eNews Archive Issue 10 - 30 March 2017

As many of you would have seen, the Toorak Landscaping project is not yet finished although the part closest to the Health Centre has been opened for student and staff pedestrian traffic. Throughout the term, it has been interesting to watch the landscaping unfold and it is exciting to see some of the garden beds, the deck to M’s Cafe and the paths in place. The scheduled date of completion of 17 March has passed; the good news, however, is that it will be opened in time for the first day of Term 2.

Last week, Lesa Fowler (Head of Boarding) and I visited Japan and spoke in Tokyo and Osaka to Japanese parents, school principals and senior staff about the benefits of studying at a school like St Margaret’s. We also had the opportunity to visit schools, including our Japanese exchange school, Konan Girls’ Junior and Senior High School. St Margaret’s has had an exchange partnership with Konan for 10 years and I was pleased to visit and meet school staff and the Principal. I was most impressed with their school facilities and enjoyed participating in a tea ceremony and seeing their archery team, number 1 in the all girls’ competition in Japan, in action.

In an earlier edition of the eNews, I referred to changes in staff which will occur in Term 2 due to staff taking leave. At that time, we had not finalised our recruitment for Ms Jenny Matheson’s French classes and I am pleased to announce that we have secured a very experienced French teacher for this role. In Term 2, we will welcome Mrs Elizabeth Knowles who will take over Ms Matheson’s classes for the remainder of the year. We have also just received a late resignation by our Year 7 Head of Year, Megan Gscheidle. We wish Ms Gsheidle well on this next phase of her professional journey. Ms Clair Bloomer has agreed to take on this role as Head of Year for the remainder of the year.

Every year, Girlguiding UK asks 1,600 girls and young women aged 7-21 across the United Kingdom about their attitudes to a range of issues. This year’s results suggest girls' confidence peaks in primary school before plummeting as they progress through secondary school and become increasingly aware of gender stereotyping, sexism and inequality in the workplace. While 86% of girls aged 7-10 believe that boys and girls have the same chance of succeeding in their chosen career, only 35% of young women aged 17-21 believe this is the case. Despite this, the 2016 Girls’ Attitudes Survey shows that many girls continue to have high aspirations and are inspired to fight back against the unfairness they encounter.

Girls as young as seven feel the impact of the daily onslaught of sexist images in the media and online. The sexual objectification of the female body in these forums makes girls and young women feel disempowered and that their gender will hold them back in life. Faced with “intense and unobtainable appearance pressures to be perfect”, 69% of girls and young women aged 7-21 say they feel that they are “not good enough”.

References:
Girlguiding UK. (2016). Girls’ Attitudes Survey [report]. Downloaded from: www.girlguiding.org.uk/girlsattitudes

Girlguiding UK. (2016). Girls’ Attitudes Survey [online summary]. Retrieved from: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/social-action-advocacy-and-campaigns/research/girlsattitudes-survey

Ros Curtis 

Thank you to all those who have been involved in these activities, as a participant, supporter, coach/conductor/staff member.

I hope that all are able to use the Easter break as a time of spiritual reflection, but also a time to rest and recharge our batteries to be ready for the next term. Easter holidays are a great time for us all to reboot, to reassess where we are with our goals, and to be thankful and proud of what we have achieved so far.

I wish all a happy Easter and safe travels to those who are either returning home or taking a holiday elsewhere.

Karen Gorrie 

St Margaret’s is a sacramental community, offering a range of worship expressions throughout the year. When the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated, it is a gathering of our community where we recognise and remember the promises of Jesus through the Institution of the Last Supper. To receive the bread and the wine one ought to be ‘prepared’ and come prayerfully with an open heart. Those in the community not yet admitted to receive, or who are part of other faith journeys, are still welcome to come forward for a blessing. Two opportunities are coming up for those who might wish to be formally Admitted to receive Communion.

