AMES West Coast City Staff

Discontinuation

2008-08-08T09:44:00.000+08:00

We have moved to the suburbs so this blog is now defunct.

2008-02-12T10:42:00.000+08:00

A small but suitably attired group of staff members celebrated Sophie's 'big' birthday (it's not 21 and ends with zero) with a morning tea last Friday. Staff not normally at work on a Friday requested a second performance on Monday and so like Dame Nellie Melba, we had a reprise of the 'food' part of the celebration - but not the 'singing'. Thanks to all the well-wishers - may there be many more birthdays with zero!

Start the Term with New technology

2008-02-12T10:18:00.000+08:00

The Victoria Centre now has a new 'Smartboard' located on Level 3 Room 1. Shirley has baptised the 'magic' machine with her Pre-CSWE group and some new students took to the machine with confidence and interest,

whilst others found that the eye-hand co-ordination will require some practice.

Others were keen to work on their own 'smartboard' at their desk!

The Smartboard has all the programs available to make it interactive but as yet does not have an Internet connection. There is a great deal of user support available free from the suppliers who install and give on-going PD to primary and secondary schools as well as the tertiary education sector.

This classroom will now become a 'hot' room and not a home room: all teachers are encouraged to make use of the opportunity to incorporate this very helpful learning tool into the delivery of their program.

Melbourne Cup Level 6 results

2007-11-06T12:58:00.000+08:00

First: Dorothea on "Efficient"
Second: Hem on "Purple Moon"
Third: Dorothy on "Mahler"
Last: Philip on "Tungsten Strike"

Also ran: Liz, HT and DL.

Safest Workplace in the West

2007-10-30T09:38:00.000+08:00

We seem to be working in the safest workplace in WA! Only one hazard was spotted and this by Pat N who has received a "Worksafe" pack.

Somebody had stood a flip chart easel most precariously against the secure recycling bin in the 6th floor staffroom, thereby risking it falling over/on someone when trying to access the bin.

Please store/stack things safely against a wall. Personally my knee still suffers from tripping over that typewriter 15 years ago.

STOP PRESS

Ah yes, there was another hazard reported but it lies outside our actual workplace and can only be referred on. Lenore noticed that when evacuating last week the step to the fire escape on level One is a bit raised and could be a trip hazard. This will be passed onto the Building Management. Lenore has also received a Worksafe pack.

New Resources

2007-10-12T08:58:00.000+08:00

Just a reminder that there are some new resources available:
It's Easy - a set of 4 Powerpoint slideshows on CD to practise vocab at Prel Cert level. Vegies, Fruit, Jobs, Places. Use them in the Lab or borrow the projector and use them in your class. Available from the library.
Sight Survival - DVD in English, French, Dinka Swahili, Arabic and Farsi explaining various sight signs. However, the dialogue is extremely fast and maybe it would be better to mute and pause if you're doing it with a Prel Cert class. Available from the library.
Spelling Fusion - new Protea software; Interactive Picture Dictionary for Cert 2 /3,500 words as opposed to 800. Available in the Lab.
Leisure Words - brought to you by the makers of Shopping Words; low level vocab development - however, a bit confusing and I'll see if I can get a map together. Available in the Lab.

Daffodil Day

2007-08-23T08:50:00.000+08:00

Colleen would like the City staff to know that we raised $254.40 for Cancer Research as our contribution to Daffodil Day. Thanks to everyone who supported (and also a big thanks to Colleen who did the organising and just ran down to the bank in the rain!)

PD in October

2007-08-09T14:30:00.000+08:00

PD is finalising the program for the staff development sessions on October 9th, 10th and 11th but before we do so, is there anything in particular that anyone would like to suggest having a session on?

Feel free to pass on ideas about any sort of training or development you would like to be doing, but please get back to us (Philip 9229 3609 or Sue 9229 3623) by the end of next week (17th August).

Thanks

SBS looking for migrant youth

2007-08-09T08:33:00.000+08:00

INSIGHT IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH A MIGRANT BACKGROUND AND THEIR FAMILIES TO TAKE PART IN A FORUM ON INTER-GENERATIONAL ISSUES CONFRONTING THEM

* If you arrived here as a young person, how are you adjusting to your life in Australia?

* What are some of the difficulties you are experiencing with your family in relation to your identity?

* How have you responded to pressure (if any) from your parents to maintain the family religion and culture?

* How have your parents reacted to some of the decisions you have made in relation to
education, career path, choice of partner, marriage, level of freedom etc?

* How have world events shaped your migrant experience?

We are looking for people from all backgrounds, but especially young people who have arrived in Australia more recently from African countries, Afghanistan, Iraq.

We are also looking for children of migrants who are still coming into conflict or disagreement with their parents, even after being in Australia for a generation.

We are also looking for parents who may be willing to participate and address some of these issues also.

If you are interested, or know anyone who may be interested, please email Carol ASAP
carolia@sbs.com.au

The achievements of some of our students!

2007-08-06T14:03:00.000+08:00

I am constantly amazed by what some of our students achieve and the way their lives can change.

You may recall that last year's winner of the Adult Learner's Week Award for New Migrant was Afeif. Recently I heard 2 excellent pieces of news about him. I was told that Afeif was the opening speaker at the W.A. ACE Conference recently and what an inspiration he was for the Adult Community Education sector. And today I heard he has been shortlisted for the Kit Denton Fellowship (see below) and is waiting for the outcome which will be announced in Sydney at the end of the month. We hope he's successful as he has now made some excellent networks with the W.A. literary scene and local poets like John Kinsella.

NEW $25,000 FELLOWSHIP FOR AUSTRALIAN WRITERS

One of the nation’s leading media personalities, Andrew Denton, has announced a new $25,000 fellowship named in honour of his late father.The inaugural Kit Denton Fellowship, presented by the Australian Writers’ Foundation, was launched at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington with special guest, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Stephen Sewell.

