Congratulations Year 6! We wish you well and will pray for you as you begin the next exciting stage in your life.

Staff

It’s with sadness that we let you know that Miss Tracey Foster will be leaving us at at the end of this year. Tracey has worked at our school for 22 years and her faithfulness, support of staff and exceptional teaching skills will surely be missed. We wish her well and will keep her in our prayers as she starts this new chapter at Southern Highlands Christian School.

Junior School Musical

We are very excited to announce that next year the Junior School we will be working together to perform the musical ‘Madagascar’ in September 2019.

I like to move it, move it!

Mr Paul Carter
Head of Junior School

In Western society we are told that the most important person in the world is ‘me’. Advertisers have succeeded in convincing many people to live in their own world where fulfilment is found within one’s self by consuming personal pleasure, often causing meaningful relationships to be pushed to the side. The Christian faith stands in contrast to this mindset by saying that individuals are more blessed by what they can do for others than what they can achieve for themselves. Acts 20:38 says “remember the words of our Lord Jesus who said that it is more blessed to give than receive”. Jesus himself encourages us not to lose sight of the importance of what we can do for others and the value this can have for us.

Recent neurological research has shown that carrying out an act of empathy or service for others stimulates the pleasure part of the brain and releases dopamine. Although, at times, the blessing of giving can be immediate, at other times the blessing can come much later, even as late as after Jesus’ return. We ought to teach young people that there is great joy and purpose found in giving to others as Micah 6:8 says: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. God wants us to “love” mercy not to just “do” mercy. Our actions ought to be an overflow of our heart and emotions, not just acts of duty.

Doing good to others reflects God’s love for us and helps us understand his love in a deeper, richer way: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). It would be great for all Shire Christian students to love doing good things for others, or to put it another way, to seek joy in helping others.

Shire Christian School currently offers many service learning opportunities for students such as Peer Support, Samaritan’s Purse, the Year 10 global awareness program, Compassion sponsor children, Cupcake Day, House Leaders, Year 6 buddies, Cru and the Duke of Edinburgh program just to name a few. Some of my happiest moments at our school have been when I have witnessed young people striving to serve and do good towards others with a generous and happy spirit. We have lots to be thankful for!

This year, in the school, more than 45,000 hours of lessons have been taught, thousands of assessments marked, feedback provided, reports written, playground duties performed and countless words of encouragement and affirmation have been given to our students. I am very appreciative of the obvious love our staff have for their students, demonstrated by a deep concern for every young person to learn, grow and flourish.

My prayer for us all, as we reflect over Christmas on God’s gift and act of generosity towards us, is that we might seek and act in ways that are generous towards others more and more, experiencing the words of Jesus for ourselves “it is more blessed to give than to receive”.

Mr Greg Smith
Head of Secondary

Day 5: This morning started at 5:30 am for some to watch the sunrise on the balcony. We were able to revel in the cool morning breeze while watching the golden sun rise over the sea. Then we all headed down the dining hall for a savoury breakfast of fried rice, pad Thai, and stir fried vegetables, noodles, and lamb. Afterwards we all had to get ready to leave for the busy day ahead.

We then took the bus to the Roots house that we were building. In the first day of building we were able to lay most of the bricks needed to build the walls of the house, some people made mud to use for sealing the bricks together, others made render for the inside and outside to finish the house, while the rest of the group were laying or helping those who were laying down bricks. Since the house was almost finished, we needed to seal the bricks to the frame that was already in place. This was to make sure that the walls of the house will be able to stand as long as they’re meant to.

Over the past few weeks, the Year 5 students have been reflecting on what it means to be a leader as they prepared to apply for these important roles. 16 students were then chosen to present a speech at our morning assemblies which they prepared with diligence and delivered with passion. It was great to hear from so many students about what they thought leadership was and ways in which they think they could serve the school. 

After a voting process the 2019 House Leaders have been selected:

• Luther: Josephine Graham and Malachi Smith
• Knox: Hannah Barry and Luke Rolland
• Cranmer: Elizabeth Wilson and Charlie Macpherson
• Calvin: Brianna Abrahams and Lucas Wadds

Congratulations to all the students who applied and those who were selected. 

