Disclaimer

Please note that this blog is intended for the students and parents associated with MacGregor State High School. Please check areas of interest as seen on the blog to confirm dates and other information as there will be occasions when dates will change and the information may not be included in the blog as it may not have been received by the school. Posts prior to July 2021 may have reference to different schools as this blog was initially developed for students when I was the Guidance Officer at another school.








Thursday 4 December 2014

QTAC Help

QTAC assistance will be available to assist students till 23 December 40373867 then from 5th to 8th January in Cairns. A Senior Guidance Officer will be available from 8th  January for first round offers. Please call 40373801 to speak with this officer.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

I Wanna B - New Career Videos and TV Show


‘I Wanna B' is all about careers. Vibrant Student Edge presenters get inside every profession under the sun by talking to the people who actually do them!

When students are looking for their first ideal job,  I Wanna B gives them all the information they need to research and make the best choices.

The Student Edge videos explore training institutions and universities to find out just what it takes, from beginning to end, to become anything from a Police Officer to a School Teacher. It’s a valuable resource and we highly recommend it to you.

To view I Wanna B, click here

The Hotel School Cairns


The Hotel School Cairns is taking applications for the December intake of its entry level program - Certificate III in Hospitality


Classes commence on Monday 8th December 2014

This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of people who wish to gain employment within the hospitality industry.
Work Placement
All Hotel School Cairns students undertaking this program must complete 36 shifts. We assist students to gain work placements. To further develop confidence with interviews we also embed resumé writing, interview role plays and presentation tips as part of the program.
Delivery Mode
Classroom and workplace
Locations
Cairns
Next Intake
Monday 8th December 2014
Attendance
Week 1: Monday 8th December to Friday 12th December 2014
Week 2: Monday 15th December to Friday 19th December 2014
Week 3: Monday 12th January to Friday 16th January 2015
Week 4: Monday 19th January to Friday 23rd January 2015
Term 1 of School Term: Monday mornings 9.30am - 1pm
Student Contribution Fee
Concessional: $150.00 per person
Non-concessional: $450.00 per person

Eligibility
Please note, applicants for the Certificate III subsidised program need to meet the following eligibility criteria
:

  • Applicants must be aged 15 years and above and no longer at school.
  • Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in Queensland.
  • Applicants must not hold, or be currently enrolled in a Certificate III or higher qualification, not including qualifications completed at school.
  • Applicants need to contribute to the cost of training, through a student contribution fee.

Student Contribution Fee
Non concessional: $450 per person
Concessional: $150.00 per person

Please visit http://www.sejumi.edu.au/Certificate-3-Guarantee-Program.38.0.html
for clarification of concessional student status.

Graduates of this program may apply to enter the Diploma level of the Hotel School Cairns in 2015

The University of Melbourne - Residential college applications closing soon


The University's residential colleges offer a supportive, social and academically enriching environment for those studying at Melbourne.

Choosing a college is a personal choice for students, so the university encourages you to find out as much as possible before applying. By visiting the colleges, you can better understand the unique way of life offered by the colleges, and find out which one is better aligned with your needs and interests.

If you are considering living at a residential college, please select your college of first preference from the list of colleges that are still accepting applications, and apply prior to the closing date in December.

Applications are to be made online.

More information: colleges.unimelb.edu.au

Thye University of Melbourne - Pop Song Writing Bootcamp


Behind every good pop song is a skilled songwriter, and this intensive course is perfect for aspiring songwriters who dream of a career in the music industry.

Students will receive valuable feedback from an experienced and professional tutor who will help improve and develop students’ song writing practice. Suitable for students aged 16 and over.

Dates:  Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2015

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm each day

Earlybird enrolments close Monday 8 December.

Enrolments close Wednesday 14 January (unless sold out prior).

For further details on these programs and other shortcourses held throughout the year, visit:

vca-mcm.unimelb.edu.au/shortcourses

Summer School programs at the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music


Summer School programs at the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music give students a chance to train and work with experienced, engaging staff.

Visual Art Summer School

The VCA Visual Art Summer School provides a special opportunity for young people (ages 15 – 20) with an interest in contemporary visual art to explore and develop their own artwork at a level that suits their individual needs.

With streams in both painting and drawing, this four-day program is perfect for those embarking on VCE study in visual art and those aspiring to pursue tertiary study at the VCA or elsewhere.

Dates: Tuesday 13 January – Friday 16 January 2015

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm each day

Earlybird enrolments close Tuesday 2 December.

Enrolments close Thursday 8 January (unless sold out prior).

