PELC Holiday Hours

Prince Edward Learning Centre
will be closing on Thursday, Dec. 22nd at 2:00pm.

We will re-open Monday, Jan. 9th at 8:30am.


Merry Christmas!
See you in the New Year!

Door Decorating Contest

By Angela Hopf, Student Council Co-Chair

For at least 10 years, PELC has been hosting a Door Decorating Contest for the Lower Level of The Armoury. This year, the Student Council organized it.

There were three doors that were decorated, beautiful and colourful.

The judges were people from the different offices on the Upper Level of The Armoury.

There was a tie between the PELC Classroom and the PELC Main Office. The prize was a gift basket containing hot chocolate, marshmallows, coffee, and tea. Everyone shared the prize.


(Loyola School of Adult and Continuing Education)




(PELC Classroom)





(PELC Main Office)

Merry Christmas!

The PELC Student Council wishes everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2012!

By Angela Hopf, Student Council Co-Chair

Christmas Lunch

On Thursday, December 15th, over 40 people attended the Prince Edward Learning Centre Christmas Lunch. PELC, along with Loyola Learning Centre, invited all of our students and staff. There was a lot of delicious food - a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! Door prizes were donated by a student. Ten lucky winners went home with something special. Everyone pitched in to cook, serve, and do the clean-up.

We all had a great day!

Reported by: Angela Hopf, Student Council Co-Chair

Emergency Preparedness

Two staff members attended an Emergency Evacuation Exercise for Prince Edward County. They came home with some very useful information, including these two links. I thought I'd pass them along...couldn't hurt to take a read...maybe even put together a little kit?


Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
(Public Safety Canada)

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/_fl/pub/ep-gd-prprtn-eng.pdf


Emergency Management Ontario Website
(Government of Ontario)
http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/prepare/emergency.html

Internet Course

The second Internet course is almost over...3 more days!

We will be offering this course again in 2012!

Now booking computer classes for 2012!

Click on image for larger view.

Free Learning Source!

Check out this great site! It's a website that provides free online learning opportunities!

From the website:
GCFLearnFree.org® creates and provides quality, innovative online learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the technology, literacy and math skills needed to be successful in both work and life. By delivering over 750 different lessons to millions of people in over 200 countries and territories ABSOLUTELY FREE, GCFLearnFree.org is a worldwide leader in online education. View one tutorial. Complete a whole class. We believe there's freedom in the ability to learn what you want, when you want, regardless of income or circumstances.

GCFLearnFree.org is a program of Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC, Inc. All GCFLearnFree.org educational content is designed and produced in the GCF Global Learning® building in Downtown Raleigh, NC.

For example, their computer courses include:

Computer Basics - If you are new to the computer or just want to know more about how it works then Computer Basics is the place to start.
Internet Basics - Become Internet savvy with tutorials on how to browse effectively, maintain your safety and network socially while online.
Email Basics - Learn the basics of email and other ways to communicate online in today's world.
Social Media - Gain 21st century skills with our new social media topics including Facebook and Twitter.
Google - Enhance your life with tutorials on Google apps and services like Gmail, Google Docs and more.
Microsoft Office - Acquire essential skills for producing professional work with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
Windows - Learn the tools and features of the various versions of the Windows Operating System from Microsoft.
Apple - Curious about the iPad, Lion, or iCloud? Learn all about these innovative products and services with our new Apple tutorials.
Mac OS X Lion - Get to know Mac OS X Lion, Apple's new operating system for Macs.
Google Docs 101 - Create, edit and share documents while online with this free, web-based office suite from Google.
Microsoft Word - Microsoft Word, a popular word processing software, is essential for producing documents for both home and work.
Microsoft Excel - Understanding how to create spreadsheets and workbooks in Microsoft Excel is an important skill to acquire.
Microsoft PowerPoint - Learn how to wow and audience with presentations you can create in Microsoft PowerPoint.
Microsoft Access - Understand how to use a Microsoft Access relational database to manage and report large amounts of information.
OpenOffice.org - OpenOffice.org, version 1.1, is a free open source office suite for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.


There are hundreds of other lessons on a variety of subjects including Money, Everyday Life, Job Development, Reading, Math, and more!

