eNews Archive Issue 35 - 11 November 2021

A new year always brings change and there are several changes within staff – departures, retirement, arrivals and changes of areas and responsibility.  Much of this news has already been made known to members of the community but I thought it would be useful to list some of the changes to the middle and senior management team in the secondary school.

With the departure of Nicole Devlin from her position to take up the promotion as Deputy Principal at St Hilda’s, Caitlin McCluskey, our current Dean of Studies, will take on the role of Dean of Academics from 2022. Chris Dunn, our current Head of Science and Technology, will take on the role as Dean of Studies.

Our Heads of Year for 2022 will be

Year 7 – Kate Montgomery

Year 8 – Tom Smithers

Year 9 – Rhea Barber (Katie Flannagan is going to be our Service-Learning Co-ordinator)

Year 10 – Amanda Jansen

Year 11 – Nicole Walker

Year 12 – Claire Bloomer

After my sabbatical in Term 2, I introduced a few slight changes to our Heads of Faculty structure.  Many of the faculties and their heads stay the same, but it is still useful to list them. All Heads of Faculty are responsible for the curriculum delivery in their subject areas.

• English – Alina Layton
• Mathematics – Vicki Strid
• Science – TBA. (We are currently recruiting to replace Chris Dunn who has been promoted to the Dean of Studies role)
• Sociocultural Studies – Louise Brown
• Global Studies – Jenny Matheson (who is acting for Emily Labinsky who is on maternity leave)
• Student Pathways and Futures – Naomi Holley (this is a new Faculty which incorporates Learning Enhancement led by Stephanie Cowie, the Assistant Head of Faculty)
• E-Learning, Research, Technology and Design – Kerry Daud
• Arts – Adrian Walker (appointed due to the promotion of Annette Box to the role of Assistant Head of Primary – Wellbeing and Operations)
• HPE – Helen Lobegeiger (A new Director of Sport, Lloyd Knight, has been appointed from January 1^st, 2022)

Ros Curtis

Here are just three things our students can think about and action over this ‘busy’ period:

• Make a list: A great way to begin before the feeling of being overwhelmed, or in fact to recalibrate if feeling overwhelmed is to make a list of all those things that have to be done. Then it is important to prioritise what is on the list, set deadlines, and then work out a plan to cross those items off the list. Doing this will go a long way in reducing the volume of tasks that need to be done.
• Make a schedule: Ensure that you schedule time for all the items on your list to be done. It is important to do this, and to ensure that there is enough uninterrupted time in your schedule to be able to concentrate on completing the tasks. If in doing this process it is found that there is not enough time, perhaps decisions need to be made around those activities that prevent this from happening.
• Avoid distractions: Anything that pulls us away from getting tasks done during a busy period is not helpful. Social media is a classic distraction for all ages (even adults). When studying or working on assessment, students should ensure that they put their mobile phones in another room, and perhaps even schedule time to look at their phones within the schedule they make to help them feel connected. Even going so far as turning off notifications can be a big help in ensuring minimal distractions during busy periods.

Karen Gorrie

As we face the transitions, the ground can feel uneven and the path unknown and this inevitably brings big feelings – fear, anticipation, wonder. A key companion to these big feelings is self-compassion, going gently, slowing down. In the final weeks of school, and during the school holidays, I pray you may find spaces for self-compassion, kindness, and recreation. In the words of Brene Brown, let’s be “awkward, brave, and kind.”

Rev Jazz

In the lead up to the new boarders arriving for their transition sleepover, they receive a letter from their big sister or buddy, a small note on behalf of the entire boarding house, and a piece of navy ribbon (an integral part of our uniform and hallmark of a Maggies girl). The 2022 Year 7s also receive a letter from the current Year 7s full of tips and tricks on how to survive your first year in the boarding house. It has been a pleasure to be able to coordinate these letters and thus get a glimpse of the advice given to our incoming girls. Below are 10 tips, curated from these letters on how to survive your first year in boarding.

