April 2017 1

Edition 34 April 2017

April 2017 2

PRACE has had a wonderful first term with 24 different classes running,

including our new courses Train the Trainer iPads for Seniors and

Community Connections. The Community Connections class

successfully ran the PRACE Harmony Day celebrations.

A big thank you for the wonderful cupcakes.

Our independent school, PRACE College, also began this year with

around 30 students on track to completing a level of VCAL by the end of

the year. Make sure you visit the Merrilands Community Centre on a

Wednesday for a latte or hot chocolate made by VCAL students. The

money they make through selling coffees and other fundraising activities

will contribute to the students’ business they have started, with the majority of funds going to

support those affected by typhoon Pablo.

Congratulations to the English language students receiving a full certificate today at the PRACE

morning tea:

Preliminary - Mei Zoe, Tien Anh Vuong and Yi Lin,

Level 1 - Khadiga Chol and Mingfeng Zhao

Level 2 - Wen Zhang and Loubana Alaychi

As more results come in from teaching staff for English classes finishing at the end of term 1 I'm sure

we will be congratulating many more of our hard working students.

I'd also like to say a special thank you to more than 21 of our volunteers who have supported

students and teachers throughout the term.

Finally, we are now taking enrolments for the next term for the following courses so don't forget to

tell your family and friends for sign up yourself for some new skills development:

Introduction to Community and Events Volunteering at Thomastown Neighbourhood House

Certificate III in Education Support

Computer Essentials

Certificates in Spoken and Written English (Preliminary to Level 3)

Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III and Diploma delivery by Education Institute)

Leisure and Health (delivered by Education Institute)

Enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing you next term

Libby Barker

PRACE Executive Officer

Message from the Executive Officer

April 2017 3

On Wednesday 29th

March, the Preliminary English class celebrated their end of

course with an Australia theme party. Students learnt about the importance of

dot paintings for Indigenous people. They then watched a You Tube clip

showing an Aboriginal artist creating artwork using this technique, before

attempting their own creative masterpieces. As part of the session the class was

divided into teams to play an interactive Jeopardy style game revising topics

they had studied as part of their course. Needless to say the competition was

fierce as each team tried to get the highest score and beat their classmates.

Finally students enjoyed a morning tea of

typical Australian party foods which they

all brought in to share. Aussie Aussie

Aussie Oi Oi Oi !!!

April 2017 4

Easter: many strands in the fabric of this festival

People sometimes get a bit stroppy about

Easter, complaining that it makes no sense

because how can a religious observance of

the crucifixion story have anything to do with

rabbits and chocolate eggs? And why doesn’t

it fall on the same days each year?

Easy! Easter is actually a classic multicultural

festival, tying together several strands of

stories from at least three cultures.

Let’s start with the oldest story first. Jesus

Christ and his crew were preparing for

Passover (because they were Jewish before

they became the first Christians), but there is

some debate about whether the Last Supper

was actually a Passover Seder - a special, very

ritualised meal - or perhaps a group dinner

the night before Passover.

Either way, after dinner they took a walk and

Judas betrayed Jesus who was arrested, tried

and crucified (a common and barbaric

punishment in those days).

Passover is a seven or eight-day festival

celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th

through the 22nd of the Hebrew month

of Nissan (April 10–18, 2017). It

commemorates the emancipation of

the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. In

Hebrew it is known as Pesach (which means

“to pass over”), because God passed over the

Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian

firstborn on the very first Passover eve. The

Egyptian babies were killed by God to force

the Pharaoh to free the Israelites.

The date of the month of Nissan, and

therefore the date of Passover, is determined

by the lunar cycle, so that’s one reason the

date of Easter changes, given that Jesus was

arrested and crucified during Passover.

The second strand of course is the Christian

belief that Jesus Christ died on the cross but

was resurrected three days later. So Christians

have a day of mourning on Good Friday to

commemorate his death – and eat Hot Cross

Buns, which bear the symbol of the crucifix.

This is followed on Easter Sunday with a day of

celebration (and the eating of chocolate eggs

and other goodies) to mark his return from

the dead.