Students and other family members from Years 3 and above are invited to consider Admission to Communion as part of the Primary Family Service held on Sunday 4 June at 9am. Year 3s are receiving preparation for this possibility through their current studies in Religious and Values Education. Secondary students and others (including staff, family members etc.) are invited to consider being Admitted to Communion at a Eucharist on Wednesday 17 May at 6pm. The prerequisite for this is that one is baptised.

A letter and registration form can be found here. (PDF 189.9KB)

Confirmation will be held on Wednesday 12 July at 6pm. Our new regional bishop, Jeremy Greaves will be the confirming bishop and preparation classes for this rite will commence towards the end of April. Please contact Rev Nicki if you or your daughter (or son) would like to be Confirmed.

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday 19 April: Whole School Easter Service, 9:30am, Philip Harris Sports Centre, All Welcome

Sunday 23 April: Young Families’ Service, 9am, School Chapel

Thursday 27 April: Years 9 and 10 Family Service, St Augustine’s, Hamilton

Wednesday 10 May: Years 11 and 12 Family Service, St Mark’s, Clayfield

A Reflection - Leading into Holy Week

Listen. It is time to take a moment to listen to what your heart desires. What makes your heart sing. Listen to the inner voice of your soul and allow a sacred moment to become more than simply a ‘moment’, but a way of knowing. A way of being. It is time to listen.

As the events of Holy Week draw us towards the Passion and the mystery of Easter, listen. Allow God to enter your space and sit with the silence and the peace that God can bring.

Breathe and pause … breathe and pause … the still small voice of God becomes louder as we reflect on the events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Hear the voice of God reminding you that you are loved. Deeply loved. Sometimes, we just need to hear that we are loved. Sometimes that means everything.

You are loved by God.

Each and every one of you:

Cherished, adored, liked …

Just as you are.

God loves you, Jesus loves you, the Spirit loves you – three-in-one.

No exceptions.

Follow Christ’s footsteps,

Walk in the wilderness

And dance in the desert.

Beloved of God,

Come on a journey.

Foster-Fulton, Sally. Prayers, Meditations, Reflections and Activities for Lent. Wild Goose Publications, 2015

Please don’t hesitate to contact The Reverend Nicki Colledge on 3862 0716 or ncolledge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au if you have any queries regarding baptisms, communion admission, weddings, funerals or hospital visits.

May your Easter be Holy and Hope-Filled,

The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

Girls gleefully presented in Eton Courtyard, appreciating each other’s’ crazy and carefully constructed costumes. What a joy to come together in our last week; everyone feeling relaxed yet proud of the combined effort to survive Term 1. 

Tradition ensured prizes were awarded for best dressed and we thank the members of the Senior Leadership Team - Principal Ros Curtis, Karen Gorrie and Nikki Townsend - for joining us, as well as Tom McCormick, Head of Faculty - Sociocultural Studies. The girls absolutely love it when invited guests join us for these fun-filled events on the boarders’ calendar. On behalf of all the housemothers, Lesa Fowler and Sandra Johnson, I wish all our families located far and wide a safe and happy holiday over the Easter break.

Dimity Harris 

This session was designed to assist them to make improvements in their outcomes. Congratulations to the following girls for making a commitment at what was the end of a busy and tiring term:

Earlier in the term, I also mentioned that we were reviewing some of our administrative practices to ensure they resulted in the outcomes we are seeking for our students. One of the practices I wrote about was drafting and conferencing as a mechanism for providing feedback to students on their learning. It is broadly acknowledged that consistent and targeted feedback lies at the heart of effective learning. Drafting and conferencing which results in precise, targeted and appropriate feedback is an important part of the learning cycle as it allows students to reflect upon what they have done and improve their practices. To ensure that our girls are given the opportunities they need to make progress, we have adjusted the nature and quantity of the feedback provided to students according to their year level. The purpose of this is the creation of independent learners who think critically about the material they encounter and produce.