An initiative of the Australian Writers’ Foundation (AWF), the charitable arm of the Australian Writer’s Guild (AWG), the Fellowship is to reward courage and excellence in performance writing and allow a writer to develop a project over the coming year. From the website http://www.awg.com.au/artman/publish/article_426.shtml

A subsequent piece of news I had related to one of our students who completed the Entree to Work course last term. I will let Anna Vanderbom (who taught the ESL component of the coourse) describe her meeting with Mohamed when she met him recently.

" He gave me a hug, and whenever I was about to say goodbye, he'd shake my hand again and tell me how happy he was! He didn't want to leave! He's working at the Langley Hotel part time - just round the corner! - Nicole found him work experience there! - and on request has just been given more hours. He asked me how my new class was and wanted to know if they were becoming friends yet, because once that happened, you stopped being shy and everything was easy. He said he's now making friends at work and there's lots of people helping him.He's aiming to build up to full time there."

"He showed me pictures of his wife and children. He just kept on saying how happy he was and how the Entree course had helped turn his life around. Basically, he didn't stop being radiant and beaming as only Mohamed knows how!I think he's a real star of the Entree course - do we still need the picture of a person successfully finding work? He's so photogenic!"

I think that these encounters really do tell us that what we do can have an impetus to people's lives changing and moving on to give them serenity and a sense of purpose and belonging.

If you have any more stories - it would be good to share them on this blog.

Sophie Burrows

A girl for PJ

2007-08-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

PJ has a daughter, Amelia Jane, who was born at 1817 yesterday in Attadale. (3.2kg)

Pics to follow.

To lecturers teaching the Citizenship course

2007-08-01T15:56:00.000+08:00

Some of the lecturers in the Vic were unaware of the fact that we now have support material for lower level Citizenship courses in the form of a

CD-ROM (which has been installed in the Vic Lab)
DVD which replaces the older video.

If you don't know about these materials, have a look in the Library.

New WA Human Rights Act

2007-07-30T09:49:00.000+08:00

At a meeting I attended last week, participants were asked to comment on the proposed WA Human Rights Act.

If you wish to have your say and be involved, please go to www.humanrights.wa.gov.au and click on submissions.

Fwd: Great E-Learning Workshops

2007-07-24T10:00:00.000+08:00

Just received an email about some workshops on e-teaching - if you're interested pls let Philip know before you register.

Professional Development Workshops

2007

E-Learning Workshops

The Department of Education and Training is committed to supporting Professional Development for practitioners involved in the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET) across the sectors in WA.

This program of training and learning opportunities is one of a number of strategies, supported by the Department, that will assist in maintaining a base of highly skilled VET practitioners.

Podcasting : Basic

Podcasting is a much talked about innovative practice and many VET practitioners are starting to see the practical applications for teaching, learning and assessment. These hands on workshops will enable participants to find out what the hype is about and give it a go themselves.

Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2007 Time: 8.30am - 12.15pm (registration 8.15am)

Location: WestOne Services, 1 Prospect Place, West Perth

Facilitator: TBA

Mobile Technologies : Basic

Mobile technologies are now part of everyday - from mobile phones to advanced pocket organisers. These workshops will look at the current and future trends of mobile technologies and how they are being applied in the VET sector. This is a hands-on workshop and practitioners will be able to have a go at using the devices to support their VET practice.

Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2007 Time: 12.45pm – 4.30pm (registration 12.30pm)

Location: WestOne Services, 1 Prospect Place, West Perth

Facilitator: TBA

Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling now plays a strong role in the VET sector. This hands-on workshop will explore how others in the VET sector are using digital stories as well as providing practitioners with a supportive environment so that they can build their own digital story.

Date: Wednesday, 5 September 2007 Time: 8.30am - 12.15pm (registration 8.15am)

Location: WestOne Services, 1 Prospect Place, West Perth

Facilitator: TBA

CMS, LMS or Web 2.0 the way to Go : Basic

What is LMS, CMS and Web2.0 and how can these support organisational teaching. Learning and assessment needs? This hands on workshop explores all three and looks at their pros and cons.

Date: Wednesday, 5 September 2007 Time: 12.45pm – 4.30pm (registration 12.30pm)

Location: WestOne Services, 1 Prospect Place, West Perth

Facilitator: Sandra Robinson

Adopting E-Learning in Small RTOs

This workshop focuses on the preliminary steps towards adopting 'best fit' infrastructure to support the RTOs teaching, learning and assessment requirements.

Date: Friday, 14 September 2007 Time: 8.30am - 12.15pm (registration 8.15am)

Location: SIDE Learning Technology Centre, 164-194 Oxford Street, Leederville

Facilitator: TBA

Using Web Conferencing in the Workplace

Web conferencing is increasingly being used as a standard e-business practice. This workshop will enable practitioners to explore the basic principles and more importantly to focus on the methodologies of using these effectively.

Date: Friday, 14 September 2007 Time: 12.45pm – 4.30pm (registration 12.30pm)

Location: SIDE Learning Technology Centre, 164-194 Oxford Street, Leederville

Facilitator: TBA

How to Register for the Workshops

To register:	Register online by following the prompts at: https://corpsystraining.wa.gov.au/VetRegOnline/EventCalendar.aspx?Reset=Y For assistance, contact Michelle Robinson on 08 9264 4681 or email michelle.robinson2@det.wa.edu.au

Cost:	$55.00 (incl. GST) for a half day workshop $99.00 (incl. GST) for a full day workshop This professional development opportunity is heavily subsidised by the Department of Education and Training.

Your input:	Let us know what you want from these workshops and if you have any special needs when you register.

Enquiries:	Phone: 08 9264 4681 Fax: 08 9264 4688

Close of registrations: Registrations close 5 working days prior to the date of the workshop

Statements of attendance will be issued to participants after the event.

Present of the Year

2007-07-06T13:03:00.000+08:00

Do you remember the stags? (now ignored and neglected in Sophie's office)

Do you remember Philip's flashing Jesus clock? (taken off the wall as too blasphemous)

Do you remember Shirley's tissue box cover? (still there and often used as a hat)

What about Lindy's butterfly clock? (taken back to the shop and left on the counter)

Well, move over, after just one term Ann-Marie has received the definitive class present -the fertility gnome (the Afghani (!) student who gave it to her said it was "for the bedroom") ...

