In this issue

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of Stuartholme,

Welcome to Term 3

I offer a warm welcome back to all our students and families for Semester 2 and a special welcome to the new members joining our community for the first time this term.

Year 5 & 6 at Stuartholme School 

It was a delight to officially announce last week the expansion of Stuartholme School with the introduction of a junior school and the staggered entry of Years 5 and 6 commencing from 2024.

The introduction of the provision of primary education is a historical moment for Stuartholme School and demonstrates our wholehearted commitment to the best educational outcomes for young women. By providing a rich Sacred Heart education from Year 5, we will see our community enriched further and provide a platform for our young women to transition into secondary school seamlessly.

Extensive planning is underway, including providing a cutting-edge senior primary curriculum. We look forward to sharing further updates on progress in the lead-up to our inaugural Year 5 cohort in 2024, and these will be provided via our website:

https://stuartholme.com/enrol/introducing-year-5-6/

An opportunity to recharge and reflect on feedback

I hope that the mid-year break was filled with great joy and was an opportunity to connect with families and loved ones. This was an ideal chance for our students to recalibrate after a busy semester and recharge the batteries to ensure they are refreshed for the remainder of the year. At Stuartholme, we recognise maximising these break periods is significant, as taking the time to nourish spirituality and wellbeing is vital in maintaining effective performance for the semester ahead.

Reflecting on the performance of the previous semester is integral to growth, and I am most grateful to our families, students and teaching staff who made themselves available for our Student/ Parent/ Teacher Conferences this week. These conferences allow us to work in partnership in reflecting on Semester One progress and discuss the critical practices that can enhance continued growth in the semester ahead. Our Growing to Great strategy augments this as we work towards a shared understanding of key strategies to ensure our young women own and are accountable for their learning journey and progression, ably supported by the extensive Stuartholme village.

Working in partnership through the pandemic

I am most appreciative of how our community continues to work together as we continue to navigate with success the third year of the pandemic. Most significantly, the understanding expressed by our students, staff and families who have been impacted has been considerable.

As always, we continue to follow guidelines in accordance with the current health advice to support the health and wellbeing of all within our community, and we are grateful for your support.

Staffing Term 3

It has been a pleasure to welcome back to our community after extended leave Susi Hopkins (Mathematics Teacher) and Ellen McLean (Leader of Boarding), along with the following new staff who join our team this term:

• Clare Cooper (Risk and Compliance Manager)
• Heidi Chapman (Religion & English Teacher)
• Cate Carlin (English)

I look forward to the term ahead, continuing to walk alongside the community to enact the vision of our foundress to ensure our young women are well supported to achieve their potential and make a difference for the world.

I wish you all blessings for a safe and successful Term 3.

Yours in Cor Unum,

Danny Crump
Acting Principal

At Stuartholme we have a well-regarded “Growing to Great” Model which is a three-way connect whereby staff, parents and students rally to deliver outstanding results. ​The research shows that this foundation to success can have long-lasting positive impacts on a child’s learning, including engagement in learning, growth in academic buoyancy, enjoyment of learning, enhanced relationships, early intervention and challenging student expectations. ​

In my first newsletter article of the Term, following the recent End of Semester Reporting and Parent-Student-Teacher conferences, I thought it would be worthwhile sharing the practices that parents can support their children to activate to optimise success.

In terms of a young person’s success, it is their capacity to enact these student practices that will ensure they can achieve their goals. To reach their potential, parents need to support their children to:

1. Turn up on time with all learning materials.
2. Get significant sleep and turn off screens.
3. Use time intentionally in class and in downtime.
4. Focus conversation on skills acquired and room to grow, rather than just the result.
5. Showcase courage, calm and resilience as your behaviour forms a baseline for your child.

National Recognition for our excellence in education

We are proud of the innovative education we provide to every student at Stuartholme and delighted about the recent national recognition received for our efforts. Below are two awards that we look forwarding to receiving and celebrating in Term 3.