Thanksgiving Lunch!

What a busy place PELC is today! Over 20 people are scurrying about, getting ready for our annual Thanksgiving Lunch that we have with Loyola Learning Centre. Last year, we fed over 40 people! Students and staff from both organizations come together to cook three turkeys, giant pots of potatoes, big trays of dressing, vats of gravy, and enough desserts to open a bakery! It's a wonderful day, where everyone works together to prepare a fabulous meal. We're all so thankful for our many blessings.

Turkey Dinner

We are going to eat turkey on Thursday!

Teaching Computers!

We are learning how to blog! But...we are dreaming of pie!

PELC looking for supply staff

Prince Edward Learning Centre is currently compiling a list of supply instructors for on-call, as-needed basis. Successful candidates will have flexible schedules to allow for last minute availability. A teaching degree is not required; however we are looking for someone who is patient, kind, reliable, and interested in helping adults achieve their learning goals. Must have good communication skills and have the ability to juggle up to 10 students who are working through individual learning materials geared toward their individual goals. Strong math and computer skills required. An understanding of adult literacy and adult learning principles is an asset. May be required to supply in reception area as well.

If you are interested, please email your resume to Linda Conley, Executive Director (princeedwardlearning@bellnet.ca ) before November 1, 2011.

For more information on PELC, please call 613-476-1811 or visit our blog:
http://princeedwardlearningcentre.blogspot.com

September 8th is International Literacy Day!

Take the Challenge
On September 8th, get involved and take the International Literacy Day Challenge. This year’s challenge focuses on literacy and essential skills for everyone, everywhere. Try out some of these activities to celebrate International Literacy Day – and continue to practice literacy and essential skills every day!

1. Read a book to a child
2. Have a child read a book to an adult
3. Start a blog
4. Take a professional development course
5. Join a social media platform – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
6. Write a letter to an old friend – the snail mail way!
7. Share this list with friends and coworkers – and dare them to take the challenge!
8. Play a game of Scrabble
9. Look up and learn a new word (and continue to do so every day for a month!)
10. Use a new form of technology (Smartphone, self‐serve checkout, etc.)

(From: http://abclifeliteracy.ca/take-challenge)

Call PELC to see how we can help you learn something new!

PELC offering computer classes this fall.

PELC will be offering computer classes this fall, beginning on Sept. 12th. They vary from the courses we've been teaching in that these are instructor lead classes. Three classes: Computer Basics, Microsoft Word 2007, and The Internet. Call 613-476-1811 for more information!

Computer Basics for Everyone
Learn the basics of working on a computer: turning it on & off, using a mouse, opening & closing programs, and much more! If you’ve never used a computer, or have limited knowledge, this course is for you.
Sept. 12 - 14 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) - 1:00 - 3:00pm (1 week - 6hrs total)

Microsoft Word 2007 plus Office Suite Overview
If employment is your goal, but you don’t know how to use Word to type business letters, create simple posters, or format a resume, this course is for you. Learn how to format fonts, copy & cut information, disk & file management, and much more! Potential to leave with examples for your portfolio.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 12 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) - 10:00 - 12:00 (4 weeks - 24hrs total)

The Internet for Enjoyment
Learn about search engines, websites, Facebook, Gmail & Hotmail, online shopping , YouTube, and much more! If you have limited experience with ‘surfing the net’, this course is for you!
Sept. 26 - Oct. 12 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) - 1:00 - 3:00pm (3 weeks - 18hrs total)

PELC celebrates summer with a BBQ lunch!

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, PELC had a delicious barbecue lunch. We had hotdogs, hamburgers, devilled eggs, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Everyone enjoyed the feast.


The Students’ Council presented Emma Thompson, our summer student, with some farewell gifts. Emma is heading back to school at McGill University. She will be missed.





Submitted by Angela Hopf, Student Council

Student Council Field Trip to Belleville

On Thursday, August 4, 2011, our class went on a field trip to went to Belleville. The field trip was paid for by Students’ Council.

Our first stop was Quinte Bowl.



We had fun. We played 3 rounds of 5 pin bowling.








We had lunch at Riverside Park. It was very enjoyable and relaxing.





