Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

This week I have had the opportunity to attend the Association of Catholic School Principals Conference in Wollongong.  The theme of the Conference was “New Hope New Growth’ a celebration of catholic educational leadership in NSW.  An opportunity to come together, reconnect and discuss the future of catholic education especially after the pandemic, fires and floods that dramatically impacted the work of our catholic schools as places of learning.

In this article I want to focus on the key theme of “New Hope, New Growth’ and what that might mean or look like for our students at St Clare’s.  In the context of student learning in Catholic schools, hope and growth hold particular significance as they align with the principles and values of the Catholic faith informed by the life of Jesus and God’s Love.

As a Catholic school we place a strong emphasis on character formation (growth in character and values), fostering virtues, and developing the whole person.  The terms, Hope and Growth should encompass the formation of students' moral and ethical foundations, nurturing values such as integrity, compassion, justice, humility, and respect for others.  At St Clare’s the aim is to foster personal growth that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ and prepares our students so as to enable them to apply these values in their academic pursuits, relationships, and future endeavours.  This is embodied in our schools Vision and Mission which I have included at the end of this article.

Hope as its own entity refers to the belief in the transformative power of faith and God's grace.  In Catholic schools, students are encouraged to have hope in God's love and guidance as they embark on their educational journey.  For students it may represent a fresh start, a positive outlook, and the belief in their potential for improvement and success.  At St Clare’s we want to instil optimism, motivation, and resilience in our students.  We want to encourage them to approach their learning with enthusiasm and a sense of possibility, even if they face challenges or setbacks.  To use these setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure as they continue their journey through life.

Growth in the catholic school context signifies the ongoing process of personal and intellectual development in a student’s life through the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.  At St Clare’s the focus is not only on academic growth but also on holistic growth, encompassing faith and spiritual formation, moral, and social dimensions that emphasise the importance of being lifelong learners leading to the idea of ongoing personal growth.  We want our students to push beyond their comfort zones, explore new ideas, engage in critical thinking and reasoning, acquire new abilities, and expand their intellectual, emotional, and social capacities to positively contribute to society.

Students need to have the belief and hope that their education can contribute to building a more just and compassionate society.  Students are encouraged at St Clare’s and also in life to recognise the needs of others, work towards social justice, and to be agents of positive change in their communities. The hope is always that the education they receive equips them with the knowledge skills and values necessary to build confidence in themselves, to have a voice that can bring about a brighter future.

In a Catholic school, I believe hope and growth go hand in hand, without one you cannot have the other.  HOPE for student learning embodies the idea that every day is an opportunity for GROWTH, and the realisation of one's potential.  I encourage all students to approach their studies with optimism, embrace challenges, and remain determined in their pursuit of success no matter what it may look like for them.  I call on our students to embrace their potential, trust in God's plan, and contribute to the betterment of themselves and for the people around them.  Aspire to be the best they can be.

‘Together with Christ we serve our community’

Inspired by GOSPEL VALUES and the practical examples of St Mary of The Cross MacKillop and St Clare of Assisi our Mission is to…

CONNECT by:

Developing loving relationships that respect the diversity and dignity of all creation.
Exploring, understanding and celebrating our Faith, History and Tradition.
Sharing the wisdom of the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we live and learn.

 LEARN by:

Embracing personal growth and achievement through education.
Nurturing critical, creative and reflective thinkers.
Developing resilience from positive thinking and problem-solving skills.

 ASPIRE to:

Become our best self spiritually, academically, physically, socially and emotionally.
Become an authentic person who makes a positive difference in the lives of others.
Become life-long learners.

RESPECT Creation:

By showing loving concern for each and every person.
By respecting each of God’s creatures and caring for the environment.
By celebrating our uniqueness

ENGAGE by:

Being open and prepared for new learning opportunities.
Fostering respectful conversations that will lead to personal growth and well-being.
Immersing ourselves in the Spiritual Life of the community.

Kind Regards

Phillip Gibney
Principal

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Current Mass times are Saturday, 5 pm, Sunday 8 am and 10 am.

