Please follow the initial instructions, log on and select your preferred day and time before Monday 28 March. We will then schedule the event. Once scheduled, please log on again after 6pm to view your interview schedule. 

We trust that you will find the interviews informative and helpful, as we partner together to bring a Christian education to our children.

Please contact the school via email or phone (02 85255111) if you have any difficulty managing this process.

At the assembly I spoke about our ‘Be’ for the week, one of our Rainbow Reminders - Be forgiving not hurtful. As it says in the Lord’s Prayer - forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. A group of Year 6 students performed the parable that Jesus told - The Unforgiving Servant found in Matthew 18. This story teaches us that we should forgive others because of the grace and mercy shown to us by God who has made a way for us to be forgiven through the death of His Son, Jesus. Let’s encourage each other to follow Jesus by forgiving one another, not holding grudges and restoring relationships as a response to God’s grace and mercy extended to us.

How amazing is it that we can take confidence in our position with Christ if we have faith in Him. Let me challenge you to reflect on the words of John Calvin as he says “We are conquerors before we engage with the enemy; for our head Christ has once for all conquered for us the whole world”.

What a truth to behold amidst the craziness of our world at this point in time! It’s been a wild couple of weeks in the Secondary School with a large number of student and staff absences due to COVID. Thanks for your patience and understanding during this time as we all manage this together. Just a reminder that if your child is isolating at home, then they can access work on Google classroom for each subject. Our wonderful Secondary School teaching staff are continuing to post their lesson content up on Google classroom each lesson. 

Secondary Executive Team

I would love to introduce you to our Secondary Executive Team for 2022. This year as you may be aware, Kathryn Breen has stepped into a newly formed role titled the Assistant Head of Secondary. Kathryn has been doing a wonderful job working with students and staff across the Secondary School with a particular focus on Years 9 and 10. With David Stonestreet in the Acting Principal position, Natalie Bluhdorn has now become the Acting Academic Head and is responsible for a range of areas including curriculum, assessment, misadventure, provisions, subject selections, etc. It has been a pleasure working with Kathryn and Natalie closely this year, and the school is certainly well-served moving forwards.

Secondary School Camps COVID Protocols

We are looking forward to our Secondary School camps in the first week back next term, and the opportunity to go away with your children and spend some quality time with them outside of the classroom.

Here is a summary of the COVID protocols and measures in place (aligned with AIS advice) for school camps this year.

Regardless of the unfolding situation and updates regarding COVID, many of these measures are likely to remain the same but we will continue to stay up to date with government and AIS advice regarding camps and send a final reminder of these protocols closer to the date.

Attending Camp

• If your child is COVID positive or isolating at the time of camp, they will not be able to attend camp.
• If your child is displaying COVID symptoms on the morning of departure, they will not be able to attend camp.

Rapid Antigen Tests

• We are strongly encouraging you to get your son/daughter to take a RAT the night before camp starts and send an email to contact@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au if positive and unable to attend camp. You will not be required to display evidence of a negative test result.
• We are asking that you provide your child with two RATs to bring with them to camp. It is expected that permission be granted for your child to self-administer a RAT if they bring their own test and start to display COVID symptoms whilst on camp.
• Wherever practically possible, year coordinators will contact parents prior to a RAT being taken whilst on camp. If you do not give your permission for your child to self-administer a RAT if displaying symptoms, please contact the relevant year coordinator. If your child displays COVID symptoms whilst on camp and they are unable to return a negative RAT, it may result in a request for your child to be picked up early from camp.

COVID Positive Cases

• If a student tests positive whilst on camp, they will be required to isolate and you will need to pick them up as soon as possible. The year coordinator will contact you if this is the case. The student will isolate whilst waiting for you to pick them up.

High Risk Contacts

• If a student who tests positive to COVID has spent a night at camp already, then those students who are in the same cabin are deemed as high risk contacts and are required to isolate for 7 days as a result. Parents of these high risk contacts are required to pick up their children from camp as soon as possible.

Thanks for your understanding with these measures that we are putting in place. Camps play an important role in the social, spiritual and academic development of our students, and I’m pleased they will be able to proceed this year. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s relevant year coordinator. 

Other COVID Reminders

A quick reminder that students are required to stay home from school if they are displaying COVID symptoms on a given day. If they begin to display symptoms throughout the day, they may be sent to the front office and you will likely receive a call to come and pick them up. We do not conduct RAT’s onsite here at school. Thanks for your understanding in this as we navigate these tricky times.

