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Latest News - 1/12/08

Hi all,

Not much new to report this week; after a busy couple of months we have been taking a bit of rest. Never fear, though: we will be back in 09 bigger and better than ever!

As always, we look forward to your feedback - please let us know what we can do to make you happier: jetaawa.president@gmail.com. And remember that you can find us on mixi and facebook too for up-to-date info!

Contents:

1. Upcoming events for 2009
2. Nominations for 09/10 committee
3. 会WA
4. Peace Boat
5. Macquarie University online pedagogy course

 

1. Upcoming events for 2009

We think 2008 has been a pretty darn busy year for JETAAWA, with at least 2 events every month. Thanks to all those who have taken the time to reconnect with the JET network, relive some old experiences, and stay in touch with Japan through our events.

Although final dates are yet to be decided upon, here is a rough schedule for events in 2009 (not including kaiWA):

Jan / Feb: Okonomiyaki family BBQ in Kings Park

Feb / Mar: Quiz night

Mar: AGM

As always, let us know if you want to see anything added to this.

 

2. Nominations for JETAAWA Committee 2009/2010

Over the next couple of months, please spend some time thinking about possibly joining the committee for next year. As always, all positions will be available.

We have had a great, active committee this year and some promising comments about participation next year from current committee members and recent returnees, but we think it is important to have members of the "old guard" on the committee too, to ensure that JETAA remains relevant to our entire membership. If there are certain directions you would prefer to see JETAA head in, then being on the committee is the best way to have your opinions heard!

Being on the committee is obviously a rewarding experience in itself in terms of contribution to the JET network and Japan-Australia relations, but other benefits include:

Positions include:

For more info on each position, check the JETAAWA charter at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/want_jetaa/files/

 

3. kaiWA

NOTE: The 'Bar on Barracks' is now known as "43 Below". Everything else is the same!

会WA is still going stronger than ever, although it's becoming so popular now that we may need to find a bigger venue. If anyone knows a cafe or bar that will lend us a room for free, like 43 Below does, please let us know. Some people have said they would prefer a cafe atmosphere, but at the moment I'm not aware of anywhere that would let us house 40+ people for $0!

Next 会WA will be the last for 2008 - we will let you know when it will resume in 09.
It is Thursday, December 11 again in the function room on the Hay St side of 43 Below.
It's located underground at 43 Barrack St, on the corner of Hay St - check it out on Google Maps.

Participation is free (although we encourage - with a knife - a gold coin donation to pay for food) - we will kick things off around 5:30pm and stay until they either throw us out or we've had enough of each other for one week (usually about 9 pm). We will also provide snacks such as wedges, etc - paid for by your donations!
Don't feel pressure to drink if that's not your thing - food and coffee, etc, are also available.

会WA is a great chance to meet new people, practise your language skills, and keep up to date with JET. See you there!

 

4. Peace Boat volunteering

JETAAWA member Luke Eaton has passed on some information about volunteering on the Peace Boat, a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment through a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. The ship creates a neutral, mobile space and enables people to engage across borders in dialogue and mutual cooperation at sea, and in the ports that we visit.

In particular, there is a voyage leaving Japan on 11 December 2008 for 3 months that is looking for volunteer English-Japanese interpreters. This would be a great way to build up some experience in a low-pressure environment and also offers educational seminars. More info here.

 

5. Online pedagogy course

Further to our info last newsletter, we have some more info on the new Intercultural Language Learning course offered online via Macquarie U.
Details on the WA workshops are available in these documents:

To repeat last newsletter's intro:

Macquarie University (Sydney, NSW) has introduced a new online course that may be of interest.

More detailed information is in the attached pdf brochure, but below is an outline:

Post-Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Language Pedagogy in Japanese

Course Starts in February 2009

Enrol now!

Enquires: MJS (Macquarie Japanese Studies) Centre
E-mail: tomoko.koyama@humn.mq.edu.au
Phone: 02 9850 7910

For details, visit the Centre website:
http://www.humanities.mq.edu.au/mjs/

 

Phew. That's all for this edition - please send your comments / hate-mail to the President at jetaawa.president@gmail.com.
Ta!

--

Nick John
President
JETAAWA