The third strand of the story gives us the

name “Easter”. The Great Mother Goddess of

the Saxon people in Northern Europe in

ancient times was called Eastre, from the

ancient word for spring. She was also known

as Eostre or Oestra, The spelling is variable

April 2017 5

because many of the groups who worshipped her were pre-literate, so her story wasn’t written

down until later. Eastre was a fertility goddess of spring and the dawn. She owned a rabbit in the

moon which loved eggs and she is sometimes depicted as having the head of a hare.

Similar Goddesses were known by other names in ancient cultures around the Mediterranean,

and were celebrated in the springtime. You’ll notice a similarity in their names. Some were:

Ashtoreth from ancient Israel; Astarte from ancient Greece; Ishtar from Assyria; and Ostara a

Norse Goddess of fertility.

Eastre celebrations were held on the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (21st March in the

Northern Hemisphere) and started at dawn with prayers to Eastre to assure abundant crops. Eggs

were eaten and exchanged as talismans. Symbolising rebirth through the beginning of Spring,

Eastre was full of growth and passion of new life.

From her name we get the word “east” (because that’s where dawn breaks) and the name for the

female hormone estrogen.

So even though Australians have Easter in Autumn, we are still celebrating those same concepts

of renewal, growth, hope and freedom. We just need to find more local aspects to incorporate

into our celebrations!

Similar Goddesses were known by other names in ancient cultures around the Mediterranean,

and were celebrated in the springtime. You’ll notice a similarity in their names. Some were:

Ashtoreth from ancient Israel; Astarte from ancient Greece; Ishtar from Assyria; and Ostara a

Norse Goddess of fertility.

Eastre celebrations were held on the first full

moon after the Spring Equinox (21st March in

the Northern Hemisphere) and started at dawn

with prayers to Eastre to assure abundant crops.

Eggs were eaten and exchanged as talismans.

Symbolising rebirth through the beginning of

Spring, Eastre was full of growth and passion of

new life.

From her name we get the word “east” (because

that’s where dawn breaks) and the name for the

female hormone estrogen.

So even though Australians have Easter in

Autumn, we are still celebrating those same

concepts of renewal, growth, hope and freedom.

We just need to find more local aspects to

incorporate into our celebrations!

Easter: many strands in the fabric of this festival .. Cont’d

April 2017 6

PRACE plant hunters

By Catherine Davison

The Certificate in Spoken and Written English Level 4 class visited Poynton's Nursery in

Essendon recently. This class has recently taken responsibility for the garden at PRACE and as

part of their class work they have been researching edible plants, exotic weeds which are used

by people for medicinal purposes and vegetables. The students spent a couple of hours looking

at plants. They especially liked the Kitchen Garden section of the nursery. Reading the

plant labels was terrific for extending their language skills and the students took lots of notes

along the way. One student, Mina, was a risk taker (another topic covered recently in class) and

ordered the Tumeric flavoured latte at the nursery cafe.

We came home with some varieties of mint and a handful of very sour crab apples - the

expression "so sour it sets my teeth on edge" was ringing in our ears!

April 2017 7

WORLD CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

April is a very important and special month for celebrations with different nationalities and religions

from all around the world.

1-Apr-17 Holy Saturday - Orthodox

On Holy Saturday the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and his descent into

Hades.

1-Apr-17 Kha b-Nisan - Assyrian New Year

Assyrians celebrate this day as their national festival.

1-Apr-17 Brigadoon -The Bundanoon Highland Gathering

Brigadoon in 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the highland gathering. With 20 pipe bands,

highland games, the tartan warriors, dancers, stalls and clan representatives, this is the largest

event of its kind in Australia.

2-Apr-17 Palm Sunday- Orthodox

On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the beginning of the Orthodox

Holy Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most joyous feasts of the year.

5-Apr-17 Ramanavami- Hindu

This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, ‘The

Ramayana’. The day involves the telling of stories and attending temples.

9-Apr-17 Palm Sunday- Christian

The final Sunday before Easter Sunday, marks the beginning of (Christian) Holy Week.

10-Apr-17 Pesach - Passover (begins at sundown on 10 April to 18 April)- Jewish

Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals. It commemorates the liberation by Moses

of the Jewish people from slavery.

11-Apr-17 Hanuman Jayanti- Hindu

This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion

and selfless work are encouraged.

11-Apr-17 Theravada New Year- Buddhist

New Year Buddhist festival.