Photos of Refugee Day Concert

2007-06-22T08:48:00.000+08:00

Stills of the concert will be found in Z:/Student Access/Refugee Day and are accessible to all students.

If students want copies of the pictures it is up to the teacher to organise (or not).

The cut down video is now in the same location. You can show it on the screen together in the lab or get the students to view it individually; it's just under 2o mins long and rather a rush job and if anything needs editing out please tell me.

Re: Addressing the Selection Criteria Workshop

2007-06-14T08:47:00.000+08:00

Philip has advised me that the Workshop Time has been adjusted to
accomodate the finishing times of various classes.

The workshop will now be held:
TIME: 4.30 - 6.30pm
DATE: Tuesday19th June 2007
VENUE: Conference Room Level 6

Please advise anyone who does not have access to email and may be
considering attendning.

Thanks
Sophie

Addressing the Selection Criteria Workshop

2007-06-12T15:06:00.000+08:00

To assist those lecturers who are applying for the Lecturers' Pool, there will be a 2 hour-workshop on addressing the selection criteria conducted by Lee Lenyk. This will be held on

Tuesday 19th June in the Level 6 Conference Room, Level 6 , 16 Victoria Avenue, Perth

from 4pm to 6pm.

In the meantime, you are advised to downlaod the appication form from the college website (http://www.westcoasttafe.wa.edu.au )and job details (http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/ - enter West Coast TAFE) and prepare the application.

Ingrid has a few books on this theme in the Staff Library which have been put on closed reserve.

WATESOL workshops - June 23rd

2007-06-06T11:21:00.000+08:00

If anybody is interested in attending the workshops below, please let Philip know.

We have 2 members' "tickets" so first in, first served.
Permanent lecturers may claim the Workshops as Accrued PD time (at PM's discretion).

WATESOL are pleased to present a day of workshops focusing on using
storytelling to improve ESL students' literacy and fluency. Numbers are limited, so please
get your registration in early.

STORIES IN THE CLASSROOM
Saturday 23 June
Central TAFE room N325, on the 3rd floor, North Wing
Aberdeen Street, Northbridge

Morning Session: 9.00-12.00
Andy Wright International Story-Teller

$5 for Members + $10 for optional lunch
$15 for non-members + $10 for optional lunch
My Stories, Your Stories, Our Stories: Story-Telling in Language and
Literacy.

Story-Telling is an important way of breaking down cultural and
language barriers, and building bridges to shared learning. It is
widely appreciated as an essential method for gaining information and
insight into the experiences of migrants of non-English speaking
backgrounds.

This workshop will examine the five languages of story-telling and
how these languages can lead to a greater understanding of the
teaching of written and spoken English.
The workshop will promote a holistic view of language learning
including tips to make learning playful and integrated. As well as
some basic tips to stimulate our own story-telling and the
story-telling of our students.

Andy Wright has been telling stories around the world over the last
two decades. He performs in theatres, schools, churches,
kindergartens, libraries and to numerous conferences, and festivals,
giving in excess of 4000 performances a year.
www.storyteller.net.au

Afternoon Session: 1.00-2.30
Celeste Blundell Camden Readers Theatre workshop
(Please note, this session is limited to the first 20 applicants.)
Readers Theatre is a fun and interactive reading and performing
process that gives students opportunities to improve literacy,
pronunciation and fluency as well as gain confidence using English.
Learn how Readers Theatre can be used in ESL classrooms by trying it
yourself. Celeste will take participants though different stages of
using scripts with students and give information about how any story
can be adapted for Readers Theatre.

Learnscope 2007 - ITube, YouTube

2007-06-05T08:56:00.000+08:00

Learnscope started last Friday in Albany at Great Southern TAFE and instead of the expected 2 AMES lecturers, 6 turned up. (non-AMES). Now, I was thinking that many new teachers were not here when I sent out the info on the project and although I was trying to keep numbers manageable, there is no reason why anybody who is interested should not come along (with observer status).

The introductory session is this Friday from 4 - 8ish ( light refreshments willbe served) in LAb 2 in the Victoria when we will be going through some of the communication software we will be using and decide when to hold the fortnightly sessions.

For further details on what we are going to do in the project please see this project blog entry

You can find other information in the blog(amesls.blogspot.com) , but as it is in reverse chronological order, zoom down to the first entry first.

Please let me know if you intend coming along.

Queens Photos

2007-05-28T13:10:00.001+08:00

All photos can be found on S:\AMES General\PHOTO ALBUM\Queens May 07 .

If there are any of you that you object to, please feel free to delete them.

Philip

Queens (4)

2007-05-27T15:37:00.000+08:00

Queens (3)

2007-05-27T15:31:00.000+08:00

Queens (2)

2007-05-27T15:23:00.000+08:00

Lunch at the Queens - Sunday 27th May

2007-05-27T15:19:00.000+08:00

New lift

2007-05-25T11:58:00.000+08:00

It has been reported to me that there is a trip hazard with the new lift because the levels are slightly different.

Has anybody had a problem with this? If so , please tell me.

Thanks.

Philip

Excursion on Friday 1st June

2007-05-23T13:00:00.000+08:00

In case you didn't know and want to take your class out on Friday 1st June, Government House is open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm.
Philip

New obstacles for migrants

2007-05-15T10:18:00.000+08:00

Nina (teacher in Balga) read an interesting article in the Australian yesterday which Andrew has also put up on the Balga blog.

Please read it here it is quite frightening.

Term 3 Cert 3 option

2007-05-15T09:49:00.000+08:00

There will be a Certificate 1 in IT course running for CSWE 3 students next term. Even students with no AMEP hours may be eligible for this 200 hour 4-day a week accredited course. If you have any Cert 3 students who may be interested, lack Office (word-processing, database, spreadsheet, etc) skills for work or study, then please let Philip know.

Learnscope Last Call

2007-05-03T15:16:00.000+08:00

There are still some places left on the Learnscope project for both casual and permanent lecturers.