Mr Timothy Bluhdorn

Santos Flores – I had many favourite activities such as canoeing, archery and of course, free time! But my favourite was free time. I played air hockey, tip, table tennis, soccer and much more. We had something called 'Christian Connect' where we sang songs, read God’s Word and heard a talk about Christianity. This week’s topic was about choices that we make. The food was so much better too. Overall, it was so much fun. I really enjoyed camp this year!

Bethany Russell – Year 6 was the best camp I have ever gone to. There were many thrilling activities and games that we got to do. My favourite was the giant swing! I liked it because it was about 8m tall and we got 3 turns. When I let go of the rope, I fell backwards and swung back and forth multiple times, which made me go wild when the wind swooshed past me!

Abi Grant – One of the activities was a campfire up the hill behind the camp site. Our leader, Matty, took us the longest way possible, which was around the perimeter of the site. At the campfire, we roasted marshmallows, voted for “Camper of the Day” and chatted. I think the best part of the camp was all the conversations during meal times. They were quite interesting with at least one adult at the table (very awkward!) but it was fun all the same. 

Matthew Macarthur – Year 6 went to Teen Ranch this year for a bit of fun and to take a break from all the ‘hard’ work they were doing at school. I think we all agreed that our favourite activity was crate climbing. We got to add crates as we climbed on top. You would have two belayers making sure you didn’t fall and crack your head. We had heaps of fun doing it. Thanks Teen Ranch for letting us stay. Keep up the great work!

Year 6 Rural Fire Service (RFS) excursion

As part of our Geography unit on ‘Bushfires in Australia’, Year 6 had the privilege of visiting our local RFS and talking to a few of the volunteers who give up their time and energy to not only fight fires, but explain their roles to many school students. The students were fascinated by the stories told and the equipment used. They were also surprised to learn that the volunteers have to dedicate much of their time to training and fund raising for equipment, like showing people around on open days, and the upcoming annual ‘Santa Run’ where they drive around in the fire truck and collect donations from the local residents who they willingly serve. The hour that we spent hanging out with the volunteers also included having a go at using a real fire hose. What an amazing experience!

Mrs Sonja Whitaker

Our girls team came into the competition with less experience than the boys but with a whole lot of courage and heart. They improved in every game they played, with helpful training sessions taking place between each game. The improvement was able to be seen every time they played, culminating in playing a very tall team in Regents Park, but this did not intimidate the girls and they went on to win their game! A fantastic effort!

Well done to all students who represented our school amazingly throughout the long day. A massive thank you to our experienced coaches Mr Brendan Macarthur and Mr Filipe Barbosa who both gave of their time selflessly to guide and encourage the teams. Thank you to all the parents who made the trek out there to support both teams!

Mr Tim Bluhdorn

A big congratulations to our Year 8 film makers who took out Best Film at the Linguafest Short Film Competition, and congratulations to Year 10 for receiving 'Most authentic film'. We had a great time after the judging having lunch at the Concordia Club. Year nine worked hard on a beautiful Christmas market event where we blessed the out-going Year 10 class with Currywurst, Glühwein, Pfeffernusse, Stollen and hundreds of fairy lights. Prima!

Mrs Gemma McWhirter 

Students enjoyed listening to Margaret (an Education Officer from the NSW National Parks) explain the diversity, functioning and resilience of flora and fauna. Overall, students rated their experience an average of 8/10 and were complemented on their depth of knowledge. Well done Geo family!

Mr Scott Newton

It didn’t take long for things to go wrong. Sludge took the window seat in the plane, then Sammy couldn’t find his friends, he dropped his plate of food in the restaurant and he couldn’t work out his snorkelling gear and so missed out on seeing any fish! It was a good thing the children could come up with some great ideas for Sammy to problem solve, learn from his mistakes and bounce back to continue enjoying his holiday.

The SocS Puppet Shows are put on by the Learning Support team. Thank you to the lovely Year 9 students who came to help out in the discussions and for being such great role models to our younger students. (Thankfully we all ‘flew’ back to Australia in time for the afternoon bell!)