13-Apr-17 Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)- Christian

Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, four days after

his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

13-Apr-17 Songkran - Thai New Year (to 15 April)

Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand's oldest and favourite

festivals. Thai communities across Australia celebrate this festival with food, crafts and

entertainment.

April 2017 8

14-Apr-17 Good Friday- Christian

This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross

buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

14-Apr-17 Holy Friday - Orthodox

On Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross.

14-Apr-17 Baisakhi or Vaisakhi- Sikh

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning of a

new solar year and harvest season. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa in the 17th

century, which is the collective body of all baptised Sikhs.

14-Apr-17 Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)

Bengal Marks the first day of the Bangla Calendar

16-Apr-17 Easter Sunday- Christian

Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by

crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.

16-Apr-17 Pascha (Easter Sunday)- Orthodox

Many Orthodox Christians in Australia celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday,

also known as Pascha.

17-Apr-17 Easter Monday – Christian

In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday

weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This long weekend is an

opportunity to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.

20-Apr-17 First Day of Ridvan (begins at sundown on 19 April) - Baha'i

This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12-day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he

was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.

23-Apr-17 Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day (begins at sundown on 23rd)- Jewish

This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is

observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.

25-Apr-17 Anzac Day- Australia

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the

anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during

the First World War (1914-18), at Gallipoli. Dawn services at war memorials honour the sacrifice

of those who died in war. Marches and reunions are held during the day.

28-Apr-17 Ninth Day of Ridvan (begins at sundown on 28 April)- Baha'i

This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12-day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he

was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.

April 2017 9

14TH APRIL

EASTER EGG HUNT &

FAMILY PICNIC AT

WERRIBEE PARK

TIME: 9.30am – 3pm Cadbury will again share the joy of Easter with Victorian

families at the annual Werribee Park Easter Egg Hunt

and Family Picnic, raising much needed funds for The

Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Since

2001, all proceeds raised at the event have gone to the

Good Friday Appeal that benefits children and families

at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.

In its 17th year, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and

Family Picnic will take place on Good Friday at The

Werribee Mansion, K Road, Werribee (enter via Gate 2)

in conjunction with Parks Victoria.

Children aged 3 to

12 can take part in

one of the many

egg hunts

throughout the day

Kids can make

Easter gifts at the

Arts and Crafts tent

Visit the carnival

area complete with

pony rides, face

painting and sack

races

The LARGEST

Easter egg hunt in

Australia with live

performers and

prizes

Supporting The

Royal Children’s

Hospital Good

Friday Appeal

$15 / TICKET

3 AND UNDER FREE

April 2017 10

April 22nd

Global awareness of concepts for climate

change.

Gather with your community for this years

Environmental + Climate Literacy Teach-In, or

another project focused on education.

For more information or to donate, purchase

a t-shirt or to register an event, log on to

www.earthday.org

Pentridge Festival

8th-9th April. Pentridge Prison.

20 years since its closure in 1997.

Transformed for the 2 day event, includes a variety

of local music, cuisines, food trucks plus market

stalls. An array of beverages along with non-

alcoholic for the juniors.

Free tours though bookings essential to avoid

disappointment. Suits all ages.

Earth Day

Arbor Day April 28th

Become a member and receive 10 free

trees.

Shop at our Tree Nursery and see our

work in action!

Log on to www.arborday.org

A non-profit conservation and educa-

tional organization with a million mem-

bers, donors and partners supporting

these programs to make our world

greener and healthier!

April 2017 11

MELBOURNE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2017

This year will be the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Melbourne Food & Wine

festival which will run from 31 March to 9 April.

The Melbourne Food & Wine festival shines a global spotlight on Victoria’s world-class

food and wine industries.

More than 250,000 food and wine lovers are expected to gather across the state for

this special 25th celebration of great food and excellent wine.

Things to see this year include the augural House of Food & Wine, tucked down a

Melbourne laneway, and the banks of the Yarra transformed into a foodie playground

at River Graze.

April 2017 12

The annual Melbourne Didgeridoo and Cultural Festival is a family friendly, not-for-profit event to explore and

celebrate Aboriginal culture and one of the oldest wind instruments on the planet – the yidaki (didgeridoo).

Melbourne celebrates the didge at an annual event called the Didgeridoo and Cultural Festival.

