Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

In our school, we strive to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every individual feels valued and respected.  One of the key elements of our school’s mission is RESPECT.  The respect we show towards one another, no matter who they may be is an essential component for a safe, caring, and loving school community.  As we approach the end of the term, it is important to reinforce the significance of respecting others and the positive impact it has on our school community.

Respect is more than just a word; it is a powerful attitude that shapes our interactions and relationships.  When we respect others, we acknowledge their inherent worth, embrace diversity, and create a safe space for everyone to learn and grow.  Here are a few ways we can actively demonstrate respect in our school community:

1. Embrace Differences: Our school is a diverse melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.  Let us celebrate and appreciate this diversity by recognising that each person brings unique strengths and experiences to our community.  Embrace different perspectives, engage in open dialogue, and learn from one another's differences.

2. Practise Active Listening: Listening is an essential part of respect.  When someone is speaking, give them your full attention.  Seek to understand their viewpoint without judgment or interruption.  This shows that you value their thoughts and opinions. 

3. Use Kind and Inclusive Language: The words we choose have the power to uplift and inspire or hurt and divide.  Let's make a conscious effort to use language that is inclusive, kind, and respectful to all individuals.  Avoid derogatory terms, stereotypes, and offensive jokes.  Instead, encourage positive and uplifting conversations that promote understanding and empathy. 

4. Value Personal Space and Boundaries: Respecting personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.  Be mindful of personal space and ensure consent before touching or sharing personal belongings.  Recognise that everyone has their own boundaries and appreciating them is a fundamental aspect of showing respect. 

5. Show Appreciation and Gratitude: Take a moment to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of others.  Expressing gratitude and appreciation not only boosts morale but also cultivates a culture of respect.  Recognise the achievements of classmates, teachers, and staff members, and let them know their hard work is valued. 

6. Resolve Conflicts Peacefully: Conflicts may arise in any community, but how we address them determines the health of our environment.  Encourage open communication, active listening, and empathy when resolving conflicts.  Seek mediation when needed and strive for win-win solutions that respect the needs and perspectives of all involved. 

7. Lead by Example: Remember, respect starts with each one of us.  As parents, educators, and students, we have the opportunity to lead by example and model respectful behaviour in our daily interactions.  Our actions speak louder than words, and by consistently demonstrating respect, we inspire others to do the same. 

As we move into the last few weeks of the school term and we all become tired and little less resilient, let us remember to continue fostering a culture of respect within our school community.  By practising respect in our words, actions, and attitudes, we continue to create and be part of an inclusive environment that nurtures the growth and well-being of every individual.  Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of all who walk through our school's doors. 

‘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 LEARN ASPIRE RESPECT ENGAGE

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:

I would like to thank parents and carers who have donated items to our appeal. 

It is heartening to see a steady flow of donations like towels, gloves, socks, beanies, drink bottles and torches etc.

I have been delivering them to our Conference at Taree and people who we assist are able to take the things they need.

The demand is huge so please continue to support this very practical way of looking after those who struggle.

If you haven’t been able to donate yet, please consider doing so.

Again, my heartfelt thanks.

Deacon Vince

This term Year 10 English have been learning about different writing forms and developing their writing skills by engaging with texts from different cultural perspectives.  The recent Year 10 Assessment Task gave students a choice of stimuli in which they needed to compose a short composition from their learning intention for the task was "I am working on developing my writing skills, learning to understand how to craft a piece of writing to achieve a particular purpose. In doing this, I am learning about the value of language, structure and form to communicate my ideas”.

The composition below is a creative piece from 10.4 English Student, Oliver Zarate.  Oliver's clever use of extended metaphor and imagery creates an engaging and clever narrative.  Please enjoy his story below, which has been shared with his permission. 

Rory Byrne has also given permission to share his excellent discursive composition below.  A discursive composition combines anecdote, first person experience and an informal conversational tone to create an engaging and intelligent piece of work titled 'Daydreamers'.

