eNews Archive Issue 32 - 19 October 2017

Our current Year 12s are also counting down the days – and experiencing the ‘lasts’ in school days. As each final assessment piece occurs, students are finishing their subjects and the excitement they are feeling is almost tangible.

‘Transitions’ in life are often exciting but, of course, they can also be accompanied with a little bit of fear and anxiety. Whether it is going from primary to secondary school, Year 10 to Year 11 or Year 12 to work or tertiary study, each requires more personal responsibility and self-regulation. This can be challenging for some but can be assisted by thorough preparation (becoming knowledgeable about the new environment and the expectations) and by developing good habits around organisation and managing time.

Cyberbullying 

The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia, in sharing a report on the cyberbullying of young people in England has found that supportive schools and positive family communication, particularly with fathers, is protective against online bullying. Researchers found that 18% of young people aged 11 to 15 report being victims of cyberbullying. However, girls are twice as likely as boys to be affected, with nearly one-third of girls aged 15 reporting being cyberbullied.

The cyberbullying report - prepared for Public Health England by researchers from Hertfordshire University - was based on an analysis of survey data from over 5,000 young people aged 11 to 15 who took part in the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children survey. Senior Research Fellow, Dr Ellen Klemera, says that their analysis of the data emphasises that schools and families play a crucial role in preventing cyberbullying: "We found that young people who felt that important issues were regularly spoken about in their family, and that someone listened to them when they spoke, were less likely to say that they had experienced cyberbullying in the past two months. Our findings support the idea that family communication and support, particularly communication with the father, protect against cyberbullying."

While traditional bullying is more common - with 32% of young people experiencing physical bullying - cyberbullying “is not limited by geography, time, or face to face contact”. Whether hurtful texts, sharing private messages or photos, or creating fake social media profiles, the ease of cyberbullying increases the opportunity for bullying to occur. It also magnifies the impact of the bullying behaviour as it “widens the net of bystanders being able to view or participate in bullying more widely through online networks”. Despite this, it is often invisible to the victim’s friends, family and school.

Girls are more than twice as likely as boys to report being a victim of cyberbullying (24% vs. 12%). Older girls aged 13 and 15 are significantly more likely than boys or younger adolescents to experience cyberbullying. Nearly one-third (31%) of girls aged 15 and 27% of girls aged 13 reported being bullied online, compared with 16% of 15-year-old boys and 12% of 13-year-old boys. Among 11-year-olds, 16% of girls and 9% of boys report cyberbullying. While cyberbullying is strongly associated with gender and age, it also increases with family affluence. This may be because children from higher socio-economic backgrounds have greater access to the internet and handheld devices like smartphones. Research shows that young people from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to have daily contact with their

friends through texting. They are also more likely to access the internet via handheld devices and in their rooms, “which may result in more unsupervised internet activities”. However, the Hertfordshire University researchers note that “we can expect to see the association between family affluence and cyberbullying diminish as technology becomes more widely available”.

Importantly, lower rates of cyberbullying were found in young people who report positive family communication with both of their parents. In particular, fathers were found to play “an important protective role”, with the Hertfordshire University analysis showing that young people who find it difficult to communicate with their father are 50% more likely to be cyberbullied compared with those who can talk to their father easily.

More generally, a supportive school culture has been found to be associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes for young people. Previous studies have found that students who feel connected to their school, have good relationships with their teachers and feel safe at school are less likely to report bullying, including cyberbullying. The 2014 survey data for England shows that young people who agree that they feel safe, that they belong, that their teachers care about them and that they trust their teachers, are less likely to report being cyberbullied. Similarly, those who have a positive perception and feel safe in their neighbourhood are less like to report cyberbullying.

(References are available on request)

Ros Curtis 

Over the next two weeks, I will be sending a memo to each girl in Years 8-11 detailing the subjects they are enrolled in for 2018. If they have any queries or changes they would like to make, I urge them to come and see me to make these changes. I will ask for them to have their parents email me to confirm that these subject changes are supported. If subjects are full, I can place them on a waitlist and they will be notified as soon as a position becomes available in that class.

