Welcome to Naomi – our new DOS

We welcome Naomi Smith to GV Brisbane as our new Director of Studies. It’s great to have her onboard!

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Naomi wrote the following to provide a little information about herself and where she has come from.

“Hi! My name’s Naomi – nice to meet you all. I have just returned to Brisbane from Japan, where I have lived for a long time. In Japan, I worked in a variety of schools, from junior high school and high school to universities and English schools for adults. I grew up in Brisbane, but it has changed a lot since I’ve been gone, so I am enjoying getting to know my hometown again.  I am really looking forward to meeting and talking with all of you, so pop by my office and say hello! Study English hard, and make the most of your time here.”

Looking for a Career in Childcare?

ACCCO Presentation

If you are interested in pursuing a career in childcare, on Wednesay 1st December from 2pm – 3pm we will have staff from ACCCO here at the school to tell you a bit more about what it is involved. Sign up on the sheet on the activities board or talk to Mariana or Dave about it.

University Visit

The University of the Sunshine Coast is visiting our EAP2 students tomorrow to talk to them about options of further study .

They will hold an information session to this class that will provide lots of information on how to get into university, what you can study at university, how to survive university study and more. If you are thinking of enrolling in a university, this would be a great information session for you to attend, and if you are interested in attending see Mariana to arrange it!

Moving on? Stay in touch!

We love to keep in touch with former students, so don’t forget to join our Facebook page

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We have around 350 former, current and future students in the GV Brisbane group at the moment, so it’s a great way to keep in touch with your classmates and friends. Click on the logo above to go straight to our page.

GV Brisbane now has 2 student houses!!

We now have 2 brand new adjoining townhouses at Kangaroo Point, available exclusively for GV Brisbane students!

Each townhouse has 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a large kitchen and living area. Also, these is free wireless internet and a great place for a barbecue out the back.

The houses are located on Main Street, Kangaroo Point, so they are only 3 kilometres from the college. Public transport is no problem as there is a bus stop just outside the front door, ferry stop just near the Story Bridge or you can walk to the city in 20 minutes!

If you are interested and would like to see our reasonable rates , please see Robyn during break time or click on the link below:

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It’s back!

It’s time for game 2 of the 2009 Rugby League STATE OF ORIGIN!

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Queensland are going into the second game in the lead, after beating New South Wales 28 – 18. Can they win the second match to secure a record 4th straight State of Origin win??? You will have to watch to find out. Grab your favourite Blue or Maroon jumper and head to a pub to watch the game on the big screen!


“The Dreaming” Festival

Looking for something to do over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend? Why not check out one of Australia’s most popular Indigenous music and arts festivals…

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The Dreaming is a festival which showcases Indigenous arts from Australia and around the world. As well as music and dance performances, there will be ceremonies, rituals, camp-fire stories, workshops and lots of food and drink stalls.

The festival takes place in Woodford, which is in the beautiful hinterland half-way between Noosa and Brisbane, and you can find out all you need to know at:

http://www.thedreamingfestival.com/

Experience QUT, Monday 18th of May!

In line with their real-world focus, Experience QUT gives International students the opportunity to experience what tertiary study at QUT will be like.

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You will

-          hear first hand experiences by a QUT International student in “My Life as a University Student”

-          participate in hands-on Faculty workshops in study areas you are interested in,

-          get specific course information and entry requirements from Faculty academics and representatives,

-          find out information on QUT University Pathway Entrance options

-          enjoy a picnic lunch

-          take a tour of campus facilities by QUT students – optional

-          opportunity to talk to QUT students about their experience so far – optional

– Experience QUT –
Monday 18th May
10:00am until 1:00pm
Meet from 9:30am at Main Entrance
QUT Gardens Point Campus
2 George St, City.

Email: rsvpinternational@qut.edu.au to reserve your place. You will have to do it quickly!

An article about the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal 2009

This is an article from “The Australian Newspaper” last week about the Victorian Bushfire Appeal which you all helped to raise money for.

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The article reads:

Sincere thanks to all who gave
In February Australians came together in an unprecedented display of support. We join families and communities affected in thanking you for the generosity you have shown. In difficult financial times, you have been selfless in your giving. You have truly demonstrated the power of humanity.

