known and worked with Cynthia. You may wish to show your support for Cynthia and her family at this difficult time. The service for Neville is scheduled for 14th January. If you wish to attend, just let your manager know of your plans.
Our regular Thursday walk re-starts today for 2020. This is a gentle 30min stroll through the campus and surroundings. Open to everyone.
Time: 12:30pm
Meeting place: Level 1, Puaka James Hight by the book returns boxes
For anyone who promised themselves a little more exercise or self-care in 2020… this is your chance to live your new year’s resolution!
Just for fun: https://digitalnz.org/stories/5df3ff061b9b9f0008e0751b
I am pleased to announce that Jenny Owens has been successful at interview and be taking on the permanent role of Resource Discovery Manager. Jenny will be joining the Library Access & Collections team on 20th January.
I also wish to offer my thanks to Brian who has done excellent work in LAC and will be finishing his time with us on 17th January.
My apologies for the slow announcement. This was because I’d got super excited about completing the process and announcing to the team on Monday and then forgot to send out the wider message.
The Library ran a daily lunchtime walk for the Australasian University Health Challenge in September. We organised a 30 minute guided walk and explored the campus (including several little known nooks and crannies). We chatted to people, rested our minds and exercised our legs.
After the challenged ended, a couple of keen beans agreed to continue the tradition. Therefore we’d like to invite you to join us each week for a walk.
Thursdays – 12:30pm – Ground floor of Puaka-James Hight by the book returns box.
Do you sometimes wonder what it is that managers do? Or have you thought about becoming a manager but aren’t sure if it’s the path for you?
In 2020, we are offering an experimental structured programme for people interested in career progression into management. By participating, you will take part in a series of events and activities to increase your understanding and experience in management. Further details here: K:\LIBR-Library\Operations\HR\Staff-development
Speak to your manager (or raise in your mahi tahi) if you’re interested in signing up.