Mrs Diana Moes

The class walked around The Rocks with tour guides to observe significant historical sites from colonial times. Pairs of students were given iPads where they were able to record their observations and where they could engage with historical sources. Students got to take in sites near Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and next to Sydney Harbour.

Year 9 History came away from The Rocks with a much deeper understanding of the early establishment of their nation and its significance.

Mr Matt Miller

Paul makes this context clear in the letters he wrote to the struggling Churches. The Author of Hebrews affirms this as he writes to encourage people who are almost ready to ‘give up’ in the face of difficulties: “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathised with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:32-36).

I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself of these Scriptural truths more often. I find it quite discouraging to see where our society is heading, and the direction that our whole post-Christian Western Civilisation is going at an ever-increasing rate, because, from a purely human perspective, godless living (and thinking) seem to have gained so much momentum that there is little hope of ever turning things around. Our democratic system of government  certainly gives us no reason for confidence because, as Jesus himself said, “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)! On this basis, referenda can never lead to reformation or revival. Democratic elections will not, of themselves, lead to the establishment of godly leaders who will enact godly policies based on God’s revealed Truth. Yet that’s how it was in the Roman Empire of the First Century, and it’s exactly what the Early Church was up against also.  What did they do? They persevered in proclamation and prayer in spite of the difficulties and setbacks. Luke reported, just before his comment about “the Lord add[ing] to their number daily those who were being saved”, that “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42). Perhaps it’s the ‘prayer’ aspect that we need to be getting more excited about, and more active in pursuing.

We are not constituted as a ‘theocracy’, as ancient Israel was.  But ‘theocracy’ means ‘rule by God’, and is it not true that our Sovereign Lord is still in control of the world, because “by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) - sounds like a ‘theocracy’, or ‘Christocracy’ to me, even if we’re not constituted as such, or fail to recognise ourselves as such!  It therefore seems that the challenge the LORD put to Solomon is equally applicable to us: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).  The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is constituted as a theocracy, so as Christians we can certainly act on the call to ‘humble ourselves and pray and seek his face and turn from our wicked ways’ - and trust him to ‘heal our land’.

May the Sovereign lord of all history, whose coming among us as one of us we are about to celebrate, keep or hearts and minds focussed on him as we wait for him to come again in power and glory to fulfil and restore all things to himself. 

Bruce Christian

• When dropping off students, drivers are asked to move forward to the front of the painted area and not leave gaps between cars. Cars should pull in close to the curb to allow the buses to navigate around the cars.
• If drivers choose to navigate around stationary cars to drop off children towards the front of the drop-off zone, they should proceed cautiously. In most instances, it is preferable that they wait for the cars in front of them to drive off and then move forward into the drop-off area.
• Adults will be asked not to drop off children anywhere other than in the kiss and drop zone, unless they park on the street and bring their children in to the school. Parents are asked not to drop off their children on the concrete strip between the 2 exit driveways.
• Buses will drop off students in the exit lane closest to the oval. The middle exit gate is for cars only.

The form to enrol in the program for 2019 is now available.

If you have any questions or would like to be emailed a brochure of the program, please contact the music department at music@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au.

TAFE TALKS –The first in a series of live events for Parents & Caregivers Join us on Tuesday 11 December at 1.00pm for a Facebook live event and join the discussion on how you can help guide and prepare your son or daughter for their future career. Meet our degree specialist and hear how we can get your teen employed and qualified faster with real world learning and skills. Register your interest at https://www.facebook.com/events/315866895694555/ 

 Get Job Ready - TAFE NSW qualifications + practical skills = Job Ready!  

Find out where the largest employment growth is and the courses that are popular for your students looking into these roles.

We’re keeping you updated about the many benefits of TAFE NSW courses including practical skills, expert teachers delivering quality knowledge and a variety of post-school options. So, what next?  

Our Industry and Career Insights provide you with in-depth and current facts to help you keep your students informed with the realities of their future careers.

