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Local teacher receives State Award for outstanding career

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Events Management teacher Robyn Spencer has received a NSW Quality Teaching Award.
 
Robyn, a teacher at Northern Sydney Institute's, Northern Beaches College received the award for her long standing commitment to vocational educational and training and excellence in teaching.
 
Robyn attended an awards ceremony at Government House in Sydney on 7 November, 2011.
 
One of the education sectors greatest honours, the Quality Teaching award was presented by the NSW Minister for Education and Communities and the Australian College of Educators, and recognises and celebrates accomplished teaching practice.
 
Robyn was one of only six teachers in NSW to receive the award.
 
Robyn said she was honoured to receive the award.
 
“I was very excited to hear I had won the award, I felt very privileged to be considered amongst such an accomplished group of teachers,” she said.
 
An experienced teacher, Robyn began teaching Hair and Beauty at Northern Sydney Institute 26 years ago, however later decided she wanted to teach Events Management.
 
In 2000, Robyn undertook an Executive Diploma of Event Management at the University of Technology in Sydney and transformed her career. While at Northern Sydney Institute, Robyn has also completed an Advanced Diploma of Event Management and has worked as a TVET coordinator and Job Place coordinator.
 
Passionate about education, Robyn said teaching has been a labour of love.
 
“I’m very passionate about teaching and I have always believed everyone has the right to learn and be educated.
 
“As a teacher, I have the opportunity to evaluate an individual students learning style and adapt my teaching style to suit the individual student.”

‘Reel Event’ Film Festival attracts the industry’s best

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Think you’ve seen all the best of Sydney films this year? Not until you’ve seen this!
 
NSI’s Meadowbank College Diploma of Communication and Media students are hosting their own spectacular film festival ‘Reel Event’ at NSI’s Meadowbank College on 17 November, 2011.
 
Some of Sydney’s finest up and coming film makers will present a bevy of original short,  2 – 15 minute films including documentaries, film trailers, comedies, romances and thrillers across two sessions.
 
The ABC’s Hungry Beast presenters Dan Ilic, Mark Fennell and Monique Schafter will be amongst the special guests attending the event. Other special guests will include directors of Sydney’s biggest and well-known festivals, the Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Underground Film Festival, Access All Areas Film Festival and Bondi Film Festival.
 
The students have each spent several months working on the films and promoting the festival, all in anticipation of the big event.
 
“It’s been a great experience for the students in the lead up to this,” said Communication and Media Teacher, Mike Horan.
 
“It’s been a project where each of the students have had to either produce a short film or be involved in promoting the festival.
 
"The students have had to come up with an idea, write the script, film and edit their work, design a website and produce promotional material, then present the final product on the day of the event.
 
“They’ve had to work with deadlines, organise with clients and get their creative ideas in a form which people will recognise and enjoy,” said “It’s a great chance for them to put their best foot forward and make their introduction into the industry.”
 
The event will also include a gallery of works from emerging artists who study fine arts at Meadowbank College and creative food displays by the hospitality students from NSI’s Ryde College.
 
Graduating media and communications Communication and Media students have the opportunity to articulate to university or enter the industry in a range of areas including journalism, film and television as well as script writing.
 
Reel Event Film Festival

Where?
TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute
Meadowbank College, P block
See Street, Meadowbank
NSW
 
When?
Thursday 17 November
2.00 – 5.00pm
7.00 – 10.00pm

 
For more information call 131 674.

Neil Perry turns up the heat at Northern Sydney Institute

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Neil Perry had students burning with excitement as he presented an Asian Masterclass at NSI's Ryde College recently.

Neil Perry is one of Australia’s leading and most influential chefs, and owns and manages several quality restaurants across Australia including Sydney’s famous ‘Rockpool’ restaurant.

Eager to learn as much as they could from the culinary icon, commercial cookery students from across the college watched on as Neil Perry created two flavoursome dishes.
 
Neil demonstrated how to cook Beef Fillet in Fire Water as well as Leatherjacket Drowned in Heaven Facing Chillies and Sichuan Peppercorns, sharing cooking techniques and information on ingredients with students.
 
