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 31 July 2016

10 Tips For Preventing Burnout

The following article is from the Generation Next Blog. Click on the link for the full article

Burnout occurs when a person has experienced prolonged and excessive stress. It builds up over time, and the individual may find themselves:
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Physically and emotionally exhausted
  • Isolating self from others
  • Forgetting why you do your job, de-motivated
  • Questioning themselves
  • Experiencing an increase in illness/aches and pains
  • Having an increasingly cynical and negative outlook
While many of us feel some of these things from time to time, if it is all-encompassing it may be burn out. The good news is, there are things that can be done to treat and to prevent burn out.

Read the full article on the Generation Next blog 

Sleep And Technology: 10 Golden Rules

With the final Semester in play for our year 12 students,  while school, work and socialising are important, it is essential to sleep. Please see the following article and link which are from the Generation Next Blog.

As many young adults now own a smartphone or tablet, there is a wealth of information at their fingertips and a limitless supply of social media messages, games, music and TV intruding into the sleep cycle.

Evidence suggests that social media and smartphones can have a negative impact on our health with increased smartphone use associated with poor sleep outcomes, and higher scores on depression and anxiety scales (Demirci, Akgonul & Akpinar,2015).

As we snuggle up in the warmth of bed, our IT use can even promote the illusion of unwinding for bedtime as we play candy crush, check Facebook, listen to music or read. This can be a problem as circadian rhythms alter as young people mature, meaning they are inclined to sleep less, and our IT use can interfere with this process making healthy sleep patterns even harder to establish.

Read the full article at the Generation Next blog »

Plan My Gap Year

The following information has been forwarded from "Plan My Gap Year" for students:

Plan My Gap Year (PMGY) is an award-winning international volunteer placement organisation based in the UK. We provide the world’s most affordable, need-driven and supportive short-term volunteer programmes in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Our programmes start from just two weeks in duration right up to six months. You can join us throughout the year as we have two start dates per month.

So if you’re looking to travel on your vacation period, or even take a gap year to explore the world – you should consider volunteering abroad and doing something really special during your travels. We have a range of opportunities to suit people of all backgrounds and interests. Check out our website and start your adventure today – www.planmygapyear.co.uk'

This is a video overview of our setup in Sri Lanka and it gives a really great overview of how we work - https://vimeo.com/171630276

ADF Work Experience

A couple of Defence work experience placements are coming up in August and there are still positions available. The Australian Defence Force have asked that we provide the following information to our students:

3 Combat Engineer Regiment (Mechanic & Logistics roles) - 15th - 19th August - Lavarack Barracks, Townsville

Placement focusses on the roles of Mechanics and Logistics personnel in Army.

An 'all-round' type placement that will expose students to many aspects of the Army working conditions and lifestyle.

Interested students can find further information and apply online via this link:3CER Mechanic/Logistics

4 Regiment (Artillery) - 22nd - 26th August - Lavarack Barracks, Townsville 

Placement focusses on Artillery (big guns!) and students will have an opportunity to travel to High Range to watch artillery live fire, as well as gaining great understanding of the Army lifestyle and working conditions.

Interested students can find further information and apply online via this link: 4Regt Artillery

Please note that for students outside of the Townsville area, we cannot assist with travel and accommodation, so their parent/guardian would need to be willing and able to organise these aspects.

If you would like further information about these opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact me.

The Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)

The following information has been forwarded from The Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE):
The Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) offers bachelor degrees in sport, fitness, health, science, community health, dance and physical education. Established in 1917, our vision is to continue to be recognised as a leading national provider of innovative career education in sport, physical activity and health. ACPE's bachelor degrees and graduate diplomas are nationally accredited programs. ACPE is a private higher education institution registered with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) and part of Study Group Australia. Study amongst the sporting elite on our new purpose-built campus in the mecca of sports excellence, Sydney Olympic Park. The campus has brand-new facilities and equipment, including multipurpose indoor sports courts, state-of-the-art dance studios, an expanded gymnasium and heaps more! 

