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SSA Worldwide: SSA News Archive |
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ID: 10949 |
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October 26, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Ex-officio Global Communications Coordinator) - SSA members worldwide mourn the loss of Julie Fey
It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that Julie Fey - wife of Scott, mother of two wonderful little boys and good friend to so many of us has passed away.
Julie served the Kuala Lumpur SSA as Local Coordinator for several years and had a bright, bubbly personality that lit up any room she entered. It is said that some people make the world special just by being in it and Julie was one of those people.
She will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched and as Thomas Campbell wrote: “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
Thank you Julie for all that you were and all that you did. We will all truly miss you.
You can share your memories of Julie on a Facebook page that was created to honor her life at Julie Fey....Rest In Peace
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September 30, 2009 (Yaël Bourgade, Global Content Editor) - The revisited SSAfara.net project is still on track – In fact, it is moving faster than ever!!!… - With the web team back and fully operational after the summer break, we are now ready to present you with a template of the portal’s front page and an example of a Chapter page.
We certainly HOPE you will love the new look and layout but we KNOW you will enjoy the new features which will make using it fun, easy and most of all informative!!!.
Though the data transfer phase is not the most delicate, it may take some time ; we are hopeful that the Beta version of the website be ready for testing by the end of October.
This definitely puts us much behind the schedule first drawn 9 months ago but considering the amount and technicality of the work to be done and the 2 months during which the web team, as all SSA members, was scattered around the world for the summer, we are still making good progress and shall see the fruits of our efforts soon…
See webpage templates here:
 Portal Homepage Template
 Chapter Homepage Template
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August 17
2009 (Schlumberger Speaks) - SSA is Top News on the Schlumberger Hub - Schlumberger Hub Content Manager Conci Maduli-Bush interviews SSA Global Coordinator Randa Mazzawi. Read the Hub article here...
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August 17
2009 (Sarah White, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Happy 20th Anniversary SSA Screensaver A tribute to 20 years of friendship...every spouse, every location. What an achievement to be celebrating 20 years of the SSA. To help us celebrate this momentous event a memorable 20th Anniversary Screen Saver has been designed. What a great reminder, every time you log on you’ll have a great reminder of the fantastic organization we are all part of.
A very big thank to all of you who took the time to submit photographs of your chapters and events. We would also like to thank to say a very big thank you to all those wonderful volunteers who have been working so hard on this project for some time (Melodie, Deysy, Anisa…). This has been a great deal of work, so thank you all for your time.
So how can I download the 20th Anniversary screensaver?
Simply select one of the links below, to download either your pc or mac version.
Windows (2.52mb zipped file)
Macintosh (3.03mb zipped file)
Instructions (1.33mb document)
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July 7
2009 (Sarah White, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - New Look for SSA Logo As part of our 20 years young celebrations, the SSA logo has also had a makeover. As many of us enjoy some pampering every now and then, the logo has been given some TLC (tender loving care). The logo that celebrates family and friendship ...every spouse, every location... is now 3D.
The colours and style have not been changed. Look out for the new logo as exciting new SSA projects are unveiled.
Please ensure that you update any of your materials and documents, so that you are using the new logo. Make sure you don’t create additional cost for your Chapters, simply update printed items and materials when you next produce them.
Below is the link to the file so you can download the logo immediately. If anyone requires an eps (print ready file), please e-mail Sarah White
Get the logo here...
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July 2, 2009 (Sarah White - SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Au Revoir, but not Goodbye - We say a fond farewell and an enormous ‘thank you’ to these dynamic and passionate ladies who have worked so hard and given so much time and enthusiasm to drive this amazing voluntary organization.
Outgoing SSA Global Board members:
Karen Costelloe – Ex Officio
Anisa Haddad – Global Communications
Azza Abdel Aziz– Middle East Area Coordinator
Abigail Miguel – Asia/Australia Area Coordinator
Discover their achievements, the incredible work done over the last 2 years and what they have to say about their term...Read more
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June 30, 2009 (Yael Samama Bourgade, SSA Web Content Editor) - Update regarding launch date of the new Ssafara web portal - For the last 3 months the web team has worked very hard to re-think and remodel the Ssafara.net website; important milestones such as the revised architecture of the site, a younger, trendier look, and the integration of social and networking tools, have been reached and are ready to be put in place.
From a technical standpoint however, we have encountered a few obstacles that have slowed us down and make it impossible today to meet our announced launch date of June 30th.
With many team members, like me, away during the summer holidays we have chosen to wait until mid-august to resume our work and hope to present the new Ssafara portal by the end of September.
I'm sure many are as disappointed as I am to find we will need to wait a few more weeks to see the new website, but I assure you it is well worth the wait!!!
As promised I will continue to keep you updated of our progress. Thank you very much for your understanding.
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June 11, 2009 (Randa Mazzawi, SSA Global Coordinator) - New SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator - On behalf of the SSA, the Global Board we are delighted to welcome Sudakshina Chakraverty as the new SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator. Shina is a passionate and enthusiastic member of the SSA and I am sure will share her enthusiasm in her new role. Based in KL, she has already started her responsibilities. We are thrilled to have Shina on board and wish her every success in her new role.
Please feel free to contact Shina to welcome her at sudakshina.chakraverty@gmail.com
Read more about Shina...
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June 2, 2009 (Andrew Gould) - Flight AF 447 - It is with deep personal regret that I inform you that Andres Suarez, Vice President of Wireline for Latin America, and Alexander Bjoroy, son of Robin and Jane Bjoroy, were on board Air France flight 447 to Paris lost over the Atlantic on Monday June 1st.
I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that our heartfelt sorrow goes out to Andres’ wife Samantha and their families, and to Robin and Jane on their tragic loss.
Both Andres and Alexander will be greatly missed by their families and friends inside and outside of Schlumberger.
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May 20, 2009 (Deysy Lamas, Outgoing SSA Global Coordinator) - Welcome to our new SSA Global Board members! - The SSA Global Board would like to announce and congratulate our new board members for the 2009 – 2011 term. Please help us welcome the following new SSA Global Board members who will officially take over their positions June 1st 2009.
| Global Coordinator: | Randa Mazzawi (based in Paris) | Replacing Deysy Lamas |
| Ex-Officio Coordinator: | Deysy Lamas *(based in Beijing) | Replacing Karen Costelloe |
| Global Communications Coordinator: | Sarah White (based in Calgary) | Replacing Anisa Haddad |
| Europe Area Coordinator: | Irina Herbert (based in Aberdeen) | Replacing Randa Mazzawi |
| Middle East Coordinator: | Samar Fawzy (based in Cairo) | Replacing Azza Abdel Azziz |
We would also like to thank all of the SSA members who applied for the open Global Board positions. It is wonderful to know that so many of our fellow members were willing to come forward to offer their time and talents to our organization in such an important way. All were amazing candidates and we hope that they will continue to serve the SSA in their locations.
Please bear with us as we all hand over to our successors over the next few weeks. Feel free to contact our incoming board members to say ‘welcome’ or the outgoing board members to say thanks and farewell! On behalf of the outgoing board members – thank you to all our members and Schlumberger sponsors for all your support over the last few years. Please continue to carry the spirit and message of the SSA to fellow members and to the community you live in - that the main focus of the SSA is about welcoming and compassion!
*Deysy Lamas is currently based in Houston, Texas but will be moving very soon to Beijing, China.
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April 28, 2009 (Anisa Haddad - Global Communication Coordinator) - Call for articles
Calling ALL Members! The SSA needs your contributions for the SSA GLOBAL NEWSLETTER! - Deadline is May 20, 2009
SSA Global Newsletter 2009 - call for articles
May 13, 2009 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - Call for Applications for SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator - The SSA is officially accepting applications for the position of Asia/Australia Area Coordinator
 | If you are a member of the SSA based in any location in the Asia/Australia Area and are interested in volunteering for the position of Area Coordinator, please take a moment to read over the Area Coordinator position description and if you feel that your skills match the SSAs needs, please send your CV and a letter of interest to our Global Communications Coordinator, Anisa Haddad at anhaddad@ssafara.net. Questions regarding the position may be directed to our Global Coordinator, Deysy Lamas at dlamas@ssafara.net. Final date for accepting applications will be May 30, 2009. |
March 16, 2009 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) -
Call for Applications for SSA Global Board Positions - The Schlumberger Spouses Association Global Board is looking for caring, energetic members to volunteer to become part of this wonderful team. According to the current SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement, Global Board members hold their positions for a two year term. Several Global Board members are nearing the end of their term and we have decided to advertise all of the open positions together.
The SSA
Global Board member positions that will become vacant on May 31, 2009
are:
SSA Global
Coordinator
SSA Global
Communications Coordinator
SSA
Europe/Russia Area Coordinator
SSA Middle East
Area Coordinator
Newly elected
members will officially begin their term in these positions on June 01,
2009.
Please click on the position that interests you to read the position
description.
If you need
more information about these positions please contact the following
people:
Deysy
Lamas (ssa-global-coord@slb.com)
Anisa
Haddad (ssa-communications@slb.com)
Randa Mazzawi (ssa-eur-slr-coord@slb.com)
Azza
Abdel
Aziz (ssa-mideast-coord@slb.com)
Please Remember:
ALL SSA Members are
entitled to
apply for any of these positions (with location restrictions applicable
for
Area Coordinators).
Please send
your application (CV/Resume and letter of interest) in English to Anisa
Haddad
no later than April 24th 2009. The application process will
end at
12pm GMT on that date.
We really
hope that you will consider applying for one of the open positions. If
you feel
that you have made a difference on a local level, just imagine how many
of our
members you can help on a Global level. We look forward to receiving
your
applications. Good luck!
March 27, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
Earth Hour 2009 will be held on March 28 from 8:30 – 9:30 PM - In 2008, 50 million people across 35 countries switched off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour 2009 aims to motivate one billion people around the globe, in more than 1000 cities, to switch off their light on March 28, 2009 from 8.30 to 9.30 pm and together take a stand against global warming.
To learn more about Earth Hour activities in your area, visit www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html.
February 22, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
Updated SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement Ready for Release - The SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement have been updated to accurately reflect our association's best practice experiences and the expectations of our generous sponsor, Schlumberger. Some of you may not have read the SSA Guidelines in a long time and others may never have read them before, so please download your copy of SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement V2.5 and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this important document. If after reading it you have any questions, please contact our Global Coordinator, Deysy Lamas, or your Local or Area Coordinator.
February 19, 2009 (Yaël Samama Bourgade, SSA Web Content Editor) -
SSA Website Reconstruction Project Enters New Operational phase - A new phase has been initiated this week as the Website Reconstruction Project Team created the future website’s architecture and design. After 20 months of gathering paramount information on usability in the current website and technical specifications of various Web Content Management (WCM) applications, the new Web team, Tracey, Anisa and I have outlined the functional requirements and the global structure of our future Ssafara.net portal.
With this new and important milestone completed, the team will now focus on selecting the best WCM application within the shortlist compiled by Melodie. Our goal is to complete this next step within the next couple of weeks and perform the proper installation “en-suite”.
I realize many are counting the days until they can start posting content again and the question of updating the current website was raised; our goal is to keep to the initially scheduled launch date of March 31st as much as possible, hence the decision to limit updates to the existing site to the bare essentials. This will allow us to focus our energy on quickly delivering a trendy, user-friendly, highly informative website for you to navigate through.
Thank you for your support.
February 8, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
SSA Needs Your Help in Putting Together Our First Global Green Newsletter - How Green are you? What types of programs (recycling, repurposing of left over materials, etc.) are available in your area? What does your family do to contribute to global “Green” movement? Has your SSA chapter participated in any local Green activities? If not, what could you do in your area? More...