Next year, in 2018 we will be changing the parameters surrounding the awarding of academic pockets. This is part of the School’s commitment to deep and rigorous learning. An academic pocket will now be awarded to students who receive a Grade Point Average of 13.5 with no result lower than a B. There will no longer be full and half pockets, but just one pocket in recognition of very high academic achievement. This change is the result of a thorough analysis of pockets awarded over the past four years, and research relating to academic awards in a broad range of contexts. Together this revealed that one would expect approximately ten percent (10%) of a group of students to be awarded an academic prize. Progress Certificates will continue to be presented to those girls who make an improvement in their GPA by one whole point. We are still reviewing the prizes presented on Speech Night and will communicate our findings next term.

I wish you all a happy and restful holiday with those dear to you.

Samantha Bolton 

As we approach the Easter holidays it is important to remember that holidays serve a very real psychological purpose. School holidays are recognised in child development circles as important circuit breakers from the mix of social interactions and cognitive stimulation schools provide.

It is important to note that holidays should provide opportunity for quiet, unstructured times. It is through activities that involve the girls having time for personal choice, solitude, reading for pleasure, and informal activity, that girls make sense of what happens to them at school and of their continually changing perception of what life means and their place in it.

When your daughter is suffering from that nagging feeling of boredom, engage in varied and diverse activities such as cooking, gardening, painting, sitting and enjoying time together. If you are fortunate to have time with your daughter during the holidays, make sure that you only organise some of the time... not all of it.

Also, a warning about the boredom epidemic and filling the void with tapping, swiping and gazing at screens: relaxation should not include an overloaded diet of television, videos and computer games, as this is unlikely to produce a student who is ready to face school again in a suitable condition at the end of the break. Research is showing that high exposure to TV/video/computer does interfere with ideal development and our ability to relax.

Continuous Reporting Information

Parents with daughters in Years 5 to 11 can view results and comments for recently completed assessments by logging into Parent Lounge. The following subject areas are available for viewing:

Year 7

• Maths - End of Term Exam
• Chinese Speaking Task
• French Listening and Reading Task
• Humanities Short Response and Portfolio
• Visual Art Sculpture and Journal

Year 8

• Maths - End of Term Exam

   

  Year 9

• Food, Textiles and Technology Folio
• Visual Art - Practical and Appraising Task
• History - Response to Stimulus Test
• Maths - End of Term Exam
• Science - Experimental Report
• Music - Performance Task
• French Listening and Reading Task

Year 10

• Business - Economics Test
• German Speaking Task
• Music - Musicology Test
• Science Extension - Practical Skills and CAD Test
• History - Research Assignment

Year 11

• Economics - Short Response Exam
• Legal Studies Exam
• French Listening Task
• Maths A, B, C - Term 1 Exam
• Ancient History
• English - Analytical Essay

If you need any assistance to access your daughter’s results, please email me: ndevlin@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Have a safe, happy and Holy Easter

Nicole Devlin 

Class photos, immunisations, interhouse swimming, The Sound of Music, chapel services, excursions, guest speakers, Open Day and Year 7 Camp, are just a few of the events of the secondary school in Term 1. Occasions like these fit into our calendar and complement the day-to-day business of academic lessons and assist to formulate a holistic educational experience.

Senior Formal

St Margaret’s Year 12 students and staff are very much looking forward to the Senior Formal this Friday night to be held at Hillstone, St Lucia Golf Links. I would like to thank Mrs Lishman for her organisation of this lovely event.

I do hope that the Easter break allows time for rest and recuperation and time with family, and those you care about.

We look forward to welcoming the students back in Term 2.

Nikki Townsend 

Albeit a controversial topic, homework is a critical component of the learning program at St Margaret’s. Homework is set to assist students to master surface level learning (either content, processes or skills) to automaticity. In the absence of this, working memory can be overloaded trying to recall foundational facts and skills and therefore deep learning is problematic. Strategies in class are used to assist in this moving surface level knowledge to long term memory and is supported through set homework.