Public Transport

Secondary students are reminded once more that mask wearing is still a requirement when on public transport to and from school, including the school buses. Students may receive an infringement if they forget to bring a mask to wear on the bus. Please also remind your children to tap on and off on the school buses as this is necessary for Transdev to track student numbers on the buses and meet the demand.

Have a great weekend.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Secondary

Titled Ancient Tracks, the work was unanimously selected from around 180 submissions from designers, photographers and artists.

“My artwork Ancient Tracks pays homage to Indigenous navigation and land management, reflecting and speaking to a vibrant evolving-global city,” Toby said in his artist’s statement.  

Toby's former Year 12 Visual Arts teacher at Shire Christian School, Mrs Libby Jackson, said that Toby always had a strong interest in art.

“In his years at school he excelled mainly in drawing and painting, and especially in portraiture, with an interest in his Indigenous heritage,” she said.

“Toby's enjoyment of Visual Arts meant he took this subject right through his high school years. 

“It became clearly evident to his art teachers he had the competent artistic skills and drive to continue his passion at university… he is now a recognised graphic designer,” Mrs Jackson said.

“Toby Bishop, you have made us proud to be your art teachers.”

The artwork will remain on display for almost a year while the building is repainted. 

Just a few blocks away at Sydney’s acclaimed Capitol Theatre, Olivia Vásquez, 2013 Shire Christian graduate, will soon perform in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Olivia joined the cast as Arabia in November last year in Melbourne and is now preparing for the curtain to be raised in Sydney this May.

Olivia’s former drama teacher Mrs Kathryn Breen said it was an amazing achievement.

“I still remember Olivia's strong performance as Nancy in our musical production Oliver. Along with entering the television competition The Voice last year [and turning all four judge’s chairs, joining Jessica Mauboy’s team] she has been part of several professional productions including The Bodyguard: The Musical, In the Heights and West Side Story,” she said.

“It is inspiring to see our alumni students extend on the experience and opportunities they had here in our community,” Mrs Breen said.

Olivia will also appear in her debut feature film in 2022.

In news from behind the camera, Mitchel Loveday who also graduated from Shire Christian School in 2013 has recently found success in cinematography as the managing director of his own production company, Frame Co.

In the past few years Mitchel has created ads for big international brands including Panasonic, Samsung, QANTAS, KFC and P&O. 

Recently, Mitchell, and his crew which included two other Shire Christian graduates (Blake Lisk 2017 and Chelsea Loveday 2014), filmed a promotional video for Shire Christian School.

“Shire Christian School had such an impact on me," he said.

"Being brought up in a caring environment with teachers that love you, care about you and want the best for you – that makes a big difference to who you are. I spent 13 years in this place. Without that care and support I could have been a totally different person,” Mitchel said.

If you know of a Shire Christian School graduate who is thriving in their field, we would love to hear about it. Please contact us at newsletter@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au. 

With his practical background in physics, Mr Harvey is well equipped to help students understand the relevance and importance of mathematics.

“I am looking forward to working with the students at Shire Christian School to help them better understand the sometimes dreaded subject of Mathematics and also guide them as they mature with God,” he said.

“I have lived in the Shire my whole life and am currently attending Miranda Congregational Church. I became a Christian when I was 10 at a church camp and as such, I have a strong commitment to leading on church camps and beach mission to help other children and young adults learn about Jesus.”

Mr Harvey says that he is a bit of a nerd and enjoys playing board games, card games and computer games in his free time.

Mrs Christian was originally a high school Visual Arts and English teacher but has taught many casual classes within primary schools over the years. She is thoroughly enjoying her role at Shire Christian teaching students from Kindergarten to Year 8.

“I have to admit, learning new names for my 11 classes has been challenging, but I am enjoying having the variety of stages and the associated artmaking tasks each day,” she said.

Mrs Christian grew up in Grays Point attending Kirrawee High School but now lives in Wollongong with her husband and three children, with two dogs and three chickens.

“I fell in love with Wollongong when I studied teaching at the university there, but do not mind driving up here three days a week, as the students and staff have been lovely and helpful,” she said.

Mrs Christian and her family are part of the Presbyterian Church in Wollongong. She loves being outdoors with her children and being creative in anything that they’re doing.

“This could be playing at the very muddy park with our two dogs or pruning our very happy garden full of sweet potato and pumpkin vines. We are even growing our first pineapple that we sprouted from a pineapple top from two years ago,” she said.

Mrs Christian’s creativity and care has already been a great blessing to her students at Shire Christian.

Taking over from her on Thursday and Fridays, Mrs Belinda Tilley is a familiar face around the school, having taught in several capacities at Shire Christian since 2011, teaching Year 2, Kindergarten and now Visual Arts.

