News from GITPA (January 2018)

Mindfulness Activity

The mindfulness activity 「GITPA 嘉道理農場靜觀遊」 was successfully held on 7 January 2018 (Sun.).  30 colleagues, family members and friends participated. 

As always, GITPA consider members’ mental and physical health as our first priority.  We therefore, conducted a mindfulness introductory class to our members, allowing them to relax themselves in the beautiful and tranquil environment in Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.

 

To begin with, the instructor led the participants to cultivate mindfulness through some relaxation and breathing exercise which is a systematic method of focusing their attention appropriately.  The participants were asked to walk around to look for a little thing in the garden, giving them a chance to sense and observe the characteristics of the nature that they otherwise would not observe.  They had an exercise of tasting a raisin slowly to feel it deeply and appreciate the food. 

After lunch, the participants were guided to have a silent walk in the garden.  They had to walk in an extremely slow pace without chatting so that they can enjoy the quiet environment, sense their intimate connection with the nature, and observe the flow of inner thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations.  They also had a painting exercise to express their mind through the colorful paints.

Through a day of nourishing mindful experience, participants were able to establish awareness and focus, and recognise their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  Hope that they can continue to practice and apply the skills into their daily life. 

GITPALeaks

GITPA held an orientation gathering, GITPALeaks, with the newly recruited APIIs on 9 January 2018 (Tue.).  Over 80 of the new recruits had joined.  In the 2-hour gathering, GITPA ExCo had a frank and open discussion with the new colleagues on topics which they concern, such as career development and continuous study.  It was glad to meet our smart and enthusiastic “new blood”!

Membership Renewal Exercise

It is time for GITPA membership renewal again!  GITPA’s site representatives (site representative list: https://gitpa.org.hk/site-representatives-list/) should have approached you for membership renewal already.  Have you renewed your GITPA membership?  If you haven’t done so or haven’t joined GITPA yet, please take this opportunity to join this only professional association that represents AP grade staff.

Your continual support is essential to sustain the development of our staff association.  Surely GITPA will not succeed without your recognition, support and participation.  Please continue to join and support GITPA as only you have the power to make GITPA serve and speak for you!

Members’ Benefit – Discount on HK Computer Society’s Membership

We are pleased to inform you that the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) continues to offer membership discount to our GITPA members.  Details are as follows:

Current HKCS Membership Renewal

• Discount of 20% off on annual membership fee (To enjoy the discount offer, you should indicate that you are a GITPA member in the “Discount on Annual Membership Fee” section of the renewal form)
• $700 (Full) / $350(Associate) for 2 years membership (i.e. discount of 30% off) valid until 31 March 2018.
• Offer until 30 September 2018

New HKCS Membership Application

• Entrance fee ($300) + Discount of 20% off on annual membership fee
• Entrance fee ($300) + $700 (Full) / $350 (Associate) for 2 years membership discount (i.e. discount of 30% off)
• Offer until 30 September 2018

You can find the application form on GITPA’s website (https://gitpa.org.hk/discount/).  HKCS may verify the GITPA membership status of the applicant. 

 

Thank you for your long-term support to the GITPA!

 

GITPA Ex-Co 2017-18