Meet the Staff – Prue

Introducing to you our latest teacher here at Lexis English Byron Bay: Prue Clark!

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Languages spoken: French and English

I always wanted to be… In a punk rock band

Byron’s Best kept secret is… Tallows Beach

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I’ll bet you didn’t know… that I have visited almost 80 countries!

At 11pm on a Saturday, you’ll find me… either at the gym or doing a lighthouse walk.

The lighthouse at Byron Bay.

My dream holiday destiniation is… Israel or Mexico

Best restaurant/ cafe in Byron Bay is… I love Barrio (Argentinian food) and O Sushi and Espressohead for the best breakfasts and coffee☕

When you’re in Byron Bay, don’t miss… The Northern happy hour, $3 beers, what could go wrong?! 🍻

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My English learning tip is…speak, speak, speak, you take your mouths, not your grammar books to the pub. Being able to have a conversation with locals will really enhance your Byron experience.

 

 

 

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

 

Meet the Staff – Activities and Administration Assistant – Siobhan

This week Siobhan joins us at reception as the Activities and Administration Assistant at Lexis English Byron Bay! Siobhan is originally from Melbourne, though moved to Byron Bay almost three years ago to live the beach lifestyle dream with her husband Eli and dog Kaiser. Most mornings you’ll find her on the sand with a coffee in hand, watching the dolphins play and waves lap against The Shipwreck with Kaiser.

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Languages spoken: I speak English,  though I am attempting to learn German so that I can speak with my best friend in her native language.

Byron Bay’s best kept secret: Killen Falls is a favourite waterfall of mine! It’s a short drive from town, an easy walk and makes for beautiful photos.

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At 11pm on a Saturday, you‘ll find me… possibly at The Loft drinking espresso martinis with friends 🍸

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At 8am on a Saturday, you’ll find me… at one of Byron’s beaches with my husband and my dog! 🥰

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Best cafe in Byron Bay is: Doma, in Federal! It’s in the Hinterland and has the best sushi in the shire and has great coffee 🥢☕

When you’re in Byron Bay, don’t miss… the Bangalow Markets! They’re beautiful, especially during jacaranda season 🌸

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 Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

 

Meet the Staff – Our Always-Smiling Activities and Student Services Officer, Claire

Claire joined Lexis English at our busiest time of year just before Christmas 2016. Within one week of starting she had a huge Cambridge intake to manage and about 120 on campus. Her smile never wavered and she has been helping students and making their  (and our) lives easier and better ever since. Here are some things you might not know about her.

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HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?

Other than English, I speak basic Spanish and French. Next year I would really like to focus on improving my Spanish and I’m also keen to learn some Japanese (so far I can say hello, thank you, goodbye and cute!)

 

I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE…?

Happy 🙂

 

WHEN YOU ARE IN BYRON BAY, DON’T MISS OUT ON….

There’s so many amazing things to do in Byron! I love when the whales are here between May and October, I definitely recommend going on one of the boat tours to get closer to them! Take a picnic up to the lighthouse for sunrise, have lunch at The Pass cafe looking out at the ocean and go to the Rails for drinks and live music! Also, explore the areas around Byron, there’s so many beautiful national parks great for walking and camping.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?

I love nature, animals and long walks, and try to combine these three things as much as possible! My perfect weekend would be camping with my husband and friends, a bush/rainforest walk looking for animals, some beach time, sunset, drinks round a fire, then up for sunrise!

 

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW….

I got married on Clarkes beach, here in Byron Bay!

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HAVE YOU EVER LIVED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?

I’m from the UK so lived there until 4 years ago when I moved to Australia! I’ve also lived in Spain (where my dad lives) for 6 months and worked in Guatemala for a month!

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Climbing Pacaya volcano in Guatemala

 

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

Fiji!!! I just got back from a two week holiday there and it is just beautiful, I can’t wait to go back.

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It’s also my dream to go to Canada and Alaska; I’m hoping to make this happen in the next few years!

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The wonderful team I work with and all the lovely students I get to meet and help! My job is very rewarding and lots of fun, I feel very lucky to be part of the Lexis team!

 

WHAT IS YOUR ENGLISH LEARNING TIP?

If you don’t understand something don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a few times or make mistakes. Also, make friends with people from different countries and speak it as much as possible!

 

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

Meet the Staff – This week Campus Manager, Lisa

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in Brisbane at a Lexis Academic Managers’ Meeting

HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?

Just English fluently, but I studied Spanish in Guatemala for a few months and I’m currently learning Turkish.

 

I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE…?

…an author, a fashion designer, an explorer, a gardener and a Campus/Academic Manager in Byron Bay.

 

WHEN YOU ARE IN BYRON BAY, DON’T MISS OUT….

…on learning to surf. I only started this year and it’s the most amazing, relaxing, addictive thing I’ve ever done.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?

Surfing, eating, laughing, practising yoga, and spending time with my dog – Jacko.

 

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With my 15 year old dog – Jacko

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW….

…I’ve been a vegan (no meat, fish, dairy or eggs) for nearly three years.

 

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

I’d love to spend a couple of years travelling the whole world doing different /treks/camps/retreats/workshops/classes.

 

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Enjoying the sun and the water in Singapore

WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER?

Because it feels good to help people achieve their goals, it’s creative, and no two days are ever the same.

 

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At the 2017 Lexis Byron Bay Christmas Party at Mez Club

WHAT IS YOUR ENGLISH LEARNING TIP?

Try to follow your passions in English e.g. if you like gardening, find a community garden, if it’s yoga, attend yoga classes in English, If you love soccer, join a club. When you make English part of your everyday life, you’ll improve without effort.

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

Meet the Staff – Elizabeth

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HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK? 

Portuguese Intermediate and Japanese beginner and Dinosaur Advanced

 

I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE…?