February 5, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
SSA Welcomes New Webmaster, Web Content Editor and Web Technical Consultants - Please help us to welcome the new SSA Web Team and Website Content Editor for the term 2009 to 2011. WEB TEAM: Vidya Rani Javalagi, Webmaster; Sylvie Nina Ngompe and Asha Dale, Web Technical Consultants; and Yaël Samama Bourgade, Web Content Editor.
Effective immediately, Vidya, Sylvie, Asha and Yaël will begin working with Tracey McTague, SSA Program Manager and Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator to help to complete the SSA Website Reconstruction Project. Please feel free to contact our new team members to congratulate them and wish them a productive and successful term.
January 12, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
NEW E-Mail Addresses for SSA Global Board Members - SSA Global Board members (GBM) can now be contacted using one of the new e-mail addresses listed below, in addition to their personal e-mail address. These new SSA Global Board e-mail addresses will be transferred to new Global Board members when they are elected to the Global Board.
February 5, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
Heartfelt Thanks and Farewell to SSA IT Coordinator, Melodie Beveridge - The SSA would like to express our heartfelt thanks and bid a fond farewell to outgoing IT Coordinator, Melodie Beveridge. Melodie was the SSA Web Content Editor from 2003 – 2005 and then Global IT Coordinator from 2005-2009. She made significant contributions to the SSA during her term, working tirelessly to keep our website content updated and most recently in her research on collaboration tools that lead to the selection of Liferay and Alfresco for the new SSA web site. Good luck Mel in all your future endeavors!
January 6, 2009 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
Pets and the “IM” Lifestyle - Recently the Schlumberger Connect Women Bulletin Board (BB) received some interesting posts about Pets and the IM lifestyle. A BB member posted: “We are thinking of getting a dog for our family and one of the major concerns we have is how it fits into the IM lifestyle. How difficult is it to move with pets? What do people do with their pets while on vacations/field breaks – especially in remote locations?” SSA members have sent us similar e-mails asking for advice on relocating with pets and we recognize this as such an important topic that we dedicated a section of the SSA Family Health and Safety Passport to pets! If your family is “mobile” and has experience relocating internationally with furry, feathery or scaly (pet) family members, please e-mail me at anhaddad@ssafara.net or ssa-communications@slb.com and we will share your experiences with our fellow members and the members of the Schlumberger Connect Women BB. For now, an excellent source of information on traveling with pets can be found at http://www.pettravel.com/index.cfm.
December 27 (Maria Gabriela Corvalan Apestegui, Regional Coordinator, North America ) –
North America Regional Coordinator Position - Due to my husband's recent transfer to South America, the
position of Regional Coordinator - North America
has now become available. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Regional
Coordinator in this region and highly recommend that interested spouses/partners
consider this position. Please visit SSA Worldwide
to read the job description. Applications close at 12 midnight GMT on January 25 2007!
Please email your CV/application to me
no later than this date. If you would like to talk to me about the position please
feel free contact me.
Maria Gabriela Corvalan Apestegui
Regional Coordinator, North America
December 19, 2006 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) Season's Greetings
Dear Spouses,
I cannot believe that Christmas is around the corner..how time flies. Derry and I will be in Atyrau, Kazakhstan for Christmas and New Year. Our daughters have already joined our son and his family in Trinidad where they will spend the Christmas Season. We will certainly miss them very much. Those of you whose spouses are away at work or those like me without their family, know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Please email or call me at any time if you need someone to talk to or just to say "Hi". Those of you who are with your family, cherish each moment as they are so important.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Christmas and Many, Many Blessings for you and your family for 2007.
Take care, 
Karen
December 13, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) Are those frightening emails about health and security risks real? - How many times have you received an email that told you about some strange or frightening event that really happened such as Hotel room keycards are encoded with personal information which can be easily harvested by thieves and Thieves are using camera cell phones to capture credit card information and A mixture of Mentos and Coca-Cola killed two Brazilian children. These emails can be very frightening, especially where our children are concerned. However the majority of them appear to be ‘Urban Myths’. Visit the following website if you receive emails that worry you and you may be able to verify whether or not!
to take them seriously - www.snopes.com
December 9, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) Facing Teenage Depression head-on - Adolescent or teenage depression is a growing problem in today’s society and can affect young ‘global nomads’ just as it can children who stay in their own countries. For many, Christmas and other holiday periods can highlight or magnify such problems in all of us. Hormones and simply ‘growing up’ may cause many changes in our teenager’s personalities and behaviours and we must be ever vigilant to ensure deeper more distressing problems are not emerging. Changes in sleep and eating behaviours, mood swings, pervasive sadness and loss of concentration and interest are just some of the many symptoms of depression. Your GP can assess children and refer them to a counselor or psychologist who specializes in adolescents. In the majority of cases, a good counseling relationship!
can help them considerably and medication is not necessary. However in serious or persistent depressions it may be used. Adolescents may not tolerate many types of anti-depressant medications well due to the side-effects and other problems. Medications should be carefully considered and weighed against medical practitioners’ advice and your own knowledge of your children. Please visit the following websites for further information www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/teens.htm and
www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p51-dp01.html - this one is particularly good for teenagers themselves.
December 6, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) Asia/Australia Regional Newsletter articles needed by December 17 - As I live in and explore Asia and Australia regularly, I am reminded of its authenticity, diversity and beauty and feel privileged to be part of this region of the world. However as I travel outside Asia and meet other SSA members, I am surprised to find that so many of them have never seen or experienced ANY part of Asia! Here is your opportunity to share a little bit of your life and Asia with the rest of the SSA community. Please note that the closing date for submissions for the first Asia/Australia Regional Newsletter is Sunday 17 December. Please contact Marie Brice if you need further information or guidance at mbrice@ssafara.net
November 29, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) At last – The North American Regional Newsletter - Thank you all for your patience but here it is at last! Our SSA kids impress us in this newsletter as do the efforts of the SSA during Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, charity events in Casper and the new Red Deer Chapter in Canada. We have some interesting personal articles from Melodie Beveridge, Tracey McTague and Gabi Apestigui – all SSA Board/Support members. Thanks to all the members who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we had a newsletter from this region! Download the SSA NAM Regional Newsletter (2.2MB PDF)
November 9, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) Raising Global Nomads – Parenting abroad in an on demand world - Take the time to check out this new book by Robin Pascoe, the ‘Expat expert’ who has written several books related to expat lifestyles. This new book covers everything from the challenges of parenting global nomads, to looking after the family’s mental health as you travel. It also includes coping with schooling, repatriation of children and transforming global nomads into global citizens. For more information visit Robin’s website at www.expatexpert.com or visit www.amazon.com to read exerpts from the book.
October 23 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) – April-July Regional Report - Please follow the link below to read the April-July 2006 Regional Report. Well done all - to Las Morochas, Rock Springs and Kuala Lumpur for their charity success and to KL for their efforts to get more local spouses/partners involved in the SSA. In addition we see great health and safety initiatives in Jakarta, Bucharest, Calgary, Quito and Villahermosa. Congratulations to Shinobu in Bacau for a wonderful personal effort and to the Paris chapter for their successes in getting newcomer’s names! Also to Al Khobar for getting a new committee together after a lull of 2 years and to Red Deer for getting off to a great start! We know that completing this report can be an arduous task for many of you and took this into consideration when we reviewed the reports recently. From now on we w!
ill ask chapter coordinators to submit this report two times a year (end February and end September) only. Thanks for your patience! See the report...
October 18 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) – Global Board Meeting Report - Looking towards the future - As you will see from the SSA Global Board Meeting Report (September, 2006), we had a productive - and hectic – week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently. Our team is an amazing one and we are motivated and charged up for the coming year. We ask that you pay particular attention to the website, email and directory information, and the QHSE sections as these are most important and relevant to you all. Read the report...
August 31 (Karen Costelloe: SSA Global Coordinator) – SSA Annual Global Board Meeting in Malaysia - We on the global board are all very excited about our Global Board meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur in the first week of September. We have been listening to your triumphs and problems over the year and are off to Malaysia to work on making the SSA an ever-more effective organisation for all of you. Please be patient with us next week if we do not instantly reply to your emails or queries. We will be back in full force mid-September. Wish us luck!
August 31 (Marie Brice: Global Communications Coordinator) – Tri-Annual Regional Reports and North American Regional Newsletter - Due to many factors, we have extended submission dates for both the Tri-Annual Regional Report and the North American Regional Newsletter. Thanks to all of you who have been able to submit your reports and articles and we look forward to receiving items from those of you recently back from vacation. The newsletter should be out by the end of September and the regional report by mid-late October. Thanks all for your patience!
July 24, 2006 (Karen Costelloe,
SSA Global Coordinator) – Update Your SSA Directory Record! -
The world seems to be in a crisis situation. Whenever I turn on the television
there is something horrendous happening whether natural disasters or man made
disasters. I would like to implore you to update your SSA directory with as much
contact information as possible especially now when most of us are on vacation.
Also, if your children are traveling alone, give them my contact details and the
Regional or Local coordinators for the location that they are visiting in the
event of a problem. Please encourage other spouses/partners you know who do not
have a ssafara.net account to get one. It is and sometimes can be the only form
of communication in times of need. We have an amazing network, take advantage of
it. Let us support each other and protect our families.
June 9, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA
Communications Coordinator) – SSA Middle East Regional Newsletter-
So here is the Middle East Regional Newsletter. With a women's health focus and
articles all the way from Mumbai to Doha to Cairo to Oman - it can only mean a
great read! Enjoy - and look out for the next invitation for articles from North
America! Please click on the following link to download the newsletter.
SSA MEA Regional Newsletter
(1.7MB PDF)
August 1, 2006, Marie Brice, SSA Communications Coordinator – Deadline for North America Regional Newsletter changed to August 15 – Sadly we have not yet received any submissions for the next regional newsletter so have extended the deadline in the hope that we will receive some last minute articles. If you live or have lived in North America, please consider writing an article on you or your family’s experiences. Our theme for this newsletter will be ‘Tell us the good news!’ as we all need to remember the positive things that are happening in our world today – not just the negative ones the media force upon us! Please contact me on mbrice@ssafara.net if you have any queries.
July 20, 2006 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) – New Regional
Coordinator for Africa - On behalf of the SSA, the Global Board would like
to welcome Silicia Fillacier as their newest regional coordinator. Silicia took
over the role of Africa Regional Coordinator at the beginning of July and we are
delighted to have her on ‘board’. Please feel free to contact her at
sfillacier@ssafara.net to make her welcome!
June 7, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Communications Coordinator) – SSA Regional Report - Please click on the following link to read the SSA Regional Report December 2005 to March 2006. You will have to login with your SSA Web password to read the report.
Summary: Congratulations on the appointment of ‘Relocation co-coordinators’ in Kuala Lumpur, a ‘Shopper’ in Bangkok and ‘Meeting Coordinator’ in Reynosa, Mexico. KL, Casper, Wyoming and Thailand’s diverse social and charity activities are inspiring as is Bogota’s QHSE initiative – to share (data corrputed) Columbian laws. Other initiatives include; SMS messages increasing attendance at Abu Dhabi functions, donation of a sewing machine to a charity organisation in Yemen, monthly QHSE briefings in Lagos, creative QHSE initiatives in Posa Rica Mexico, encouragement and integration of local spouses into the Douala chapter, blood bank donations in Denver, USA and many more! Finally, accolades to Jakarta with its amazing charity incentives and Houston with its amazingly huge membership of 1147 and its extremely small but hardworking board - a mere 6 dedicated people! Thanks especially for the success stories and to everyone for making the daunting task of pulling this report t!
ogether all the more bearable!'
