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!

Week 6 and looking ahead to Week 7

Club and Workshop Highlights:
Mon:  Presentation Skills
Tues:  Listen Up
Wed:  Speak Up
Thurs:  Writing Strategies
Fri:  Movie Club

Event Highlights:
Mon:  Mill Street Brewery Dinner, Distillery District
Tues:  Movie Night
Wed:  Soccer Match
Thurs:  Chess Tournament
Fri:  Toronto Flavours:  Greek food

LIKE our Facebook page for updates and pics from our event and volunteer outings:
http://www.facebook.com/GBC.ESL

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Don't Miss the Boat:  Join in the fun on our annual Boat Cruise!!

See Pictures from our last boat cruise HERE

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International Student Scholarships:  Sept 1

For more information click here or here

Congratulations to our 6 International Scholarship Recipients!

6 students were the recipients of the $1000 Scholarship for International Students.

Congratulations Annie (Eunyeon), Alena, Zedong, Kateryna, Imane and Anna!  Thank you to everyone for your applications; it was an impressive list this session and you should all be very proud of your academic accomplishments and contributions to the community!
The deadline for our next competition is August 31st and applications are to be submitted to the ESL Office.  Please see the scholarship tab on this blog:  http://eslgbc.com/p/scholarships-and-contests.html for details on applying.

Scholarships for International Students

6 Scholarships of $1000 each will be 'up for grabs' in September.

Check out the Scholarship Page on this blog for more info.

Happy Valentine's Day! We are in Week 6!

MONDAYS

Communicate more naturally with Idioms!

1. VOCABULARY BUILDING WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

Want to learn idiomatic language to help you communicate more naturally?  Join Stephen today in D302

When: Mondays

Where: D302 

Time: 3-4:30 pm

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Final Week before Finals!

2.  TUTORING IN THE ESL LIBRARY  (all levels)

Come for tutoring to get help with English conversation, pronunciation and grammar! 

When: Tuesdays, Thursdays

Where: D315, ESL Library

Time: 12-1 pm

3.  WRITING SKILLS & SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

 Paraphrasing and Summarizing are key skills that you will need throughout your entire academic and working career.  Come out to practice Writing skills and the essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting led by your Peer Leaders.

When: Tuesdays (sched A) and Thursdays (sched B)

Where: D308 Tuesday; D319 on Thursday (please note the room change on Thursday)

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

4. TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP:  

SCHED A STUDENTS (levels 6-8)

Not sure how to study for exams?  Want to build your language skills effectively?  Need to obtain a high score?  Learn strategies from Sina, a Peer Leader who would like to help you learn skills at test-taking.

When: Tues 1-2:30

Where: D316

Time: 1:00-2:30 pm

WEDNESDAYS 

 
5. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-8)

Want to improve your speaking? Meet new people and improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Wednesdays

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

Don't forget about the range of useful supports at GBC:

1.  Peer Tutors are available M-F in room C503, at the THE Tutoring Learning Centre

Check out the TLC  Blog HERE for updates on small group study opportunities and services available to you!  

2.  ESL Peer Leaders are available to support you and your study groups (D304A) M-F.  Check the schedule on the door of D304A or drop by to arrange a session or get help with your study group! Remember: Study Smarter-not Harder!  We remember 95% of what we teach to someone else, so form a study group and teach and learn from each other!

And...

ESL Photo Contest:  

 Beating the Winter Blahs in Toronto!

Submit your artistic photos on the subject of 'beating the Winter Blahs' in Toronto!  Show us your creative photos of winter weather in Toronto.   For instance, you might submit shots of  tobogganing, skiing, skating, sightseeing, walking in the park, interesting winter scenes/architecture in winter....

Check out the creative talent so far:  CLICK HERE 

Career Centre Workshops for levels 6 and up:

• Check out the workshop opportunities and resources HERE

Also:

Scholarships for International Students:  Click HERE for details 

Need an example of how to write a Cover Letter?  Click 

• HERE

• HERE 

• or HERE

Level 7 & 8 Students: 
SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, February 16th, 12:30-1:30, D309

Information Session on Business and Financial Services Post-Secondary Programs

Pizza provided so please arrive on time

Click HERE for details.

You must register in advance via your teacher or Aarzoo in D313.

Week 5 has arrived...time is flying by...

Here we are already past the mid-point of the session!  No doubt you're assignments are starting to pile up!  What better reason to brush up on your skills and take advantage of the many resources and supports available to you at George Brown College:

MONDAYS

Communicate more naturally with Idioms!

