eNews Archive Issue 17 - 1 June 2017

Thank you to our Ball Committee: Angela Pratt, Samantha Small, Jane Capelli, Miranda Dunning, Caitlin Carlton-Smith, Bec Malouf and Hilary Lauder. These events could not be so successful without the support of many, and St Margaret’s is indeed fortunate to have such generous members of the community.

Over the past five years the school has focused its school improvement agenda on the current Strategic Plan 2013 - 2017, Discover the Difference.

Many people have different views about the value of the Strategic Plan. However, at St Margaret’s, the school has used the goals, strategies, actions and targets to guide the work of our staff. Those of you who have been associated with St Margaret’s over a number of years would note many of the changes which have occurred - ranging from the introduction of our Quality Teaching and Learning Framework, the St Margaret’s Way, continuous reporting, learning analytics, the Day/Boarder Weekend, the refurbishment of school spaces and the ‘greening of the school campus’, the community service passport, Accelerated Reading in the Primary School, to the Literacy and Numeracy Cluster in the Primary School.

The school has developed a new strategic plan to guide us through the next five years. Our five goals are Pursuing Academic Excellence, Empowering Young Women, Inspiring Staff, Broadening Horizons and Nurturing Faith. You will note similarities to the goals of our last plan, as this new plan builds on the foundation laid by the last one, as well taking us in some new directions.

Some of the big ideas in the new Strategic Plan relate to the introduction of academic mentoring from Years 9 to 12; the development of a centre of teaching excellence; a further development of our careers and student futures management; particularly through the introduction of mentoring with our past students and members of the community; and, pursuing partnerships for innovative practices and experiential learning. The school’s mission, vision and values remain unchanged in our Strategic Plan.

The new Strategic Plan, 2017 - 2021, A local school with a global outlook, may be accessed via this link to our Website.

In the next few weeks, an implementation plan will be developed which reflects St Margaret’s strategic intent over the next 12 months and I will alert you when this is published on our website. This implementation plan will also be informed by the recommendations from our recent review of secondary teaching and learning by the Australian Council of Educational Research.

Ros Curtis 

This course is a user-friendly and practical resource that will equip parents with information and skills to assist their children to safely navigate the online world.

There are separate, tailored courses for parents with students in:

• Lower Primary (ages 4-8)
• Upper Primary (ages 9-11)
• Lower Secondary (ages 12-14)
• Upper Secondary (ages 15-18)

These courses are free.

All of the courses can be accessed using the link and password below:

http://cybersafe.ascqld.org.au/

Please note: The Anglican Schools Commission has entered into a financial agreement with INESS to provide this training to school parents for a period of five years including annual updates. School parents are asked to honour the agreement with INESS and not to share the login password with persons not directly associated with St Margaret’s.

Karen Gorrie 

From Monday 29 May, the School Chapel will host a selection of tactile, sensory and spiritual experiences for all. Students may have the opportunity to visit during class time, however, all are welcome before and after school and during breaks. Our themes for Term 2 Prayer Spaces are:

Reconciliation: next week is also National Reconciliation Week, so using this year’s theme of “Let’s take the Next Steps”, visitors will be able to prayerfully contribute to a large dot painting creation.

Eco-Spirituality: a hands-on and sensory experience allowing visitors to contemplate Creation and our place within it.

Teapot Time!: a favourite - simply sit and contemplate a teapot, honouring moments in life where the sacred is experienced through everyday actions.

Saying Sorry: using magnadoodles, visitors may choose to draw or write something for which they are sorry. In taking a moment to reflect, bringing their heart to a place of recognition, the magnadoodles can be wiped - just as God forgives us when we are sorry.

Are you Cross? Relationships with friends and family take effort and they don’t always make us content. What is a concern you have about a friendship? What are some qualities you need to work on together? What is something you can write or draw to show a particular connection with another? Journey through the ‘tunnel’ with your paper to place in one of the holes in the timber cross.

2017 Confirmation with Bishop Jeremy Greaves, Wednesday 12 July, 6pm
Any student from Year 8, family member or staff member is invited to consider being Confirmed by our regional bishop in July. The beautiful service in the School Chapel is followed by a sit-down dinner in the Arts Centre Foyer. Preparations have begun, but it is not too late to contact me.

Should you be considering Reception into the Anglican Church, this can also take place with the bishop’s visit. Please contact me on 3862 0716 or ncolledge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Primary Family Service and Admission to Holy Communion, Sunday 4 June, 9am, Eton Hall
Please continue to keep in your prayers those students who will be admitted to receive communion and baptised on Sunday 4 June in Eton Hall.