Australian Council of Educational Leadership Award for Pivotal People in Leadership

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Acting Deputy Principal

Social Awareness that Impels to Action

The fourth Sacred Heart Goal of Education is that we educate to a social awareness that impels us to action. The criteria of this goal explicitly calls us to:

3. Foster critical reflection on our school community and the diversity within the world, society and its values, and promote action for justice, peace and integrity of creation in all that we do.
4. Embed in our school the understanding of social justice based on Catholic Social Teaching principles, that provide critical awareness and lead to appropriate responsive action.
5. Commit, through collaboration and dialogue, to build authentic relationships with our indigenous peoples.

NAIDOC

As a Sacred Heart community, called to be socially aware, this year’s NAIDOC theme, Get up! Stand up! Show up! is also a personal call to action for each one of us. It encourages us be proactive and collaborative in our advocacy for change, while also acknowledging and celebrating those, who for generations, have driven positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. It requires us to use our hands, our hearts and our voices.

Earlier this year at our Sorry Day Assembly, Year 8 student Mia Egan-Ireland spoke to us and challenged us to be brave and make change by starting the conversation with friends and family about First Nations People. Mia said, and I quote:

“Use the proper terms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by understanding our nations and tribes, the foundation of our identity. If people use negative stereotypes when talking about First Nations People ask why they are doing this. Ask them why they think this way. Try to help them see the bias. First Nations People cannot be present for every conversation to defend ourselves, we would appreciate if you stood up for us. By doing this you help continue our legacy as the world’s oldest living culture. This is what starts breaking the segregation. It makes me feel hopeful.”

Mia got up, stood up and showed up that day. The question for each of us is how might we?

Peace and blessings for the week ahead.

Justin Golding
Dean of Mission

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Our girls arrived back to the house on Sunday July 10 and within minutes of arriving, our school was bustling with renewed energy-a sure sign of a wonderful holiday break. We also welcomed four new boarders into the house. The positive energy and excitement our girls shared as they met or reunited with other boarders,  filled the house with optimism and happiness.

Since arriving back to the boarding house, our community has gathered together to review our well being survey results and discuss exciting plans for the term ahead, in the well being and academic space. As we continue to grow and strengthen our boarding community, we give thanks to our beautiful girls who walk with us on this journey.

Leadership Speeches were also delivered on Monday night and seeing the passion and determination our future leaders exhibited was remarkable.

This week, Annabel Irvin and I had the pleasure of visiting with current and prospectus families in Moree and surrounds. It was beautiful reconnecting with some of our families in their home towns and we feel so blessed and thankful to be part of this supportive and welcoming community.

As we head into week three, we look forward to connecting with other boarding schools such as Nudgee and TSS and continuing to work hard on extracurricular pursuits and study.

We wish you all a wonderful week ahead.

Jane Morris
Dean of Boarding

Self-regulation for improved student outcomes

There’s no doubt we live in a busy society. On a daily basis we are asked to balance our work, home, social and financial responsibilities. This raises the question for us about how we can best support our children to build the necessary capacity to problem solve, recover, adapt or find a solution.

This capacity is known as “self-regulation” or “resilience”. Research clearly reveals that a student’s increased capacity in self-regulation is linked to improved academic, social and health outcomes. Management of self and self-regulation is therefore a core element of the Wise Wellness program delivered here at Stuartholme.

As we embark on Semester Two, I wanted to share with parents key strategies so that we can work together to build our children’s capacity in this area.

Strategies for building capacity in self-regulation

1. Meeting chaos with calm – role modelling what to do, and just as important, what not to do, will help build capacity in your child. Take a moment to interpret the situation and notice your own reaction and any triggers for you. If you need to, try deep breathing to calm your mind and give yourself a chance to fully examine the situation and all your options. Once you’ve examined your options you can decide the pros/cons/consequences of each option until you come up with the best response.
2. Mindfulness – a child’s brain is still under construction. Allow them time to explore mindful activities. These could include a form of exercise, relaxation or self-reflection. Talk to your child about situations they have faced that day, both good and bad, and what actions they took. If they’ve had a great day ask them what made it great and allow them the opportunity to store that memory. If they have not had a good day, discuss what made them unhappy and what they can do next time they are faced with that situation.
3. Self-awareness – we are all different, and that’s ok! Help your child to understand themselves and how they think. By being self-aware, your child will be able to understand themselves better as a human being. Often challenging times provide a great opportunity to spot character strengths.
4. Take charge – always be bigger, stronger, wiser and kind as a parent. Whenever possible follow your daughter’s needs. Whenever necessary take charge.