1. VOCABULARY BUILDING WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

Want to learn idiomatic language to help you communicate more naturally?  Join Stephen today in D302

When: Mondays

Where: D302 

Time: 3-4:30 pm

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

 
2.  TUTORING IN THE ESL LIBRARY  (all levels)

Come for tutoring to get help with English conversation, pronunciation and grammar!

When: Tuesdays, Thursdays

Where: D315, ESL Library

Time: 12-1 pm

3.  WRITING SKILLS & SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

 Paraphrasing and Summarizing are key skills that you will need throughout your entire academic and working career.  Come out to practice Writing skills and the essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting led by your Peer Leaders.

When: Tuesdays (sched A) and Thursdays (sched B)

Where: D308 Tuesday; D319 on Thursday (please note the room change on Thursday)

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

4. TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP:  

SCHED A STUDENTS (levels 6-8)

Not sure how to study for exams?  Want to build your language skills effectively?  Need to obtain a high score?  Learn strategies from Sina, a Peer Leader who would like to help you learn skills at test-taking.

When: Tues 1-2:30

Where: D316

Time: 1:00-2:30 pm

WEDNESDAYS 

 
5. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-8)

Want to improve your speaking? Meet new people and improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Wednesdays

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

Don't forget about the range of useful supports at GBC:

1.  Peer Tutors are available M-F in room C503, at the THE Tutoring Learning Centre

Check out the TLC  Blog HERE for updates on small group study opportunities and services available to you!  

2.  ESL Peer Leaders are available to support you and your study groups (D304A) M-F.  Check the schedule on the door of D304A or drop by to arrange a session or get help with your study group! Remember: Study Smarter-not Harder!  We remember 95% of what we teach to someone else, so form a study group and teach and learn from each other!

And...

ESL Photo Contest:  

 Beating the Winter Blahs in Toronto!

Submit your artistic photos on the subject of 'beating the Winter Blahs' in Toronto!  Show us your creative photos of winter weather in Toronto.   For instance, you might submit shots of  tobogganing, skiing, skating, sightseeing, walking in the park, interesting winter scenes/architecture in winter....

Check out the creative talent so far:  CLICK HERE 

Also:

Scholarships for International Students:  Click HERE for details 

Level 7 & 8 Students: 
SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, February 16th, 12:30-1:30, D309

Information Session on Business and Financial Services Post-Secondary Programs

Pizza provided so please arrive on time

Click HERE for details.

Registration will be via email and your teachers will be giving you further details.

Week 3: Workshops and Opportunities

MONDAYS

1. VOCABULARY BUILDING WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

 Idioms in any language enable you to communicate more naturally. Every week we will focus on a different group of idioms.  This week's workshop will focus on groups of idioms that are based on body parts.

When: Mondays

Where: D301

Time: 3-4:30 pm

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

2.  TUTORING IN THE ESL LIBRARY  
(all levels)

Come for tutoring to get help with English conversation, pronunciation and grammar!

When: Tuesdays, Thursdays

Where: D315, ESL Library

Time: 12-1 pm pm

3.  WRITING SKILLS & SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-8)

Practice Writing skills and the essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting.

When: Tuesdays (sched A) and Thursdays (sched B)

Where: D308 Tuesday; D333 on Thursday

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

 4. TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP:  

SCHED A STUDENTS (levels 6-8)

Not sure how to study for exams?  Want to build your language skills effectively?  Need to obtain a high score?  Learn strategies from a Peer Leader who did exactly that!

When: Tues 1-2:30

Where: D316

Time: 1:00-2:30 pm

WEDNESDAYS

                              5. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-8)

Want to improve your speaking? Meet new people and improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Wednesdays

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

Don't forget about the range of useful supports at GBC:

1.  Peer Tutors are available M-F in room C503, building C

2.  ESL Peer Leaders are available to support you and your study groups (D304A) M-F.  Check the schedule on the door of D304A. 

And...

ESL Photo Contest:  
Beating the Winter Blahs in Toronto!

Submit your artistic photos on the subject of 'beating the Winter Blahs' in Toronto!  Show us your creative photos of how you deal with the winter weather in Toronto.   For instance, you might submit shots of  tobogganing, skiing, skating, sightseeing, walking in the park, interesting winter scenes/architecture in winter....

