The Student Success Blog will update you with useful resources, services and activities in our ESL Program and throughout the college. You will also find useful links for self study and study skills tips. Visit the blog often as information is updated weekly. Submissions, links or ideas for the blog are always welcome! Have a wonderful session at the School of ESL!
Showing posts with label Contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contests. Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Check out what is on Week 3!



Congratulations to our 6 International Scholarship Recipients!!


From left to right:
Munkhnast Amar, Viktoria Tereschenko, Sabrina Guining Liu, Cristina Mate, Jessica Yu-Hsueh Liu & Zhe Zhe Wu. 
Congratulations to all of you on your stellar academic performance and your community involvement!  Continued success to all of you!

Take advantage of all that is available to you and Get Involved!!



Join our Spelling Workshops on Mondays (weeks 3 and 4) to get tips on spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary building.  Come on out to our Competition: 3 Rounds, 3 Winners, 3 Prizes (weeks 3, 4 and 5) to try out your spelling and/or cheer on your peers!
Check the Schedules for details on days and times.
Also:  Check out SpellingCity.com--a great resource to help you practice vocabulary in context, build your own vocabulary lists for self-study and practice pronunciation and listening.  Words are used in sentences, and clearly spoken in natural English. 
Need help on getting started?  Check out these easy-to-follow videos on using all of the great features of Spelling City.

Also this week:  
Advising Information Sessions
Monday: (International Students)
Friday: (Domestic Students)



Supports and Services available free to you:

  • Peer Leader Assistance, Volunteer and Events:  Rooms 311 & 332
  • TLC (Tutoring Learning Centre):  Room 430A at 200 King St. East
  • TESL Tutoring: Tues and Thurs, Room 330, 12pm
  • PAL Centre Workshops and Assistance for students in levels 7 and above, Room B121, 200 King St. East
Speak to your Class Rep for more details and check out the links at the top of this blog.

Want to get real English Practice in a fun and interesting environment?  Join in our Activities or Volunteer Events.


 LEAD!!

Would you like to gain Leadership Practice? Speak to Maryana or Suzan about being a Volunteer or Event Captain for our various opportunities.











Connect and Get involved:  
Join our Facebook page community for updates on events and opportunities at GBC and in the GTA!




Monday, October 1, 2012

5 more days!!

Last week for your submissions to our Photography Contest!! 

Share your images of Toronto and Ontario as seen through your lens
Deadline for Submissions:  THIS FRIDAY,  October 5th  



Click HERE for more detailed instructions on the Contest

_________________________________________________________________________________
International Students Festival This Weekend
The City of Toronto is planning an International Student Festival on Saturday, October 6th at Nathan Phillips Square for international students from both colleges and universities in the GTA and beyond. It will be a day full of cultural performances, food trucks, and networking. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends! 


_________________________________________________________________________________

Advising Session for Domestic Students!  
Today, 3pm, Room 413.
Meet your George Brown Advisers and get the answers to your burning questions about applying to post-secondary programs.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Workshops, Clubs and Events at a Glance for Week 6
and looking ahead to Week 7.


Workshops and Clubs:
TODAY!! Mon: Networking Essentials (ROOM CHANGE:  COMPUTER LAB Room 341):  Find out about effective  Networking Skills, your online profile and using LinkedIN to build your network. Open to all levels.
Tues: Listen Up& TESL Tutoring
Wed: Speak Up
Thurs: Writing Strategies (final week) and TESL Tutoring
Fri: Movie Club--This week's feature film:  The War Horse.  Check out the Trailer HERE



Events:
Mon: Chess Club
Wed: Blue Jays Game
Thurs: Bata Shoe Museum




Check out our full schedule listings for Sept Oct HERE
_________________________________________________________________________________


TLC:

Head over to the TLC at 200King St. E for extra help OR drop by to see a TLC tutor here in our ESL Library Mondays and Fridays after school from 3-5pm.
TLC Website:  www.tlcatgbc.com




Beginning this Thursday:  Thursday Book Club at the TLC from 3-4pm. 
 Featured Book:  The Life of Pi  ____________________________________________________________________________


NEWSLETTER:
Also: The School of ESL is creating an E-Newsletter! This is your chance to share an article (recipe, restaurant review, favourite hang out in Toronto, cross-cultural experience etc), photo, or artwork and get yourself published in our 1st edition. Email Dorothy: dvangroo@georgebrown.ca or drop by Room 311 if you are interested in submitting your work!



