Wondering what to do for your New Years Celebration? Check out…..
The Beach Hotel. Entrance Fee $100. Live music, food and drinks.
The Rails: Entrance $50. Live music, food and drinks.
The Treehouse – Belongil Beach: entrance $45 for early birds or $50 on the night. 2 Dj’s, 2 Live music acts, free pizza till 10pm.
Suffolk Park Pub: Entrance Free!!
Enjoy, and a have a brilliant night!
We had a lot of fun for the last few days of class for the year, playing lots of different Christmas games, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Have a wonderful and safe Christmas everyone and we look forward toseeing you all again in the New Year!
Are looking for ways to improve your English over the holiday break? Becky, the Director of Studies at our Noosa campus, has passed on some ideas that will help.
GV Noosa's Director of Studies, Becky chatting to some students
Students always ask me how they can improve their English over the holiday break. Here are some ideas.
Read
• Christmas cards.
• Newspapers – local papers are delivered free to every house. keep a ‘new vocabulary’ log-write and down every new word you read
• Magazines and junk mail (also free)
• Borrow a book or two from our library or join the local library – it is free!
• Read the subtitles on your favourite movies
Write
• Keep a holiday diary
• Christmas cards and/or happy new year cards
• Write on your facebook in English and impress your friends
Listen
• Movies- always great new films out at Christmas time
• Carol concerts- check your free local paper
• Christmas CDs
Speak
• Australians love to chat – start up a conversation with the person next to you on the bus/beach/supermarket queue/bus stop
• Sing Christmas songs with your friends
• Go to a Karaoke Bar
• Check out Website: http://www.volqld.org.au and join a volunteer group
Lastly, don’t forget the great interactive CD Rom that comes with your student text book. Catch up on all those lessons you missed!
Have a great holiday break everyone and remember: Use it or lose it!
On Monday, we created a famous Australian Christmas Dessert – Rum Balls!
Some people’s recipes differ, but there are some ingredients that are always the same. They are: coconut, cocoa and RUM!
The batch that we made are going to be enjoyed at tomorrow’s Student Christmas Party! A big thanks to Simon, Jane, Maria, Marc, Olivia, Jon and Benjamin for all your help!
Byron Bay's Beaches
Byron Bay’s beaches are among some of the best in Australia. There are approximately 30 km of beaches stretching from Broken Head in the South to Brunswick Heads in the North. The beaches are clean and uncrowded (though you’ll see more people than usual on the more popular beaches at this time of year!).
The best part about beaches here is that no matter where the wind is coming from, there are still opportunities to get out on the water. This is because the headlands and coast shape makes surfing with offshore winds possible every day.
Tallow Beach is a long sweeping beach with cosy corner on the Northern end and Broken Head in the South. This is a great place to find your own stretch of beach. Also popular with fisherman, surfers and dolphins.
Broken Head is a beautiful beach protected by a rainforest headland and a series of rocky headlands. It’s a nice quiet place to relax with great waves with the right swell conditions.
Cosy Corner offers protection from the Northerlies. Facing East, it is also open to catching the biggest of swells.
Wategos is a very picturesque North facing beach popular with Malibu surfers. It is very protected and a great beach for learning how to surf. Its also an ideal place for a barbeque after a refreshing swim or surf. People like Tom Cruise, Richard Branson and Mick Jagger have holidayed here.
The Pass is one of Byron Bay’s more famous surf spots. On a good day, rides of three hundred metres are common. The view from the Pass lookout is sensational and a great place to watch the surfing action. Don’t forget to take a good camera for action shots.
Clarkes Beach is also well protected – it is an ideal place to learn to surf and good for swimming and relaxing. The snorkeling can also be good here at times.
Main Beach is right in town and very popular with all nationalities because it is so close to everything, including a quick beer, ice cream or coffee. Byron’s main beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers through the summer months. It is a great place to get a tan and watch the backpackers at play.
You can check out current surf conditions are all beaches on this Surf Cam
Do you have a favourite beach? Let us know!
Much to our surprise and delight Olivia came back to visit us today. We were all a bit confused as we had said farewell to her last week wishing her luck for the start of her journey around Australia, but it seems that she just missed us and Byron Bay too much!!
How nice to see you again. Can you tell us what you have been doing since you left?
I left three days ago, I went to Brisbane, and had plans to go to the Whitsundays, but I missed Byron and the friends I had made in school so much that I decided to come back so that we can all spend Christmas and my birthday here together.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…
I am Olivia, from the east part of Switzerland, from a tiny mountainous village which has a population of just over a 1000.
What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?
Well, at home I am an electrician, which I really like. I came to Australia, because I really wanted to see Byron Bay. I researched Byron a lot on the internet, and when I read about GV in Byron I really liked the idea of a nice school, with a family feel to it. I also don’t like big cities very much, and Byron has proven to be perfect, as it’s small, friendly and beautiful.
What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron?
I met lots of friends from different countries. I liked the time at school, my English improved lots! I also liked the activities and games that we played in class and outside.
What is your favourite place in Byron?
Tallows beach, near my homestay has to be my pick! I love the sunsets – it’s really nice as there aren’t many people there, it’s not busy like the main beach is.
