Enrolment		Payments

For information contact us by email or phone 02 4961 6576 (during business hours). This will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number – we will get back to you ASAP.

CoronaVirus and Computerpals Newcastle

Hi everyone,

The situation with COVID-19 in Australia is changing daily and in view of the latest restrictions I believe it is prudent for ComputerPals to take steps to protect our seniors – committee, tutors and members. Social distancing is recommended and is extremely important for people of our age group.

Social distancing means separating yourself from other people as much as possible when you’re in public places, and avoiding crowded places. Practically, you should:

attempt to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and others
avoid crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
avoid small gatherings in enclosed spaces,for example family celebrations
avoid shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

After talking to some of our committee today they agreed that we should suspend ComputerPals activities for the remainder of this Term.

I know we will miss the interaction but we need to do the best we can to assist in the containment of spread of this virus.

Let’s keep in touch during this uncertain time.

Stay safe and healthy,

Sandra

President

Are you new to ComputerPals?

You may have heard us refer to ASCCA and wondered what we meant.

ASCCA is short for Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association.

They are a ‘peak body’ that helps affiliated computer clubs from around Australia in a variety of ways. They also advocate on behalf of our sector in the halls of government and business.To hear more on the aspect of the NBN and ASCCA click on the picture below and watch the video.

Click on the photo above for the full story

Class Timetable and Course Descriptions

2020 TERM 1 CLASSES – 30 January to 9 April HAVE BEEN CANCELLED – due to covid-19 virus precautions.

Check back here for changes – we hope to be back for Term 2.

For all course descriptions (see what you can learn) – click here.

If you see a class you would like to do please contact in person, by phone 4961 6576 – this will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number – we will get back to you ASAP.or email: contact@computerpals.org.au and request a class (we will do our best to arrange something for you).

2020 Club Calendar is here.

Be Connected – What is it?

Be Connected is an Australia wide Federal Government initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. There are online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners – the Be Connected Network – who offer in-person support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.

ComputerPals for Seniors – Newcastle Inc. is a Be Connected Network Partner.

Be Connected classes are FREE

If you have a need to develop skills to use a computer/tablet or smart phone – these classes are for you. The training is offered in small groups to allow personalised learning and one-on-one coaching. Phone 4961 6576 (This will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number – we will get back to you ASAP) to enrol in the program through us and get our support.

CLICK HERE for the Be Connected website for more information and scroll down for an introductory video

ComputerPals Mission

Our mission is to educate seniors in the use of computers and other technology (phones & tablets) as a way of enriching their lives and making them more self-reliant. We bridge the generation gap and assist seniors to find ways to benefit the community through their collective experience and knowledge.

SO WHAT DOES COMPUTERPALS OFFER?

Classes are normally up to a maximum of eight people in computing subjects that chances are you need to improve your knowledge and skills using modern technology. The scope of subjects is fairly broad – covering applications using desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones. Your specific needs should be discussed with a tutor – ideally at the next enrolment day where we can work together to identify the appropriate class(es) for you and you can enrol in the class at the same time.

And lets not forget our interest groups: MemoryPals (recording your family memories and memorabilia digitally and by other various methods) 1st Monday Monthly 1:00 pm, WriterPals (creative writing) 2nd Monday Monthly 1:00 pm, DigiPals (digital photography) 3rd Monday Monthly 1:00 pm.

These are group activities and not a class but hopefully it will still be a fun learning experience. Donation $2 on the day.

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We also have Laptops Assistance Sessions on the 2nd Friday Monthly 10:00 to 12:00 and Device Assistance Sessions on the 4th Friday Monthly for iPads/iPhones 10:00 to 11:30 and Android Tablets/phones from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Cost is $5. We do ask you to book in to these sessions in advance so we can try to get sufficient tutors along to assist you.

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On top of all that, we are a fun group who enjoy the social contact with other seniors with morning teas once a term and occasional social outings once a term – see our Club Calendar. you are invited to join us!

Newsletter		Calendar

Want to catch up with us on Facebook? CLICK HERE

STAY SAFE ONLINE…. (a video)

@EmpowerITS (click on the link) has put together this fantastic resource for Staying Safe Online, to help older Australians to take the next step in their online journey. A great initiative from Good Things Foundation Australia

Want To Join Computerpals? – For a Membership form, click HERE, print it, complete it and send or deliver it to us.

Cash payments cannot be made to tutors.

Payments are only made to the Treasurer by mail, through the bank or online banking or in cash at Enrolment Days or Morning Teas.

For more information go to the ‘Payments’ tab above and follow the instructions regarding payment.

Who Provides Our Training?

Tutoring is provided by a band of volunteers, prepared to share their knowledge and give their time, so that we can provide training at minimum cost. Being a member of ASCCA ( Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association ), we have access to ASCCA’s resources and links to other Seniors’ Computing Clubs throughout Australia. If you would like to become involved as a tutor, or if you know someone who has the skills but is not yet a member, please contact our Tutor Co-ordinator.

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING LATELY?

21 members ventured to Savannah’s Cafe and then on to the Morpeth Museum on Saturday 8/3. Great company and an excellent day out.

Click here to view some of the photos taken on the day.

Monday 24/2 saw 48 members and friends gather for Seniors Festival Events and a special morning tea with our guest speaker Dr Gary Ellem (from iSee VC) followed in the afternoon by a Workshop and Demonstrations of Apps to help Seniors live with Technology.

Tuesday 25/2 followed up with further demonstrations of helpful apps to manage day-to-day living.

Enrolment

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