You will learn about video: how to access ESL videos; how to add sub-titles to existing videos; how to make "digital stories", (photos with subtitles and/or narration), or just narrated text; how to make these accessible to students through public video sites; how to shoot videos for classroom purposes with a digital camera; how to edit these videos.

It may sound daunting, but we're doing it slowly with ten fortnightly sessions. And, you only have to come into the City for the first session. The other sessions will be delivered into the safety of your own home through computer and I will provide backup.

Here is a rough outline of the sessions:

1 Introductions
Use of Software (Elluminate, GoogleTalk and other communication software) {Everybody here in Perth}

2 Accessing YouTube and other video access sites; finding ESL sites; adding sub-titles to videos

3 Creating Digital stories with Photostory3

4 Creating a YouTube account and uploading digital stories; exporting YouTube addresses

5 Consolidation and review

6 Using a digital camera to take movies; uploading the movies onto the computer

7 Editing and saving movies with MS MovieMaker

8 Enhancing movies with MS MovieMaker; Recording dialogues and adding them to your video

9 Exploiting your video

10 Review

but these may be reviewed and altered according to participant needs and wants.

So, if you are interested, please let me know as soon as possible. Phone 9229 3609 or e-mail nichop@ames.training.wa.gov.au .

Philip

Interested in Learnscope?

2007-05-01T10:49:00.000+08:00

I myself saw the advantages of using online video yesterday morning. With my CSWE3 class on Monday mornings I am teaching “instructions” in general and LOs 3B1 and 3D1 in particular. The theme of the next few weeks is “recipes” and after racking my brain for a few hours to find a new way of introducing the theme that will inspire me as well, ten mins before the lesson, I remembered that I am meant to be doing this Learnscope project on online video and why not use that. No time of course to film Barbara or Barnaby making bigos (the project will include making and editing your own videos) but time enough to search YouTube for an easy recipe. On the second page, I found “Carrot Cake” with sub-titled ingredients and lots of repetition of “add”, “mix”, “beat”, etc. With the class starting off in the Lab, the students were able to view the 6-minute video at their own pace before we went through it together.
Now, there are plenty more uses for video than this in your classrooms, so if you are interested in participating in this year’s Learnscope project please contact me by the end of the week.

STOP PRESS: Coincidentally, I hear that Anna is doing video recipes in the Lab with the "Entree to work" course and is using a video site specifically on instructions. Have a look at www.videojug.com .

Adult Literacy Innovative Project Funding

2007-04-26T10:38:00.000+08:00

We have just received notification of literacy funding from DEST and are asking for ideas and inspirations. There are three types of project:

Developing and trialling something new: develpment and trial of a product or service that is completely new for a client group.

Developing a collaborative process: setting up of a collaborating group of agencies or individuals to improve literacy.

Customising a product or process: customising a product or process to meet the needs of a particular client group.

I would think that we would be more interested in getting input on types 3 (viz adapting exisitng materials for adult ESL learners) and 1 (viz. creating a completely new package for ESL learners).

If you have any ideas, detailed or vague, please contact PD by email asap. Thanks.

Projector in Computer Lab

2007-04-26T10:08:00.000+08:00

The college has had a projector installed in the Computer Lab. It is attached to the ceiling. To operate it, use the remote control on the desk, having first lowered the screen. Please do not write on the screen.
Hopefully, there will be a DVD player installed in the teacher's computer soon, so you can show big screen movies.

PD Clinic Term 2

2007-04-24T12:28:00.000+08:00

Don't forget that there is a time when you can come and get your knowledge and skill gaps filled - Thursdays from 1100 to 1300.

You can find the booking sheet on the the "Admin Table" in the Level 6 Staffroom.

NCELTR Trialing

2007-04-24T11:13:00.000+08:00

Many thanks to Shirley Sangster, Christine Reavely, Alison Greenwood, Heather McGinty, Louise Bennett, and Jody Kay who trialed tasks from the NCELTR task bank last term. I have sent the ones that have been returned to me back to Marion at the NCELTR Research Centre . If you still have any materials that need to be returned please send them to me as soon as possible.
Cathy

PD materials

2007-04-23T13:47:00.000+08:00

There is a CD available of Lyn Grubisa's session on Thrass for those staff members who missed this insightful session. If anybody is interested in learning more about the THRASS method, please contact PD.

The DVD "Ayen's Cookery School for African Men" is in the Staff Library at the Victoria.

PD update

2007-04-03T10:39:00.000+08:00

1) For those going to the "LOs and how we teach them" session, the LOs to be covered include:

We will be spending about 10-15 minutes on each LO. You might like to have a brief look at these before the session and prepare your own comments.

2) We have had a larger than expected response to the "Digital Camera Workshop". This session will repeat in part previous sessions on graphics and images. We will be covering the following themes

A little theory
Getting to know your camera
Putting images into the computer
Viewing images
Emailing, editing and enhancing images
Getting images off the computer
Inserting images into "Office".

All participants are expected to bring

A digital camera (make sure the battery is full)
The USB connecting cable that belongs to the camera
A stick (USB drive, thumb drive etc)
Spare film*

See you there

* that's a joke

Flu shots 2007

2007-03-28T09:14:00.000+08:00

West Coast TAFE will be providing flu immunisations as follows:

AMES, L6 Conference Room, 16 Victoria Avenue, Perth on Wednesday 4 April 2007 from 12 noon-12.30pm

Joondalup Campus Thursday 5 April 2007 from 8.30am -10.30am Room D046

Staff members wanting to avail themselves of this service need to complete the Employee Consent Form and bring it on the day to hand to the nurse. (Get it here)

Several AMES people have already registered interest and are asked to confirm by email to Philip (nichop@ames.training.wa.gov.au) by COB Friday 30th March.

Staff members who did not register previously may receive shots as long as they register interest by email by the same date.

Staff who wish to go to Joondalup for the shots must contact David Hodgson (9223 1227 or hodgsd@joondalup.training.wa.gov.au ).

Casual staff may receive a shot if they have cleared this with their Program Manger.

Here is a Fluvax information leaflet.