Students were also able to ask Neil questions while he cooked and were able to taste his delicious creations.
 
Neil said it was a great to be able to share some of his knowledge and experiences as a chef with the students.
 
“My recent Masterclass at Ryde TAFE was such a great moment for me. I enjoyed seeing the bright, young and eager faces before me – and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to impart a little of what I do to the next generation,” he said.
 
“It is vital in this industry that we share our knowledge and nurture the talent this country breeds.
 
“Classes like this, and institutions like TAFE are a necessary resource.
 
“I look forward to the next one.”
 
Are you thinking of a career in Hospitality?
 
NSI is enrolling now for 2012.  Enrol online now for your chosen course and location or in person 24 and 25 January 2012.

Bradfield College student set to be a superstar

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Local 16 year old Natasha Duarte is a year 11 Bradfield Senior College student taking the music world by storm.
 
Boasting a resume that reads well beyond her years, Natasha has already signed a recording contract with Empire records and is about to finish recording her first album.
 
Most recently, Natasha won the 2011 Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) National Song writing Competition. The largest songwriting competition open to all school aged children in Australia, the competition attracts a high caliber of young performing artists.
 
Natasha wowed judges at the competition with a single off her first album, “You don’t know me.”
 
“It was great to win, winning this competition will certainly help me with my future in music,” she said.
 
“With the prize, I’ll also be able to buy myself a new guitar which I really need, and am really excited about!”
 
While she continues to build her career, Natasha will complete her HSC next year at Bradfield Senior College which is part of TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute.
 
‘I have a fantastic music teacher who has really helped me understand music, and who has taught me so much,” she said.
 
“At Northern Sydney Institute’s Bradfield Senior College, they treat you like an adult, and you can have a conversation with your teachers on an even level. It makes a big difference to how well you learn.”
 
The young artist has bright hopes, and says she plans to continue breaking new ground with her original lyrics. 
 
Bradfield Senior College enrolling now for 2012. 
 
Call 9448 4200 or visit Bradfield Senior College
 

NSW Minister for Education opens new EcoSkills training facility

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The NSW Minister for Education, the Hon Adrian Piccoli MP officially opened TAFE NSW –Northern Sydney Institute’s (NSI) EcoSkills Training Structure on the 17 November.
 
Located at NSI’s Hornsby College, the EcoSkills Training Structure is a unique full scale student construction project, designed to demonstrate environmental sustainability principles.
 
The Minister opened the facility and then joined TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute Director Kevin Harris, staff and students for a tour of the new facility.
 
“The EcoSkills Training Structure is a striking example of how education and industry can work together to strengthen students’ employment opportunities,” Mr Piccoli said.
 
“Sustainability is one of the fastest growing industries in the global economy.
 
“The students and staff have invested every bit of sustainable practice they can into the design, materials selection and construction of this inspiring structure.
 
“This facility will be enjoyed and admired by teachers and students for generations to come. Well done to everyone involved,” Mr Piccoli said.
 
Green skills are embedded in every aspect of the EcoSkills facility, which is to be used as a practical learning and assessment resource for students.

Students from architectural technology, carpentry and joinery, electro-technology, plumbing and landscape construction and land management participated in the building of the project.
 
Features of the EcoSkills structure include solar panels, grid connected systems for the installation of solar photo voltaic cells, energy efficient light fittings and dual roofing surfaces.
 
The structure also incorporates the use of recycled materials, including recycled paper, chemically treated to enhance its insulation properties.
 
The EcoSkills Training Structure has been modelled to enable learning and assessment of installation of insulation within the roof cavity and of solar panels on the roof. Both tile and corrugated iron is used as the roofing material, to enable the different methods of installation carried out.
 
The scaffolding of the building is also now used to deliver “Working Safely at Heights” training for builders and electricians.
NSI is a leader in sustainability education and training, and is the only TAFE in NSW with full ISO14001 accreditation.

NSI offer environmentally based courses and modules across all industry sectors, covering subjects such as renewable energy; dual grid installation; insulation training; energy, water and waste minimisation; green plumbing; automotive gas refitting; and ecologically sustainable building design and construction.
 
NSI also offer carbon accounting and applied environmental management courses.