This is also the 2017 Primary Family Service and all members of the community are invited to come along to enjoy our celebration for the Feast of Pentecost. Morning tea will be held in Eton Courtyard after the service and the School’s Prayer Space will also be open.

Upcoming Services
Sunday 4 June: 9am, Eton Hall, Primary Family Service and Admission to Communion
Friday 9 June: 2pm, Years 1-6 Eucharist
Wednesday 12 July: 6pm, Confirmation Service

With every blessing on you and yours,
The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

Led by Christine Murr, Susanna Lehman (Boarder Captains) and Lam Shan (Linda) Lee (International Captain), the whole boarding house enjoyed tasting different dishes from around the world. Supported by our wonderful kitchen staff, girls from different backgrounds supplied the recipes to the kitchen who then created a variety of dishes for the girls to taste.

Globally minded students are curious about and engaged in the world and all its exciting opportunities. By providing the girls with different experiences we are preparing them to navigate an increasingly global world. The girls enjoyed trying different food and some were surprised by how much they enjoyed the foods from around the world. The girls who chose the dishes gave background information on the food and why it was important to them. They were then entertained by some traditional dancing from the Solomon Islands. We are very grateful to some of our past boarding students who gave up their time to come and perform for us.

Drawing on cultural diversity to explore underlying attitudes, to broaden student learning experiences and better prepare them for life in a more culturally and linguistically diverse society is an important part of boarding life. Girls from varied backgrounds share common experiences of growing up, working together as a team and dealing with stressful situations. They all read the same novels, dance and listen to popular music and more often than not complain about the same issues. To truly prepare our boarding girls for the world we all live in today, we need to ensure that when they leave the safety and security of the Boarding House they are equipped with the ability to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Lesa Fowler 

The girls may choose to come to school to make use of the environment and resources for assessment preparation. They must be in complete and correct uniform when they are at school.

This time is provided so that students can focus their energy on their academic assessment. It should not be used to engage in activities which are not related to this purpose. Of course, it is important for students to balance their learning programme with rest and relaxation, however, such activities should not become the focus of this time, but rather should be designed to promote the effectiveness of scheduled learning sessions. Activities like a walk with friends or family or watching a favourite television program can enhance time spent studying, but late nights out obviously do not.

Ensuring that girls plan the way they use their time in Block can enhance the quality of their learning. I am including some advice I often publish on this topic and I encourage parents and girls to discuss these ideas.

Experience, as a teacher and as a student, tells me that it is all too easy for hours and even days to be frittered away with little to show for them in terms of effective learning. I suggest that girls spend some time creating a schedule for themselves which incorporates, learning sessions, rest/relaxation and other commitments. Sessions of no more than an hour are most effective to facilitate focused learning. A full study day which is organised into sessions will result in more productive learning than a day which is just deemed to be devoted to study. The table below illustrates my point.

QCS News

Last week, 38 girls attended the fourth QCS tutorial. I commend the following students for their commitment:

Trends in Education

Last week’s Trends in Education presentation was a wonderful event. Mathew Stein spoke eloquently and passionately about teaching with a focus on deep thinking. We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our community. I thank him very much for the thought and detail he put into his presentation, which will be available on the school website in the next week.

Samantha Bolton 

Over the next few weeks the girls will be receiving assessment results, as well as their end of Semester One Report. As a parent, it is sometimes a difficult time to keep things in perspective for your daughter when she may be disappointed in results and feeling a bit vulnerable. It is important to focus on the process and not the result, as it is through the process we can find the remedies to our shortcomings. Below are a few points that you can use to discuss “academic fitness” with your daughter to maybe set some goals for better learning processes.

Research has found that the best predictor of academic performance is your attention span and persistence levels - how persistence and on task is your daughter in class and with tasks?

Engagement in class is not simply about good classroom behaviour, but a connection with learning - is your daughter connected with her learning?

Student-teacher relationships have a significant impact on engagement and success - how can your daughter use her teachers to her advantage? Is she actively participating and seeking out assistance?

Motivation is a fundamental part of engagement - what is her motivation level like for school?

Mutual respect drives high expectations, this leads to self-regulated learning where students can shape their own learning and goals - your daughter can only learn if she is ready to learn, what learning process goals can she set to support powerful learning?

