eNews Archive Issue 29 - 13 September 2018

St Margaret’s had a response rate of 61.9%% which was about 17% lower than 2017. However, the summary of findings below reflects the decisions made by 70 respondents out of 113 graduates and confirm the general trends which have been apparent at St Margaret’s over the last five years or so.

In 2018, 84.3% of young people who responded to the survey and completed Year 12 at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in 2017 continued in some recognised form of education and training in the year after they left school. This compares favourably to the State who records 58.1% in this category.

The most common study destination was a bachelor’s degree (77.7%). The combined VET study and traineeship destinations accounted for 7.2% of respondents.

In addition to the above study destinations, a further 5.3% of respondents from St Margaret’s deferred a tertiary offer for 2018.

A further 14.3% transitioned directly into paid employment and no further study.

1.4% were not in education, employment or training.

These results are not dissimilar to those of previous years. The most popular universities for St Margaret’s graduates are The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.

Parent Survey Reminder
We are into the second week of the release of our parent survey which would have been sent to you by MMG Education. We are hoping to have at least a 50 per cent response rate in order to canvas as many opinions as possible, and provide us with solid benchmarks (to compare against both future surveys we will conduct and benchmarking that MMG can provide us against other similar schools). Currently, 34 per cent of parents have responded, and I thank you if you have afforded us some of your time to complete this comprehensive survey.

As I have said previously, this survey (across Prep to Year 12) gives you the opportunity to express confidentially your views of the ways in which we meet your needs and those of your daughter/s. No parent will be identified to the school by MMG Education on the basis of questions asked or responses made, so you can be assured your responses are entirely confidential.

The survey will remain open until Sunday 16 September, so I urge you to please avail yourself of this opportunity to have your say.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important project.

Race Day
Congratulations to the P and F for running a very successful Race Day last Saturday. Below is a note from the P and F President, David Lisle thanking everyone for their commitment and involvement in this wonderful fundraising event:

“The annual St Margaret’s Race Day was held on Saturday at Doomben Racecourse. The occasional shower couldn’t dampen the spirits of a fashionable and happy crowd of racegoers. The Race Day is the final, and largest, event on the P&F calendar for 2018. I am grateful for the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the many wonderful people who have been involved in the organisation of this successful event.

Thanks to Lynn Couchman-Frame and Angus Cameron for organising the Race Day Raffle. Angus also prepared the slide show, which ran on several screens in the marquee throughout the day, showcasing the sponsors and major donors, interspersed with pictures of various school activities.

Carolyn Hood and Louise Campbell, and their enthusiastic band of ladies and gents, gathered a huge number of prizes and vouchers for the highly popular Mystery Envelopes. Special mention here to Dimity McDouall for her generosity and enthusiasm.

Kate Peereboom was our liaison with the Brisbane Racing Club and coordinated the decorating of the marquee on Friday. The decorating team of Kate, Anthea Damman, Angela Pratt, Carolyn Hood, Vanessa Simpson and Shelly Deveraux did a great job.

Tom Reddacliff looked after our generous sponsors on the day.

The P&F Treasurer, Barry Roberts did much to ensure the financial success of the event.

We had ten Year 11 girls helping out at the track, ushering patrons to the marquee and selling raffle tickets and mystery envelopes. These girls conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion and were a credit to the school.

All the members of the P&F, and many others, contributed with innumerable jobs on the day and in the lead up to the event.

All of us in the P&F greatly appreciate Julie Gibbons and Lara Pickering in the Development Office for doing so much of the behind the scenes work.

And a final special mention goes to Anthea Damman. Her knowledge and experience have been invaluable. Anthea has worked tirelessly, and she has my eternal gratitude.”

David Lisle
President - St Margaret’s P&F Association

Ros Curtis 

We spend a lot of time with our students talking about setting goals. We use the language of learning goals, and we always talk about students reaching their potential.

It is really important for students to strive for their personal best (PB) in their learning and achievement. We often hear about ‘PBs’ when talking about sport, but this can also be applied to academics.

Many people assume that great sports people achieve success through talent alone, or that talent is what gets us those good results on our assessment. However, it is hard work and not talent that gains those results.