Thinking of a career in environmental sustainability in 2012? Click here for more information.
 
NSI is enrolling now for 2012.
 
Enrol now on line or in person 24 and 25 January 2012.

Director General of the Department of Education and Communities visits TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute

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Director General of the Department of Education and Communities Dr Michele Bruniges and Deputy Director General of TAFE and Community Education Pam Christie today visited TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, at Meadowbank College and Ryde College.
 
Dr Bruniges and Ms Christie met with the Institutes Director Kevin Harris, Institute Associate Director Brenda Cleaver, Meadowbank College Associate Director Elizabeth Webb and Ryde College Associate Director Elizabeth Smith, NSI staff and toured each college to meet with students and teaching staff.
 
During the tour of NSI’s Meadowbank College, Dr Bruniges and Ms Christie visited the Sydney Academy of Hair and Beauty, Nursing, Massage facilities, Carpentry and Joinery section, School Trades Centre, See Street Gallery and the facilities for the delivery of the new Higher Education Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) degree which will commence in 2012.
 
At NSI’s Ryde College, the tour included the recently completed Commercial Cookery kitchens, Baking section, Floristry, the Sydney Coffee Academy and Le Cordon Bleu. The tour also included the extensive Horticulture training area including irrigation facilities.

Eco-dog house design a winner with RSPCA

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The Carpentry and Joinery students at NSI’s North Sydney College have made the dogs at the RSPCA Sydney shelter very happy with their recent new winning eco-doghouse design!
 
Saturday, 26 November the RSPCA NSW, TAFE NSW and Bunning’s Warehouse joined forces once again for the 9th Annual Doghouse Challenge.
 
The group of 14 North Sydney College students battled it out against students from across NSW at Bunning’s Warehouse in Hoxton Park to win the title of ‘Best Eco-Friendly Design’.
 
NSI’s winning Gazebo style dog house was made of sustainable pine timber supplied by Bunning’s warehouse.
 
Each year the challenge showcases the designs and craftsmanship of TAFE NSW students using materials provided by Bunning’s Warehouse to build doghouses for RSPCA NSW.
The finished doghouses will be handed over to the RSPCA’s Sydney shelter in Yagoona.
 
Each of the competing teams only had 30 minutes to construct their doghouses before judging commenced and RSPCA NSW Shelter dogs were invited to inspect and “evaluate” the finished products.
 
“We’re always really impressed with the doghouse designs,” said RSPCA NSW Animal Wellbeing Support Coordinator Hannah Burfitt.
 
“The students work really hard and put a lot of thought into constructing houses that are suitable for and appealing to dogs."
 
Ezio Favretti, Head Teacher of Carpentry and Joinery at NSI’s North Sydney College said it was great to see the students working together to assist the RSPCA.
 
“The students were all very enthusiastic on the day and were happy to support the RSCPA and assist with the building of the doghouses,” he said.
 
“It’s a fun day for everyone involved, and very interesting watching the students come up with their designs and the different ways of manufacturing the doghouse.”

Floristry students bring carnival fun to NSI!

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Beautiful flowers and lots of Carnival fun came together at Ryde College last week to form one of NSI’s most extravagant Floristry showcases yet!
 
Students from the Certificate II, Certificate III and Certificate IV in Floristry course created a spectacular display of Wedding or Luna Park Carnival themed floral arrangements.
 
Popcorn, fairy floss, carnival food including mini hotdogs, take away noodle boxes and mini burgers completed the evening, giving guests an authentic carnival experience.
 
Floral arrangements included colourful designs, with some even including a Ferris wheel and carousel.  The wedding arrangements were just as eye catching, incorporating traditional roses and Lilly’s to tropical blooms such as anthuriums and favourites lisianthus and peonies.
 
Head Teacher of Floristry Natasha Hattersley said the students put on a fantastic show.
 
“We were all very impressed with the quality of the work, the students really did embrace the theme.”

“It’s an important skill to learn, as in the workplace the students need to learn how to be creative and come up with a design that meets the needs of the customer.”

Helping the community, one garden at a time

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Landscape Construction students from NSI's Ryde College last week completed a community garden project for the home care residents at the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC), Rydalmere. 

