IBES INFORMER

Volume 1, Issue 1, February 2004

The Ibes School of languages has printed its first edition of the Ibes Informer! The Ibes Language School has existed in Cracow since 2002. Its first branch opened on Kobierzynska Street, where the school proved successful. Because of this, we decided to open a second branch, this time on Anny Street. This year, in reply to students’ demands, we are introducing many new programs and activities. We aim not only to teach a wide range of languages, but also to make learning a fun and enjoyable experience. Those who are already studying with us will admit that the Direct method, the main method which we use in teaching languages, is probably the best way to learn a language quickly and efficiently We base our teaching mainly	on the necessary skills for communication. For those who have not yet joined our school, we can guarantee that our lessons are something you will not forget. We have an experienced and friendly staff, teachers committed not only to effective teaching, but also to creating a welcome and relaxed atmosphere. With the new programs starting this term, we aim to bring the students and teachers together. One of these new projects is the Ibes Informer, which will come out on a monthly basis. In this first issue, you will find information about the school, what it offers, and many fun activities. We are proud to say that we are the probably first language school in Cracow to print its own paper! Feel welcome to make any suggestions and become a part of the Ibes team!	POLISH FOR FOREIGNERS Sign up for the new term now. You can also take up individual lessons at any time. Bring some friends and make your own group! A NEW TERM Sign up for lessons using the Callan method any time. Now you can start an FCE, CAE, CPE, course in the new term, or a preparation course for “Matura”. WORD OF THE MONTH Earworm or sticky tune noun [C] a song or tune that a person hears repeatedly in their head. ‘They bore into your head. They won’t let go. There’s no known cure. Earworms can attack almost anyone at any time. … Earworms are those songs, jingles and tunes that get stuck into your head …’ (Daniel DeNoon, Lycos Health, 27^th February 2003) IDIOM OF THE MONTH Head over heels – to be madly in love, to love somebody very much FACT OF THE MONTH Did you know that the Bible is the number one shoplifted book in America? JOKE OF THE MONTH What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 19) Relationship questions may be answered by asking yourself “What am I doing?” You may also be thinking about money. Although friends and family may think their lives are not bad, many wish to take English lessons at IBES with you! Surprise visitors may make you smile one evening. Pisces (February 20 – March 19) When the opportunity comes to you, do not be afraid to hold a simple conversation in English. A relationship in your life may develop in a new direction. Concentrate on your daily life rather than life in general. An ordinary day may end in a night completely full of pleasure. Aries (March 20 – April 19) Do something in the evening besides watching television. Your stamina and focus should allow you to give to others what they have always wanted. Understanding English will help you to make new friends soon! Wear black leather clothes for luck. Taurus (April 20 – May 19) Although you ought to study today, you must study tomorrow! A question you have been asking yourself may be answered during an English lesson. When you have finished working go out and have a good time. You may have a new understanding of true love soon!	IBES HOROSCOPES Gemini (May 20 – June 20) You are always willing to try something new. Be careful, thinking about money will not stop you from spending it! Do not be afraid to strengthen your relationships with your teachers. Speaking English may help you find something you have been looking for. Cancer (June 21 – July 21) The first thing you see every morning may define your daily emotions. Friends and family might use your relationships as examples. Convincing a friend to take English lessons with you has the potential to bring emotional balance! 69 may be your lucky number. Leo (July 22 – August 22) Stop thinking about what your friends have in their pockets and go find out! You may be travelling soon and may even speak English on your journey. Be proud of your ability to speak English. Although one relationship may soon end, another one may soon begin. Virgo (August 23 – September 21) English lessons at IBES are important to you, as is education in general. Although you know the answers to questions your friends are asking, you must let your friends answer the questions themselves. Consider very, very carefully before starting a new relationship.	Libra (September 22 – October 22) Surprises may be waiting for you at an ordinary restaurant in the place where you live. A dictation might help you to understand a question you have been asking yourself. Although you may be thinking about love and money, your biggest problem may be what to wear when you go out! Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Think carefully about your greatest wish in life. If you practice speaking English you might be introduced to new people who may help you in the future. Introduce old friends to new and invite all your friends to the next IBES party! Do not be afraid to advance your relationships. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Hosting a Gemini and a Pisces may end in a night to remember! Do not forget to remind the Gemini that they are willing to try anything new. Money may be on your mind but not in your pocket. Your English lessons may bring a new sense of balance to your life. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) To find the truth you seek, stop and think that even as you are reading this there is somebody dying somewhere in the world, somebody being born, somebody being killed in an accident, somebody being murdered and somebody being married. Look for luck in sets of three!