Theatre Summer School

The VCA’s week-long Theatre Summer School workshops cover all aspects of acting and theatre making for ages 15 - 20. The days start with voice and movement training followed by afternoon classes in the students chosen stream:

  • Body Talk – Physical Theatre and Ensemble Performance
  • Exploration of Impro
  • Much Ado About Something
  • Soap Up – from Ramsey Street to Summer Bay
  • Theatre Making
  • VCE Drama Unit 3

Dates: Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2015

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm each day

Earlybird enrolments close Monday 8 December. Enrolments close Wednesday 14 January (unless sold out prior).

The University of Melbourne - Diploma in General Studies


The Diploma in General Studies (DIGS) is a guaranteed pathway into the University of Melbourne Bachelor of Agriculture, Biomedicine, Commerce, Environments and Science*.

The Diploma in General Studies is a one year full-time course that can also be taken part-time over two years or as single subject units. The diploma gives students time to strengthen their academic skills and experience university study in a supported environment before committing to a university degree. Students can access the DiGS program at Dookie, Benalla, Seymour, Shepparton, Wangaratta or Wodonga and inexpensive student accommodation is available at our Dookie campus.

Scholarships of up to $5000 may also be available to students to assist with study and costs of living.

Find out more at:

fvas.unimelb.edu.au/digs

* Guaranteed entry based on requisite scores and eligibility for Access Melbourne.

The Univeristy of Melbourne International student consultations


Year 12 international students can book an individual 30-minute consultation to talk with friendly University staff about their study options, their VTAC application and our international support services.

These sessions run every Tuesday and Wednesday between 2pm and 5pm until 17 December.  Interested students are required to register online.

VCE Summer School - The University of Melbourne


VCE Summer School, held at the University (12 - 23 January) is a full-time two week program including classes, seminars and one-on-one tutorials in VCE subjects. For each subject students are given a detailed subject booklet outlining the requirements of the subject as well as practical study hints and examples.

Students will also be treated to a program of activities, workshops and excursions in order to promote a healthy study-life balance.

Bursaries are available to students experiencing financial difficulty.

Applications for the VCE Summer School close at 5pm Friday 5 December 2014.

umsu.unimelb.edu.au/jump-in/summerschool

The University of Melbourne Online Course Information Day


Online Course Information Day gives students and their parents a chance to learn more about their study options, even if they can’t come and meet us in person.
Your students and their parents can log in and receive personalised advice about our undergraduate courses, pathways to graduate study, scholarships and special entry schemes.
Date: Thursday 18 December 2014
Time: 11.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Online
To register:        
cop.unimelb.edu.au
For more information
13 MELB (13 6352)
13MELB@unimelb.edu.au
cop.unimelb.edu.au

The University of Melbourne Student Support


As part of the transition to University, students will meet one-on-one with a specialist Student Connect adviser to talk about what uni’s all about, and to assist with the transition through and beyond university.

Together with their adviser, students will develop an action plan to ensure they are on track to achieving their goals – and having fun along the way!

Learn more about the services and facilities available to students here.

The University of Melbourne Enrolment and Academic Advice Day


Enrolling and making informed subject choices are important steps in the transition to university.

Round 1 VTAC offers are released on Monday 19 January 2015. The University of Melbourne will then email students with information about how to accept their offer and enrol in their course.

Academic Advice Day

With 2000 subjects to choose from, students might feel a little overwhelmed trying to put together their study plan. That’s where Academic Advice Day comes in. Students get all the information they need to plan their first year’s enrolment. Students can even meet with a faculty adviser one-on-one to discuss their subjects and make sure they have enrolled correctly.

Academic Advice Day 1 will be held on Friday 23 January for domestic undergraduate students accepting Round 1 offers through VTAC, and Thursday 19 February for domestic students accepting Round 2 offers through VTAC and all international undergraduate students.

More information on Academic Advice Day for students commencing in Semester 1 2015 is available on the website.

aad.unimelb.edu.au

Monday 24 November 2014

The Hotel Cairns


The Hotel School Cairns is taking applications for the December intake of its entry level program - Certificate III in Hospitality


Classes commence on Monday 8th December 2014

This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of people who wish to gain employment within the hospitality industry.
Work Placement
All Hotel School Cairns students undertaking this program must complete 36 shifts. We assist students to gain work placements. To further develop confidence with interviews we also embed resumé writing, interview role plays and presentation tips as part of the program.
Delivery Mode
Classroom and workplace
Locations
Cairns
Next Intake
Monday 8th December 2014
Attendance
Week 1: Monday 8th December to Friday 12th December 2014
Week 2: Monday 15th December to Friday 19th December 2014
Week 3: Monday 12th January to Friday 16th January 2015
Week 4: Monday 19th January to Friday 23rd January 2015
Term 1 of School Term: Monday mornings 9.30am - 1pm
Student Contribution Fee
Concessional: $150.00 per person
Non-concessional: $450.00 per person