Elizabeth Smith, NSI Ryde College Director and Manager Behaviour Services, Geoffrey Tyson and Principal Nurse and Manager Sing Ting officially opened the centre, celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Eighteen students from Ryde College undertaking the Certificate III in Landscape Construction participated in the construction of the garden, completing the project over several weeks.
 
Designed to be an attractive recreation area within the home care grounds for residents, the garden design includes a range of tailor made features to meet the needs of clients at the home care centre.

The garden includes colourful plants at ground level, timber decking, stone paving and unitary paving, pergola, as well as a brick entertaining area with a new BBQ.
 
Sing Ting said the garden would ensure residents with special needs would have a readily accessible recreation space within the home care grounds.
 
“It’s important to understand how much the garden will mean to the residents here,” she explained.
 
“The residents now have a safe area close by within the grounds where they can enjoy the outdoors and have somewhere to spend time with their families.
 
“The patients here have really been through a lot, so it’s wonderful that they now have a beautiful garden here.”
 
“I’d like to thank TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute’s Ryde College students for making the garden possible. They have done a spectacular job.”
 
Landscape construction student Theodorus Balafas said it was great to be able to assist the local community.

“One of the best things you can possibly do in life is help someone else,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic experience, and on behalf of all the students we have really enjoyed building the garden.”

“It’s also been a good opportunity for us to put into practice everything we have learnt throughout the course.”

NSI student’s short film steals hearts

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NSI student and film buff Marcus Graham is making a name for himself in the film industry, impressing judges at the recent TAFE NSW TAFE Clips competition with his film ‘I love you’.
 
Marcus, a TVET student at NSI’s North Sydney College, received the Industry Awards runner up prize at the event for his 80 second excerpt from the film, winning $1000 and his choice of Adobe products.
 
Two of Marcus’s short film clips made it into the final 15, his short teaser for his signature film ‘I love you’ winning the judges attention.
 
“I tried to incorporate many themes into the film. The film explores the potential of the human mind and is inspired by lucid dreaming,” he said.
 
“I wanted to use the film to explore as many mediums as possible; I had a lot of freedom in making this film.”
 
Originally his year 12 Visual Arts major work, ‘I love you’ is a pastiche of several different art mediums, including 3D animation, drawing and paint backdrops. The film tells the story of a young boy’s struggle to come to terms with a traumatic event.
 
Held at the ABC centre in Ultimo, the TAFE NSW TAFE Clips Awards presentation acknowledged some of NSW’s best young film producers.
 
“I’d like to continue making films that really push the boundaries,” he said.
 
“The film industry is one of the most highly saturated industries there is, but in a way that’s what makes it so exciting.
 
“The fact that there are so many people making films, it pushes you to really create something outside the norm, something that people recognise and remember.”
 
“I’ve still got a lot to learn, but it’s a great form of expression.”

Be creative - enrol in art ‘summer school’

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Craving a creative outlet these school holidays? Looking to be one step ahead next year?
 
NSI are offering students a range of intensive one week summer school courses, giving students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills.
 
The courses focus on a range of mediums including drawing, painting, creative and commercial photography, sculpture (bronze casting), colour theory/practical, printmaking and fashion design.
 
Students can also participate in animation, ‘Live Sound for Rock Bands’ and short film making courses at North Sydney College.
 
NSI’s summer school program will keep your creativity flowing over the break and is the perfect opportunity to work on your portfolio for school or university!
 
Designed for students with some existing skills in their chosen practice, each course allows students access to facilities and great technical advice.

Throughout the intensive one week course you will have time to work on your own projects and major art works, under the guidance of the industry’s best teachers. 


Summer School
Enrol online by 18 December, 2011.
 
Where?

Meadowbank College is offering courses in drawing, painting, creative photography, sculpture (bronze casting), colour theory/practical, printmaking.
 
Hornsby College is offering courses in drawing, painting, commercial and creative photography, printmaking, fashion design, art and technology.
 
Northern Beaches College is offering courses in drawing, painting and creative photography.
 
North Sydney College is offering courses in animation, creative photography,’ Live Sound for Rock Bands’ and short film making.
 
