eNews Archive Issue 20 - 21 June 2018

The POD gives parents access to the following:

• Parent Lounge (including, of course, Continuous reporting for Years 5- 12 in within Parent Lounge)
• FlexiSchools
• School Calendar
• Student Timetable/ Due Work dates
• General News
• Sport & Music groups (replacing Team App)
• Year Level pages
• IT Information
• Supplies Shop & Tuckshop details
• Student Protection

Please also remember the School app can be used to access resources within the POD as well as to receive personalised push notifications for groups/teams of which parents’ daughters are a member.

Last Friday night, we had a most successful Fathers’ Dinner in Eton Hall. Thank you to the P & F for their organisation of this important event in our calendar.

You should have all received via email an invitation to attend our St Margaret’s Day Service, where we will be launching our plans for the new Sports Precinct. We are also celebrating 110 years of QGSSSA sport, 80 years of Andrews Cup sport and 20 years of the St Margaret’s Day Run. We have invited back our past Olympian/Commonwealth Games graduates and, so far, we know of two past students who will address the assembly of girls from Years 3 to 12. You are all very welcome to attend the service in the Philip Harris Sports Centre and listen as we reveal our plans to our students. You can download the invitation here.You can download the invitation here. (PDF 986.7KB) 

Congratulations to Mrs Kelly Swan who has been appointed Assistant Head of Junior School at Aidan's Anglican Girls School, our sister school. Mrs Swan will take up the appointment in Term 3 and we thank her for the great job she has done as the mathematics specialist in the primary school. Her appointment is not only testament to her strengths as an educator, but also to the leadership development opportunities provided to staff at  St Margaret's.

I hope all members of our school community enjoy a safe, restful and enjoyable school holiday break.

 See you all in Term 3!

 Ros Curtis

St Margaret’s Way Day used the theme “We Appreciate You”. Students could write notes as to why they appreciate a fellow student or staff member at the school, and popped them into WAY Points that were located around the school (they could find where these were located by using their WAY Finder Map). They also wrote messages of gratitude in chalk on Circular Drive. At lunchtime the girls enjoyed a free sausage sizzle, with many of our staff cooking and serving the students. Our primary and secondary rock bands entertained the students and there was lots of singing and dancing to their songs. Students even got out the giant skipping rope and joined in some jump rope play together. 

Thank you to the St Margaret’s Way committee for their organisation, with particular mention to our School Captains Xanthe and Annie, our Spirit Prefects Genevieve, Lara and Lilly, and teacher Ms Mawer for all their organisation. Genevieve’s family donated 300 sausages, and we thank them for their generosity. They were delicious!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and their families a well-deserved rest. We look forward to seeing all our students back next term refreshed and ready for the semester ahead.

Karen Gorrie

You are true to your great name

You are my navigation system that never falters.

I may wander dark times

But I won’t be afraid.

You are my Light and you make me feel safe.

 
You treat me with blessings

I am your guest

You fill the cup of my life until it overflows.

Your kindness and love will follow me, walk beside me,

Constantly wait for me,

I will live in and bask in your love for ever.

 

May you each find nourishment for your souls and refreshment in the weeks ahead.

Stay safe and love each other,

 The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge 

Sandra Johnson, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, recently attended a yoga and meditation training course for teachers. She was especially interested in the positive impact of mindfulness on young people. Research has shown mindfulness regulates emotions, reduces stress, increases positive moods and helps develop a healthy immune system. Notable changes in a young person who engages in regular practice include reductions in anxiety and depression, enhanced empathy and improved sleep quality. Sandra plays an essential role in helping to equip our boarders with skills to facilitate good mental health and wellbeing.

We have a student-led initiative happening, called the ‘I Care Project’. This community development project is run by boarders for boarders. Christine Dawanincura, one of our boarder captains, created this solution-based group of approximately 12 members who meet once a week. The concept behind this initiative is to provide an opportunity for girls across the year levels to make a positive contribution based on their perceptions and experience of boarding. Ultimately, the girls wish to continue making our community feel like a family. Projects being developed are: activities to encourage cross year level interaction; and a ‘How to manage homesickness’ guide.

Housemothers Deborah Knight and Chris Vidal have been creating a ‘sewing corner’ in the junior house, with the hope of developing various hand and machine sewing skills for interested girls. They will learn: the basics of using a sewing machine; how to sew a cotton fabric tote bag; how to make a lavender bag (used for heating in the microwave or freezing); how to sew their own fabric banner; and various knitting stitches to knit or crochet a scarf.