A ballerina

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WHEN YOU ARE IN BYRON BAY, DON’T MISS OUT…. 

On the markets and the sunset at the main beach with impromptu drumming circles (mostly on weekends)

 

BYRON BAY’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS…

Brunswick Heads!

 

I’LL BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW…

You’re having the time of your life!

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?

Stay at home and potter around the house with my family.

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HAVE YOU EVER LIVED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?

3 years in Japan, 1 year in the UK

 

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

the Amazon and Antarctica

 

WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER?

Because I think I know everything! (haha!)

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WHAT IS YOUR ENGLISH LEARNING TIP? 

Learn the following and use them all the time “Could you please speak slowly?”, “Could you tell me what _____ means?” “Hi, my name is ______ can I please practice my English with you for a few minutes?” And go up to people and talk to them!

 

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

Meet The Staff – Harriett – Teacher / Front Desk Support Officer

A big hello to everyone at Lexis English!!

My name is Harriett but you can call me Harry!  I am super excited to be a new member of the Byron Team working in the sunshine as a new Teacher / Front Desk Support Officer.

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I am 26 , from the UK and arrived in Australia in June for my working Holiday visa. I have been living in Melbourne for the past 3 months but am very happy to be swapping the rain and cold for the beach and surf in Byron Bay!

I have spent the last two years living and teaching English and Art in Thailand.  I am so excited to get back into the classroom to have lots of fun  sharing my love for English with everyone at Lexis!

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I will be running the morning activities at 11am and teaching some classes in the afternoons.

I am very creative, I  love to drink tea, paint, draw, make and create. I hope to get messy and  artsy with everyone in some of our morning activities !

Please come along to the  for a cup of tea or coffee and introduce yourself.

I am really friendly, bubbly and love to meet new people!

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I am looking forward to getting to know you all and helping make your time at Lexis English fun and full of laughter!

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

 

 

Meet the Staff – Naomi; Homestay

 

Where did you grow up?

 In Watford, North London – the home of Harry Potter World!

 

Which languages can you speak?

Only one – English! How embarrassing! I got a B in GCSE French too – Bonjour!

 

Which countries have you visited?

Too many to count, but I’ll try….. Australia, India, Kenya, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, America, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Poland, Netherlands, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Macedonia, Spain, Portugal and Turkey!

 

What do you love the most about your job?

Working with such a great team – especially Claire and Lisa 🙂

 

What is your top English learning tip?

Speak English with your friends and encourage them to correct you.

  

What have you always wanted to be?

I love food, so any job relating to eating would be great!

 

Where will we find you at 11pm on a Saturday?

At the Mez Club ordering Lychee Martinis 😛

 

What about 8 am on a Saturday?

Probably still in bed – thinking about where to go for breakfast.

 

  

Tell us something not to miss out on in Byron Bay….

The tacos from Chihuahua!

 

Which is your favourite restaurant/cafe in Byron Bay?

The Farm – for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

 

What is your dream holiday destination?

On safari in Kenya – I’ve already been but I’m desperate to go back.

 

Tell us something we didn’t know…

My brother was an extra in the first Harry Potter film #claimtofame

 
Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.
 

Meet the Teachers – Michelle!

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Where did you grow up?

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

 

Which languages can you speak?

Japanese and English.

 

Which countries have you visited?

I haven’t been overseas yet!

 

What do you love the most about teaching?

Helping students reach their goals.

 

What is your top English learning tip?

Practice, practice, practice

 

Apart from a teacher, what else have you always wanted to be?

Speech pathologist.

 

Where will we find you at 11pm on a Saturday?

In bed, fast asleep

  

What about 8 am on a Saturday?

Mountain bike riding at Nightcap National Park

 

Tell us something not to miss out on in Byron Bay….

Make sure you visit all the National Parks in Byron and Lismore.

 

Which is your favourite restaurant/cafe in Byron Bay?

Traditional Thai.

 

What is your dream holiday destination?

Norway! I would love to see the Northern Lights.

 

Tell us something we didn’t know…

I have a pet duck called Alfie.

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

 

Meet the Teachers – Georgie!

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Where did you grow up?

 In Saudi Arabia, the Ukraine, and the U.K

 

Which languages can you speak?

 English (kind of) and Chinese (with pointing)

 

Which countries have you visited?

 So many!

 

What do you love the most about teaching?

 When students make me laugh

  

What is your top English learning tip?

 Be my student 🙂

 

Apart from a teacher, what else have you always wanted to be?

 A musician

 

Where will we find you at 11pm on a Saturday?

 In bed

 

What about 8 am on a Saturday?

 In bed

 

Tell us something not to miss out on in Byron Bay….

 One or two people surf around here I think….

 

Which is your favourite restaurant/cafe in Byron Bay?

 The Sustainable Bakery next to  the bus stop

 

What is your dream holiday destination?

 Australia!

 

Tell us something we didn’t know…

Wombats can be as fast as horses (for a short time)! Wombats are also just generally very cool, OK?

 

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.

 

Meet The Staff – Melinda McGrath

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Which languages can you speak?

Spanish

What is Byron Bay’s best kept secret?

Lake Ainsworth – a huge tea tree lake at Lennox Head.

Tell us something we didn’t know about you…

I have lived and worked in Spain, Peru and Colombia.

Where would we find you at 11pm on a Saturday?

At home watching a DVD with a glass of red wine

What about at 8 am on a Saturday?

You’ll find me in bed trying to sleep in.

What is your dream holiday destination?

Cuba

Which is the best restaurant/cafe in Byron Bay?

Orient Express

Tell us one of Byron Bay’s highlights…

The Farm

What is your English learning tip?

My English learning tip is don’t be afraid to speak. The more you practice the better and more confident you will become.