When?
Monday 9 January, 2012 - Friday 13 January 2012 (Meadowbank, Hornsby and Northern Beaches College)
Tuesday 10 January - Friday 13 January (North Sydney College).

9:30 - 4:30am.
 
Cost:
$550 for all art, film and fine arts courses.

NSI shares a special gift this Christmas

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Staff at NSI's Ryde College recently gave a helping hand behind the scenes at the annual Christmas Party for Special Children at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney.
 
Ryde College staff volunteered their time to prepare lunch for the party.
 
Each year the party provides special needs children from organisations and schools across Sydney and country NSW with a spectacular Christmas feast.
 
The Christmas party included appearances by Sponge Bob Squarepants, Sparky the Clown, and special guest Santa Clause.
 
NSI Director Kevin Harris said the Institute was proud to assist with the Christmas party.
 
“Our teachers and support staff couldn’t give up their time for a better cause and seeing the smile on the children’s faces is a huge reward,” Mr Harris.

NSI student receives 2011 Hornsby Art Prize

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Local Hornsby resident and NSI student Douglas Cham has won the 2011 Hornsby Art Prize Sculpture Award for his art work.
 
The 2011 Hornsby Art Prize exhibition featured more than 200 outstanding works of art, including sculpture works, drawing, painting and print making.
 
His winning artwork ‘Banana Kids’, comprised of two separate sculptures ‘The listener’ and the ‘Sleeper’ reflect Chinese Australians experience and life within contemporary Australian society.
 
“The term Banana Kids refers to Chinese-Australian children in Australia, on the outside while they may look Chinese, on the inside they are very much Australian.
 
"They are both a mix of Australian and Chinese cultures.”
 
A former photographer, Douglas has been focusing on sculptures since 2006. Douglas recently enrolled in the Open Studio Practice - TAFE PLUS Statement at TAFE NSW –Northern Sydney Institute’s Hornsby College.
 
Douglas said he is happy to receive the award, and hopes his sculptures will continue to communicate a powerful message to viewers.
 
“I’ve always been very artistic, but working with sculpture is a way I can communicate with others and reflect on our society.”

Local landscape artist receives industry honour

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International WorldSkills Competitor and local Landscape gardener Richard May was recently acknowledged at a special recognition dinner at NSI's Ryde College.
 
Richard’s former employer, Ron Berkelmans from Good Manors Pools and Gardens in Lilyfield and currently vice president of the Landscape NSW ACT (LNA) presented Richard with a one year provisional membership to LNA, the NSW’s key landscape industry association.
 
Already a master of his trade at only 23 years of age, Richard received a Medal of Excellence for his performance in the Landscape Gardening category at the 2011 International WorldSkills competition, held in London in October this year.
 
The WorldSkills competition brings together the finest young professionals from 51 countries in trades and technologies to compete for the title of ‘best in the world’.
 
Richard completed his Certificate III in Landscape Construction at NSI’s Ryde College and completed his apprenticeship at Good Manors Pools and Gardens. Only recently, Richard started his own business.
 
Ron Berkelmans said it was important that the industry maintained a good relationship with training organisations such as TAFE NSW, to ensure there are the right courses and quality training available for apprentices and landscape ‘artists’ in line with industry needs.
 
“The Australian Landscape industry has come a long way in the last 20 years from basic gardener to master landscapers creating outdoor living spaces,” he said.
 
“It’s now a very sophisticated industry that relies on the knowledge and skills of expert tradespeople.”
 
“Over the last 25 years at Good Manors we have employed dozens of students from TAFE NSW, and we know each time the students have come from a supportive learning environment and that they have gained the additional skills they need which we can’t provide in the workplace.”
 
“Richard was a keen learner, and he has a great future ahead of him. I am very proud to present Richard with this provisional membership to Landscape NSW ACT.”
 
Richard said he was honoured to receive the accolade, “It’s great to have so much support from both my trainers and industry,” he said.
 
“I’m still really just starting out in the industry; it’s really quite a shock and a great honour. I’m very grateful to have achieved so much already.”

WorldSkills winners celebrate a fantastic year!