Tips for new boarders from our 2021 Year 7s

1. Take your clothes to the laundry every morning and collect it every afternoon – you will run out of clothes otherwise.
2. Bring a little bit of home with you.
3. Always have a stash of 2-minute noodles.
4. Sign up for the weekend activities. They keep the homesickness at bay.
5. Get your House Mothers on side. Life’s easier when you’re on the same team.
6. Brisbane is a BIG place, it might be daunting at first, but has so much to offer.
7. Stick up for others and use your moral compass.
8. Don’t be afraid of the older girls. They’re not actually that scary.
9. The rules are there to keep us safe.
10. Don’t overpack – your room is smaller than you think.
    Hannah Calcino

Key findings of this review:

1. All students will leave with essential skills

2. All students will leave with a Learner Profile

3. All pathways will be equally respected

4. All students will benefit from informed decision-making

5. All schools will have strong partnerships with industry

6. All students will start to prepare their Education Passport

7. All students will be provided with equal opportunities for success

8. Government policies will be informed by evidence

This report highlights that achievement, and the development of a whole child are sometimes seen as two separate entities; however, the reality is they are inherently tied together. The foundations of schools are built upon the balance between both academic outcomes and developing students as contributing members of the global community. The foundations can be seen in the mission statements and motto of schools. These statements encapsulate what a school ultimately wants as its ‘final products’, they are more about character and integrity that lead to success not just academic success itself.

The St Margaret’s Plus (STM+) program is endeavouring to work to find the balance for the eternal see-saw of education, between the importance of academic achievement and the development of skills to enable a student to thrive in society. This year all Year 12 students received a St Margaret’s Plus Profile in their school portfolio that was presented at the Graduation Assembly. The profile provides a summary of activities that maps the skills they have learnt outside/alongside the academic program. This profile draws together the activities and the associated skills to create the overview, aiming to develop a whole picture of the student to highlight skills the employability outcomes of students as they graduate.

It has been great to see this program that has been being developed for 2 years come to fruition.

Nicole Devlin

End of the Year Reporting Process (Years 7-11)

End of Semester Reports will be able to be accessed through Parent Lounge on Friday 3 December after 3.00pm. Please note also that all Continuous Reporting Information will be available from this date as well.

Each student’s report will consist of a comment from her Head of Year, as well as a summary for each subject. The final page of the report is the Grade Point Average (GPA) graph which records the student’s overall level of achievement and tracks this from semester to semester.

For each subject, there is a list of the course content, marks for the criteria assessed, a table showing the distribution of achievement levels within the subject and an assessment of your daughter’s attitude to her learning. The academic results reflected in this report are based on the assessment completed throughout Semester 2.

Please note, that Year 12 students do not receive a final End of Semester Two report from the school.

Caitlin McCluskey

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focussed on the task ahead. For more information, please go to Parent Resources, School TV on the POD.

Nikki Townsend

This camp was far more than being away with school friends. The girls found out firsthand about the unique natural wonders of far North Queensland and its history. Importantly, it allowed the girls to put their leadership skills into action as they interacted with each other, staff, and the wider community.

Our leadership program is based on the philosophy of ‘leadership by service’. Therefore, the most important aspect of leadership lies in serving others. Students in Years 4-6 formally prepare for leadership through our Leadership - Service Learning program. These students, during pastoral care lessons and their own time, engage in activities to practise the skills of leadership.

What is a good student leader?

The development of student leadership skills involves opportunities which encourage students to:

• Act in roles of responsibility with integrity and honesty.
• Foster a sense of vision and purpose.
• Work with others to determine and achieve collective goals.
• Take on responsibilities and use decision making skills in order to carry a project through to a successful conclusion.
• Be active, reflective listeners who respond effectively.
• Earn the respect of others through their actions.

Over the past weeks, the primary school has been involved in voting for the school captains for 2022. I spoke to the students about leadership qualities and the differences between popularity and effective leadership. A popular student does not necessarily make a good leader and vice versa. There are three levels of leadership in which the current Year 5 girls can participate. Level 1 is the Primary School Captain and the process for this is outlined below:

1. The role of Primary School Captain is discussed with the Year 5 girls.
2. All Year 5 students nominate five (5) girls they would like to see as the Primary School Captains. On the Voting Slip, girls are nominated 1-5 (with one being first choice).
3. Votes from the Year 5 students are tallied, and top candidates are identified.
4. The candidates are informed and have the morning session to prepare their speech and presentation.
5. Girls make their presentation to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the same day as preparation.
6. Votes are tallied. (Votes are weighted: Teachers and Year 5 – 3 points, Year 6 - 2 points and Year 3 & 4 – 1 point.)
7. Results are then ratified by the Head of Primary and Principal.
   