“I began on Year 2 and they graduated Year 12 last year!” Mrs Tilley said.

“My time here has been permanent, temporary and in casual capacities while I have had my boys. I adore teaching the younger years where I can focus on the foundations of learning and enjoy trying to creatively engage them. Plus, little kids are so much fun,” she said.

Mrs Tilley was raised in the Sutherland Shire and although she didn’t grow up in a Christian family, she has been a follower of Jesus for the past 24 years, after being invited to Jannali Anglican by some of her school friends. She met her husband, Razz, at youth group and they now have two boys, Jackson (4) and Griffin (20 months). 

“They are delightful, challenging, hilarious, tiring, captivating, patience-developing and utterly joyful. Jackson is becoming a little man which is wonderful to watch and try to support him to be godly,” she said. 

“The reason I love teaching at Shire Christian School so much is that I can share God and His greatness in all aspects of my day, Bible lessons with students, discussions with staff, guiding behaviour, exploring art and God’s creativity, when eating lunch and chatting to students. 

“It is a true blessing to pray with my colleagues, students and parents, to lay everything at God’s feet. Our school community have been a true gift to me, from the friendships with staff to student families that are close friends, the prayer warriors and support network, this is family and where I belong,” Mrs Tilley said.

It was a dark and drizzling day in the opening round of the Bill Turner Trophy and the Shire Christian supporters were looking concerned but the girls did a great job to turn it around to progress to the next round.

Well done, girls.

Mr Stewart Holden 

A big congratulations to our representatives and particularly James Seidel who was once again age champion (3 years in a row!).

Our state team competed on the following Monday, with Mrs Brough making her debut as a timekeeper at the Blacktown Aquatic Centre. What an amazing job they did!

State Swimming Carnival competitors:

• Angeline Brough 
• Jacob Fox
• Lincoln Nugteren
• Jemimah Presland
• Will Rupenovic
• James Seidel
• Isabelle Vieira
• Hemi Williams
• Coby Wiseman

Mrs Sonja Whitaker
Junior School Sports Coordinator

It seems that he saw corporate singing as an important way of encouraging one another in the outworking of our faith. I agree with him wholeheartedly, and am thankful for the lyrics and tunes of many songs that have been written over the last few decades that address and inform our contemporary culture.

Nevertheless, I think we have robbed ourselves of much blessing by considering it too ‘yesterday’ to include in our regular worship times the beautiful and inspiring old hymns that our forefathers used to sing! Let me share just two such examples. Most of us are really struggling with God’s providence as our lives are impacted daily by personal tragedy, the pandemic, the floods, and what Russia is doing to the Ukrainians. I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to remain encouraging, upbeat and positive in the current circumstances … so I do find it helpful to sing enthusiastically these two hymns when I’m inside my motorbike crash helmet where no-one else can hear me - so much so that I really miss ever having the opportunity to sing them at church any more!

The first is: “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill he treasures up his bright designs and works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take - the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain.” These words are especially helpful when I reflect on the fact that their author was William Cowper, who suffered from very severe clinical depression but who also wrote, “There is a fountain filled with blood” and “O for a closer walk with God”.

The second is: “Workman of God! O lose not heart, but learn what God is like; and in the darkest battlefield you will know where to strike. Thrice blest is he to whom is given the instinct that can tell that God is on the field, when he is most invisible. He hides himself so wondrously, as though there were no God; he is least seen when all the powers of ill are most abroad. Ah! God is other than we think; his ways are far above, far beyond reason’s height, and reached only by childlike love. Then learn to scorn the praise of men, and learn to lose with God; for Jesus won the world through shame and calls you to his road. For right is right, since God is God, and right the day must win; to doubt would be disloyalty, to falter would be sin.” Sadly, the author of these words, Frederick Faber, after spending time at Oxford under the influence of John Henry Newman, abandoned the Reformed faith in which he had been brought up and embraced Roman Catholicism, but I still find that his lyrics express well how I often feel.

