I am on Facebook - and would be happy to talk to others intersted

I would be happy to talk to others interested in sexual health education and research. Let me know and I will invite you to join my facebook page.

Talks on Good Sex

Are you intersted in exploring Good Sex and Gods plans for life?
If so join me when I discuss this very important topic.
Check the web site:
http://www.macwhoopee.org.au/

Where?
Robert Menzies College, 136 Herring Rd, North Ryde
When?
Four Wednesdays starting 4th March 2009 at 7.45 pm

Love to see you there!

Welcome to 2009

This is going to be a wonderful year for the Graduate Program. We have >30 new students from all over the globe and some really new and exciting research.
We will be at the World Association for Sexual Health Congress in Gotenberg in June this year (http://www.sexo-goteborg-2009.com/), Come by our table and say hello if you are attending the conference.

Time to think forward to 2009

It has been a while since I posted a message. The program is going well as we prepare for 2009. We are currently taking applications for 2009 semester 1. I would love to hear from any of you who are interested. Feel free to email me (P.Weerakoon@usyd.edu.au).

Looking back on 2008: What have been the highlights of the year?

Firstly, It is exciting to have students from so may parts of the globe. We have students from USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Egypt, Malta, Cyprus, South Africa, New Zealand and of course all states of Australia.

Secondly, it is exciting to see the work our research students are doing. The main areas of research are

• Sexuality and Disability
• Sexual Health Education
• Cultural and Religious factors and their effect on sexuality and sexual behaviour.

So as we draw 2008 to a close - heres wishing you our readers a Blessed Christmas and a safe and happy holiday

The Joys of Sex

This is the most exciting time of semester. We are in week three and the on-line students are getting to know each other. The research students meanwhile are getting their teeth into the juicy meat of sex research!
Our on-line program is based on three foundational principles:
1. Constructivist learning: The focus is on you the learner and we act as a 'coach on the side' rather than the 'sage on the stage'. The students are encouraged to bring your own experiences and knowledge - and build on these.
2. Collaboration: The on-line environment provides the perfect environment for group discussions and chats (although many do manage to catch up for face to face meetings).
3. Community: Ever since we started this program, we have a community of sexual health professionals across the world. Not just students, also professionals, therapists researchers and educators from around the globe.
Heres hoping for many more wonderful years of learning and research
Feel free to contact me anytime
Patricia Weerakoon
P.Weerakoon@usyd.edu.au

Congratulations to Allison Macbeth

Allison’s research on “Parents attitudes and perceptions towards sex education in schools is in the news this week.

Check out the newspaper articles at:
Herald Sun:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23720526-662,00.html
Sciences Alert:
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20082005-17345.html

She has also had a number of radio interviews, including ABC Radio

Key findings from her on-line questionnaire:
97 per cent of parents supported sex education in schools.
Of those, all believed puberty, correct names for genitals and dealing with peer pressure to have sex should be part of the curriculum.
98 per cent said Safe sex and birth control should be included.
97 per cent thought communication about sex, sex as part of a loving relationship and sexual decision making should be included.
90 per cent backed teaching about masturbation
83 per cent wanted sexual pleasure and orgasm on the agenda.
32 per cent rated abstinence very important in school sex education classes.

Would you like to participate in our on-line surveys? Check out:

http://www.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/online/index.shtml

Sexual Health Conference End November

Here is the big news!

"Sexual Health, Pleasure and Rights: The Australian Response"

The Bi Annual ASSERT and GPSH conference
When: November 29th-30th 2008
Where: Sydney University Camperdown Campus

This will be a wonderful time to hear expert panels on cutting edge issues in sexual health as well as meet up with your peers, colleagues and friends.

The Graduate Program in Sexual Health will celebrate our 5th year anniversary at the conference.

Watch this space for updates.
Patricia