I have had a few students concerned that they are yet undecided on what they want to do after school and so have worried whether they are choosing the correct subjects or not. My response to that is – please don’t worry! It is important to choose subjects that you like or that you are good at.

It is also important to aim high. I enjoy sitting down with students, looking at their current GPA and helping them set some academic goals.

Most subjects at university have a prerequisite of English, and of course we have that covered in the timetable for each year level. Some specialist courses might also have other prerequisites required for entry, for example a particular science or music/art if heading into these specialist areas.

I encourage students to make an appointment to see Ms Johnston to find out this information if it applies to them. Their classroom teachers and Heads of Faculty are also on hand to answer any questions about subjects for 2018.

Karen Gorrie 

My thanks for all those who brought their gorgeous family members, for the Year 8s who assisted and provided morning tea and to those who especially braved flood waters to attend! Next October we shall see you all again.

Upcoming Celebrations

Naturally, coming to the end of the school year means a series of celebrations, both spiritual and secular. All members of the school community are always welcome to attend Chapel services.

Thursday 2 November: 7am, Final Year 12 Boarders’ Chapel

Friday 10 November: 2pm, Years 3-6 Eucharist

Sunday 12 November: 9am, Young Families Service

Thursday 16 November: 10am, Thanksgiving Service, St John’s Cathedral

Wednesday 22 November: 10am, Year 6 Transitional Prayer Space, St John’s Cathedral

Tuesday 28 November: 8.30am, Year 6 Graduation Chapel

Wednesday 29 November: 1pm, Pre-Prep End of Year Chapel

Thursday 30 November: 9am, Whole School Christmas Service, Philip Harris Sports Centre

Reflection

On a recent visit to England, I made sure we called in to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. A place which can only be accessed at low tide, Lindisfarne was home to the religious community of St Aidan. Life with religious, prayerful types could be a bit daunting and stressful at times, apparently, so one of the island’s monks, Cuthbert, took himself off to his own smaller island. Getting away from the hustle and bustle was essential for him. My mind boggles. What would Cuthbert make of today’s world? What would he make of the lives that we lead? If he saw my diary and calendar requests, would he cast them aside into the sea?

On my long service leave, I wanted to ground myself – literally and metaphorically – with the landscape. Thankfully the weather was warm and kind! When I arrived at the remains of Cuthbert’s stone chapel, on a small island off Lindisfarne itself, I connected with my memories of 18 years earlier … the pre-ordained me, the student, the hopeful adventurer … and I removed my shoes, I removed my socks and I curled up in a ball away from the wind.

As my children lay in the sun, up on the rocks you can see behind the boots in this picture, seals bobbed nearby. There was a raw beauty in the silence that descended upon us all. Not an actual silence, for the birds and the waves and the wind sang their own songs; but there was a silence in our hearts. For me, grounded in the warm grass, earthed across the centuries through being in the moment, there was silent prayer. Wordless conversation. Holy ground.

Are you seeking spiritual refreshment and nourishment for the soul? Finding Sacred Space may be as simple as stretching out on an old faded lounge chair on the deck. Is it time to remove your shoes and be ‘grounded’ …?

May the Wind and Breath of Life draw you closer to your sacred home,

The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

I have been camp drafting since I was 4. My whole family does it as a hobby throughout the year. Basically, one night my sister, Georgia and I decided it would be great to form a school camp draft team. We then decided to make a poster and pitch the idea to Ms Curtis. The poster explained what camp drafting is and I met with her personally to encourage her to speak to the School Council.

Camp drafting for those who don’t know: there is a ‘camp’ of cattle and there is 7 ‘head’ in there. Riders go in on their horse and pick a cow. You take the cow to the front and you ‘work it’ which means you ‘cut it out from side to side’. You are essentially blocking the cow from getting back to the mob. It can be a bit nerve racking managing the beast, as you are using your horse to block the cow.

Two people open the gates, you go out and you chase the beast on horseback around 2 pegs and take the cow up to put it through a ‘gate’. The gate being two pegs which form a gap. The whole process requires a lot of skill and timing. Participants have to be very controlled riders, and extremely experienced in working with cattle and horses.

The whole event is judged out of 100. Things that the judges are looking for are: control, safety, how your horse works, timing and how the rider maneuverers around the course.