Have a wonderful and safe THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!

    Sunday, May 27, 2012

    Amazing Race Registration Deadline: June 8


    Don't miss out on all the fun!  Meet new friends, practice your English, win prizes, check out the new campus and neighbourhood and enjoy the barbecue for all participants at the end of the race!!  Register today in D304A.  Deadline to register:  Friday, June 8th.

    Thursday, April 19, 2012

    Spelling Bee Finalists and Winners

     Congratulations to all of our wonderful finalists!  You were amazing and hard to stump!

    And the Winners Circle!!  Congratulations to Laila, Thierry and Mauricio. 
    Congratulations to our winners!

    1st Prize:  Thierry Fossi ($100 gift certificate)
    2nd Prize:  Laila Assar ($50 gift certificate)
    3rd Prize:  Mauricio Emiliani ($25 gift certificate)

    Monday, April 2, 2012

    We've passed the mid-way point: Week 5 is here!


    What's a Spelling Bee?  Check out this movie trailer "Akeelah and the Bee" to see:
    http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1689583897/


    Practice Session is TODAY at 3pm in D309:  
     C'mon out to get spelling tips and strategies for pronunciation and spelling. Round 2 (The Semi-Finals) will be held this week on Tuesday April 3 and the Grand Finale will be on Wednesday April 11th!  
    See you there and Good Luck.  C'mon out to participate or just cheer on your peers!


    Study Group and Workshop Schedule

    1.  Monday:  Spelling Bee Practice Session #2
    D309 3:00 pm
    Come out to learn spelling strategies and get some tips and practice for round 2 of the Spelling Bee.  You DO NOT have to join in the spelling bee to come to the workshop!

    2.  Tuesday, March 27th:  Spelling Bee Continues:  Round 2!!
    D301 12-1:00pm; 3:00-4:00pm


    3.  Wednesday:  Speak Up 
    D309 3:00-4:30 pm
    Grab a coffee/juice and a cookie, practice conversation skills, improve your speaking confidence and meet new friends.
    4.  Thursday:  Writing Strategies 
    D309 Schedule B,12-1:30pm  Schedule A, 3-4:30pm
    Practice Paraphrase, Summary, Brainstorming, Outlining and Effective Writing Skills. 

    Other Study Groups by Appointment in D304

    Also:  Don't forget about:
    • Tutoring in the Library:  Tues and Thurs, 12-1pm
    • TLC Tutoring (C503):  9:30-5:30 Daily

    Monday, March 26, 2012

    Spelling Bee Contest

    What's a Spelling Bee?  Check out this movie trailer "Akeelah and the Bee" to see:

    http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1689583897/


    Practice Session is TODAY at 3pm in D309:  C'mon out to get spelling tips and strategies for pronunciation and spelling.
    The Contest Begins on Tuesday March 27th (Round 1).  Round 2 (The Semi-Finals) will be held the following week on April 3 and the Grand Finale will be on Wednesday April 11th!  
    See you there and Good Luck.

    Week 4 is here. We've hit the halfway point!

    Study Group and Workshop Schedule

    1.  Monday:  Spelling Bee Practice Session
    D309 3:00-4:00pm
    Come out to learn spelling strategies and get a head start on the Spelling Bee Competition starting Tues, March 27th.
    Sign up TODAY in D304A to join the Spelling Bee!

    2.  Tuesday, March 27th:  Spelling Bee Begins!!
    D301 12-1:00pm; 3:00-4:00pm


    3.  Wednesday:  Speak Up 
    D309 3:00-4:30 pm
    Grab a coffee/juice and a cookie, practice conversation skills, improve your speaking confidence and meet new friends.

    4.  Thursday:  Writing Strategies 
    D309 Schedule B,12-1:30pm  Schedule A, 3-4:30pm
    Practice Paraphrase, Summary, Brainstorming, Outlining and Effective Writing Skills.  