Jamaya Pearse
English Teacher

Into the Battle

However, the silence soon erupted to life.  I listened to the soft tapping of small waves against my orange canoe, trees rustling in the wind combining into a glorious chorus greeting my anticipated arrival.  The soft breeze graced my skin with its cold touch, the mountains parting long ago to allow illustrious life in the form of the river to form and grow. 

The further I continued my journey, the storm grew, the sun slowly cowered behind a thick cover of clouds.  Cracks of thunder and the flashes of lightning marked the beginning of an ancient tale, a skirmish between man and nature, on top of that, the struggle only compounded when the rumbling of the rapids like the sounds of a battle began to grow.  The mist of the waves from the rapids clogged the view.  Nonetheless It was only a natural barrier to attempt to stop me from continuing the journey. 

Worry began to dig in my mind, and like moles, tunneled itself and created networks of fear.  “I won’t make it, what if I plunge into the icy cold waters, what if I die, why don’t I turn back?”  But my thoughts began slipping away the closer I made it to the rapids.  The tune of the harsh waves battering against the rocks was like the beating of the drums of war.  The first sign of the storm had arrived as the droplets of the rain crashed down onto the earth and the waters; it all created a new song of survival.  The rush of adrenaline overwhelmed my simple brain, blood coursing through my body as I entered into a primitive survival mode.  I had already chosen to prove myself to nature or die trying. 

My canoe blitzed down the rapids, thunder cracking like a whip, lightning lit the way as the wind howled like a wolf.  The waves smashed against my orange canoe attempting to wrestle my body, the waters called begging for me to join the sweet embrace of the cold river below.  The rain beat down on my canoe and attacked my skin like frozen needles.  My eyes barely making out my surroundings due to the relentless onslaught of water engulfing my canoe and eyes, impairing my view, drenching me and my vessel.

The rocks joined the fight as each one crashed into my canoe and threw me off balance.  I would only regain it by shifting my position or using my paddle to rebalance myself.  The river below dipped, dropped, and dived, decimating my attempts of rebalancing, forcing me to make split second decisions which could determine my fate. 

The canoe was rocked by another set of dips, waves, and deadly rocks.  My balance was destroyed as the canoe dipped once again below the waves.  I fought to regain control, but the longer I fought the worse the situation became.  The situation grew more dire each time I wrestled with the waves.

My blood and adrenaline bolted through my body.  I could no longer feel the cold, my whole body working in a combined symphony of survival and my brain embraced the music my body had created as I fought desperately for survival.  A ray of hope appeared and revealed itself through the dying down of the rain.  With it, the whip of thunder and lightning began to slow, with the rapids starting` to join the descent of the journey.  The winds howl slowly returning to a soft breeze.  The speed of the journey slowed, as the hissing of waves returned to the soft tapping against my orange canoe.  The crashing of rocks also slowed.  With the absolute immovable power of the rocks becoming little more than bumps on the journey towards the end.  The needles of the cold rain slowly drifted into the background ambience of my mind.  Adrenaline steadily leaving my body, as my thoughts returned.

The vibrancy of the canoe brought my mind back to the tranquility of the trip, as the battle concluded, I had proven to myself and to nature, that I was worthy. 

Written by Oliver Zarate, Year 10

My Chosen Stimulus Picture (above)

I used the discursive text literary structure with stimuli 3.

Daydreamers

“The man who moves mountains first starts by carrying away small stones”.

I come from a family of daydreamers, not mountain-movers.  My whole family talk like visionaries; we can sell mirrors to blind men, we can produce incredible multistep plans for success and we can create unparalleled castles in the air.  We just can’t build them.  I guarantee you that while that proverbial mountain man was dragging his great hunks of stone, Great Grampa Byrnes was kicking rocks at the bottom and daydreaming of a comfier seat.