For the cut out you get a score from 0-26, for your horse work you get a score of 0-70 and then for your course you get a score of 3 or 4. These work like achievement scores. Riders only get 40 seconds to complete the course.

I’m thrilled to see my idea come to life and hope people will come who have never been to a camp draft before. It’s a really popular sport in rural Australia and provides a fabulous social arena for country people as well. On 4-5 November in Warwick, St Margaret’s are hosting the very first High School Camp Draft Percentile Cup. I really hope this stays for many years to come.

Emily Curr

Dimity Harris 

2017 has seen us developing actions which ensure that this thinking is operationalised so that it impacts on student outcomes. Through Learning Analytics, we can collect data to track student performance. This is fed back into our planning and the cycle continues.

Our final Trends in Education Seminar for 2017 provides an insight into the ways in which we are using educational research to shape our school culture. The presentation, titled, Care is the Core touches on the research which asserts that merging the traditionally separate spheres of pastoral care and academic rigour is central to excellent learning and outlines how we are using this knowledge to shape our environment at St Margaret’s. It is scheduled for Tuesday 24 October at 5:30pm in the Arts Centre Foyer. Nikki Townsend, Dean of Students and I are looking forward to sharing some of our work through our address. We would very much like you to join us at this event, details of which can be found below. 

Samantha Bolton 

Through my role as Dean of Studies and as a teacher I spend time with girls discussing their progress results. It is becoming concerning to me as an educator that all too often the grade or result is this sole motivator for the students' learning. This intense focus on the all-important result is distracting and devaluing what the student should be actually caring about: the learning and the skills. The grading of students is a necessity in the education system and much has always been written about assessment and its importance. However, it is through the Continuous Reporting process we are endeavoring to switch the focus for the girls.

The Continuous Reporting process asks teachers to mark and write an individual comment to each student giving feedback on what they did well, what they didn’t do and ways to improve focusing on the process and skills of learning. This feedback is entered into the reporting system and the written feedback is seen by the students straight away through the Learning Analytics portal, with the result not released until later. This is allowing the girls to value the feedback that the teachers are giving. It gives them the chance to digest the feedback, which allows them to better recognise what they did well or not so well, and in turn enables them to set some real goals focused on learning, not just the result.

This year, many girls have engaged in their Academic Mentoring Portal through Learning Analytics. With more teacher feedback now included in the portal, the girls are seeing connections between subjects and skills and are engaging by setting focused and meaningful learning goals. 2018, will see another move in the Academic Mentoring process to strengthen the support for the girls to become the best learners they can be. Girls will be given more support and time to focus on the all-important process of learning, to ensure they are achieving to the best of their ability.

A reminder also, you as parents can see your daughter’s results and teacher feedback through Parent Lounge. Currently, you will be able to see all feedback from Term 3 assessment and over the next few weeks Term 4 assessment data will be released as it is completed. I also encourage you to talk to your daughter about Learning Analytics and her goals, and remember to encourage her to read the feedback from her teachers.

Nicole Devlin 

As the student leadership process continues this week one of the questions we will be asking the Year 11 girls who have applied for leadership positions is, how will they deal with disappointment if they are not successful in being selected as a leader?

As adults we are all well aware that life will have its fair share of disappointments and frustrations. At home, reacting to these stressful situations might start with shouting, hiding or feeling sorry for oneself. At school and in the girl’s future careers these types of behaviours could in fact harm their reputation.

We must remember that decisions will be made but, it is the individual’s final decision and choice on how they behave and react. Individuals are encouraged to do the following if they find themselves disappointed:

Have a positive mindset – realise that not all things will go your way all of the time, look for something positive.

Adjust your goal – if you are disappointed that you did not reach your goal, that does not mean the goal is unreachable in the future.

Record your thoughts – writing allows your negative feelings to be expressed and released.

Smile and support those who have been successful – this shows a lot more about your character if you can rise above your disappointment and continue to be the best person you can be. 

“Disappointments are just God’s way of saying: “I’ve got something better” Be Patient, Live Life and Have Faith.”