Year 12 housemother Janet Caitens orchestrated several ‘Assessment and Exam Stress’ workshops. These were a timely initiative aimed at supporting all students in boarding to understand and manage this type of challenge. The workshops explored what assessment and exam stress looks and feels like, and how to regain control over some of these signs and symptoms, enabling the girls to develop some strategies for managing stress around the more academically pressured times.

Janet has also gone above and beyond for our Years 6 and 7s, by running drama classes on Wednesday nights, when the chance permits. Girls have developed their skills of working in small groups to develop short stories. This has been a valuable exercise in group dynamics, negotiation, leadership, and the sharing and discussing of ideas. Overall, this initiative is aimed at developing girls’ confidence and their communication skills.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the kitchen staff, who go out of their way to provide the girls with so much choice. The recently introduced ‘Asian-style’ dishes have been well received by everyone. Head chef Scott Johnson caters for the many special events as requested. Our very own Eton Kitchen is managed by the Year 11s. Many thanks to Isabella Corby-Bakkelund, Year 11 boarder, who has been instrumental in coordinating this effort.

Finally, who can forget the delightful Islander dancing we witnessed at the MAYO Arts Festival. Thank you to Year 8 housemother Gracemere Mataia for organising the girls. Their performance was adored by all.

Dimity Harris

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, determination and commitment I have seen your daughters display throughout the past semester. Over the holidays I would encourage you to have some reflection time with them to discuss their achievements, challenges and areas for improvement.

Even as teachers we are constantly reminded about the value of reflective practice. Peter Scales (2013) writes a fantastic reading about teacher reflection and states simply, there is one quality above all that makes a good teacher – the ability to reflect on what we do; why and how we do things and to adapt and develop our practice within lifelong learning. Reflection is the key to successful learning for teachers and for learners. To ensure our students continue to develop the skills to become life-long learners, I ask you to work with us and continue to ask questions about their experiences.

Year 11 and 12 2019 Curriculum Handbook

Year 10 students received a copy of the Year 11 and 12 Curriculum Handbook on Transition day this term. Over the past couple of weeks, they have taken the next step in the subject selection process by attending a SET plan interview to discuss their proposed selections. The girls have thoroughly engaged in this process, so thank you for the discussions you are having with your daughters at home in preparation for these meetings. For boarding families, you will have the opportunity to view this handbook over the holidays and discuss subject selection options with your daughter.

One of the questions we discuss in the SET plan meeting is whether you have considered university prerequisites for courses you are interested in studying. To assist you with this question you can go to the QTAC website and explore the information provided through My Path. The link is https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar-my-path/my-path. Scroll to the bottom of this page and you will see links to tertiary prerequisite information by institution. These documents include details on prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended study for courses starting in 2021.

Also, a reminder that we will have a subject information night on Monday 6 August. On this night, I will provide information about the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system, tertiary institutions will be present, and each Head of Faculty will be present to provide information about subject options.

 

Jo Butterworth

Part of this presentation covered the reality for the young generation about the job market, and how different this is going to be for them. With the infinite of possibilities that await our girls, like all the opportunities of the holidays, the more impossible it becomes to choose what to do and where to go.

During the year, the girls have many opportunities through academic classes, pastoral care days, sport, music, camps and school events to investigate these endless opportunities. These opportunities all aim in some way to help the girls discover their passions and purpose to look to their future and the possibilities that await them.

2019 Curriculum Handbooks and Subject Selection

All year level curriculum handbooks for 2019 are available for download on the web. These can be accessed by clicking the Learning Tab and selecting Secondary School and the links are halfway down the page. Click here to access that page. They have also been upload to the POD as flipbooks. Please take the time to look at the courses of study for your daughter next year..

For girls in Years 8 and 10, next term they will be asked to make some decisions about their course of study by selecting subjects for 2019/2020. To assist you and your daughter with this decision it is important that you and she have looked at the curriculum handbooks and subject selection forms on the website.

Along with the curriculum handbook as a guide, in Term 3 the Year 8 students will be addressed by each Head of Faculty during year level assembly times. The curriculum details and requirements of each elective subject will be outlined. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about the subjects they may be interested in pursuing next year. These talks begin in week 1 and it is important for your daughter to have looked at the curriculum handbooks to understand her options.

In addition to these information sessions, a Years 8 and 10 Subject Information Evening will be held on Monday 6 August. This event will incorporate a Subject Expo where parents and students can speak with staff about subject offerings.

Following the Information Evening, students will be required to select their subjects through an online process. More information about this process can be found in the Curriculum Handbooks.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss options for 2019, please feel free to contact either Jo Butterworth or myself.