Elizabeth Foxover
Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing

To celebrate Stuartholme’s 2022 Art Show –  Exposition des Beaux – Arts hosted by the Stuartholme Sacré Coeur Association we will be running a Junior Art Competition

We are encouraging young girls to create self-portraits that convey who they truly are. It could be drawings, paintings, digital art or photography – Make yourself.

All works will be showcased and prize recipients announced at the Stuartholme Art Show – Exposition des Beaux – Arts on Sunday 14 August 2022.  The finalist’s work will be shown in an online gallery for parents and family to share.

For more information please visit https://stuartholme.com/makeyourself-artcompetition2022/

Safe Girl is practical and street-smart self-defence. Over 50 students have joined us so far in 2022!

We are learning self-defence from the ground up – how to deal with everything from unwanted friendly contact to dangerous predatory behaviour.

In term 2, our focus was physical self-defence, how to:

• Escape the grasp of a large male
• Strike with knees, elbows and hands
• Make our techniques powerful enough to disable a large male

We experienced how intensely confronting it is to be grabbed by a man, on the wrists, arms, neck or by the hair. We learned how to use Hapkido (a martial art that applies biomechanical principles) to escape from the grasp of someone much stronger. The more we practised, the better we became, and the less confronting it was.

We also learned

• That in Australia girls aged 10-19 are the group most victimised by sexual assault
• How to identify predators (someone with criminal intent)
• How to judge situations, and how much force is legal in self-defence

We also had fun, and teased our coaches.

The Safe Girl team (Adam & Christine Welch, with the help of their daughters Samantha and Jessica) is working hard to bring exciting new self-defence content every term!

In Term 3 Safe Girl will include:

• Advanced self-defence for returning students (like you can see on our Instagram page at “safegirl.com.au”).
• Discussion circles about self-defence topics, led by Christine.

The Stuartholme Arts Department warmly invites you to Medea on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August from 7pm.

The Year 12 Drama class has devised this transformation of Euripides’ classic text, we meet Medea wild with dread and rage after her husband Jason has left her for another woman, a princess. As her head begins to fill with memories of the past, reality becomes less clear. She creates an evil plan that will destroy all, including herself. The audience is positioned as judge and jury as Medea’s memories flood the stage and her unspeakable crimes are revealed.

This reimagining has been completely devised and created by the Year 12 Drama class through Contemporary Theatre techniques such as Physical Theatre to challenge the audience to consider what it means to be a ‘woman’. Please be aware, the performance contains mature themes and stylised death and therefore it is not appropriate for audiences under 15.

Tickets are $15, and can be purchased via https://www.trybooking.com/CBGFD

Tickets are not available at the door.

It is no secret that Term 3 is one of the busiest and most significant periods in the school year.  Our Year 12s are preparing for External Exams, the end of Unit 2 marks the start of summative study for the 11s, the Year 10 cohort is making important decisions through the SET Planning process, and students in the junior years are balancing study with numerous exciting cocurricular opportunities.  In the words of our Acting Deputy Principal, Term 3 is a “buckle up” term.  Like any roller coaster ride, what determines whether the experience is exhilarating or nauseating comes down to two key things: preparation and practise.

Over the coming weeks, I will share a series of productivity hacks and study strategies to help students prepare well and practise effectively to ride the Term 3 rollercoaster towards a strong finish for the year.  To keep the theme rolling, the focus of this week’s article is: How to hang on for the ride through the twists and turns of Term 3.   

Students often tell me that they feel like they start the term feeling organised and on top of things but after a few weeks, they suddenly find themselves feeling overwhelmed.  In most cases, this is not due to the volume of work required but rather the rate in which they are engaging with the work.  Just the thought of riding a roller coaster, eating a dagwood dog, and watching fireworks all at once is overwhelming.  It makes sense that we do each of these activities separately and in a strategic order (i.e. do not start with the dagwood dog).  The same logic can be applied to managing assessment loads.