My childhood was full of empty plans.  From the beginning, my brothers and I could concoct fantastical plans; swings, treehouses, lemonade stands, all planned out to the smallest of details.  So far, none of these grand plans have come to fruition.  Sometimes, one of them would clasp on to a hobby and become unswervingly attached to it, “badminton,” one of them would say, “is the only valuable use of one’s time”.  Of course, within a week this would change to another one of the infinite hobbies they could latch onto.  Not that I’m any better.  The grandiose “Mr Toad” gene isn’t lost on me.  In the short fifteen years I’ve lived on this earth, I have had more than a lifetime of failed daydreams.  You could fill a swimming pool with the number of times I’ve talked the talk and walked away (not that I have an actual swimming pool, that idea manifested into a number of small dents in the ground that still regularly twist ankles).

Maybe if Greta Thunberg and every other teenage wiz stopped saving the world, I would be a little less gloomy.  If you watch Kochi of a morning anymore, you’d be sure to know that every second tween is inventing a new type of science or starting a revolutionary business.  For dreamers like me, breakfast has become a meal of soggy Weet-Bix and overwhelming failure (I often think about making an elaborate banquet for breakfast, but I always end up with Weet-Bix).

My mother, a woman who has very much come to terms with our lack of drive, often gives me sage advice about such things.  “Castles in the air are always much nicer than castles on the ground”, she will say, flipping through a book on horticultural design or some other outlandish enterprise.  This is a quote I cannot vouch for.  My swift counter to her lofty generalisation is the Sydney Opera House.  The original vision for the Sydney Opera House was comprised of orange peels, and the result was of course, far finer than that.  Instead of my mother’s wisdoms, I comfort myself with the colossal failures of those who build their dreams, because, in many cases, most mountains should really stay where they are.  Had Einstein kept his theorems to himself, the world would be free of the atom bomb.  If Thomas Andrewes had done something more useful with his life, there would be no Titanic to sink (and no mind-numbing movie), and if, the creator of Sesame Street had gotten a proper job, the world would be bereft of a whiny red freak we all know as Elmo.

With the dice rolled and the game set, we are stuck with this radioactive, slip slop world, whether we wanted Cookie Monster or not.  For me, the only thing keeping me sane is my daydreams.  Ticking away behind my often blank expression is the enticing world of “Future Rory”.  An amalgamation of Don Draper and Jack Donaghy, Future Rory (me in about 20 years) is the kind of guy men want to be and women want to be with.  He is a charismatic business wolf - a man of sharp suits and Cuban cigars.  His life, one of abundance.  In my head, future Rory basks in the favours of success:  he has at least one trophy wife; at least three sports cars and an immeasurable number of yachts (most of Future Rory’s time, however, is spent dealing with anyone who has ever vaguely dissed me).  The Rory Byrne of the future walks with the confidence of a man who has figured it all out.

For these dreams to become reality, it would require an immense amount of grit, sweat and cosmetic surgery, none of which I am particularly partial to.  In all likelihood, I will end up a grey-haired, thirty-something man who spends his days dreaming of being a silver fox with a sportscar.

At the start I said, “I come from a family of daydreamers, not mountain-movers”.  What I didn’t add was the fact I come from a family that is warm, happy, and generous; that care about what matters and laugh about what doesn’t.  The people in my household are the best kind of people you can meet, the people most of us look for but never find.  Yes, we have our flaws - Great Grampa Byrne’s Mountain never moved an inch - but I can tell you right now, the happiest days of my life were spent listening to my brothers’ ludicrous plans and designs.  And sure, we’ll never be like Greta Thunberg or Julius Caesar.  But I know that whatever I choose to do with my life, my family will support me all the way.  I come from a family of daydreamers.  I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Written by Rory Byrne, Year 10

Our Senior St Clare’s Music students ventured to the annual DioSounds concert last Thursday, 8 June.  It was an early start, with the students on the bus and travelling even before the sun had risen… towards destination DioSounds!

Arriving at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle at 8:30 am, students were ushered to their dressing rooms before heading on stage for their lighting and sound checks.  No sooner had they completed this and they were dressed and ready for the Matinee Show at 10:30 am in front of an enthusiastic audience of fellow performers and Diocesan primary school students.