Rev. Bruce Christian

• Staff and students can leave isolation and return to school after 7 days if they have no symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath). A negative test is not required.
• Students who are a ‘household contact’ must isolate at home for 7 days, regardless of a negative test result, commencing from when the diagnosed person took the test. They must have a rapid antigen test (RAT) as soon as possible and again on Day 6 (see Information for people exposed to COVID-19 and Get tested for COVID-19).
• A household contact does not need to self-isolate as a contact more than once in a 21-day period unless the person is diagnosed with COVID-19, in which case they will need to self-isolate again for 7 days as a confirmed case. If more than 14 days have passed since a household contact completed their self-isolation and they are notified of a new case within their household, they will need to isolate again for 7 days unless they have previously tested positive, and it has been no more than 8 weeks since they ceased self-isolating as a positive case.
• If your child has no symptoms and there is a positive case in their class, year or other grouping, they can continue to attend school in line with NSW Health advice. We will communicate to parents about the presence and impact of COVID-19 in our community. Each year group will receive no more than one COVID notification email per week.
• Negative results do not need to be reported to Service NSW or to the school.

We apologise that this was not possible in 2022 but we expect to have them as a stock item in time for next year.

Mr David Stonestreet
Acting Principal

Edstart helps make it easy for you to manage school fees by providing flexible payment plans. You can reduce your annual school fee spend by extending payments over a longer period.

With Edstart, you can fund tuition fees, additional charges such as uniforms, extra-curricular activities as well as amounts in arrears.

To find out more, visit edstart.com.au/shirechristian.

Please note that in providing information about Edstart, the school is not providing any recommendation, brokering or advice services. The school does not receive referral fees, commissions or any other remuneration from Edstart.

Responsibilities:  

• Interpret optical prescriptions
• Provide fashion and practical advice to assist customers in selecting frames
• Patient care management
• Assisting on reception when required
• Keeping patient records up to date
• Study at TAFE part-time whilst training

About the applicant:

• Proven experience within a customer facing role
• Must be able to work at our Chatswood centre
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a team environment
• Completed HSC and interested in studying the Optical Dispenser course at TAFE
• Demonstrated passion for fashion and optometry
• Brings a positive attitude and pro-active approach to work

To find out more about HCF and the available roles Explore Careers - HCF

UNIVERSITY

ACU | Talk with Teachers

Tuesday 5 April 2022, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Online

Join us online to hear from ACU teaching alumni who are working in education. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates and learn about their experiences going from the lecture halls to leading their own classrooms and how they make a difference to young people’s lives.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2022/april/talk-with-teachers

ACU | Talk with Lawyers and Criminologists

Wednesday 6 April 2022, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Online

Join us online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working in legal practice and how they have made an impact. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates to find out where a law degree can take you.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2022/april/talk-with-lawyers-and-criminologists

ACU | Talk with Business and IT Professionals

Thursday 7 April 2022, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Online

Join us online to hear from ACU alumni about their professional experiences after completing a business or IT degree. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates to find out what your future could hold with one of these degrees.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2022/april/talk-with-business-and-it-professionals

UTS | Intro to Computing Science

Monday 2 May 2022, 5:30 pm

Online

With an emphasis on next-generation technologies, computer scientists solve deep problems in computing. They theorise, design, develop and apply computing and software for advanced programs.

Gain an insight into what computing science is all about and find out if it’s right for you. Hear from key academics about what it’s like to study computing science at UTS and how best to prepare.

Find out more: https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/webinars-demand/it-undergraduate-students/intro-computing-science-uts

UTS | Intro to Biomedical Engineering

Tuesday 3 May 2022, 5:30 pm

Online

Learn how biomedical engineering is driving revolutionary technological advances, transforming healthcare delivery and extending the quality and longevity of lives.

Gain an insight into what Biomedical Engineering is all about and find out if it’s right for you. Hear from key academics and students about what it’s like to study Biomedical Engineering at UTS and how best to prepare.

Find out more: https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/webinars-demand/engineering-undergraduate-students/intro-biomedical-engineering-uts

UTS | Intro to Science in Information Technology

Wednesday 4 May 2022, 5:30 pm

Online

With the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, you combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in both computing and business analysis to bridge the gap between business needs and innovation.

Gain an insight into what this course is all about and find out if it’s right for you. Hear from key academics about what it’s like to study IT at UTS and how best to prepare.

Find out more: https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wt0rACpgSJSZb7sEvpNF5g

UTS | Intro to Civil and Environmental Engineering

Monday 9 May 2022, 5:30 pm

Online

Learn how through civil engineering, you can specialise in a range of areas such as Construction, Structures or Environmental. Civil engineers are problem solvers. They determine solutions for infrastructure, big construction, structural design and growing environmental concerns impacting human activity.

Gain an insight into what Civil and Environmental Engineering is all about and find out if it’s right for you. Hear from key academics about what it’s like to study Civil Engineering at UTS and how best to prepare.