Having “three assignments due in the same week” is overwhelming if you start work on all three tasks the week before they are due.  Like riding a roller coaster on a full stomach, the consequences can be rather upsetting to say the least.  However, working on one assignment at a time over a period of several weeks is far more manageable and helps to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue.  The key to setting a sustainable pace for study is to plan for the whole term, not just the week ahead.

Each student’s personalised Semester Two assessment calendar will soon be published to myStuartholme.  Below are some tips for using the assessment calendar as a tool to help students set a sustainable pace for the whole term:

1. Print the assessment calendar out and display it in a spot that can be easily seen.
2. Add important events (e.g. birthday parties) and other commitments (e.g. sports carnivals) to the calendar as well.
3. Use the “Traffic Light Triage” system below to colour-code each week based on the number of assessment tasks or commitments that are on that week. This creates a “heatmap” for a quick-glance guide of the busiest times throughout the term.

Green = one or none

Yellow = two or three

Pink = four or more

4. As soon as assignment task sheets are distributed, write any draft due dates or checkpoint dates on the calendar too.
5. Set a personal “final edit” date at least three days before the final due date for each assignment. Aim to have the assignment finished by this date to allow plenty of time for a final polish with fresh eyes.

For more strategies to prepare well for Term 3, students can make an appointment for an Academic Performance meeting with me by emailing: avanhomrigh@stuartholme.com

The Year 9 and 10 Future Problem Solving (FPS) Teams attended a resource day at St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace School last Wednesday, 20 July, from 1pm-4.30pm, as part of their preparation for the 2022 Qualifying Problem.

This Queensland State Resource Day focused on Australian perspectives on the topic of Insects, a revision of the Six-Step FPS Model, tips for effective teamwork, and an opportunity to respond to a simplified practice future scene.

Our students enjoyed the afternoon and are now well equipped to sit the 2-hour lockdown to qualify for the national competition. We wish them luck.

Birgit Holley and Lara Rich (Coaches)

Have you ever wondered about space and its mysterious expanse? Well throughout December 2021 and June 2022 the James Webb space camera powered by NASA has been busy taking photos of many universes and galaxies far, far away. The first pictures, which were released to the public in early July, show many extravagant images of space including a star’s “final performance” which showcased a star’s death; Jupiter, the largest planet and 5^th furthest from the sun in our solar system and its moons; and last but not least pictures of the stunning “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula. Photos of these ‘cliffs’ were previously taken by the famous Hubble telescope in 1996. Overall, the images we received from the James Webb Telescope have inspired young astronomers all over the world to learn about space and to be involved in the mysteries that exist among us today.

By Sophie O’Brien
Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador

Science opportunities:

2023 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) – The NYSF Year 12 Program offers an exciting range of in-person and digital science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for participants across Australia. Applications are now open and close on the 14 August. https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Experience Entomology – 13 August

We rely on insects in intricate ways: new biomaterials, robotics, agriculture, medicine, and future food! Explore the weird and whimsical world of insects, the most diverse group of terrestrial lifeforms. Attend class as if you were at university and learn about the diverse range of careers in entomology!

https://study.uq.edu.au/events/experience-entomology

Experience Zoology & Conservation Biology – 3 September

Animals have evolved sophisticated and complex adaptions in response to changes in their environment. Attend class as if you were at university and learn about the diverse range of careers in zoology, ecology and conservation biology!

https://study.uq.edu.au/events/experience-zoology-and-conservation-biology

Experience Marine Biology, 10 September

Our unique group of researchers work on all aspects of marine biology, from the cellular and genetic to the ecosystem level, on marine ecosystems from the equator to the poles, and over timespans of days to millions of years. Attend class as if you were at university and learn about the diverse range of careers in marine biology, and coastal and ocean science!

https://study.uq.edu.au/events/experience-marine-biology

START QUT (STEM Intensive)

START QUT (STEM Intensive) is the delivery of a first year QUT STEM unit in a two-week intensive study program in the summer holidays, 9-20 January 2023. This unique program is designed for current Year 11 students entering Year 12 in 2023.

You can participate in one of our study units to see the differences between high school and university, while gaining an insight into STEM studies in a safe and supportive environment. There are no tuition fees for successful applications.

https://www.qut.edu.au/study/options/start-qut-stem-intensive

QUT Future You STEM Summit

QUT Future You STEM Summit is set to teach students the importance of a STEM mindset, helping to guide a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to build the jobs of Australia’s future.

