Welcome to Term 2. In this newsletter you will find some new classes that have commenced in Term 2 and still have space, and new classes commencing in Term 3 that are now open for enrolment. There is also news about the recently installed Seniors Exercise equipment and the upcoming Biggest Morning Tea with three wonderful quilts being raffled.
Seniors Exercise equipment
You would have read in a previous newsletter that the Seniors Exercise equipment has been installed at Tunstall Park near the Hub. It was great to see Karen Postill’s class out enjoying the sun and using the equipment in the first week of term.
Here’s what Karen said:
“I was thrilled to see that those in our Gentle Exercise class on Wednesday who walked up to the ‘Exercise Park for Seniors’ embraced the moment! I was pleased that everyone had a go – some on the Hand Roll, others on the Snake Pipe – Big Wave, Gangways, Finger Stairs and Calf Raises, Sit and Stand, Step-Up, Push-up Bar and Balancing. There are many other exercises that can be used on the equipment. It was a lovely sunny day, and it was also great to see everyone chatting in the sunshine.”
Karen Postill
Class Leader, Gentle Exercise
Body Scan
Once again many of you took advantage of a session with the City of Whitehorse Body Scan, which provides fast, non-invasive, and detailed assessments of your body composition. For those who attended we hope you found it useful.
Biggest Morning Tea
U3A Nunawading is once again supporting the Thornburn Ladies Badminton (they operate out of the Hub on a Thursday morning) to raise money for The Biggest Morning Tea. If you have a class on Thursday 28 May from 10:30 am to 1 pm, it would be good if you could support them by purchasing morning tea from the kitchen area.
For others there are three quilts that have been donated to be raffled, tickets are $5 and there is also a “guess the number of lollies in the jar” competition: $2 for 1 guess and $5 for 3 guesses. Visit Reception to participate, and please note that payment for guesses and quilt tickets are cash only.
Waitlists
Remember if you are on a waitlist for a class, do not attend until you receive an email advising there is a space in the class. Please have respect for all the volunteers who help make this a great U3A and the members who attend all venues.
New classes and vacancies
New class in Term 2
26LANE14 EAL Beginners 7 Thursday, 10.30 – 11.30 am, commencing 28 May. Leader Judith Lim.
This class is designed to develop basic English skills. It is desirable that you have at least some knowledge of spoken English. You will have opportunities to develop confidence with your conversation skills in a relaxed and friendly environment using simple sentences, asking questions and learning to keep a conversation going. Correct pronunciation will be encouraged, along with the reading of simple texts. New vocabulary, including Australian expressions and idioms will be introduced as well as learning some informal grammar.
New class started in Term 2 and has vacancies
26DANR09 Zumba Gold – Chair Tuesday, 1:15 – 2:15 pm, commenced 28 April at the Scout Hall. Leader Jennifer Kaw.
Chair Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness workout done while seated, combining fun, easy-to-follow movements with lively Latin and international rhythms. It’s designed to be enjoyable, accessible, and suitable for everyone—no dance experience needed! Suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.
Change to description
26FIN016 – trading in USA shares, now changed to
26FIN016 Australian and USA Shares – Trading with a new description. Monday, 2:45 – 3:45 pm. Leader Michael Barker.
A discussion group about trading Australian and USA Shares. Basic technical analysis as well as fundamentals of stocks. For beginners and experienced.
Participate in a lively discussion and videos etc, on topical issues that can affect the share markets. This is not a class advising you what to do with your money, but purely a discussion group. No financial advice given.
New classes in Term 3
26ARTS11 Digital SLR Camera Class Friday, 9:15 – 11:15 am. Six sessions, commencing 17 July. Leader Moses Tan.
The Complete Digital SLR Camera Course. This concise course of 6 lessons is for those who wish to master their Digital SLR (or mirrorless) cameras to make great photographs, be it in landscape, portrait or action. You will learn to achieve perfect exposure, control perspective and depth of field. Theory and the best settings for your camera will be explained simply and practical sessions abound in the classroom. You will also be shown how to optimise your images using free software.
Caveat: each lesson builds on the previous one; enrol only if you are able to attend all 6 sessions.
26CRA009 Bonsai Workshop Friday, 12:30 – 3 pm, commencing 24 July. Leader Victor Byrdy.
The Bonsai Program will focus on two dimensions, creating or improving bonsai. You will be assisted with any bonsai you bring to class to develop or improve. You will be offered a variety of suitable plants to purchase (cost $10 – $30) to create 2-3 bonsai with guidance and support. These bonsai will be potted by you. $25 to be paid to the leader to cover cost of soil, wire mesh, tools and fertilizer.
26EXEM29 Introduction to Tai Chi Wednesday, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm. commencing 15 July. Leader Dorothy Li.
This is a course for beginners interested in exploring Taichi. This course will run in Terms 3 and 4, 2026. We will focus on the fundamental movements of Taichi by introducing Taichi 8 form, with emphasis on co-ordination, balance and breathing. This course will lead into Taichi 24 Simplified Yang Style next year for those who want to go further.
26EXES15 Lawn Bowls introduction Thursday, 1 – 3 pm commencing 16 July. Leader John Blasetti.
Venue: Blackburn North Bowling Club, 93 Springfield Road, directly opposite Blackburn High School.
This class is an entry-level session for both the novice and the lapsed bowler. Accredited coaches will introduce students to the basics of the game. Each session will include theory and hands-on practice covering the following criteria: 1. Bowls terminology, rules and etiquette; 2. How to deliver the bowl; 3. Formats of play – Singles, Pairs, Triples and Pennant; and 4. Tactics, bowling to win.
26HUM046 Pathways to Inner Self Wednesday, 1:15 – 2:30 pm commencing 15 July. Leader Keerti Baxi.
This class seeks to investigate questions pertaining to life and identity by stopping, observing and steering us towards a positive attitude and harnessing the power of mind. True understanding is a process to know your powerful self. To know who you TRUELY are inside and how to respond rather than react to what is outside. This helps us to understand one’s self and cultivate willpower. Guided by mind or intellect depending upon choices, it is power to create thoughts that empowers self.
Elsie Mutton OAM
Course Administrator