Find out more: https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zzynqzhuSQ2hb2CcW_Desw

UTS | Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Program

Wednesday 11 May 2022, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Online

At the core of every organisation is an accountant. Learn about what accounting really is, our Bachelor of Accounting Co-op program and where accounting can take you.

If you are a high achieving school leaver and believe you could be one of Australia’s future business leaders, then the Bachelor of Accounting cooperative education scholarship program has been designed just for you. The Bachelor of Accounting provides you with a multi-skilled accounting degree with strong emphasis on both accounting and financial management, both essential business tools.

In this webinar, meet current students, graduates, sponsors, and staff of this elite program.

Find out more: https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uh9Q3h3ZQvS_gN5YLl6Uiw

ACU | Entry and Pathways for Year 12 Students

Tuesday 24 May 2022, 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Online

ACU has a range of pathways and entry programs available to Year 12 students. Our Future Students team will explain our various options and the eligibility criteria for each one, and you’ll hear from current students about their journeys.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2022/may/acu-entry-and-pathways-for-year-12-students

Introduction to Actuarial Science with ANU

You may have heard of actuarial science, or you might even know an actuary, but do you know what an actuary does? The actuarial profession is a very attractive option for students with a strong mathematical background, being both well remunerated and having an abundance of career path options.

During this online course, created by Associate Professor Adam Butt, you’ll learn how actuaries use mathematical, statistical, economic and business knowledge to understand, quantify and manage financial risks. You’ll experience ‘hands-on’ learning using Excel (or an equivalent spreadsheet tool) to project and investigate the financial condition of a company, choosing appropriate strategies for the company through the use of simulations. You’ll also hear from a wide variety of actuaries about their careers.

The course is suitable for students in Years 11 and 12, is run completely online, and is totally free.

Find out more here: https://www.anu.edu.au/study/events/introduction-to-actuarial-science

UNSW GIE FEAS Program

The GIE FEAS Program is a new alternate pathway program for female-identifying high school students in Year 11 and 12 (school year 2022) who will be applying for an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney and expecting an ATAR within the FEAS eligibility* range.

If you’re a student who wants to make a difference in the world, has an interest in helping others and would love to learn how engineering can solve problems in disadvantaged communities, then this program is for you!

If you are a student in Years 7 to 10 (school year 2022), you can still register for the program however you will not be able to commence the program until you are in Year 11. You will be alerted by email when you become eligible for the program.

Please note you must be a member of the GIE Club to participate in the GIE FEAS Program.

*Most FEAS degrees require a minimum ATAR (+ UNSW ACCESS, if applicable) of 83.00. 

Find out more: https://gieclubfeas.unsw.edu.au/

Private Colleges

SAE | Open House

Sydney: Thursday 5 May 2022, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Online: Sunday 8 May 2022, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Open House is your one-stop event to experience SAE as a student. Whether you want to view student work, specific facilities, or chat with our experienced faculty or advisors, Open House is your chance to meet your people, and experience for yourself, SAE.

Register for Sydney: https://sae.edu.au/event/open-house-sae-sydney/

Register for Online: https://sae.edu.au/event/virtual-open-house/

General

ADF Gap Year Gap Year Videos

No matter what part of the Defence Force you wish to enter  there is a role for you in an ADF GAP Year. See any of the 10 videos showing a wide range of roles you can go into in an ADF GAP Year.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0sCneygGhee5nNS03odp62fGvJLjKj8

Australian Federal Police Roles Within

·       CHILD PROTECTION

·       CYBERCRIME

·       AFP FORENSICS

·       FRAUD AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

·       AFP INTELLIGENCE

·       INTERNATIONAL COMMAND

·       ACT POLICING

·       SPECIALIST AND SUPPORT STAFF

·       SPECIALIST PROTECTIVE COMMAND

·       TRANSNATIONAL, SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME

·       COUNTER TERRORISM AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS

https://jobs.afp.gov.au/

Australian Federal Police Recruitment Requirements

To successfully become an AFP officer, you must be trustworthy, respectful, accountable, fair and committed to using intelligent action to outsmart serious crime.

To ensure we are able to stay a step ahead, we’re looking for people who are committed to our principles of prevention, deterrence, collaboration and innovation.

To be a police officer or protective service officer in the AFP, you must: 

·       Be 18 years of age or over 

·       Be an Australian citizen 

·       Hold a valid full, provisional or automatic-only driver’s licence 

·       Have at least a Year 10 certificate with a Cert IV/Diploma level qualification or Trade Certificate. University-level qualifications are welcomed 

·       Complete and submit the AFP Employment Suitability Questionnaire

·       Provide your traffic history

·       Undergo security vetting 

·       Undergo drug and alcohol testing

·       Meet character standards – if you have a history of breaking the law (even as a juvenile) or associating with people who are well-known to law enforcement, you may not be able to work for the AFP.