Your donations are reaching people in need
Your donations are helping families to farewell their loved ones with dignity, they are helping survivors to find shelter and comfort and to Begin the process of rebuilding their lives, their homes and communities. This is a huge task that will take some time.

The roles of Red Cross, the Victorian Government and the Independent Panel
The donations you made through the Red Cross are now being distributed by the Victorian Government under the oversight of an Independent Advisory Panel made up of community leaders.

Finalise your fundraising efforts
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal which closed on April 17, has raised over $300 Million. Anyone who has held a fundraising event will need to send the money to Red Cross by June 30. Those planning events after April 12 should contact Red Cross on 1800 811 700 before proceeding.

Accessing assistance
Each and every dollar will help the individuals and communities recover. Please visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal/home to find out how your donation is making a difference or call the Department of Human Services in Victoria on 1800 180 213 to find out how you can access assistance.

GV Byron Bay officially opens!

Global Village English Centres welcomed a new addition to the Australian side of the family this week with the official opening of GV Byron Bay!

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GV Byron Bay is located in one of the most popular beach resort locations on the Australian coast, about 90 minutes south of Brisbane or about 40 minutes south of the Gold Coast.

The school has opened with a great group of students from all over the world.

If you’d like to know more about GV Byron Bay, check out http://gvenglish.com/english/schools/byronbay/ .

St Patrick’s Day Parade

This Saturday the 14th of March, the Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade is on!

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in “true green” Australian style on Saturday March 14, when Brisbane’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade hits the city streets to celebrate all things Irish. As Queensland gears up to celebrate its 150th birthday this year, Brisbane’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is also celebrating a milestone of its own – 20 years of showcasing the Emerald Isle’s contribution to Queensland.

The Parade will start on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets and wind its way through the city. The parade, which is expected to feature more than 30 floats, will commence at 10.30am and be followed by festivities until 2pm.

Date: Sat 14 March 2009
Time: 10.30am – 2pm
Where: Beginning at the Corner of George and Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
How Much: Free

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What better way to get through the week than go to a beach party!

Birdie Num Num in the valley is having a beach party from 9:00pm

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For any of you who have not had the chance to get to Birdee Num Num yet, it is a great spot for meeting other students and backpackers. A great night out! It is located on Ann St in Fortitude Valley, just near the entrance to China Town.

Brisbane International Student Survey

Want to win a trip for two to Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island for two days or a pass to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

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Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island

All you have to do is complete this online survey to enter the draw to win!

For prize and competition information visit: www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/userfiles/BrisbaneInternationalStudentSurvey.pdf

To complete the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/Brisbane

Brisbane Welcomes International Students!

This weekend is when the Brisbane City Council welcomes international students studying in Brisbane.

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A band performing at the 2008 event

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A live Koala display from 2008

There will be a range of exhibits by community groups, companies and government agencies with all the information you will need to help you live, study and have fun in Brisbane.

Where: Brisbane City Hall, King George Square

When: 10am – 2pm on Sunday 22 February 2009

Come and support the Queensland Reds!

The Super 14 Rugby Union Competition includes teams from Australia and all over the world.

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Come and support our local team ‘The Queensland Reds’ and learn more about the Australian sporting culture and meet some locals. You may even see Peter with a jersey on and beer in hand!

For more information and tickets  see:  http://www.qru.com.au/

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Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event which attracted more than 2,200 international students, Brisbane City Council will once again welcome new and returning international students to Brisbane in 2009.

“Brisbane Welcomes International Students” will be held at City Hall from 10-2pm on Sunday 22 February.

This expo-style event will feature fun, food, entertainment and prizes, and provide an invaluable insight into Brisbane life and vital information on services and facilities.

This year’s event, hosted by Councillor Jane Prentice, will continue to provide international students with the necessary information to help them feel more “at home” and connected with our city.

Australia Day Celebrations!

On Monday, the college is shut for our national holiday… Australia day! So on Friday there are going to be many Australian themed activities.

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During the morning you will work with different cultural aspects of Australia and in the afternoon we’ll get together to share this experience.