Whether you are an enthusiast of the earthy melodious rhythms of the didgeridoo, or want to learn more about the

Aboriginal culture, this festival is not to be missed. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day out with the first peoples

of Australia.

The festival is all about celebrating the Aboriginal culture through musical and dance performances, art,

storytelling and bush tucker among other things. You can also participate in didgeridoo workshops and get your first

lesson on playing this beautiful instrument.

The festival showcases the didgeridoo and Aboriginal culture through music, song, dance, art and storytelling.

Players and musicians from both indigenous and non-indigenous communities come together to celebrate this

unique Australian instrument.

Each year our festival recognises both traditional and contemporary playing styles, including recent contemporary

styles emerging with fusions of didgeridoo, guitar, violin, Japanese flute (shakuhachi) and dance-loops, to name just

a few. There will be plenty of activities for the kids and a great variety of food vendors and stalls,

including free didgeridoo workshops!

WHERE: Finn Reserve, Lower Templestowe

WHEN: Sunday 2 April from 1pm to 9pm

TICKET PRICES:

Family: (2 adults & 2 kids) $25.00

Adults $15.00

Kids/Concession: $5

April 2017 13

Anzac biscuits The army biscuit, also known as an Anzac wafer or Anzac tile, essentially has a long shelf life, hard tack biscuit, eaten as a substitute for bread. Unlike bread, though, the biscuits were very, very hard. Some soldiers preferred to grind them up and eat as porridge. Now days the popular Anzac biscuit is a traditional, eggless sweet biscuit. Early recipes did not include coconut. To avoid World War III, try our basic recipe with a crowd pleasing twist.

150g (1 cup) plain flour

90g (1 cup) rolled oats

85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut

100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar

55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar

125g butter

2 tablespoons golden syrup

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 2 baking trays with

non-stick baking paper.

Combine flour, oats, coconut and combined sugar in a large bowl.

Stir the butter, golden syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat

until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda.

Add to the oat mixture and stir until well combined.

Roll level tablespoonful's of the oat mixture into balls and place, about 5cm

apart, on the prepared trays. Flatten until about 1cm thick. Bake, swapping trays

halfway through cooking, for 15 minutes or until light golden.

Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks to cool

completely.

INGREDIENTS

April 2017 14

ANZAC DAY CLASH

Anzac Day Clash. The Anzac Day clash is an annual Australian rules

football match between Collingwood and Essendon, held on Anzac

Day 25 April at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

This game is often considered the biggest match of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance.

April 2017 15

INGREDIENTS

60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt flakes

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

60ml (1/4 cup) iced water

70g (1/2 cup) cornflour

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five spice

300g barramundi fillets, cut into

1cm-thick slices

300g frozen green prawn cutlets, tails intact, thawed

1 large squid hood, cleaned, cut into rings

Sunflower oil, to deep fry

Combine lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the white pepper in a serving bowl.

Set aside to develop the flavours.

Meanwhile, stir the water and 2 tablespoons of cornflour in a bowl until the mixture forms a paste.

Combine remaining cornflour, remaining salt, pepper and five spice in a bowl.

Dip fish, prawns and squid into cornflour paste, then into the spice mixture to coat. Shake off excess.

Add oil to a wok to reach a depth of 10cm. Heat to 180°C over medium-high heat.

Cook one-quarter of the seafood for 1-2 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper

towel, repeat, in 3 more batches, reheating the oil between batches.

Place seafood on plates. serve with the lemon mixture.

Salt & Pepper Seafood

Good Friday is a time for fresh seafood, good friends and great wine.

METHOD

April 2017 16

Barbecued Swordfish with Salsa Verde

100ml extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, crushed

6 (about 150g each) swordfish steaks

1 cup (firmly packed) fresh continental

parsley leaves

1/2 cup (firmly packed) fresh mint

leaves

1/2 cup (firmly packed) fresh basil

leaves

4 anchovies, drained

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Olive oil, to grease

Lemon wedges to serve

Combine 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, and half of the garlic in a

large shallow glass or ceramic dish. Add the fish and season with salt and pepper. Turn to coat

the fish in the lemon mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.

Place the parsley, mint, basil, anchovies, lemon rind and remaining garlic in the food processor

and process until coarsely chopped. Add the mustard, remaining extra virgin olive oil and

lemon juice, and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Brush a barbecue grill or chargrill with the oil to grease. Preheat on high. Drain the swordfish.