Round 2 Parent Teacher Interviews

The second session of Parent/Teacher Interviews for 2017 will be held on Monday 10 July from 10:00am-6:00pm. These interviews are scheduled at this time to allow you to meet with teachers following the Semester One Report.

Staff value this opportunity to discuss your daughter’s learning with you. Students are encouraged to attend the interviews with their parents as this will assist them to increase their understanding of the learning process and their role in it.

Bookings for Parent/Teacher interviews will be facilitated in Parent Lounge. The booking system will be open to parents at 9:00am on Monday 12 June and close at 9:00am on Wednesday 5 July.

Venue

To accommodate all parents, all interviews are scheduled for the Philip Harris Sports Centre. Maps of staff seating will be available on the day. Therefore, it is suggested you arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your first interview to ensure you know where you need to go to allow for smooth transition between interviews.

Bookings

To access these interviews please log into Parent Lounge and click on the link for Parent Teacher Interviews. Bookings open at 9:00am on Monday 12 June. Please be aware of the closing date for the booking system as no bookings can be taken after this date.

Nicole Devlin 

While this reproach comes in various forms, education writer and motivational speaker, Dan Haesler, warns that it is too often reduced to “ignoring negative emotions and putting a smiley face on it all… a kind of uber-self-help movement”. In fact, positive psychology does not propose we should be happy all the time. As author and self-labelled “Happiness Speaker” Frederika Roberts concurs, negative feelings are an essential part of being human. It is normal and healthy to experience emotional pain. Recognising pain, and asking for help (a shoulder to cry on, advice from friends, family or professionals etc.) is “not only acceptable, it is often essential”. However, we should expect the best of others and ourselves.

Red Shield Appeal 2017

Every year Year 8 St Margaret’s students are invited by Churchie to volunteer in the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock. This event took place on Sunday morning 28 May, where 20 Year 8 students, went doorknocking in the streets surrounding the Churchie campus assisting our brother school. I would like to thank Kate Montgomery (Head of Year 8), Tom Smithers and our School Captains, Hannah Lane and Charlotte Traves, for supervising this event.

Nikki Townsend 

It was an action-packed week, from the War Memorial to Parliament House. Many of these attractions related to the study of democracy and government. It was very affirming for the teachers as girls answered many difficult questions and were able to articulate confidently their knowledge on this subject. They also asked many pertinent and enquiring questions.

Other attractions contributed to broadening general knowledge and interest including The Australian Institute of Sport, Telstra Tower, National Portrait Gallery and Questacon. The highlight for the girls was their last day in Canberra.

The girls were fine representatives of our school and, alongside the teachers, I was very proud of them. The girls were very impressed to meet the local federal member, Mr Trevor Evans, who arranged for each student to receive a certificate. Some girls also had the opportunity to meet Mr Christian Porter, Minister for Social Services. I know a myriad of warm memories will be held in each of the girls’ minds and hearts and the knowledge gained about our country and its past and present will lay the foundation for each student’s future.

On return to school the girls reflected on what they learnt about themselves and their country.

“I learnt one thing about myself; courage. I felt almost sick on my way to Canberra for I was scared I would get homesick, as I got into bed each night I didn’t! I figured I overcame my fear and even got used to the terrifying dark! I was also learning I had courage when I did freefall, I was breathless and I thought I couldn’t do it. My first time I just did it, eyes shut. I was about to do it again but I did not want to, I was sitting at the top, letting everyone go before me, my head in my hands when… I decided to do it, eyes… OPEN! I was very proud of myself and I found I had courage.”

“I enjoyed the War Memorial the most because I could hear, see, feel (emotions) and touch. It felt like I was there! I even got to put a poppy next to my Great Grandad. I learnt how it felt to be in one of the trenches; they sometimes got a foot infection because their feet were always wet. Their feet were so disgustingly gross I couldn’t bear to look at what stood in front of me!”

Thank you to Mrs Stevenson, Miss Surtees Miss Fumar and Miss Porter for their dedication and support of the girls while they were on camp. Each day was always busy and long, with the teachers working to ensure the days ran smoothly and that the girls were happy and safe in a new environment. The teachers’ day did not stop when the girls went to sleep. The girls are very fortunate to have teachers who are so committed to each of their educational and social wellbeing. A special thank you must go to Mrs Stevenson for the organisation of the trip; she has already started planning for next year.

While the Year 6 students were in Canberra, Year 5 participated in their leadership camp. I will share their experiences next week. The rest of the Primary School who remained at school participated in National Simultaneous Reading with some teachers putting in academy award winning performances of the reading “The Cow Tripped Over The Moon.”

