Finishing school for the week means fun at GV Maroochydore. Students enjoyed playing a quiz tournament in teams, the Kangaroos took out 1st place, well done boys! Pedro also took out a double pass to Underwater World in Mooloolaba courtesy of Tribal Travel for his quick thinking in the body parts game.
Today we farewell Patty – the student that is!
Patty has been studying in the intermediate class for 4 weeks. Her teacher Suzie and classmates had a little party to say ‘See You Later!’
BYRON BAY
For my last weekend in Australia, I took a bus to Byron Bay on Friday. Thank you Maddy^^. I arrived there at 5p.m. The trip on the bus was so long and boring but when I saw Byron, I was absolutely exhausted. I slept at the backpacher’s « Aqurius »( friendly backpacker’s). I drank a few drinks with the people that I met over there and then I went to bed because on Saturday, a big day was waiting for me. On Saturday morning, I woke up early and started shopping because I’m going back to Switzerland next Saturday and I have no souvenirs. In the afternoon, I walked to the Lighthouse with an Irish girl, I practised my english a lot this weekend. When we climbed the hill, the view was amazing and guess what… ! We were lucky to see whales. I was so delighted-It was just gorgeous. After that we went to an exhibition near the beach. It was really interesting. At the end of the afternoon, we walked on the beach and appreciated the sun set. At the backpacker’s, we ate with guys from Switzerland too. And we had a party together. Then on Sunday, it was already time to go back to Caloundra. But, I will never forget this last fantastic weekend.
Angelique Tombez – Intermediate Class
Friday afternoons class activity was speed dating. First students talked about themselves…conversation was a little slow. Then students got to make up an alter-ego, the noise level increased so much that Maddy and Patty could here the conversations from their offices! Did students find love? I guess you will have to ask them!
Saki has decided to join us for a couple of weeks. Saki studied with us last year and eventually took the FCE Exam which she passed. She is currently studying Tourism at Mooloolaba Tafe but has decided to brush up on her English skills between semester breaks and signed on for a couple of weeks. Who knows, she might even join us for the CAE exam preparation course later on in the year, I know she is considering it.
Last friday night Caloundra students had one last party together to farewell their friends. While the party was lots of fun there were many sad goodbyes and promises of future visits. It is always sad to say goodbye so we prefer to say “See Ya Later!”
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We wish the students all the best in the future and would love to hear about their new adventures.
“I came to Australia essentially to improve my English in order to take, and possibly pass, the First Certificate of English exam. So, what was better than enrolling at Global Village to prepare for the exam?
My first week here was very hard because I wasn’t accustomed to the new reality and I was really affected by jet lag. However, our lovely teachers (Adi and Nathalie) helped me a lot to increase my self-confidence, especially concerning speaking. Indeed, the test consists of five parts (reading, writing, listening, use of English as well as speaking) and that was my worst skill.
Everyday, for twelve weeks, during our lessons we practiced a part of the exam. I reckon that this is the best way to be ready for the final test. In addition to this, after school we had very useful homework to do.
Despite having studied hard, I really enjoyed my experience at GV because classes weren’t boring and we did loads of interactive activities. On top of that, room for laughter wasn’t lacking and I met several new friends.
I also had the opportunity to travel a little during the weekends. About this, here I have to mention the unforgettable trips to Fraser Island and to Australia Zoo that I went on with Gustavo.
I’m writing this article after having done my speaking exam in Noosa. Thanks to GV it wasn’t so bad…at least I hope so!”
- Patrick Arnold, FCE Class
Last week’s orientation day was a big success; students loved their new school and are looking forward to starting there next week.