Thanks Olivia. Really nice that you came in and saw us. We wish you the best birthday and Christmas, here in Byron!!
Patty, the Academic Director for GV Caloundra, has passed on some great study tips to help you get the most out of your time whilst at Global Village.
Patty, the Academic Director for GV Caloundra
Learning a second language can be fun and easy for some but difficult for others. For most of us it doesn’t happen over night and it takes lots of practice.
We all learn differently and have preferred ways of studying but one thing that would really help you improve your English is to keep a study journal. It’s an easy way to monitor your progress. It allows you to assess what works and doesn’t work for you and it makes you take responsibility for your learning.
I am sure you have your own ideas about how you like to study and the types of activities you enjoy doing and don’t enjoy doing.
It is important, however, to think about whether or not you have been successful doing these activities or if you should try something new, if you should use different strategies to help you reach your goal. If you are serious about trying to improve in a particular area you should set an achievable goal and then think about how you are going to do it.
If improving your listening is your goal then think about which area of ‘listening’ you are weakest in. Do you need to improve; listening for specific information or general ideas? Once you have decided there are many different types of exercises you could do.
(There are even lessons and questions provided if you are interested. This website would probably suit Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate students.)
(This would be suitable for Intermediate to Advanced students.)
You can use the template below as a starting point. It can be as detailed as you choose it to be.
Remember we are here to help so ask your teacher for some advice!
With Summer being in full swing in Byron there are more jobs available than ever before. Make sure that you get out there and hand out your CV to as many places as possible. If you need help with your C.V. email it to Justin jblake@gvenglish.com
Busy Italian restaurant – seeks experienced floor and bar staff. Contact Adam 0407 132 195.
Housekeeper wanted 19 December – 2 Jan. Fun, energetic and reliable female for cooking, cleaning, house duties and some childcare. Drivers license required. Flexible working hours., average 4 hour per day. Phone Stephen 0417 337 027.
Kitchen Hand – good all-rounder wanted for busy Byron eatery to include food prep, cleaning and floor support. Must have relevant experience, be friendly and energetic. 20 hours per week. Phone 040 690 70 51
Barista/ Trainee Manager – For Mokha cafe. Permanent position. Phone 043 997 8787
Wait person – 3- 4 nights a week. Apply in person. Bangalow Pizza Company
La Table Restaurant – Casual waitperson, experienced professional, committed. French language a plus! 0419 423 638
Workers wanted at jewellery stall. Peats Ridge Festival 29 Dec- 2 Jan. 2 positions available. Ph 0414 466 199
And don’t forget, at the start of next year we are running our GV Workshop Seminars. Check out the activity board in the common room to find out when the next one is!
As Christmas is just around the corner, students and staff have been having fun doing different types of Christmas activities.
Merry Christmas to all! And don’t forget, BBQ and Christmas fun on the 24th!
Kinko Japanese Restaurant – requires an experienced and qualified chef. Please phone 0416 111 067 or email resume:asafleibo@gmail.com
Chef – required for Japanese Restaurant, good conditions, fun crew, training provided. Phone Jake on 6685 7856
The Balcony / Experienced Chef Wanted – Creative, energetic chef, fast paced kitchen, available nights and weekends. Phone Tom on 0411 216 248
Kitchen Hand – wanted 3-4 days per week in Bangalow. 6687 2555 or email: eat@ate.net.au
Bohemia – Barista required. 6680 9979
Part-Time Bakery Assistant – wanted for biscuit bakery in Mullumbimby. Passionate home bakers as well as professionals encouraged to apply. Experienced with bread dough and working in a commercial bakery an advantage. Call Brendan on 6684 6282
Part-Time Cleaner – for small bakery in Mullumbimby. 3-4 hours per week. Call Brendan on 6684 6282
Waiting Staff – Professional waiting staff required for full-time and part-time positions at Rae’s on Watego’s. Must be punctual, reliable and have great attitude. Excellent working conditions. Immediate start. Apply to raes@wategos.com.au
Casual Chef – 30-40 hours per week. Must be keen, friendly and enthusiastic. Able to work in a fast pace environment. Contact Chef 6685 6402 or jhollis@beachhotel.com.au
Harvest – Harvest requires a committed and professional barista for casual work. Must have experience and a sincere passion for the hospitality industry. Call Tristan 6687 2644
Justin, the Director of Studies at GV Byron Bay, has passed on some knowledge for the IELTS exam preparation. Here is some handy information about the speaking component of the exam.
Justin, GV Byron Bay's Director of Studies
IELTS test tips.
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is an upper-intermediate test of English communication. It can be used for University entry and emigration/ immigration around the English-speaking world and beyond. It measures your ability to communicate across the four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking through authentic and challenging tasks. With over 700,000 people taking this test annually, it is one of the fastest growing English tests in the world, trusted and accepted by over 4,000 organisations and faculties worldwide.
IELTS speaking: Phrasal verbs.
A phrasal verb is the combination of a basic verb and a preposition. When a basic verb and a preposition are put together and the meaning of the verb changes, we call that a phrasal verb. To sound more natural and fluent when you speak English, it is a great idea to try to learn and use them.