This Sunday 4 June, we look forward to celebrating together our Primary Family Service in Eton Hall at 9am. This service will also include the Admission to Holy Communion for Years 3-6. Members of the Senior Staff and Class Teachers also look forward to joining this celebration. A shared morning tea will be held in Eton Courtyard following the service. Please bring a plate of food, free from nuts, to share.

Upcoming Events

Angela Drysdale

Reporting
Students in Pre-Prep to Year 2 receive an End of Semester Report at the end of Term 2. Pre-Prep reports are based on the Early Years Framework and are mailed out. Prep-Year 2 reports provide an achievement standard for core subjects along with teacher comments. These reports are available online through the Parent Lounge and you will be notified by email when they are available to view.

Students in Years 3-4 receive an end of Semester Report at the end of Term 2 which outlines an achievement standard for subjects undertaken, along with teacher comments and an attitude to learning rating. These reports are available online through the Parent Lounge and you will be notified by email when they are available to view.

Students in Years 5-6 are provided with ongoing reporting through Continuous Reporting which enables teachers to provide timely feedback on assessed work. Parents of girls in Years 5-6 will receive an end of Semester Report at the end of Terms 2 and 4. This report will outline each student’s attainment in each subject and an attitude to learning grade will be assigned, along with a general form teacher comment. Subject comments will no longer be made on Years 5 and 6 End of Semester Reports, as the feedback from teachers on each assessment task through Continuous Reporting provides comments and targeted feedback throughout the semester.

To this end, it is very important that parents are regularly engaged with Continuous Reporting to access written feedback.

All parents in the Primary School will access their daughter’s End of Semester Report through Parent Lounge. Each family has been provided with log-on details to access Parent Lounge. We strongly recommend that you access Parent Lounge in the coming weeks and keep your log-on details safely stored, as you will require these to access your daughter’s reports at the end of this term and at the end of the year. The Primary Office does not have access to parent log-in details and are unable to assist with Parent Lounge inquires. All such inquiries need to be directed to School Support.

Continuous Reporting:
The following results will be available after 3:00pm on Friday:
Year 6 Music Assessment

Trudi Edwards
Assistant Head of Primary 

State Honours Ensemble Program - Middle School, South-East Queensland

All the best to the following girls who will be participating in the State Honours Ensemble Middle School Program this coming weekend:

Monique Dodd (Double Bass), Ella Woods (Violin), Yinghong (Holly) Xu (Violin), Piper Rutherford (Violin), Zoe Wildman (Violin), Sophia Henebery (Tenor Saxophone), Elena Kearns (Tuba), Victoria Burns (Flute), Miyan Chia (Percussion), Holly Marchant (Baritone Saxophone), Paige Bastian (Soprano) and Eva Young (Soprano).

This is a unique opportunity for Voice, String, Wind, Brass and Percussion middle school students from South-East Queensland to work with their peers in an intensive environment of musical excellence. Students are guided by a team of eminent conductors from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. The girls will rehearse material throughout the weekend Friday 2 June - Sunday 4 June at the conservatorium, and present concerts on the afternoon of Sunday 4 June. We wish these girls all the very best at this upcoming event!

Strings Concert

The annual Strings Concert, “Strings Celebration” is fast approaching. The concert features all of St Margaret’s string ensembles, with a program of exciting, exquisite and entertaining music performed by Chamber Strings, Stradivari Strings, Amati Strings, Tutti Strings, Sculthorpe String Quartet, Beath String Quartet and Year 3 Strings. The evening will also feature Music Extension students, and conclude with a fun performance of Can’t Stop The Feeling, in which all ensembles and members of the St Margaret’s community will perform together. The concert will be held on Tuesday 13 June in the Arts Centre Foyer, starting at 6:30pm. Please be sure to mark the event into your diaries!

Music Support Group Meeting

The next Music Support Group Meeting will be on Tuesday 11 July at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King 

Our Touch Football teams were also very successful. The girls in Year 10A won the pennant, moving from 7th place last year. Finishing in second place, and so close to the pennants, were 8A, 8B2 and 10B. Across the programs the girls have improved their positions and developed their skills further to end a successful Autumn season.

Secondary Interhouse Athletics

The Secondary Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 14 June at Windsor Park. Students are to attend school dressed in their House colours and HPE uniform. Each house has chosen a theme and I encourage all girls to participate in this as it makes for wonderful spirit on the day. Girls will be transported to Windsor Park after Form in the morning and will return for the end of the school day.