Anonymous

Mental Health Week
Last week, the Student Representative Council raised awareness regarding Mental Health Week by displaying posters and purple balloons around the school. Students showed their support by wearing purple ribbons. School Captains, Hannah Lane and Charlotte Traves, created a Mental Health PowerPoint outlining “7 Ways to Promote Mental Health” for all Form classes to view in the Secondary school. Please see their top 7 tips below: 

1. Build Relationships
2. Exercise and stay healthy
3. Develop gratitude
4. Identify your strengths
5. Give to others
6. Spirituality
7. Ask for help

Nikki Townsend 

Over the next weeks, our current Year 5 girls will participate in the selection process for Primary School Captains for 2018. The process will be outlined in next week’s eNews.

In the Primary School we see evidence of this same confidence, particularly with our Year 6 leaders. This was evident at our regular ‘St Margaret’s Way’ Assembly. These assemblies are organised and conducted by members of the Student Representative Council. I am always impressed by all students who present at Assembly. Each one is so naturally confident and their presentations are always innovative and inspiring for other students in the Primary School.

Assemblies are not the only opportunities for students to speak in front of an audience. This term, some Year 6 girls have elected to participate in debating. The teams undertake two debates with St Aidan’s teams. This is an opportunity to learn the skills of debating and be offered feedback from an adjudicator. Thank you to Miss Surtees for her organisation.

Other opportunities to present to an audience include Challenge Club activities. On the weekend, Sienna Small, Sienna Crockett, Isabella Evans, Lucy Williams, and Jessica Duncan headed off to UQ to participate in the OptiMINDS State Finals for the Science and Engineering Division One section of the competition. The girls were awarded Honours. Congratulations to them on their great achievement. Thank you to Mrs Crockett who supported the girls in their preparation and who spent the weekend with them, including two nights in a hotel apartment. Miss Surtees and Mrs Edwards each enjoyed staying overnight with the girls and I also thank them for their support.

Year 3 girls certainly displayed confidence when they departed for the Sunshine Coast and their camp. This was significant as it was the first time Year 3 students stayed overnight at a campsite. At the camp, the girls participated in a variety of outdoor activities. It started with a visit to Australia Zoo, followed by beach activities and, in the evening, camp fire activities.

I was very impressed with the girls’ enthusiasm and involvement as they participated in bush skills and games. Thank you to Lauren Richards for her organisation and also to Melissa Garbutt, Nicole Jonathan, and Morgan Rowe for their support of the girls throughout the camp.

Whilst this camp is the last one for the year, it marks the beginning of our sequential, structured program that runs from Years 3 to 6, with each year’s program building on the previous year/years’ program. The common thread for each year’s programs is respect and responsibility which encompasses respect and responsibility for self, others and the natural world.

Orientation Day

Next Thursday 26 October, over 50 new students will join our current students to experience their year level for 2018. Once the girls settle into their new year level, the day will commence with data collection activities. Students in their 2018 Year Level, will participate in these activities. Prep, Years 1 and 2 teachers will collect individual data. Other year levels will undertake different standardised assessment. Years 4 and 6 with the year level teachers and students in Years 3 and 5, will complete assessments administered by outside providers. Data collected on all students will help inform differentiated planning for 2018. This data collecting process will be followed by activities to support the girls in getting to know each other and the school. I know the students and staff are looking forward to the day and the anticipation of a new school year.

Booklist

As part of the planning for 2018, Booklists for 2018 are now available on the St Margaret’s website under Admissions - School Supplies Shop. Access for ordering on-line through Sequel Bookstore is now open for First Round and Second Round orders. If you have any queries, please contact the School Supplies Shop: 07 3862 0776.

Angela Drysdale 

A bus will take the girls to and from Calamvale Community College, leaving St Margaret’s at 3:30pm. Wind Ensemble is scheduled to perform at 5:30pm. There will be a presentation soon afterwards and the girls will return by bus to St Margaret’s. It is anticipated they will be back at school by approximately 6:45pm. A letter is attached (PDF 133.4KB) with further information.

Qld Percussive Arts Music Eisteddfod - Regale Percussion Ensemble

Congratulations to the Regale Percussion Ensemble who competed at the Queensland Percussive Arts Eisteddfod at Sheldon College last Sunday afternoon. The girls received a highly commended alongside with comments made on the sophistication of their pieces and the impressive skills executed in their performance. This is a wonderful result!