Daily reading, spelling, grammar and maths should form part of a daily homework routine. Trying to complete all tasks in one night works against the neurology of mastery learning and is counterproductive to effective surface level learning. Given our commitment to supporting each student to achieve their academic potential, the role of homework is critical to this outcome. To this end, I have requested that teachers provide students with a Presentation Slip (blue slip) when homework has not been completed. This is not a punitive measure, but one to increase student understanding of the importance of homework and to assist them in taking increased responsibility for their learning. The process for blue slips is outlined on page 32 of the 2017 Parent Handbook.

Students should be able to complete homework tasks independently, as they focus on revising, rehearsing and recalling learned material. Your support in ensuring your daughters are completing homework, including nightly reading is appreciated.

Social Media

I have become increasingly aware of the growing concerns with the app Music.ly which is becoming more popular with younger students. The app is rated T (for Teen) and is restricted to users over the age of 13. Children as young as nine are accessing and using the app. There have been several warnings about the safety and security of this site, and I bring this to your attention so that you can follow up and do further investigation and research into this. We strongly advocate and promote cybersafety and provide the following website to assist you: www.esafety.gov.au which is the webpage for the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner. This outlines useful information relating to a range of social media sites.

Staff News:

We would like to thank Mrs Kirsty Longworth, our Prep Teacher Aid, who will be relocating to Perth during Term 2. The recruitment process is in progress and the staff and students will farewell Mrs Longworth early next term.

We congratulate Mrs Elise Martin on her appointment as Assistant to the Dean of Students in the Secondary School. After seven years of exceptional service to the Primary School, Mrs Martin will take up this position at the start of Term 2. I know that I speak on behalf all parents, students and staff in thanking her for her enormous contribution to the Primary School where she will be greatly missed.

Swimming Carnival

We were very fortunate to have sunny skies for the Interhouse Swimming Carnival last week. It was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to represent their House, further develop a sense of team spirit, push themselves towards personal bests and respond to victory with humility and disappointment with grace. As always, our sincere and heartfelt thanks to our HPE staff, Miss Lauren Richards, Miss Morgan Rowe and Mrs Suzy Edwards, who were poolside very early that day and clearing up in the downpour after the conclusion of the event. Their hard work and organisation in the lead up and in running the event are greatly appreciated and the positive feedback from parents has been welcomed.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Anna Lincoln and Evangeline Phillips who have made the Queensland Swimming team and will be competing in December at the Pacific School Games.

Term 2

We look forward to welcoming the girls back on Wednesday 19 April after an enjoyable break. We also look forward to welcoming Mrs Drysdale back after her study leave. We wish you all the best for a wonderful Easter and restful and safe holiday.

Continuous Reporting

The following results will be available in continuous reporting after 3:00pm this Friday:

• Year 5 Writing Assessment
• Year 5 Science Assessment
• Year 6 Writing Assessment
• Year 6 Health Assessment
• Year 6 Humanities Knowledge Assessment
• Year 6 Geometry Assessment
• Year 6 Science Assessment

Upcoming Events

Trudi Edwards 

The recitals are held once a term in the Arts Centre Foyer with the next recital to be held on 31 May. If your daughter is interested in performing at the next recital, she is encouraged to speak with her private music teacher who can then organise to have her included in the program.

Music Support Group

The next MSG meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 April at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Thank you for all your efforts throughout the Term
Thank you to all students involved in the Co-curricular Music Program throughout Term 1. It has been an incredibly busy term with performances given by many of our ensembles at Open Day as well as at other school and community events. Of course, the musical also consumed many of us for much of the term and that was a wonderful achievement for all involved. I hope that you all get the chance to have a safe and relaxing break, and perhaps find the time for a bit of extra practice on your instrument! Happy Easter!

Brad King 

Autumn sports season has been disrupted with the weather. Please check your team app for details around the wet weather matches.

Basketball against St Peters Lutheran College will be played on the afternoon of 2 May with buses departing at 3pm.

Touch Football against St Hilda’s will be played on the afternoon of 3 May with buses departing at 2:30pm.