Visit the Application and Recruitment Process page for more detailed requirement information.

https://jobs.afp.gov.au/become-an-officer/eligibility

Forensics Work Experience Years 10, 11 and 12 with the Australian Federal Police

register your interest for the 2023 program now.

The AFP Forensic Training Team are planning to host a work experience program targeted at students enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12.

The program is designed to give high school students an understanding of what a career in forensics involves, and the opportunity to engage with AFP members working in contemporary forensic roles. We will be looking for candidates who are keen to pursue a career in a science-related field and who have a demonstrated interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/operational-support/forensics/2022-forensics-work-experience-program

goIT Girls – Virtual Work Experience Program

In 2022 the program will provide opportunities for 100+ young women from Years 10 and 11 who are curious about a career in technology from around Australia to participate. In this TCS-run, week long work experience program, students will meet inspiring senior executives and learn all about the growing number of jobs available in STEM, as future innovators, problem solvers and technology professionals!

Students do not need any prior experience with technology to participate in the program. There is no cost for your school or the student to take part in goIT Girls. 

https://tcsempowers.tcsapps.com/apac/users/goit-girls-home

Letz Live | NZ Gap Year Online Webinar

Thursday 31 March 2022, 5:30 am

Online

With New Zealand’s border opening plan in place we’re here to provide more information on a Gap Year in this beautiful country. Typically for residents of The UK, South Africa, Australia and anyone eligible for a working visa in New Zealand or New Zealand passport holders.

If you’re thinking about a Gap Year for 2023, please note applications close on 17 April.

Find out more: https://www.letzlive.org/information-sessions/

ADF Open Day, Nowra

Saturday 2 April 2022, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Join us at the ADF Open Day and discover what life is like in the Navy, Army and Air Force. Come meet serving personnel and get your questions answered.

The Open Day is a great opportunity to check out some of our equipment and learn about all the careers available in the Australian Defence Force.

Join us for a fun day exploring army simulators and defence vehicle displays!

Find out more: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/events-detail/r5axqov

NIE | UCAT and Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Information Session

Thursday 14 April 2022, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Online

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is proud to present the free information seminar all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine, dentistry, and some other health science programs. This is not a sales/advertising/promotional seminar. The session is packed with invaluable information during which we will be covering the following topics and more.

This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to find out about the UCAT and to have their questions answered by an expert who has been working in the field since 1999.

• What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
• The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
• Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
• When and who can sit the UCAT
• UCAT vs GAMSAT – How is UCAT different?
• Can you prepare for the UCAT?
• Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice
• Gap Year
• Alternative degrees and career choices
• Q & A

Find out more: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_orjrbqGnQLmvuvRuItA9SQ

Careers at Council – Look at all the areas where you can work! 

Take your first step towards an exciting new career

The scale and diversity of the work we do means Local Government can offer you many different career paths.

We also provide training and development opportunities and further education.  If you add the ability to make a real difference in your community, there’s no better place to start or grow your career.

https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/career-areas/

Plan Now for the AgriFutures – What is your Favourite Ag Industry ?

Learn the various professional options in the agriculture and farming industries and where they are heading. Select from a range of options to see what it represents to our nation and where you want to head.

·       Chicken Meat

·       Rice

·       Honey Bee & Pollination

·       Ginger

·       Tea Tree Oil

·       Pasture Seeds

·       Export Fodder

·       Thoroughbred Horses

·       Kangaroo

·       Buffalo

·       Deer

·       Goat Fibre

·       Emerging Industries

https://www.agrifutures.com.au/rural-industries/

5 Technology Careers in Disaster Relief

For the last few weeks out thoughts have been with those affected by the devastating NSW and Queensland floods, and we are in awe of their resilience and strength. If you’re passionate about STEM + helping out others there are loads of rewarding behind-the-scenes tech roles in disaster relief. 

https://careerswithstem.com.au/disaster-relief-stem-careers/?utm_source=Refraction+Media&utm_campaign=4351d244e9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_04_04_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_20dc88b9ea-4351d244e9-148898187&mc_cid=4351d244e9&mc_eid=5a58dfdde9#gsc.tab=0

Basair | Pilot Career Seminar

Monday 18 April 2022, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Basair Aviation College, Bankstown Aerodrome

Learn about career paths, salaries, entry level jobs, qualifications, pilot courses and everything you need to know about becoming a Commercial Pilot in less than a year at Basair.