 End of Semester 1 Reports

 End of Semester Reports will be available on Parent Lounge by 5pm on Friday 29 June. Each student’s report will consist of a comment from her Head of Year, as well as a page for each subject. The final page of the report shows the Grade Point Average (GPA) graph which records the student’s overall level of achievement and tracks this from semester to semester.

Reminder - Round 2 Parent Teacher Interviews

The second session of Parent/Teacher Interviews for 2018 will be held on Monday 16 July from 10.00am-8.00pm. These interviews are scheduled to allow you to meet with teachers following the Semester 1 Report.

Bookings for Parent/Teacher interviews will be facilitated in Parent Lounge. The booking system is now open to parents and will close at 9.00am on Wednesday 11 July.

Nicole Devlin 

Goal setting is an important skill for students to develop. During their school years, they’ll be expected to achieve academic benchmarks; and, as they grow into adults, they’ll be faced with challenges like building a career and perhaps saving to purchase a property – which require planning and discipline. Goal setting is a great way for your daughters to get inspired and to develop these characteristics. There are lots of simple strategies parents and teachers can use to assist our girls to work towards simple goals and celebrate their achievements.

Here at St Margaret’s, students are taught that goal setting offers long-term benefits. Child psychologist Kimberley O’Brien says, “Goal setting is a good tool for motivation and it’s good for children’s self-esteem to know they can achieve their goals and basically whatever they want to achieve – it gives them a limitless way of working.” Goal setting also gives students confidence and teaches them organisation and team-building skills and an ability to know when to ask for assistance.

Strategies for Goal Setting

Talk with your daughter about a goal they would like to achieve. It might be an activity-focused goal, like travelling to school independently, or an education-focused goal, for example, completing a homework assignment each week. Students with social difficulties might aim to attend a birthday party or speak at assembly. Psychologist Andrew Fuller believes, “It’s not so much what the area is, but teaching children about how to implement change.”

Your student’s Academic Adviser will also assist your daughter set goals and organise their time effectively. Over the holidays, girls will receive their Semester 1 reports. I encourage you to sit down with your daughter and go through the report in detail. Goal setting in academics is no different to goal setting in other areas of life. Setting goals has proven to be effective in achieving stronger results. I hope you take the opportunity to have some worthy conversations with your daughter about her plans and processes to reach her targets. There is a definite feeling of renewal as we look forward to Semester 2, a new beginning and there is a sense of excitement for making changes or adopting new habits.

Tuckshop

To assist staff at the tuckshop to make the tuckshop queues run smoothly, we ask parents if they could please activate their student’s identification cards.

If your daughter’s student card is not activated, parents can go to www.flexischools.com.au or call 1300 361 769 to activate your daughter’s card. Parents are also encouraged to setup an automatic top-up plan using PayPal or other payment method, by visiting the above website. Please note that students who have lost their student card should go to school support to organise a new student identification card. The cost of replacement is $5.

Nikki Townsend

All week the doors of the primary school were open to our grandparents as they were invited in to experience the classrooms in action. This activity comes as a precursor to our annual interhouse choral competition concert for grandparents which concludes our term. The P-2 students had fun not only creating for the first time in the Atelier (Maker Space), but doing it with their grandparents. This was followed by sharing the experience of gardening as they weeded, watered and planted pots together. While doing this, they nurtured not only the garden but their bond. I know this simple joy of working together will be an everlasting memory for both your daughter and her grandparent/s. All these happy times lead into our winter vacation. 

   

  

The upcoming holiday is a time for reading, playing board games, going to the movies, library, gallery and most importantly spending time together without the constraint of routines. It is also a time for accessing end of Semester 1 report cards. The process is outlined below by Cathy Cox.   

The results of this report will inform the basis of Term 3 teaching and learning.  As you are aware you will have the opportunity to discuss your daughter’s progress at the parent/teacher interviews on 16 July, please don’t forget to book in. These interviews with your daughter’s teachers will allow you to discuss your child’s strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement.

The teachers will report to you, on aspects of your child’s learning.  This reporting is the outcome of an ongoing process, employed by the teacher, of gathering, analysing and reflecting on evidence to make informed and consistent conclusions to help improve the learning of your child in the future.

In the classroom the teachers use two types of assessment – summative and formative assessment. Summative assessment generally occurs at the end of a unit and is used for reporting purposes and the allocation of grades. Formative assessment is an integral part of planning and is ongoing. For years 5 and 6 students it is reflected in the continuous reporting approach.