If you don’t believe me read what these students had to say about it:
“The school was very good, I look to move to Maroochydore” - Martha, Pre-intermediate
“Perfect, it was the best!” – Julio, Upper Intermediate
“The school is better because it is newer and bigger and the balcony has a view plus there is more places to go out” – Corinne, CAE
“The school was very good because there is more space, a nice view and the computer room is much better” – Angelica and Anja, Intermediate
“It was very nice, and very modern. It was a really nice day.” – Patrick, Upper Intermediate
“It had a really good view and is in a very good location in Maroochydore. It has a beautiful beach behind the school. I feel better to study here because I will have more things to do, I’m really excited for the move to Maroochydore” - Jose
The afternoon picnic in Cotton Tree park was also a highlight, students can look forward to many more BBQ’s and activities by the calm beach. Students were also happy to discover that there is a little more nightlife around Maroochydore with some not arriving home till 4am!
We can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday morning at our brand new school!
Last week GV Caloundra farewelled Riccardo, Thomas, Glauteice, Mayra, Fernanda and Aon. The intermediate class decided the best way to farewell their friends was to come to school wearing their pyjamas. The school will be rather quiet now, especially with Riccardo and Thomas leaving… at least we wont have to see them in bikini’s again!
Students also enjoyed dinner out at Velvet Waters Rock ‘n’ Roll Resaurant in Caloundra which for the intermediate class was the prize for winning the Super Class Challenge earlier this month.
We wish all the students best wishes in the future and hope they all keep in touch.
10 days in Western Australia
Brisbane
We arrived in Perth after a really comfortable flight.
Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia .The beautiful Swan River runs thru Perth and it is perfect to spend a lot of money. It has a lot of shops, bars and clubs. A very nice place to spend time is in Kings Park.
Rottnest Island
We took the train to Fremantle and then the ferry to Rottnest Island. We hired two bicycles and explored the island by bike. We saw a lot of beaches and the special flora and fauna, also cheeky quokkas, oh they are so cute.
Road trip
On the first day we visited a lot of towns. Our first stop was Mandura. It is a city with restaurants on the wonderful waterfront, perfect for watersport fans.
After Mandura our next stop was Bunbury. A city with a huge beach and lot of small shops and restaurants, eminently was the black and white lighthouse.
Bussulton was the third destination and we saw a great sunset.
In the next few days we visited a lot of places and attractions.
There is a very special place near Augusta, where the Southern Ocean and the Indian ocean meet, it was breathtaking.
The biggest attraction in Pemberton was the national park with the big trees. We climbed up a 60m Tree!
After the high tree we went to a deep cave. Inside the cave was a lake, they act as a mirror of infinite reflections of crystal formations. It was just spectacular.
Greens Pool is a large sheltered rock pool set in William Bay National Park. Nearby the Greens Pool is Elephant Rocks.
Not far away is the Valley of the Giants with the Tree Top Walk. It was totally crazy to walk through the forest that is 40m in height.
Albany is Western Australia’s first European settlement, it was settled in 1826 (three years before Perth). Albany has a lot of restaurants and old houses.
The Torndirrup National Park is close to Albany where you can see spectacular nature. The massive power of the Southern Ocean has created the rock formations of The Gap and Natural Bridge and a crack-line in the granite called the Blowholes noisily shoots air and sprays high into the air.
The next stop was the waves rocks by Hyden. The Wave Rock, a granite cliff, is 15 metres high and 110 metres long.
Our trip was amazing, we had a really good time.
We saw a lot of interesting cities and the nature was gorgeous. Unfortunately it was a bit cold and we couldn’t swim in the ocean. Never mind, we still had a lot of fun.
Anja Winiger – Intermediate Class
The Town of 1770 and Agnes Waters
Last month, my friends and I went to the Town of 1770 and Agnes Waters, which is five hours from Caloundra by car. This small town is the closest point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and a perfect place for people who want to snorkel and dive in one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
When I heard about the Town of 1770 the first thing I thought was: “Why this small town is called 1770?” Well, the town was named in honour of Lieutenant James Cook, who was on his discovery voyage of the New Found Land who first set foot on this point on the 24th May in 1770.