Find out more: http://www.basair.com.au/Events/Register/235

Ocean Youth Program

Ocean Youth is about building tomorrow’s leaders and change makers to conserve and protect our oceans. As part of the program you will gain skills and implement solutions to some of the big, hairy issues our oceans face, and influence others to do it too.

The face to face program is aimed at high school aged students and delivered over a calendar year in Sydney, Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, and Tasmania. The program consists of interactive, immersive, and skills building activities. There is also an online program for those who can’t attend the in-person program.

The cost of the face to face program varies as the program varies across locations. Access to the Ocean Youth online platform is free.

Find out more and sign up here: https://www.oceanyouth.org/oy-program/

Careers & Jobs

Searching for your dream course

Looking for the perfect course to study? Going through every single university website and seeing if they offer the course you want can be tedious.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do that. This is where Course Seeker comes in.

What is Course Seeker?

Course Seeker is a comprehensive database of tertiary courses on offer from universities and private providers across the country.

It makes it easy to find your dream course. You can filter your search by subject area, location, duration, qualification level, institution type, and more.

You can also see the entry requirements for each course, so you can work out which courses you might be eligible for in a flash.

You also get other handy info, like the course duration, whether you can study part-time, and the campuses where the course is offered.

You can also add courses to your shortlist, which lets you easily compare them when you’re trying to make a decision. In your shortlist, you can also compare indicative course fees, whether or not Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available, and if there are any prerequisites, plus more.

And if you click on a course, you can see all the information you’ll need, including majors, extended admissions criteria, the date the course will start next, and more.

Get searching

Find the course of your dreams here: https://www.courseseeker.edu.au

Looking for something similar for VET courses? Try MySkills.

How to become a General Practitioner (GP)

General Practitioners (GPs) are specialist, community based Doctors trained to care for people of all ages, all walks of life, and with all types of medical issues and concerns. They focus on the health of the whole person, combining preventative, physical, psychological and social aspects of care.

If you’re a people person with lots of empathy and patience, that thrives on variety but handles hum-drum too, then a career as a GP could be perfect for you.

About you:

• Great interpersonal and communication skills (good “bedside manner”)
• Good critical thinker and problem solver
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently
• Open-minded and non-judgemental
• Dedicated
• Interest in continued learning
• Decisive and organised

The job:

• Conducting examinations of patients and questioning them about their health status to make diagnosis
• Ordering lab tests, x-rays and other medical diagnostic procedures where necessary
• Prescribing relevant medication
• Administering simple medical treatments/procedures such as immunisations, skin cancer removals & applying stitches
• Monitoring patients
• Providing general health advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle habits to prevent or recover from illness
• Referring patients to other healthcare professionals
• Arranging admission of patients into hospital
• Recording and organising patient records
• Training and supervising medical students/trainee doctors
• Keeping up to date with the latest medical treatments and medications relevant to general practice/primary healthcare
• Reporting births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities

Lifestyle Impact: Medium

• Part Time opportunities: Low – around 28% of GPs work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Average hours for full-time workers: 46 hours a week, which is above average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• GPs’ salary (average) $130,000* per year (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
• Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• You will be doing most of your work indoors, in hospitals and private clinics. You may have the opportunity to travel to a patient’s home.
• The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s important that you have the resilience to withstand the rigours of the job.
• More than half of workers reported that they regularly work overtime or extra hours (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).

General Practitioners are most in demand in these locations: 

This is a large occupation, with around 68,200 people working as General Practitioners in Australia in 2020 (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). Demand for General Practitioners is spread evenly across Australia – there is usually a greater demand for medical professionals in rural and regional areas. Most General Practitioners work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

How to become a General Practitioner in Australi

Becoming a GP is quite a long and involved process. You will need to complete an accredited university-level qualification, before completing an internship and further specialist training.

Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English and Maths. Biology, Chemistry and Physics might also be useful.

Step 2 – Complete an Ahpra-approved medical program. This can be at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. You can find a full list of approved qualifications here.

Step 3 – Complete a period of accredited intern training to become eligible for general registration.

Step 4 – Complete a fellowship qualification from either RACGP or ACCRM.

Step 5 – Once you’ve finished your fellowship, apply for specialist registration with Ahpra.

Step 6 – Start working as a fully qualified GP.

Find out more here –

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/

https://www.medicalboard.gov.au

http://www.cpmec.org.au/

https://www.acrrm.org.au

https://www.racgp.org.au

Similar Careers to General Practitioner

Surgeon

Paediatric Doctor

Pathologist

Dentist

Optometrist

Podiatrist

Opthalmologist

Sonographer

Find out more about alternative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do General Practitioners do?