Tourism and Hospitality

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/documents/60140/219174/Careers_Snapshot-Tourism_Hospitality_and_Events.pdf

Agriculture, Animal, Horticulture, Environment

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/documents/60140/219174/Careers_Snapshot-Agriculture.pdf

Business and Finance

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/documents/60140/219174/Careers_Snapshot-Business_and_Finance.pdf

No ATAR – No Worries – TAFE Has Hundreds of Options

Hundreds of choices delivered straight to your inbox. With over 1,200 courses to choose from, TAFE NSW can help you find your passion – and turn that passion into a career. We are the #1 choice for education in real-world, useable skills and courses – so take a look at what we have to offer.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ambition

TAFENSW Scholarships

Be recognised. Apply for a scholarship to study at TAFE NSW.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their talents and to fulfil their potential. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve the chance to create a better future through education and training. Every year we award hundreds of scholarships to our students, so make this year your year to be rewarded.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/payment-funding/scholarships

PRIVATE PROVIDERS

Torrens University – Open Day 19 January

Design & Technology - 10.00am to 2.00pm, Ultimo

https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/design-technology-open-day-sydney

Health Open Day - 9.30am to 1.30pm, Pyrmont

https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/health-open-day-sydney

Business Open Day - 10.00am to 2.00pm, The Rocks

https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/sydney-open-day-business

AIE Information Evening for Games Design and Animation

16 January 

Sydney & Canberra

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening. Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide campuses will be opening their doors to visitors eager to find out about upcoming full-time and part-time courses.

https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/information-evening/

College of Event Management Info Session

16 January Suite 202, 88 Foveaux St, Surry Hills

Come and see for yourself why a qualification from College of Event Management will equip you with the right knowledge, practical experience and industry connections to work in today’s global event management industry. Hear from the CoEM Team about the industry, our specialist event management courses and career opportunities. Hear from past students about their experience during the course and where they’ve gone afterwards. Stay around some one-on-one to have all your questions answered.

https://www.collegeofeventmanagement.com.au/info-session/

Billy Blue College of Design Open Day, 19 January, 12.00 to 3.00pm, Ultimo

Billy Blue is a dynamic hub of creative activity all year round and we want you to experience it first-hand! Dip your toe in, or immerse yourself completely by coming along to one of our exciting events designed to show you what life at a Billy Blue campus is all about. Or find a new opportunity that might help open up that door to the next chapter in your life! Bring your curiosity and your questions!

https://www.billyblue.edu.au/news-events/upcoming-events

The Hotel School –Experience Evening 29 January – Sydney. 5.15pm to 7.30pm, Sydney

The Hotel School Sydney is delighted to welcome you to attend a special evening.

This will be a great chance for you to experience our newly renovated campus, meet staff and engage in fun programs and workshops. THSS Experience Evening will commence at 5:15 pm with registration and light canapés. RSVP is essential. Please register through our Eventbrite page.

https://hotelschool.scu.edu.au/events/thss-experience-evening/

NIDA –Holiday Workshops

 Find the right acting course for you. Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting. Build your on screen confidence as you develop skills in improvisation, character development and script work. Rehearse and present live and recorded scenes for family and friends at the end of the course.

https://www.open.nida.edu.au/courses/How+/School+Holidays

UNIVERSITY

UOW College Australia – Preference us on UAC Are your students worried about their ATAR? UOW College can provide your students with an alternative path to the University of Wollongong (UOW). Some of our courses are available as UAC preferences for students with ATAR’s less than the required bachelor entry at UOW. Find out more at www.uowcollege.edu.au/getin-getahead/ or contact Annika at annika@uow.edu.au

Maths in Surveying Event Offered to Female Students During NSW Womens Week 2019 The NSW Surveying Taskforce and the Association of Consulting Surveyors invite female students to a Maths in Surveying Women’s Day on 06/03/19. If selected, students with a love of maths will learn about surveying jobs and meet honoured guests. Register at admin@acsnsw.com.au or read more at https://www.alifewithoutlimits.com.au/wp-content/uploads/NSW-Womens-Week-2019-Letter-to-Career-Advisors.pdf

Women in Engineering Info Day Brunch

15 December. 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Rooms G16 and G17, Tyree Energy Technologies Building, Kensington