Focussing on gaining a PB in academics can maintain engagement and motivation, both in the classroom and outside it with homework and assessment.

Some thoughts for our students may be:

• In striving for a PB, the focus must be on the effort. Just like training for a sport to perform at an event or a race, focusing on effort can mean greater success on the assessment piece.
• Students can over or underestimate their ability at any given time. It is important to set reasonable goals that are not too hard or too easy and reflect the ultimate challenge.
• Students need to identify what skills they need to improve the most and take steps towards allocating time and energy to these skills.
• Students need to seek feedback on their progress. They can track this at school through Learning Analytics where they can access teacher comments and results.

Karen Gorrie 

Our theme will be ‘The Celebration of Colour’, through Spring, through Creation and through all that life offers! All are welcome.

September Holiday Camp for Years 7-9
The Anglican Church of Southern Queensland’s Ichthus camping program is incredible – take a look at the website: http://aycf.org.au/camps/registration/.

In the second week of the September school holidays, anyone in Years 7-9 are invited to come along for 5 days of fun activities and challenge. A number of St Margaret’s students have attended Ichthus over the years and always return to school with a fresh outlook on God, the Church and life in general. September is for Years 7-9, January camp is for Years 4-7 and July camp is for Years 10-12.

Contact Ichthus directly, or Rev Nicki on Phone: 3862 0716 or Email: ncolledge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au for more information.

Reflection

Even though the day be laden
And my task dreary
And my strength small,
A song keeps singing
In my heart.
Creator God, I know that I am Yours,
I am part of YOU, just as I am part of Creation itself.
All of me, my wearies and troubles,
My joys and delights,
Rest in Your hand.
Amen

 With every blessing on you and your week ahead,
The Reverend Canon Nicki Colledge 

It’s always difficult for anyone to leave a school community as one wishes to see each year level go through to Year 12. It is the personal growth witnessed daily which makes this job so rewarding. To the current Year 12s, I wish them every success through their final weeks and life beyond St Margaret’s. To every boarder, I will be thinking of you and will be keen to hear about your achievements over the years. As I depart at the end of this term, I look forward to remaining informed of the many and varied journeys of those I have connected with. St Margaret’s girls are in the very best of hands and I too have been most fortunate to have worked here.

 “Reflect upon your present blessings of which everyone has many.”

Charles Dickens

 Dimity Harris 

At St Margaret’s, the girls completing Year 12 in 2018 and 2019 selected from two academic pathways: the OP or Selection Rank pathway. Both pathways provide students with a result for tertiary entrance. Students seeking tertiary entrance by obtaining an OP must study 20 semester units of Authority subjects, including at least three subjects for four semesters each, and sit the QCS Test. Students who aren’t eligible for an OP but wish to gain entry to tertiary courses will receive a selection rank based on the completion of their Diploma, AQF Certificate III, music, dance, or speech and drama.

When the students apply for tertiary entrance, beside each course name are two numbers, separated by a comma, e.g. (17,63). The first number is the minimum Overall Position (OP) for Queensland Year 12 students. The second number is the minimum QTAC selection rank for all other applicants. Of course, students must also choose courses that meet the subject prerequisites for their tertiary preferences.

This milestone provides a timely reminder of the various pathways our girls can access to be able to apply for tertiary entrance. This term, the Years 10, 11 and 12 girls have engaged in a variety of different conversations about academic pathways for different reasons. The Year 10s have been considering their pathway options for subject selection, the Year 11s have reflected on their Semester 1 results to consider any changes to their pathway selection and the Year 12s have been discussing career pathways with the Career’s Counsellor. These are significant milestones for all girls; however, the multiple pathway options show that are many ways you can access tertiary studies.

Student options don’t end at this point, because once students enter university and receive their first GPA (Grade Point Average) based on their subject results, this new score can enable them to change courses and universities. So, while we will continue to work with you to encourage your daughters to achieve to their best, it is not the single defining moment of their life. The pathways available to your daughters, now and post-school, will continue to enable flexible choice and change if they have the determination to reach their goal.

Jo Butterworth 

You may also be aware that the Queensland Government is conducting a review of NAPLAN. As a school we have been asked to pass on the following information to assist with data collection for this review.