Qld Percussive Arts Music Eisteddfod - Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble

The Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble will be performing at the Queensland Percussive Arts Eisteddfod on Sunday 22 October, 10.30am at Somerville House, Main Theatre, Graham St, South Brisbane. All are welcome to attend the performance. Please see attached letter (PDF 167.8KB) for further details.

Music Dinner

Music Dinner will be held on Friday 10 November, 6-9:30pm in Eton Hall. The Annual Music Dinner is an occasion where students and parents celebrate the culmination of a wonderful year of music at St Margaret’s. This year’s theme is ‘Disney’ and the girls are encouraged to come dressed according to the theme. Parents are also warmly invited to come and celebrate the girls’ musical achievements (and of course are welcome to dress according to the theme). The event is always great fun with refreshments provided upon arrival, along with a two-course dinner, presentations, prize-giving and a chance to say goodbye and thank you to the Year 12 girls who will be leaving St Margaret’s. The Music Support Group always does an amazing job of decorating the space according to the theme and provide an evening that is truly memorable for all in attendance!

Music Dinner is open to students in Years 6-12 who have been involved in the following Co-curricular ensembles for the whole year: Amati Strings, Beath String Quartet, Stradivari Strings, Chamber Strings, Sculthorpe String Quartet, Belle Voci, Primary Chorale, Elevarsi Voices, Encorah, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Elayne Jones Percussion Ensemble, Regale Percussion Ensemble, Highly Strung, Senior Rock Band, Junior Rock Band and Stage Band. Tickets for this event are $65 adults, $55 students. Payment can be made via Flexischools (www.flexischools.com.au). For catering purposes, it is imperative that payments are made by Monday 6 November, 5pm. A letter is attached here (PDF 230.5KB) with further details.

Music Support Group Annual General Meeting

The Music Support Group AGM will be held on Tuesday 21 November 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 

Over the weekend, they performed beyond their team goals and qualified for the top 8 finals. Finishing 8th out of the 260 schools that entered is a fantastic result. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Head Netball Coach, Gayle Coutts, for her commitment to the program this year. Gayle is continuing her work at St Margaret’s in the Primary netball clinics as well as coaching in the Water Polo program.

QGSSSA Athletics Carnival
The girls have been training hard and fielding ten relay teams weekly in preparation for the final carnival this Friday at QSAC. Vanessa Haynes and Bronte Thompson have been committed and enthusiastic Captains and we wish them all the best of luck. Mr Brown has put together a strong squad of girls who will take their St Margaret’s spirit and try their best to win the elusive Percentage Cup. Some of the girls competed at the State Athletics Championships over the last week adding some silverware to their trophy cabinets.

Congratulations to:
Maicey Lynch - Silver 800m
Tyla Proctor - Gold in the Hurdles and 6th in the 100m Final
Lucinda Crouch - Silver in the Steeple
Lara Crouch - Gold in the 1500m and Bronze in the 3000m
Ciana Jamieson - Bronze in the 1500m
Milla Roberts - Gold in the Multi Event
Lani McWilliam - Gold in the 800m

VIVA7s
Well done to the 48 girls who came along to our Come & Try VIVA7s session last Monday! It was awesome to see so many of you having fun whilst playing this brand new sport! The girls have also been given the opportunity to play in a game of VIVA7s as a curtain raiser before the Brisbane Bledisloe Cup match this weekend. Go girls!

If you missed out there is still time as the Queensland Reds will be running a 5 week program every Monday from 23 October - 20 November.