The Philanthropy Group will be hosting the annual burger bar and have arranged several food vans for the carnival. Please bring some money to support them.

The first event is the 1500m at 8am. Day girls are asked to meet at Windsor Park, while boarders are to catch the athletics training bus. Transport has been arranged for any girls attending rowing training that morning from the boatshed.

Program (times are approximate)
8:00am - 1500m
9:15am - Students arrive, March-on and War Cries
Field events will be spread throughout the day
9:45am - 100m Sprints
10:45am - 400m
11:45am - 200m
12:30pm - 800m
1:15pm - St Margaret’s Gift
1:45pm - Relays
2:30pm - Presentations and Students Depart

Queensland Representatives

Congratulations to Brooke Lane (Year 7) who is currently competing for Queensland at the Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne.

Hannah Polovich (Year 12), one of St Margaret’s Hockey Captains, played for Metropolitan North at the Queensland School Girls State Hockey Championships last weekend. Hannah has been selected in the Queensland team to play in New Zealand later in the year.

Nicky Barrie 

Lisa Smith 

Both Hannah and Lily achieved the highest result in Queensland for their respective AMEB Drama and Performance exams in 2016. A wonderful achievement! On Saturday, Hannah and Lily joined other very talented students from throughout Queensland in receiving their awards and performing to a captivated audience.

The Communication, Speech and Performance Teachers Inc. first established the Barbara Sisley Awards in 1947 to honour the outstanding contribution Miss Sisley made to teaching and the Arts in Queensland over many years. Barbara Sisley was a creative and dynamic actor, director, producer and teacher of Speech and Drama who taught here at St Margaret’s for some time during her early career.

Maria Chamberlain 

Invitations were emailed on 24 May and although RSVPs were due 31 May it is not too late to register your attendance. Please email Angelin Achari, International Admissions and Community Relations, at: aachari@stmargarets.qld.edu.au before the end of school on Friday 2 June 2017. We look forward to seeing all potential applicants in attendance.

Angelin Achari 

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC June/July School Holiday Program opened Monday 22 May. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 5 June 2017.

How do I book?
Complete the official booking form attached to the program. For further details, please email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

What is the cost?*
$60 per day. Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCB/CCR for these.

What are the hours of operation?
The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?
If you would like further information regarding our OSHC Program or if you would like to make a booking, feel free to contact me on 0423 547 653 or email: oshc@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Palu Ingram 

P&F Donor Acknowledgements

The P&F would like to express its gratitude to all those who donated prizes for the raffle and auctions for the St Margaret’s Community Ball 2017. The generosity of these individuals and businesses is greatly appreciated. We encourage you to support those who have supported us.

Thank you to our Table Gift donors - Blow and Cru Bar.

P&F Event Dates 2017

Father’s Dinner

The date for the Fathers’ Dinner is Friday 28 July 2017.

Tickets will be available for sale via Flexischools today, Thursday 1 June 2017.

Term 3

Friday 28 July - Fathers’ Dinner

Saturday 2 September - Race Day

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

OGA Annual Brunch - Sunday 11 June 2017

The Annual Old Girls' Association Brunch will be held on Sunday 11 June. This is a wonderful time to reflect and enjoy the company of friends and other past students, with presentations from guest speakers who have stories and insights to share from their journeys since graduation. We look forward to seeing you there, and encourage you to let other past students know about this event. Please click here for full details and to register for the event.

Upcoming Events

The Annual Old Girls' Association Brunch - Sunday 11 June.

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

AGM - Tuesday 28 November 2017

Luanne Wishart 

When: Thursday 8 June 2017
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Defence Force Recruiting - Level 13, 295 Ann Street, Brisbane
To RSVP email: wid@dfr.com.au or visit http://events.defencejobs.gov.au/event/WPSOQ8/

Bond University
You can apply direct to Bond right now. Applying online to study at Bond University is free and easy. We encourage you to lodge your application as soon as you have decided what you would like to study. There’s no application fee - no obligation to accept a place if it is offered - it simply gives you another option when it comes to making a decision about your future.