Further updates can be viewed on the Forster-Tuncurry Parish Website:

Taree Catholic Parish

Saturday
4:00 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Reconciliation & Rosary
4:45 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Mass
6:15 pm Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass

Sunday
9:30 am Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass
7:30 am every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month Our Lady of Fatima, Old Bar:  Mass
7:30 am every 2^nd Sunday of the month St Therese, Lansdowne:  Mass
7:30 am every 4^th and 5^th Sunday of the month Star of the Sea, Harrington:  Mass

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website:

Please Note:

1. Catch-ups will be done on the first day of your return in order of exam roster, you may also be requested to complete two exams in one day if you have missed more than one exam
2. You must contact the school if you are sick on any day you have an exam prior to 9:00 am
3. You may receive a zero mark if you do not follow these guidelines.
4. All exams are conducted in Rooms 106, 107, 108 unless indicated
5. You must be present at exam room prior to exam starting
6. If you do not have an exam you will attend your normal classes

The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars.  Da Vinci demonstrated an ability to perceive the interconnected nature of knowledge and he embraced learning with a lifelong passion and determination to uncover the unknown.  The Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity.

Students compete in teams of eight across ten disciplines:  engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.

St Clare’s was well represented in the Newcastle-Maitland Diocesan teams.  The following students had an early start at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College.  Our talented participants were:

Year 7:  Adele Whitehouse-Miotto
Year 8:  Oliver Collins
Year 9:  Bonnie McMaster
Year 10:  Rory Byrne, William Gibson, Kaeden Gonzalez and Rachel Su

This year's competition was a great success, with many outstanding performances from the students.  The competition was tough, and all the participants demonstrated their excellent academic skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Diocesan 1^st place results were as follows:

Art and Poetry – developing an original poem and connected artwork on a given theme:

Year 7:  1^st Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team
Year 9:  1^st Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team

Mathematics – problem-solving, number patterns and logic puzzles:

Year 8:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 9:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis, and writing tasks:

Year 8:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 9:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 10:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

Code Breaking – deciphering complex, mysterious codes:

Year 8:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 10:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

Science – engage with higher-level scientific concepts and test your ability to apply them:

Year 10:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

Finally, outstanding overall team performances for the 2023 Hunter Region Da Vinci Decathlon were:

Year 8:  Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team (Hunter Region Champions)
Year 9:  Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team (Hunter Region Champions)
Year 10:  Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team (2^nd in Hunter Region)

Student’s Thoughts:

'The decathlon event was loads of fun, everyone was really nice, and it was overall a great experience'.  Kaeden Gonzalez (Year 10)

'On Tuesday the 9^th of May, I attended the Da Vinci Decathlon, which is an academic competition.  It was a big day, and between Year 7 & 8, there were 25 teams(with 8 people in each) from lots of different schools.  Despite the questions being difficult, it was a great day, and I made some new friends and had a lot of fun.  The Year 7 team won 1^st place in Art and Poetry, and my team(in the Year 8 division) won first place in three subjects:  Math, English and Code breaking, we also won the overall event.  I wouldn’t have been able to win the event without my team, to whom I’m incredibly grateful.  Oliver Collins (Year 8)

Good luck to Oliver Collins and Bonnie McMaster who will have the opportunity to compete in the NSW State Decathlon, at Knox Grammar School on 25 July. 

Oliver Collins 

Congratulations to all students that participated in this challenge.  You have been wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s High School. We are very proud of all of you. 

Julie Rowsell
Gifted Education Mentor

Over a four-week period, during April and May, 33 of our high potential mathematicians worked in pairs to compete in the Australian Mathematics Challenge.  This challenge fosters students’ understanding of the power of mathematics and the joy of mathematical problem solving.

The students worked together, and individually, to solve six problems.  It has been amazing to observe engaged young individuals as they enhanced their problem-solving skills and challenged their highly developed understanding of working mathematically.  

