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 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.

SAE QANTM

I have received the following information from SAE QANTM:
Come along to our Open Day to learn how SAE Creative Media Institute can give you the skills you need to succeed locally and internationally.
 SAE is the world’s leading educator in creative media industries, with over 50 campuses across the globe. Training industry-ready graduates since 1976, we provide an exceptional hands-on learning environment where students thrive.
 
SAE’s focus on creative media allows like-minded students to collaborate on professional projects using state-of-the-art studios and equipment, providing the edge needed in today’s competitive world.
 
Offering accredited fast-track learning pathways, students can be industry-ready and on their way to their dream job faster. If you are willing to put in the hard yards, then our intensive fast-track options mean you will be degree qualified in two years.
 Don’t miss our November Open Days around the country. For your nearest campus information day or night, visit sae.edu.au/events or call 1800 SAE EDU



Defence Force Recruiting – Women In Defence (WiD)


Defence Force Recruiting – Women In Defence (WiD) Specialist Recruiting Team are in Far North QLD for the next couple of weeks. They will be hosting a Women in Defence Careers Information Session. This session provides students who are interested in a Defence career to come along with their parents and learn about the jobs that are on offer, what it is like to work for the Defence Force, details about the recruiting process and of course an opportunity for the students and parents to ask questions. 

The information session for the Cairns area will be held at Rydges Plaza on 23 Oct 14 at 6 pm (1800h).

ADFA Online Facebook Q&A 23 October


Defence Force Recruiting has an upcoming ADFA Q&A session being held on Thursday 23rd October between 6:30pm and 8pm.

Defence Force Recruiting encourages any of your interested students to join the ADFA Cadets at https://www.facebook.com/events/1485699831716414/.

This is a fantastic opportunity to speak with real Midshipmen and Officer Cadets to learn about their experiences, life at ADFA and how they find balancing the military training with their university study. 

Indigenous work experience opportunity


Indigenous students in Year 11 or 12 are invited to apply for November/December 2014 work experience at the Cairns Courthouse.  Closing date for applications is 3 November 2014.  Please see both staff and student information flyers here

Hawker Scholarships - each scholarship up to $45,000 over 3 years!


The 2015 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships open on Monday 8th December 2014 and close on Friday 2nd January 2015.
The C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship is one of the most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate students in Australia. Each residential scholarship is valued at up to $45,000 over three years.
Information about the C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship and an application form are available at www.hawkerscholarship.org or by contacting the secretary to the Trustees on 08 8127 1654.
The Charles Hawker Scholarship perpetuates the memory of scholar, soldier and pastoralist Charles Allan Seymour Hawker and commemorates the achievements of one of Australia’s most respected statesmen.
In 2011, the Trustees awarded four scholarships to students from three states and the ACT. Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC presented the students with their scholarships at a function at Government House in Canberra. This year, Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC presented four scholarships to students from three states, as did South Australian Premier Hon Jay Weatherill MP in 2013.
The scholarships are available to all Australian students. The majority have been awarded to students entering their first year of university study.
Selection is largely based on personal qualities and demonstrated leadership as well as academic ability. Undergraduate Hawker Scholars are able to attend a range of Please visit the website www.hawkerscholarship.org

2015 UQ sporting scholarship applications closing soon


The University of Queensland (UQ) and UQ Sport, in partnership with the Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland and The Clem Jones Group, are pleased to offer sporting scholarships to outstanding athletes enrolled at UQ each year.
Scholarship holder benefits include:
        • financial assistance
        • free access to UQ sporting facilities
        • academic support
        • free education programs
        • access to high performance support services
        • access to the athlete’s lounge
In 2015 the following scholarships are on offer:
UQ Sports Achievement Scholarships:
$6,000 for one year plus support services valued at $1,500.
Clem Jones Sporting Scholarships:
$6,000 plus support services valued at $1,500 per year for three years.
UQ Sport Scholarship Ambassador Program
Support Services to the value of $1,500 for one year.


Brenden Hall - Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship Holder and London 2012 Paralympian Swimmer:
"The UQ Sporting Scholarship Program not only helps me financially through my Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship but it also helps to know I have support academically as well. Having access to the pool and gym to train, reduces my travel time and makes it easier to focus on my studies and to continue my sporting success. This support was extremely important last year in the lead up to my Paralympic bid where I won two gold medals and a bronze medal."
Apply now!
Applications are only available  online.    
Application forms, further eligibility requirements and information may be found in the scholarship section of the UQ Sport Website. 
Elite Athlete Friendly University
Want to know what academic support UQ can offer you as an athlete? UQ is registered as an elite athlete friendly university, check out the UQ Elite Athlete policy  here.
Got a question?
Check out the new frequently asked questions  page.
Tel: + 61 7 3346 6243
E-mail us: sportscholarship@uqsport.com.au

ALL APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5PM THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER 2014 

Vantage Automotive


Employers are searching now!