The 2022 STEM Summit includes the STEM Tasters and STEM Internship programs and is open to high-achieving Year 11 and 12 high-school students. Delivered in the September school holidays, both events will offer students the opportunity to expand their skill sets beyond the classroom and explore future career ambitions with like-minded peers, all before university.

The Future You STEM Summit four-day program also includes a program of:

• inspiring keynotes with high-profile speakers
• interactive Q&A panel sessions featuring local industry leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers
• QUT alumni, academics, and current students speaking about how they use their STEM mindset every day.

https://www.qut.edu.au/study/career-advisers-and-teachers/stem-for-schools/future-you-stem-summit

I have also got some images of some Year 7s learning about forces and Year 10s completing a review of their previous knowledge of atomic structure as an introduction to this term’s unit “Let’s Mix It Up”.

Click on a photo to start galley

Kind regards,

Wendy Macdonald,
Leader of Learning – Science 

Over the recent school holidays, a group of students from Year 10 & 11, along with Ms Juliette Johnson and Ms Adrienne Costello, travelled to Cape York for our annual Red Earth Immersion.  Below are some reflections of their experience that were shared with our community at today’s NAIDOC liturgy.

Millie Davies

Last holidays, myself and other year 10 and 11 girls had the privilege of attending the 2022 Red Earth Immersion. During our 10 days in Cape York, at one of the homelands we visited, Binthi-Warra, we were lucky enough to meet some local Elders who are part of the stolen generation. Something that distinctly stuck with me was their stories about the journey to Woorabinda, an Aboriginal ‘reserve’ created by the Newcome settlers in 1926. During the Second World War, children and adults, some even as young as 6, was forcibly removed from their culture, traditions, and family, being transported on long-haul trains and boats. Many of the Aboriginal people onboard had never seen or travelled on boats or trains, making the days long journey frightening and a whole new experience. The elders recounted the appalling conditions – onboard trains they had no access to water or food. As many passengers had never travelled on or seen boats, the trip was particularly daunting, as many passengers became scared when smoke appeared out of the funnel, believing the boat was on fire and they were all in danger. All these stories made me realise how lucky our lives are – just imagine having to leave home when you were 6 and be swept away into a whole different and new lifestyle, stripped of your own culture and traditions. The red earth immersion has allowed me to embody our theme for this year’s NAIDOC week, to become further educated and aware about the hardships that many aboriginals people had to encounter at such a young age. I hope many of you take the chance next year to participate in red earth – it is definitely worth it!

Georgia Richards

Red earth was an amazing experience where we all learnt many things that we will forever be grateful for and never forget. This opportunity allowed us all to connect with the beautiful people and places we visited. We started off by all participating in a community project and Mel telling us stories and the history of Binthi Warra. We were then taught how to weave, make traditional meals, dance, and taught some of the traditional language. Through this, we were exposed to Indigenous culture like never before, and learnt about the challenges faced by the community, and how they’ve overcome this. Tim and Alaine from Panamungi taught us the importance of language, and medicinal plants, and how essential they are to their lifestyle.  Overall, this experience taught so many new and useful lessons that we will forever hold onto and cherish.

Grace Armitage

For us, as visitors on this land, it is essential that we learn from our First Nations people. Through interactions, we develop respect, understanding, and are exposed to knowledge from different cultural backgrounds. Red Earth taught me the need for Indigenous history in schools, the need for recognition of First Nations people for significantly shaping this country’s history, and the need to protect their everlasting culture. The elder’s we encountered on our trip were filled with wisdom, teachings, and advice. All 22 of us went with our hearts open and left with them full of an abundance of knowledge. I remember Mel, the first homeland we visited said to us before we left, “If I leave you with anything, it is when you go back to Brisbane and live your busy daily lives. If you hear any negative stigma in the community around First Nations people, to stand up and share your positive experience that you had here.”