• 1st prize:  $50 gift certificate

• 2nd prize: $30 gift certificate

• 3rd prize:  $20 gift certificate

Deadline for Photo Submissions: 
Email your pictures to Dorothy by Friday, February 18th (end of week 6)

International Scholarship Winners!

Congratulations to the following students who won the $1000 Scholarship Contest for International ESL Students at George Brown College!!  Kudos to all of you for your outstanding academic achievements as well as your leadership and community involvement!  Way to go!!!

Kelsey

Sunny

Christine

Lisa

Michelle

Nathan

The deadline for the next International ESL Student Scholarship competition is March 15th, 2011.  International Students:  Check out the following link on Scholarships for International Students

If you are planning to attend a Post Secondary Program at George Brown, check out the Awards and Scholarship Information on the Financial Assistance page. 

Welcome to the Fall Session at the School of ESL! Meet your Peer Leaders--your partners in learning!

September is off and running and so is Student Success!


Your Peer Leaders are all graduates of our intensive ESL program at GBC, and some are even current students. Consider them your partners in learning!They are very enthusiastic about assisting and encouraging you by passing on effective learning strategies, leading workshops and study groups, helping you practice what you are learning, building your confidence and giving you feedback. They are NOT an editing service, so they cannot edit your papers but they can ask you questions and give you advice and strategies on how you can improve your work.


Their schedule is posted on D304A and they welcome you to drop by anytime for a study group or for assistance. The earlier you come to them to practice, the more improvement you'll be able to see.  They can also meet your study group in your classroom after school..think about it--study smarter, not harder!  MANY OF YOU ARE ALREADY FORMING STUDY GROUPS!!  AWESOME JOB--you are definitely 'taking the bull by the horns!!'


Alona
"Hi everyone! My major was in Organizational  Management and I became a Peer Leader to help students improve their English; I enjoy helping people and hope that my knowledge and experience of learning English might help students to learn more effectively.


I love meeting new people and think that mentoring is a great opportunity to work with a variety of students from all over the world. I plan to go to the School of Business at George Brown College to further my education.


In my spare time I love reading novels and spending time with my family. I am glad that I’ve chosen GBC and believe that it is an excellent school to learn English." Alona organizes and facilitates our very popular and useful 'summary and paraphrase' workshop on Tues and Thurs. Check it out!!

Arjola
"Hello! My name is Arjola and I am one of the ESL Peer Leaders. I graduated from level 8 at George Brown College in 2008 and I have to admit that it was quite a wonderful experience because I got to know people from different countries of the world and was inspired by the wonderful, devoted teachers. I have studied English for many years in Albania, my homeland and its fundamentals are built in me forever. I graduated from the Art and Design Foundation program at George Brown College in 2009 and now I am studying Advertising at OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design). I really love English; I was raised studying it and I am very glad to have this position as a Peer Leader helping students improve their English skills. This position means a lot to me because I know the difficulties of a student studying English, and moreover of a newcomer in Canada trying to succeed, so I am determined to use all my knowledge and experience to help you succeed in this important step on your way to achieving your goals."


Corina
"My name is Corina Espidio and I was born in Mexico. My native language is Spanish. I started learning English during my childhood thanks to my grandfather’s vision. He often told me that speaking English would open many and diverse doors to me. He was right! I completed a Diploma as an Executive Secretary in my country and after some years I also completed my bachelor studies in Archaeology. Being a peer leader has given me the opportunity to help others, and this experience has been very rewarding for me. Every day I try to learn something new and different which helps to make my life fulfilled. I am looking forward to helping you to achieve your goals."
“Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life” ~Henry L. Doherty
Corina will be leading the Peer Liaison Program this summer and may also join you on Wed in the Speak Up workshop!

Maryana
"Hi, my name is Maryana, and I am from Ukraine. I have been an ESL student at George Brown College since last summer. Studying in GBC, I had a great opportunity to improve my English, to make lots of friends and to meet a lot of people from all over the world. Now, being a Peer Leader, I am looking forward to meeting all of you and to share all my knowledge and experience with ESL students. I along with the other Peer Leaders will be extremely happy to see and help you."


Good luck to each of you and remember, “Education is not received. It is achieved”. We are lucky to have Maryana here after school on Mon and Fri--why not form a study group to work with Maryana?

Mehdi H
"Hi everyone. My name is Mehdi.  I'm originally from Iran and I've been in Toronto almost a year. I graduated from the ESL program recently and I already miss it. Being in college in such a friendly and multicultural atmosphere was a wonderful experience. Now I have this opportunity to be around you guys again as a peer leader. I believe that we are all learning together and from each other. So don't be alone, let's do it together."