Agnes Waters is another small town close to 1770, which has shopping, restaurants and some hotels. What I really liked about Agnes Waters was the Agnes Waters Beach, where I had one of the best surfing days in my life. I think I was a very lucky person, because on the Saturday we had good waves in the point break of Agnes Waters Beach, which is not common in that area. It was an amazing surf day.
On Sunday and I travelled with Lady Musgrave Cruises to the Outer Great Barrier Reef on board the Spirit of 1770. This cruise was unforgettable, because when I got there I saw one of the calmest turquoise lagoons in the middle of the ocean that I have ever seen in my life. The colour of the water, reefs, fish contrasting with the sandy beach and National Park of the Lady Musgrave Island were impressive! During the cruise I dived and had an opportunity to see green turtles, colourful fish, corals, little sharks and a big ray. Now I understand why the reef is called “The Great Barrier Reef”.
This trip was very important because I could practice my English, had a small Australian History class, met new interesting people and finally, had good moments with my good friends, all at the same time.
There is no doubt I recommend the Town of 1770 and Agnes Waters for a weekend get-away. If you are looking for pure beauty and nature, this is the place! It’s worth it.
- Glauteice Guedes – FCE
Some of Glaiteice’s photos have been entered in the photo competition.
TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday. Lately we have been having a great time on Friday afternoons. Last week it was the big Ping Pong Competition organised by Pedro. Kris from Poland was the winner, with Bikash from Nepal and Pedro from Brazil in second and third places.
Today it is a SPELLING BEE for the whole school. We will have winners for each class and an overall winner as well. We have lashed out and got some prizes for the lucky winners. So Good Luck!
Next Friday is the last school day before Australia Day (Monday 26 January) and there will be an AUSTRALIANA QUIZ with prizes. So over the next week read up on our history, sports and entertainment.
Alex, Luis, Jose and I want to share with you our great experience in Sydney!
We were in Sydney for New Years Eve and the fireworks were amazing! According to the news the goverment spent about 5 millions dollars on these. We think that in CBD were 2 million of people.
Of course we enjoyed all our time there and we want to recomend some places to visit:
-The Sydney Opera House
-The Sydney Harbour Bridge
-Taronga Zoo
-The Aquarium
-China Town
-The Chinese Garden
-The Sky Tower
-Shopping Centres
-Olympic Park
-The Museum
-Bondi Beach
-etc………..
Don’t think! Just go to Sydney!
Angela
Prior to the Christmas Eve Concert Bhawana our Intermediate student from Nepal came to see to ask if she could read a poem that she had written out to her friends as part of the concert. I was very touched by her efforts to write such a beautiful poem and also by her courage in front of her schoolmates.
Here is her wonderful poem:
MY GV AND CHRISTMAS
While I arrived at the first day
I was very nervous and shy
Everywhere different face depressed me
But my lovely teachers impressed me
So thank GV
As a time passed by I knew everyones
And knew that my GV is a big garden and
We are different flowers and my teachers are the best gardeners
So thank GV fiving me a chance to be your partner
Natural beauty of GV
Friendly behavior of friends
Lovely behaviors of teachers
How fast I forget my mom and motherland
Thanks GV providing me good teacher like my parents
As time past climate is hot
It is December 24 in GV
Everyone is enjoying
Everyone is dancing
Nobody is stopping
Music is playing
Everybody is saying “ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
Thank GV giving me a big chance to observe a great Christmas
Thanks. Merry Christmas.
Thank you Bhawana for your kind words. Andy
Last Friday, 12 December, two of our most popular students, Pedro and Leila were married on the beach at Caloundra. Many students and some teachers were on hand to see the beautiful bride and the handsome groom say their wedding vows in a beautiful morning ceremony.
Thousands of photos were taken, theses are just a few.
The wedding reception was at the lucky couple’s flat overlooking Bulcock Beach and everyone had a great time.
Keep your eye out for more details of this story when Pedro and Leila tell the story of their endless love.
The big news is that Pedro Giesel’s photo has been chosen by the judges as the overall winner in the GV Photo Competition. The prize is a 3-day holiday that includes diving on the Great Barrier Reef. CONGRATULATION PEDRO!
