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.








Sunday 22 February 2015

Need help managing stress or anxiety?


If you have difficulties with anxiety or just seem to have too many worries, BRAVE Self-Help is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety.  It was developed by a group of researchers from the University of Queensland and now, with the support of beyondblue, this program is now freely available to all young people aged 8 -17 years old who are living in Australia. BRAVE Self-Help provides strategies for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries. There are 4 programs available, one for children aged 8-12 years, one for teenagers aged 12-17 years and one for parents of children at these ages respectively. The program can be accessed as often as you like, from the comfort of your own home. For more information, or to register for the program, please visit www.brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au.  

Griffith University Visitors' Centre


Interactive visitors' centre
Opening soon at Griffith Gold Coast and Nathan campuses 
In April this year, Griffith’s Gold Coast and Nathan campuses will launch exciting new visitors’ centres, which will showcase the university’s teaching and research through state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Visitors will have the chance to explore the centres through organised campus visits for schools, and individuals will be able to drop in during opening hours to discover what Griffith has to offer. The centres will also be available to hire for meetings, functions and other events.
Contact the Future Student team or Stephanie Morris, Visitor Centre Project Officer, at s.morris@griffith.edu.au or (07) 3735 9757 for further information.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Update


START QUT update

We recently welcomed 146 new START QUT students at orientation sessions. School contacts will receive advice on the students enrolled from their school by the end of February. Semester 2 applications for START QUT will open on 1 March 2015. Check the START QUT website for details. START QUT allows the following:

  • High-achieving Year 12 students have an opportunity to extend their studies in their final year of high school.
  • Sample university life and to trial up to two different areas of interest before committing to further study.
  • Access all of QUT's facilities and enjoy campus life in the same way as current university students.
  • Once completed, you can receive credit for your studies, putting you ahead of your peers and setting you up for future success.
  • Justice units only are offered externally. All other courses are offered on campus in Brisbane.

 Chat online with the Law faculty

Career practitioners, parents and prospective students can have their law and justice course questions answered online between 10am and 4pm daily through live chat. Just click on the Chat button in the Contacts screen. You can contact the Faculty of Law by phone on 07 3138 2839 or email law_enquiries@qut.edu.au at any time.

 

QUT admission overview 2015

QUT has made more than 11 000 QTAC offers to students for places across its three campuses for Semester 1, 2015, with double degrees, as well business, engineering and health sciences courses, proving to be popular choices. Check the website for latest course information including new cut-offs.

 

Students can access QUT library resources

Year 11 and 12 students can access QUT Library resources and services to help with their study and research skills through the QUT Library Schools' Program. The program provides free online study and learning tools, access to books and journals in the libraries, and tours and workshops.

 

Visual art and fashion events

Throughout the year, students, teachers and parents can participate in a variety of workshops, tours and career events about fashion and visual art through the QUT Art Museum. Check the QUT Art Museum program for dates and details.

Australian Defence Force Education Award - applications due 28th February 2015


The Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award is presented annually to Year 12 students in recognition of leadership potential, and academic and sporting achievements exhibited during Year 11. The award comprises of a laptop computer and certificate for you, along with a plaque of recognition for your school. There are up to 100 awards available on behalf of the Navy, Army and Air Force which will be presented to suitable applicants who have applied for entry to ADFA.

Award eligibility


To be eligible to apply for the Education Award, you must currently be studying  subjects that meet both the educational qualifications for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and single Service requirements. (See Entry Requirements for details). You need to submit an application prior to 28 February in the year you undertake Year 12. You may apply for awards to all three Services, however, you will only be assessed for the Education Award against your first preference. If you are successful, you will only receive the award if you're enrolled in Year 12 at the time of the award presentation and meet the age requirements for ADFA entry.

Assessment

The application process comprises the ADFA entry aptitude test, medical testing and a series of interviews including an Officer Selection Board (OSB). Receipt of the ADFA Education Award does not guarantee you entry into ADFA, as you will still be in national competition against other candidates for entry.

Obligation of the recipient


The ADFA Education Award is unbonded, which means there is no obligation to accept an offer to attend ADFA, nor is the Australian Defence Force obliged to offer appointment to an award winner.

Presentation


A representative of the ADF will present the award to recipients at a school assembly in the second school term of Year 12.

For further information visit: this link

  

Group Training listings

In 2014, Group Training Australia worked with SkillsOne to develop and build a new interactive directory to better promote Group Training and its members. The Group Training Directory allows individuals to customise their search for a Group Training Company by name, state, and/or industry, specifically targeting the individual’s area of interest. Take a look! www.grouptrainingdirectory.com.au

ACEPT catalogue of RTO's


The ACPET Catalogue has become a valuable resource for students, parents and careers advisers seeking information on education, training and higher education with a private provider. There are over 300 RTOs listed, with more being added weekly. Information is continually updated to ensure relevance and provide prospective students with up to the minute information in a visually engaging way. The catalogue is marketed both domestically and internationally, and can be accessed at www.ACPETCatalogue.edu.au.

The Job I Love (by Service Skills Australia)

The Job I Love’ is an interactive and engaging website developed by SkillsOne for Service Skills Australia. It allows students and jobseekers to find out about occupations and careers within the service industries. Optimised for tablets and smart phones, it is easily accessible whether you are on the move or working from your desktop computer. It provides information about what qualifications you need and how to find training. See here for more details - www.thejobilove.com.au

Thursday 12 February 2015

Black Dog Ride this March 22nd


The Coral Coast Riders are hosting the inaugural Black Dog Ride this March 22nd 2015 to raise awareness about depression.

Here's the link to the official Black Dog Ride website for your information. There is a range of merchandising on the official site that riders and supporters can purchase to show their support..
Black Dog Ride The ride will leave from the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, Wharf Street Cairns at around 9am on that Sunday and take in the Gillies Range, Atherton, Mareeba, Rex Range, Captain Cook Highway via Port Douglas and returning to the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal for the farewell.

If you are interested in participating, please see Jenny in the Guidance officer for further information

Air Force Flight Camp for Girls


The very successful Air Force Flight Camp for Girls will be running again at RAAF Base Amberley from 12 - 15 May 2015.

The program targets girls 16 - 18 years of age who have an interest in Air Force avaiation careers and particularly the role of pilot.

The program is open to all female students in QLD.  In 2014, two students from the NQ region were successful in gaining a place on the program.

This is a residential camp with accommodation, meals and some clothing provided, however parents/guardians would be responsible for getting their students to Brisbane/Amberley to participate.

Please see Jenny in the Guidance Office for further information.  The link below also has further information about Air Force objectives for running the camps:


This is an amazing opportunity for young women interested in aviation

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Australian Defence Force Gap Year Information


The ADF Gap Year program provides an opportunity for young Australians, who have finished year 12 (or equivalent) and are aged between 17 and 24, to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their Gap Year.

Gap Year opportunities are available in the Navy, Army and Air Force.

The life skills and job training that you will acquire during your Gap Year experience will be valuable regardless of what career you ultimately undertake.

The Gap Year will commence in January/February 2016.

Jobs include: Navy Gap Year, Army Gap Year (Administration Clerk, Artilleryman, Driver, Rifleman, Unit Quartermaster) and Air Force Gap Year.

After completing basic recruit training and your specific trade training, you'll be immersed in the Navy, Army or Air Force lifestyle while continuing to learn on the job. You'll learn valuable skills, meet new friends and may even receive recognised qualifications to help progress your future career.

To find out more information about the ADF Gap Year program please visit defencejobs.gov.au/gapyear.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year will be opening at 9am on Monday 2nd March 2015. Applications must be received online.