May 25, 2006 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) – Appointment of New Latin America Regional Coordinator It is with great pleasure that I announce Danielle Cozier, as our newest Regional Coordinator effective June 1st 2006. Danielle will serve as the Latin America (LAM) Regional Coordinator and is looking forward to working with the Board and everyone in Latin America. We also farewell Deysy Lamas and thank her from the bottom of our hearts for all the amazing work she did with us as Regional Coordinator for LAM over the past two years and wish her well in her future endeavours. To find out more about the members of the SSA Global board, see Who We Are
May 18, 2006 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) – Board Vacancy: SSAW Regional Coordinator – Africa - If you are living in Africa and are interested in this position on the SSA Global Board please visit the following link and review the job description and application information http://www.ssafara.net/Board_Vacancies/. Please note that applications close June 25th 2006.
March 27, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Communications) -
SSA Regional Newsletter – Latin America -
Welcome to the latest regional newsletter, bigger than ever and all the way from Latin America. This newsletter focuses on SEED and contains articles in Spanish as well as English. Bird Flu, repatriation and other health and safety issues are included and we even have contributions from some of our expatriate children! Special thanks to Gaby Markov for guest editing the Spanish articles! Download the Newsletter (PDF 2.9MB)...
March 18, 2006 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) – Board Vacancy: SSAW Regional Coordinator – Latin America - If you are living in Latin America and are interested in this position on the SSA Global Board please visit the following link and review the job description and application information http://www.ssafara.net/Board_Vacancies/. Please note that applications close May 14th 2006.
March 5, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Communications) -
Is your Microsoft Outlook Express email system bursting at the seams? -
With the amount of emails and attachments we receive these days we all risk completely overloading our email systems and perhaps losing some of our emails. We all hit the ‘archive now’ button but is that enough? Follow the link to the IT Tips Newsletter ‘Outlook Maintenance’ which provides a step by step guide on how to manage and reduce your archived files. Spring is in the air…..
Read Outlook Maintenance TIPS(PDF 144k)...
February 17, 2006 (Marie Brice) -
Mark you calendars for the next FIGT CONFERENCE - March 2007 - The 8th International Families in Global Transition conference will be 22-24 March 2007 in Houston, Texas. Plan to join the experts in relocation and cross-cultural issues. The FIGT conference has proven to be one of the most cost-effect, value-added professional conferences available. Enhance your professional development while earning CEUs - FIGT's educational sessions are wholly endorsed by Worldwide ERC (Employee Relocation Council) for Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) accreditation credits.
What do they say about FIGT?
"The 2005 FIGT Conference was extremely well organized and a worthwhile experience to attend, or participate in, if you are in any way connected with supporting individuals living in an international setting. Both the plenary sessions and the concurrent seminars offered valuable insight and information, making every moment at the conference an enriching experience for all attendees. . . an outstanding event."
Mary Robinson, Corporate Affairs Liaison TASIS American School in England.
Did you know?
Reluctance to relocate, higher costs, vigilant border controls, and intensified security measures are causing a shift in the duration and nature of relocations and assignments. In the face of such challenges, pre-assignment/relocation planning and budgeting will become even more critical as companies step up recruiting or explore alternate forms of relocation. For example, we continue to see an increase in "commuter" relocations and increasingly flexible short-term assignments, both within the US and for international assignments.
Source: Relocation Trends 2005, Weichert Relocation Resources.
February 17, 2006 (Marie Brice) -
Repatriation: Resiliency in Times of Change - A resiliency-based approach to repatriation suggests a need for utilizing healthy attitudes towards adjustment. This process occurs at both individual and family levels, in ways that may be common or unique compared to others. Author Estelle Toomey is a 3rd generation internationally mobile individual with education and professional experience in international business and management, international humanitarian relief, and couple/family therapy settings. Read the full article in our Repatriation section.
January 16, 2006 (Marie Brice, SSA Communications) -
SSA Regional Newsletter - latest regional newsletter, this time
winging its way towards you from Europe...This newsletter is full of articles that focus on the colder
seasons in Europe such as Moscow, England and even
Siberia....Europe contains a diversity of
language that is reflected in the diversity of its people and this is also a focus of this newsletter. Download the Newsletter (PDF 2.7MB)...
December 22, 2005 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) -
Board movements - We congratulate Diana Squerra, our IT Coordinator on the safe arrival of her baby son and also bid her a fond farewell from the Board as she moves into the role of a full time mom. We wish you well Diana, thank you for your support. We also welcome Melodie Beveridge to the Board position of IT Coordinator. Melodie has provided members with copious information and strong support in the past and the Board welcomes her experience and enthusiasm to this new role. Check out the ‘Who we are’ to find out more about Melodie and her role.
December 22, 2005 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications) -
Tri-Annual SSA Regional Report - Please follow the link to find out all about what is happening in various chapters around the world. You will find some friends you thought you had lost working on committees in places you have never heard of, great ideas for social events and charity work, and even ways to organise your local committees. Thanks to all the chapters who were able to send reports in for our November Regional Report 2005 - we know how busy this time of year is! We are grateful to be able to update our records on so many Chapters around the world and hope to provide this information three times per year! Login to read the report
October 30, 2005 (Marie Brice, SSA Communications) -
Are You and Your Family Fit for Expatriation? -
Dr Alex Barbey, Schlumberger’s International Health Coordinator, has identified several high-risk areas where health issues can be extremely problematic due to a lack of adequate or local health care facilities. Completing a ‘Fitness for Expatriation Self-help Questionnaire’ will assist you in determining whether your family’s current health status makes you fit for life in a high-risk location. Download the questionnaire(PDF 196k)...
October 29, 2005 (Marie ` LÄ\øãÐñ @0v õ5 Ü &
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An SSA Helping Hand - Does your SSA Directory Record show the city and country where you currently live? Did you change it last time you moved? If you would like your directory listing changed to your current location all you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Click Here
- Fill out the form, stating the city and country where you are currently living.
And......... we will change your record for you!
We know how busy you are when you move and understand that changing your directory record may not be your first priority - so please let us help you out!
You will help US out by assisting us to maintain the accuracy of our directory.
Please remember to log on and change other information on your directory listing when you have the time: Update your SSA Directory record here!
Need help to update your record? - I need help
October 4, 2005 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) -
Global Board Meeting
Dear Spouses/Partners,
As most of you know the Global Board met in Rue Saint Dominique, Paris in July.
We were all overwhelmed by the kind hospitality from Management and staff. The
three days were filled with lots of discussions and informative presentations.
We spoke about the past, present and future of the SSA. Some changes were made
to our Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives. Some of these changes were made
to encourage all spouses/partners to be part of the SSA. We felt some spouses/partners
felt that the SSA was solely for expatriate spouses/partners, hopefully with the
revised version we can change that perception. SSA is an association for ALL
spouses/partners of Schlumberger employees. We must continue to welcome all
spouses/partners and encourage compassion and empathy.
I also met with Andrew Gould and David Tournadre. We discussed the need for
Family Laison Officers (FLO) and connectivity for all spouses especially in
remote locations (1.40 coefficient and over). It was suggested that the SSA
should have an 'office' in the SLB base. By establishing this the spouses
without efficient or no means of connecting at home can go to the base and do so.
This will also encourage a closer relationship between SSA and SLB.
The SSA is unique and is envied by many companies. Many spouses have worked
tirelessly and voluntarily to achieve the standard that we have reached so far.
Let us continue to support their efforts and come together and be proud of what
we have. Let us look ahead...
We have an excellent board and Support team whose main objective is to be
available to all the spouses. Let us know your needs...remember this is YOUR
association.
Thank you for you kind attention. Please feel free to contact me at any time. To
view the minutes of the meeting please go to
SSA Global. Login, and select the link for "About SSA" to download the
minutes.
Kindest regards
Karen
September 29, 2005 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
Global Board Meeting Minutes - Login to view the minutes from the SSA Global Board meeting, held in Paris July, 2005. After you login, select the link for "About SSA" to download the minutes.
September 24, 2005 (SpouseConnect) -
Blog - We have created a public blog for spouses affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita where you may post comments and photos. http://ssa.blogster.com
August 31, 2005 (SSA Regional Coordinator, North America) -
Houston/Lafayette Chapters Join for Katrina Relief - SSA Houston and Lafayette chapters are joining together to organize an effort to assist Schlumberger families who may have been evacuated from their homes. An SSA coffee is planned for Thursday, Sept. 1 at 11:00 AM, Cici's Coffee, 3810 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy in Lafayette to discuss. For more information, please contact North America Regional Coordinator Gabi Corvalan or SSA Houston Coordinator Andres Chisco.
August 31, 2005 - Lafayette, LA (SSA Regional Coordinator, North America) -
Getting Children to School After Katrina - Parents who had to evacuate because of Hurricane Katrina will be able to register their children for school in Lafayette Parish starting Thursday, Sept. 1. Burnell Lemoine, deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for the Lafayette Parish School System, says registration ends Thursday and parents will be contacted Friday to let them know what school their children should attend. He says students should be in classes by Tuesday. The children will be assigned to current schools depending on where they are in homes or shelters. For more information, please contact North America Regional Coordinator Gabi Corvalan or SSA Houston Coordinator Andres Chisco.
September 1, 2005 (Melodie Beveridge, SSA Global Content Editor) -
Has Hurricane Katrina caused you and your family to relocate? Concerned that friends are worried about your well-being? - Updating your SSA Directory record is a simple way for you to inform your SSA friends where you are. Click to update your SSA information. (NOTE: You use your email password to access your record.)
The Location section allows you to enter your current location with a mailing address. Located in the Home and Family section is an area called Family details. This is the area where you can write a message to your SSA friends letting them know that you and your family are ok. You can also list items you are in need of so SSA members can ship them to you or help in any way they can.
if you have been contacted by a relocated SSA member who cannot access the Internet to update their information. I can update their records with the necessary information until they can do so themselves.
If you have any questions or problems, please
.
August 16, 2005 (Marie Brice, Global Communications Coordinator) -
Want to spread the word about SSA? - Now you can download the ‘SSA Poster’ from our website and request that it be displayed in your spouse/partner’s offices or cafeteria. This poster is aimed at promoting our association to SLB employees and encouraging them to assist their spouses/partners to join. This poster template can be found in the ‘templates’ section of our website at the following link http://www.ssafara.net/ssaw. In addition, we have also added business card templates for SSA Committee members. Just download, insert your personal details, take a copy to your local printer (or order them direct through an online printer such as www.vistaprint.com ) and you are ready to go. Please make sure you contact the relevant SLB personnel or SSA Committee members before using these templates.
August 10, 2005 (Marie Brice, Global Communications Coordinator) -
Amended news release - Discounts and offers for Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Conference in September - We have been advised that spouses are entitled to a discount when they register for this conference. The special spouse price is US435 (standard fee US595) for registration, and US75 (usually US99) if you wish to become an Associate. Becoming an Associate entitles you to further benefits and discounts within the organisation. In addition, there are a small number of volunteers required who are entitled to a larger discount in exchange for a few hours of their time during the conference. This is a limited offer and those interested should email communications@ssafara.net and we will pass your details on. Please click on the FIGT web-link now located on our SSAfara website ad-bar for more conference information.
August 3, 2005 (Melodie Beveridge, SSA Global Content Editor) -
Has This Happened to You? - "Your spouse/partner has just come home and informed you that within two months you will be living in either Corpus Christi, TX or Abingdon, England. You login to SSAfara.net for information about both areas. You find information posted for Abingdon but nothing for Corpus Christi. As luck would have it, the next week you are informed that you moving to Corpus Christi." You can help others avoid similar situations by adding and updating information on SSAfara.net. Just click here, choose the city you wish to add content to and follow the simple instructions. No special computer skills are required. Please
with any questions or problems you have.