The 2015 recruitment drive has already begun...

The Vantage Automotive Apprenticeship Program provides school leavers with an exciting and challenging opportunity to receive formal qualifications through extensive product training while in full-time employment. We offer many pathways to a fulfilling and rewarding career, including:

           Automotive Light Vehicle

           Air Conditioning

           Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)

           Service Advisor

           Front-Line Automotive Management

They currently have over 250 vacancies across the country, with new positions being offered every week. By January 2015, The Vantage Automotive Apprenticeship Program expect to have placed nearly 400 new job seekers and dealerships are looking for the brightest new apprentices right now.
If you have any questions about the programs we offer, please do not hesitate to contact reception@vantageautomotive.com
The Vantage Automotive website offers a comprehensive range of information and resources for students wishing to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Within, you will find apprenticeship brochures for each automotive brand, student handbooks and detailed course information, along with helpful information for parents, an application guide and also their online application form.
The Vantage Automotive Facebook page shows what they’re all about, in a format that’s easily accessible for both current learners and today’s young job seekers. their learners are engaged beyond the classroom, continuing discussions and connections. Facebook demonstrates the facilities they have to offer and the journey that awaits new apprentices.

University of Melbourne update


Prospective Students:

My Melbourne is the University’s e-newsletter and blog for future students. It is packed full of the latest University news, inspiring student stories and plenty of useful information, such as:

  • Course and scholarship information
  • Handy hints about course selection
  • Tips for making the transition from high school to university
  • Inspiration and advice for planning their future

You can subscribe now at: blogs.unimelb.edu.au/mymelb  

High achieving Year 11 students can now apply for the University of Melbourne Extension Program 2015.

The Extension Program provides high achieving students with the opportunity to undertake first-year university study during Year 12. Subjects offered through the Extension Program build on VCE studies and extend study to first-year university level.

The Extension Program offers an academic challenge and a taste of university life, as well as the opportunity to gain an ATAR increment and credit towards a subsequent undergraduate degree. There are no University of Melbourne tuition fees for Extension Program students in 2015.

Subjects available

For 2015, Extension Program applicants can study one of 26 different subjects across the humanities, language, mathematics, science and commerce.

New Extension Program subjects in 2015
We are pleased to announce the addition of the following two new Extension subjects for 2015:
·         Literature
·         Politics

How to apply

High achieving Year 11 students can now lodge their applications for the 2015 Extension Program via the University’s online application system linked from the Extension Program website futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/info/school-students/extension-program

Further details

Telephone: 03 8344 5538


Website: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/umep

Applications open for 2015 AIEF-BHP Billiton Tertiary Scholarships

Important: Applications for 2015 are now open and will close on Friday, 7 November 2014. 

The AIEF-BHP Billiton Tertiary Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Indigenous students undertaking engineering and other mining-related degrees, who aspire to work for BHP Billiton and to one day become leaders in the business.

Indigenous students enrolling in an engineering stream/major in an undergraduate at the University of Melbourne are eligible to apply. To check eligibility or for more information, email applications@aief.com.au or go to: www.aief.com.au.

JMI Information


JMI Summer Jazz Clinics

Registrations are now open for the 2015 JMI Summer Jazz Clinics.  The 4-day Jazz Clinics will be held between 19th & 22nd January and is designed for students of all ages and abilities.
Key areas of focus include: Jazz Theory and Harmony, Small Ensemble Performance, Improvisation Techniques.
The final day of the clinic will include a performance at Jazz Music Institute’s very own New York style, live jazz venue JMI LIVE, and family and friends are invited to attend. The Jazz Clinic will be delivered by our experienced jazz faculty staff and will be held at our campus at 47 Brookes St, Bowen Hills.
The 4-day jazz clinic costs $300
To sign up to the Summer Jazz Clinics, please contact us either by phone or e-mail. 
Alternatively, download, complete and return the Registration Form here

Apply to study @ JMI! Auditions for 2015 entry now open

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance - FEE-HELP Approved
The 3-year Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is a unique, focussed and performance-based degree.  Delivered by some of Australia's finest jazz musicians and educators, this course has no peer.  Students spend the majority of contact hours in performance-based classes, giving them the opportunity to learn and refine playing skills more than any other institution or university.
For more information regarding JMI's renowned Bachelor course, click here
Diploma of Music (Jazz Performance) - VET FEE-HELP Approved
If your earlier studies in music are not sufficient for entry into an undergraduate degree program, this course will help you bridge the knowledge gap. It is an intensive one-year performance program that focuses on the development of the musical skills and theoretical knowledge required for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance.
For more information regarding the Diploma program, click here

How to Apply:

Entry to all courses are made via an audition process.  Visit our Prospective Students page to find out more information regarding how to apply at JMI.