Cook the swordfish, basting with reserved marinade, for 2 minutes each side for medium or

until cooked to your liking.

Divide swordfish among serving plates and drizzle over salsa verde. Serve with lemon wedges.

INGREDIENTS

Good Friday is a time for fresh seafood, good friends and great wine

April 2017 17

INGREDIENTS

200g dark chocolate, chopped

200g butter, chopped

1 1/4 cups (275g) brown sugar

3 Free Range Eggs, lightly whisked

3/4 cup (110g) plain flour

1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder

1/4 cup (60g) sour cream

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

150g dark chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatine

3 Free Range Eggs

1 1/2 cups (375ml) thickened cream

150g milk chocolate, chopped

150g white chocolate, chopped

CHOCOLATE SAUCE

1/4 cup (60ml) thickened cream

50g dark chocolate

2 teaspoons brown sugar

Layered chocolate mousse cakes

Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper, allowing the 2 long sides to

overhang.

To make the brownie, combine the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5

minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth.

Add the sugar and egg and stir to combine. Add the flour and cocoa, stirring until just combined. Add the sour

cream, stirring, until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer

inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.

Turn the brownie onto a clean work surface. Use a 6cm-diameter round pastry cutter to cut six discs from the

brownie. Place brownie discs on a baking tray. Cut six 10cm x 30cm rectangles of baking paper. Lightly grease

the paper with cooking oil spray. Using brownie disc as the base, wrap the baking paper, greased-side facing

in, around the brownie making a tall collar. Secure with a staple.

To make the first layer of mousse, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering

water. Meanwhile, stir 1 tbs boiling water with ½ tsp of the gelatin in a small bowl until gelatin dissolves. Add

to the melted chocolate and stir to combine. Separate one egg. Place the egg white in a medium bowl. Add

egg yolk to chocolate mixture and stir to combine.

Use an electric mixer to whisk ½ cup (125ml) of the cream until soft peaks form. Add to the chocolate mixture

and stir to combine. Use a clean electric mixer to whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Gently fold into

the chocolate mixture until just combined. Divide evenly among the prepared baking paper moulds. Place in

the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

Make the second layer of mousse, repeat steps 5 and 6 with the milk chocolate. Pour over the chilled dark

chocolate mousse layer and place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

To make the white layer of mousse, repeat steps 5 and 6 with the white chocolate. Pour over the milk chocolate

mousse layer and place in the fridge for 6 hours or until completely set.

To make the chocolate sauce, combine the cream, chocolate and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook,

stirring, for 3 minutes or until chocolate melts and sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

Remove the paper collars from the mousses. Serve with chocolate sauce and chocolate curls.

April 2017 18

Good Reads: try PRACE Page Turner series

A chance encounter at a conference with a teacher from Ireland shed light on just how global the

popularity of PRACE’s PageTurners books. When Irish teacher heard we were from PRACE her first

comment was: “Oh, you’re the people who publish PageTurners – my students in Ireland love those

books!”

PageTurners are short, readable stories for adults learning to read. The books are published by PRACE

and designed by experienced teachers to show beginners that reading can be fun. The books are

sometimes funny, sometimes irreverent, and always on topics of interest to adults.

From humble beginnings at PRACE, PageTurners have become popular internationally, in Canada and

the USA as well as Australia and NZ.

The PageTurners team is made up of Anne Dunn, Chris Malakar, Moira Hanrahan (who does the

wonderful drawings), Michael Chalk who does the website and all the tech stuff, and Libby Barker who

oversees the project.

“We were tired of trying to find fun, interesting but easy-to-read stories for our students, so we created

our own series to suit “completely beginner” adult readers,” said Anne.

Although the stories are written in simple language, they aren’t baby books so they capture the interest

of older readers. The books are illustrated with entertaining cartoons and supported with extra

materials on the PRACE website.

One of the books which might be of interest to readers this month is the story of Simpson and his

donkey (Series 5 Book4). This well-known Australian tale is typical of the PageTurners style – a complex

story presented in simple language, with supporting

materials online.