August 5, 2005 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
Update - Discounts and offers for FIGT Conference in September - We have been advised that spouses are entitled to and should ask for a discount when they register for this conference. In addition, those concerned about the cost may have an opportunity to attend for free in exchange for helping with registrations or other administrative duties during. This is a limited offer and those interested should email Communications Coordinator to register their interest. Please click on the FIGT web-link now located on our SSAFara website adbar for conference information.
This conference features third-culture kids, intercultural transitions, education within a cultural arena, cultural difference and even a children’s panel of ex-pat teens. The incorporation's mission is to support the family and their organizations^%V>M•'-É)©qr ï¶äå¹%5..B½ô„ˆt and to provide strategic resources for families and individuals who live, move, and work throughout the world. Even if you can’t make the conference, be sure to visit their website at www.figt.org where you will find great resources and publications to help you and your family during your global roamings.
July 29, 2005 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
The 7th Families in Global Transition Conference, 15-17 September, Houston, USA - This conference features third-culture kids, intercultural transitions, education within a cultural arena, cultural difference and even a children’s panel of ex-pat teens. The incorporation's mission is to support the family and their organizations to accomplish the assignment and to provide strategic resources for families and individuals who live, move, and work throughout the world. Even if you can’t make the conference, be sure to visit their website at www.figt.org where you will find great resources and publications to help you and your family during your global roamings.
July 5, 2005 (Marie Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
New SSA Global Board to Meet - The new global team will be meeting in Paris from 10-13 July to discuss the future directions of the SSA both globally and locally. We hope to build on the fabulous job of our predecessors as we determine new directions and focus areas including; QSHE, SSA charitable work, Partnerjob, Communications, SSA Directories, SEED, the SSAfara website and many other areas. Visit this website over the next few weeks and you will learn all about the decisions we make that aim to inform our members and make all of our lives easier - wherever we are!
May 26, 2005 (Elizabeth Fenwick) -
New Global Coordinator - I am pleased to announce Karen Costelloe is our new Global Coordinator as of 11th July 2005. I know she will bring to the role the energy, enthusiasm and experience from her time as Regional Coordinator for Africa. Please welcome her and show her your support as she begins the new challenge of leading such a dynamic organization. Read Karen's acceptance statement...
May 25, 2005 (Andres Chisco) -
Are you a "stay-at-home" husband or partner? - SSA Houston is making a special effort to encourage male spouses to join the association. Recently Andres Chisco took the position of Houston Coordinator and Brian Dyas that of Activities Coordinator. They would like to get men involved in the current activities by showing that the programme can appeal to both genders. Brian intends to set up a few activities more suited to men. If you are interested please contact Brian at bdyas@ssafara.net.
April 25, 2005 (Relocation Today) -
A Global Approach to Health and Safety for Corporate Expats - Health and safety for mobile employees and their families is an important topic facing corporate risk managers today. Mobile employees are regularly exposed
to risks associated with infectious diseases, driving accidents, personal security, terrorism
and not surprisingly, stress. A well-managed health and safety program for your expatriates–and their families–
will positively affect successful international assignments in your company. Relocation Today (April, 2005 - by Tracey McTague)
May 23, 2005 (Liz Fenwick) -
Announcing New Global Board - Please join us in congratulating the SSA Global Board:
- Global Coordinator - TBA
- Communications: Marie Brice - Kuala Lumpur
- IT - Diana Squerra - Brazil
- Content Editor - Melodie Beveridge - Rock Springs, Wyoming USA
- Africa - Jill Munk - Cameroon
- Europe - Aida Barclay - Abingdon UK
- Middle East - Anisa Haddad - Muscat
- North America - Maria Gabriela Corvalan Apestegui - Lafayette, Louisiana USA
- Latin America - Deysy Lamas - Las Morochas
For more information, see Who We Are.
April 19, 2005 (Partnerjob) -
Partnerjob partners with Monster - Schlumberger Spouses/partners now have access to a jobs database filtered from Monster sites worldwide that will add about 5,000 jobs for our candidates. Also, meet your new Partnerjob Representative, Monica Messina in the upcoming Parnerjob newsletter. To read the newsletter, login to SSA Support and select "Services" ...
March 24, 2005 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
SSAfara Webzine - Today we launch a web version of SSAfara magazine. After\{ø1 Wé t{ç¯@Äq_*jý ³yð²e'nd a new trial SSAfara magazine on this site. Please have a look and let us know what you think. What do you want to see? In time we will have a proper magazine, but in the meantime we wanted to keep you informed of what is happening in SSA. Contact me with your thoughts at global-coordinator@ssafara.net
SSAfara Webzine March 2005 Issue
March 26, 2005 (SSA Global Board) -
Update - SSA Regional Coordinator Elections - Several positions on the SSA Worldwide board are open for election, including Global Communications Coordinator, SSAfara.net Content Editor, and Regional Coordinator positions for Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
For more information, see Board Vacancies
For more information about SSA around the world, see SSA Regions
Jan 17, 2005 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
Global IT Coordinator Vacancy - Luis Maris, IT Global Coordinator, has resigned from his position with the SSAW Global Board to pursue other interests. Luis Maris is an outstanding member and will be greatly missed by the board, other SSA members and all the SSA organization.More ...
Sept 22, 2004 (SSA Global Coordinator) - „R‡Â0
Ù¢9†6ìb{Èíæìñœ]›ÝBäÌb>Schlumberger Senior management is curently working on a project with respect to gender diversity within Schlumberger. As a diverse organisation, we may
be able to help by answering a few survey questions.
Survey closed Oct. 1 - watch for results!
Sept 9, 2004 (SSA Ex-Officio Global Coordinator) -
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. It kills more people than the other seven leading causes of death combined. SSA has been invited to participate in the nationwide Heart Walk and I would like to invite each of you to participate in this worthy cause. I will also be involved and hope I can count on each of you. More...
Aug 18, 2004 (US OFS Health Programs Manager) -
Join the American Heart Association Heart Walk - You can enroll with a Schlumberger team of walkers and submit donations online!
See Healthy Living for More info...
Join a Schlumberger Heart Walk team!
June 18, 2004 (SSA Latin America) -
Meet Deysy Lamas - our new SSA Latin America Regional Coordinator! More...
June 14, 2004 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
Announcement: New Latin America Regional Coordinator - With great pleasure I announce that we have a new board Member. Deysy Lamasµd= o
íc#Pƒ¨AÐéqh–Ugz €B the new Latin America Regional Coordinator. Let's all welcome Deysy aboard.
Also, let all say farewell to Maria Gabriela. There is no one more enthusiastic or who promotes the SSA effort more than Maria Gabriela. We are really going to miss you and all that you brought to the Latin America Region and SSA worldwide.
You are a great asset to SSA and I hope that you will rest awhile and than come back to us. Please do keep in touch.
Deysy, remember we are all here to help you, so don't hesitate to call on any of us. Also, feel free to share your ideas, etc. with us. SSA is growing stronger each day because of members like Deysy and Maria Gabriela.
Again, welcome aboard!
Sincerely,
Christine
March 19, 2004 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
SSA Needs You! - Volunteering is good for the soul. I ask each of you to search your heart and see if you are interested in taking on these wonderful and rewarding positions within SSA. The hours are not long and the fun is never ending ! Please apply before April 18.
More ...
March 9, 2004 (SSA Announcement) -
SSA Events Pictures Needed - SSA and SpouseConnect are presenting a paper this month at the Seventh SPE International Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, in Calgary. We need photos from SSA members depicting SSA involvement in your local community, SSA charitable work, SSA QHSE training (ex. Defensive driving, first aid, ...), and SSA members interacting with nationals of the country in which you live. Please send photos to Sandra Luckett at sluckett@ssafara.net before Friday, March 12. More...
Oct. 24, 2003 (SSA Global Coordinator) -
SSA Gets Better with Time! - We've come a long way in a few short years. This week we are distributing a 15th year Commemorative gift to all chapters that responded to a request sent in May of 2003. More...
Sept. 14, 2003 (SSA Global Board) -
SSA and SpouseConnect to Present Paper to SPE Health and Safety Conference - The SSA Global Board is pleased to announce that the paper proposal, Schlumberger Spouses Association: A Unique Global Community, has been accepted for the Seventh SPE Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment, in Calgary March 2004. The paper is a collaboration among the global SSA board and SpouseConnect. Abstract...
June 17, 2003 (Gobal Coordinator) -
Global Coordinator: Search for Candidates
- Where does the time go when you're having fun? My two years as SSAW Global Coordinator are nearly over and it is time to find another Global Coordinator to imbue SSA with fresh ideas and energy!
More ...
June 4, 2003 (SSA Scorecard Team) -
SSA Survey - This is your opportunity to speak and be heard! In order for SSA to continue to meet the changing needs of its members we'd like to know what you think. Take the SSA Survey today!
More ...
June 2, 2003 (Global Communications Coordinator) -
SSAfara Magazine on the Web - To ensure that everybody has access, we have now posted the 2003 SSAfara Magazine on our website. If you have not yet received your printed copy of SSAfara Magazine, please contact us at magazine@ssafara.net
Login to download a copy of SSAfara...
May 28, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
SSA Poster Contest - If you are artistic, win a World Timepiece with your SSA poster design! The winning design will be distributed to every Schlumberger office across the globe. Deadline is June 15.More...
May 20, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
SSAfara Magazine Published and Distributed - The 2003 issue of the SSAfara Magazine is now on its way to your location. The magazine was shipped (courier service - DHL) on Tuesday, 13 May, 2003. If you have not received your copy by 31 May 2003 contact Sandra Luckett.
More...
May 16, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
New Middle East Coordinator - Meet Jennifer Gaudlip, the new Regional Coordinator for SSA Middle East. Jennifer says, "I encourage every spouse to get involved locally. There is a place for every spouse, and a need for every talent within the SSA. What’s yours?" More...
March 25, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
SSA Asia/Australia Regional Coordinator Needed - It has been almost a year since we've had a coordinator for Asia. If you are an SSA member living in the Asia/Australia region, please consider taking on this important role. More...
March 26, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
SSA Search for History - Let's Preserve our Rich History - I need the following issues of the SSA Magazine (now called SSAfara, originally called SSA Around the World): Issues: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 More...
March 25, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
SSA Middle East Regional Coordinator Needed - It has been several months since we've had a coordinator for the Middle East. If you are an SSA member living in the Middle East region, please consider taking on this important role. ~vacancy closed 16 April 2003
March 19, 2003 (Global Coordinator) - The editorial team is busy putting together the next issue of the SSAfara Magazine. In order to receive your magazine and to receive it on time, I need your help. More...
March 13, 2003 (SSA Survey/Scorecard Team) -
To All SSA Chapter Coordinators -
SSA strives to meet the changing needs of its membership and justifies its added value to Schlumberger. We need your input in order to determine if we are meeting the needs of our membership, and if not, how we can improve. Please complete and return Your Chapter Survey by 26, March 2003! More...
March 2, 2003 (SSAfara Magazine Editor) -
Extraordinary Women, Tell Your Story -
Have you triumphed in business? In sport? Over adversity? Have you invented something? The SSAfara Magazine Editor wants to interview you.
More ...
March 1, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
Volunteer Campaign a Success -
Schlumberger spouses are starting new chapters, reviving dormant E(1ò@r ô°K YWJ'„ * û,Ä× writing for Geomarket magazines, and translating SSA documents into five languages. Thank you!! More...
Feb. 24, 2003 (Global Communications Coordinator) -
The March 7, 2003 deadline for submissions to the SSAfara Magazine is fast approaching! If you and your Chapter have not yet made a contribution, please consider doing so. The SSAfara Magazine is the best medium we have for sharing our trials, tribulations, victories and joys with the SSA global community. SSAfara Magazine is published once each year, so if you choose not to make a contribution now, we won’t have another opportunity to share your stories until 2004!