QGSSSA Cross Country

St Margaret’s hosted the third meet of the season at Shaw Park on Tuesday with a strong team of 48 runners. Thank you to the HPE staff and the Parent Support Group for helping to make this a successful event. Congratulations to all the girls who have shown a strong commitment in the early part of the season. Sign on for the Cross Country Camp, 21-23 April, via Flexischools closes this week.

Training will continue during the holidays every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning with the bus departing each session at 7am. The captains have organised with our Head Coach Mr Brown to train off site and have breakfast afterwards at a local café. The girls will be running at Banks St Reserve, Mt Coot-tha and South Bank. Further details of times, sign on and venues  can be found on your team app.

St Margaret’s Inter House Cross Country Carnival Thursday 20 April 12.00 – 3.00pm

Events:

12:10pm               12 Years Race
12.30pm               13 Years Race
12.50pm               14 Years Race
1.10pm                 15 Years Race
1.30pm                 16 Years Race
1:50pm                 17 Years and Open Race

Tug of War and Ball Games

Years 10 – 12 Tug of War
Years 7 – 9 Ball Games

Presentations:

2:45pm House war cries and presentation - results and awards

Girls will change into their House colours at morning tea. They will need their St Margaret’s sport skirt or shorts and a school cap/panama throughout the afternoon. They may wear bike shorts for their races. Packed in their sports bags they will need a towel to sit on, lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.

The Philanthropy Group have organised for stalls to sell slushies, milkshakes and other snacks. Please bring some money to support these groups.

Rowing Come and Try Weekend

The boatshed will open its doors on the first weekend of Term 2 for any girls across all year levels to have a go at rowing. The morning will run from 9:30am to 12pm. The session will include a tour of the shed, safety orientation, an opportunity to get out on the water and finish with a barbecue lunch. We are fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity at our school and I would encourage any girls from Years 8 to 12 thinking of rowing for the first time this year to attend.

Nicky Barrie 

To apply, students must complete the online application form.

QUT STEM Experience

On 22 March, the Year 10 Science Extension students went on an excursion to QUT to learn about the STEM of prosthetic limbs. The day consisted of designing and building a robotic arm in groups, including controlling it from a computer and coding it to perform tasks. By the end of the day, our hands had managed to move blocks, pick up paper, stack cups and write words. We also had a quick Physics lesson through the giant interactive wall at ‘The Cube’. We had a great time laughing at our fails, fixing them, improving our design and a lot of excitement when our arm completed tasks. 

This was a great day to see how the ‘separate’ subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths all play a part in making prosthetic limbs.

Justine Solomon

Year 10 Student

Trish Kirkpatrick 

We have girls studying with us from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Korea and Papua New Guinea, as well as the girls who are visiting us throughout the year as part of the Global Exchange Program.

Research suggests that having international students in an educational institution has several benefits for domestic students. Increased cultural awareness among domestic students is a strength as we prepare the girls to enter an increasingly global workforce. It is lovely to watch our students overcoming the initial cultural and language differences to forge lifelong friendships across nationalities.

Yi Tung (Selina) Kwok joined us last year from Hong Kong and is now in Year 11. Selina offered her comments on what it is like to be an international student at St Margaret’s:

I am proud to be a Maggie's girls. Whether you are an international girl or a local student, it does not matter. At St Margaret’s, we are all equal and are supportive of each other as we strive for the best together.

This year I joined the dance squad and Encorah. They are fantastic and I have loads of fun. I may not be an outstanding singer or dancer, but the main thing is that I enjoy myself with my friends. Regardless of who you are, everyone is always welcome to join any team at St Margaret’s. On Open Day I had a tight schedule for tour guiding and performing with Encorah and the Dance Club. Although I was busy all morning, I felt blessed to be a Maggie’s girl representing our school.

Getting involved in extra-curricular activities has helped me to confront my initial anxiety of being an international girl and helped to build my confidence. For many of us, English is our second language but this does not stop us from developing our talents. We work hard and try our best and are courageous in everything we do.