   

The Level 2 leadership positions are that of House Leaders. All current Year 5 students will be appointed as a House Leader in Year 6 with special responsibilities to be confirmed in 2022.

The Level 3 of leadership in the Primary School includes sporting and cultural leaders. In the upcoming weeks, the Year 5 girls will be given a leadership application form to be completed and submitted by the end of the school year. The leadership positions for sporting and cultural activities will be decided in the New Year when new girls will be given the same opportunity to apply for these positions. The number of positions available are limited and not all girls will be successful with their application for Level 3 leadership positions, as there are often numerous applicants for the same position. When selecting students for these positions, their previous experience in the activity as well as their leadership interview and previously demonstrated leadership qualities will all be considered.

All Year 5 girls wishing to be considered for any level of leadership have completed their ‘I Can’ Leadership accreditation as part of the development of their Leadership capacity. Next week at the Year 5 celebration, each student who has completed their accreditation will be acknowledged and awarded with a certificate.

I know the Year 5 girls will make wonderful leaders and I look forward to working with them when they are the Year 6 leaders of the Primary School next year.

Angela Drysdale

Return of Hired Instruments

Please note that all hired instruments are to be returned to the Sister Helen Orchestra Room Music Department no later than 3pm on Friday 19 November for cleaning and repairs. 

Should you wish to hire the instrument over the summer holidays, please complete the Holiday Instrument Hire Form (available on the St Margaret’s Music POD page) and send through to the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

2022 Private Music Tuition

If your daughter is currently undertaking private music tuition, she will automatically be placed on her current teachers’ roll for 2022. Parents do not need to fill in a new application form. However, if your daughter is wanting to discontinue lessons in 2022, we ask that you please email directly to the Music Department at music@stmargarets.qld.edu.au prior to the end of the school year.

Music Support Group

The St Margaret’s Music Department would like to extend special thanks to our 2021 Music Support Group office holders, president Kerrith Matyear, vice-president Antoinette Aquilina, treasurer Brendan Alford and secretary Charlotte Davis. We are very grateful for your commitment to supporting the St Margaret’s Music Program. Thank you also to all parents who attended meetings and offered support in a variety of capacities throughout 2021.

The Annual General Meeting was held last Tuesday evening and we are pleased to announce the 2022 office holders:

President                   Antoinette Aquilina

Vice President          Kerrith Matyear

Treasurer                  Brendan Alford

Secretary                  Mandy Buckley

The next Music Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). We encourage parents from both the Primary and Secondary schools to become involved.

Brad King

Swim Camp 2021

St Margaret’s has a terrific record at the QGSSSA Championships having placed 3^rd in the Aggregate in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The annual swim camp is an integral part of this success therefore all students are encouraged to attend Swim Camp on Wednesday, 19 January – Friday 21 January. This year, the camp will be held onsite with girls returning home at the end of the day unless boarders are in attendance in which they will stay in the St Margaret’s Boarding House. Each day the camp will engage girls in squad training, yoga, mindfulness, magic boxing, rock climbing, primalthenics and much, much more. Further details regarding the camp, can be accessed via the Secondary Swimming POD page and with registration via Flexischools.

Cricket

Pre-season training has commenced for all our budding cricketers and we look forward to capitalising on our good performance in both the Open and Junior Division 1 team in 2021.  The competition for QGSSSA commences in Week 2 of Term 1 with final gradings to occur Week 1 of Term 1.  Any girls who are currently in Year 6 – 11 and may have missed the pre-season sign-on please contact Cricket Coordinator, Mr Peinke via email – npeinke@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Water Polo Support Group Eye Fillet Drive 2021

The WPSG has collaborated with a community meat wholesaler to offer the popular cut of 1kg Full Eye Fillets. These are Tasmanian certified grass fed, are super lean and tender and purchasing is a great way to support the growing sport of Water Polo at St Margaret’s as well as our primary produce industry.  Why not stock up for Christmas! Orders will be ready for collection in the week commencing the 22nd of November - all supporters will be contacted with specific collection information. Orders Close November 16th 5.00 pm.  Click here to order!