Alongside these two types of assessment, our students are encouraged to practice self –reflection.  Self-reflection provides the potential for improved learning and increase a student’s self-regulation.  It achieves this by providing opportunities for students to share with each other and their teacher their thoughts and feelings about learning. Students are encouraged to reflect regularly on:

• what they are learning
• how they are learning
• what they are achieving
• how they view themselves as a learner.

Such reflection can provide critical feedback to your child’s teacher about whether your child is engaged with her learning and how she sees herself as a learner. It can also help focus students’ attention towards classroom processes by encouraging them to continually think about learning.  I would also encourage you to discuss these elements of learning with your child when you share their report card and as preparation for your parent/teacher interview.

Finally, a quick reminder of the fabulous coding workshops on offer at St Margaret’s later this week and next week. Our coding provider (CIY Camps and Clubs) will run a one-day camp on Friday 22 June from 9:15am to 3:15pm and a week-long workshop from 10am to 12noon starting on Monday 25 June.  To register your interest please visit their website at https://ciy.club/. Be quick as I am sure places will fill quickly.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Angela Drysdale

Interim Reports are designed for students who have only been at the school for one term or less and will be comment based and emailed directly to parents, during the first week of the school holidays.

Accessing Reports

You will need your login details to access reports through Parent Lounge via the POD. If you do not know your login, please contact School Support via email schoolsupport@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3862 0732.

Students Not Returning 

If your daughter is not returning next term, you will need to download her reports from Parent Lounge, as once she has left the school you will not be able to access these reports. If you have any issues please contact School Support.

Cathy Cox

Strings Concert

On Tuesday 24 July, all students involved in St Margaret’s String Ensembles will be performing in the annual Strings Concert. The concert will feature all St Margaret’s string ensembles, with a program of 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 finish with a big finale piece involving all ensembles combining forces to perform El Zopilote Mojado, an upbeat and playful traditional mariachi tune.

The concert will be held in Eton Hall and begins at 6:30pm, concluding at approximately 8:00pm. The cost of admission is $5 adults, free for students/children. Please join us for pre-concert refreshments provided by the Music Support Group in Eton Courtyard from 6:00pm. 2018 Strings Concert Letter and Rehearsal Schedule (PDF 215.1KB).

Community Choir recommences in Term 3!

We will once again be offering the opportunity to sing in the St Margaret’s Community Choir this year. This is always a fantastic way of engaging with the St Margaret’s community through the medium of music. The Community Choir will again participate in our annual Classics in the Cathedral concert held in St John’s Cathedral, as well as in the whole of school Choral Concert held in Eton Hall at the end of Term 3. Rehearsals will commence from Thursday evening 26 July (Week 2 of Term 3).Download Information Letter (PDF 217.5KB)

European Music Tour

During the upcoming holidays, thirty-four music students will travel to Prague, Vienna and Salzburg on the trip of a lifetime. Students will perform in spectacular venues, including the Musikverein in Vienna, and participate in the special Summa Cum Laude festival, where they will have the opportunity to meet and hear other student musicians from around the world.  This promises to be an amazing experience for the girls and we look forward to hearing about the trip on their return.

Music Support Group

The next Music Support Group meeting will be on 31 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

Cross Country

Queensland Athletics held their annual Queensland Cross Country Relay Championships at St Joseph’s Nudgee College on Saturday 16 June. Congratulations to Maicey Lynch (Year 8) and Tayden Tomich (Year 7) for winning gold in their age group.

 

 

World U20 Athletics Championships

We send good wishes to Lara Crouch (Year 12) as she takes on the world’s best representing Australia at the IAAF World Under 20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, on the 10 – 15 July in the 3000m.  These championships are the pinnacle for all junior athletes where over 160 countries compete for international honours.

Athletics - Holiday Training

Athletics training will be offered to all girls over the holiday period. Details of all sessions are below:

Dates:
Week 1                 Monday 25 June, Wednesday 27 June, Friday 29 June
Week 2                 Monday 2 July, Wednesday 4 July, Friday 6 July
Week 3                 Monday 9 July, Wednesday 11 July, Friday 13 July
Pupil Free Day   Monday 16 July

 

Please check the Athletics POD page for times.

 

Interhouse Athletics

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held on the first day of Term 3 on Tuesday 17 July at Windsor Park for all students in Years 7 – 12. The carnival will commence at 9.00am and conclude at approximately 2.30pm with all girls being transported to and from the carnival via school buses. All girls are to show their house spirit by wearing their house colours on the day and are asked to bring with them a drink bottle, sports hat, sunscreen and lunch.  Girls also have an opportunity to support their house by buying snacks and/or lunch at the Charity House stalls. 