All students had the opportunity to develop their learning and collaboration skills, including differing perspectives and conflict resolution, built new friendships and reinforced their understanding of the beauty of mathematics.

Congratulations to all our participants and we look forward to receiving your results for this challenge.

Junior Division

Year 7:  James Aldridge, Lewis Downie, Adele Whitehouse-Miotto, Jatan Phirangi, Jordan Smith and Zee Tulio
Year 8:  Matthew Clements, Oliver Collins, Thomas Davy, Cameron Ford, Jake Guppy, Toby Holley, Lin Zhao LimSchneider and Sienna Waterhouse

Intermediate Division

Year 9:  Benjamin Cooper, Kyle Lee, Bonnie McMaster, Aiden Miles and Flynn Small
Year 10: George Andrawes, Ailey Boere, Ashlee Brabant, Rory Byrne, Gemma Eady-Muxlow, Riley Ford, William Gibson, Kaeden Gonzalez, Thalia Harmston-Howard, Hayden Nelson, Taran Phirangi, Alexander Saville, Rachel Su and Elise Zammit

Julie Rowsell
Gifted Education Mentor

Mathematics Workshop and Homework Support will take place on Mondays at lunchtime in room 10.  Students have the opportunity to have support for homework or be in a space with a mathematics teacher present to complete more challenging work or preparing for tasks.  This is available to all year groups.

Michael Morson
Leader of Learning, Mathematics

Last week the Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science class were very lucky to have an incursion run by Australian Earth Science Education.  The incursion was a great opportunity for our students to take part in hands-on activities to support understanding of syllabus material in the field of Geology and Earth Science.  The day was a great learning experience aided by many impressive resources that were set up in our Lab here at school.  Activities led by an expert Geologist covered topics such as mining, plate tectonics and the structure of the Earth.

We would like to thank Australian Earth Science Education and in particular Sophia McLean for travelling from Sydney to facilitate the day for our students.

James Collins
Earth & Environmental Teacher

The St Clare’s Environmental Group have adopted a koala to support the work of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.  The koala we have adopted is called Trevor.  Trevor was a joey when he was found, weak and with blood on his fur, possibly from a car accident.  He was taken into the care of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital where he was given lots of rest and fed a special diet to help him recover from a blood disorder that was caused by too many ticks sucking his blood.

After a couple of weeks of special care, Trevor was strong enough to leave his basket, climb trees, eat gum leaves, and enjoy the fresh air.  After several months, Trevor was strong and healthy enough to return to the wild, in an area monitored by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.  Other koalas have also been released in this area and Trevor has been observed interacting with other koalas since his release.

The Environmental Group are happy to be supporting such an excellent local environmental organisation.  The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have wildlife carers, scientists, vets, and volunteers working to protect and rehabilitate endangered koalas in our area.  At the World Environment Day mufti day on 5 June, the St Clare’s Environmental Group will be raising money to adopt another koala.

Niko Campbell-Ellis
Environmental Group Coordinator

St Clare’s Athletics Championships

It was an outstanding return to a full school Athletics event.  Overcast conditions greeted the students, making for a cool start to the day.  Students were able to participate in a full range of track and field events to earn points for their house.  The overall champion will be confirmed once results are finalised.  A combination of highly competitive relay events rounded out the day of competition with great excitement created from the staff team entries.

Students were vocal throughout the day as they supported their peers.  Year 11 Sports Captains were once again leading the students in their houses to encourage each member of their house to participate in many events, keeping the participation rates high and making for an enjoyable day for both students and staff.  The leadership shown continues to create a house culture that is unique to our event.

Thank you to the Taree Little Athletics Club for the preparation of the track including line marking and the ground preparation.  Thank you to the staff who assisted in the set up and pack up and all staff on the day that made the event a great experience for the students of St Clare’s.  Thank you also to Mr Hobbes and the SRC who assisted with the running of the canteen who did a great job of fuelling the hungry competitors and spectators.  Thank you also to Mr Howard who captured some of the athletics action through the lens.