For the rest of the afternoon, we played Mini-Golf at the Quinte Mall. It was great fun, but very hot.




Submitted by Angela Hopf, Student Council Vice-Chair & Secretary

Thanks for a Successful and Entertaining AGM!

PELC held our Annual General Meeting last night. It was a wonderful evening, with about 25-30 in attendance. We started with a light meal prepared by PELC staff, then moved into the meeting portion of the evening, which went quickly and smoothly.


The Board of Directors surprised the staff with beautiful 'Years of Service Recognition Awards', as everyone has been with the agency for over 10 years (except Robin, our tutor, who is working on her second year but, we hope, will continue on with us). The staff wishes to thank the Board for the recognition. It was a nice addition to the evening.



Storyteller David Sweet, from Books & Company, was kind enough to entertain us with his hilarious stories of the trials and tribulations of everyday life, including owning both a store and a septic bed! Hilarious. Thanks, David! We appreciate your words and your kindness.




PELC Student Council Chair and Co-Chair, Lucinda R. and Angela H., presented a slide show entitled "PELC Student Council Year in Review", which gave our audience a taste of what the students council does at PELC. Thanks Lucinda and Angela for doing such a wonderful job!






Keith, our lead instructor, prestented Learning Certificates to students Angela, Lucinda, and Gladys, who were all in attendance. Angela also received a special gift, as she graduated high school in 2011. We're very proud of her, as we are of all of our students.





It was a wonderful evening! Thanks to everyone who came out to support PELC, especially our community partners Jo-anne (OW), Donna (Career Edge), Stacey (QUADS), and Councillor Barb Proctor. And a special thanks to Janie, our Ministry of Training Colleges, and Universities Employment and Training Consultant.



THANK YOU!

Thanks Sobeys! Truly a neighborhood grocery store!

Thanks to the generousity of Jamie Yeo and his staff at Picton Sobeys and their customers, PELC's Loonies for Literacy Donation Add-On Campaign raised $380.00! Thank you!!!

Storyteller David Sweet to entertain at our AGM

If you're a fan of a 'good yarn' or a 'tall tale' be sure to head over to PELC's Annal General Meeting! You won't be disappointed!

Please join Prince Edward Learning Centre board members, staff, and students on Thursday, August 18th, 2011 for our Annual General Meeting.

Presentation of Learning Certificates to celebrate the achievements of our students followed by a Student Council presentation.

With special guest speaker: Storyteller David Sweet
(Books & Company, PEC Authors Festival)

Free light meal at 5:30 p.m. (Please call to RSVP 613-476-1811)
Meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Lower Level of The Armoury, Picton
Please use the SIDE door. Free parking is available.

Please RSVP if you are able to join us for the meal. 613-476-1811

Literacy Opens Doors

Special thanks to Isabelle Patton at Books & Company for her window display "Literacy Opens Doors". Be sure to head down and check out the window...and while you're there be sure to 'open the door' and see everything that Books & Company has to offer! If they don't have it in stock, their friendly staff would be more than happy to order it in for you!

Tag Day Raises $710.44!

Loonies for Literacy Tag Day ran on Friday, August 12th. The grand total raised was $710.44! We are incredibly happy and thankful for such a generous community!

Very special thanks to PELC students Angela H., Kathryn H., Bill R., Jason S., Bill B., Blair W., high school volunteer Amanda Wade, our summer student Emma Thompson and her sister Hannah, PELC Board Member Virginia Cresswell-Jones and Board Chair Fergus Millar, our Board Member Wayne Carruthers and his extra volunteers Annette Gaskin, Angela Palmer, and Fran Renoy, and PELC Executive Director Linda Conley. In total, 16 people helped with Tag Day.

As stated, $710.44 was raised. Thanks to the three collection sites for their cooperation. The breakdown of money is as follows: LCBO Picton ($299.97), The Armoury ($217.45), and Pharma Plus ($193.02).

And a giant thank you to everyone who made a donation!


Photo L-R:
Fergus Millar, PELC Board Chair, and Emma Thompson, PELC Summer Student in front of The Armoury. PELC is located in the lower level.

Sobeys Window of Loonies

The window of Loonies is getting fuller! Keep it going and block out the sun!
Thanks everyone!