The program has been designed with participation in mind, therefore all girls are required to participate in all fields with a minimum of two attempts. All other events have restrictions on the number of participants:

• 800m & 1500m – only one runner per age group
• 200m & 400m – two runners per age group
• 100m – four runners per age
• Triple Jump – one jumper per division – Junior, intermediate and Senior

 

Program of events:

 

All Schools Touch Football

On Saturday 9 June a mix of our Year 9A and 9B touch footballers were selected to compete at the Brisbane All Schools Touch Football Carnival at White’s Hill.  The girls had a great tournament playing in the Open competition.  The girls won their opening game against St Thomas More College and were competitive in their final two games.  It was a terrific experience for our touch footballers and all girls and staff are to be congratulated for their hard work and commitment to this final competition. 

 

 

QISSN Netball Tour

We wish our QISSN netball team the very best as they take part in the largest netball competition in Queensland from Sunday 1 July to Friday 6 July in what will be an unforgettable experience. The group will be experiencing netball at its highest level, playing against the best schoolgirl netballers in Queensland. This tour represents an opportunity to showcase the talent within the St Margaret’s Netball program and has been made possible due to the hard work by Head of Netball Mrs Gayle Coutts and Dean of Studies Mrs Nicole Devlin.

Hosting Opportunity for Netball

Calling all netball families in Years 9 – 12 to host students from UK school Bradford Grammar, who are travelling Australia on a netball tour.  We request families to provide a home to 19 girls on Monday 16 July and Tuesday 17 July. This is a great way to form friendships around the world and to demonstrate our St Margaret’s hospitality. For more information and to register your willingness to assist, please click here. (PDF 203.4KB)

 

Tennis

St Margaret's Tennis will be holding a training clinic on the pupil free day on Monday 16 July. This clinic is to provide all tennis team members the opportunity to hone their skills and double combinations with our coaches prior to the commencement of the QGSSSA season on Friday 20 July.  The clinic will be held at St Margaret’s tennis courts with the day commencing at 8.30am and concluding at 3pm. Please click here click here (PDF 186.5KB) for further details.

Winter Fixtures – Term 3

Competition for netball, hockey, tennis and volleyball will commence the first weekend of Term 3 on Saturday 21 July. All winter sport training will recommence on Tuesday 17 July in readiness for our first opponent, Brisbane State High School.

Helen Lobegeiger

Our Term 2 smART Club girls have really enjoyed working in the darkroom with tutor Thomas Oliver.  Pictured are some of the girls with their creations.  This has been an exciting and high energy bunch of photography enthusiasts; hopefully, we run the course again next year for those who are interested.

Lisa Smith

Current crossing time:  7:45am - 8:30am and 3:00pm - 3:45pm

The current rate of pay is $29.61 per hour.

 Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• the favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• a Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Closing date for applications: ASAP

Completed applications should be emailed to: employment@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Please contact International Student Care Australia (ISCA) by visiting their website www.isca.net.au or contact us on (07) 3851 0704 during business hours or you can 

 

The inaugural winner of the St Margaret’s Young Past Student of Distinction and Head Winemaker at PepperTree Wines in the Hunter, Valley Gwyneth Olsen (’00), delivered an inspirational keynote address.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our auction and prize donors more than $12,000 was raised for the school. Auction items and prizes were donated by: Churchie, Mantra group, Chris Rutherford, Stockco Finance, Craft Wines, Bob & Michelle Licina, the Norman Hotel, the Fire Pit Company, Riverview Hotel, FE Sports, PepperTree Wines, the Gatenby family, Kellie Robertson - St George Private & Westpac Private Bank QLD, RAW Yoga, Dusty Moose, Hamilton Hotel, Cafe 63, Dylan's Meats, Merlo Coffee and Campos Coffee.

Our sincere thanks to all who helped make this event such a success!

Old Girls' Events 2018

Old Girls’ Day Chapel Service and Morning Tea

Old Girls' Day is a wonderful tradition where all past students, young and old, come together to celebrate the St Margaret's community values of spirit and faith.

The service will be followed by an opportunity to network with fellow past students at a sumptuous morning tea, in the Arts Centre Foyer.

This event is FREE OF CHARGE and RSVP, through Flexischools, is for catering purposes only.

Date: Sunday 29 July 2018

Time: 9.30am - 12noon

Venue: Chapel - St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

RSVP: Friday 20 July 2018 

View the formal invitation. (PDF 599.7KB)

Reunions

TICKETS ON SALE NOW THROUGH FLEXISCHOOLS. 