Harmony Day Spirit

2007-03-23T14:30:00.000+08:00

On Wednesday 21st March as the double decker buses pulled away from the Victoria to take all the City classes to Matilda Bay for our annual picnic, I spied Janie Stephens waving goodbye to us as she watched the colourful spectacle.

It wasn't until later whilst I was standing at the finishing tape to get the potato and spoon races underway that I found myself speaking to Janie on someone's mobile phone. She told me that there was a student who had missed the bus and wanted to know how she could direct the student to catch a bus to UWA and Matilda Bay. I explained to her and she said she would explain to the student.

Not until I got back from the picnic did I learn how 'customer service' at AMES goes the extra mile. Janie had taken the student down to Busport to make sure she got to the right place. She had decided to do this because the student was beautifully turned out in her national clothes and was laden with food and drink. (second from the left in the photo).

Even more amazing was that on the way she met another student who was late and she joined them.

When they arrived at the bus station and they'd found their way to the platform they met up with a third student (first left in this photo) who had used his better language skills to phone a classmate, who put him on to me and I'd explained what he needed to do (so he passed his LO related to following oral instructions over a mobile). Janie then explained to the bus driver where the three of them were going and he assured her they would get there without a problem and they did!

Congratulations Janie on taking the three stray 'ducklings' under your wings and making sure they got to the picnic. You taught them how to get there and one hopes they will be able to go again under their own steam. And you actions reflected the Harmony Day motto: 'you+me=Australian'.

April PD

2007-03-20T14:57:00.001+08:00

Please check your email about April PD

AMES student awards

2007-03-15T15:45:00.001+08:00

The college has sent out notifications to the AMES students who won awards for their achievement in 2006. We received 15 nominations and it was a hard job for the panel of the three Program Managers and the PD staff to select the winners, as all students were deserving.

They were:

Ghalam Rasaul MADADI
AMES Student Encouragement Award
Jill Buchanan

Lar Say Wah MEI
AMES Mature Student Encouragement award
Christine Reaveley

Natalina Akuec PAN MADING
Outstanding AMES Independent Learner
Susan Shaw

James Kutin DUOP
Outstanding Achievement - Preliminary CSWE
Elaine Marsden

Moo Kho Paw POE
Outstanding Achievement CSWE 1
Jean Macauley

Sunan BOONMA
Outstanding Achievement CSWE 2
Colleen Bailey

Makiko FUKUDA
Outstanding Achievement CSWE 3
Marilyn Treasure & Dorothy Parin

Nominating teachers should also receive an invitation to the Awards Night soon, so if you don't please let me know,

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the nominators

(Photo: Makiko - the leading light of the class and generator of interest)

2007-03-15T14:09:00.000+08:00

Catherine Menage who has been running the Trial of Youth materials for NCELTR has just sent me this message:

I've had two very detailed and helpful questionnaire and marked up trial books back from two teachers - Lenore Howard and Jan Darbyshire and attach letters thanking them for their work. The feedback will be really useful which is not always the case. It helps that they liked the material!

We are now looking for more triallers for two more books we will be trialling next term - Module 2 'Your time out', is on sport and leisure activities and Module 6 'You and me' looks at intercultural issues. Both are at the same level as the material you have already trialled.(Cert1.2/2.1). In terms of content, both should be of interest to your learners. They both have a DVD, a workbook and a CD. The trial would last four weeks and the material would reach you during the Easter break.

I attach drafts of the materials for you to look at. Please let me know if your teachers would be interested in doing this. If Lenore and Jan were interested in doing one each that would be fantastic! Many thanks once again for your help.

If you would like to be involved in the trialling for next term - please contact me and I will send you the email with the draft materials.

Thank you from Alison

2007-03-15T13:56:00.000+08:00

AMES City collected donations from staff in order to send a bouquet of flowers to Alison Moore who is laid low at home. She sent back the following ( you may want to look carefully to see that Alison has been able to very skillfully use her new digital camera (courtesy of her Teacher Excellence Award money last year) to show her appreciation.

and the inside had this message -

To all my dear friends at AMES. How can I thank you for your kindness once again? The flowers you sent have not only given me great joy, but have renewed my determination to beat this illness and 'get right back where I belong'. I am missing you all so much. PS sorry to those who have tried tand failed to reach me by phone! I'm asleep most of the time or just can't get there. I'd love an email or text message.

If you'd like to contact Alison - contact Sophie and she'll put you in touch.

Trialing tasks for NCELTR

2007-03-12T08:41:00.000+08:00

Learning Outcomes with Tasks that need Trialing, March 2007

There has been a request from NCELTR for teachers willing to trial the following tasks for NCELTR as part of their end of term assessment.

Please let me know ASAP if you can include any of these in your end of term assessment.

Here is the list of LOs that are involved.

Pre-CSWE

Pre A2: Can write alphabet and numbers

Pre A3: Can demonstrate understanding of alphabetical order

Cert I

C1 A2: Can respond to spoken instructions in the context of learning

C1 A3: Can locate information in an alphabetical index

C1 B2: Can complete a short application form

C1 B3: Can write a short note or message

C1 D1: Can give a spoken description

C1 F1: Can demonstrate understanding of a spoken information text

(inc citizenship tasks)

C1 F2: Can read a short information text

(inc citizenship tasks)

C1 G1: Can read a short recount or narrative

C1 G2: Can write a short recount

Cert II

C2 A1: Can demonstrate understanding of a spoken information text

(inc citizenship tasks)

C2 A3: Can negotiate a spoken transaction for goods/ services

C2 B2: Can complete a formatted text

C2 B3: Can write a recount

C2 D1: Can respond to spoken instructions

C2 D2: Can participate in a spoken transaction to obtain information

C2 G1: Can read an informal letter

C2 H1: Can read a short information text (citizenship tasks)

C2 H2: Can write a short information report

C2 I1: Can write a formal letter involving explanation

Cert III

C3 A1: Can demonstrate understanding of a spoken information text

C3 A2: Can provide a spoken explanation

C3 A3: Can participate in a discussion

C3 B1: Can read a procedural text

C3 B2: Can write an informal letter or e-mail

C3 B3: Can write a formal letter

C3 H2: Can read a complex advertisement

C3 I1: Can interpret data presented in a graphic text

First Missive from Sharjah Women's College

2007-03-09T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hello Colleagues at AMES

Sophie, you were not kidding when you said they expect you to work hard!! I have got a particularly difficult load, with almost no support, working in Health sciences were I am virtually the only English teacher, and no one seems to be responsible forgetting information to/for me. This is difficult when I am expected to develop and program a course and assessments myself without knowing the system.There is one person in anpther room who did what i am doing last year, and despite her own workload has been ( and is expectedto be ) helpful. I just feel so bad foing to ask her questions all the time. Apparantly the person i am replacing did a runner!!!! Doesn't need much explaining!