Here is the story that goes with the photo:
“Well, talking about my picture..
This photo is from my balcony at Bulcock Beach, this is the sunset here, every sunny day I have to see this horrible view.
This is too hard for me, but what can I do? Nothing, just drink a beer and enjoy that view.
This is My Caloundra!
Thanks to everyone that voted in my photo!
Thanks Global Village for this opportunity!”
This week students in Nicole’s Class were asked to recall some terrible experiences they had been through. The students got right into it and even took pictures to illustrate their tales of survival. We hope you enjoy their stories
A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE IN BRAZIL
ABOVE: Eduardo relives the terror of being shot at.
When I was talking with my friends in front of the school 25th April 2000, a car almost collided with another car in front of us.
One of my friends shouted to them. “Be careful!!!”
Thereupon one guy who was inside the car shot outside through window of the car and the bullet hit me. The car went away at high speed. The gunman was never discovered. I survived fortunately.
ELLY’S EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA
ABOVE: Ricardo, “the Aussie man”, rescues Elly from dangerous surf.
It was a sunny day when Elly and a friend, who was visiting from the Gold Coast, went to Kings Beach in Caloundra. They were having fun swimming in the sea when Elly had a near-death experience. She was swimming when suddenly a big, strong wave pushed her over, she couldn’t touch the bottom, she felt like she would die!. She screamed for help to an Australian man who was swimming near her. He asked: “Can you swim?” And she answered, “No, I can’t”. So he pulled her out of the water. Elly was very scared and she coughed a lot. The Australian man saved her life.
REMEMBER - SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS AT BEACHES IN AUSTRALIA
JAMES ESCAPED DEATH IN KOREA
ABOVE: James and his classmates are heading for disaster
James told us of an experience that almost killed him 4months ago.
One day, James drove a cultivation machine down a steep hill in his hometown. But he wasn’t concentrating on driving. Unfortunately, he fell to the ground, after that the cultivating machine squashed his leg for a long time. James almost died. But God didn’t throw him away.
So he is still alive today .
Cesar recently received his Blue Card for work in construction. To get his Blue Card, Cesar did a one day course offered by Cadet Training College. With this card he will be eligible for all sorts of work in the well-paid contruction industry. Congratulations! Well done and good luck looking for a job!
Today is Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecouse in Victoria.
In workplaces across the nation people will down tools, turn off machines and turn on the TV to watch this famous horse race. Some punters will win a fortune betting on the fastest horse. Most of us will lose unfortunately, but we will still have a great day and get caught up in the atmosphere of the big day.
In Melbourne people arrive at the racecourse early, they wear fantastic clothes – some fashionable, some ridiculous. Many drink champagne. At Caloundra racecourse today there are also races and of course the Melbourne Cup will be up on the Big Screen. If you go there you will also see lots of our students who have scored a day’s work serving food and drinks to the many race fans.
Cesar (pictured) worked at a local mushroom farm last Saturday. This is the feedback I received from Wade from Men @ Work
Dear Andy,
Thought you might want to know. I just received excellent feedback from our client about Cesar for work he did for us on Saturday. Said he wants to use him again the next time he needs workers.
I will keep you informed when I will use him again.
Kind regards,
Wade Ambrose
Sales Consultant Men @ Work
Suguru, from Japan, is in the last week of his Barista course with CADET INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE and has a job placement in the kitchen at the Caloundra RSL Club.
In the picture you can see him in his snappy new uniform. Good luck Suguru!
Normally we like to immerse our students in English, but last Tuesday our students got immersed in refreshing salt water.
Every few months we like to organise a trip to a local beach to talk with lifeguards about safety at Australian beaches. This time we visited Kings Beach and students listened to our local lifeguard give a short talk. Students were encouraged to ask for advice about swimming at our beaches and how to survive in the surf if they get into trouble.
When the serious part of the afternoon was over, students striped down to their bikinis or board shorts and cavorted in the small waves. Everyone really enjoyed the afternoon and we all look forward to doing it again soon.