Details are as follows:
What: VIVA7s (view information about the sport here: http://www.viva7s.com.au/)
Where: Windsor Park (bus transport is provided)
Who: ANY STUDENT in Years 7-12
When: 4-5pm Mondays from 23 October - 20 November (please meet at Gate 3 Butler St straight after school to catch the bus)
How much: $25 which includes a bucket hat (pay via Flexischools)

Nicky Barrie 

Eliza McKendry and Annabel Kennedy

Visual Art Captains 

1st Round Deliveries only:
St Margaret’s Supplies Shop orders close Friday 27 October
Sequel Online orders close Sunday 29 October
Deliveries between 1 - 18 December 2017

2nd Round Collection and Deliveries:
St Margaret’s Supplies Shop orders close Friday 17 November
Sequel Online orders close Sunday 19 November
Collection from St Margaret’s Eton Hall - Friday 19 January 2018, 9am-2pm
Deliveries between 2 - 16 January 2018     

Speech Night - Church Dress Hire
Church Dress Hire begins Wednesday 1 November
Speech Night Tuesday 14 November
Hire Return (all year levels except Year 6) Monday 20 November
Year 6 Chapel Service Tuesday 28 November
Hire Return Year 6 Thursday 30 November

All students wishing to hire a church dress must have a ‘Hire form’ completed and signed by a parent/guardian at the time of hiring. These forms are available on the St Margaret’s website or from the Supplies Shop. There is a $100 deposit at time of hire with a $70 refund when the church dress is returned as per conditions on hire form. A late return may result in a late fee after Monday 20 November.

Shop Trading Hours
Thursday 30 November 2017 - End of Term - 8am-2pm
Friday 1 December 2017 - 10am-2pm
Monday 4 December 2017 - Shop Closed - 8am-2pm Appointments only
Tuesday 5 December 2017 - Shop Closed - 8am-2pm Appointments only
Wednesday 6 December 2017 - Shop Closed - 8am-2pm Appointments only
Shop closed from Thursday 7 December 2017
Shop Reopens Monday 15 January 2018
Monday 15 January 2018 to Friday 19 January 2018 - 9am-2pm
Monday 22 January 2018 - Boarders only - 1pm-5pm
Tuesday 23 January 2018 - Students return - 8am-2pm
Wednesday 24 January 2018 - 10am-5pm
Thursday 25 January 2018 - 8am-2pm
Friday 26 January 2018 - Australia Day Public Holiday - Closed

All new students wishing to purchase uniforms before the end of 2017 will be required to make an appointment.

A numbering system for ALL purchases will operate during the January 2018 trading hours. All parents and students wishing to purchase from the School Supplies Shop will be required to take a number and wait to be attended to.

Normal Trading Hours Resume from Monday 29 January 2018
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8am-2pm

Wednesday
10am-5pm

Public Holidays Closed

Enquiries:  St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Supplies Shop
Phone:  07 3862 0776
Email: suppliesshop@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Terisa Arnold 

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

Annual General Meeting

The OGA AGM will be held on Tuesday 28 November in the Mooloomburram Boardroom from 7:00 to 9:00pm. All past students are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Luanne Wishart 

Crimson Education has invited three Brisbane-based entrepreneurs to answer these questions and more at our upcoming seminar. This event is tailored for students in Years 9-11 and parents, although interested students from all year levels are welcome.

Guest speakers are:
Scott Millar - seventeen-year-old Sheldon College student who founded his holographic projections startup, BOP Industries, as part of a Grade 9 business venture.

Jake Phillpot - whose company, Tanda (which integrates payroll, rostering and Artificial Intelligence), was founded over a drink with friends at a uni bar.

Kim Parascos - co-founder and CEO of iVolve Pty Ltd, a provider of controls system software for the mining industry.

When: Saturday 21 October 2017, 4pm – 5:30pm
Where: Fishburners Co-Working Space, L2/155 Queen Street, Brisbane
Registrations: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-future-is-stem-education-qld-tickets-38032870339

The code for St Margaret’s is STEM1, for students and parents to secure free tickets.

Griffith University
Griffith University’s Rural Priority Scheme sets aside a number of places in medicine and dentistry for high achieving students from a rural background. More information about this scheme is available from: https://www.griffith.edu.au/apply/pathways/rural-priority-access-scheme

Bond University College Options Evening Thursday 2 November
Are you unsure of what to do when you finish Year 12?
Bond University College offers alternative pathways to university studies and exciting career opportunities with a range of two-semester Preparation and Diploma programs. Our supported learning environment helps develop core academic skills, with direct entry to the Bond degree of your choice, while enjoying all the benefits (and fun!) of university life.