IBES COMIC STRIP

TEACHER OF THE MONTH HANNAH I grew up in Pembrokeshire in Wales. It’s as close as you can get to Ireland without falling off the edge of the Island (!). For those who don’t know, Wales is the country with the longest village name in the world: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch!! I decided to learn Polish (one of the hardest languages in the world!) So after studying in Sheffield, St Petersburg and Cracow, I finished my studies in “Russian with Polish” and moved to Poland. I am now proud to say, I have fulfilled one of my life’s ambitions and mastered the tongue twister: Chrzaszczbrzmiwtrzciniewszczebrzeszynie...(?!) POEM OF THE MONTH Valentine’s Day, by Stephen. I’m going crazy, mad, insane! Insane for you, and oh! the pain, when will it stop? How did it start? This welcome intruder in my heart. I find I’m losing it! But I’m not blue: it’s purple passion – it seems I’m choosing it against my will yet still I fear the fashion to lose one’s head about a girl could bring me ill or leave me dead. And so I’ll hide my feelings deep inside. Until… WRITING COMPETITION If you like writing, but never have the chance to show your work to anyone, take part in our monthly writing competition! This month’s topic is: “WHAT TRUE LOVE MEANS.” Remember to write your names, and also the book number you are currently on, as all papers will be evaluated according to the level of English that you know. Use your imaginations! You are free to write whatever you want! The grand prize might be yours! IBES PARTY Don’t miss the next Ibes Valentine’s Day Party, which will take place on 21 February! For more information, please contact the school. Bring you friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives. Make sure to be dressed for love and take part in the Miss and Mr Valentine competition!

NEW PROGRAMS This term, we will be starting many new programs at both branches of the school. For more information, or to sign up for these programs, please contact the school. Some of the new programs: - Slang course - Business English - Conversation classes - Clubs - Consultations at both branches CLUB INFORMATION Music Club Always wanted to know what they’re singing about? As well as listening to music we will decipher and translate lyrics and discuss in English the meaning and metaphor involved in song writing. Every member of the club will have the chance to choose his/her favourite English language song, which will form the basis of at least one club meeting. Press Club These meetings will be based on the reading, comprehension and discussion of news articles taken from English language newspapers and magazines. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Club “In every generation, there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.” Watching a few select essential episodes of the cult hit “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” each meeting, discussions will focus on the way the show’s writers play with language and the influence of youth culture and television in the evolution of American slang. Drama Club Always wanted to be an actor/actress? Now your dreams can be fulfilled…or at least we’ll try to show you how to express yourself in English using drama techniques. We promise you great fun and an unforgettable experience. Pronunciation Club What’s the difference in pronunciation between beach and bitch, ship and sheep? If you want to find out about these and many more, this is the club to join! Book Club If you are a person who loves reading books, but never has the opportunity to discuss them with anyone, this is the perfect club for you. You will have the opportunity to read many interesting books, and later discuss them, in English! Writing Club Do you feel that your writing talent is being wasted and locked up in a dark cupboard? Do you need to learn how to write official letters in English? We will teach you how to do all that, and give you the chance to feel appreciated.

Film Club Is watching films your favourite activity? Don’t watch them alone! Join the film club and watch your favourite films with friends! During meetings, we will watch and discuss English and American films, and also learn to understand the slang language used in cinema. SLANG Do you want to understand all the songs and films? Do you want to be able to say things like “odlotowa laska, wypasiona fura” in English? Join our Slang Course and understand the language spoken in the streets! We are the only school offering an official slang class! CONVERSATION CLASSES Join our conversation classes, where every week we will talk about something different. The first class will be held on Friday 27 February. The subject of the conversation will be: “Will everyone look like Pamela Anderson in the 21^st century? The plastic surgery revolution.” To sign up for the classes, please contact the school. You should be at least at an intermediate level to take part in the conversation classes. The material will be ready at the school on Monday 23 February. JEZYKI OBCE Oprocz jezyka angielskiego oferujemy rowniez nauke innych jezykow, m.in.: - Hiszpanski - Wloski - Szwedzki - Holenderski - Japonski - Arabski - Hebrajski - Afrykanerski - Swahili - Walijski ANSWER OF THE MONTH Q: If you were a queen, what would your husband be called? A: If I were a queen, my husband would be called King Kong. Q: So you would have a big husband!? A: Yes, I like big! FROM THE NET Spelling checker Eye halve a spelling chequer It came with my pea sea It plainly marques four my revue Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Eye strike a key and type a word And weight four it two say Weather eye am wrong oar write It shows me strait a weigh. As soon as a mist ache is maid It nose bee fore two long And eye can put the error rite Its rarely ever wrong. Eye have run this poem threw it I am shore your pleased two no Its letter perfect in it's weigh My chequer tolled me sew. -- Sauce unknown

Editor: Idalia. Contributors: Hannah, Joe, Kasia Lil’Jo, Mark, Ola Stephen

INFORMACJE O SZKOLE

Adresy: ul. Kobierzynska 98, tel: 264-21-21 (Ruczaj); ul. Sw. Anny 3, tel: 429-67-88 (Srodmiescie)