Having said all this I absolutely love the girls, especially the younger level 2's and they are really quite diligent.

My day starts at 5.30. At work at 7, and leave around 5, to be home at 6. I will never complain again about the AMES working hours!!

On the practical side I have a lovely huge apartment on the Corniche with views over the lagoon and a park. Although it is noisy it is very central and I like it.

Slowly getting some furniture. Got a sound system first!! and some rugs!! Love the shopping, and have to rein myself in.
The weather is wonderful at present, but everyone is warning me about the heat to come.

Havent got a car yet. I figure that I can only cope with so much stress at a time. But planning to hire one soon.
Suprisingly the absence of alcohol has not been a big deal, and my liver is probably grateful. We do go into Ajman on thurs to have a drink after work, which is fun.
There is so much to talk about and my impressions and feelings change daily.
Hoping all are well at work and please pass on my warm regards and love.
Missing Perth friends and family, but will be back in July.

Look forward to further contact

Marilyn Treasure

Iy you are intertested in seeing where Marilyn is working and what she is teaching, click on the link http://www.hct.ac.ae/programs/health.html

AMEP Research Centre e-Bulletin - March 2007

2007-03-06T07:33:00.000+08:00

AMEP RESEARCH CENTRE
e BULLETIN
Issue 11 March 2007

Welcome to the eleventh AMEP Research Centre e-Bulletin,
with news, items of interest, events, new resources and Web links.

New Director of the AMEP Research Centre

Professor Ingrid Piller has been appointed as Director
of the AMEP Research Centre and will take up her
appointment in mid April. Professor Piller is currently
Professor and Head of Department of English
Sociolinguistics at Basel University in Switzerland.
She was previously at the University of Sydney
from 2000-2005 where she was a Senior Lecturer,
and at Hamburg University from 1997 - 2000
where she was an Assistant Professor.
For Professor Piller's publications visit:
http://pages.unibas.ch/anglist/people/teachers/piller.htm
and
http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/pdamep/nat_for/index.html

The Special Projects Research Program 2007-08
developed in consultation with the Department of
Immigration & Citizenship and AMEP Service Provider
Heads is in final stages of completion. Information about
the research program will be distributed to all AMEP Service
Provider heads, and will be available by the end of March at:
http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/research/research_frames.htm

AMEP National Forum II/2006 - Report
The report on the National Forum on Learners from Africa
(Hobart: November 2006) is now on our website at
http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/pdamep/nat_for/index.html

FOCUS FOR 2007:
Our focus this year is on language in employment
related contexts. If you have any tasks that assess
language in areas that relate to employment,
these would be particularly welcome.

New Publications

PROJECT BASED TEACHING WITH TECHNOLOGY
This book, from the Teaching with New Technology series,
presents the view that social computing helps implement
the objectives of project-based language teaching, in
environments where learners previously had few
opportunities for social language use. This book will help
teachers implement project-oriented CALL as well as
understanding the rationale behind it and the role
technology can play in this approach.
ISBN 978 1 74138 205 1

FOCUS ON VOCABULARY
Focus on Vocabulary examines the teaching and learning
of vocabulary for learners of English as a second or foreign
language where English is the language of instruction.
It explores vocabulary from a theoretical and historical
perspective and, offers practical suggestions for teaching
as well as a range of vocabulary tests and an academic
word list.
ISBN 978 1 74138 208 2

STAY SAFE SERIES
This new series of full colour readers provides survival
information on topics of interest to refugees and migrants
with very low levels of English. The readers are highly
pictorial to accommodate the 0+ learner. Each page has
an illustration and a maximum of 10 words. There is a
word bank at the back of each book to help the learner
extend their everyday vocabulary.

Christine Adby, Laura Chapman, Leanne Zuvich
The kitchen
978 1 74138 230 3
The living room and bedroom
978 1 74138 231 0
The bathroom and laundry
978 1 74138 232 7

NEW FACT SHEETS AVAILABLE NOW

TEACHING STRATEGIES - 6.
Working with continuous enrolment.

TEACHING STRATEGIES - 7.
Professional development through reflective practice.

COUNTRY PROFILE 10.
Burma.

All fact sheets are available for free at:
http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/pdamep/factsheets.html

GET WISE SERIES
This new series of literacy materials has been developed
specifically with the AMEP 'youth' market in mind. It aims
to provide stimulating, topic-based supplementary
classroom material relevant to their needs and interests.
The series is comprised of:
your future: work and study;
your time out;
your money;
your communications;
your health and wellbeing;
you and me.

The first module in the series
"Your future: work and study"
is due to arrive in March 2007 and it covers:
an outline of the Australian education system;
learner pathways; career pathways; career goals;
the importance of skills and interest in job choices.
The module includes: DVD, workbook, CD,
classroom chart, teacher's notes.
To order your classroom set, please email
muammer.ulukan@mq.edu.au

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
We have a number of publications available for
review in our journal Prospect. Readers interested in
contributing reviews should contact the editorial assistant.
Reviewers are supplied with copies of the books
and may retain them for their personal use.