Ha Na with Maya (left), Ha Na’s box of tricks (middle), Ha Na in action (right)
Our resident beautician, Ha Na, has been turning our already cute girls into covergirls with her amazing toolkit of professional make up. Ha Na is visiting Australia from Korea and is currently in Toni and Petta’s Pre Intermediate Class. She graduates on the 26th of September and will go to work picking fruit so she can get a second visa.
For more information on second visas for students on Working holiday visa check out the following link:
Patty set her class a writing assignment and she was so impressed by the work the students produced that she asked them if they would like to have their work published on the school’s blog. So please read and feel free to leave a comment.
RENAT SAYS:
“You choose not only your career; you choose your future. A wrong choice can’t ruin your life, you can always change everything and start once again, but it is better not to make a mistake. Choose your career very carefully. Remember, no one can do this for you. It’s your future; it must be your choice from your own hand. Parents must understand and support their children. Parents can help you to choose your way, but they can’t push you against yourself.”
JUAN SAYS:
“Choosing a career is a personal decision that has to be based on your own interests. However it is important that you listen to other people’s opinion, your parents, friends, teachers from high school and everyone that you consider important to you. When you think that you have heard enough go somewhere and spend some time with your thoughts and put your ideas in order and make your own decision.”
Last month, I had the pleasure of joining Diana and Alex on their shopping adventures. The first outing was to the Sunshine Plaza and then to Mooloolaba where we eventually had lunch ay an Italian Bistro. We had such a lot of fun together that we decided to plan another shopping trip to Chermside two weeks later, which was even more enjoyable. We had another memorable day, trying outfits on, deciding what to buy and generally being girls and a little silly. Diana even had her make up done. By the end of the day, one of us did some major damage to our credit cards. (Take a look at the photos and try to guess, it isn’t difficult.)
The girls really impressed me with their effort to speak English all day I think that they were pleasantly surprised also. Diana was able to order lunch for us all on her own and Alex was delighted when she realised how much she understood when she spoke to the various sales staff at the stores we visited.
I was proud of both of them because their English has improved immensely. Well done and one last thing girls, thank you for lunch!!!
Patty Thomas.
This week was quite emotional for our teachers and students as we said “Bon Voyage” to 5 students.
Ken, from Japan, (pictured in front in traditional Japanese clothing) has been at GV for 24 weeks and has had many adventures in Australia including climbing in the Glasshouse Mountains and travelling to Cairns. We also said goodbye to Miyuki from Pre Intermediate B and Min from Elementary who were with us for 17 weeks. Myron, the grammar expert, will be missed from the Intermediate Class. Sophie, a great student from Korea will be missed from Pre Intermediate A. As always, we wish them happines and hope they will keep in touch.
Yesterday was a fantastic day for Sakura teens to visit Kings Beach, Caloundra (about 15 minutes walk from the campus). Firstly they were given a talk on safety by the local lifeguards, then they plunged into the crystal clear water and played amongst the waves. To warm up at the end of the day Global Village treated them to some salty hot chips. A great day was had by everyone.
Last Thursday a load of students went to CBX in the main street of Caloundra for a night of karaoke. Initially only a few students were interested in singing, but after a drink to relax their voices they really got into it.
Karen was the judge for the night and awarded prizes to SEAN for the BEST MALE VOCALIST and SORI for the BEST FEMALE SINGER(pictured top left). CATALINA, ANGELA and ADRIANA took out the BEST GROUP EFFORT (pictured second photo above). Everyone had a great night and most students turned up to class the following morning, even if they did have hangovers. Let’s do it again soon!
This week we welcomed young Japanese girls and boys on the Sakura Tour. They have a separate class taught be Sue. Sue is also takeing them on interesting afternoon activities including canoeing on the Maroochy River, a tour of the beautiful green Sunshine Coast hinterland, a swim at Kings Beach and a visit to Australia Zoo to see koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles.