The final concert commenced at 6 pm where the students again showcased their talents in front of family, friends, and music lovers alike.  The vibe was joyous, and our students shone throughout their performances.

Year 11 and 12 students presented two outstanding items in our bracket:

1. Walk – Foo Fighters
2. The Voice – Brendan Graham

Year 11

Oliver Mitchell (Piano)
Alexander Hartup (Drums)
Booyong Dykshoorn (Electric Guitar)
Jet Cooke (Lead Vocals)
Elise Miles (Backing Vocals)
Raedyn Wheatley (Backing Vocals)
Larissa Dawes (Backing Vocals)

Year 12

Jai Payne (Vibraphone and Vocals)
Sienna Thornton (Snare Drum and Vocals)
Makayla Boere (Bass Drum and Vocals)
Kiara Conway (Gong and Vocals)
Teacher Mr Wayne McDougall (Piano)

The students showcased their talent and performed with over 400 music students across the diocese.  Their performances were truly outstanding, demonstrating great skill, musical diversity, and confidence on the stage.  Congratulations to all who took part in DioSounds.  Their commitment to preparation was admirable.

Thanks also goes to Mrs Rebecca Huett for all her assistance in organising us logistically to get down there and attend the event, to the senior music teachers Mrs Amanda Brooks and Mr Wayne McDougall for their guidance and support of the students as they prepared for this event and also thank you to our parents who picked up and dropped off their sons/daughters in the small hours of Thursday morning and evening.

Boarding the bus at the Civic Theatre at 8:30 pm we arrived back at St Clare’s at 11 pm.  The curtains had closed for our 2023 DioSounds, but it was amazing.  A day when memories were made, incredible life experiences had and a truly spectacular delivery of music to the DioSounds stage occurred.

It was a privilege to accompany such a wonderful group of students and staff to a very busy, exhausting and rewarding excursion.

Viva La Musica 

Mrs Amanda Brooks
Music Teacher

Congratulations Year 7-3.  Super paint colour finishes, wonderful texture, great designs, scary, funny, cute and all handmade!

Your ceramic creatures, fantasy fish and wise owls are making the library a better place today.

Mrs Lyndall Laurie
Visual Arts Teacher

On Monday, 5 June, St Clare’s celebrated World Environment Day with a mufti day, raising nearly $300 for projects organised by the St Clare’s Environmental Group.  Some of the funds raised will go towards continuing to support the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and their care of our school’s adopted koala, Trevor.  Another use of the funds raised is for an art competition that the Environmental Group are holding.  The winning artworks from each year group will be printed on giant stickers for the new recycling bins we will be getting soon.  Thank you to everyone in the St Clare’s community for your support of the Environmental Group.

Niko Campbell-Ellis
Environmental Group Coordinator

Adele Whitehouse-Miotto and Gemma Eady-Muxlow competed for the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese at the NSW CCC Cross Country Championships held on Tuesday, 13 June.  Adele finished 40^th and Gemma finished 9^th.  Gemma has qualified to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championship to be held on Friday, 21 July.

Luke Rowe
School & Representative Sport Coordinator

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

Careers Corner

This will be the last chapter of Careers Corner for this term.  I will be on Long Service Leave for the next two weeks.  We are very fortunate that Mr Ian Evans will be taking my place over these two weeks.  He has a great deal of knowledge in this area and will be happy to help students if needed.  Thanks Ian!

The end of Term 2 is fast approaching and there is a great deal of information available on the many different post-school pathways.  The Year 12 students are hopefully looking at their post-school options and are being urged to complete resumes and cover letters as well as applying for as many different courses as possible.

I have recently attended an information day on industry pathways.  I have placed all the information from this day on each Year Groups Careers Team OneNote.

I would like to encourage students and parents to check the relevant Year Group Careers Team OneNote each week for updated information on Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Scholarships and University Open Days.  The JobJump section has a wealth of information about all things Careers as well.  Please make it a regular weekly occurrence to check the information here.