For more information about PageTurners, visit

www.prace.vic.edu.au

April 2017 19

Research Roundup

Harnessing ADHD for

business success

We often hear ADHD talked about as a

negative, but German researchers have found

it can be a positive, especially for

entrepreneurs.

Although we often hear that the symptoms of

ADHD – poor concentration, hyperactivity and

a lack of self-regulation – seem to lower

performance, the researchers from the

Technical University of Munich found that

people with ADHD were willing to embrace

new experiences and demonstrated passion

and persistence – all vital traits for

entrepreneurs.

The research found that impulsiveness, often

seen as a flaw, allowed people with ADHD to

act under unforeseen circumstances without

become anxious or paralysed by fear. In

situations where others might feel highly

stressed, those with ADHD reported feeling at

ease and stimulated.

On the downside, they did struggle with

boredom when faced with some essential

business tasks, such as book-keeping.

Another “flaw” is hyperfocus – the unusual

level of concentration people with ADHD show

when they are really interested in a task. This

allows them to develop expertise and gain a

competitive advantage in their field.

People with ADHD often have a physical

restlessness and this, combined with their

hyperfocus, means they can work intensely for

long periods. This intensity comes and goes

during the day, which can be a problem in a

traditional workplace, but in their own

business they can set their own hours.

As a result, the researchers have suggested we

should reassess some of our assumptions

about productivity and entrepreneurship.

Coffee and chocolate – a match

made in heaven

Deep down, we always knew it, but science is proving that cocoa and caffeine are indeed the best marriage ever. Clarkson University researcher Ali Boolani examined the effects of brewed cocoa consumption on attention, motivation to perform cognitive work and feelings of anxiety, energy and fatigue.

In the study, some lucky “guinea pigs” drank brewed cocoa, cocoa with caffeine, caffeine without cocoa, and a placebo with neither caffeine nor cocoa. Then they were asked to do tests to evaluate both cognitive tasks and mood.

"It was a really fun study," said Boolani. "Cocoa increases cerebral blood flow, which increases cognition and attention. Caffeine alone can increase anxiety. This particular project found that cocoa lessens caffeine's anxiety-producing effects -- a good reason to drink mocha lattes!"

Before you envy the test subjects too much, bear in mind they had to work for the warm drinks. For example, they were asked to watch as letters flashed across a screen and note when an "X" appeared after an "A." They also had to point out when odd numbers appeared sequentially, and they were required to do subtraction.

"The results of the tests are definitely promising and show that cocoa and caffeine are good choices for students and anyone else who needs to improve sustained attention," says Boolani.

Clarkson University researcher Ali Boolani (above) recently completed a

study that explores the powers of cocoa and caffeine. Credit: Ting-Li Wang,

Clarkson University

April 2017 20

Research Roundup

Peers, more than teachers, inspire us

to learn

'Why do I have to learn this?' It's a common question among

students, but new research suggests students perform much

better academically when the answer is provided by their

peers rather than their teachers.

According to Michigan State University researcher Professor

Cary Roseth, teachers are good at was getting across cold

facts, while the peers seem to be tapping into an

identification process during courses.

"In other words, as a student, I can identify with my peers

and imagine myself using the course material in the same

way they do,” said Professor Roseth. “This gives the material

meaning and a sense of purpose that goes beyond

memorization. When I hear a peer's story, it connects to the

story I am telling myself about who I want to be in the

future."

Energy drinks mask

alcohol's effects,

increase injury risk

People who mix highly caffeinated energy

drinks with their alcoholic beverages may

be at increased risk for injury, according to a

review in the March issue of the Journal of

Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

The lead researcher, Audra Roemer, said

the stimulant effects of caffeine mask the

result that most people get when they

drink.

"Usually when you're drinking alcohol, you

get tired and you go home. Energy drinks

mask that, so people may underestimate

how intoxicated they are, end up staying

out later, consume more alcohol, and

engage in risky behaviour and more

hazardous drinking practices," said Ms

Roemer.

Why pandas are black and white

The scientists who uncovered why zebras have black and white stripes (to repel

biting flies) have suggested an answer to this question in their research paper,

which was published in the March edition of the journal Behavioral Ecology.

The researchers found that the giant panda's distinctive black-and-white mark-

ings have two functions: camouflage and communication. They say that most of

the panda -- its face, neck, belly, rump -- is white to help it hide in snowy habi-

tats. The arms and legs are black, helping it to hide in shade.