General Practitioners are responsible for the general care and wellbeing of their patients. While they may not be able to treat specialised problems, they can guide patients on almost all general ailments and injuries.

What options are there for career progression?

Becoming a General Practitioner takes time, and for many people it is the end goal for their career. However, you might like to specialise even further down the line, and work in Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oncology, Radiology, Pathology, or more.

Do I need to go to university to become a General Practitioner?

Yes, you will need to go to university and complete thorough additional training before you are qualified to practise as a GP in Australia. This process can take anywhere between 10-15 years.

Where do General Practitioners work?

There is demand for GPs across all of Australia, particularly in rural and regional areas. There might be less competition for jobs in these areas.

What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a General Practitioner?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a General Practitioner is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:

1. Start researching university options as soon as possible. The application process can be involved and you need to check prerequisites carefully. Our Entry to Medicine Guide is a great place to start.
2. See if you can find work experience in a health related setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
3. Talk to a GP to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in medicine.

Job Spotlight

How to become a Meteorologist

Meteorologists are weather specialists, using science and algorithms to predict weather patterns and events. They track local weather, measuring things such as rain levels and wind, as well as larger weather events, such as heat waves and cyclones. They also provide advice and forecasting before and during natural disasters.

If you have a passion for science and maths, are a great problem solver, and want a job that can be unpredictable and varied, becoming a Meteorologist could be right up your alley.

About you:

• Excellent problem solver
• Analytical with great maths skills
• Great tech skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Fantastic communicator
• Curious and inquisitive
• Can work in teams and alone

The job:

• Studying the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere
• Tracking developing weather systems and events
• Gathering data on weather conditions and making predictions
• Providing weather forecasts to the media and public
• Forecasting both short- and long- term weather patterns
• Deploying technology, such as radars and satellites, to obtain data
• Advising governments on disaster prevention and preparedness
• Researching larger climate events, such as climate change
• Studying old meteorological data to find trends and patterns

Lifestyle Impact: Low

• Part Time opportunities: Low – around 20% of Meteorologists work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Average hours for full-time workers: 42 hours a week, which is average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Meteorologists’ salary (average) $70,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
• Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• You will be doing most of your work indoors, in offices and on computers. There might be some opportunity to do field work.
• Around a third of workers reported that they regularly work overtime or extra hours (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). You might need to be doing work on-demand during natural disasters, no matter the time of day.

Meteorologists are most in demand in these locations: 

This is a small occupation, with only around 680 people working as Meteorologists in Australia in 2016 (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). Demand for Meteorologists is highest in Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT. Most Meteorologists work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry.

How to become a Meteorologist in Australia

To work as a Meteorologist, you will need at minimum an undergraduate qualification in Science, Physics, or Meteorology.

Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English, Maths, and Physics.

Step 2 – Complete a relevant undergraduate degree. Some examples include:

• Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics or Atmospheric Science
• Bachelor of Mathematics

Step 3 – Consider upskilling with a postgraduate qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology.

Step 4 – Find work as a Meteorologist.

Step 5 – Continue building on your skills throughout your career.

Find out more here –

http://www.bom.gov.au/

https://www.amos.org.au/

Similar Careers to Meteorologist

Climatologist

Environmentalist

Conservationist

Physicist

Computational Biologist

Geologists

Weather Reporter

Find out more about alternative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do Meteorologists do?

Meteorologists are responsible for predicting and tracking weather events and systems of all kinds, including rain and thunderstorms, cyclones, tornadoes, fires, extreme winds, and more.

What options are there for career progression?

You will probably start out as a Junior Meteorologist, working under the supervision and guidance of more experienced workers, before working your way up into senior roles. Eventually you might like to move into roles in research, or even education.

Do I need to go to university to become a Meteorologist?

Yes, you will most likely need a university-level qualification to find work as a Meteorologist in Australia.

Where do Meteorologists work?

Meteorologists can work in a variety of different settings, including for government agencies, not-for-profit companies, science and research labs, and even in some private settings. They can also work in more community-focused roles, educating the public on disaster preparedness.

What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Meteorologist?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Meteorologist is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:

1. Consider taking short courses and workshops in Meteorology, such as the Introduction to Meteorologyfrom the BoM.
2. See if you can find work experience in a science- or weather-related setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
3. Talk to a Meteorologist to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in science or weather.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way! Psalm 46:1-2

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.  Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5 v 1-2)