James Cook University Update


Deferral:
Students applying to Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Science programs will now be able to automatically defer their studies by one year in QTAC – making it easier for students to take time off to travel, sort out their finances or enjoy a well-deserved break after completing their final year of schooling!

Good Universities Guide:
JCU maintains a 5 Star rating for Success in Getting a Job for the 4th year running.

Course highlights include:
  • Education and Engineering and technology graduates from JCU are more likely to get a job than their comrades from other universities. JCU has the lowest percentage of jobseekers in both the Education and Training (3.2%) and the Engineering and Technology (7.1%) fields of study across Australia
  • Pharmacy graduates from JCU earn the highest starting salary out of all pharmacy graduates Australia wide.

Scholarships:
Certain scholarships offered by JCU are currently being revised and reviewed; we recommend that students check the scholarships website in late November for the list of new options for 2015 commencing students.


Accommodation:
For students hoping to live on-campus in Townsville applications are already open. There is usually very high demand for on-campus accommodation, and JCU cannot guarantee that a place will be available for all students who apply. We strongly advise that students apply early to avoid disappointment. To apply students will need to pay a one off non-refundable application fee of $55, additionally they will need 2 written references (character) and school report. Visit our accommodation website for more information about applying:

Certificate 3 Guarantee CAIRNS – CAMPUS BASED


The College of Australian Training (CAT) will be offering the following courses in our CAIRNS CAMPUS! The have a rolling weekly intake.
Course
Location
Start
Timetable
Time
Weeks
Cost Concessional
Cost Non-Concessional
Certificate III in Tourism
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Monday & Friday
9am-3pm
8 weeks
$15
$300
Certificate III in Hospitality (practicals included)
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9am-3pm
9 weeks
$15
$300
Diploma of Hospitality (practicals included)
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9am-3pm
26 weeks^
$300
$990
Certificate III in Business or Business (Retail Specilisation)
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9am-3pm
4 weeks
$15
$300
Certificate II in Hairdressing
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Full Time or Part Time
9am-3pm
4 weeks
Fee for Service - $795
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Cairns Campus
ROLLING INTAKE
Full Time or Part Time
9am-3pm
12 or 24 months
Fee for Service – call us for more information
^ 17 out of 28 units undertaken in a classroom workshop delivery (self-paced). If previously completed a Certificate III in Hospitality students will only be required every Thursday depending on the Credit Transfers available.
For a course outline and unit overviews head to our website:
For the DETE Certificate 3 Guarantee Fact Sheet Click here. .  

University of the Sunshine Coast New Online Parent Lounge


USC has a  newly launched Parent Lounge, a dedicated online space to help parents support their kids though the transition to uni. It's updated regularly with new tips and info including:

  • Sample budgets to weigh up study costs
  • Getting into uni and what uni life is like
  • How to plan transport and living options
  • Career and program information

The Parent Lounge is an example of the kinds of online resources USC are  developing to better support our school partners outside of the Sunshine Coast region.

You can download this image for further information.

James Cook University Enigneering and Technology Success

I received an e-mail from Tui Adams from James Cook University. She was proud to say that James Cook University (JCU) has achieved the highest ranking of all universities in the country for employment outcomes in Engineering and Technology.


Located in Townsville and Cairns, JCU’s College of Science Technology and Engineering offers fully accredited, high quality courses in Engineering, the Physical Sciences and the Earth Sciences, focused on real-world skills.


For more information on JCU engineering and Technology courses click here.

Social Networking


The following information has been taken from the Reach For The Sky Aviation Service Australia Newsletter #3:

WARNING:  SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media includes web-based and mobile technologies used to turn communication into interactive dialogue. Most airlines and companies around the world have created departments to monitor social media. It is extremely important to be aware that companies will read all social media sites and all comments – positive and negative. If negative comments directed at the company or ‘security sensitive’ information is exposed, disciplinary action may follow with possible termination of employment. Social medial encompasses chat sites, internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, microblogging, vlogs, podcasts, photographs, wall posting, social networking sites,  pictures, video, rating and social book marking. Information sharing, particularly about company interview techniques is widely used in social media.

Please note: Please keep in mind when applying for any position in any company that any negative comment about the company you are applying to will be read. This may result in termination of your job application.

Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund

Year 12 students enquire now about tertiary education scholarships

FNQ Youth Assistance Fund can assist with schorlarships for those commencing their tertiary studies in 2015. The schorlarship applications are assessed by a "merit and means test" process and are provided to assist youth to achieve goals in their chosen field.



For Further information visit: http://www.fnqyaf.org.au/


Closing Date: 31st December 2014