We were very grateful to be able to welcome parent/carers and families in a full capacity back to the event this year.  A significant sense of community on the day is created by the support of parents/carers and families.  It is great to be able to welcome new families each year and, for those who continue to support the event, we extend a big thank you.

Once all results have been finalised the final house standings, Age Champions, and record breakers will be informed, and the details listed in an upcoming newsletter.

Luke Rowe
School & Representative Sport Coordinator

Diocesan Cross Country 2023

The weather at this year’s event was picture perfect with the dam nearly at full capacity.  Students represented St Clare’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Championship with enthusiasm throughout the day at Lake Glenbawn on Thursday, 4 May.  Students who represented displayed terrific effort and a willingness to compete and do their best in their event.  

From this event, students who finished in the top 6 will qualify for the NSWCCC Cross Country Championship to be held in Sydney.

Thank you to the parents who made the trip to Lake Glenbawn.  Also, thank you to the staff, Mrs Dunn and Mrs McCann, who assisted on the day as officials on checkpoints and accompanied the students on the team bus with an early start to the day.

Once all results have been finalised the students will be informed, and the details listed in an upcoming Newsletter.

Luke Rowe
School & Representative Sport Coordinator

NSWCCC Hockey

Big congratulations to Mason Doel and Alexander Hartup on their selection in the 16 and Open's NSWCCC Hockey sides.

Mason will go on to play NSW All School selection 15 and 16 June in Bathurst and Alex will compete at the NSW Tri Series 18 and 19 July in Newcastle.  We wish the young men all the best in their upcoming competitions!

Nicole Lovern
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

13’s, 15’s Country Cup Rugby League

Congratulations to our 13’s & 15’s boys Rugby League teams, who travelled to Harry Elliott Oval in Tuncurry to compete in the opening round of the Country Cup on Thursday, 4 May.  The boys played with terrific skill, toughness and sportsmanship throughout all their matches with some excellent and highly entertaining Rugby League played.

In their opening match St Clare’s 13’s side came up against Wingham High School.  The boys laid a strong platform early with some well-structured attacking team plays, which saw them cross the line for two early tries.  St Clare’s dominated in defence and field position throughout the entire game, displaying great athleticism, skill and flair in attack.  St Clare’s ran away with a comprehensive 48-4 victory.

St Clare’s second round encounter was against perennial heavy weights Taree High School.  The boys started where they left off in their opening match, displaying strong defensive efforts coupled with sustained ball possession in their attacking half.  Taree High eventually succumbed to the constant pressure on their try line conceding multiple tries late in the game with St Clare’s winning the match 20-4.

St Clare’s third and final match was against the undefeated Great Lakes College. In what was a bruising and seesawing encounter, St Clare’s held out numerous attacking raids early on their try line.  However, poor discipline, fatigue and ball handling errors crept into the St Clare’s game which saw Great Lakes capitalise, scoring 3 quick tries.  St Clare’s regained their composure towards the end of the match and were rewarded with a try of their own.  Great Lakes proved too strong in the end, winning the match 22-6.

13’s Rugby League
Back Row (L-R):  Ryder Williams, Finn McNeil, Jaxon Whyte-Butler, Jacobi Hobden, Tyler Saunders, Archie Hanley, Noel Saunders, Blake Stewart & Xavier Wilkes
Front Row (L-R):  Bailey Furze, Jacob Hogan, Jay-Jay Clarke, Asher Mathew, Lachlan Polson, Koen Paff & Mason Kesby

The St Clare’s 15’s team also played Wingham High School in their opening fixture.  The boys dominated the game from the start with strong ball carrying and line running, which resulted in multiple well-structured team tries.  St Clare’s defensive structure and efforts were strong throughout the game, keeping Wingham High scoreless.  St Clare’s winning the match 28-0.

St Clare’s came up against a well drilled and physical Taree High team in their second-round fixture.  St Clare’s displayed great defensive efforts under fatigue and athleticism and skill in attack, however Taree High, through a myriad of ball possession, ground their way to a 24-10 victory.