I will be bombarding students with emails.  So please check your emails carefully so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity if and when it becomes available.  I am constantly being made aware of job vacancies in many different areas and email these out to the students as soon as I receive them.

Careers Quip

Next term on Thursday, 27 July there will be a “Careers Quip” here in Taree near the Rowing Club.  I am in the process of organising for Years 10, 11 and 12 to go to this.  There will be many different exhibitors at this event, all with post-school employment information.  From all reports last year it was excellent.  Details will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

University Early Entry 2024

Several universities are now open for early entry and several of these universities have their early entry separate from UAC.  UNE, Southern Cross and Charles Sturt have various pathways and are worth considering.  Newcastle University has just opened its new Early Entry pathway and I have emailed the information to the students as well as placing this in our Careers Team OneNote.  Please make sure that you have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C!

There is also an information booklet and a PowerPoint with information about this in the Year 12 Careers OneNote with a summary of Early Entry 2024 for Year 12 2023 students.

Scholarships

University scholarships will begin to open up over the coming months and some have already, so if you want to choose that pathway it is very important to keep checking university websites.

APPLY, APPLY APPLY!

Many scholarships go “untaken”.  You have to be in it to win it and have nothing to lose by applying.

There are also quite a few TAFE scholarships available in different areas.  I can’t stress enough the importance of looking on the appropriate websites.

UCAT 

Those who have registered for the UCAT can access practice papers either on the UCAT website or other websites such as NIE.  Be aware that most of these other websites charge money for the papers and workshops.

If anyone needs assistance with this, please come and see me.

UAC

I would also like to encourage those Year 12 students who are applying for University to register with UAC ($78 before 30 September and $220 after this date).  Once you have done this you can apply for SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme).  As students of St Clare’s, you automatically get the EAS consideration for being a student at a disadvantaged school and don’t have to apply for this particular part of EAS.  There are also various other forms of disadvantage so if you think you qualify for any of these come and see me and we will go through the application process.

Year 10 Subject Selection Process

Year 10 students will be beginning their subject selection process soon and have been given access to their Year 10 Careers OneNote through their Year 10 Team.  It is very important that each student look at their strengths, passions and what they like when considering subject choices and to this end work through the booklet which they will be given a hard copy of during their Period 1 mentoring sessions each week.  This booklet will also be in the Content Library of the OneNote.  Students can copy this into their own section of the OneNote and fill it in or keep using the hard copy.  There will also be a UAC guide in the Content Library which shows various university courses and their requirements as well as a link to a “subject compass” to help in making choices for Year 11.  Information about TAFE and other pathways will also be provided.  If any student is unable to access this OneNote, please come and see me or email me.

The Year 11 2024 Information Evening will be held on Tuesday, 25 July.

TVET/VET 

If any Year 10 student would like to do a “TVET” course throughout 2024 and 2025, they will need to come and see me to get an expression of interest form once I have received these from TAFE.  This should happen within the next couple of weeks.  Next year TAFE are offering several online TVET subjects, and I will be providing more information regarding this in the coming weeks.  I will put a booklet in the Team OneNote which outlines the courses available for next year.  Students attend TAFE one day a week and school four days a week.  This usually occurs on a Friday, however over the past couple of years Electrotechnology has run on a Wednesday.

There is a cost associated with these courses.  Most of the courses cost up to $3500 depending on the course.  The Catholic Schools Office will subsidise these courses, however, parents are expected to contribute $300 per unit per year.

Most of the courses are 2 units per year which means parent contribution is $600 per year.