    5.  Friday:  Improv (Acting/Drama) with Natasha 
    (please note that this will replace the Games Workshop Week 4) 
    D309 3:00-4:30 pm
    Kick back and learn English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere!  Get out of your shell!!
    Other Study Groups by Appointment in D304


    Also:  Don't forget about:
    • Tutoring in the Library:  Tues and Thurs, 12-1pm
    • TLC Tutoring (C503):  9:30-5:30 Daily

      Sunday, March 18, 2012

      Week 3 Updates

      Week 3 Check-In:  
      Have you started to take advantage of all of the supports available to you?  Don't wait til it's too late!!  Improve your skills NOW!
        WoW! TAKE A LOOK AT ALL OF THE SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO YOU:
      1.  Visit our Peer Leaders in D304A for support--don't wait until the last minute!  Come early to ensure your success.  Below, see the workshop schedule  or start your own study group!
       2.  The Tutoring Learning Centre is available for English Language  and Math Support.  The TLC is located in Building C, room C503 and is open from 9:30 to 5:30 daily.   
      3.  Tutoring with TESL teachers is available in the ESL Library, D313.  Drop by every Tues and Thurs at 12pm  for English practice. 

      Schedule for Study Groups, Workshops and Activities:



      1.  Wednesday:  Speak Up
      Grab a coffee/juice and a cookie, practice conversation skills, improve your speaking confidence and meet new friends.
      D309 3:00-4:30 pm

      2.  Thursday:  Writing Strategies
      Practice Paraphrase, Summary, Brainstorming, Outlining and Effective Writing Skills.  
      D309 Schedule B,12-1:30pm  Schedule A, 3-4:30pm


      3.  Friday:  Improv (Acting/Drama) with Natasha
      Kick back and learn English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere!  Get out of your shell!!
      D309 3:00-4:30 pm

      OR:  JOIN or FORM A STUDY GROUP and 
      have a peer leader assist you.  
      Listen Up  and other Study Groups
      Drop by D304A and speak to the Peer Leaders about joining or forming a  study group to meet your needs.  
      __________________________________________________________________________________________________
      VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

      INFORMATION MEETING ON UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH KURT AND SUZAN:  FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED.
      FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD, 3PM, D301


      Current opportunities:
      • Community Dinner at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship:  Looking for 7  volunteers to help out with our community dinner (for homeless and marginalized people) every Wednesday (from 5:30pm to 8:00pm) and possibly to continue volunteering on an ongoing basis:  http://www.getinvolved.ca/profile/4198/ 
      • 50/50 Ticket Sales for Raptors and Toronto Maple Leaf Games to benefit Kidsport!  Sign up with Kurt in D304 or email him at kaydiner@hotmail.ca
        Date
        Team
        Arrival Time
        April 1 – Sunday
        Toronto Raptors
        4:30pm
        April 5 – Thursday
        Toronto Maple Leafs
        5pm
        April 13 – Friday
        Toronto Raptors
        5pm
        • Doors Open Toronto, Saturday May 26th and Sunday May 27th:  a fantastic opportunity to be an ambassador for Toronto meet new people and to learn more about the architecture in the city.   Doors Open Toronto — one weekend, once a year — is an event when approx. 150 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public for a city-wide celebration.
          The program allows visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Many locations have organized guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.  This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are
           interested in the arts, architecture and/or history of Toronto, and have a willingness to talk with the general public.
        • Please Note: In order to attend in the Doors Open Toronto’s activity you must fill in the application forms. Please drop by room D304 and ask peer leaders for Doors Open Toronto volunteer application forms.  There will be a mandatory orientation for this event on Thursday, March 29th at City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, at Queen and Bay 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 
                

        LIKE us on Facebook for updates on what's happening at GBC and in the GTA, volunteer updates,  as well as study tips and resources.

        Read more about Kurt and the Peer Leaders on the Peer Leader link at the top of the page.  
        _______________________________________________________________________________________________
        Coming Next Week!!  Spelling Bee Competition begins. 
         Win the glory and the grand prize in our 3-week competition and come out to all of the workshops/study groups for practice and spelling tips.  Details to come!!