St Clare’s third and final match was against Great Lakes College.  St Clare’s conceded an early try; however, they didn’t let this rattle them, coming up with two well-structured tries of their own to take the lead late in the match.  However, a ball handling error on fulltime proved costly, with Great Lakes scoring a match winning try with the last play of the game to take the match 10-8.

Lastly, a big thank you to Mrs Parvin as well as Lucas Monks, Ruby Polson, Sara Harris, Marley Brown and Samuel Schilt who contributed as trainers and water runners for their time and dedication in training, coaching and supporting our team, without their outstanding and tireless efforts events such as this would not be possible.

Matthew Collier
Rugby League Coordinator

Manning Valley Netball Association (Secondary) - Gala Day

On Tuesday, 9 May, St Clare's High School took part in the NSW Schools Netball Cup Gala Day at Manning Valley Netball association.  This year we entered four teams in the competition.  Each student played extremely well throughout the day and represented the school in high esteem. 

Junior Boys

This was our Junior Boy squads first carnival.  For many of these boys it was their first time competing in netball.  They are to be commended on how quickly they learnt the rules of the game and ensured that the junior boys were well represented by St Clare’s.  The boys demonstrated progressive improvement as they played each game throughout the day.  They all showed a high level of enthusiasm and represented the school well. 

The team consisted of the following players:  Samuel Stephens, Dallas Agnew, Mason Kesby, Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell, Archer Lambert, Angus Moore, Triston Brody, Cameron Ford and Jacob Hogan

Junior Girls

This was also our Junior Girl squads first carnival.  The Junior Girls division consisted of two pools of teams on the day.  The girls were undefeated throughout the day convincingly winning all four of their matches.  They went through to compete in a knockout crossover game with the top team from the other pool on the day.  This was a hotly contested game, and our girls deservedly came away with the win.  They will now advance to the finals in Port Macquarie.  The girls showed much enthusiasm and impressively represented the school on the day. 

The team consisted of the following players:  Miller Morrissey, Gemma Paulin, Charlotte Cooper, Abby Moelker, Tiffany Nguyen, Addison Hogan, Charlotte Andrews, Yasmin Cassidy, Lucy Millard and Annabelle Johnson

Intermediate Boys

Our intermediate boys played well against some strong competition.  For many of them they were unfamiliar with the game of netball but were able to transfer their skills from other sports into the game.  The boys learnt skills quickly and played some impressive games throughout the day.

The side consisted of the following students:  Lucas Monks, Kobi Critchley, James Rodgers, Ryan Box, Rory Clarke, Kody Zahra, Hayden Robertson, Thomas Priddle and Ben Wright

Intermediate Girls

Our Intermediate girls played some impressive netball against some fierce and tough competition.  They worked well as a team, never gave up and persisted in displaying some great netball skills throughout the entire day. 

The team consisted of the following players:  Ashlee Brabant, Sophie Pratten, Mikayla O’Brien, Jocelin Martinez-Lesson, Jessica Foley, Charlotte Mackie, Poppy Yates, Marley Brown, Marley Marriott, Miley Cox and Island Rosamond 

Our Junior Girls will progress to the next stage of the NSW Schools Netball Cup, which will be held in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, 29 August 2023. 

A big thank you goes to our Year 11 assistants:  Madison Paine, Sienna Agnew, Hannah Dignam, Savannah Murray, Charli Morrissey and Jaynie O’Neal - they did an amazing job in organisation of teams as well as umpiring throughout the day.

Mrs Amanda Brooks and Mrs Nicole Lovern
Netball Gala Day Coordinators

Congratulations to Year 9 Student Riley Paine on his recent selection to play with Central Coast Mariners FC Development squad.  Riley already trains with Newcastle FC, Broadmeadow Magic weekly and has been selected to train and play with the mighty Mariners in position of Goalkeeper in their development squad.  This is a fantastic opportunity, and we wish Riley all the best on his achievements as he continues to develop his skills and talents. 

Well done Riley! 