As a warm up we give you the lyrics to an Australian icon song.

We Are Australian
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|: We are one but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice
I am
You are
We are Australian :|

I came from the dream time
From the dusty red soil plains
I am the ancient heart
The keeper of the flame
I stood upon the rocky shore
I watched the tall ships come
For forty thousand years I’d been
The first Australian

I came upon the prison ship
Bowed down by iron chains
I cleared the land, endured the lash
And waited for the rains
I’m a settler, I’m a farmer’s wife
In a dry and barren run
A convict then free man
I became Australian

I’m the daughter of a digger
Who sought the mother lode
The girl became a woman
On a long and dusty road
I’m a child of the depression
I saw the good times come
I’m a bushy
I’m a battler
I am Australian

I’m a teller of stories
I’m a singer of songs
I am Albert Namajera
And I paint the ghostly gums
I’m Clancy on his horse
I’m Ned Kelly on the run
I’m the one who waltzed Matilda
I am Australian

I’m the hot wind from the desert
I’m the black soil of the plains
I’m the mountains and the valleys
I’m the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky
The rivers when they run
The spirit of the great land
I am Australian

GV Brisbane Work Shop

Responsible service of alcohol courses

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It is a requirement that all staff working in venues that sell alcoholic beverages after 1am must undertake this course.

The course covers the following:

* Identification of customers to whom service must/may be refused in accordance with state regulations
* Minors
* Acceptable proof of age identification
* Standard drinks
* Preparation & service of alcoholic beverages responsibly
* Assisting customers to drink within appropriate limits
* Recognising signs of intoxication
* Refusal of service
* Assisting alcohol affected customers
* Conflict resolution, requesting customers to leave
* Recognising & reporting of situations where assistance is required

College Australia $65 – student concession

Level 3, 333 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Courses are run every week

QHA Queensland Hotels Association $60 – student concession

Level 3, 160 Edward Street, Brisbane

$100 – full fee

Courses are run every week

Below is a list of places to search for bar jobs, including glassie. Some you can apply directly online.

Normanby Hotel

1 Musgrave Road, Red Hill

Telephone: 3831 3353, Fax: 3832 3157

Email: info@thenormanby.com.au; Website: www.thenormanby.com.au

Family

8 Mc Lachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Telephone: 3852 5000, Fax: 3852 1217

Website: www.thefamily.com.au

Fridays Riverside

123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Telephone: 3852 5000, Fax: 3852 1217

Email: Fridays@fridays.com.au; Website: www.fridays.com.au

For more information about RSA or other employment assistance, refer to the Employment Guide at Student Support.

Question of the week!

The 26th of January is Australia Day. To celebrate this great country of ours, there are plenty of activities and festivals happening throughout Brisbane. Some ideas are below:

Australia Day Festival

The South Bank Parklands are set to explode with colour, sound and movement with the 2009 Australia Day Festival on Monday 26 January.  With a full day of free entertainment programs, across three entertainment precincts, there is something for everyone.

Australia Day Concert

Finish off Australia Day 2009 with the Australia Day Concert at the Suncorp Piazza with performances by Gentle Ben and His Sensitive Side, The Gin Club and Clare Bowditch.  Southbank Piazza from 7:30pm.

Flag Raising Ceremony

The 2009 Flag Raising Ceremony is a symbolic event in Queensland ‘s Australia Day celebrations program that showcases the Australian Defence Force 100 man Military Honour Guard, the Royal Australian Artillery Band, Brisbane and the raising of the Australian, Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The 2009 Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony is being held on the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank Parklands on Monday 26 January at 11am.

Christmas in Brisbane

Want to celebrate Christmas in style? South Bank is the place to go!

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South Bank’s Christmas Around the World  includes: spectacular fireworks displays, a series of all-time favourite Christmas movies on the Suncorp Superscreen, a special ‘Wonderland’ carnival – which will feature fairground rides and a sideshow alley in the Cultural Forecourt by the Wheel of Brisbane – and a Christmas Concert Series in the Suncorp Piazza.

Tonight is the last night, so if you would like to have some fun this Christmas, head to South Bank!