I would also like to take this opportunity to send a heart-felt “thank you” to all those people who did choose to send me articles for publication in the 2003 SSAfara Magazine. I appreciate your efforts and applaud your enthusiasm!
This edition of SSAfara has the theme of ‘Motion’...deadline for submissions is March 7, 2003. Submission details...
Feb. 20, 2003 (SSA Worldwide Board) -
Chapter Startup Kit Now Available - Read our Guidelines and Mission Statement, and then login to download the full documents. In the SSAW member area, select 'SSA Guidelines' to get your Chapter Startup Kit.
Feb. 06, 2003 (Global Coordinator) -
Update: Join the SSA Board!
We are actively seeking volunteer candidates to serve as Regional Coordinators for Africa, Asia/Australia and the Middle East. If you currently reside in one of these regions, are the spouse of a Schlumberger employee, and are interested to join the SSA Global Board, please forward your CV with a letter of interest (including your SSA experience and why you want to be a Regional Coordinator) Board vacancies...
Feb. 01, 2003 (Global Communications Coordinator) -
Now accepting submissions to 2003 SSAfara Magazine
This edition of SSAfara has the theme of ‘Motion’...deadline for submissions is March 7, 2003. More...
Jan. 24, 2003 (Global Coordinator)
Join the SSA Board!
We are actively seeking vol
`s Africa and Asia/Australia Regional Coordinators. If you currently reside in one of these regions, are the spouse of a Schlumberger employee, and are interested to join the SSA Global Board, please forward your CV with a letter of interest (including your SSA experience and why you want to be a Regional Coordinator) Board vacancies...
October, 2002 (Global Board)
SSA Worldwide Meeting - London
From left: Tracey McTague, SpouseConnect Program Manager; Monique Dailloux, Paris Family Liaison Officer (FLO); Olga Strygina, Moscow FLO; Benedicte Anne Tait, Middle East Regional Coordinator; Christine Herve, North America Regional Coordinator; Maria Corvalan, Latin America Regional Coordinator; Rachel Von Nordeck Myers, Global Communications Coordinator; Liz Fenwick, Ex-Officio; Karil Greenhalgh, London FLO
Missing from the photograph are Sandra Luckett, SSA Global Coordinator; and Harris Padron, SSA Global IT Coordinator. Harris is the photographer.
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| SSA News Archive - 2007 |
ID: 14048 |
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Dear Friends:
It is amazing how fast time flies….it has already been seven months since I took over this position and now we are in the middle of the Holiday season.
Before everyone goes home or somewhere else to spend their holidays, I would like to thank all of you for making 2007 an amazing year that as an organization and family we have had. Each of you, in a very specific and unique way, is doing an excellent job supporting our association locally and helping it to grow every day. For those of you who hold a local board position, I want to express my special gratitude for your dedication to welcome new members into your location and for providing them a warm environment to settle into. I know it is not easy being a volunteer because all of us have lives besides the SSA, but in the end, we try to do the best we can in the positions we hold because we understand the importance of the SSA for so many members. If not, why would we have decided to step forward and volunteer?
This year, several natural disasters occurred that directly affected Schlumberger families and there are many people thinking there is not much to celebrate this time of year, but there is always something to celebrate and be happy for: life, the friends we have and the possibility of a better tomorrow.
Let’s keep working together to make 2008 another successful year! Please remember: do not hesitate to contact me at any time you need or want to.
On behalf of the whole Global Board of the SSA I wish you all and your family the best for 2008. Great things may be waiting for all of us during the upcoming year.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Love,
Deysy
December 12, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - SSA Guidelines have been UPDATED - The Global Board has been working for several months on updating the SSA Guidelines. It is our hope that this new version will accurately reflect the best practice experiences of the SSA Global Board and the expectations from our generous sponsor, Schlumberger. Some of you may not have read our association’s guidelines in a long time and others may never have read them so please, login, click SSA Guidelines then SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement and download SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement v2.2 2007-10-03.doc. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this important document. If after reading it you have any questions, please contact our Global Coordinator, or your Local or Area Coordinator.
November 29, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - New SSA Africa Area Coordinator - We are so glad to announce that the new SSA Area Coordinator for Africa, effective December 1st is Catherine Richards. She is based in Lybia and will be replacing Silicia Fillacier who has been transferred out of Africa and who did a wonderful job as the Area Coordinator.
Our gratitude and thanks go to Silicia for all she has contributed to the SSA in Africa during the time she was part of the Global Board.
We wish Catherine good luck and I am confident that with the support from the outgoing Area Coordinator, Global Board Team, and SSA Africa membership, she will do an excellent job. If you want to show her your appreciation and send her your congratulations, please do not hesitate to . If you want to wish a fond farewell to Silicia, please .
Welcome on board Catherine!
November 29, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) – Farewell for Silicia
It is time to say thank you to Silicia Fillacier, who was an amazing Area Coordinator for the chapters in Africa during the last 15 months. Sadly, she had to leave her position before the end of her term because her husband was transferred out of Africa. Silicia is very sad having to let her job unconcluded, but I know she will be supporting our organization wherever she is located in. With her jokes and joyful spirit, she always made us laugh and see things in a different way, but still showing compassion and care for our members and their problems/success.
Silicia, now it is time for you to relax and enjoy even more your new location and your family. Thanks for being part of our team and for all your contribution to the SSA. Good luck and keep in touch, amiga!
November 27, 2007 (Melodie Beveridge, SSA Global IT Coordinator) - Update Your Chapter’s Contact Information - One of the main purposes of SSAfara.net is to allow members/future members to be able communicate with each other. As we are getting closer and closer to having the new website server up for development, it is important for all chapters to make sure their contact information is posted on the public area of the website. The information needed is only the name and email address of at least one chapter board member. (Note: Phone numbers and addresses of individuals are only posted in the private, password protected area of the website.) Please email me with any questions or if you need help updating your chapter’s information.
November 24, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - Applications for the Africa Area Coordinator Position is now closed! - The application period for the Africa Area Coordinator position has closed and the Global Board has received copies of all of the applicant’s CV and letters of interest. The voting period will end soon and we will post the name of the new Coordinator by the end of next week. Thank you to all of the applicants for your support of the SSA and good luck.
| November 23, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -Europe Area Newsletter Submission Date Extended! - The deadline for submissions for the upcoming Europe Area Newsletter has been extended to Wednesday, November 28 . We are looking for Articles, Photographs and Poems from members living in Europe or those who have lived in Europe as part of a Schlumberger assignment in the past. The newsletter will be published in December, but please send in your submissions by Wednesday, November 28, 2007.
Please do not be reluctant to send in an article in a language other than English. We can edit and even translate articles that are written in most other languages. Please follow this
link for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to or our Europe Coordinator, .
Thank you for your help and take care.
Anisa
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November 15, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - Africa Area Coordinator Position is still open! - We have recently started getting applications for Africa Area Coordinator, so we have set the deadline for closing applications to November 24th. If you are interested in joining the SSA Global Team, please, read the
job description and if you are a caring and motivated member who wants to help us making the difference among all our members, do not hesitate to send to the Global Communications Coordinator your CV and a letter of interest not later than November 24th, remember it doesn’t have to be so fancy, just tell us a little bit about you and why you want to become an Area Coordinator.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
| November 6, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Africa Area Newsletter released - the latest edition of the SSA newsletter the Wayfarer, which is dedicated to our members from the Africa area – past and present. Please accept my gratitude for your wonderful submissions and know that this newsletter would not have been possible if you had not taken the time to put pen to paper – (figuratively in this case) and open your hearts to your fellow SSA members and Schlumberger personnel worldwide. Download The Wayfarer here. |
November 6, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) Update Your SSA Directory Record “In Case of Emergency” - Dear members - Once more, I encourage you…even beg you if that is necessary to please keep your SSA Directory Record updated. Unfortunate events are happening every where and it is very sad not knowing where our lovely members are because their records are not updated when disasters happen. It is important for you to include as much information in your record as possible so we can contact each one of you when the need arises. Our Association is an amazing network, so please let’s take advantage of it and support each other and use our directory as a tool to protect our families. Your SSA Directory record can sometimes be the only way of locating you in times of crisis. When you update your record, please include “In Case of Emergency” contact information in the notes section.
If you do not know how to update your SSA directory record, please do not hesitate to contact your Area Coordinator, who will be more than glad to help you.
November 6, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) – Farewell to SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator Alison Soudure
After two wonderful and productive years as the Area Coordinator for our chapters in Asia/Australia Area, it is time to say thank you to Alison Soudure, who did an amazing job supporting our active chapters and helping to re-start some dormant ones. Even with two small children around the house, she always found a way to be there for our members. From the bottom of our heart we wish you Alison the best today and always…now you will have more time to enjoy your precious loved ones.
Thanks for being part of the Global Team and for all your contribution to the SSA and I am sure you will be supporting our Association wherever you are located in the future. Take care!
October 19, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) Africa Area Coordinator Position is still open! - The SSA Global Team is still looking for a volunteer to dedicate her/his time to support our chapters and isolated spouses/partners in Africa Area. Please, read the
job description and if you are a caring and motivated member who wants to help us making the difference among all our members, do not hesitate to send to the your CV and a letter of interest, remember it doesn’t have to be so fancy, just tell us a little bit about you and why you want to become an Area Coordinator.
Africa has been always a difficult Area to get applications for this position, so we are not setting a closing applications date yet, but we would like to receive your application very soon, so we can find a replacement for Silicia, who had moved out of Africa, but is still acting as the Area Coordinator until we find the new one.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
| October 18, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -Europe Area Newsletter Set for December 2007 - The SSA is pleased to announce a call for submissions for the upcoming Europe Area Newsletter. We are looking for Articles, Photographs and Poems from members living in Europe or those who have lived in Europe as part of a Schlumberger assignment in the past. The newsletter will be published in December, but please send in your submissions by Tuesday, November 13, 2007.
Please do not be reluctant to send in an article in a language other than English. We can edit and even translate articles that are written in most other languages. Please follow this
link for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to or our Europe Coordinator, . |
October 5, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - New SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator - We are very proud to announce that the new SSA Area Coordinator for Asia/Australia, effective October 1st is Abigail Roma Miguel (Brunei). She will be replacing Alison Soudure who has finished her two years term as an amazing Area Coordinator.
Our gratitude and thanks go to Alison for all she has contributed to the SSA Asia/Australia during her term on the Global Board.
We would also like to thank the other applicants who showed interest in becoming part of the SSA Global Team. Special thanks go to one applicant who was very honest with us and withdrew her application due to her husband’s possible transfer soon out of the Area.
We wish Abigail good luck and I know that with the support from the outgoing Area Coordinator, Global Board Team, her local board members and SSA Asia/Australia membership, she will do an excellent job. If you want to show her your appreciation and send her your congratulations, please do not hesitate to contact her at .
and if you want to wish a fond farewell to Alison, please email her at
.
Welcome on board Abigail!
September 8, 2007 (Silicia Fillacier, Outgoing SSA Africa Area Coordinator) - Africa Area Coordinator Position opening - My husband has been transferred; it is with great sadness that I must leave my position as Africa Area Coordinator. I have enjoyed my time as the African Area Coordinator during these last 15 months. It has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience to be part of such a great organization. I would like to thank the previous Global Board and the current one for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a great team. I am impressed how much we have accomplished in such a short time, and I know that the SSA is still moving forward. I have followed great leaders and made wonderful friends for life.
Ladies and gents currently residing in Africa, it is time to polish up your CVs! Africa needs a motivated member of SSA to take over the responsibilities of the SSA Africa Area Coordinator position. The deadline is October 1st.