The researchers believe that this dual colouring stems from the panda’s poor diet of bamboo and inability to digest a

broader variety of plants. This means it can never store enough fat to become dormant during the winter, as many

bears do. So it has to be active year-round, traveling across long distances and habitat types that range from snowy

mountains to tropical forests.

The markings on its head, however, are not used to hide from predators, but rather to communicate. Dark ears may

help convey a sense of ferocity; a warning to predators. Their dark eye patches may help them recognise each other

or signal aggression toward panda competitors.

April 2017 21

'Fitbits' to track elephant sleep in the wild

Some behavioural studies indicate that elephants sleep approximately 4 hours

in zoos, however the curiosity is how much do they sleep in their natural

environment? A study was conducted by researchers from University of the

Witwatersrand, who have used activity data loggers and “Fitbit” to study the

sleeping patterns of elephants in the wild.

The researchers have found that the wild elephants could sleep while standing

up or laying down. Understanding the patterns of sleep of elephants is

important for us to understand the animals themselves and discover new

information that may assist with better management and conservation

strategies.

April 2017 22

HOW TO INCREASE

CONCENTRATION WHILE STUDYINg

“Preparing” Part 1

1. Eliminating distractions as much as possible while studying is the best start. Choose a

place that is the most comfortable for you, also having a clean organized stress free

area will help eliminate potential distractions.

2. Experiment different areas. Whether you prefer to study with or without music, in

groups or studying solo.

3. Environment preferences are also essential as some either study in quiet, (such as a

private room or a library) while others thrive better in a background noise area. Your

ability to concentrate and be productive in different environments will reveal itself

rather quickly.

4. Gathering your study materials such as textbooks, highlighters, a small bin or anything

else you will need to concentrate so you don’t disrupt yourself by getting up and

down. Include little food snacks and a drink while your in the zone.

5. Sticking to a routine allows you to build studying time into a habit and knowing your

energy levels through the day is an also a key factor as it will distinguish the times you

are more energetic. This will

help your ability to focus and

concentrate on your work.

April 2017 23

“Maintaining” Part 2

1. Study Methods are effective as they help you stay concentrated while studying.

Every person studies different, so finding a method that suits you will maintain focus

and increase your chances at staying on task and absorbing what your reviewing.

For example: making note cards or drawings.

2. Practicing mental concentration strategies improves your concentration and pa-

tience while studying. Simple, effective strategies bring back your wandering mind,

when your thoughts lose track on your studies, say to yourself “This is now”, and fo-

cus back on your study material. As you do this over & over, you get better & better.

The number of times you break concentration should be less & less. And after prac-

ticing some of these strategies, you’ll probably begin to see improvement within

days.

3. Setting goals change your studying experience from having to “get through”, the sub-

ject and continually succeeding in progressing with your study session. Set goals for

yourself with something like “I will study 1-3 by 4.30 and take a break”. This trans-

form a study session from a large daunting task, to a smaller one.

HOW TO INCREASE

CONCENTRATION WHILE STUDYINg

April 2017 24

April 2017 25

FIND THE EGGS.

start

April 2017 26

BOOKS NEEDED! If anyone has any books that they would like to Donate to PRACE, for much need-

ed student resources, please hand them into reception. There is a permanent ta-

ble located in the lunch area. All books are placed on this table for sale. Prices for

books are 50 cents a book or 3 books for $1.00, payments are also paid to recep-

tion. The office is opened from 9am – 5pm.

April 2017 27

Answers to crossword

Easter Fun Facts

When taking a bite into a chocolate bunny, 76% of people prefer to bite off the

ears first. 5% eat the feet first and 4% eat the tail first.

Adults prefer milk chocolate (65%) over dark chocolate (27%).

86% would prefer having chocolate bunnies instead of a live rabbit.

The first chocolate eggs were made in Germany in the 19th.

In the old days pretzels were associated with Easter because the twists of the

pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer.

The exchange of eggs for Easter dates back to a pre-Christian springtime custom

in which eggs were given as a symbol of rebirth.

April 2017 28

Address: 35 Sturdee Street

Reservoir VIC 3073

Telephone: (03) 94626077

Email: Office@prace.vic.edu.au

Web: prace.vic.edu.au

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