Wednesday, October 27, 2010

More about ArtWorks

ArtWorks is a Unique Training Opportunity

Prince Edward Learning Centre is about to start their third installment of the ArtWorks program. County residents are fortunate to have this unique training opportunity where students learn employability skills in a creative business setting; the ‘art of success in the workplace’.

“The art form we are learning for this installment is mosaics, but really, the students learn far more”, says Lori Farrington, Program Coordinator. “Mosaics are the catalyst that allows us to work as a team for the four weeks the program is running. Students learn about their learning and personality styles, the basics of business, employability skills, and Essential Skills. Students are encouraged and assisted in seeing how the content of the course can help them fulfill their own personal goals and dreams. “It’s not our intention to just teach people how to be mosaic artists, although if that’s what they decide, great”, says Farrington. “However, the majority of participants will most likely choose another career or educational path. The purpose of this program is to learn skills that are transferable to any job.”

The program is an intensive introduction to business. Within the first week, students decide on a charity they’d like to support and then work towards a sale of some kind in which the proceeds are donated to the charity. In the past, ArtWorks students have made donations of time and money to Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors, Quinte Conservation, and the Learning Centre Students’ Council. They will spend 30 hours at The Red Barns, learning how to mosaic and creating pieces of art. As a group, students will learn to plan a sale, market and price their products, advertise an event, etc. The proceeds from the sale are then donated to the chosen charity.

Alison Hale, after completing the first installment of ArtWorks, said, “The program helped me to strengthen all of my Essential Skills. These skills helped me to obtain employment. Because of the program, I am a valued team player.”

If you, or someone you know, is out of work or between jobs and looking to learn some business skills that will boost their resume and job performance, call PELC to book an appointment to learn more. The program runs November 8 – December 3, full days from
9:00am to 4:00pm. No artistic background is needed. The program is for people who want to learn employability skills in a creative business setting. Call Lori Farrington at 613-476-1811 for more information.

Prince Edward Learning Centre is a free adult training and literacy/basics skills agency. Aside from the ArtWorks program, they offer full-time and part-time classes and tutoring. They are located in the lower level of The Armoury on Main Street Picton. 613-476-1811

The Red Barns, located on White Chapel Road, offers weekend or full week workshops in fully equipped art studios. With many workshops to choose, individuals can create blown glass, woodcarvings, pottery, stained glass, paintings, iron art, quilting, and sculpture. Visit their website at www.theredbarns.com or call 613-476-6808.

Monday, October 25, 2010

ArtWorks Program



The ArtWorks program is gearing up to start a new session. This time students will be learning the art of mosaics, while also learning business skills such as team work, time management, event planning, marketing, Essential Skills, and so much more!

The program runs for 4 weeks, and students will spend 2 weeks (half days) out at the Red Barns, learning from the artists, how to make these beautiful pieces. The rest of the time will be spend learning about business, learning styles, how to plan an event and market a product, how to price a product, and how to write press releases and advertise an event. Students will also learn about Essential Skills and how these skills can help assess what is needed in order to succeed in a chosen field of work.

It's a jam-packed 4 weeks!

If you are interested in joining ArtWorks, please call Lori Farrington, Program Coordinator (613) 476-1811.

Friday, October 22, 2010

PELC Staff attends Literacy Conference in Toronto

The staff from PELC just returned from a 3 day Ontario Literacy Coalition conference in Toronto called "Spotlight on Learning: Becoming Agents of Change". The conference was funded by the Government of Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.

www.on.literacy.ca/spotlightonlearning

The conference was for Canada East, but there were people from all across Canada, including the north. It was truly an exceptional chance to network with the field and get a national feel for what's going on in literacy in Canada.

Social media and marketing were big topics and one keynote speaking in particular stood out, Rahaf Harfoush, author of "Yes, We Did: An Inside Look at How Social Media Built the Obama Brand". It was an incredibly fascinating hour.

Other conference workshops highlighted Essential Skills and included topics such as developing partnerships, embracing technology, learning for and at work, linking literacy and society, managing programs, marketing literacy, profiling success stories, and recognizing the profession.

Favourite quotes from the week include:

"Where you are tomorrow, depends on what you learn today."

"I want to go as far as I can, to see how far I can go."

"Within these walls, the walls within disappear."
PELC Students’ Council Meeting Report
by Angela Hopf, Students' Council Secretary
October 14, 2010

Attendance: Robert (President), Angela, Eric, Pat, Ed, Elizabeth, Josiah, Tammy

Staff: Keith, Linda(Executive Director)

Agenda: learning games, need for a vice-chair, t-shirts, mission statement, breakfast, Christmas donation, classroom painting, President's message

Learning Games: Students’ Council will purchase two learning games. Voted in by everyone. Keith and Robert will make this happen.

Vice Chair: Lucinda was voted in unanimously.

T-shirts and sweat shirts: Needs further discussion.

Mission Statement: Still working on for further discussion.

Breakfast: Toast and Jam and muffins as needed. Voted in by everyone.

Shoe Boxes, Angel Tree, or Snowsuit: A decision will be made at the next meeting on whether S.C. will make a donation.

Classroom Painting: Paint colour decisions are made. Classroom is being painted next week.

President's Message: Robert wants the committees to meet every Monday.

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Now Hiring! Adult Literacy Instructor!

Now Hiring!

Literacy Basic Skills Instructor
Extended Hours Classroom

Two evenings a week, 6:30 – 8:30pm, plus 2 hours per week prep time (6 hours total)
$18.00 an hour
Starting as soon as possible until April 2011 with the possibility of contract extension.
Teaching Certificate is not required.

We are looking for an instructor who is patient, kind, and has the ability to help adults achieve their learning goals. Must have good communication skills and be able to work independantly. This person can juggle 2 - 8 students who are working through individual learning materials geared toward their individual goals.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Tamara Porter
Extended Hours Coordinator
Prince Edward Learning Centre
7B – 206 Main Street, Picton
Lower Level of The Armoury
613-476-1811
tamaraporter@pelc.ca

Thank you for your application. Only those granted interviews will be contacted.

http://princeedwardlearningcentre.blogspot.com/