Kate McGann

At the end of our Red Earth trip, we were asked to reflect on something we would leave behind, things that stuck with us and something that rocked. Something that we left behind would be preconceptions of indigenous culture that many people form through ideas the media presents. Things that rocked were learning language and art and bush tucker like eating green ants and learning how many natural medicines are in the bush. And finally, something that stuck with me was what the first nation people said to us while we were staying on their land, that they wanted us to be their voice. We can do that by educating ourselves and by standing up, speaking up and showing up.

Rosie Sheehan

Get up, stand up, show up – this year’s NAIDOC theme is an inspiring call to action. We are called to celebrate those who have made a difference in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and take opportunities so that we can do the same and be effective allies.

On Red Earth, we were incredibly lucky to learn from stories and experiences shared by the First Nations communities that we visited. At Binthi-Warra, Traditional Owner, Mel spoke to us about the value of our education in Brisbane. We began to understand the barriers of education faced by many First Nations communities, because of isolation and lack of services. It became clear that we need to be strong advocates, as Mel told us that thanks to our education, we have the opportunity to be a driving force of change in society.

Inspired by this, I think it is certainly a way that we can embody this year’s theme, by using the gift of our education and support network to drive positive change for First Nations communities. Called to recognise the impact of even our smallest actions, we can encourage each other to take opportunities to learn and stand for what is right, locally and in conversation with friends and family. We can show our commitment by learning more about First Nations culture, to raise awareness about barriers of education and more, helping to continue to empower First Nations communities into the future.

Hi everyone,

Term 3 is well and truly off and running. As our wise Acting Deputy Principal, Ms Lonsdale-Walker has said, this term is about maintaining ‘race pace’. Term 3 is a marathon and not a sprint, and I hope everyone is working at a comfortable race pace so far this term.

Year 10 Mini Senior Subject Expo

Last Friday, it was great to see our Year 10 students to do some final preparations for SET planning. Students spent the majority of this session in a ‘mini subject expo’, talking with senior teachers about the many subjects on offer in Year 11. Students were also given a worksheet to fill out and bring along to their SET plan meeting. All students were also sent a copy of this worksheet, so anyone who was away during this session (or has lost the sheet) can print one and still fill it out before their meeting.

2022 Careers Expo

This week we held our annual Careers Expo on the Stuartholme lawn. This was a great opportunity for our students to learn about some of their many post-school options, including university and TAFE study, sporting scholarships to other countries, and opportunities at home in the Australian Defence Force. It was wonderful to see so many students there, asking thoughtful questions about their post-school options.

Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening

Following the Careers Expo, it was a pleasure to be a part of the Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening. This event was an opportunity for Year 10 students and families to learn more about senior subjects and the senior education system, including the QCE and ATAR. As I said at this event, our vision is that all students will research their options, pursue their interests and strengths, but still keep their minds and options open for the future.

A Day In Dingo Creek Emergency Department: An Insight into the Wonders of Rural Health

This week, Lucy Lloyd-Morgan (2017 Cor Unum Head), returned to Stuartholme to run a rural health practitioner simulation session titled ‘A Day In Dingo Creek Emergency Department: An Insight into the Wonders of Rural Health’. Lucy is currently studying Medicine at James Cook University and is passionate about sharing the exciting opportunities available in health, especially in rural communities, with others. Students really enjoyed the simulation and had the opportunity to practise triaging patients, taking a medical history, and reading chest x-rays and ECGs. We look forward to welcoming Lucy back again in the future!

Make an Impact Through Engineering – with UQ’s Women in Engineering team

We also welcomed Amanda Merrick from UQ’s Women in Engineering to Stuartholme this week. Amanda spoke to interested Year 10 students about what engineering actually is and the many ways students can use this to impact the world. This was a really helpful session for students as they consider their Year 11 and 12 subjects.

Year 12 key dates and events

There are some key dates that Year 12 students and families should be conscious of this term. These include several events to support you to start new things next year.

If your child would like to chat to me about how their plans are going, they are encouraged to use my new booking form to find a time that works for them. Bookings: Chat with Mr Lillyman

(Please note: I will be unavailable in Week 3 due to Year 10 SET planning meetings).

Warm regards,

Mr Tom Lillyman
Careers Counsellor

OPEN DAYS

Reminder: Open Days are a really great way to check out the different institutions you could study with. Here are the 2022 dates for Open Days around Queensland.