Eligibility
Please note, applicants for the Certificate III subsidised program need to meet the following eligibility criteria
:

  • Applicants must be aged 15 years and above and no longer at school.
  • Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in Queensland.
  • Applicants must not hold, or be currently enrolled in a Certificate III or higher qualification, not including qualifications completed at school.
  • Applicants need to contribute to the cost of training, through a student contribution fee.

Student Contribution Fee
Non concessional: $450 per person
Concessional: $150.00 per person

Please visit http://www.sejumi.edu.au/Certificate-3-Guarantee-Program.38.0.html
for clarification of concessional student status.

Graduates of this program may apply to enter the Diploma level of the Hotel School Cairns in 2015

University of the Sunshine Coast - New Programs for 2015


As a young university, USC is growing. They are introducing a variety of new degrees in 2015, to complement more than 100 existing programs.
Here are their exciting new programs available to study from Semester 1, 2015:
Find out more usc.edu.au/rise

The University of Queensland FEAST Camp


FEAST Camp June 28 - July 2


Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is a five day residential program at UQ Gatton, designed to inspire and inform Years 11 and 12 students about the exciting and rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal and food sectors.
Students will explore science disciplines through hands on activities and workshops run by UQ staff and industry and discover the career outcomes and opportunities for their future. Students will experience University life and expand their knowledge of UQ study options, programs, careers and campus life.
Registrations open online March 19, 2015 at http://www.science.uq.edu.au/feast

The Univeristy of Melbourne Scholarships for Student Athletes


The Elite Athlete and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme and Elite Athletes Scholarship provide a generous package of benefits for student athletes, including flexible study assistance and a range of financial and in-kind assistance.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact the university  to find out more about the program. Applications close on 5 December 2014.
Carl Junot, Elite Athlete Coordinator

University of Melbourne Diploma in General Studies


The first Diploma in General Studies (DIGS) students based at Dookie campus will graduate at the end of 2014 and articulate into their chosen University of Melbourne degrees.
 The University of Melbourne first offered the one-year Diploma in General Studies (DIGS) in 2013 to domestic students who wanted to take some time to decide what to pursue after secondary school. The program is a sampler of the Melbourne bachelors degrees, and provides students with the opportunity to study science, commerce, environments or agriculture while they decide what to do next. Classes are delivered at the Dookie campus in collaboration with Goulburn Ovens TAFE and Wodonga Institute of TAFE.
fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/diploma-in-general-studies

University of Melbourne VCE Summer School


VCE Summer School is your  chance to get a head start on studies for next year.

Held at the University, it is a full-time two week program including classes, seminars and one-on-one tutorials in all VCE subjects. For each subject students are given a detailed subject booklet outlining the requirements of the subject as well as practical study hints and examples.

You will also be treated to a program of activities, workshops and excursions in order to promote a healthy study-life balance.

Tutors are current University of Melbourne students who can give you  a fantastic insight into university life.

Bursaries are available to students experiencing financial difficulty.

Dates: 12–23 January 2015

More information: umsu.unimelb.edu.au/jump-in/summerschool

The University of Melbourne International Student Consultations


International students can book an individual 30-minute consultation to talk with the University of Melbourne staff about their study options, their VTAC application and international support services. 

These sessions run every Tuesday and Wednesday between 2pm and 5pm until 17 December.  Interested students are required to register online. 

< http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/victoria_and_interstate/individual-consultation-sessions-for-international-yr12>

Melbourne University Colleges


Residential colleges offer a supportive, social and academically enriching environment for those studying at University.
Choosing a college is a personal choice, so Melbourne University encourages students to find out as much as possible before applying. By visiting the colleges, you can better understand the unique way of life offered by the colleges, and find out which one is better aligned with needs and interests.
If you are considering living at a residential college, please select your college of first preference and apply before the application deadline at the end of November.
Applications are made online: colleges.unimelb.edu.au 

Melbourne University Online Information Day


This year Melbourne University are running an Online Course Information Day for students, parents and career practitioners who are unable to join the university in person.

Students and their parents can log in and receive personalised advice about undergraduate courses, pathways to graduate study, scholarships and special entry schemes.