Helen Lobegeiger

The Friends of MAYO Long Lunch was held last Sunday. Secondary art teacher Ms Jane Martens and the Friend of MAYO parent committee conducted a highly successful fund-raising event, attended by 100 guests, many of whom bought artwork from their personal collection for all to enjoy. Money raised will be used to enhance the school’s art collection. The event was supported by a fabulous band of students from years 9 and 10 led by our 2022 art captains, Isla Mc William, and Claire Crossley.

Lisa Smith

Our Speech and Drama students in Years 5 to 10 are busily rehearsing for their performances at the upcoming Eisteddfods. These performances will be held in Eton Hall and parents of performers in Years 5 to 9 are most welcome to join us for the events.

For more information about these events, please contact mchamberlain@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Maria Chamberlain

When booking your appointment please consider the following:

• Appointment times are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your appointment type.
• Available appointment types include:
  • New Student – for students who are about to start at St Margaret’s and require a full uniform fit out (60-minute fitting).
  • Existing Student – for existing students who require a uniform 'top up' (30-minute fitting).
  • Boarder Only - several times a year we offer Boarder Only fitting days for students who are or will be boarding at St Margaret’s. Their families have often travelled long distances and are only at the school on select days when the students are returning from or departing for school holidays (60-minute fitting).
  • Pre-Prep / Prep – for little ones who will be starting in Pre-Prep or Prep at St Margaret’s (30-minute fitting).
  • School Blazer Fitting – for any student who requires a new school blazer, compulsory for students in years 10, 11 and 12 (30-minute fitting).
• 1 appointment = 1 student fitting
  If you are booking for two or more students, please book separate fitting appointments for each child. These can be at the same time if times are available.

• All fittings will take place in the Supplies Shop which is located onsite, just off the Circular Drive through Gate 1, Petrie Street, Ascot.

Book your appointment online via the school website http://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/admissions/supplies-shop

EXTENDED TRADING HOURS **

2021 – ** APPOINTMENTS ONLY

Monday 29 Nov ember  8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 30 November 8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 1 December 11:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday 2 December  8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday 3 December       8:00am – 2:00pm

Monday 6 December    8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 7 December    8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 8 December 11:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday 9 December  8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday 10 December     8:00am – 2:00pm

2022

Please note: Customers without an appointment in January will be required to take a number and will be served as soon as a staff member is available.

Wednesday 12 January 8:00am – 2:00pm

Thursday 13 January     1:00pm – 6:00pm

Friday 14 January          8:00am – 2:00pm

Monday 17 January       8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday 18 January       8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday 19 January 8:00am – 2:00pm

Thursday 20 January     1:00pm – 6:00pm

Friday 21 January          8:00am – 2:00pm

Saturday 22 January      9:00am – 11:00am

                                       1:00pm – 3:00pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Sunday 23 January        1:00pm – 3:00pm - BOARDERS ONLY

Monday 24 January    Regular trading hours resume

TRADING HOURS (Term Time)

Monday                        8:00am – 2:00pm

Tuesday                       8:00am – 2:00pm

Wednesday                 10:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday                      8:00am – 2:00pm

Friday                           8:00am – 2:00pm

Public Holidays Closed

PURCHASING LIMITS 

The global pandemic has resulted in supply chain disruption around the world and unfortunately, we are starting to feel the impact of this in our Supplies Shop. Overseas production and freight delays, means we are currently experiencing difficulty in replenishing stock levels.

Due to these extenuating circumstances which are beyond our control, purchasing limits will be in place for all new and existing families throughout Nov 2021 to Feb 2022.

For in stock uniform items:

• Day students will only be permitted to purchase two of the same item, and
• Boarding students will only be permitted to purchase three of the same item (due to shared washing facilities).
• For uniform items that are out of stock at the time of fitting, parents will be able to order and pre-pay for these items with collection from the school scheduled from the 12th Jan 2022

Kielee Alcantara

St Margaret’s Outside School Hours Care will be operating for the upcoming December/January Vacation Care.