You can get the complete job description on our website
http://www.ssafara.net/Board_Vacancies/. Please send me your letter of interest and your CV at . The applications will then be forwarded on to the SSA Global Board. I will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
SSA looks for compassion and goodwill in the applicants so please tell us a little about you. Help us keep our SSA dynamic and moving.
| September 8, 2007 (Alison Soudure, SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator) -Elections! Elections! Elections! - My term as Asia/Australia Area Coordinator will be coming to an end soon and I would like to make a call for applications. Closing date for applications will be September 24, 2007.
If you are living within this great region and are a member of any SSA chapter, please show your interest and commitment to the SSA by volunteering for the position of Area Coordinator. Please take a moment to read over the job description for this position and if your skills match our needs, please send your CV and a letter of interest to our Global Communications Coordinator, . If you have any questions regarding the position, please do not hesitate to .
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| August 30, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -Your Time and Talents Are Needed In Your Local SSA Chapter - I am sure that this is a very busy time of the year for many of you. You may be returning from summer holidays and/or are settling into your new locations. Some of you are hitting the ground running, doing everything from getting your kids settled in for a new school year to maybe starting a new job in your new home location.
Your local SSA Chapter is also gearing up for a new season and needs your help. Local Coordinators or local board members will be contacting all chapter members soon about upcoming meetings and events and to announce any open SSA local board positions. If there are openings on your local board, please consider volunteering in one of the following positions: Coordinator, Hospitality Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, Website Coordinator, Activities Coordinator, Secretary or Treasurer.
If you are interested in serving on your local SSA board but would like more information on what is required from the position, please follow this link to the SSA Local Board Job Descriptions. It is so important to know what is required before accepting any position, but what we need most are compassionate, caring and friendly people willing to volunteer their time for the benefit of all members in their locations.
Remember terms for SSA Local Boards are one year, so it is important that elections should be held every year and anybody currently holding a board position could reapply for one more year and be in one position for a maximum of a 2 years term. Please consider sharing your time, ideas, and talents with your fellow SSA members. Helen Keller said I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. |
August 27, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - North America (NAM) Area Coordinator Announced - We are so proud to announce that we have Karen Pearson back as member of the SSA Global Board as our newly elected NAM Area Coordinator, effective August 20th.
We would like to thank the others applicants for NAM Area Coordinator position for their willingness to serve our organization.
We wish Karen good luck in her position and we are sure she will do a wonderful job. If you want to show her your appreciation and offer her your congratulations, you can contact her by .
| August 21, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -Africa Area Newsletter Set for October 2007 - The SSA is pleased to announce a call for submissions for the upcoming Africa Area Newsletter. We are looking for Articles, Photographs and Poems from members living in Africa or those who have lived in Africa as part of a Schlumberger assignment in the past. The newsletter will be published in October, but please send in your submissions by Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at the latest.
Please do not be reluctant to send in an article in a language other than English. We can edit and even translate articles that are written in most other languages. Please follow this
link for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to or our Africa Coordinator, . |
August 21, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - North America (NAM) Area Coordinator Update - The application period for the NAM position has closed and the Global Board has received copies of all of the applicant’s CV and letters of interest. We would like to express our appreciation to all who applied and to say how heart warming it was to see such a show of interest in such an important position in our organization. The voting period will end soon and we will post the name of the new NAM coordinator by the end of this month. Thank you again to all of the applicants for your support of the SSA and good luck to all of the applicants.
July 24, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - SSA Communication Channels and SSAfara.net Update - As we are located in so many different countries around the world, communication in SSA is the key to achieve our goals as an organization. The SSA works at a global level because of the SSA Guidelines & Mission Statement and IT/IS Content Guidelines which have been defined to unify all SSA chapters, so that all of us work together. If you have questions or concerns about anything in either of these documents, please follow SSA communication channels. That means you should first contact your Area Coordinator and then if necessary, me, your Global Coordinator. If you have questions or concerns regarding anything on the SSAfara website, you should contact the Global IT Coordinator. Questions concerning chapter, Area or Global newsletters or other forms of communications should be directed to our Global Communications Coordinator, Anisa Haddad.
The Web Content Editing Team and our Global IT Coordinator, Melodie Beveridge, have been very busy. Most of the public content on SSAfara.net has been reviewed and they are now determining the look of the remodeled SSA website. There will be an interactive map similar to the one located here to show chapter locations. We are hoping SSA members will help us to design our web interface by submitting examples of how you would like it to look. Some of the features that will be available include Forums, Chats, Risk Incident Reporting, Personal Member Pages, and Classified Ads. You will also be able to submit photos. All of these enhancements are only possible because Schlumberger is upgrading our email and web servers this year.
July 16, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - North America (NAM) Area Coordinator - The SSA is officially accepting applications for the position of North America (NAM) Area Coordinator. Karen Pearson has been wonderful as the NAM Area Coordinator but will be leaving before the end of the month as she and her family will be pursuing other interests.
If you are a member of any SSA chapter located in the NAM area and are interested in volunteering for the position of Area Coordinator, please take a moment to read over the job description for this position and if your skills match our needs, please send your CV and a letter of interest to our Global Communications Coordinator, Anisa Haddad.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please do not hesitate to contact me. Applications close on August 20th 2007.
July 16, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - - A Simple Guide to Child Restraints (update) In keeping with Schlumberger Safety Awareness Month, we will be posting Health and Safety information each week which is of great importance to you and your family.
Because you never know when a crash will happen, we began this effort with A Simple Guide to Child Restraints (posted July 11). Each year thousand of children are killed or injured in road crashes. Most of these injuries could have been avoided by using a properly fitted and approved baby restraint, child restraint or seat belt. To view an informative SLB PowerPoint presentation on this topic, Download the file here.
Another excellent resource for child auto safety information can be found on the Crash Survivors Network page Keeping Kids Safe in Cars. You will find links from a variety of non-profit and for profit auto safety and medical sources and videos on how to properly install infant and child restraints as well as two Crash Test Dummy videos that should help to eliminate any lingering doubt as to whether or not infant and child seats are necessary. Please pass this important information on to all your chapter members and friends.
Please note: If you would like to view the videos, you will need to download the RealPlayer plug in which is available on the Keeping Kids Safe in Cars
webpage. A free version of RealPlayer is available. You will be offered the opportunity to add shortcuts and additional applications to your computer as part of the installation, if you do not wish to install these, please pay careful attention to uncheck any additional applications
that you do not want.
[The SSA is not promoting or endorsing any of the products or programs listed on this Keeping Kids Safe in Cars web page. We are simply providing the link as an additional source of information.]
June 27 , 2007 (Melodie Beveridge- SSA Global IT/IS Coordinator) - Pardon Our Reconstruction Dust! - This is a quick note to update you on the process of the website remodel. The Web Content Editors have begun reviewing content. This means that no new submissions will be posted. We are also locking down the private side of the website. This means that some of you who have had the ability to add, modify, and delete will no longer be able to so. Everyone will still be able to view the contents located there. If there is an important item that needs posted before the new site is up, please email it to me and I will post it was time permits.
We will however be posting family health and safety information each week. Please visit us for weekly updates on health and safety issues. Please answer the poll question. This will help us determine which health and safety topics to cover in the coming weeks. Current topic is “Hurricane Preparedness”. Your input will allow us to help you have a safe and happy summer.
I would also like to announce a contest for the new website. We are looking for design ideas. All that needs to be submitted is an image of what you would like the home page new website to look like. There are only 2 items that must be included in the design.
- The new SSA logo
- The new SSA Family Health & Safety Passport image
The Global board will pick the top 5 designs. These will be posted on the website so all SSA members can vote for their favorite. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 designs. Submit your designs to Melodie Beveridge via email.
You must have your design submitted by July 15th!
Thank you for helping to build a better SSA website!
June 21, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - Chapter Budget Template - Here is an Excel tool for Chapter Coordinators and Treasurers to manage your chapter's budget. Tracking your chapter's expenses will help you when the time comes to submit your budget request for next year. Please feel free to use the spreadsheet and adapt it as needed. Area Coordinators will begin asking for budgets in the fall, so take the time now to organize your chapter's budget!
Chapter Budget Template
May 30, 2007 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) – Farewell to SSA Global Communications Coordinator
Marie Brice
“See A Need…Fill a Need.” ~ Mr. Bigweld from the movie 'Robots.'
In her short time as an SSA member (only four years), Marie Brice has been
a volunteer extraordinaire serving as sub-editor for SSAfara
Magazine, while at the same time serving as the Charity Coordinator, Communications
Coordinator and Welcomes Helper on the local SSA board in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
After moving to Mumbai, India from KL, Marie joined our Global Board as the
Global Communications Coordinator while at the same time filling the position
of Secretary and helping where ever there was a need – including running the
Mumbai AGM while she had Malaria!
Marie is an author who has demonstrated
her skills at expression and communication in many forms, from SSA Area and
Global newsletters to informative and timely postings on our website and
important documents such as the SSA/SLB Guidelines.
But Marie is not only a volunteer and author;
she is also a professional educator and has used her special
talents to draw on the rich international environment that makes up the SSA
to teach us more about each other and the areas in which we live. Although
she was charged with the duty of editor of all the SSA publications, she allowed
our members from all corners of the globe, to share their personal experiences
and impressions “in their own words”, giving a unique voice to all of our
publications.
So Marie…none of us who know you and care
about you see your term as Global Communications Coordinator coming to a close
as an ending. We do not see this time as a farewell, but instead as a commencement
– a beginning of something new and wonderful for you. As you move on to
new projects, please know that you have our gratitude and admiration.
You saw a need and you filled it and we a
very fortunate that you did.
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May 26, 2007 (Marie Brice, outgoing SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Global Newsletter May 2007
Phew! Thank you so much to the Global Board members, Vanessa, Sytske, Iin, Kristy, Cindy, Joy, Natalia, Nicole, Ola, Rod, Paty, Jim, Graziela, Alice, Laura, Andrew, Paraiso members, Yully, Maria, Liz and Asteria and everyone else who contributed to this mammoth Global Newsletter! It has been a pleasure ladies and gentlemen – take care of your new board and all the best to each and every one of you. Please click on the link to open the SSA Global Newsletter May 2007 |
May 25, 2007 (Melodie Beveridge - SSA Global IT/IS Coordinator) - Congratulations to our new Web Content Editors Team
- We were fortunate this year to receive several qualified applications for the Web Content Editor position. A team was chosen to help with the website project commencing this summer. This team of editors will review all current content on SSAfara.net that will move to the new website. They also will design and create the look and feel of the new site. Please welcome Vera Bacon, Natasha Brasil, Heidi Hove and Sam Heighes to the Web Content Editors Team!
SSA Global Board hard at work in Dubai. Pictured left to right are Melodie Beveridge (Global IT Coordinator), Jim Andrews (Schlumberger Diversity Manager), Randa Mazzawi (Europe Coordinator), Deysy Lamas (Global Coordinator), Danielle Cozier (LAM Coordinator), Karen Pearson (NAM Coordinator), Silicia Fillacier (Africa Coordinator), Azza Aziz (MEA Coordinator) and Tracey McTague (SSA Program Manager).
May 21, 2007 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) – Farewell I have had the opportunity of working
with wonderful ladies who volunteered their time for the benefits of many
spouses/partners around the world. They are no longer in the Global Board,
but I am sure they will be working for the SSA wherever they are,because an
SSA Global Board member never really retires!
The ladies who
retired this year from their positions are:
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Sandra Lucket - Sandra has been serving the SSA over fifteen
years, wow! And she will be doing it for more years…because she loves and
believes deeply on the SSA…She will work on getting together the history
of our organization, so there will be a place on our website where people
can look and learn about our past and how we have evolved.