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International WorldSkills competitors Kate Crocker and Richard May celebrated the end of their fantastic and successful year at a recognition dinner at NSI's Ryde College.
 
Kate and Richard were both awarded a certificate of appreciation for their hard work and were acknowledged for their achievements at the 2011 International WorldSkills Competition held in October last year.
 
Kate received a Silver Medal in the Restaurant Service Catagory and Richard received a Medal of Excellence for his performance in the Landscape Gardening category at the 2011 International WorldSkills competition.
 
Teachers and trainers who helped prepare Kate and Richard were also given special thanks on the evening.
 
Richard’s former employer, Ron Berkelmans from Good Manors Pools and Gardens in Lilyfield presented Richard with a one year membership to Landscape NSW ACT (LNA), the NSW’s key landscape industry association.
 
Richard completed his Certificate III in Landscape Construction at NSI’s Ryde College, while Kate Crocker completed her Certificate III and Diploma of Events at Ryde College.
 
The WorldSkills competition brought together the finest young professionals from 51 countries in trades and technologies to compete for the title of ‘best in the world’.
 
“It’s been a fantastic year, without the support and all the training provided by my teachers I never would have been able to do so well, without them, none of this would have been possible,” said Kate.
 
“I feel very privileged to have been able to compete at an international level; I’ve grown so much as a person.”

Appetite For Success graduates top of their class

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Seventeen NSI ‘Appetite for Success’ participants celebrated their graduation at Zest Waterfront Venues, Sydney.
 
This was the very first group of TAFE NSW students to graduate from the program. The graduation presentation was attended by the hospitality industry’s most elite chefs and food and beverage professionals including Matthew Kemp, Warren Turnball, John Deane and Adam Moore.
 
Designed to develop the talents of chefs and food and beverage attendants already working within the industry, the Appetite for Success program saw participants from NSI and Sydney Institute (SI) paired together with high profile industry mentors.
 
Throughout the program students each had their own tailored learning program, were able to attend master classes, regular workshops with their mentors and completed group tasks.
 
A range of awards were presented on the graduation evening, including the highly coveted King Salmon Award, was won by Thomas Mustafa. The King Salmon Award required apprentices to create and cook their own recipes using New Zealand King Salmon.
 
Thomas, Sous Chef at Delaware North Catering, Sydney Cricket Ground was mentored by Dwane Goodman, former Head Chef Wolgan Valley Resort.
 
As part of his prize, Thomas received a trophy and photo shoot sponsored by New Zealand King Salmon and an all expenses paid trip to experience the top restaurants in New Zealand.

The Rockpool Award, presented by Institute Director Kevin Harris was awarded to Michelle Paschali, Vesna Hrzenak and Courtney White. The winners of the Rockpool award received a trophy and a trip to participate in work experience at Rockpool Bar and Grill and Spice Temple in Melbourne.
 
Michelle Paschali also received the Academic Award for the evening, along with James Fairbank and Sarah Marsh.
 
The Academic Award winners received dinners from Marque, Four in Hand and Aqua Dining and books from Luke Nguyen, Mark Jensen and Marque restaurant.
 
Program mentor and Ambassador Matt Kemp said it was wonderful to see the participants celebrating their achievements.
 
“I feel privileged to be a part of the Appetite for Success Program. The incredible commitment of TAFE NSW to the students and the industry is fantastic,” he said.
 
“The growing participation of well known industry professionals is encouraging and very exciting for those participating students who are given the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best in the business.
 
“At the recent graduation I could really see the difference this program is making with the quality and standard of participating students graduating. 
 
“It was evident that these students through the mentoring process have a confidence, direction and a passion for their chosen industry that will surely see them advance their careers successfully. Well done to all involved!”
 
To find out more about the Appetite for Success program visit.

NSI a finalist at Australian training awards

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TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute was recently selected as a finalist for the Skills for Sustainability Award at the Australian Training Awards.

Presented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the awards evening was held in Brisbane on Friday 25 November 2011. 
 
The Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising and rewarding organisations and individuals for their outstanding contribution to skilling Australia.
 
The Skills for Sustainability Award recognises outstanding achievements in embedding sustainability principles through programs, products and work practices in the provision of nationally recognised training.
 