Applying for a scholarship is as simple as completing an additional section of the general Bond application form. In other words, there's no need to submit multiple applications. Your application acts as both an application for a scholarship as well as an application to study at Bond University all in one form. Before you start an application, read our top scholarship application tips: https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/how-apply

University of New South Wales (UNSW) Registrations for the 2017 LAT are now open and must be completed online via the ACER website. The Law Admission Test or LAT is a written test that is used to demonstrate your aptitude and suitability for studying undergraduate Law at UNSW. Your LAT score, in addition to your academic results (e.g. ATAR + additional points) will be used in our selection process to allow us to better differentiate between the many high achieving applicants to Law. The LAT was introduced in 2016 for entry to UNSW Law dual degree programs from 2017 onwards.

If you are interested in studying Law at UNSW in 2018 then you should sit the LAT in 2017. Visit: www.law.unsw.edu.au/lat?mc_cid=25e128ec7f&mc_eid=ccf114835f for more information.

The University of Queensland: Accommodation guarantee for new students
For students commencing study at UQ and looking for accommodation, UQ's accommodation services is providing guaranteed accommodation for eligible students before they arrive!

Students who will be studying as an international, regional or interstate student at the St Lucia or Herston campuses will receive guaranteed accommodation through the UQ Colleges and UQ's external partners.

Upon application, students will receive an offer within five days, allowing them to plan and prepare for their move to Brisbane. For information, contact Andrea Strachan: Phone: 07 3365 1720, Email: a.strachan@uq.edu.au or Web: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/guaranteed-accommodation

Get all your questions about uni answered. We invite current senior high school students and their parents to find out about studying at QUT.

QUT New entry requirement for education courses
Applicants for education courses must submit a written statement addressing suitability criteria for the course when they apply as part of their QTAC application. Information on the selection guidelines, including the process for assessment of non-academic capabilities, is available from the QTAC website.

QUT For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit offers the Centralised Assessment Selection Program entry pathway from mid-October for QTAC applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and place QUT within their top three preferences. Applicants need to have their Confirmation of Australian Indigenous Heritage from a registered Indigenous corporation and as this process can take time, we recommend students and/or their parents start this process early.

QUT Additional entry requirements and scholarships in creative industries
For creative industries courses with additional entry requirements such as auditions, portfolios or interviews, students must apply online to QUT by 5pm on Friday 15 September as well as applying through QTAC. Students interested in creative industries can also access generous scholarships, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, many of which are awarded based on creative ability.

QUT Open Day program now available - register your interest
Mark the date in your diary! Visit us on Sunday 30 July to find out everything you need to know about studying at QUT. Register your interest to receive event updates and go into the draw for a MacBook

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
Opened - Wednesday 26 April 2017
Close - Monday 17 July 2017
Offers released by end of August 2017

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 June - 30 June 2017 - Enrol Now for 2017
Where: Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, South Bank
Cost: $495

UMAT
Registration for 2017 UMAT will close this Friday 2 June at 5pm. Late registrations close Friday 16 June 5pm.

UMAT is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the UMAT Consortium universities. The Test is used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs at undergraduate level at the universities listed on this website: https://umat.acer.edu.au/.

UMAT scores can be used for admission to any of the UMAT Consortium universities ONLY in the year following the Test. For example, results from UMAT2017 can be used for undergraduate medicine or health science courses beginning in 2018 but NOT 2019.

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

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 interested in medicine or dentistry will probably need to sit the UMAT (examination). During the next school holidays, on 28 June 2017, The National Institute of Education (NIE) will be conducting a full day UMAT preparation workshop. Places are strictly limited. All details are available via :www.nie.edu.au

KEY DATES:

JUNE
Saturday 17 June: 10am – 1:30pm, Endeavour College Of Natural Health Open Day 
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/natural-health-open-day-brisbane-17-june-2017-registration-33605135866?aff=google&aff=google

Saturday 17 June: 10am - 12pm, New York Film Academy Open Day: https://www.nyfa.edu.au/nyfa-events/

JULY
Saturday 15/Sunday 16 July: 10am - 4pm, Tertiary Studies Expo TSXPO Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills:http://www.careersevent.com/tsxpo/

Saturday 22 July: 9am - 2pm, Australian Catholic University (ACU) Banyo: 
http://www.acu.edu.au/student_experience/student_life/experience_uni_before_you_start/Open_Day

Saturday 22 July: 2pm - 6pm, Bond University Gold Coast:www.bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/see-yourself/open-day

Sunday 23 July: Griffith University Nathan, Gold Coast, Southbank:www.griffith.edu.au/open-day

Sunday 23 July: 10am - 2pm (TBC), Sunshine Coast University Sippy Downs 

Sunday 30 July: 9am - 3pm, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Gardens Point:https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/qut-open-day

Elizabeth Johnston