Sandra,
on behalf of Schlumberger spouses and partners around the world I am glad
to tell you thanks for all the time you have dedicated to help the SSA reaching
its goals.
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Maria Gabriela “Gabi” Apestegui - Gabi has been part of the
Global Board for many years. She performed roles as both Latin America Area
Coordinator and North America Area Coordinator. Gabi worked very hard after
Hurrican Katrina hit Lousiana (USA). Currently she is in Macae and I am confident
she will be working for the SSA there in any way she can…she will find the
way!Gabi, Thanks for all the years you have dedicated to help so many
people…We wish you the best. Take care!
Aida
Barclay - Aida was the Europe Area Coordinator over the last two years,
doing an excellent job. Currently Aida is getting ready to move to a new
destination (does it sound familiar to all of you?), and there she will
helping the SSA as she has always done… Aida, thank you so much for the
excellent job you have done as part of the Global team. Good luck in your
new location! …and May the stars shine upon you, too!
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May 16, 2007 (Karen Costelloe, Outgoing Global Coordinator) –
Welcome to our new SSA Global Board members! -
The SSA Global Board has just returned to their respective homes after a fabulous and productive annual global board meeting in Dubai last week. We would like to congratulate and announce the following new SSA Global Board members who will officially take over their positions June 1st 2007.
April 19, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator ) Bi-Annual Area Report Oct 2006 – Feb 2007 - A HUGE thank you to all the coordinators who submitted reports recently. Thanks to you we have the most information we have EVER had about our chapters globally! Read about Port Gentil’s Valentine’s surprise for husbands, the persistence of Milan to stay ‘alive’, the amazing members who act as contact people even though the chapter is not active (for example, Moscow, Noyabrsk,
Ennsdorf, Hobbs and The Hague). Find out about ongoing positive QHSE and Charity events in Lagos, Baku, Malabo, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Sale Australia, Kuwait, Caracus, Ciudad del Carmen, Lima, Poza Rica,
Reynosa, Villahermosa, Anchorage, Casper, and Grand Prarie, (this list is getting huge!) with forward planning for charities in Damascus. Dubai and Cairo’s well organised social and cultural events make me want to go for a look – as does Khartoum’s even though they only have 7 members (and they managed to raise $2000 for a charity event)! Please read about the outstanding personal efforts of Amy in Kuwait and
Catriona in KL – go girls! Thanks to Maturin for your member’s personal testimony to the SSA and congratulations,
Macae for making it into the local newspaper and SLB in Calgary for offering to match the chapter’s charity efforts. Last but not least, thanks to Casper for your cookbook plans! Well done all - click here to read the report for yourself.
April 13, 2007 (Kelly Caron, SSA Coordinator, Casper, Wyoming, USA ) Cookbook Naming Contest - You all know about the upcoming SSA Global Cookbook – now you can help us come up with a title for the book! If you have an idea for the cookbook name, please submit it to Kristy Jones at ssacookbook@gmail.com by April 25th. The person with the winning title will receive a free cookbook! For further information on submitting a recipe or ordering your cookbook, please click on the following links - Information Sheet - Order Form
 April 10, 2007 (Kelly Caron, SSA Coordinator, Casper, Wyoming, USA ) SSA Casper is creating a Global SSA Cookbook. We hope to have a great variety of recipes from each region of the world. The proceeds for this cookbook will go toward a Denver-based charity, The Family Tree (www.thefamilytree.org). We would love for you to get involved in this rewarding project by submitting recipes and ordering cookbooks ($20.00 USD) by June 15th. Each recipe submitted should include the person’s name and the SSA chapter they are from. For more information or to send in your recipes and cookbook orders, contact Kristy Jones at ssacookbook@gmail.com.
April 5, 2007 (Melodie Beveridge, SSA Global IT Coordinator) SSA Global Content Coordinator Needed - As we prepare to develop a new website for the SSA, we have a vacancy for SSA Global Content Coordinator. This is a volunteer, non-board support position. The SSAfara.net Global Web Content Editor oversees all content and publishing aspects of the SSAfara.net Web portal and will work closely with the SSA Global board and with Schlumberger for publishing content to the SSA website. For Job description and more information see: Board Vacancies. This position posting will close on 27 April.
March 23, 2007 (Marie Brice, Global Communications Coordinator) - Invitation to submit articles for SSA Global Newsletter - We invite you to contribute to our very first SSA Global Newsletter. Now that we have published one newsletter from each area (region) over the last 18 months – it is time for a global edition! Please send your articles and photographs to me no later than Tuesday, May 5, 2007. It will be my last newsletter as Global Communications Coordinator and I want to go out with a bang, so please start writing! Thanks again to all of you who have contributed to past newsletters – you have made my job so much more enjoyable.
Download your invitation to submit articles and see more details about contributing your story.
See previous Area Newsletters.
March 17, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator) – SEED Artwork Legacy Program - SEED is introducing a new, annual Artwork Legacy Program, which will extend the influence and appreciation of artwork created by SEED school students for the annual greeting card competition. We invite members of the Schlumberger community to select a favorite piece of art from among the 84 finalist submissions in last year’s competition, whose theme was, “Nature’s Masterpieces: Drawing Inspiration from the Beauty of Nature. The original artwork will be sent to participants for framing and displaying. In turn, the recipient will be asked to submit a few personal details and a statement of appreciation for the artwork accompanied by a photo of themselves with it, to be forwarded to the artist. ” These pieces of children’s art are truly beautiful - please visit http://www.seed.slb.com/en/about/seedlink/volunteer.htm for more information or to request your own original artwork.
March 12, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Fighting and limiting SPAM - We are aware that many of you receive a lot of ‘SPAM’ in your ssafara.net and other email accounts. We understand this is frustrating and we are doing our utmost to get to finally resolve these issues within the server itself. Please read on for information on how to combat SPAM and how to download free antivirus software provided by Schlumberger. There are two actions you can take to help yourself. First, ensure you have up to date Antivirus software. Second, try to avoid sharing your email address with anyone but your personal contacts.
For more information, see the tips below or contact ssa-support@slb.com
McAfee Antivirus for home use
To download McAfee Antivirus for home use to go http://www.shi.com/schlumberger/
In order to get McAfee for free you must register with a qualified Schlumberger email address (slb.com or ssafara.net)
Also see: http://www.ssafara.net/Support/Services/#10706
How to Limit SPAM
TIPS article, "How to Limit SPAM" http://www.ssafara.net/pub/tips-issue28.pdf
Useful information from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/fightspam.mspx
An in-depth look at Spam and what to do about it: http://spam.abuse.net/userhelp/
March 9, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - International Study on ‘Motivation to live internationally’ - Please read the following request from Estelle Toomey and complete the survey – we need all the help we can get! Hi everyone. I'm a 3rd generation British expatriate, on respite post Kosovo to do my PhD at Oxford. I'm determined to lift the pathology that prevails about what motivates us to live internationally, to improve understandings of what facilitates our success, and what makes us happy. It's not easy to do research with people spread out all over the world though, especially when this work is unfunded. So I hope you might help me to help expatriates out by completing the survey? Just copy and paste this link into your web address line and hit go -
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=615703210206. THANKS very much for your help, and for telling your friends and colleagues worldwide of this study too.
February 23, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - The Asia Australia Area Newsletter - In this Asia/Australia edition of the newly named 'Area' newsletters, you will again see a number of members making the most of their time in their host countries by helping others. From Beijing to KL to Jakarta, our charity teams are finding bigger and better ways to help those in need. Again we have contributions from or about our SSA children in China and Indonesia. We have included an article I wrote about a visit to my husband's world of seismic surveying together with an article on how Schlumberger’s SEED Program has made a huge difference in one young man’s life in Malaysia. Please click on the following link to read this newsletter! SSA Area Newsletter for Asia/Australia
February 14, 2007 (Marie Brice SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - After much discussion and collaboration, we are proud to announce the ‘birth’ of our new SSA Logo. As you will see, ‘Schlumberger’ is our umbrella and protector, the ‘Spouses Association’ is our solid foundation and the ‘hues of blue’ represent our many diverse members worldwide. Our ‘family’ has their arms open to the world and all it offers. We hope you are as happy with it as we are. Grateful thanks to Alexandra Coffey and Moira Duff from Schlumberger Marketing and Creative Services in Gatwick for their support and hard work.
February 3, 2007 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) Congratulations to our newly appointed NAM Area Coordinator - It is with great pleasure that the Global Board announces the appointment of Karen Pearson (Casper, Wyoming) as our new SSA North American Area Coordinator. Grateful thanks goes to Maria Gabriella "Gabi" Apestegui Corvalan for all she has contributed to North America during her term with the board – we will miss you. If you would like to contact Karen Pearson please email her at or if you would like to wish Gabi a fond farewell please email her at mcorvalan@ssafara.net.
Remember – ALL SSA MEMBERS are eligible to apply for ALL Global Board positions advertised – please contact current members of the board for more information or simply send your CV to
January 22, 2007 (Karen Costelloe, SSA Global Coordinator) Opportunities for SSA members to join the SSA Global Board - As the new year begins, the SSAW Global Board is getting ready for a major transition. Global Board positions are typically for two year terms and as several of our terms are coming to an end, we are advertising these positions together. One of the main reasons for this is that we are holding our 2007 Annual Global Board Meeting in Dubai from 29 April to 3rd May 2007 and we would like all newly elected Board members to attend along with outgoing members. This will be a fabulous opportunity to hand over and brief new members on the positions and ensure a smooth transition.
Please note that the title of ‘Regional Coordinator’ has been changed to ‘Area Coordinator’ in line with Schlumberger global organisation – the positions and chapters in each region/area the remain the same.
SSAW Global Coordinator: start date 1 June 2007
SSAW Global Communications Coordinator: start date 1 June 2007
SSAW Area Coordinator – Europe: start date 1 July 2007
SSAW Area Coordinator – Middle East: start date 1 July 2007
For Job descriptions go to Board Vacancies
Please contact the following if you would like to find out more about the positions advertised:
Karen Costelloe (current Global Coordinator) -
Marie Brice (current Global Communications Coordinator) -
Aida Barclay (current Europe Coordinator) -
Anisa Haddad (current Middle East Coordinator) -
Please note that all applications must be received by email or post no later than 12pm GMT Wednesday 28 February and sent to .
We strongly encourage you to consider applying for these positions – it is a fabulous opportunity to make a difference not just where you are, but at an international level.
January 11, 2007 (Marie
Brice, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) Happy New Year and love, light and good health
to you and your families from all of us on the Global Board
New Years are a chance for
a beginning,
Even when there hasn’t been an end.
Wheels turn in an interminable bend,
Yet marked in one spot seem to wobble, spinning.
Each year we hope to do a little better,
Although we know that really nothing has changed.
Reason thinks that everything is arranged,
So we must dream if we would fate unfetter.