Date: Thursday 18 December 2014

Time: 11.00am–9.00pm

Location: Online                   

To register: cop.unimelb.edu.au

Griffith University GUESTS Program


The Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS) Program is for motivated OP or ATAR eligible senior students who wish to undertake a university level course (subject) at Griffith.

Places are still available in some study areas for Year 11 students interested in undertaking the GUESTS program in Semester 1 next year.

Please contact Carolyn Gardiner, the GUESTS Coordinator on (07) 3735 4035 or email guests_enquiry@griffith.edu.au to confirm suitability and availability in the chosen study area.

Further information on GUESTS is available at griffith.edu.au/guestsprogram

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Bernie Singleton Scholarships


Apunipima is delighted to welcome the first round of applications for the inaugural Bernie Singleton Scholarship. The aim of the Apunipima Bernie Singleton Scholarship is to provide support to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people from Cape York communities to undertake a full time university qualification in Health or Management related studies. Central to the concept of the Scholarship is the development of a local, stable, sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce for the communities of Cape York. Applications open now and close on Friday 19th December. The successful applicant will receive $2,500 each year, for three years to put toward fees, or personal incidentals such as lap tops, text books, travel pass (bus/rail tickets), bonds etc. The scholarship will provide financial support to community members who have been successful in securing a place at University or are currently enrolled in University, in Health or Management related studies.  People are strongly encouraged to apply. Click here for information.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

2015 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarchips for Rural and Regional Students

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is committed to supporting youth through various initiatives, including our annual scholarship program. Each year scholarships are awarded to full-time first year undergraduates studying at an Australian university or college campus for the first time.
The scholarship program will welcome applications from eligible students from 1 December 2014 through to 23 January 2015.
For more information about the 2015 Scholarship program, view the 2015 Scholarship page.

Monday 17 November 2014

The 12 Worst Habits for Your Mental Health

The following information has been taken from the Generation Next website. The link provided will take readers to the web page and the article.
 “Depression is usually brought on by factors beyond our control — the death of a loved one, a job loss or financial troubles. But the small choices you make every day may also affect your mood more than you may realize. Your social media habits, exercise routine and even the way you walk may be sucking the happiness out of your day, and you may not even know it. Luckily, these behaviors can be changed. Click here  for 12 ways you’re sabotaging your good moods, and what you can do to turn it around.

Sunday 9 November 2014

Griffith University Tertiary Entrance Experience


This is particularly important for students who have significant support needs and those requiring assistive technology and/or alternative formatting.

This event is for young people with disabilities who are interested in university study and are:

  • starting/continuing Year 12 in 2015
  • graduating from Year 12 in 2014 and have applied to university or are taking a gap year
  • currently studying at TAFE and considering transition to university (must be 19 years of age or younger).
Details:

The program will be held at two campuses so students can attend their closest campus or the campus where they wish to study.

  • Nathan Campus program, Wednesday 11 February 2015, 9:15am - 12:45pm*
  • Gold Coast Campus program, Friday 13 February 2015, 9:15am - 12:45pm*

*Event times to be confirmed.

TEE will give participants a chance to hear information about the support available at university, as well as a range of other information to make them more familiar with the university environment. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and to talk to various university staff.

The program is aimed at students who are seriously considering university study, and is open to eligible student from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Parents, guardians and teachers are welcome to attend. There are some Travel & Accommodation subsidies available for regional participants (please contact us to discuss this option).


 

If you are interested in attending, please see the Guidance Officer. Students under the age of 18 must have their form printed and signed by a parent/guardian, or it must be sent from a parent/guardians email address with consent for the student to attend. Teachers, parents and guardians who wish to attend should fill out their details on the student's registration form in the appropriate section.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Sejumi Institute - Hotel School Cairns


Sejumi is pleased to announce the opening of the Hotel School Cairns.

The Hotel School Cairns offers students a number of pathways to careers and higher education. Applications are now being taken for the first Diploma program commencing February 2015. They are also taking applications for their first Level 1 entry program, which commences December 2014.

The Hotel School Cairns aims at producing graduates who wish to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. There are many careers available in this industry including managing restaurants, coordinating events, working in accounts, training and development, human resource management, sales and marketing, food and beverage service, concierge, housekeeping, and engineering to name a few.
The Hotel School Cairns has been established to meet the needs of this vibrant industry. Everything from the design of the qualifications, the work placements, the class times, even the uniforms and presentation standards have been designed in consultation with local and national industry leaders.