NSI’s Hornsby College Director Audette Benson said the awards were a great opportunity for NSI to showcase it’s environmental initiatives and strategic focus on sustainability.
 
“To be considered among the best when it comes to sustainability initiatives is a wonderful achievement.
 
“We are proud to offer and deliver sustainability training that will see students progress with skills and knowledge to ensure Australia’s sustainable future.”

NSI students top high achievers list

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NSI students are the crème of the crop, according to the recent HSC High Achievers list!
 
Fourteen of NSI’s students achieved a place within the NSW’s Board of Studies Top Achievers list, making NSI the highest achieving Institute in NSW. 
 
NSI Accounting students in particular achieved outstanding results, with all top six NSW HSC accounting students from NSI.
Northern Beaches College student Kelly Bainton was first in the state for accounting, while Bradfield Senior College student Alana Prompromis received the highest marks in the state for Retail Services.
 
Kelly, who plans on studying Business and Commerce at University next year said she was ecstatic to hear she had received such a good result.
 
“Before I started accountancy at TAFE NSW, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so it really helped me make up my mind,” she said.
 
“I had the benefit of finding out what accountancy was like while I was still at school.
 
“I was also able to do the majority of the course in year 11, and completed some of it during summer school, so by the time year 12 came around I was almost finished the course.
 
“Completing the course early on during my HSC really helped with balancing my subject workload.”
 
TAFE delivered vocational education and training (TVET) courses allow school students to gain workplace skills and experience to get a head-start on their career.
 
TVET allows students to:
 
• Gain practical, work-related skills to enhance your future employment opportunities

• Complete units that count towards your Higher School Certificate (HSC)

• Start or complete a nationally-recognised TAFE NSW qualification while still at school.

 
For more information on TVET courses, click here.

Childcare professionals gather together at NSI for industry forum

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The big questions facing the Australian childcare industry today were brought into focus recently at the Early Years learning Framework (EYLF), ‘Beyond the rose coloured glasses’ industry forum held at NSI's Meadowbank College.
 
Industry professionals from across Sydney explored and reflected upon the Early Years Learning Framework within their work.

The forum aimed to consider ‘forgotten children’ within our communities and early childhood environments in Australian childcare centres.

The forum featured guest speaker Janet Robertson, author and teacher at Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre, Institute of Early Childhood at Macquarie University.

Teacher of Child and Family studies at Meadowbank College, Michael McGirr said the forum gave industry members an opportunity to reflect on their current work environments.

“At the forum, we were able to challenge preconceived concepts on various issues which the industry encounters in daily practise,” he said.

“One of the things which we were able to discuss was providing children with an early childhood environment which is reflective of children’s own home environment and social context.”

Wine show judging course puts palates to the test!

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As part of the A+ Australian Wine Celebration, NSI's Sydney Wine Academy will be offering wine lovers the chance to undertake an Australian Wine Show Judging course on 28th April 2012.
 
Wine enthusiasts will have the chance to put their palate to the test and learn from an experienced wine judge and educator about what goes on behind closed doors during wine shows!
 
Participants will work in teams and learn how to avoid the wrath of the chief judge by assessing wines like a professional, scoring wines and awarding medals.
 
The A+ Australian Wine Celebration (12 – 29 April) brings together over 100 events across the country, giving Australian wine enthusiasts the chance to enjoy tastings, parties and educational events.
 
Clive Hartley, Course Director at the Sydney Wine Academy said the Wine Show Judging course would give participants a chance to learn exactly what it takes to create a winning wine.
 
“It will be a morning of fun, racing through a set of wines in a simulated wine show and learning how to look at a wine with a wine judge’s hat on; it’s actually a hard occupation”
 
The Sydney Wine Academy delivers exceptional training and education in world-class facilities by experienced industry professionals, providing customised wine, beer and spirit training to a wide range of wine companies, restaurants, hotels, retail and wholesale businesses.
 
The Sydney won the 2010 WSET International Wine Educator of the Year award.
 
For more information and how to register for the Australian Wine Show Judging course, visit www.sydneywineacademy.com.au
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