~William Byrd
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| SSA News Archive - 2008 |
ID: 14411 |
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September 2, 2008 (UPDATED - October 1, 2008) (Gill Gordon, Chairman, Permits Foundation) - International expatriate spouse/partner survey - employment, work permits and mobility - As you may know, Schlumberger is a founder sponsor of Permits Foundation, which advocates the improvement of work permit regulations for the spouses and partners of expatriate employees worldwide. Specifically, Permits Foundation wants legally resident spouses and partners to have an open permission to work during an expatriate assignment. The survey is aimed at current accompanying spouses and partners on expatriate assignments worldwide. Its purpose is to gather information about employment aspirations, challenges and possible solutions. The results will enable the foundation to demonstrate to governments whether the possibility to work affects attitudes to international mobility and whether countries that allow spouses and partners to work are more attractive destinations than countries that do not allow them to work. The results will also be of interest to employers when reviewing support policies. The actual survey for spouses and partners is web-based and is on-line until 15th October. A brochure and link to the survey is here:
Permits Brochure and Survey; or
Go directly to the survey
September 2, 2008 (Gill Gordon, Chairman, Permits Foundation) - International expatriate spouse/partner survey - employment, work permits and mobility - As you may know, Schlumberger is a founder sponsor of Permits Foundation, which advocates the improvement of work permit regulations for the spouses and partners of expatriate employees worldwide. Specifically, Permits Foundation wants legally resident spouses and partners to have an open permission to work during an expatriate assignment. The survey is aimed at current accompanying spouses and partners on expatriate assignments worldwide. Its purpose is to gather information about employment aspirations, challenges and possible solutions. The results will enable the foundation to demonstrate to governments whether the possibility to work affects attitudes to international mobility and whether countries that allow spouses and partners to work are more attractive destinations than countries that do not allow them to work. The results will also be of interest to employers when reviewing support policies. The actual survey for spouses and partners is web-based and is on-line until 30th September. A brochure and link to the survey is here:
Permits Brochure and Survey; or
Go directly to the survey
August 30, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - More Hurricane Awareness Info -
- Louisiana residents can access the state evacuation plan online at www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/hurricanerelated/hurricaneindex.htm
- The evacuation plan is also available at a number of franchise stores and offices, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Louisiana Department of Transportation offices and some United Way offices. The plan details the state’s contraflow route and what individuals and families should do in case of a mandatory evacuation. *Members living in other coastal states should check their state’s Governor’s Department of Homeland Security website to see if similar information is available.
- Develop a family communication plan, providing detailed information – name, cell phone number and e-mail address – for each family member. Give this information to a family member or friend living outside your area. During an evacuation, this designated person will become the central communication point for displaced and concerned family members. All family members would know to contact the designated person to let him or her know their whereabouts or ask where evacuated family members have gone. This is essential for both immediate family members and any extended family. No one should have to ask, “Where is Mom?”
- Although it is not included in the Red Cross Hurricane Evacuation Checklist, make sure any vehicle you may use to evacuate is road worthy. Get a tune-up, and have your mechanic check your tires – including the spare – along with lights, hoses and engine coolant. For emergencies, store a jack, wrench, tool kit and fire extinguisher in your trunk. Throughout hurricane season – June 1 through November 30 – try to keep your car’s gas tank full and buy maps that go beyond your evacuation route in case you need to go farther than originally planned.
- If you plan to stay at a hotel when you evacuate, make sure to create a list of possible hotels and their phone numbers so that you can call them once you know what direction you will head in. *Please remember that not all hotels are willing to take pets and it is not a good idea to show up and rely upon the “kindness of strangers” to let you pet(s) in. Call the hotels on your list well in advance and ask specifically if they allow pets.
- If you will be staying in a shelter, go equipped with your disaster kit, medications, bedding, toys, etc. Do not, bring any guns alcohol or illegal drugs.
- If you have a family member living in an extended care facility, contact the facility as soon as possible to find out whether they will be evacuating or sheltering in place. If they will be evacuating, find out what their specific plan is to take care of your family members’ needs. In the case of sheltering in place, keep in mind that in the event of a mandatory evacuation, some of the facility staff may choose to evacuate with their family instead of sheltering in the facility, leaving the facility short staffed. Will the facility expect a family member to be on site to help those residents who are most in need of assistance? Find out if the facility’s has back up generators in the event that the electricity goes out for an extended period of time. This is especially important for residents who depend on ventilators or other electric equipment.
- Finally, a mandatory evacuation is just that – MANDATORY! When emergency managers ask you to evacuate, be ready to go. Find out what services are available in your area and if signing up is necessary (as in the cases of emergency bus transportation and transportation for the elderly), do so as early as possible.
August 13, 2008 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - New SSA North America Area Coordinator - We are very proud to announce that the new SSA Area Coordinator for North America, effective immediately is Vanessa Wattley (Vernal, Utah - USA). She will be replacing Karen Pearson whose husband has taken a position with another company.
Our gratitude and thanks go to Karen for all she has contributed to the SSA North America during her term on the Global Board.
We wish Vanessa good luck and I know that with the support from the outgoing Area Coordinator, Global Board Team, her local board members and SSA North America membership, she will do an excellent job. If you want to send a congratulations message to Vanessa, you may contact her at VWattley@ssafara.net and if you want to wish a fond farewell to Karen, please email her at kpearson2004@msn.com.
July 31, 2008 (Tracey McTague) - SSA Email Lists -
SSA Distribution lists are currently non-functional. Melodie Beveridge, SSA IT Global Coordinator and Webmaster, has selected mailing list and BB tools, which will be available on the new SSA Website. In the meantime, if you need to contact the SSA Area Coordinators, please do use their personal SSAfara.net address rather than the distribution list. SSA Global Board Members are:
Global Coordinator: Deysy Lamas dlamas@ssafara.net
Communications Coordinator: Anisa Haddad anhaddad@ssafara.net
Global IT Coordinator/Webmaster: Melodie Beveridge mbeveridge2@ssafara.net
Ex-Officio: Karen Costelloe kcostell@ssafara.net
Africa Area Coordinator: Catherine Richards crichards@ssafara.net
Asia Area Coordinator: Abigail Miguel amiguel@ssafara.net
Europe Area Coordinator: Randa Mazzawi rmazzawi@ssafara.net
Latin America Area Coordinator: Maria Gabriella Corvalan Apestegui (Gabi) mcorvalan@ssafara.net
North America: Vacant
Middle East Area Coordinator: Azza Abdel Aziz AAziz@ssafara.net
July 30, 2008 (Tracey McTague) -
Migration Update -
The spouse mail and directory services were migrated on Tuesday, July 15. The SSA mail domain has changed from
pop.ssafara.net to ssa.mail.slb.com. Your account and email address have been migrated. Note that your email address does not change. For more information and account settings, see the Frequently Asked Questions. Retiree mail was not affected by this change. Retirees do not need to change settings.
June 23, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) -
SSA Needs Your Help in Putting Together Our First Global GREEN Newsletter! - How green are you? What types of programs (recycling, repurposing of left over materials, etc.) are available in your area? What do you and your family do to contribute to global “Green” movement? Has your SSA chapter participated in any local Greenactivities? If not, what could you do in your area?
The SSA will be producing a Global Green Issue that we hope will highlight Green programs in each SSA Area and give ideas/suggestions on how each of us can conserve our remaining precious natural resources. What can you and your Local Chapter do to help? On the home front: you can write an article chronicling the day to day things that you do to conserve resources; send us pictures of your family participating in a local Green event; or get your children involved by writing a short article or making some sort of original artwork depicting what they think can be done to help them inherit a cleaner, less energy dependant planet. As a SSA chapter: you can start a campaign to collect items that are not recycled often enough (home printer ink cartridges, small kids meal toys with dead batteries in them; batteries, etc.) and keep track of the amount of materials collected; participate in a local Green activity; sponsor an activity to collect information for your chapter members on what types of recycling activities are available in your area.
What ever you decided to do, as part of a family or chapter activity – please take lots of pictures of yourselves in action and send them to me at
or
so that we can share your ideas with other chapters around the world.
The date of the actual newsletter will be released soon, but I want to give you a “heads up” now to allow enough time to carry out whatever special projects you dream up. Please feel free to send in article or photos whenever you have them ready.
As the father of the environmental movement and founder of the Sierra Club, David Brower once said ~ "We do not inherit the Earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children".
As always, I look forward to your submissions. Anisa
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May 12, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - SSA Anniversary Celebrations to Include Producing A Screensaver From Members Photos - The 20th Anniversary of the SSA as a formal (informal) association is fast approaching and we need your help on a very special project. As part of this celebration, the Global Board will produce a SSA Screensaver that will be available for download by all of our members. The screen saver will feature original photographs submitted by members and this is where your help comes in. Please send us photos that you have taken from your Schlumberger location or the Area you are living in. The photos can be of a SSA event or of landmarks or places of special interest in your area and should be the highest photo resolution possible.
Please look through your photos and submit some to
or
no later than September 1, 2008. Our new server for SSAfara.net is still “under construction”, so if you have any difficulty sending photos to me at either SSA e-mail address, please use my alternate e-mail address –
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April 23, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Latin America Area Newsletter released - the latest edition of the SSA newsletter, the Wayfarer, which is dedicated to our members from the Latin America area – past and present. Please accept my gratitude for your wonderful submissions and know that this newsletter would not have been possible if you had not taken the time to put pen to paper – (figuratively in this case) and open your hearts to your fellow SSA members and Schlumberger personnel worldwide. Download The Wayfarer here. |
March 25, 2008 (Anisa Haddad) - Applications for Latin America Area Coordinator Closed - The application period for the vacant Latin America Area Coordinator position is now closed. We would like to thank our members who applied for this position. The Global Board will vote shortly and the new Latin America Area Coordinator will be announced as soon as possible after the vote has taken place.
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February 11, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - Europe/Russia Area Newsletter released! - The latest edition of the SSA newsletter the Wayfarer, is dedicated to our members living in the Europe/Russia Area – past and present. I am very proud of the way our Europe/Russia Area members whole heartedly answered our call for submissions…and submit they did – 16 pages worth! This edition is full of stories, photos, poems and anecdotes. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Europe/Russia edition of the Wayfarer. Thank you for sharing your time, your talents and your lives with your fellow SSA members and Schlumberger personnel around the world. Download The Wayfarer here | .
February 4, 2008 (Melodie Beveridge, SSA Global IT Coordinator) - Get Ready for Mail and Directory Changes! Create Your Schlumberger Secure SSA Email Password Now – With the upcoming migration of the SSA LDAP directory being moved to an Schlumberger server, it is important that your SSA Email password meet the SLB security specific requirements. If your password is not Schlumberger secure once the migration is complete, you will need to open a ticket with the SSA helpdesk in order to get it changed. This means if you wish to be able to access your SSA email account without any problems after the move, you need to change your SSA email password now.
Step-by-step instructions are posted at http://www.ssafara.net/Support/Passwords/. You can either view it online or download the pdf versions -
http://www.mandsdesign.net/ssa/docs/SSA_Password_Article_20080202.pdf (short version – good for local newsletters)
http://www.mandsdesign.net/ssa/docs/SSA_Password_Article_20080202_bg.pdf (detailed version).
Please contact ssa-support@slb.com with any problems or questions you have about changing your SSA email password.
January 17, 2008 (Deysy Lamas, SSA Global Coordinator) - Schlumberger Electronic Communications Guidelines for Spouses/Partners – Reminder - Schlumberger has defined a set of Electronic Guidelines that we as members of the SSA must follow. Please read carefully the Schlumberger Electronic Communications Guidelines and be aware that any violation of these guidelines could result in your losing access to use the electronic tools provided to the SSA by SLB. We must be respectful of the rules set in place for us by Schlumberger, and show our appreciation for their providing these tools for us by using them in an appropriate way that does not contradict the company or our association’s spirit. If you have any questions regarding the Schlumberger Electronic Communications Guidelines for Spouses/Partners, please feel free to contact , (SSA Program Manager) or
(SSA Global IT Coordinator).
January 17, 2008 (Anisa Haddad, SSA Global Communications Coordinator) - SSA Q3 2007 Report - We are happy to announce that our Q3 2007 has been completed and is available for download by our members. The report is also being distributed by our Area Coordinators to Schlumberger management. Congratulations to Randa Mazzawi, Europe Area Coordinator and her Local Coordinators for having 100% response to the Global Board’s request for Q3 chapter reports. Great job! A special thank you is also in order to Silicia Fillacier, former Africa Area Coordinator, for her help in requesting the Q3 Africa reports and sending our reminders even after being transferred to London. If you have any questions or comments about the report, they can be directed to or
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