Mahdesian, C. A. (2006).
Step Forward: English for Everyday Life
- Multilevel Activity Book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Spigarelli J. (2007).
Step Forward: English for Everyday Life 1
- Students Book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Podnecky J. (2007).
Step Forward: English for Everyday Life 1
- Workbook.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Hobbs, M., and Starr Keddle, J. (2006).
Oxford English for Careers
- Commerce 1. Teacher's Resource Book
and Student's Book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Walker, R., and Harding, K. (2006).
Oxford English for Careers - Tourism 1.
Teacher's Resource Book and Student's Book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bourke, K. and Maris, A. (2006).
Test it, Fix it, Business Grammar - Intermediate.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bourke, K. and Maris, A. (2006).
Test it, Fix it, Business Vocabulary - Intermediate.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Blackwell, A. and Naber, T. (2006).
Open Forum 2 Academic Listening and Speaking.
Student book, Answer Key and Test Booklet,
and Audio CD.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Grant, D. and McLarty, R. (2006).
Oxford Business English - Business Basics
International edition.
Student Book (including Multi-ROM),
Workbook and Teacher's book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Hollett, V. (2006).
Oxford Business English - Business Objectives
International edition.
Student Book (including Multi-ROM),
Workbook and Teacher's book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Appleby, R., Bradley, J., Brennan, B. and Hudson, J. (2006).
Oxford Business English - Business one: one Intermediate+.
Student Book (including Multi-ROM) and Teacher's book.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Issue 12 will appear at the end of MAY 2007.

Thrass PD session

2007-03-02T09:45:00.000+08:00

Some teachers have expressed interest in learning more about THRASS.

We were thinking of having an information session during PD in April. Are there any teachers who have used THRASS in their classes and who would be able to give brief overview of how they used THRASS and how successful it was? If so, please contact PD.

Thanks.

Update of NCELTR Assessment Task Bank

2007-03-01T07:49:00.000+08:00

Here is the updated list of the tasks on the task bank thanks to Ingrid checking the last one! Well done Ingrid.
Cheers
Cathy

Click me

CCSN funding

2007-02-27T09:24:00.000+08:00

The Curriculum Support Services Network is calling for applications for curriculum projects in four categories:
Basically, only two of the four categories apply to the CSWE:

II) The development of support materials to support accredited courses (ie CSWE)
III) Support for moderation practices and resources

So if you are interested in developing some materials in these categories or just have some ideas, please let us in PD know. If you want more details, please ask.

New VILC password

2007-02-20T11:54:00.000+08:00

From about now the new password for the VILC is:

dingo

Appropriate Real English

2007-02-19T13:57:00.000+08:00

Hello

have a look at these video exercises - maybe they're good in the ILC for low levels or for the literacy classes in the Lab- I haven't looked at them all but so far:

1 = WHat's your name
2 = Where are you from (many US)
3 Alphabet
4 What;s your favorite colour (sic)?
5 Are you Greek
6 This is x.

Hi all,

If you're an ESL/EFL teacher in need of graded video content, I just finished making the entire Real English video library both free and free-access. The 100+ spontaneous yet grammatically organized video clips are all at

http://www.real-english.com/reo/index.html

I don't yet know if I am going to redo the interactive exercises for all these videos or not. It would be better if the exercises came from teacher-users.

Best wishes and have fun,

Michael Marzio

Flu Jabs

2007-02-15T12:43:00.000+08:00

The college is considering giving flu shots to all interested AMES
staff.

The jabs would be administered at the City Centre, so other AMES staff
would have the option of travelling to JOON or the City. Casual staff
may be eleigible for a shot.

If you are interested in receiving a shot, please reply to this email
asap and by COB Thursday 22nd February at the latest.

regards

Philip
(as H&S Rep)

Missing master

2007-02-15T08:41:00.000+08:00

There is a missing master key from the box on the 6th Floor in the PD
area.

It is 6.1 and has a plastic tag with MASTER written on it. If you have
it, please return it as it is fairly important that there is a copy of
ALL keys in the box.

Thank you

Philip

NCELTR Tasks

2007-02-15T07:59:00.000+08:00

To ease access to these tasks, I have put a link in the "Staff Access"
folder on the Z:/ drive, as well as on the Desktops of the three left
hand computers in the Level 6 staff room.

Project funding 2007

2007-02-14T09:44:00.000+08:00

We are applying for funding for two professional development projects
in 2007. As part of the application process, it is advisable to identify
interested participants, so could you ALL please when you see me indicate your degree of interest.

A: Using video-based teaching materials - learning how to create and
use simple videos and how to get the students to access them. You will
create at least one video resource on this project. Training will be
"blended" ie via a variety of delivery modes including face to face and
online and, apart from the initial and final sessions, there will be no
need to come to the AMES City centre.

B: SMartboard training: An opportunity to see not only how the
smartboard works, but also to develop your own lessons using it. This
project will probably be based in the AMES City Centre and all delivery
will be face to face with online support.

Some participants in Learnscope 2006 found there was too much to absorb
in weekly sessions so we intend to hold both of the above projects over
two terms (approx May - Oct) and the ten sessions would be held
fortnightly on alternate weeks. Casual lecturers are also eligible to
participate.

C: NCELTR have also invited us to be part a wider project into
Professional Development to evaluate the role of teacher-directed
professional development by investigating how teachers identify and
reflect on new teaching issues. This project will start later this year
and continue into 2008.

We do not need commitment yet ( ie if you tell me you are interested it
does not mean that you will be obliged to do the project) but just a
rough idea of how many teachers are interested. PLease reply even if you
are not interested in any.

thanks

Philip

Tel: (08) 9229 3609
Fax: (08) 9229 3629

Evacuation when fire alarm sounds

2007-02-12T14:03:00.000+08:00

The fire service has advised us to amend our evacuation procedures. In
future, the building fire wardens will not be stopping the alarm bell to
find out if there is a fire or not on a certain floor.

This means that when the alarm starts to ring, you commence evacuation
at once. You will be advised when it is safe to return by the wardens.

Floor wardens will still have to wait by the Wardens' phone on their
floor until their floor is cleared for possible further information.

Obviously, this also means that there may be more false alarm
evacuations but the Fire Service advise that this is preferable to
increasing the chances of accidental death.

If you have a copy of "Fire Procedures" in your vicinity, please put it
in the bin and await the new copy.