Things to remember when thinking about TVET/VET:

1. Some EVET courses are 4units x 1 year. This means there is a bigger workload over the year and a parent contribution of $1200 for the year.
2. Some courses have the option of an HSC Exam, others don’t. This is written on the information sheets available for each course.
3. If a student wishes to gain an ATAR, then only 2 units can be Board Developed. Only one subject can be done in this area (EVET/VET).
4. If a student does not wish to gain an ATAR, then more than one Board Developed or Board Endorsed subject can be done.
5. Work missed at school must be caught up.
6. Compulsory Work Placement means a week out of school (35 hrs per year) each year for each 2 units. If the first year is missed, then the 70 hours must be made up in the second year. If the course is 4 units x 1 Year, then 70 hours of Work Placement is necessary.
7. If a student does an EVET course and a VET course that means 70 hours per year Work Placement

Trade Readiness Program

Year 10 students have been advised of a Trade Readiness program which is running for two days next term.  Erin Lute from RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) has organised for an industry presenter to visit on Thursday, 27 July and Friday, 28 July to run through several different trades and what is involved and required for each.  All of the students who expressed an interest and received a permission note should have returned their notes by today, 16 June, in order to secure their place.  This has been fully funded by RIEP and involves no cost to the students.

CAA News

The latest news from the CAA is as follows:

Courses & Workshops for Students

ARTiculate Series - Support and Resources for HSC Students and Teachers | The University of Sydney Online ARTiculate talk series aims to support high school HSC students to enrich their understanding in subjects related to arts, humanities and social sciences, and serve as a resource for teachers. Upcoming sessions: English (Creative Writing), Spanish Continuers and Extension, PDHPE and Modern History. View past sessions and register:

Australian Pacific College | Certificate III in Design Fundamentals Discover an opportunity to enhance design skills through the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals offered by Australian Pacific College. This program provides a solid grounding in design principles and hands-on experience through engaging projects. Details:

Career Coaching and Training | Learn Study Skills for Learning Success Learn techniques to improve results, reduce stress about assessments, exams and deadlines and increase confidence. Online courses for schools or students. Details:

or contact: Leah@careercoaching.training P: 0412 940902

Charles Sturt University | HSC Study Days Charles Sturt is running HSC Study Days at Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Bathurst campuses. Tuesday 4 July - Thursday 6 July 2023, run by HSC markers and will help students with their understanding of key syllabus content. Students are invited to book:

Engineers Australia | Discover Engineering Event Students often do not know about pathways into Engineering other than university. Discover Engineering is an informative seminar featuring a professional engineer, an engineering technologist and an engineering associate sharing on workforce roles and pathways into engineering. Online or in-person. Register:

Final UCAT Preparation Events by MedEntry Two final UCAT support events. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health delivers UCAT Workshop, 1 July 2023, which covers all 5 UCAT subtests, interviews, entry process etc. Intensive UCAT begins 24 June 2023. MedEntry is the Medical Entry preparation institution in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Learn How to Find the Perfect Job | online course - school based or individual students Learn job application skills and how to find the perfect job. Achieve career goals and gain confidence with high-quality job applications. Online course includes activities, practical exercises, videos, and interview practice. Details:

or contact: leah@careercoaching.training

National Institute of Education Careers (NIE) & Immerse Education | 11 Days Residential Career Experience for Student Ages 13 - 18 Residential career experience for students 13 - 18 years, 3 - 13 January 2024 at the University of Sydney. Choose Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing, International Relations, and Veterinary Studies. P: (02) 4367 0404 or 0412 439 115; E: enquiries@nie.edu.au Details:

NIE Careers | Future Doctors Australia Program Ages 14 - 18 Future Doctors Australia program is an engaging and high-impact 4-day program that provides young people; ages 14 - 18 with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Details:

Paul Wade Life Skills For over a decade Paul Wade has been working with students across the ACT & NSW. Paul believes students can learn 'Resilience' and that 'Performance' is the key, not the outcome. The outcome will take care of itself. Details:

Regional Youth Entrepreneurial Activation Program FREE Regional Youth Entrepreneurial Activation Program funded by Investment NSW. Applications close 16 June 2023. Program delivered Term 3, 2023. Contact Stephen Rutter: stephen@thescale.institute P: 0409 759 621. Register:

SEVENmile Ltd - Transformative 2-day Experiential Learning Workshop Discover a transformative 2-day experiential learning workshop designed exclusively for Years 9 - 11 students. Experience an immersive workshop focused on developing vital skills essential for future success. Details:

Study a Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilisation) at ACU This course will help develop a transnational, interdisciplinary and historically grounded perspective to the literature, philosophy and works of art that have achieved the status of ‘classics' within the Western world. There are 10 masters scholarships funded by the Ramsay Centre on offer for Australian citizens or permanent residents. Details:

The University of Notre Dame Australia | Exam Ready: Navigating HSC Exams with Resilience and Confidence Years 11 and 12 students are invited to join on campus during school holidays for a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to equip students with the tools and mindset needed to excel in their upcoming exams. Register:

The University of Notre Dame Australia | Nursing Applications Nursing applications now open. Notre Dame's Bachelor of Nursing degree is the foundation for a nurse-patient centred nursing career:

Check out state-of-the-art nursing facilities in Fremantle and Sydney campuses here:

or contact: sydney@nd.edu.au or P: (02) 8204 4404.

University of NSW (UNSW) Girls In Engineering (GIE) Club | July school holiday VR workshops for girls in Year 7 – 9 UNSW Computer Science and Engineering are running two FREE Virtual Reality (VR) workshops for the GIE Club on Tuesday 11 July for girls in Year 7 – 9. Students will learn about VR and the metaverse and create their own 3D landscape. Each workshop is limited to 24 places. Register:

Upcoming Workshops for High School Students at The University of Sydney The Renewable Fuel Grand Challenge workshop, 16 August, will allow students in Years 9 - 10 to develop and pitch energy solutions to their peers and facilitators for a chance to win cash prizes. Find out more and register here:

Project Management Spring Camp for students currently in Years 10 - 11; students can submit an expression of interest here:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Canberra | Social Work Discipline Guided Visit Take 'Social Work’ specific guided visit at ACU Canberra Campus on Wednesday 12 July, 11am – 1pm. Be shown around by a current student and have the opportunity to meet academic staff. Register:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Canberra | Teaching Discipline Guided Visit Take a deeper dive into teaching with a teacher-specific guided visit at ACU Canberra Campus on Thursday 13 July, 12 – 2pm. Be shown around by a current student and have the opportunity to meet academic staff. Register:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Canberra Guided Visits Dive into a desired field of study with ACU's discipline-specific guided visits at Canberra Campus. Be shown around by a current student, meet academic staff and get hands-on experience in the labs. Register for the teaching, nursing and paramedicine, and social work guided visits:

Charles Sturt University | Open Day 2023 Charles Sturt is taking bookings for Open Day 2023 so students, career advisers and parents can begin planning the day. Charles Sturt Open Day, Port Macquarie, 30 July 2023; Wagga Wagga, 6 August 2023; Albury-Wodonga, 13 August 2023; Bathurst, 20 August 2023 and Orange, 27 August 2023 campuses. Register:

How Parents of Australian Catholic University (ACU) Students Can Help Parents play an integral role in helping their teen choose a university. Hear from parents of current students about their experience with ACU. Register:

La Trobe University | Sydney Campus Open Day Experience life at La Trobe University Sydney Campus open day. Learn about La Trobe University's city campus and courses on 16 August 2023. Register:

TAFE NSW | June Information Sessions Students can explore career options, connect with industry qualified and experienced teachers, tour facilities and finalise enrolment. Registrations are mandatory:

The University of Notre Dame Australia | Parent Information Session Thursday 20 July 2023, 6 - 8pm at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. Find out about studying at Notre Dame including pathway programs, entry pathways, Young Achievers Early Offer Program, scholarships, and important dates. Register:

Upcoming Events for Prospective Students - June/July 2023 edition | The University of Sydney In-person events in June/July include Year 10 Information Night (Cabramatta), 13 June | Year 12 Indigenous Pathways Information Night, 15 June | Meet Sydney University (Nowra), 22 June | Webinars on: the MySydney entry and scholarship scheme, Year 12 indigenous pathways, interaction design, nursing, agricultural science, astrophysics, biomedical engineering and more | For more information and to register, visit:

Western Sydney University | Open Day Western Sydney University Open Day, Sunday 2 July 2023 at Parramatta South campus. Open Day is an opportunity to discover all Western offers including early offer pathways, HSC True Reward and more. There will be presentations, student panels, the chance to meet academics and current students. Details:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

ACU Guarantee: Early Offer Application Process and Student Panel (NSW/ACT/Qld) Webinar The ACU Guarantee program offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on Year 11 results. Information webinar, 18 July, 6 – 6.30pm on how to apply to this early offer program, and hear current students share their experiences. This webinar is for NSW and ACT students. Register:

Charles Sturt University | Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program The first round of offers for the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program have been sent and round two is open until 30 June 2023. Charles Sturt will assess student's application based on the students soft skills (such as resilience and empathy) and Year 11 results. For more information:

Early Offers for Visual Arts and Music Students | The University of Sydney Students can apply to receive an early offer to study Visual Arts or Music at Sydney University via Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme. Music - Find out more:

Register your audition:

Deadline 30 June 2023 | Visual Arts - Find out more and apply:

Deadline 31 August 2023.

The Women's College within The University of Sydney | 2024 Early Offers Closing 19 July 2023 Due to an unprecedented number of 2024 applications, early offers will now be released in late July 2023. Applications close 19 July 2023. No need to wait for a university offer. Students accepted considering study at USYD, UNSW, UTS, Notre Dame, ACU & Macquarie Uni. Apply:

Western Sydney University | Pathway Program August Assessment Round Registrations are open for Western’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program. The next assessment round for the alternative entry pathway program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is on Wednesday 23 August and Thursday 24 August. Register:

Resources for Students

Australian Pacific College | The Benefits of Design Thinking in the Workplace The modern workplace has changed, and new market dynamics are forcing businesses to think differently. Workforces are on the lookout for people who can use their creative energy to come up with innovative solutions and boost productivity. Read APC's latest blog:

FREE Trial | Career Management System Trial Career Central's School Career Management System. Students can build career self-awareness, complete quizzes and develop career plans. Staff can track, record and report on key student careers data. Contact: kate@careercentral.school for a free trial. Details:

Fun Online Career Exploration Tool Resource that helps students explore future career options. This online career tool will assist students in constructing their own careers shortlist while exploring their interests and potential career options. Register:

Other News

Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Rome Campus All ACU students have the opportunity to study at ACU’s Rome Campus during their degree. It’s an incredible opportunity to live and learn in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Watch a video about ACU Rome Campus here:

Taree Universities Campus

TUC (Taree Universities Campus) is running an information evening for students and parents on 22 June at 5:30 pm at the Taree Universities Campus.

TUC has been working with local employers who may consider offering a student, studying a relevant degree, the opportunity of working some paid work whilst studying part or fulltime.

Employers have been invited to the session on 22 June to promote this opportunity to the community members in attendance.

The June session is for students thinking of studying business, accounting, agriculture, agribusiness, town planning and more.

TUC has local employers keen to support students with a cadetship, providing the incredible and valuable opportunity to support their study, work, and early career decisions.

Parents are encouraged to attend to see why choosing to study with the support of TUC allows their young adults to stay here and work and get paid as they enter life after school.

Students who have the above study areas as a current option may consider attending.

Anna Godfrey will facilitate this session so it will be lively and engaging and will wrap up by 6:30 or 7:30 pm at the latest.

The session is FREE and open to anyone to attend, with refreshments provided.

This has been made possible through funding from State Training - Regional Industry Education Partnerships. 

I am happy to meet with anyone who has questions regarding Careers and/or TVET.  The students can write their names in one of the “white spaces” on the timetable on my office door and I can be contacted by phone (6552 3300) or email karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 2 2023

Term 3 2023