Welcome to our first edition of E-News and Views for the year. It has been a while now since our last edition and I'm sad to say it will be my last. Don't worry E-News and Views is not going away, in fact it will be back again in ten weeks with a new look, new writers and a new editor. Since we last met a number of things have happened here at MUELC and in the Melbourne vicinity. Students have been surfing, volunteering, horseriding, windsurfing, rockclimbing and to visit local schools (see above). We have had visits from Ian Hunter who spoke about Aboriginal culture, a member of the RSPCA and we were even lucky enough to have Santa visit our campus in December. In Melbourne we watched Roger Fedderer win the Australian Open, the city prepare for the Commonwealth Games and the Socceroos make it through to the World Cup. Before I go I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have helped me with the creation of the E-News and Views over the years and I would also like to wish all of the students here at MUELC the best of luck with their studies and future careers. Take care!
By Jennifer Coster

Horse riding photos

ADRIAN RICE
Adrian obviously you're not from Australia, how long have you lived here?
I came here in April, 1990 because I was not happy with Mrs Thatcher who was the British Prime Minister at the time but my wife and I had lived overseas for nine years and had decided we wanted to travel so we worked in Spain, Malaysia, Brunei and our children were born in Malaysia and Brunei so our links with Britain were decreasing and we decide to make a new start in Australia.
Out of Brunei, Malaysia and Spain which was the most interesting to work in?
Malaysia, because of the cultural links with Britain and the amount of English spoken. Therefore it was easier to access society there. I played a lot of sport and mixed a lot with Asians and I loved the jungle and finding snakes in my back garden. I even learnt how to catch snakes.
So how do you catch a snake?
You get a metre of hose pipe, thread some thin rope through the hose and make a noose at one end, whistle a popular tune and when the snake comes slip the noose over the snakes head and trap it against the end of the hose pipe. Slide your hand up the hose pipe, grab the snake firmly behind the head, release form the noose and let it go in your neighbour's garden!
Living in these exotic areas you must have tried some interesting food. Does anything strange stand out?
I've eaten dog, frogs legs, snails, crocodile and a number of dishes I have never been able to identify.
Okay so how did you end up at Monash?
Since coming to Australia I have taught English in three different sectors: private ELICOS centres, TAFE and university language centre. I moved from teaching to teacher training in 1995 and then into management in 2000. In 2002 I joined Monash as Programme Manager/Director of Studies and now I am the Director of Studies.
Back to your kids, do they have a desire to live abroad?
Thomas is in love with a Scot and my daughter who is completing year 12 this year wants to go to England to work in 2006 and meet some cool guys.
So has Australia lived up to your expectations?
Yes the people are just as egalitarian as I expected them to be, but I'm horrified by the number of kids that go to private schools for their secondary education.

By Shinobu Takanashi

On Tuesday, 8th of November we (ETP1A and ETP1B) had a delightful tour around the city of Melbourne.In the morning we met at Flinders Street Station which is the oldest station in Melbourne. Then, we visited the famous Federation Square and enjoyed the buildings and talking with a volunteer from the Tourist Information Centre. The second place we went to was the Rialto Tower, which is the landmark of Melbourne city and the tallest building in Victoria. We enjoyed the beautiful sights and saw a panoramic view of the Melbourne from its look out points. At the same time, we could watch a vivid movie about Melbourne. After walking past the Immigration Museum and the majestic Victorian Cathedral we enjoyed a beautiful one hour river cruise on the Yarra River across Port Philip Bay to Williamstown. We stopped at Williamstown for a picnic by the bay and visited the special shops and cafes along Williamstown's historic foreshore. Finally, we walked to the Williamstown Botanical Gardens and strolled along the beach. Some guys played soccer together and others swam in the sea. We finished the day with a relaxing train trip back to Flinders Street Station. By Sonny (ELBP)

Funniest Photo Competition
This photo was sent in by Sayo Sakamoto. It was taken at the Melbourne Cup races last year. We think this captures the atmosphere of fashion on the fields.

If you have a funny photo you would like to see us print, please send it to Jennifer.Coster@mcgroup.monash.edu.au

The Value of Class Excursions

Last week, our class had an excursion to the city. We arrived at the bank of Yarra river at 10:30 am, and had a BBQ. Otis and our teacher Jill brought lots of food from home including sausages, steaks, pork chops and chicken wings. I also brought sushi which was all very delicious from my uncle's Japanese café. We also enjoyed some games which were organized by our kind hearted teacher Jill. It took us about 4 hours to finish our food and games, and then the rest of my classmates went to visit the city.

I think an excursion is a very good idea for us and we should have it more often. There are several reasons as to why I think this way. Firstly, I believe it is very good for our health to get out of the classroom and breathe some fresh air once in a while. Secondly, we often learn more when we are actively engaged in an interesting activity, rather than just reading books in the classroom. For example, it was very clear to me that I talked to a lot more people than I otherwise would have if I were in class. Thirdly, when we talk to each other more, it improves our friendship as we get to know each other better.

Therefore, because of the above reasons, I think there are many advantages associated with excursion which is good for our health and improving English skills, so I think it is a good idea.

SOCCER
Soccer is the first sport in the world and also the most excellent sport. It is very beneficial to physical health because when playing on the court, people will do many actions, such as running and jumping. Almost all parts of the body can be exercised adequately.

Soccer is a game full of fun and competition. Individual ability plays an important role in a football match, however, teamwork is the most important. So players must learn how to cooperate with other team members, as well as everyone tries his best to play as a team. Moreover people can make a lot of friends on the court and share the enjoyment and exchange skills.

Soccer is always full of passion. If you are a fan of soccer, join us immediately. If you are not, you must be fans after joining us and tasting passions.

The MUELC Football Club welcomes you in the Sports Centre, at 3:30pm, every Wednesday.
For more information go to www.geocities.com/monashfootball/home
By Wang Yang