The term started with Lunar New Year and a huge group of girls and staff ventured into the city to celebrate. As the holidays approach, many of our international students are preparing to make the journey home to see family and friends, whereas some will stay in Brisbane with family or in homestay accommodation. We wish everyone travelling over the break a safe journey and restful holiday.

Emily Labinsky 

Our current Committee members are happy to remain as part of the Support Group but we need new parents to fill other committee positions. If you would like to be part of the wonderful Hockey Support Group for 2017, or would like to find out more, please email: hilary@bubhub.com.au. 

Catherine has built her career on developing, implementing and championing innovative education strategies with a heartfelt dedication to improve Indigenous education outcomes.

Be inspired by this amazing woman who believes that when you capture the hearts and minds of people, anything is possible.

When: Thursday 18 May 2017

Where: Arts Centre Foyer

Tickets: Corporate tables $650 for 10, $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Tickets are now on sale via Flexischools under Quick Links on the St Margaret’s Website.

St Margaret’s P&F Association

P&F General Meetings

The P&F invites the school community to share their views and ideas at the General Meetings, held in the Arts Centre Foyer from 6:30pm on the following dates:

Monday 8 May 2017

Monday 31 July 2017

Monday 30 October 2017

P&F Event Dates 2017

Term 2

Saturday 27 May - Community Ball

Friday 9 June - Fathers’ Dinner

Term 3

Saturday 2 September - Race Day

St Margaret’s Community Ball, Saturday 27 May 2017

Keep an eye out for your invitation to the ball, which is being distributed this week with the Family Directory. Full details can be found on the St Margaret’s website events page.

Tickets are now on sale via Flexischools under Quick Links on the St Margaret’s Website.

Old Girls’ Association

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2007 - Friday 21 July 2017

20 Year Reunion – Class of 1997 - Saturday 22 July 2017

30 Year Reunion – Class of 1987 - Friday 21 July 2017

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1977 - Saturday 22 July 2017

50 Year Reunion – Class of 1967 - Saturday 22 July 2017

60 Year Reunion – Class of 1957 - Saturday 22 July 2017

Chapel Service and Morning Tea - Sunday 23 July 2017

1938-1956 (60+) Year Reunion - Monday 24 July 2017

OGA Annual Brunch - Sunday 11 June 2017

AGM - Tuesday 28 November 2017

Luanne Wishart 

Date: Saturday 20 May
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Venue: Pullman Hotel, corner Anna and Roma Streets, Brisbane
Register: www.sydney.edu.au/meet-sydney

Early Entry Schemes to University
Several Tertiary Institutions offer early entry schemes that require you to apply directly to the University:

UNE: http://www.une.edu.au/study/study-on-campus/get-early-entry

* Apply directly to UNE through the Early Entry Scheme
* No application fees
* Know in early November
* ATAR or OP not required
* No UAC/QTAC applications
* Currently open and available to all Year 12s (OP and non OP)

USC: http://www.usc.edu.au/learn/how-do-i-apply/pathways-to-study/pathways-from-year-12/early-offer-guarantee
The Early Offer Guarantee enables Year 12 students to be offered an early and guaranteed place at the University of the Sunshine Coast in November. These offers are made prior to the release of Year 12 results, rather than students having to wait until the main QTAC offer round in January. Early and guaranteed offers will be made to students based on the recommendations of their school Principal. Applications open 3 August.

ACU Early Achievers' Program (EAP): http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/pathways_And_entry_schemes/year_12_student_entry/early_entry
We believe students should be recognised for their contribution and leadership potential, and this is why we grant them status as Early Achievers. One of the biggest benefits of the program is that successful applicants receive an offer well ahead of the usual tertiary admissions announcements. You can apply if you are currently in Year 12. Both domestic and international students can apply if you hope to enrol in a course at ACU.

