www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 9, 2012 Melbourne
Observer
The Best Columnists
‘PA, STOP TALKING!’
Head of the class
Our Doors are Open!
Volunteer Freemasons head back to school for a new term
● Ionic Coaching Services President Brian Annand, the Grand Master Bob Jones, and Ionic Secretary Bruce Jeffrey Established in 1952, the Ionic Coaching Service is a not for profit organisation administered by volunteer Victorian Freemasons. "The Ionic Coaching Service came about thanks to some lodge masters who thought it would be a good idea to provide an inexpensive tutoring service - it aims to help kids who were struggling with their studies but didn't cost their parents the earth," says Bruce Jeffery, secretary of Ionic Coaching Service. Ionic is administered as a community service by Victorian volunteer Freemasons and is an example of Freemasonry in Action. Students are accepted regardless of their background circumstances and classes are conducted by fully qualified teachers. "Keeping the classes small ensures there's more individual attention and we have a lot of repeat students who come year after year - it's very satisfying to know that we must be doing something right!," says Jeffrey. May is the new semester in Ionic Coaching terms and it marks the 60th year that the organisation has tutored students in Mathematics and English from Grade 6 to Year 12. As a result of regular tutoring sessions, Jeffery says there is a marked improvement on student's general learning skills, academic and social confidence skills and a confidence to overcome obstacles to their success. Regardless of background or circum-stances, with classes conducted by fully qualified teachers in a small group format of 8-10 students, the coaching service has been a proven environment for success. "The results speak for themselves; in 2011 all our students passed their VCE and gained admission to a tertiary institute of their choice. We've also had past students receive the Premiers Award for academic studies," says Jeffrey. There are 16 class sessions structured over two school semesters. The study periods are an hour of Maths and an hour of English per Saturday morning session for Years 6-10. Special extended study periods in either subject can be arranged for Years 11-12 students. There are many booking options in Maths and/ or English and multiple students from one family receive a discount. Ionic coaching is held at the Uniting Church and the Connections House in Blackburn, just a short walk away from Blackburn train station. The coaching service also has a Werribee arm called Doric Coaching Service. For more information or to book a class: Ionic Service Bruce Jeffery: 98903214; Doric Service: Ted Finch 97418193. To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.
■ It was a quick Melbourne-Townsville trip at the weekend for your Editor. Long Shots departed chilly Tullamarine aboard Virgin Blue at 6am Saturday, to arrive in 29-degreewarmth. There was a joint celebration: eldest granddaughter Emma’s third birthday party, and her eight-month-old-sister Madison’s baptism. Your scribe’s learning curve accelerated as he was taught plenty about the intricacies of PlayDoh, Barbies, fairy bread and sand pits. Miss Emma decided that age three was the perfect grown-up time to start addressing ‘Pa’ as ‘Ash’. And Emma was able to achieve what many readers may have wished over the years: our silence. “Pa, stop talking!”
Long Shots
editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
● Godfather Michael Bonaddio, with Emma and James Long, look on as mum Sarah holds Madison, as Fr Mick Peters conducts the Baptism at St Joseph’s, Townsville. Julieanne and Andy Schmidt look on.
Not picky ■ Did you believe the statistic in Monday’s Herald Sun that there are just 86,000 eligible blokes for 1.3 million females aged between 25 and 34 Australia? And did you believe the comment - attributed to Fr Tony Kerin - that women should be less picky in choosing their life partner? “Are women getting too choosy? I'd say yes,” said Fr Kerin, speaking on behalf of the archdiocese.
For Mums ■ A Happy Mothers Day this Sunday (May 13) to all Mums.
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “I showed my appreciation of my native land in the usual Irish way by getting out of it as soon as I possibly could.” - George Bernard Shaw
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Contentment is often the result of being too lazy to stir up trouble.”
Text For The Week ■ “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life.” - Ephesians 6:1-3
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
Independent Theatre Miracle Man ■ A spiritual journey from Seddon to India is part of the audience experience at Miracle Man, playing at La Mama Theatre, Carlton until May 13. Two talented theatre makers, Pier Carthew and Nicola Gunn, are co-devisers and perform in this 6minute intriguing and amusing piece, and Nicola is also the director. The story tells of Derek from Seddon inspired by ardent Sai Baba devotee, Phil, to seek enlightenment in an Ashram in India. Based on the true experiences of Carthew, who grew up in a family devoted to Indian guru and apparent miracle-worker Sai Baba, funny moments include Derek sharing the process of his induction as a spiritual devotee. Interestingly, he learns that the three W’s to “bring him down” will be wine, wealth and woman. In real life, spiritual saint Sai Baba died in 2011 with millions of dollars stashed in his room, along with hundreds of cans of hairspray and Nike shoes! Carthew uses a range of skilled accents to portray various characters, including the enigmatic Sai Baba. Gunn delivers a beautifully naturalistic performance to represent the sceptics among us. Questions include “If he is God, how can he die?” Unquestionably, Pier Carthew and Nicola Gunn are skilled performers and congratulations to them for devising a unique storyline for their latest work. Unfortunately I felt the production dragged at times, including the film images. Tightening up the play’s duration to 50 minutes might solve the problem. Fewer pauses would add more impact to the overall audience experience. Performance season: Until May 13Times: Wed 8.30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 6.00pm, Sun 4.30pm Running time: 60 minutes Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street Carlton Tickets: $25 Full, $15 Concession Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or via the La Mama booking line 03 9347 6142. - Cheryl Threadgold
● Pier Carthew as spiritual leader Sai Baba in Miracle Man.
Starchaser ■ Arts Centre Melbourne presents Arena Theatre Company’s world premiere of Starchaser on June 2 at 2pm and 6pm. From one of Australia’s leading playwrights Lally Katz, under the direction of Christian Leavesley, comes a tale of hope, mystery and adventure. Transporting the Fairfax Studio through time and space, Starchaser is a family-friendly voyage into an original, colourful universe of characters, places and creatures. When there are questions that grown-ups just can’t answer, it's time to chase the stars. Catta (Anne-Louise Sarks) and Tommy are orphans, left with nothing but questions after their parents die mysteriously on the other side of the world. Venue: Arts Centre, Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Date and Times: Saturday, June 2 at 2.00pm and 6.00pm. Tickets: $19, Groups 4+ $17. Ages: 8 – 12 All kids must be accompanied by an adult. All adults must have a ticket. Theatre-chaser: behind the scenes of StarchaserArts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio – Amcor Lounge3.30pm Saturday 2 June* Duration: 60 mins Ticket: $12. Ages 8 – 12Accompanying adult free. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.* The workshop follows the 2pm performance of Starchaser. For bookings visit www.artscentre melbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183. ● More Independent Theatre, P53-54
Free reader ads are available in the Melbourne Trader section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’