NAPLAN Student Survey
This survey will enable students to have their say on NAPLAN. It will be completed by students at home, with the consent of both parents/carers and students. Parents/carers can assist students as needed.

Important information is that the student survey is to be completed by students from Year 3 to Year 10 only. The survey will be open until 14 September. Please click here (PDF 95.7KB) for more information regarding the project. The survey link is: https://survey.lsia.com.au/s3/2018NapRevStudent.

Student involvement will be critical to ensuring a better understanding of the impacts of NAPLAN on teaching and learning in Queensland.

Supervised Study Sessions
This is the last week for Supervised Study Sessions for Term 3. Supervised Study Sessions will resume again on Monday 15 October. Remember to book in to ensure your places for Term 3. To book, parents will need to log into Flexischools and select ‘Supervised Study Sessions’. Bookings are limited to 25 participants each night and when a session is full no more bookings can be made. Bookings are essential and should be made in advance to ensure a place is available. If dinner is required, payment must be paid at the time of booking and this option selected in Flexischools.

Nicole Devlin 

Parties are an important part of the life of a teenager, whether this be hosting or attending a party. Whilst teenagers are usually excited by the prospect of a forthcoming party, parents on the other hand can feel stressed and anxious.

So, why have parties?

• They are fun and a chance to spend time with current friends and make new friends.
• They are an opportunity for parents to see their children growing up and socialising.
• They provide an environment for the family to meet their child’s friends.
• They may be celebrations of milestones in growing up.

Some suggestions of what to do if your teenager is invited to a party:

• Speak to the parents hosting the party to make sure they will be at home and there will be adequate adult supervision. Most parents expect this to happen. Your daughter, on the other hand, will tell you that nobody does it and you are so embarrassing. This is not true.
• Ask the parents hosting the party if alcohol will be consumed and decide if your teenager will attend. Sometimes, as parents, we have to make unpopular decisions in the short term, but in the long term they are for our child’s protection. They may insist that you don’t trust them and, as adults, you may need to wear this.
• Pick up and deliver your teenager with some of their friends. Teenagers can be nervous about going to a party and having a friend/friends can give them support.
• Sometimes despite planning unexpected things can happen. Try and prepare your teenager by discussing what they would do if the party finished early or they were offered drugs or alcohol. This may include helping your teen resist peer pressure by giving them some techniques on how to say “NO” to drugs and alcohol. You should also discuss the effects of these substances. Teach them to recognise the tell-tale signs indicating that it is time to leave the party.

Year 7 Showcase
A gentle breeze … stunning blue skies … an idyllic location …. afternoon tea … the perfect setting for the Year 7 Showcase! The Year 7 girls were delighted to share their learning with their parents and grandparents as they welcomed them into their classrooms.

This student-led event saw the girls confidently host over 100 guests as they viewed displays and participated in interactive activities together. Activities such as Kahoots, calligraphy writing, and hands-on Science activities prompted much excitement, while student performances, language conversations and gymnastics routines were enjoyed by captive audiences.

Displays of student work created a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the Precinct. There really was quite a buzz in Toorak! The friendly atmosphere was enhanced by our student comperes, the Form captains who met parents as they arrived and by the Boarders who brought their ‘home’ to the Precinct. The girls’ willingness to share their skills and talents, while demonstrating care and respect toward others, exemplifies emerging young women who are a delight to work with. Thank you to all those who contributed to the success of this event!

Nikki Townsend 

As a school we are very committed to child safety and protection and we had a particular emphasis because of this special week. The girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 participated last week and this week in our personal growth and sex education program with renowned expert, Mrs Judith Krause. Each of the classes in these year levels participate in lessons which are sequential and age appropriate. The program addresses a range of physical and emotional changes the girls will experience as they grow into young women. Judith had some very strong messages for the girls about the relevance of relationships with your own self and others.

Judith also presents a group talk to students in Prep to Year 3. The focus of this session is personal safety and body awareness which is an important aspect of the Daniel Morecombe Child Safety Curriculum.