Please contact our office if you are a member of an Alumni listed below and haven’t received your invitation. Ph: 07 3862 0768 or email developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au   

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2008 – Friday 27 July

20 Year Reunion – Class of 1998 – Friday 27 July

30 Year Reunion – Class of 1988 – Friday 27 July

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1978 – Saturday 28 July

50 Year Reunion – Class of 1968 – Saturday 28 July

60 Year Reunion – Class of 1958 – Saturday 28 July

60+ Year Reunion – Classes prior to 1957 – Monday 30 July

Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 29 July (Please note: This event is FREE OF CHARGE and available to all Old Girls. RSVP, through Flexischools, is for catering purposes only.)

60+ Year Reunion – Monday 30 July

Professional Women’s Network

Tickets to our next Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast are now on sale and selling fast!

Guest Speaker: Alison Quinn CEO - RetireAustralia.

Alison Quinn is the Chief Executive Officer of RetireAustralia, the largest privately owned retirement village operator in Australia. As one of Australia’s most experienced property executives with an extensive track record of success, Alison has extensive development and investment experience in the seniors housing, property and constructions sector.  A proud St Margaret’s Old Girl, Alison holds a degree in commerce from The University of Queensland, and is currently President of the Retirement Living Council.

Join us for our third exciting breakfast in 2018 and learn how Alison has achieved outstanding success in her long and distinguished career in the property sector.

 

When: Thursday 23 August 2018

Where: Arts Centre Foyer

Tickets: Corporate tables $800 for 10, $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Lara Pickering

The University of Sydney

This event is a great opportunity for parents and students to come and find out more detailed information about the University

Event: The University of Sydney in Brisbane Information Session

Date: Wednesday 25 July

Venue: Next Hotel Brisbane, 72 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Time: 2 – 7pm

Sessions include: International student consultations, Scholarship Workshop and the Drop in Evening for parents and students.

Register here

ANU Admissions, Scholarships & Accommodation

Last month, ANU announced major changes to student admissions for 2020. We've been travelling around the country to tell you all about this new admissions process. We would like to invite you and your school community to attend the following events:

» Brisbane, 31 July at 5.30pm - Register

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne would like to invite you to attend our Information Day for interstate students at our Parkville campus on Thursday 12 July 9:00am – 6:00pm. Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010

REGISTER NOW

https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/victoria_and_interstate/victoria/interstate-student-and-parent-information-day-jul   

The day will focus on aspects of the university that are of greater concern to interstate students such as the application process, scholarships, student services, accommodation options and financial assistance. Participants will have an opportunity to ask current University of Melbourne students who have come from interstate about their experience and how they managed the transition. The program will also include a campus tour followed by a free lunch at one of the residential colleges and a college tour. Optional additional accommodation tours will take place after the official program has ended.

Another event we are running is on the following day Friday 13 July ‘A Day at Melbourne’ where you will find out about our undergraduate courses structure, majors, graduate pathways, enhancement programs and activities that can be done within each faculty. To find out more about the A Day at Melbourne program go to http://go.unimelb.edu.au/3bfn

ANU

ANU is changing how we do admissions, making it easier for students to apply to Australia's national university. Students wishing to commence at ANU in 2020 will apply directly to ANU in a single application that covers admissions, scholarships, and accommodation.

Timeline

March to May 2019 - Students apply to ANU

August 2019 - Early outcomes are released, conditional on meeting ATAR requirements, outcomes including admissions, scholarships, and accommodation offer

We will make early offers to students based on year 11 results, conditional on achieving the required final OP/ATAR. This means students will know they have a place at ANU much earlier, and they can start planning for their life at University. We'll be at the 2018 Tertiary Studies Expo in Brisbane on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 July from 10:00am to 4:00pm both days. Come along and ask us any questions you have about studying at ANU.

QTAC www.qtac.edu.au

QTAC applications for current year 12 students open 2 August. All applications are submitted online via the QTAC website. Some courses have earlier closing dates but the general early closing date is 28 September 2018.

How to apply to interstate tertiary institutions

You can apply for some institutions in Northern NSW and Tasmania through QTAC. See our participating institutions.

You can access websites for all Australian institutions through the tertiary admission centres listed below. 