Friday 26 November to Friday 17 December 2021          7:00am – 6:00pm

Monday 20 December to Friday 7 January                      CLOSED

Monday 10 January to Friday 21 January 2022               7:00am – 6:00pm

Please refer to the attached Information Guide for full booking terms and conditions. We are unable to accept bookings via email or text message. The OSHC registration and Debitsuccess form must be completed, signed and sent back to us to finalise your booking. Please read the information guide carefully as some information has changed. OSHC Registration and Debitsuccess can be completed via the My Family Lounge.

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR VACATION CARE BOOKING FORM VIA THE MY FAMILY LOUNGE APP

We are very excited to inform you that St Margaret’s OSHC has subscribed to a fantastic online Booking and Waitlist management program called QK Enrol. This program will give you access to manage your own account information, where you will have the ability to make bookings requests and allows you to complete and submit an online enrolment form for your child. You can do this and much, much more all within a parent portal called ’My Family Lounge’.

How do I log in?

Please navigate to the link below and either sign in with your existing My Family Lounge account or Register for an account if you do not already have one. Please note all families who have previously submitted an enrolment form will have an account already set up; all you will need to do is click ‘forgotten password’ and use the email address you used to receive this form.

https://www.qkenhanced.com.au/Account/Embeddable/?databaseId=9385

When making a Vacation Care booking please select Casual bookings, not Permanent.

What is the cost?*

Early Bird Fees: $61 per day

Early Bird Bookings close: 12 November 2021

Fees: $66 per day*

Bookings close: 22 November 2021

*Incursions and excursions incur additional costs. These are compulsory for all students and therefore you are able to claim CCS.

What are the hours of operation?

The service is open from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

How can I obtain more information?

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

Palu Ingram

It is a fantastic opportunity to ensure you reach our entire St Margaret’s community which includes current parents, students, staff, prospective parents and students, as well as all Old Girls (alumni).

The 2021 Business Directory can be viewed via this link: www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/community/business-directory

Pricing for an advertisement in the 2022 Online Business Directory will be $500 per listing and this will include:

• Listing for 2022 school year
• Company Logo
• Summary of your business – max 100 words
• Hyperlink to your website
• Contact details
• Opportunity to offer special discount on offer to St Margaret’s community
• The ability to update the advertisement at any time
• Links to the directory from the POD, as well as promotional posts for the Online Business Directory via St Margaret’s social media channels once per quarter
• Advertisement promoting the Online Business Directory will appear in St Margaret’s Flyer Magazine – The Flyer magazine is St Margaret’s flagship annual publication for past students, current and future parents, distributed to over 8,000 contacts.

To register your business in the 2022 Business Directory, please register via the following link by Monday 13 December 2021.

https://www.trybooking.com/BTQVB

Lara Pickering

Aviation Australia - Open Day

Saturday 20 November 2021, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Aviation Australia, Brisbane Airport

Join us for a free tour of our Brisbane campus! Our expert team will guide you through our Engineering hangars, Flight Safety Facility (Cabin Crew training) and a drone racing demonstration. Learn about all our course offerings for 2022 and the career opportunities that each will open for you. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aviation-australia-open-day-tickets-202603702127

QUT BlueShift Competition 

Compete and develop a business solution for a real business in QUT’s BlueShift Competition. BlueShift is a business case competition for secondary school students. Students work in small teams to develop real business solutions for a real business. Participants compete in teams of three or four to analyse the business challenge and prepare a written solution to a real business case. There are great prizes up for grabs, including a $2,000 scholarship to QUT. The 2022 QUT BlueShift expressions of interest are now open. Find out more: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/business/blueshift

AIE - Online Campus Day

Saturday 27 November 2021, 1:00 pm, Online

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day on Sat 27 November 2021. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see our amazing student work. We will be covering everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
• studios and industries that we work with;
• courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/online-campus-day/

AIM - Start Me Up : An Introduction to the Music Industry

Saturday 27 November 2021, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Online

Start Me Up is a two-hour music industry expert-led seminar dedicated to introducing you to the 21st century music business. You’ll learn about careers in music – and discover how to start a career of your own. You’ll hear from a range of experts and artists about the skills required to succeed in the modern industry – including artist management, promotion, distribution, and entrepreneurship. You’ll hear from AIM students about how internship opportunities are connecting them with the music business before they even finish their degree. Find out more: https://aim.edu.au/events/start-me-up-an-introduction-to-the-music-industry/

JCU - Pharmacy Webinar

Wednesday 1 December 2021, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Online

Join us for a free online webinar to find out everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacist and studying at JCU.