Early release of QCS Test student grades

For the first time, QCS Test results - graded A- E, will be relesed prior to senior certification in December. This year, students can access their individual result from 9am on Tuesday 18 November via their learning account on the student connect website: www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au
Final Year 12 results and OP's will be available in student learning accounts from 9am on Saturday 20 December. Students QCS Test results will be confirmed on the Senior Statement they receive as part of their Senior Education Profile sent to them in December.
PLease remember that a students individual QCS Test result does not determine your OP. Instea, subject and school group results from the QCS Test are used as part of statistical scaling processes undertaken to calculate students' OPs.
Students must know their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) and password to log in and check their QCS Test grade on the 'Enrolment and Results" page of their learning account on the Student Connect website. Students will be able to acess their results more quickly if theu have previously activated their learning account.

Physical as Anything dot com

Physical as anything provides information about more than 50 medical, developmental, and psychological conditions affecting children and young people, and describes the implications of each condition for students' education.
Some kids need a little bit more support than others and for kids with one of these conditions, everyday things such as going to school can present a whole lot of challenges. In this great new website, physical as anything dot com, teachers, parents and healthcare professionals can find out how to give these kids a hand. It's written in plain English and has heaps of resources to help support these students in their learning.
It's been created by professionals from The Children's Hospital at Westmead and the New South Wales Department of Education and Training.
All the contributors – and there are more than 50 of them – are recognised as experts in their fields, and all the information they've provided has been checked to make sure it's easy to understand, accurate, and up to date. Check out the index of conditions on the top of the front page to find the condition you're interested in.
Please visit physicalasanything.com

Thursday 30 October 2014

Songwriting course now available at JMC Academy


The Songwriting course will explore the fundamental songwriting techniques and uncover the essential tools for writing music that will appeal specifically to music supervisors, music publishers, record labels, and producers, across any number of different genres.

JMC Academy are proud to announce that applications are now open for the new Songwriting course, commencing nationally in February 2015. Songwriters hold a vital place in the musical marketplace, even amongst the competing agendas of contemporary rock, indie and teen pop. The field of songwriting has grown exponentially over the past few years, providing a promotional launching pad (as well as a potentially lucrative income stream) for songwriters.

JMC Academy are offering both a diploma and bachelor degree.

Songwriting is a skill that is rarely taught and whether a relative beginner or an experienced songwriter, JMC Academy's new course will teach students how to brainstorm ideas, overcome writer's block, and develop expressions more effectively in words and music.
Combining technical principles with pure creative expression, this hands-on course will help you find that inner voice, sharpen your craft, and create songs which listeners will appreciate and remember.
JMC lecturers come from an industry background, so students will receive advice directly from someone who followed the same journey!

For more information click on this link.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Release of Year 12 reults and OP's


Online release of results: All results contributing to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website, https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au, from 9 am on Saturday 20 December 2014.

Students must know their Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and password to log in and check their results. Students will be able to access their results more quickly if they have previously activated their learning account.

Mail out of results: Students will begin receiving their Senior Education Profiles in the mail from Monday 22 December 2014. Depending on students’ individual circumstances, their profile will comprise one or more of the following documents:
  •  QCE
  • Tertiary Entrance Score
  • Senior Statement
  • Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Queensland University of Technology Information


The end of the year is in sight. Year 12 students might need reminding about applying for scholarships, the Educational Access Scheme, or elite athlete or Indigenous Australian entry programs before they finish school. Please get in touch if you have any questions. We’re here to help.
Year 11 students can apply to study QUT units in Year 12 through the START QUT program. Applications close 31 October. Students will hear of their outcome by the end of November. Orientation sessions will be held at QUT in January.
Bridging courses in chemistry, physics and maths B are offered through QUT's Continuing Professional Education unit. Students can register now for the maths B daytime summer semester classes commencing on 17 November, or for maths B or chemistry bridging classes in Semester 1, 2015. The physics bridging course is an online course and is also open for registration.
Many students move to Brisbane to study at QUT. To ensure a smooth transition, it helps to start planning early. There are different types of student accommodation available, and QUT has an accommodation database and information service to help.
QUT has introduced two new double degrees available for entry in Semester 1, 2015—biomedical science with business and biomedical science with law.
Students considering university should apply early for a tax file number (TFN), even if they are not currently working. They will need to supply their TFN if they choose to defer their fee payment through HECS-HELP (to pay later through the tax system) and applications can take up to 28 days to process.
QUT offers education programs across STEM and visual arts to introduce students to the university environment and engage them with contemporary art and research-inspired projects across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Teachers are encouraged to sign up to receive our eNews for educators.