The key elements of this program are Recognise, React and Report. When children recognise that they are in an unsafe situation, we encourage them to think about what they could do to be safe again. They are encouraged to think about ways to react using real-life scenarios. Our students will also learn that breaking the rules (e.g. saying no to an adult who is behaving inappropriately) is sometimes necessary so that they can become safe again. Report means telling an adult in your life who cares about your safety when there is a problem. It’s adults who can keep you safe from harm and who can make a situation safe again for you.

Please take the time to talk with your children about what they have been learning about safety and, in particular, the ways they could react if they are unsafe to make themselves safe again. Talking with your child about ways to stay safe will help them to develop life-long safety skills.

The Australian Government has established the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner - an independent statutory office created by the Enhancing Online Safety for Children Act 2015. This new Act provides a safety net for children who have been victims of cyberbullying. The Office is aimed at enhancing online safety for Australian children. The website has extensive information and eSafety resources for parents. You are encouraged to visit the website www.esafety.gov.au.

As an eSmart school we teach smart, safe and responsible use of information and communications technology as part of the school culture. Children from Prep-Year 6 are taught how to be safe online and how to cope with cyberbullying if it should ever arise.

All girls in the Primary school have been hard at work during their Pastoral Care lessons learning about cyber safety. The girls’ work and cyber safety messages are on display at Hamilton Library and in the Atrium for this week. Be sure to read the girls’ messages while you are in the Atrium.

Parent Survey
I would like to firstly reiterate to our Primary parents the importance to the school of you completing the survey those parents in Prep to Year 6 would have received by MMG Education. The survey is the opportunity for you to express confidentially your views of the ways in which we meet your needs and those of your daughter/s. Your responses will assist the St Margaret’s School Council and Senior Leadership Team to review the School’s operations and plans for the future. Please avail yourself of this opportunity to have your say. The survey will remain open until this Sunday 16 September.

Upcoming Events
Sunday 16 September: Young Families’ Service, 9am
Tuesday 18 September: Choral Concert, 6:30pm
Thursday 20 September: Interhouse Choral Competition, 12:35pm
Thursday 20 September: End of Term 3, School finishes at 3pm

Angela Drysdale 

Please note that a sausage sizzle, provided by the Music Support Group, will be available for students after rehearsals, from 5pm on Tuesday 18 September in Eton Courtyard. For catering purposes, students are requested to write their name on the sign-up sheet in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room by Friday 14 September.

Student Congratulations
Congratulations to Amira Ryan (Year 11) who performed last week with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. 52 Strings was a community engagement project bringing together Camerata with local talented string students and educators to create a mass ensemble of 52 strings. Musicians were invited to play in a rare live performance of Penderecki’s 1960 Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima. This evocative work brings to life the terrifying sounds of war. The full orchestra finished the concert with the most glorious and well-loved works of the string orchestra, Vaughan-Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. The concert also featured Camerata performing some of their greatest hits and two recently commissioned works by talented Brisbane composers. Congratulations to Amira on her involvement in this performance!

Music Support Group
The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on 23 October at 5pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend. Please also note that the Music Support Group Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 November at 5pm in the Primary Music Room.

Brad King 

Sports Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 19 October
The annual Sports Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Friday 19 October 2018. This event is a highlight in the St Margaret’s Sporting calendar and we are pleased to announce Alyssa Azar, the youngest Australian to Summit Mt Everest will be our guest speaker, sharing words of wisdom on the mindset to achieve great things and overcome setbacks and tragedy. The evening will be honouring students and coaches in the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player/Athlete
• Rising Stars
• Summer, Winter and Autumn Team of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Captain of the Year

For further details, please click here (PDF 346.1KB).

Athletics
The Athletics season has been progressing well with the squad having participated in 5 competition meets at the University of Queensland Athletics Centre. To achieve our goal of improving our 2017 performance, we are appealing to parents to ensure their daughters maintain their training over the last week of term and throughout the September holidays.

One of the major factors that leads to a successful Athletics program is the annual Athletics Camp. All squad members are invited to attend the camp from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 September to enhance fitness and techniques. Places are still available to any interested squad members and I encourage all girls to attend. Please contact Mr Tom Smithers at: tsmithers@stmargarets.qld.edu.au for further details.

