DL Holiday Wish List!

All I wish for!

  Are you looking forward to the holidays?
 Wishing for something different this year?

 There's no need to stop learning English during December and
 January. We can make holiday learning your wish come true.

 Study a specialty English course with an experienced teacher. 
 Have one extra lesson each week for 4 weeks from the comfort 
 of your own home. You can choose one course from these 
 exciting topics.  


   Pronunciation

   Job seeking

   Preparing for IELTS

   Grammar (Beginners and Advanced)

   Preparing for driving tests

   Preparing for citizenship tests

   Pregnancy and child birth

   Customer service/retail

   News and current affairs

   Reading to children

 We are also offering for the first time during January:

Free online group conversation classes - For  Level 3 students. If you are a current or even  an ex-AMEP student, you are welcome to join one or more of these group classes. There's no need for a referral as no AMEP hours will be used for this course.

For more information ask your teacher or click here.

You can ask us a question in the comments box below.

White Ribbon Day - Speaking out

The global movement of the White Ribbon campaign was started by a group of men and boys to raise awareness about violence against women. The white ribbon is a symbol of men giving up their arms to say NO to domestic violence.

On 25th November, White Ribbon Day promotes healthy relationships, gender equality and women's safety. The campaign highlights the role men and boys play in preventing the violence.  Men are asking other men to stand up, speak out and act to say no to men's violence against their mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. Men and women across Australia are called to wear a white ribbon as a visual symbol of their commitment to this cause.

If you're a man and know, hear about or witness violence against a woman, what can you do?
Watch this video or click here for tips on what action you can take.

If you're a woman affected by domestic violence, what can you do?
Find help here in your state, find information in your language here or speak to one of our Pathways Advisers who can refer you to a local organisation that can assist you.  All information is confidential.

For more information about what domestic violence means, refer to the Factsheets.

Why not speak out by adding a comment on the blog?

Vera follows her heart

Paul & Vera visiting Moscow

Vera has moved across the globe to be with her husband. Paul and Vera met online about six years ago when she was living in Russia and he was in Australia.  When they were chatting online Vera would type in Russian and press the 'translate' button so Paul could read what she had written and vice versa. "We communicated every day for a year before I knew we could no longer be apart." she said.

Vera's English improved since starting to learn English in the AMEP both in the classroom and by Distance Learning with teacher Karen. Vera was an economics teacher in Russia but is starting a new career in childcare and is determined to achieve her goal.  "Studying in the AMEP has helped me greatly with my English", Vera said.  "I really want a career working with children and my English must be up to standard to do so.  If you're smart and you keep working and keep trying you can do anything you want.  If I can do this at the age of 56, anyone can."

Vera's improved English will help her to complete her Diploma in Early Childhood Education.  She is gaining experience working with young children by teaching art and craft at the local public school.  When she completes her studies, Vera hopes to find work in a child care centre. "Aside from my husband, I haven't had the opportunity to practise my English by talking to a lot of people, so these courses have helped me very much," Vera said.

About communicating with her husband Vera said, "Communication has never been an issue with my husband and I; when we first met all we had to do was look into each other's eyes and we knew there was love.  A lot of people decide to move to Australia for a better life but I moved here for love and for happiness.  The heart wants what the heart wants, so follow your heart and never give up - that's my advice to anyone wanting to find happiness and take on a challenge.  Anything is possible."

Thanks Vera for sharing your story of love, hard work and determination.  We wish you all the best for your life in Australia.

• In what ways does Vera's story inspire you?
• What is the secret to good communication?
• What do you think of Vera's advice to "follow your heart"?
• What are your future goals? How do you overcome obstacles to achieving them?

Why not support Vera by adding a comment below!

You've got to be in it to win it!

Teacher Ross

Each year we celebrate Melbourne Cup day on the first Tuesday of November. They say it's the race that stops the nation. In fact in Victoria it is a public holiday.  Although those who live in other states are not as lucky we still like to join in and have a bit of fun.  

Last Tuesday most of our DL teachers turned up to work as usual, not thinking it was actually Melbourne Cup day, because this year it fell on the 1st day of November. But nothing could stop us from celebrating.  

The office sweep was very popular and staff members had a bet on one or more of the race horses. At 3 pm those of us who were not in the middle of teaching a DL lesson, gathered to watch the race together while enjoying some party snacks.  

Although we all wanted to win, most of us were not very hopeful. It seemed like Teacher Ross, however, was preparing for a win.  Not only that Ross placed the highest bet in the office on horses but he was the first teacher turning up to watch the race, seated and ready to win.

We don't know if the secret to winning was good planning, an optimistic attitude or sheer good luck but sure enough as the winning horse was announced Ross found out he'd won the first prize and he was happy.  His investment of $5 on 5 horses more than doubled and he was ready to go home with a big smile on his face. On his way out, Ross was stopped to be told he had also won the third prize.  This was indeed the race that stopped Ross.

Ross said, "I felt lucky as the horses I thought would win were not the ones who ended up winning.  It's always a surprise!"   With the money, Ross treated himself to a therapeutic massage from Louisa, the masseur who visits our DL office every Wednesday. Congratulations Ross!

• Have you ever won anything?
• What would you do if you won a million dollars?
• Do you believe in luck?  Do you believe that some people are just lucky? Why/why not?

Don't forget to share your answers or comments on the story below.