Have a look at this example:
Pick = to choose
Up = the direction of moving vertical
Pick up = to get someone or something from a location
Notice how the meanings of “Pick” and “Up” are changed when they are put together.
How to practise for the Speaking test:
Recording different topics.
When you are studying a topic in English, try and learn all the phrasal verbs that go with it. We have lots of worksheets that we can give you in GIL, so please feel free to use them or ask your GIL teacher for some more.
A good way to study for the speaking test is to make a list of them. For example, if you are learning about crime, make a note of:
To beat someone up.
To get away with a crime
To make off with some cash
To break into a shop.
To get away with cheating
To hold up* a bank.
To tip off* the police.
Grammar point.
*These phrasal verbs can be separated. You can say:
He held up the bank.
He held the bank up.
He held it up.
But not: He held up it.
We hope this helps, and if you are interested in doing an IELTS course please come and speak to the Director of Studies at any time.
As today was the last day of our FCE class I caught up with Maddy to chat about her time here…
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…
My name is Maddy, and I’m from Columbia, Bogata which is the capital of my country.
What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?
I was studying at the University in Colombia as well as working for an airline company as a programme developer. I decided to come to Australia as it has been my dream for a long time ago to come here. I have always dreamed of seeing the wild animals, such as Koalas and Kangaroos as they are so different from what we have at home. I also wanted to see some of the beautiful beaches and the handsome surfers!!
How long have you been at GV Byron and what are you studying?
I have been studying here for three months and have two months to go. I am studying the FCE at the moment which finishes on Friday and then I will be joining the IELTS class.
What do you plan to do when you have completed your studies with us?
Well firstly, I hope I pass the IELTS exam and then I really want to find a job in Australia. I have also been lucky enough to meet the love of my life here and we are going to get married in a few months time which I am really excited about.
What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron?
I think my teachers are really great people and really kind and it has been a very open and caring environment. I have learnt not only formal language here, but have also been taught lots about Australian culture and slang, and I have really liked that. My classmates have been really fun too and it has been nice to meet people from all round the world.
What is your favourite place in Byron?
Wow! That’s really difficult. The Pass is really beautiful and you can see lots of surfers, not only that, but from the top of the hill there is an amazing view. There is a really fun BBQ place there as well, where people from all over the world can meet.
Thanks Maddy! We wish you all the best for your upcoming wedding and life in Australia.
Juliana, who left us last week after studying at GV Byron Bay for 16 weeks rang me yesterday to share some great news..
Juliana absolutely aced the exam, getting a much higher band score than she needed and almost getting a perfect score for the reading! This is fantastic and a real tribute to how hard she worked. We are all delighted for you Juliana! Well done!
Experienced Casual Cleaners – Wanted for Byron Bay apartments. Must be able to work weekends. Send resume to PO Box 1020 Byron Bay, 2481 or fax 6680 9477
Casual Chef Wanted – 3 nights per week in Brunswick Heads. Phone 6685 1100. Email: damian@fatbellykat.com
Multi Skilled Person – For 5 star guesthouse. Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday Cleaning, Cooking and Admin duties. Phone 0427 228 886 during business hours. Email: rmcewen@ozemail.com.au
Kinoko Japanese Restaurant – Requires an experienced and qualified chef. Please phone 0416 111 067 or email resume to: asafleibo@gmail.com
Stallholders Required – THe Byron Artisan Marked begins Saturday 12th December. Information at: byronmarkets@byroncentre.com.au
Dance Teachers Wanted – Teaching and choreographing experience essential. Phone Lee 0408 847 596
Spar Byron Bay – is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Check out operators / Deli Assistants. These positions are for afternoon, evening and weekend shifts. If you would like to apply for any of these roles, please visit http://www.tursa.com.au to obtain position description and your cover letter and resume to sparemployment@tursa.com.au – Applications close on Thursday 11th December, 2009.
The last week for our Cambridge courses has arrived and I caught up with Martina to reflect on her time here in Byron.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…
My name is Martina and I’m from the Swiss mountains.
What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?
I have just recently completed my Bachelor in Education (Primary). Just before I came to Byron I was waitressing in a café in my village in order to save up money to come here. I wanted to come to Byron because I had heard a lot of good things from friends of mine who had come here previously.
How long have you been at GV Byron and what are you studying?
I have been here for three months and am studying the Cambridge Advanced English Exam preparation course.
What do you plan to do when you have completed your studies with us?
First I party! Then I will do the best I can to enjoy my last week here in beautiful Byron Bay. Sadly, after that, I have to return to Switzerland as I have a job waiting for me. I will be sad to leave but I’m looking forward to being able to snowboard again.
What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron?
There has been no “single best moment” I have to say. There have been lots of different and special moments which I am that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have made lots of friends with people from all over the world. The staff have been really supportive and friendly, the activities have been fun, and I have also improved my English and am confident (although nervous) that I am ready for my test.
What is your favourite place in Byron?
The school during the day, going to the beautiful beaches around Byron and of course.. THE RAILS.
Is there anything you’d like to add??
I’ve really had a great time, and I’m going to miss Byron and you guys very much.
