News from PRACE

Infrastructure funding.. plans for development at Merrilands

michael chalk — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:03 +0000

Here at Merrilands Community Centre, we’ve been fortunate enough to receive funding from the federal “iCET” project (infrastructure in community education and training).. a project managed by Deewr (The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations). We’re going to build a new space for vocational education & training (VET), and a canteen for the hospitality program.

We’ll be documenting the process visually as we go.. here are the “before” photographs. This slideshow will update regularly.Visit our flickr site to comment on individual photos (or visit the iCET photo set).

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Seeking Co-ordinator for Reservoir Neighbourhood House

michael chalk — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:55:14 +0000

PRACE is seeking a co-ordinator for the new Reservoir Neighbourhood House in 2010.

If you have experience leading an organization using community development principles, and you like to build strong, authentic and active communities.. then we would love to hear from you.

Full position description here (pdf, 50k):

Reservoir Neighbourhood House – Coordinator Position Description – 2010 – PRACE.

New Neighbourhood House in Reservoir Development continues at the East Reservoir Neighbourhood House, at Andrews...
Reservoir Neighbourhood House Opens !!! Wonderful news for everyone the Reservoir Neighbourhood House.. the new Neighbourhood...

AccessACE: connect through research circles

michael chalk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:59:49 +0000

Earlier this year ACFE funded some statewide professional development for ACE teachers and managers working with technologies, and PRACE was invited to lead part of the project. On behalf of PRACE, Michael Chalk met with all the participants at the induction in early May, and since then we have had regular live web conferencing sessions in the ACFE elluminate rooms.

These AccessACE “E-learning circles of professional practice” – also known as research circles – are enabling teachers and managers to join their colleagues in exploring a range of issues, and solving problems in their classrooms. They are a development on the original AccessACE projects of 2007, which PRACE was also involved in.

Here’s Delia Bradshaw’s inspiring presentation on “The Power of e” from the AccessACE e-showcase in May, where the projects were first launched:

The power of ‘e’

View more presentations from deliab.

Relevant Links:

original PRACE research for the AccessACE projects in 2007,
web site for current AccessACE circles of professional practice,
active online community (”Ning”) for ACE practitioners working with e-learning,
notes from the AccessACE e-showcase earlier this year.

Can You Hear Us? – innovation in the classroom This year, teachers and learners from 5 different ACE organisations...

Fundraiser for Kinglake NH: at the movies

michael chalk — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:05:38 +0000

The Darebin Neighbourhood House Network organised a fundraiser for the Kinglake Neighbourhood House – a film night on October 8th. The film was “Mao’s Last Dancer” and it was at the Palace Theatre in Westgarth.

The film was well attended by people from neighbourhood houses and community centres all around Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Tickets were $20 each with roughly 50% going to the Kinglake House – thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the film so that Kinglake NH could benefit.

Here’s the movie trailer:

New Neighbourhood House in Reservoir Development continues at the East Reservoir Neighbourhood House, at Andrews...

Reservoir Neighbourhood House Opens !!!

Deb Vallely — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:58:40 +0000

Wonderful news for everyone the Reservoir Neighbourhood House.. the new Neighbourhood House has been completed on schedule and is open to all. You will now find a range of classes, programs and groups for all ages, enjoying the incredible new building with its beautiful design full of space and light. Please come and visit us, at the corner of Cuthbert Road & Strathmerton Street Reservoir.

Stay tuned for the official opening later in the year.

(Click on photos for full size.)

The new Neighbourhood House is walking distance from Reservoir train station. Full details on our contact page.

New Neighbourhood House in Reservoir Development continues at the East Reservoir Neighbourhood House, at Andrews...
Seeking Co-ordinator for Reservoir Neighbourhood House PRACE is seeking a co-ordinator for the new Reservoir Neighbourhood...
Fundraiser for Kinglake NH: at the movies The Darebin Neighbourhood House Network organised a fundraiser for the...

Course List for Semester 2, ‘09

michael chalk — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:15:36 +0000

Here 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).

New Courses for April ‘09 Plenty of new courses starting in April. It’s all happening...

Cuppa Round the World

michael chalk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:28:06 +0000

On 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.

Were you there?
What did you enjoy most about the day?
View some photos on the Preston Leader site, or
Read the story from the Leader newspaper.

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

photo credit: Darwin Bell

Front page news – breadmakers in class Our wonderful new AMEP co-ordinator Christine Clinch put her media...
Oven Launch on Vasili’s Garden Remember the wonderful community oven launch from last year, when...

Oven Launch on Vasili’s Garden

michael chalk — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:06:22 +0000

Remember 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:

Find out more about our horticulture programs on the program information page.
Find out more about Merrilands Community Centre via the Merrilands category.
Still don’t know where Merrilands Community Centre is? We’re in Reservoir! Details here.

Community Oven Launch in November Rita, Deb and Ozlem have worked their magic to produce...

VCAL students bowled over

Jane Davey — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:50:25 +0000

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

Booklet for VCAL students Know someone who wants to study VCAL, but not in...
Students on the Radio at SYN-FM As part of the Personal Development and Communications Strand, the...
End of Term Sports Day and BBQ With holidays fast approaching, it was time to celebrate the...

End of Term Sports Day and BBQ

Jane Davey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:33:04 +0000

With 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.

VCAL students bowled over Bowling was a wonderful way to start off second...
Students on the Radio at SYN-FM As part of the Personal Development and Communications Strand, the...
Blind Folded Dodgems As part of the Personal Development Strand, the VCAL students went...

A little bit of art

Jane Davey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:11:32 +0000

The 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.

No related posts.

Evening English Classes

Christine Clinch — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:53:08 +0000

PRACE is running three English Classes in the evening

from 6 to 9pm
on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
at Merrilands Community Centre.

Places available for next term beginning 21 April, 2009.
Contact 9462 6077 to book an interview.
See this page for contact details

Course List for Semester 2, ‘09 Here below we have a summary of Semester 2 courses...
Front page news – breadmakers in class Our wonderful new AMEP co-ordinator Christine Clinch put her media...
New Courses for April ‘09 Plenty of new courses starting in April. It’s all happening...

PRACE Student Graduations 2008

Ancy Kurban — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:24:54 +0000

PRACE management and staff wish to congratulate all the 2008 graduates on achieving certificates/statements of attainment in Hospitality, Retail, Horticulture, Information Technology, English as a Second Language, Adult Literacy & VCAL. Approximately 130 certificates were issued throughout 2008.

15 Years of Adult Learning in Our Community PRACE has been helping adults to learn for 15 years...