Jamaya Pearse
Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Photo supplied by Broadmeadow Magic

NEWS- Congratulations to Magic Premier Youth League Boys Keeper Riley Paine on his invitation to train with the Central Coast Mariners on a weekly basis.  Riley caught the eye of Andy Bernal, Nick Montgomery (A League Coach), Danny Vukovic (Socceroo Goalkeeper) and A League Goalkeeping Coach Miguel Miranda (former Benfica FC GK coach) during a recent clinic and the training opportunity has been a very exciting next step in his development.  Well done Riley, congratulations on the recurring invitation and your team mates can’t wait to hear the stories from the Al Leagues camp.

Careers Corner

We are heading into the half-way point of Term 2, and everyone is going full steam ahead!

Trade Readiness Program:

We have been given the opportunity to participate in a fully funded Trade Readiness Program which involves a two-day course covering the following:

This pre-employment orientation into trade-based occupations will cover general maintenance, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, plastering and painting.  The program will be delivered of two consecutive days and include:

• Construction Industry selection
• Qualifications that would enhance employment opportunity
• Where to locate those qualifications, how long they take to complete and approximate costs
• Discussion on how to apply and demonstrate aptitude in a resume and when applying for jobs

 As has already been mentioned, WHS, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Plastering and Painting will all be covered over the two days.

If you are interested in attending this program on 27 and 28 July could you please email me so that I can put your name down and get back to you with more information as it comes to hand.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about various Trade pathways post school.

Thanks to Erin at RIEP for including us in this program.

UCAT

If you are interested in Medicine post school and have registered for the UCAT, please remember that there are free study materials and practice exams which can be accessed via the following website:

Early Entry Schemes

Several universities have their Early Entry schemes open and if you are thinking about a university pathway post school, this can be a great option.

There are two different information sections in the Year 12 Careers Team One Note.  These explain how to apply, and which universities offer this option.

Students should log in to JobJump – click on the menu in the top right-hand corner. Under “UNI” click on “All you need”.  Then click on “Early Entry”.  You then click on any of the university early entry pathways, and you will be able to see the information you need to access these.

Year 12, please remember to keep up your productive study patterns, eat well, get some exercise, and look after yourselves.

Year 11

Year 11 – now is the time to really knuckle down and become strong senior students.  It is imperative that you apply yourself well, develop strong study patterns and approach your studies with a firm commitment to doing as well as you can.

Year 10

Year 10 - you are coming up to “Subject Selection” time for 2024.  The mentoring process will begin soon, and we are taking some of our Clare lessons to get a USI number and register for JobJump which has some very helpful information re subject selection for Senior school.  You should all have access to our Careers Team OneNote and information will be placed here in the near future.

Mrs Avery will be letting you know when this process will start.  The various KLA Coordinators will provide information regarding the various study pathways for senior school.

Year 12

Year 12 are reminded to keep checking the Careers Team OneNote and JobJump for up-to-date information about possible career pathways post school.  There are many open days, apprenticeship information days and other traineeship information.

I would also like to keep encouraging the students to have a draft ‘Cover Letter’ and resume which can be tailored for job applications both part-time and fulltime.

Work Placement has been well under way, and the Year 12 Hospitality students have just completed their 35 hours of Work Placement at Sea World.  This was an amazing experience and allowed the students to see and experience many of the different aspects of the Hospitality industry.  The students were amazing, and the Sea World staff could not stop singing their praises.  Well done Year 12.

Year 11 Construction and Hospitality students will be completing their Work Placement in the last week of Term 3 after their exams.  They will be registering with Mid Coast Connect, who handle this for us, in the coming weeks.  Year 11 Sport Coaching complete their Work Placement during school sport time on Thursdays when they coach the younger students. They also gain hours officiating at various Primary School carnivals in our area.

The latest information from the CAA is as follows:

Courses Changes & New Courses

ACU Blacktown | Bachelor of Nursing Midyear Intake Opens Soon Start your journey now. ACU is connected to an extensive range of hospitals and healthcare partners, so students will get the best opportunities for industry placements and future employment.