You can apply for most interstate courses through state-based tertiary admissions centres. Current Year 12 students can apply from the start of August 2018:

New South Wales – apply through UAC (opens 1 August)

Northern Territory – apply though SATAC (opens 7 August)

South Australia – apply through SATAC

Tasmania – apply direct for University of Tasmania

Victoria – apply through VTAC (opens 6 August)

Western Australia – apply through TISC; apply direct for The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Application processes and fees vary, so visit the relevant state’s tertiary admissions centre or institution website for more information

Griffith University

2019 scholarship applications open soon

Each year Griffith University provides more than 40 million dollars in direct financial support to help new and continuing students successfully complete their degrees. More than 600 scholarships are available to cover tuition, education and living expenses, and students can apply for multiple scholarships with just one application. Applications for 2019 open on 20 July 2018.

» Explore scholarship options and apply online at griffith.edu.au/scholarships

The University of New England

Benefits of UNE Early Entry Direct:

Apply directly to UNE online

No application fees

Know earlier (November) that you have a place at UNE to relieve the pressure of waiting for results, and let you plan your big move

No QTAC application required - Applying through UNE Early Entry does not prevent you from making another application through a tertiary admissions centre so it’s a great way to increase your chances of getting into the course you want.

Who can apply for Early Entry?

Early Entry is available for most UNE degrees, for current Year 12 students

For most courses you are offered you will also have the option to accept the offer and defer for up to two years

Apply via https://earlyentry.une.edu.au/apex/f?p=118:1:::::: on or before Friday 28 September 2018  

Australian Catholic University

Apply for CAP now.

What is CAP?

ACU's Community Achiever Program (CAP) is designed to acknowledge commitment to our local communities. Regular volunteer work in your community – through a social justice organisation, sporting, performance, cultural or religious group – may be rewarded through our Community Achievers' Program with entry into an undergraduate degree.

A successful CAP application means you could receive an offer as early as August to study at ACU. Being part of this CAP group also offers unique opportunities to enhance your leadership and volunteering skills, while you study with us.

CAP entry is only available for Undergraduate bachelor level degrees at ACU.

Remember: the experience must have been voluntary, so ACU will not consider community involvement undertaken as part of your schoolwork, work experience or paid employment.

CAP applications to study in 2019

Close - Midnight Tuesday 31 July 2018

Offers will be released by the end of August 2018

Monash University: 

Audition preparation course – jazz and popular voice studies

This is a two day course for jazz instrumentalists, jazz voice and popular voice students. Students will explore the performance and ensemble processes helping them build the skills required to audition for entry to the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. Students will learn what is expected during the auditions for our jazz and popular voice courses.

Event details
Date: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August 2018
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Clayton campus
Cost: $330

Register at shop.monash.edu/audition- course-jazz-studies-and-popular-voice.html

Engineering prerequisites  

Did you know, engineering graduates are among the highest paid graduates in Australia, with a median starting salary of $64,000 pa? (2017 Graduate Outcomes Survey). The Faculty of Engineering at Monash offers a flagship Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree enabling graduates to qualify as an engineer after just four years of study.

If are interested in entering this course at Monash, it’s imperative to select appropriate subjects early on, to ensure you can satisfy the course prerequisites:

English
Higher Level Mathematics
Physics or Chemistry
(all Australian Year 12 equivalent).

For more information, visit https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course?query=engineering&f.Tabs%7CcourseTab=Undergraduate&f.InterestAreas%7CcourseInterestAreas=

The University of Sydney

Our undergraduate degrees are streamlined so you can choose your ideal course. To help you navigate our study areas and pathways, we have streamlined and simplified our degrees. If you know precisely where you want to head or want to explore different areas before deciding what to do, we have an undergraduate degree that will take you where you want to go.

 We’ve also expanded access for you to study across disciplines by introducing a shared pool of over 100 majors and minors. This gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of study areas within the following degrees:

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Design Computing

Bachelor of Economics

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Visual Arts

combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies

For example, if you enjoy studying science and history, you can now pursue both areas of study by enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree.

 You can design your own degree with our new combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies

Taken in combination with a three-year degree, the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies not only allows you to design your own degree but also supercharges your undergraduate experience at Sydney.

As part of the combined degree you have the opportunity to:

access at least one major outside your primary field of study

complete a second major

build on your expertise with advanced coursework and project work

complete an Honours component

enrich your experience in community, industry or entrepreneurship settings.

The future is in your hands. Find out more about the Sydney Undergraduate Experience.

Bond University Scholarships for Australian students

Scholarship applications for Year 12 Australian students will open on 1 June, 2018.

View each of the scholarships below to find out more about each scholarship, their eligibility criteria, value and how to apply. Download your copy of the 2018 Bond University Scholarship Brochure. Also review our 'top tips' for Year 12 scholarship applicants.