EAP applications to study in 2018
Open - Wednesday 26 April 2017
Close - Monday 17 July 2017
Offers released by end of August 2017

Thinking about a GAP year after Year 12?
Lattitude Global Volunteering organise international placements for 17-25 year olds. If you are looking to volunteer in an English speaking country with a culture similar to Australia, the UK may be the right place for you. You’ll have the opportunity to create an energetic and positive environment for young students, camp-goers, program participants and residents. Exercise your good communication skills and leadership qualities by becoming a role model for those who need it most. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other hardworking volunteers from all over the world, explore the British culture like a local, and gain a sense of independence during this longer placement. More information is available from www.lattitude.org.au.

Griffith University - Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Stand out from the pack at the tertiary music auditions with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University's Tertiary Preparation Workshop (TPW) program. TPW prepares students (in Years 10, 11, and 12) to approach the theoretical and practical aspects of their university audition process with confidence.

Now in its fourteenth year, the workshop runs Monday 26 to Friday 30 June and provides prospective instrumental and vocal students with an opportunity to work closely with Queensland Conservatorium staff and music industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities at South Bank in Brisbane, Queensland. For more information visit: https://www.griffith.edu.au/music/open-conservatorium/tertiary-preparation-workshop/tertiary-preparation-workshop-information.

When: 26-30 June 2017
Where: Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, South Bank
Cost: $495

The University of Queensland: Find out what girls can do with a career in technology!
The University of Queensland, together with Digital Careers and Australian Computer Society, invite Years 8 to 12 girls and their parents, for a night of inspiration and empowerment. Hear from our alumni speakers as they share their experience of studying technology and now working in the industry. You’ll also meet our current female students and learn what it is like to study information technology at UQ.

After the talks, there will be an opportunity to try fun hands-on activities like creating your own binary bracelet, view student displays, experience virtual reality and get more information.

When: Thursday 27 April 2017, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Level 3, GHD Auditorium Advanced Engineering Building (Building 49) The University of Queensland
Register: www.girlsincomputerscience2017.eventbrite.com.au
RSVP: By Friday 21 April 2017

Bond University
Bond University’s Student for a Semester program gives high achieving Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to gain an authentic university experience before they finish high school. Student for a Semester students enrol in a Bond University subject, attend lectures and tutorials on campus, complete assignments and sit their subject exams.

You’ll be mixing with uni students, meeting academics and getting involved in university life. You’re welcome to use the Main and Law Libraries and all of our on-campus sport and recreation facilities. You can socialise in the cafes and restaurants and join student clubs - exactly as you would if you were a full-time Bondy.

Make no mistake, this is a challenging program. You’ll have to find time for the extra classes and study on top of your school work - but if your parents and school agree that you are capable, then we highly recommend you apply. You'll receive plenty of support from us, including your own Bond Student Mentor to help you enjoy every minute of your semester at Bond.

Applications for the May 2017 program are now open and close Friday 7 April. Download a copy of the May 2017 class timetable and read more about this program at: https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/see-yourself/student-semester.

The University of Queensland
Special entry into the Bachelor of Dental Science for rural or remote students
Rural areas of Australia often have limited access to educational opportunities and dental services. To assist in addressing this ongoing challenge, 8 per cent of Bachelor of Dental Sciences (Honours) places in UQ's annual intake are now designated to applicants who come from a rural background.

What classifies as rural is determined by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification Remoteness Area system (ASGC-RA), which also categorises various levels of remoteness, identified by their Remoteness Areas (RAs) rating. Students will need to live in a remote area for a set amount of time to be eligible.

This rural background sub quota for the Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) will be available for students within the RA2 - RA5 category. This will include most Queensland regional cities, as well as rural areas near Ipswich and some parts of the Gold and Sunshine Coast hinterlands. Students can check the classification of their homes on the Department of Health website.

Approved rural background applicants must still meet all the entry requirements of the Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) program, including sitting the UMAT Exam. However, to assist with meeting the ranking requirements, rural background applicants will be competing against a smaller cohort of applicants (for a smaller number of places) where the standard UMAT cut offs may not apply.

Further information on the scheme and eligibility requirements can be found on the UQ website.