        _______________________________________________________________________________________________
        Presentation Tips of the Week:
        Use the STAR Method to capture your audience:
        S:  Startle your Audience (with some surprising or shocking information eg: a statistic)
        T:  Tell a Story (case study, experience)
        A:  Ask a Question
        R:  Recite a Quote
        and remember last week's tip:  do a sound check to ensure the back of the room can hear you.  Project your voice.
        Source:  How to Powerfully Begin every Presentation, Gary Hankins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk)


        Quotes of the Week on the subject of Learning:
        "Success comes in cans, failure in can'ts." (Anonymous)
        "Did you know that the Chinese symbol for 'crisis' includes a symbol which means 'opportunity'? - (Jane Revell & Susan Norman)
        "Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself." (Chinese Proverb)  
        "Spoonfeeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon." (EM Forster)


        Monday, June 27, 2011

        Video Contest June 2011: Time to Cast your Vote!!

        There are 6 entrants for the "Life in Toronto" Video Contest.  You can view them below or directly on our YouTube Channel.  Winners will be selected by the number of views and likes on their videos, so please check them out!!  Congratulations to all of the entrants for creating these awesome videos while completing all of your coursework at the School of ESL!!  You've done an amazing job.

        YouTube Channel

        Friday, June 17, 2011

        Videos!


        Deadline for videos is this week!!
        Would you like to submit your video?
        Email the file to dvangroo@georgebrown.ca or upload it online (e.g. vimeo, youtube, youshareit) and send the link to Dorothy at the email address listed above.
        If you have a DVD copy, drop it off at the ESL Office (D313) or to the Peer Leaders in D304A today after school.
        Good Luck!!

        Students will have a chance to vote on their favourites in week 1 of next session and winners be announced following the vote!  Stay tuned for details and thanks to everyone who submitted!

        Monday, June 13, 2011

        Week 7 Updates: Check out what's on

         1.  Tutoring at the TLC (Tutoring Learning Centre): 
          Speaking and Writing Tutoring in C503 with Peer Tutors.  
        Check out their blog for more information. 


        2.  LAST WEEK for Student Success workshops and 
        Peer Leader assistance:   
         Peer Leaders are available in D304A.  
        Drop by Tues-Thurs 9-5 or after school MWF.


        Final Week of Workshops and Peer Leader Support:
        Four Workshops available for Speaking, Listening, Writing and Vocabulary Practice.  See below for details.


        1.  Speak Up (levels 4-8) :  
        Practice conversation and improve your speaking confidence while meeting new friends.
        When:  Wednesday
        Where:  D309
        Time: 3:00-4:30 pm

        2.  Listen Up Workshop 
        (levels 5 and up)
        Practice listening skills and build your vocabulary.
         When:  Tues and Thursdays
        Where:  Tues D316 and Thurs D302
        Time:  12-1:30pm

        3.  Games Club
        Practice your English, boost your vocabulary and have a blast
        When:  Thursdays
        Where:  Peer Leader Office, D304 A
        Time: 10:00am-1:00 pm



        4.  Writing Study Group (levels 5 and up)
        Practice Brainstorming, Outlining and effective writing skills.
        When:  Thursdays


        Where: D301
        Time: 3pm

        DUE THIS FRIDAY:  VIDEO COMPETITION!!
        Create a 2-3 minute video on the topic of Life in Toronto or at GBC.
        Win an iPod Nano, Flip Camera or Movie Passes for 2!!
          A very generous student, Babak Fadaee,has offered to help anyone with editing your video/photoslideshow.  Email Dorothy for details or if you have any questions.  dvangroo@georgebrown.ca
        Deadline:  Friday, June 17th (end of Week 7)
        Drop off your video, email Dorothy or ask for our YouTube link to upload it yourself.


        Speaking of Video Competitions, the YMCA is holding a Youth Immigration Story Film Project this summer.  Applicants must be 13-24 years of age, a landed immigrant or convention refugee, passionate about film and story-telling and committed to the program's summer schedule.
        Check out the website for details on the awesome opportunity.  Participants will work with skilled instructors and the deadline to apply is June 24, 2001.


        Remember:  Stay in touch and  
        "LIKE" us on Facebook!! 
        www.facebook.com/GBC.ESL