Click here to find out more

ADF Careers Breakfast

The aim of the Annual Defence Force Careers Breakfast is to raise awareness of career opportunities with the Defence Forces.
In order to place a deposit with the Rydges Hotel, bookings and payment must be finalised by
9th August 2016.  The Rydges Hotel can only cater for 160 persons, hence we urge you to book early.
Details are as follows: -
DATE:              12th August 2016
TIMES:             8.30 am Registration
                         9.00 am – 11.00 am Breakfast and Guest Speakers
VENUE:            Rydges Tradewinds Hotel, The Esplanade, Cairns       
TOPIC:             Careers Opportunities within the Australian Defence Force.
COST:              $28.00 per person – includes breakfast and Certificate of Attendance (Tax Invoice can be provided if required)
Please note students must be under the supervision and care of teaching staff during the morning.  Students must have mobile phones switched off or on ‘silence’ throughout the Breakfast.
Certificates of attendance will be organised for those requesting them.  These will be mailed after the event.  Could teachers please provide a NEATLY PRINTED OR TYPED LIST OF NAMES on the morning.
There will be Raffle Prizes sponsored by local business houses.  Please encourage students to bring some extra money to support raffle as proceeds are used to donate to HEADSPACE (Support Youth Mental Health)
This year 50% of proceeds will go to HEADSPACE

Information from QTAC

Please see the following information from QTAC:
QTAC has a remedy... desktop notifications.
Do your students suffer from Fear Of Missing Out?
Our new desktop notification system is the perfect solution.
Simply ask your students to go to www.qtac.edu.au (on both their home and school computers) and select the bell symbol in the bottom right hand corner.
By subscribing, they'll receive the latest key dates and information vital to their QTAC application.
They won't need to visit our website, we'll deliver messages straight to them.
Never have a student worried about missing out again. Ask them to subscribe today.

Please note: Desktop notifications is available on Chrome and Safari browsers only.

UQ Young Scholars Program

The University of Queensland is once again delighted to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Young Scholars Program (YSP).

Designed to nurture and develop our future leaders, the Program presents students with an exciting opportunity for academic extension and enrichment and is centred around igniting young change-makers’ passions for leadership, academic achievement and community development in today’s global society.
The 2016-2017 UQ Young Scholars Program involves:
  • A five-day (four night) Residential Camp at the St Lucia Campus
  • (Sunday 27 November – Thursday 1 December, 2016)
  • A YSP Reunion at UQ Open Day (Sunday 6 August, 2017)
  • Online engagement activities and networking through the exclusive YSP Facebook group
  • YSP Newsletters
During their participation in the Program, UQ Young Scholars are challenged to think critically about today’s major global issues and are exposed to a wide range of potential study areas and career opportunities. They will engage in discussions and collaborative forums in group settings and enjoy a range of complementary social, sporting and cultural activities.

To ensure diversity in the Program and to allow each student to make their special contribution, UQ will select nominees from a wide range of schools, backgrounds and interest areas. Financial hardship should not be perceived as a barrier to participation. Program fee waivers and travel bursaries are available for students who are able to provide evidence of financial hardship.

Information on applying for the program can be found online at https://young-scholars.uq.edu.au/.

Completed applications must be received by 4:00pm Friday, 12 August 2016. 

University of the Sunshine Caost Open Day

Information about the University of the Sunshine Coast open day (7th August) can be found at this link.

Careers in STEM

An infographic about careers in STEM from the University of Melbourne can be found at this link.

The University of Southern Queensland – USQ

If you're thinking about studying next year at USQ, spending time at a  USQ Open Day will help you find out how ready you are. USQ is holding Open Days at each of their three campuses in Toowoomba, Ipswich and Springfield so you can explore the place, and meet the people.
What can you expect?
Each event, like each campus, will be slightly different...
  • at  USQ Toowoomba, you can immerse yourself in Arts, see Engineering in Action and tour our Residential Colleges.
  • at USQ Ipswich, our Health and Wellbeing campus, you can see our simulated ambulance and emergency training labs or join our interactive 'whole-of-life' health demonstration.
  • at USQ Springfield, you can take part in a live TV broadcast in our state-of-the-art media centre and get hands-on with Engineering.
At each event, you'll have the opportunity to speak with current students about their USQ experience and be inspired at our Future Talks.
Unsure of your study direction?
If you're not sure what to study to get where you want to go, you can book a Career Explorer Consultation with a Career Development Practitioner, for some personal advice at the Career Explorer Booth.
If you know what you want to study, but you're still not ready to make the commitment, meeting the academics and support staff that will be there beside you throughout your USQ degree, may be just what you need to get you over the line. You can even apply on the day!
Check out the activities and plan your Open Day. You can  register for each session you want to attend or just for the day in general, but you'll go in the draw to win a $1000 gift card!

