June 24th, 2009

Course List for Semester 2, ‘09

prace-brochure-sem2-091Here below we have a summary of Semester 2 courses on offer at PRACE from July to December 2009. More details here, in your copy of the PRACE Brochure, semester 2 (PDF, 600kb). Please distribute this post throughout your networks, and please contact Ancy on 9462 6077 to further discuss any of scheduled courses.

  • English as a Second Language*: Day and evening classes, including the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP 510 hours) and classes for long term residents
  • Adult Literacy Classes*: Aimed at people who were born in Australia but did not complete their schooling.
  • Computer Skills (level 1) *: Certificate II in IT units*: Includes flexible learning options (Potential to join at any time)
  • Gardening for a Sustainable Community: Cert. II in Horticulture *: Includes practical work experience in a community garden (Potential to join at any time)
  • Getting Ready for Employment: Focus on personal effectiveness, the job network market, resume writing and interview skills
  • Hospitality short courses*:Food Handling, Barista - Prepare & Serve Espresso Coffee and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
  • Internet & Email *:Introduction to Computers
  • MYOB: Pre-requisite - Basic computer and bookkeeping skills are essential

TO ENROL OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone 9462 6077, or visit us at the PRACE office at Merrilands Community Centre, Cnr Asquith & Sturdee Sts in Reservoir (maps on the location page).

(Please note that variations have been made to certain computer courses listed.)
All courses are subject to eligibility requirements AND sufficient enrolments.

* These classes are nationally accredited courses within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

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June 22nd, 2009

Cuppa Round the World

*Cinnamon strawOn Tuesday the 16th of June at Merrilands Community Centre, the people of PRACE celebrated Refugee Week with stories and demonstrations of tea and coffee around the world. We had:

* Kenyan tea by Elizabeth,
* Greek coffee by Tina and Panayota,
* Indian tea by Surinder, and
* Japanese tea ceremony by Yuko.

Daniel from Fair Trade talked about the coffee trade around the world. In poor countries, farmers do not always get paid. In some places children are working long hours for no money. Fair Trade makes sure that the farmers get enough money for the coffee they grow. Oxfam Australia recommends Fair Trade coffee.

Thanks to everyone who came along, especially the wonderful people demonstrating their own tea and coffee.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Darwin Bell

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May 13th, 2009

New Neighbourhood House progress

East Reservoir Neighbourhood House.

Yes its true… the new Neighbourhood House is close to being completed and is expected to be ready to open its doors to the community in July.  It sits on the corner of Strathmerton St and Cuthbert Road right beside the Reservoir Leisure Centre.

Opens July (click for larger photo)
Opens July

Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE) will locate some of their adult education classes which will commence on July 13th -  the start of Term 3. There will also be some other Neighbourhood House programs over time and these will be developed in response to community need and through discussions with you.

The house has a wonderful training kitchen so cooking classes and cooking groups are high on our list of priorities. Its a place to come and have a coffee and meet new people, a place where you can be involved in your local area.

Maybe you would like to be involved in the Neighbourhood House as a volunteer or to assist us with making decisions about what programs you think would suit you and your community.

If so please call us on 1300 724 138 or 9462 3755 or come into the house once it is open, we can’t wait to meet you.

East Reservoir Neighbourhood House google maps (click for full google map)
View Larger Map

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May 5th, 2009

Oven Launch on Vasili’s Garden

oven-launch-nov08-c-0061Remember the wonderful community oven launch from last year, when Ima Forni donated a wood-fired oven to the Merrilands Community Centre, and Vasili from Channel 31 came along to film the event? People cooked bread in the oven, people danced and sang together, there was music and feasting. (Story back here.)

Well now’s your chance to see your friends and colleagues on television! Channel 31 screened the show this week, and it’s being repeated Wednesday 6th May at 7.30pm.

If you don’t get Channel 31 on your television, you can find the video on their website at c31.org.au. (Search for “Vasili’s Garden”, and watch the program from 3rd May 09. Could be there for the next 6 weeks.)

It’s a great show, full of interviews with many people in the community, and also featuring Don the amazing horticulture teacher with his students.

Watch and enjoy! Tell your friends.

Plus:

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April 29th, 2009

VCAL students bowled over

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Bowling was a wonderful way to start off second term for the VCAL students.  This term, they will focus on healthy eating, healthy body, healthy choices.  They will be participating in many activities this term including golf, absailing, rock climbing, hip hop dancing, yoga and tai kwondo.  It’s going to be a very full and exciting term and everyone is looking forward to getting active and having some fun.  Personal Development never looked so good

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April 3rd, 2009

End of Term Sports Day and BBQ

sports-bbqWith holidays fast approaching, it was time to celebrate the achievements of the first term.  The VCAL students worked together to plan and organise a sports day which included a BBQ lunch.  The BBQ raised much needed funds for the VCAL camp that will take place later on in the year. 

It was a wonderful way to assess the students in the Personal Development Strand of the VCAL certificate.  Everyone is looking forward to an even better 2nd term.

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April 3rd, 2009

A little bit of art

arts-immersionThe VCAL students saw things from a differnt perspective when they immersed themselves in Art at the Malthouse Theatre.  They looked at an art instillation and then created their own masterpeice.

Some of the students also participated in a contemporary dance workshop with a member of the Chunky Move Dance Company.

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