'Getting Ready for University' - Info Sessions for Year 10 parents, guardians and carers
As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in helping your children make the best choices about their future and Year 10 is the best time to start. When teenagers select their senior subjects, it is important that they select the right prerequisites for the university programs they are interested in.

Your child’s dream is our mission and these interactive group sessions are designed to give you the necessary information to assist your child in making an informed choice about their future. All our interactive sessions are hosted by recent UQ professional staff graduates and run for approximately one hour with plenty of time set aside for any questions you may have.

Topics include:

• Understanding the university language;
• Key differences between high school and university;
• Pathways into your child’s dream program;
• Scholarships; and
• QTAC, fees, accommodation and more!

Session Dates: week of 15-18 May 2017, St Lucia campus. It’s never too late to find out more about university and we would love to hear from you! Please email us or call 07 3346 9872.

UMAT

Registrations for UMAT 2017 are open. Copies of the Information Booklet can be downloaded from the UMAT website at: https://umat.acer.edu.au/. Please note that before registering for the Test, students are required to carefully read the UMAT 2017 Information Booklet, which will only be available online from the UMAT website.

UMAT 2017 Key Dates:

Registrations open First week in December 2016

Registrations close Friday 2 June 2017, 5pm AEST

Late registrations close Friday 16 June 2017, 5pm AEST

Applications for Special Testing Conditions close Friday 16 June 2017

UMAT Test date Wednesday 26 July 2017

Results released late September 2017

The only Identification documents accepted for UMAT 2017 are:

• Current passport
• Current photo-bearing driver's licence (full, probationary or learner's permit)
• Current photo-bearing Australian Keypass
• Current photo-bearing Australian Proof of Age Card

For further details, please refer to the UMAT website. Candidates without correct identification will not be permitted to sit UMAT2017 and will be turned away from the Test centre.

UMAT is only available once every year. If you do not register by 2 June 2017, you will have to wait until 2018 to sit the test.

UMAT Preparation
MedEntry: If you are interested in studying Medicine or a career in health that requires sitting the UMAT Test, visit the MedEntry website for assistance in your preparation: www.MedEntry.edu.au. MedEntry is the only government accredited training organisation for UMAT preparation.

MedStart: is an organisation that assists students to prepare for UMAT. Courses are available in Brisbane. Check the MedStart website: http://www.medstart.com.au/#home for more details.

NIE UMAT Workshops Australia
Along with the 8 or 10 UMAT books our Premium, Platinum and Concession courses include the intensive one-day UMAT preparation and training workshop.

Our workshops are designed to cover every UMAT construct (previously known as UMAT sections), the various types of questions to be encountered and how to tackle them, and then to check where you are at with respect to UMAT-specific study, throwing a full-blown UMAT NIE practice test at you. How will you fare? How have you been going? Which UMAT style questions still need work?

Brisbane Workshop dates, held at UQ, St Lucia: 5 April, 28 June and 23 July.

UQ Guides

Copies of the UQ Australian Undergraduate Guide 2018 are now available from the Careers Corner in the Library. Individual Faculty Guides will be available later in the year.

QUT Guides

Copies of the QUT ‘Real Choices’ 2018 guide to undergraduate study is available at this link:

https://www.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/245294/real-choices.pdf

Griffith University

A hard copy of the 2017 Undergraduate guide is available from the Careers section of the library. An electronic copy is available at:

https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/file/0004/883057/2017-undergraduate-degrees-guide.pdf

KEY DATES:
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June 2017
The National Careers and Employment EXPO (Brisbane Convention Centre).
All Year 10 students will attend this exciting event on the morning of Friday 2 June.

Friday 2 June
UMAT Registrations close 5pm

Wednesday 26 July
UMAT Exam

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July 2017
The 36th annual Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO), Australia's largest tertiary studies expo, offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in starting, changing or upgrading their career! Featuring many local, interstate and overseas education providers, student services and support agencies. Don't miss this great opportunity to map out your future, all in the one location! 8am - 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds. A great opportunity for students to collect information from a huge number of exhibitors.

Elizabeth Johnston