Information about applying for university in Victoria

If you are interested in applying for university in Victoria, please click on the relevant following link to see publications with information on the courses and application processes.
http://vtac.edu.au/publications/#year12
http://vtac.edu.au/publications/#year10and11

News from The University of Queensland

Challenge the future at the UQ Business School
Are you interested in studying tourism, business or commerce at university? Check out the world-class programs offered by the UQ Business School and get inspired.
The Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management opens up exciting career opportunities in the global tourism, hospitality and events industry, while the Bachelor of Business Management is perfect for aspiring business leaders who need to manage and adapt to competitive and evolving business environments. The Bachelor of Commerce trains you in the principles of commerce and the business environment, preparing you for a career in accounting, banking, financial management, business analysis, business information systems, or management.
Visit our website for more details: https://www.business.uq.edu.au/bachelors

For information, contact:
UQ Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL Faculty)
Phone:
07 3365 7111
Email:
Web:

 

 

 

On-Shore International Student applications open Tuesday 2 August
All international students completing Year 12 who wish to study at The University of Queensland (UQ) must apply through Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
This includes:
• International students completing Year 12 in Australia (Queensland and all states)
• International students studying the IB in Australia
Students who have completed Year 12 in a previous year must apply directly to UQ, not through QTAC.

For information, contact:
Angela Li
Phone:
07 3346 7826
Email:
Web:

 

 

 

Alternate Pathway to UQ for Year 12 Students
Requiring no subject prerequisites for entry, the Associate Degree in Business provides students with a fantastic platform into University.
Over the course of four trimesters, students will meet English and Mathematics A prerequisites and gain a variety of credit pathways into Bachelor programs at the University of Queensland.
85%+ of all Associate Degree in Business students gain entry into the Bachelor program of their choice at The University of Queensland
2016 OP/Rank: 16/65
QTAC Code: 752302
Duration: 1 year 4 months (Four trimesters, Full-time)
For information, contact:
Robyn Tyler
Phone:
07 3346 1695
Email:
Web:
 
 
 
 
New program: Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law will be offering a new program for the first time in 2017, the four-year Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) (PPE).
The PPE program has been designed for motivated high-achievers who dream of creating change through a leadership role in politics, business, the community or academia.
The program will provide elite opportunities for students, which include access to prestigious work placements and overseas study opportunities. Students will join the likes of world leaders with established stellar careers off the back of a PPE, such as former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
This program is subject to approval by the UQ Senate.
The QTAC code for this program will be made available shortly.
 
New Degree Program: Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours)
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a new program on offer for Semester One, 2017 - the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours).
This program focuses on professional practice and criminal law, providing students with high level, industry relevant skills to compete favourably in the growing international justice and criminology employment markets. Students will study criminological theory, criminal justice, criminological research methods, criminal law and professional practice in criminology and criminal justice.
QTAC Code: 718101
Watch our video to find out more: https://youtu.be/Ux8nB4vEl_I
For information, contact:
Lorraine Mazerolle
Phone: 07 3346 7877
Pharmacy Experience Day - 21 August
UQ’s Pharmacy Experience Day will be held on Sunday 21 August 2016. Come along and discover the world class facilities, get hands on experience in laboratory and dispensary activities, learn from the experiences of present and graduated students and discover how you can be a part of the Pharmacy program commencing 2017.
Registrations are now open!
For information, contact:
UQ School of Pharmacy
Phone: 07 3346 1900
Engineering and Technology Careers Evening - 18 August
Discover why UQ provides the best foundations for an exciting, fast-paced career in engineering or technology, and how to get qualified to work around the world and solve global challenges.
You will hear from recent engineering and technology graduates who are now part of companies like Microsoft, Red Hat, Cochlear and Energex!
This is a FREE event open to students and their parents! For information, contact:
Helen Burdon
Phone: 07 3365 2382
 
 

RSL Centenary Lavarack Open Day


Please see the flyer promoting the upcoming Lavarack Barracks Open Day on September 3rd.  Lavarack Barracks will be open to the public and all are welcome to come along and learn about what happens on base.

Of particular interest is the Legacy 17km Trail Run or the 5km Trail Run, which you may be interested in entering.  These events are open to the public.

The whole day promises to be a great event showcasing the best of 3rd Brigade with plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Monday 18 July 2016

Bond University Indigenous Scholarship Applications Closing 31st July

Applications for our Indigenous scholarships close July 31st 2016.
For more information and to apply: https://bond.edu.au/scholarship/bond-university-indigenous-scholarships
This Saturday we have our Open Day from 2-8pm including live entertainment and fireworks. For more information: https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/see-yourself/open-day
 Open Day is a great opportunity for your students to see what Bond has to offer and meet our Indigenous students.