New Bachelor of Agricultural Science | The University of Sydney will be offering two new degrees in Agricultural Science from Semester 1, 2024: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (3 years) and Bachelor of Agricultural Science (4 years). Online information session on Wednesday 14 June 2023 at 4pm. Register:

The University of Notre Dame Australia | Undergraduate Pathways to Medicine at Notre Dame University New pathways available to Notre Dame's Doctor of Medicine degree for school leavers. Both assured and priority pathways are available, which see places in the postgraduate medicine degree reserved for top performing graduates in Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Register:

Courses & Workshops for Students

MedEntry UCAT Workshop By Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health. 3 Day Workshop from 20 May 2023, which covers all 5 UCAT subtests, interviews, entry process etc. Formal Instruction & Group Learning. The program has been carefully crafted to cover the strategies for UCAT success, in a fun, engaging and interactive environment. Over 4,000 Five Star Reviews. Careers Teachers are welcome to attend. Register:

Barista Course | Macarthur Tourism Travel and Events College RTO 41365 Fully accredited and nationally recognised Barista Course to be held at Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living: 1 Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan NSW 3 June 2023. Register:

TAFE NSW Powerhouse Parramatta in collaboration with TAFE NSW is hosting a three-day workshop for high school students. Using Procreate and AR technology, artist Grace Barnes will guide students through the creative process to digitise and animate their self-portrait. Powerhouse Parramatta: 3-5 July 2023 or TAFE NSW Maitland: 10-12 July 2023. The workshop is free but bookings are essential.

Campion College Winter Program | 4-7 Jul 2023 Experience college life and a taste of Campion's Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts. Open to students aged 16 plus. Includes accommodation on campus, meals, social activities and sample lectures in history, literature, philosophy and theology. Free to attend but spaces are limited. Register:

Half Day Campus Visits to Chemical Engineering UNSW Half-day campus visit to explore UNSW Chemical and Food Science Engineering. The 2.5 hr visit is specifically aimed at Years 11-12 Chemistry and Food Technology students. Visits from 14-18 August 2023. Alternatively, UNSW academics can visit your school. This can be online or face-to-face and is available from 21-25 August 2023. Contact: Pierre Le-Clech (p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au)

SAE Creative Media Institute | Workshops at SAE SAE offer workshops to schools in Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, Music or a combination of these disciplines. If you are interested in one of these at state of the art campuses, please contact Michael Newman (Sydney) michael.newman@sae.edu.au or Georgina Dowden (Byron Bay) georgina.dowden@sae.edu.au

Sydney Actors School | Applications for 2024 Now Open Applications to study at Sydney Actors School in 2024 are open now! Study acting for stage and screen, taught by industry-working professionals. You will also learn how to write, direct, crew, and edit your own films. Work on a number of stage productions and short films. Apply:

Resources for Students

Australian Pacific College | What Does a UX Designer Do?  UX Designers create optimal user experiences by designing practical, functional, and accessible products. They use design elements like colour, material, and appearance to influence how users feel about interacting with a product, be it digital or physical. Learn more:

Where Can Bedford College Take You? – New infographic for Students Bedford College has a new resource for students, whether they are about to finish Year 10 or are planning on sitting their Year 12 exams. This new infographic helps visualise the career possibilities with Bedford and is available for digital download at

or you can contact enquire@bedford.edu.au for copies of the fold-out A2 size poster to be mailed out.

CareerHQ In 45 minutes students create their own Careers Report. The tool can be done using any wi-fi enabled smart device. Students create a list that suits them, and that they’ve self selected. There is also a paid option to view the individual reports online, along with software that ranks the career interests of all students. Register:

New Brochures - JMC Academy New brochures Get yours posted out asap or digital copies:

Study in the creative industries: acting, animation + game design, audio engineering + sound production, design (visual communication), entertainment business management, film + television, music.