Best of all, students will complete their Bachelor degree at the same time as their friends at other universities, thanks to Bond’s three-semesters-per-year schedule. Applications are now open for our University Preparation Program and Diplomas in Business, Communication, Criminology, Health Sciences, International Hotel and Tourism Management, Law, Sports Management and Sustainable Environments and Planning, for start dates in January, May and September 2018. Read more and register here.

Bond University Student for a Semester
Applications now open for January 2018 semester
Participants of the Bond University Student for a Semester Program gain a distinct advantage over their peers by completing a tertiary subject and getting a true experience of university life, before they leave high school. Student for a Semester participants receive a Student Mentor to guide them through their studies, and students who successfully pass their subject may also be eligible to receive credit towards their Bond University undergraduate degree. Applications for the January 2018 semester open online on Friday 10 November at: www.apply.bond.edu.au and close Friday 16 December. Learn more at: bond.edu.au/student-for-a-semester or download the Student for a Semester Brochure.

New Psychometric Testing as an entry requirement to the Bond Medical Program
The top 500 eligible applicants will be invited to complete a compulsory online psychometric assessment. Applicants will be required to pay a fee to sit the test. The results will identify 250 applicants who will be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview to gain selection into the Medical Program.

University of Sydney - Info Day
Don’t miss the University’s Info Day on Saturday 16 December 2017. To find out more and keep up to date with the day’s activities, visit: www.sydney.edu.au/info-day.

University of Sydney - Mathematics prerequisite
From 2019, we will be introducing a mathematics prerequisite for some of our courses to help students thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics related degrees. For further details, including a list of courses this applies to, please visit: www.sydney.edu.au/study/maths.

QUT
2018 UQ Enhanced Studies - applications are now open
Current Year 11 students are invited to apply for UQ’s Enhanced Studies Program (ESP). ESP provides your talented students with an opportunity to extend their studies by completing a university subject in Semester 1 of Year 12. Your students can select from over 40 courses including maths, psychology, accounting, business management, history, languages, music, and tourism. Some external and flexible delivery courses are also available.

Students who study an ESP course do not pay tuition fees. ESP students enjoy the benefits associated with being a UQ student, including access to UQ libraries, student services, guest lectures, and use of UQ’s extensive sporting facilities. In addition, students who successfully complete ESP will receive one bonus point (1-99 scale) towards their university entrance rank through UQ’s Bonus Rank Scheme. Students who later enrol in a relevant UQ program may receive credit for their completed course.

Eligibility

Students currently completing Year 11 (in the year of application), in all Queensland state and non-government high schools and colleges, including on-shore international students:

• are high academic achievers gaining at least a 'B' cumulative average (or equivalent) during Semester 1, Year 11; and
• can participate in ESP during first semester of Year 12; and
• are confident the extra study will not negatively impact their Year 12 studies; and
• have gained support and permission from their parent/guardian and their school to take on the additional workload.

Interested students are encouraged to check out the ESP website to see if ESP is right for them and other course-specific eligibility requirements. Applications are now open via the ESP website. Applications close Tuesday 31 October, 2017 at 11.59pm.

Entry program, scholarships and support for elite athletes
QUT is recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport and The Australian Sports Commission as an elite athlete friendly university. Find out about our entry program, scholarships and support for elite athletes: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/do-you-advise-school-students/news-and-events/news?news-id=118416&utm_source=silverpop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=qut_undergraduate_guidanceofficer&utm_content=Guidance%20Officer%20Newsletter%20July%20(1)&spMailingID=54503237&spUserID=Njc4NTQxNTM4MzIS1&spJobID=1202605892&spReportId=MTIwMjYwNTg5MgS2

University of Queensland Scholarships
UQ Sporting Scholarships - apply now
UQ's sporting scholarships support students to balance their studies with the demands of elite-level competition. In addition to financial support, these scholarships offer academic tutoring, facility access, workshops and much more. Applications can be submitted online.

UQ School of Economics Scholarships
Applications are now open for two invaluable scholarship opportunities at the UQ School of Economics: The Year 12 Domestic Australian Scholarship and The Year 12 Equity and Diversity Scholarship.