The University of Queensland

Changes to Doctor of Medicine program from 2021

The UQ Academic Board have approved changes to the selection process for UQ's Doctor of Medicine (MD) program that will impact current high school students.

 These changes will be progressively introduced over the coming years, allowing students ample time to prepare.

 What are the changes?

There are two main changes to the selection process for the MD Program at UQ:

• The introduction of a Mini Multiple Interview as part of the selection process (only impacting current Year 10 students, or younger)

• The introduction of prerequisite courses to ensure students are well prepared for the first two years of the program (impacting all students)

 
Why the change?

Our revised admission process is designed to ensure the highly sought-after places in the MD program are offered to applicants who demonstrate the attributes and abilities most suited to the profession of medicine, and most likely to succeed in the MD program.

ANU

A pathway to medicine at ANU

The Bachelor of Health Science offers a pathway to the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU without having to sit the GAMSAT. At the end of their second year in the Bachelor of Health Science up to 30 students will receive an offer of entry to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD), contingent upon their grade point average (GPA), an interview process, and successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science. Ten of the 30 places in the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program are reserved for rural and Indigenous students from the Bachelor of Health Science.

Program details

QLD OP: 6
Other prerequisites apply

For further details on admission, fees and program requirements visit the ANU Programs & courses website.

UQ Pharmacy Experience Day - save the date

Pharmacy Experience Day is an annual UQ showcase which invites students to discover where a Bachelor of Pharmacy can take them. Throughout the day guests will take part in a range of hands-on laboratory activities, meet and quiz current students, and participate on a guided tour through the world class facilities. All members of the public are invited to attend the Pharmacy Experience Day, held on Sunday 19 August 2018.

UQ New Bachelor of Arts Program Planner

The Bachelor of Arts offers students unrivalled flexibility, but this often causes confusion among new students. UQ have launched a new Bachelor of Arts Program Planner as a resource for guidance officers, teachers and students.

UMAT 2018 Key Dates:

Late registrations close: Friday 15 June 2018- 5pm AEST

Applications for Special Testing Conditions close: Friday 15 June 2018

UMAT test date: Wednesday 25 July 2018

Results released: Mid-September 2018

UMAT is only available once every year. If you do not register by the due date, you will have to wait until 2019 to sit the test.

University Open Days

Australian Catholic University (ACU): Saturday 28 July 2018, Open Day Brisbane, 9am-2pm

Bond University (BOND): Saturday 28 July, Twilight Open Day Gold Coast

CQUniversity (CQU): Thursday 9 August, Brisbane Open Day 3pm-6pm; Saturday 11 August, Bundaberg and Mackay

Griffith University (GRIFFITH): Sunday 12 August 2018 Open Day Gold Coast, Nathan & South Bank Campuses

James Cook University (JCU): Sunday 19 August 2018, Townsville Campus; Sunday 26 August 2018, Cairns Campus

Queensland University of Technology (QUT): Sunday 29 July 2018, Open Day Gardens Point (city) campus

Southern Cross University (SCU): Sunday 29 July (10am – 2pm) Gold Coast Open Day

The University of Queensland (UQ): St Lucia campus – Sunday 5 August (9:00am - 3:00pm); Gatton campus – Sunday 19 August. (9:00am - 3:00pm)

University of Southern Queensland (USQ): Toowoomba – Sunday 19 August; Ipswich – Saturday 1 September; Springfield – Friday 7 September 

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC): Fraser Coast – Saturday 23 June; Sippy Downs - Sunday 22 July; Caboolture – Sunday, 5 August

KEY DATES:

Wednesday 25 July: UMAT Exam

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2018: Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)  8am – 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds.

Friday 20 July: Griffith University – Scholarship applications open griffith.edu.au/scholarships

Tuesday 31 July 2018: ACU – Closing date CAP applications to study in 2019  

Wednesday 1 August: UAC (NSW Tertiary) – Applications open; Early bird applications close Friday 28 September

Thursday 2 August: QTAC (Qld Tertiary) – Applications open; Early bird applications close Friday 28 September

Monday, 6 August 2018: VTAC (Victorian Tertiary) –  Applications open; Close of timely applications: Thursday, 27 September; Close of Scholarship applications: Friday, 12 October

Sunday 19 August 2018: UQ – Pharmacy Experience Day – 9.30am-1pm 

Friday 28 September 2018: UNE – Closing date Early Entry application

Monday 17 December 2018: OP Advice Night, UQ Centre, St Lucia campus 4pm- 7pm

Tuesday 18 December 2018: QUT Real Decisions – Gardens Point campus

Liz Johnston