Met North Athletics
St Margaret’s fielded a successful track and field team at the regional trials, resulting in ten athletes being selected in the Met North Track and Field team. The girls selected were Samantha Cooper, Lara Crouch, Bella Donaldson, Chloe Fenwicke, Gabrielle Geldard, Isabella Harte, Ciana Jamieson, Maicey Lynch, Tyla Proctor and Tayden Tomich.

The Club Netball season has come to an end after another successful year. We had a record number of 176 girls playing for St Margret’s club from 8 Years to 18 Years. Many of our teams are now playing in the top divisions in their age groups with four teams making the semi-finals, two teams contesting Grand Finals with the 12 Years team (Team 11) winning outright. Thank you to all coaches, managers and supporters for the tireless work that they do to make it a truly valuable experience for our players. Special thanks to Head of Netball, Gayle Coutts whose hard work and dedication to St Margaret’s Netball has ensured netball at St Margaret’s will continue to fly upwards.

Vicki Wilson Cup Success
Our Senior Vicki Wilson Team came up against tough opposition in Pine Rivers State High School to come away with a narrow win 33-30. The team will now prepare for the State Final at the Gold Coast on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday 14 September – QGSSSA Athletics Warm-up Meet
• Saturday 15 September – QGSSSA Winter Fixtures v Somerville House

Helen Lobegeiger 

Lisa Smith 

Delivery

• Pre-Prep orders will be delivered to the Pre-Prep Room
• Prep to Year 3 orders will be delivered to Primary Reception, available for collection by the student or parent.

Collection

• Years 4 - 12 orders are available for collection at the School Supplies Shop by the student or parent.
• Mixed orders can be collected at the Supplies Shop by the Senior student.

Please email: suppliesshop@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or phone 3862 0776 if you require assistance.

Terisa Arnold

Bookings for the St Margaret’s OSHC September School Holiday Program opened on Monday 20 August. If you require care for the upcoming school holiday period, please return your booking form before 14 September 2018.

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 6pm in the OSHC Room (under the Primary School Office).

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 

These events could not take place without the generosity of businesses and organisations who support us through sponsorship and donations. We encourage you to support those businesses who support us.

Major Race Sponsor – Qscan.

Race Sponsors – Clear Insurance, Madisons Cleaning Services, UMS Schoolwear, Programmed Property Services, Ascot Plumbing, Blight Rayner Architecture and supporting partner - Belbaker Bus Lines.

Thank you to the following businesses and families for giving generously to our raffle:

• PandaPearls
• The Alford Family
• Racecourse Road Dental
• Mantra French Quarter
• The Lisle Family
• Keri Craig-Lee
• Puma Fuels
• Palace Supper Club
• Brisbane Racing Club
• Bridgestone Select – Hendra and Nundah

Thank you also to the local businesses who kindly donated prizes to our mystery envelopes: 

We also had support from our students on the day, who proved to be excellent ambassadors for our school. Thank you to Louise Millar, Sophie Gerber, Mia Fahrensohn, Lucy Bartlett, Megan Roxburgh, Charlotte Wala, Bella Gray, Amelia Stapley, Ella Leavey and Laura Manly.

And lastly, these events would not be possible without and time and effort of our P&F Event Race Day Committee – thank you to Angus Cameron, Louise Campbell, Lynn Couchman-Frame, Anthea Damman, Carolyn Hood, Dimity McDouall, Kate Peereboom and Angela Pratt, led ably by President, David Lisle, who worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone had a truly wonderful time!

2018 Sydney Alumni Reception
The Principal of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ms Ros Curtis, warmly invites past students and members of the St Margaret’s community, living in or visiting Sydney and surrounds to attend this special reunion event.

Join us for a special cocktail style reception in The Harbour Room at the InterContinental Sydney with stunning 200-degree views over the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Watsons Bay and the Botanical Gardens.

Date: Friday 5 October 2018
Time: 6:30–8:30pm
Venue: The Harbour Room, Intercontinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie St, Sydney
Dress: Business attire
RSVP: Friday 28 September 2018 by registering here.

The event is complimentary, and a selection of canapes and beverages will be provided.