Please follow the links below to register for the Open Days you would like to attend. Registering for the day allows you to book in for any tours, seminars, and other activities that have limited places (and cannot be registered for on the day).

Sunday, 24 July – University of Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay campus (at Petrie)

Sunday, 31 July – QUT, Gardens Point & Kelvin Grove campuses

Saturday, 6 August – TAFE Queensland, Southbank campus

Sunday, 7 August – The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus

Sunday, 7 August – University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast campus

Sunday, 14 August – Griffith University, Nathan & Gold Coast campuses

Sunday, 14 August – University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich & Springfield campuses

Sunday, 21 August – The University of Queensland, Gatton campus

Sunday, 21 August – University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba campus

EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE

Griffith Sports College: After the Siren event for student-athletes

On 26 July at the Gold Coast campus and 27 July at the Nathan campus, Griffith and Runaway Bay Sports and Leadership Excellence Centre are hosting the “After the Siren” workshops. The free program is designed to offer student-athletes the unique opportunity to learn about life as elite athletes and help them prepare for a successful life on and off the sporting field. If you are interested email Griffith Sports College for more information and to register your interest.

APPLY

ACU Guarantee

The ACU Guarantee Program offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on your Year 11 results. ACU will be hosting an information webinar where you will learn detailed information on how to apply and hear current students share their experiences. The webinar will be held on 27 July from 6 – 6.30pm. Click here to register.

Looking at applying for degrees at the Queensland Conservatorium?

Applications for the Trimester 1 2023 intake will open on 2 August 2022 through QTAC. Click here for more information on the application process and audition preparation tips. When you apply via QTAC you will select your preferred degree and/or specialisations:

• 251722 Bachelor of Music – applications close 9 September 2022
• 251782 Bachelor of Acting – applications close 31 August 2022
• 251772 Bachelor of Musical Theatre – applications close 31 August 2022

COMPETITIONS

Griffith Law School Legal Essay Competition 

Do you have a compelling case to make about a current legal issue? If you are in Year 12 and interested in the role of law and law reform to effect positive social change, you are encouraged to submit an essay in Griffith Uni’s competition. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your passion for law and social change in a fun, competitive environment. Click here for more information and entry details with entries closing on 22 August at 5pm.

Myfuture Careers of the Future competition reminder

As part of myfuture’s 20th anniversary celebrations, this free competition is open to all students. Get creative and share your vision of what future careers will look like. You could win a $500 Prezzee eGift Card for your classroom. You can work alone or in groups (including classes) and you need teacher’s support to submit your entry. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 22 July. View details and enter here.

GOOD TO KNOW

Year 12 Academic Bootcamps

Griffith University is offering Year 12 Academic Bootcamps. The September school holiday Academic Bootcamps are high-quality courses designed to give students an advantage by improving their confidence and understanding in senior subject areas that can also reduce assessment anxiety. Subjects offered are psychology, biology, chemistry, physics and maths methods.

• 19 September – 22 September 2022 (Monday to Thursday, 9am-3pm) – Maths Methods  – on campus
• 26 September – 29 September 2022 (Monday to Thursday 9am-3pm) – Chemistry or Physics or Biology or Psychology – on campus

There is a cost: $149 per course. Click here for more information or email scienceonthego@griffith.edu.au.

How to start putting together scholarship application information

Career exploration is often linked to admission and scholarships through a personal statement. Personal statements are not required by all universities and scholarships, but they are used more each year. Programs that are highly competitive often use personal statements to evaluate students in a more holistic way. In scholarship applications, personal statements help the institution or organisation to get to know the applicant’s future plans and to evaluate their suitability for the award. Although written for a Canadian audience, the information is still valuable in the Australian context. Click here to read the full CERIC article which talks about what a personal statement is and how students can gather information to answer ‘future plans’ questions.

Headspace work and study support

Headspace work and study Programs support 15 to25 year olds with everything education and employment related. From finding your first job, to deciding what to study, support is available online and in centres and their services are free and tailored to your needs. Click here to find out more including:

• Work and study online
• Career mentoring service
• Individual placement and support program (IPS)

Employment projections to 2026

The National Skills Commission produces employment projections to provide a much-needed guide to the likely future direction of the jobs market over the next 5 years. Each year these projections are updated to reflect emerging trends and developments. The latest data available are for the five years to November 2026. Click here to find out more.