Submit Your Audition or Portfolio to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM) | University of Sydney Register your audition/interview via SCM online portal if you are applying to the University undergraduate degree commencing in Semester 2 2023 or Semester 1 2024. For more information on audition/interview requirements, important dates and how to apply, or to register:

For more information on early entry for SCM students visit:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Sydney Design School Open Day Saturday 20 May, 10am-12pm Curious about a career in interior design? Sydney Design School is hosting their biggest day of the year this Saturday. Get creative making a mood board and find out everything you need to know about their accredited qualifications. Courses are VET Student Loan approved with no ATAR required. Saturday 20 May, 10am - 12pm, 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards. Register:

ACU Blacktown Campus Nursing Guided Visits Join ACU for a nursing-specific guided visit at Blacktown Campus on Tuesday 30 May 2023 at 5 or 6pm. Students will be shown around campus by current nursing students, meet academic staff and get hands-on experience in the nursing labs. Register:

Upcoming Events for Prospective Students - May/June Edition | The University of Sydney Upcoming in-person and online events in May/June: Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening, 30 May 2023 | Sydney Conservatorium of Music Portfolio Evening, 1 June 2023 | Webinars on interaction design, law, nutrition/dietetics, nursing and vet medicine.

Macquarie University Early entry information: Register for Macquarie University's Year 12 webinar series, Wednesday 7 June 2023 providing all the information you need to know about early entry into Macquarie. Find out more:

BiG Day In Newcastle | 30 August 2023 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference for students Years 9-12 @ University of Newcastle on 30 August 2023. Speakers include Microsoft, Mudbath, WiseTech Global, Westpac, Glencore Mining, & more talking about careers & the future of technology. Exhibitors include ACS, Wisetech Global & more. Tickets $10 for students.

OELLEN | A Day in the Life of a Hydrographer Find out about what it’s like to be a Hydrographer in this video

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Tocal College | NSW DPI - Orana Region, Cotton & Grain Scholarships Future Tocal students from the Orana Region of NSW who are interested in Cottons and/or Grains Industry careers may apply for one of two scholarships worth $2250 over the duration of the course. Preference is given to students from Central and North West NSW, especially those from Central Schools. Go to:

MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme Webinar | The University of Sydney Join online 14 June 2023 5–5:30pm to learn about MySydney Scheme for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out how you can enter your dream degree with a lowered ATAR requirement and receive ongoing support, including an $8,500 p.a. scholarship. Find out about the eligibility criteria, how to apply and frequently asked questions. Register:

Tocal College | NSW DPI - Scholarship Program Supports Over Half Its Students. Tocal's recent Graduation Ceremony included awarding of scholarship certificates to current recipients. Almost $150,000 was distributed on behalf of 28 separate donors to over half of its fulltime students. By the end of the year this is expected to increase to over $210,000. Go to:

The Women's College Within The University of Sydney Join a fully supported network of women for your transition to university studies. Fully catered accommodation, social and extracurricular activities, academic and tutorial assistance, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Applications now open. Scholarship applications close 3 October 2023. Visit:

or P: 02 9517 5018

Job & Work Experience for Students

Year 10 Work Experience Opportunity | Chemical Engineering UNSW Year 10 students are invited to experience Chemical Engineering Work Experience Week |3–7 July 2023. Limited spots available. Students will need to book early, before the deadline 14 July 2023. For more details about this program please contact Pierre Le-Clech at p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au

Other News

Australian Pacific College | Take a Virtual Tour Australian Pacific College (APC) believes that every student should love where they learn. That’s why they have established campuses in some of Australia’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Visit:

to explore the state-of-the-art facilities at your own pace via the virtual tour today.

Sydney Film School - Applications for 2024 Open Now Applications to study at Sydney Film School in 2024 are open now. You will have classes in all aspects of filmmaking, ranging from screenwriting, to producing, directing and post-production classes. Build your portfolio with projects from a music video to short films. Apply:

Please remember that if you are interested in doing Work Experience you will need to come and get the forms from me in my office. The Diocese has set guidelines for Work Experience. Year 9 and Year 10 students have to complete this during school time, however Year 11 and Year 12 students can do Work Experience during holiday time or on the weekend.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 2 2023