The Year 12 Domestic Australian Scholarship is for outstanding Australian domestic students who are completing Year 12 studies. The successful candidate will receive a $5,000 bursary each year for three years. Applications close 3 November 2017.

The Year 12 Equity and Diversity is for students who can demonstrate a very keen interest in economics but who have faced educational disadvantage during high school. The successful candidate will receive a $5,000 bursary each year plus a mentoring scheme. Applications close 28 November 2017: https://economics.uq.edu.au/.

The Science Experience - apply now
During this 3-day ConocoPhillips Science Experience students will discover the breadth and depth of science available at UQ with workshops covering a range of disciplines including maths, physics, genetics, marine science, neuroscience, health and safety science, agriculture and nanotechnology.

They will have the opportunity to speak to researchers in some of our unique research institutes and centres and also hear from some of our top scientists discussing their areas of interest. Students will test their general science knowledge in the Science Relay Quiz, create companies in an invention workshop and make new friendships at the Supernova Disco.

The 2018 Science Experience will run from Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 January 2018. Apply now! For information, contact UQ Faculty of Science:
Phone: 07 3365 3634

STARportal for high school students
The STARportal is Australia’s first centralised national portal for exciting and engaging STEM activities from around the country. This searchable database connects parents, students and teachers with their local and online STEM activities in real time.

The STARportal has been a collaboration between the Office of the Chief Scientist, Engineers Australia, Telstra, AMSI, BHP Billiton and the Commonwealth Bank, in consultation with the Department of Education to ensure all Australian families have access to any and all STEM outreach activities in their area and online.

Visit the STARportal online. For information, contact:
Australian Government Office of the Chief Scientist
Web: https://www.starportal.edu.au/

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. https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/how-apply

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.

QTAC Information about the ATAR system
From 2020, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will replace the Overall Position (OP) as the standard pathway to tertiary study for Queensland Year 12s. The ATAR is the primary mechanism used nationally for tertiary admissions and indicates a student’s position relative to other students.

The ATAR will be introduced for students commencing Year 11 in 2019, who will graduate from the end of 2020 and seek entry to tertiary courses from 2021. QTAC will calculate ATARs for Queensland school leavers. QTAC have produced a video with information about some of the changes that will take place. This is available at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar-2020.

QTAC:Selection guidelines for initial teacher education courses (pre-service teachers)
As part of the Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership (AITSL) revised Standards and Procedures (2015), all applicants to initial teacher education courses (pre-service teachers) must satisfy both academic and non-academic entry criteria for selection to the course. This requirement applies for the 2018 tertiary admissions period onwards. Details, including a new video, may be found at: http://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/initial-teacher-education. Students can upload their completed personal statements to their applications by logging in to QTAC Applications Services. Normal QTAC documentation due dates apply.

KEY DATES:
10 November
Due date to apply and submit documents for 17 November offer round

15 November
QCS Test results available in student learning accounts.
https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au/learning.html

17 November
Final day for Year 12 students: You must stay at school up to this day to be eligible to receive a QCE and OP.

8 December - 10am
Due date to supply documents to QTAC for 21 December offer round

15 December
QCAA posts QCEs, Senior Statements, Statements of Results, QCIA and Tertiary Entrance Statements to Year 12 students.

16 December
QCAA publishes Year 12 results and OPs in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au/learning.html

16 December – 22 December
Griffith University: Know Your Options
Chat online with our expert study advisers after you have received your tertiary entry score, to discuss your study options. Find out about pathways, entry requirements and program options, plus what you can do if your score was higher or lower than expected

18 December
UQ OP Results Advice Night, Advanced Engineering Building, St Lucia Campus, 4:00pm - 7:00pm.
OP Results Advice Night is the perfect opportunity to discuss your study options at UQ after receiving your OP.

19 December
QUT: Real Decisions, Gardens Point Campus, 9am – 1pm
Throughout the day, staff and current students from each faculty will be on hand to answer your questions and provide advice on courses and career outcomes

21 December 2017
QTAC offer round

9 January 2018 - 10am
Due date to supply documents to QTAC for 16 January offer round

16 January 2018
QTAC January offer round

Elizabeth Johnston