New names for Queensland unis: UniSQ and UniSC

Two Queensland universities have had branding changes recently. If you are one of those people who looks for images not words then keep your eyes peeled for their new looks:

• The University of the Sunshine Coast’s previous logo ‘USC’ will now be ‘UniSC’. Check out their new branding here
• The University of Southern Queensland’s previous ‘USQ’ will now be known as ‘UniSQ’. Check out their new branding here

OPEN DAY CHECKLIST from the Good Universities Guide

What to do on the day

In and amongst the freebies, food and entertainment, there are a few key things you should do on the day.

• Take a tour of the campus and facilities
• Collect brochures, course guides and other useful information for further reading
• Talk to students and staff and ask plenty of questions
• Attend information sessions for courses or faculties of interest

Key questions to ask staff and students about courses

• What are the entry requirements?  Are there any prerequisite subjects or additional requirements (such as a portfolio or interview)?
• How much time can you expect to spend in classes each week? How many hours will need to be dedicated to study outside of class?
• What are the most common forms of assessment (for example: exams, group projects or essays)?
• Where are graduates of the course working now? What are some typical career paths?
• Are there opportunities for practical learning, work experience or internships?
• Are there any pathway options to help you gain entry to the course?
• Does the course offer a pathway to further study?
• Are double degrees available?
• Does the university have any industry connections in the field?
• How much choice is there in subject selection? Are there opportunities to study elective subjects?

Key questions to ask staff and students about the university

• What facilities are available on campus?
• What support services are offered to students?
• Are there accommodation options on campus or nearby?
• Does the university offer any scholarships?
• Does the university have any exchange agreements with institutions overseas?
• Does the university provide assistance with finding work after graduation?

Key questions to ask staff and students about student life

• What clubs and societies are on offer?
• Are there opportunities to socialise on campus?
• Is there a student union? What services and activities does the union coordinate?

Other things to consider

• Getting there: Is the campus easy to get to? Can you catch public transport? If you plan to drive, what are the parking options around the campus?
• Accommodation: For those planning on moving out of home to study, consider having a look around the local area for potential neighbourhoods to live in or take a tour of on-campus accommodation.
• Facilities: What facilities are available on and around campus? Look at food options, gyms, banks, medical centres, libraries and any other facilities you consider important It’s also worth investigating the practical facilities available for your course, such as laboratories and studios.

Get the most out of your university open day provides more information.

Key dates and events

There are some key dates to be aware of this term. These include several events to support you to start new things next year.

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) speaker

Next Thursday evening, you are invited to join us via Zoom for a QTAC information session. Paul from QTAC will explain how QTAC works, how to apply, what to expect during offer rounds, and how to respond to course offer(s). There will also be plenty of time to ask questions about the QTAC process. If you are applying interstate, I would still suggest attending this event as the application process is similar between QTAC, UAC, VTAC and other application centres in Australia.

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) guides

The digital version of the QTAC guide is now on the QTAC website (scroll down to the heading ‘QTAC 2023 Year 12 Guides’). This guide contains information about almost all courses available via QTAC, as well as application dates, tips and tricks.

QTAC will also deliver hardcopy guides to Stuartholme shortly. You will be able to collect a hard-copy QTAC guide from the library, once these have arrived.

TAC Attack application support sessions in the Library

From 9 August, TAC Attack will be held each Monday afternoon from 3-3.30pm in the Stuartholme Library. TAC Attack is a drop in session to help you start your university/TAFE applications. You can bring a friend and get help from me, if you find any part of the process confusing. You’re also very welcome to book in to see me to discuss your application(s) in more depth.

Helpful resources

There are many resources available that can to explore your options after school. The most comprehensive collection of resources can be found on the Careers page of my.Stuartholme. This page has advice, information and links to all kinds of resources. You’re also welcome to contact me if you are looking for some information but having trouble finding it.

Careers Counselling appointments

I will also be checking in with all of you before the end of this term, but I encourage you to reach out to me whenever you would like to chat about your plans. If you’d like to book an appointment with me, please jump on this booking form: Book a chat | Mr Lillyman