New files in Staff Library

2007-02-07T08:28:00.000+08:00

These new files compiled for easy access and copying are currently on display in the Staff Library.

Money! Money! a new teaching DVD on consumer issues for adult literacy students enables downloading of worksheets and teacher's notes. These have been downloaded, enlarged and inserted into plastic sleeves for easy copying.

Transperth information sheets have been placed in easy copying/reading format for you to use.

Into Learning: The AMES Victoria professional development DVD on teaching adult literacy learners from aural/oral learning cultures (viewed by teachers attending this session during PD) is now available for short-term loan.

New AMEP research fact sheets

2007-02-06T14:37:00.000+08:00

We have just received two new fact sheets from the AMEP research centre:
* Teaching strategies - 6: Working with continuous enrolment and
* Burma country profile
Both of these have been put into the library and also can be accessed through the Professional Connections website: http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/pdamep

Ideas wanted for Learnscope

2007-02-06T13:49:00.000+08:00

The Call for Applications for Learnscope has just been released. If you remember we have been successful for the last two years in receiving Learnscope funding - in 2005 for a project with Distance Learning and in 2006 for the New Tricks technology learning with 15 teachers - and we would like to go for a hat trick.

Learnscope provides funding for technology-based professional
development related to the involvement of students in e-learning. If you have any ideas or wish to be involved in or with this year's Learnscope application(s). can you please contact me as soon as possible, as we have to get down to the writing fairly soon.

Internet Explorer 7

2007-02-06T07:43:00.000+08:00

You may notice that Internet Explorer in the Student PC Lab looks a bit different. This is because it has been updated to version 7. The main difference is that new windows open under tabs (???) and, once you are used to it, it's much easier to use.

Perhaps one thing you will notice is that when a page is loading, you don't look for the world going round at top right any more, but have to look for the blue spinning doughnut on the tab.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask or comment.

Projects Term 2

2007-02-05T15:28:00.000+08:00

DET has approved our applications to run two projects in Term 2 this year. This means that we will be running two extra courses for selected students:

"Windows to the World" - a 200 hour course to introduce computing skills to CSWE 3 students and offer them a TAFE qualification (Cert 1 in IT)

"Entree to Work" - this project will raise students' awareness of work options by offering a number of workshops and "tasters" on a variety of VET courses.

We will be contacting students soon to find out who would be interested and to offer places.

By the way, we plan to run another First Aid course for students in the Winter holidays.

Addendum to SmartBoard training post

2007-02-02T12:53:00.000+08:00

I have just been informed that this SmartBoard training will commence 19th February. Staff may be able to get the $87.00 from the college.

PD Clinic

2007-02-02T11:15:00.000+08:00

I did tell everybody in an email about the time I have put aside for troubleshooting any problems or having any instant training on anything you need. (Tuesdays 11 - 1.30)

If you want to take advantage of this offer, please book a time on the sheet you can find on the "Admin table" in the Level 6 Staff Room.

Smart board training

2007-02-01T13:24:00.000+08:00

Tuart College are offering a 10 hours short course on Interactive Whiteboards. The technology has applications for class room and work place learning.
*Learn Interactive Whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards are a new technology that can energise presentations and motivate learners. This course uses the popular SMART Board interactive whiteboard and software to teach the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to understand and use an interactive whiteboard. The course also looks at preparation of teaching materials and gives participants the opportunity to get hands on experience using a whiteboard.
Previous computing experience is advantageous but not essential for this course. (5 weeks)
* Tuesday 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm IAWN21 $87.00

If you would like to enrol, please discuss with your PM, complete a PACD application form and forward to PACD, Joondalup.

Ayen's cooking school for African Men

2007-01-31T15:29:00.000+08:00

See a fabulous documentary on SBS on Thursday 8.30pm 1 February. Made in Adelaide.

http://www20.sbs.com.au/storylineaustralia/

Transperth video

2007-01-31T13:04:00.000+08:00

I have just put the Smartrider video in the "Student Access" folder on
the Z:/ drive. The resolution isn't great but it'll save you dragging
the DVD player into the classroom.

First Post

2007-01-31T08:52:00.000+08:00

As an initial news item, the attached photo shows the first aiders who were trained by Annabelle and received their St John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate during PD week in January. We now have Balga, Fremantle and some community centres covered, so feel free to collapse.

AMES West Coast City Staff

Discontinuation

Start the Term with New technology

Melbourne Cup Level 6 results

Safest Workplace in the West

New Resources

Daffodil Day

PD in October

SBS looking for migrant youth

The achievements of some of our students!

A girl for PJ

To lecturers teaching the Citizenship course

New WA Human Rights Act

Fwd: Great E-Learning Workshops

Present of the Year

Photos of Refugee Day Concert

Re: Addressing the Selection Criteria Workshop

Addressing the Selection Criteria Workshop

WATESOL workshops - June 23rd

Learnscope 2007 - ITube, YouTube

Queens Photos

Queens (4)

Queens (3)

Queens (2)

Lunch at the Queens - Sunday 27th May

New lift

Excursion on Friday 1st June

New obstacles for migrants

Term 3 Cert 3 option

Learnscope Last Call

Interested in Learnscope?

Adult Literacy Innovative Project Funding

Projector in Computer Lab

PD Clinic Term 2

NCELTR Trialing

PD materials

PD update

Flu shots 2007

Harmony Day Spirit

April PD

AMES student awards

Thank you from Alison

Trialing tasks for NCELTR

First Missive from Sharjah Women's College

More literacy readers

AMEP Research Centre e-Bulletin - March 2007

Thrass PD session

Update of NCELTR Assessment Task Bank

CCSN funding

New VILC password

Appropriate Real English

Flu Jabs

Missing master

NCELTR Tasks

Project funding 2007

Evacuation when fire alarm sounds

New files in Staff Library

New AMEP research fact sheets

Ideas wanted for Learnscope

Internet Explorer 7

Projects Term 2

Addendum to SmartBoard training post

PD Clinic

Smart board training

Ayen's cooking school for African Men

Transperth video

First Post