If you check out the Speak Up workshops designed to improve your speaking confidence, you will be fortunate to meet Mehdi H.

Mehdi G
"Dear ESL students,
8 months ago I started studding the intensive ESL program at George brown college and I have recently graduated from the 8th level. During this period of time, I connected with a lot of friends from different cultures and countries. I believe it was more than a program--it was a journey all around the world. I want to inform you that you are more than a college student; you are globe-trotters, and like any other tourists, by the end of this trip, you will learn a lot about the real world that we are living in. It is my great pleasure to be with you and I will be more than happy to meet you in order to share our experiences through this journey."


Mehdi is facilitating a very popular and interesting workshop for levels 7 & 8 students--a Ted Talks Activitiy--you will watch engaging speakers, learn effective presentation skills and work together to build a rich repository of vocabulary.

AND WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST PEER LEADERS!!

Michelle
Hello! I’m really excited to meet you!

I’m Michelle Jang from South Korea. I started with level 6 and currently, I’m studying in level 8.


First of all, I have been fully satisfied with the ESL program at GBC. Being a peer liaison for two sessions, I could get actively involved in most of the workshops and activities available and I found them to be very useful to me, In particular, I have learnt how to communicate with others who came from different countries or different backgrounds through those activities.  Also, I could put myself in something new such as digital storytelling through the digital storytelling workshops and competition. That’s why I didn’t get bored at learning and studying English.  As you see, I have taken much advantage of supports from teachers, peer leaders and peers. Now, I want to work with you and help you as a new peer leader. I cannot teach you because I’m not a teacher and I cannot evaluate you because I’m not perfect. However, I can help you right beside you because I am a friendly peer leader. Thank you!

Sina
Hi everyone! My name is Sina and I recently joined peer leaders after I finished my ESL courses at George Brown College. When I finished level 8 in this summer, I thought of days that I had spent with you; the sweet moments of togetherness. We come together from diverse nationalities to learn a new language, and in our journey, which I like to call it our adventure, we learn from each other.

Learning a new language can be challenging, but we together can make it. You made a wise choice when you decided to come to GBC to learn English. Here you can improve your language skills in a friendly atmosphere, and you will never feel lonely.
I wanted to become a peer leader because I love helping others. Through your big adventure at GBC, I would be more than happy to help you. Just come to D304A anytime you like!

Christine

Hello, my name is Christine and I came to Toronto from China in January of this year. I just graduated from the ESL program in August 2010. The ESL program at George Brown College not only allowed me to improve my English, it also gave me the opportunity to meet people from different countries and learn about different cultures. As an ESL student myself, I am familiar with the difficulties associated with learning a new language and I can help you to meet those needs. Being a peer leader is a great chance to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who may be struggling in English. I am still learning English myself, and I am happy to learn with you and help you in any way I can.  

Sunny
Dear ESL students,

My name is Sunny from Korea. I’ve recently finished level 8 and I am going to continue in level 9 at GBC. I have participated in workshops and received a lot of assistance from the workshops and Peer Leaders. I am thankful to them. Now, I have a great opportunity to be a Peer Leader. I would like to help you guys improve your English abilities as best as I can. Also, I believe that we all can learn from one another and motivate ourselves to improve our English by taking part in various workshops. Don’t hesitate to knock on the door and drop by to see your Peer Leaders. I am looking forward to seeing you and working with you.
Knock and the door will open!

Natasha
Hi, my name is Natasha. I’m from Uzbekistan –a nice and warm country (45° C during whole summer :) What I like most in Canada (particularly in Toronto) is diversity of cultures, languages, nationalities and arts. I like to learn languages, meet new people and make new friends. I would say I’m fully open to being surprised by everything new here in this country. I believe if we think and work together at improving methods and techniques, we will learn much more. I’m glad to have this amazing opportunity to learn with you and from you. Learning from each other is great idea of peer leadership! Lets dive together into the amazing world of learning English! I look forward to meeting you in room 304A every Tuesday and Thursday. Sincerely yours, Natasha.

ALSO...WAY TO GO, MAYA!!

Great news from one of our excellent Peer Leaders:  Maya Bogatskaya, a student in the post-graduate Small Business Entrepreneurship program at GBC, recently won a bursury for $2000!!   Congratulations, Maya--you deserve it!!!  Thank you for all the amazing work you have done for students at the School of ESL at George Brown College.  We miss you!!