Any enquiries can be directed to the Development and Community Office: Tel: 07 3862 0884 or email: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Please note, as we may not have updated contact details for all past students of St Margaret’s living in the Sydney area, we would be most grateful if you could forward this invitation to other past students of St Margaret’s.

Professional Women’s Network
Tickets for our final Professional Women’s Network event this year are now on sale!

Dr Lavinia Codd is delivering the keynote address. After a career as a Chartered Accountant at leading international firms, Dr Codd suffered a stroke at the age of 31. As part of her cognitive recovery, Dr Codd resumed her Bachelor of Science degree, before completing her PhD at Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) in 2015. In 2018, Dr Codd was appointed as the Advancement Manager at QBI. She also established the QBI Stroke Advisory Board to raise awareness of, and funds to support, vital research into stroke.

We hope that you will join us for our final exciting cocktail event in 2018 and hear Dr Codd’s inspiring story of her determination to improve the chances of recovery for the almost 50,000 Australians who suffer a stroke each year.

When: Thursday 18 October 2018, 5:30–7:30pm (Cocktail)
Where: Price Waterhouse Coopers, Brisbane CBD
Tickets: Corporate groups $800 (for 10 people), $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Lara Pickering

Whitehouse Institute of Design https://whitehouse-design.edu.au/workshops/
This institution offers summer workshops (from 2 days – 5 days) in various aspects of design at the Sydney and Melbourne campuses. Workshops include Interior Illustration, Fashion Illustration, Design Portfolio. Visit the website for more information.

News from UQ:
Enhanced Studies Program
High achieving Year 11 students are invited to apply for UQ's Enhanced Studies Program (ESP). ESP provides students with an opportunity to extend their studies by completing a university subject in Semester 1 of Year 12. Applications close on Wednesday 31 October. Apply now.

INSPIA Student Summit - register now
Registrations are now open for the third INSPIA Student Summit to be held on Friday 28 September at UQ's St Lucia campus. This free event aims to inspire Maori and Pacific Islander high school students to dare to dream at the prospect of university study. All year levels may apply but preference will be given to Years 10, 11 and 12. Discover more here.

UQ College University Prerequisite Course - apply now
UQ College is offering a short, four-week Intensive Program to assist any student that requires a prerequisite subject for their desired tertiary program in the QTAC January Major Offer Round. Courses in Mathematics B, Biology or Chemistry are delivered on the UQ St Lucia campus from Tuesday 20 November - Saturday 15 December. Discover more here.

Queensland Mathematics Summer School - register now
The Queensland Mathematics Summer School at UQ (QMSS) is a five-day program from Monday 21 - Friday 25 January 2019 for mathematically talented Year 10 students planning to study Year 11 Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics in 2019. Discover more here.

Scholarships
Make your university experience easier and more affordable with the support of a scholarship: https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/

Griffith University
2019 scholarship applications are open! Explore scholarship options and apply online at griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

QUT
Check out the academic, elite athlete and creative industries Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships now.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP) applications – open now. Applications close on 4 December to receive early timetabling support for Semester 1 2019. Head here for more information. 

Reminder: Non-Academic Requirements for Teaching Entrance (NARTE)
Teaching suitability assessments have been introduced to Queensland for all initial teacher education courses to assess if future students possess the desired qualities to become effective teachers. Further information is available at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/teacher-entry.

The University of New England
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.

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. QLD OP: 6 Other prerequisites apply. For further details on admission, fees and program requirements, visit the ANU Programs & courses website.

KEY DATES:

Friday 28 September 2018
QTAC Suggested closing date for 2019 applications
UNE Closing date for Early Entry application

October 2018
QTAC supporting documentation should be completed (while at school)

16 November 2018
QTAC 1st round offer Year 12
UQ Academic Scholarships closing date

15 December 2018
OP released

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

Tuesday 18 December 2018
QUT Real Decisions Gardens Point campus

20 December 2018
QTAC offer round

2019:
7 January
Last day to change preferences for 16 January offer round

16 January
QTAC offer round

25 January
QTAC ‘top up’ offer round

31 January
QTAC ‘top up’ offer round

5 February onwards
QTAC ongoing offer rounds

Other dates are available at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/key-dates-fees.

Elizabeth Johnston