Hear from experienced pharmacists and find out where a career in pharmacy can take you. You’ll also hear from current JCU pharmacy students who will share their journey with you. Ask the panel your questions and learn more about career and graduate outcomes, course information, entry requirements, studying at JCU, the application process, and much more. Find out more: https://future.jcu.edu.au/pharmacy-webinar

SAE - Creative Futures, Brisbane

Thursday 9 December 2021, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, SAE Institute Brisbane

We’re opening the SAE Brisbane campus doors and giving you the chance to chat with our industry experts, who are ready to answer all your questions about studying and working in creative fields. This FREE event is exclusively for high school students in years 11 & 12.

What’s on at Creative Futures:

• Talk to our lecturers and industry experts
• Learn about our Scholarships and Launchpad program
• See our student support initiatives and services
• Information Seminars

Find out more: https://sae.edu.au/event/creative-futures-at-sae-brisbane/

Youth Writing Saturdays

Saturday 13 November 2021, 10:00 am - 11:30 am, State Library of Queensland

For young writers at any stage of development. Youth Writing Saturdays is a FREE, monthly creative writing workshop for young writers at all skill levels. Whether you’re a self-publishing savant or a bookworm who wants to write, come along to meet your tribe. Grades 7-9 generally meet on the second Saturday of each month from 10-11.30am. Grades 10-12 meet on the third Saturday. Find out more: https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/youth-writing-saturdays

Bond University Climate Change and Law Educational Experience

Saturday 20 November 2021, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Bond University

Ambitious Year 11 students are invited to complete an exclusive Climate Change and Law educational experience presented by Bond University on Saturday, 20 November.

Learning from the Executive Dean of Bond’s Faculty of Law, students will extend their senior learning and build their toolkit of university and work skills through a series of online modules and a one-day workshop. Students will receive a certificate of achievement to contribute to their portfolios – course fee is $50 including access to course content, completion certificate, morning tea and lunch. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/climate-change-and-law-tickets-199568684307

NIE Medical Interview Training - Advanced Studio

Saturday 27 November 2021, 11:00 am - Tuesday 30 November 2021, 9:00 pm, Online

The Advanced Studio teaches correct approaches and mental models that allow for overanalysis, perfectionism, and overthinking to work for you as strengths, rather than against you as weaknesses that impede performance.

Candidates learn how to apply this theory in four ways, via:

• Mastering self-expression to address personal examples, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and attributes inside an immersive studio environment.
• Mastering question context to develop the ‘X-ray vision’ they need to understand question types and the methodological patterns behind the marking criteria.
• Creating their own Toolkits, as a ‘one-stop-shop’ that includes examples of a candidate’s own life events that serves to avoid danger zones and to highlight their most valuable assets.
• A mock medical interview where students get to try their new skills out in a simulated medical interview environment.

Find out more: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/product/2891-medical-interview-training-advanced-studio

UQ - Queensland Biology Summer School

Tuesday 18 January 2022, 9:00 am - Thursday 20 January 2022, 5:00 pm, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus

The inaugural multi-day UQ Queensland Biology Summer School (QBSS) will provide you with a deep dive into contemporary topics in ecology, conservation biology, plant science, and zoology.

What’s involved?

• Live and breathe biology: explore contemporary topics in biology including ecology, conservation biology, systematics, environmental management, plant science, zoology and quantitative biology (aligned with subject matter in the QCE and IB Biology syllabuses) through interactive lectures, practicals, and tutorials.
• Gain scientific skills in literacy, communication, collection and analysis of biological data (useful skills for QCE Internal Assessment 2: Student Experiment and IB Extended Essay).
• Study with biologists who are passionate about their subject – from leading researchers to teaching specialists, and current students at the start of their research careers, all eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
• Make friends with students from around the state and discover how much fun it is to be around people who love biology.

Applications close 15 November 2021.

Find out more: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/events/queensland-biology-summer-school

Naomi Holley