The UNSW Women in Engineering Brunch on Info Day is a great opportunity for your students to chat to current students, answer any questions they may have and learn about the opportunities they can be involved in through UNSW's Women in Engineering program. 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-engineering-brunch-registration-52334656366?_cldee=Z2FyeS5ncmFudEBqb2JqdW1wLmNvbS5hdQ%3d%3d&recipientid=contact-5fff33ffa1e7e811a97f000d3ae0654c-ebff0b2d99da42e587c36077a51ca61f&utm_source=ClickDimensions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019%20T1%20Conversion&esid=a3df5e72-9ae7-e811-a971-000d3ae121f5

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

NSW Police Recruitment Information Session- Parramatta - Save the Dates 

• 2 February 9.00am - 12.00pm.  Tickets available 8.00am 18 January 2019
• 13 April 9.00am - 12.00pm.  Tickets available 8.00am 5 April 2019

Attend an information session to find out more about being a NSW Police Officer and the recruitment process.  Sessions are generally run at Police Headquarters, Parramatta. 

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/news/information_sessions

Microsoft Traineeships

Microsoft is proud to launch the Microsoft Traineeship Program, which aims to support over 150 people take their first steps into a technology career.

Commencing with a pilot in Sydney in 2019, the Program will combine a Certificate IV in Information Technology and Microsoft Certifications with paid work experience. This combination of knowledge and experience will set students up to embark upon a successful career, as well as help address the technical skills shortage in Australia.

https://news.microsoft.com/en-au/features/microsoft-traineeship-program-overview/

To apply: http://www.megt.com.au/microsoft-traineeship-program/

Naval Shipbuilding College launch The Naval Shipbuilding College is a partnership of Australian universities, TAFEs, training institutions and industry, working together to align credited training and educational programs with the future needs of the naval shipbuilding industry. Find out more at https://www.navalshipbuildingcollege.com.au/ 

Australian Apprenticeship Support – Subsidised Apprenticeship Wages

The Federal Government announced earlier this week that it will trial a new Apprentice Wage Subsidy program in a bid to reduce youth unemployment levels across regional Australia. The program aims to address current and future skills shortages across the trades sector by incentivising employers in regional areas to take on apprentices in their business. Under the trial, employers who sign-up and commence a new apprentice from 1 January 2019 will be eligible for subsidies for the apprentice’s first three years.

http://www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/News-and-Events/News/regional-youth-unemployment 

International Freight & Logistics Career Opportunities 

The international freight and logistics industry in Australia is seeking interest from students leaving in Yr 10-12, who may be interested in the global freight and logistics industry. There are 2 year traineeships available through the RTO called My Freight Career, who is aligned with the industry association. More information for students, parents and career advisers is available at: 

www.mymv.org

Legal Leaders Delegation – Geneva, Brussels, The Hague, UK, April 2019

Do you dream of being mentored by senior legal professionals in international, criminal and commercial law?

Develop a deeper understanding of the requirements for a career in commercial and business law by meeting with experts at prestigious global firms. Visit global organisations that are reshaping our social values; International Criminal Court, European Union, Committee on the Rights of the Child. Explore the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the HQs of the United Nations, World Vision and the Red Cross in Geneva.

https://events.crimsoneducation.org/LLD/

2019 Construction White Card 

2018 is almost over and 2019 is just around the corner! It’s been a busy year for Advance OHS with over 500 students successfully completing the Construction Induction Course "White Card". Advance OHS. Contact us on office@advanceohs.com.au or 9635 4444.

Girledworld –WOW Summit - University of Sydney 15 and 16 February 

In a rapidly changing technological world, we need to equip the next generation of girls with the future skillsets, entrepreneurial mindsets and practical techsets they need to lead, succeed and thrive in their future careers. 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/girledworld-wow-summit-2019-university-of-sydney-tickets-49828982829

USA and Canadian Camp CCUSA Job Fairs Sydney

9 December. 12.00pm -4.00pm

The Grace Hotel, 77 York St, Sydney

Up to 25 US & 1 Canadian camp hiring in all activity areas at camps in the USA & Canada. Over 400 jobs available. Get to hear directly from the Camp Directors about their camp, what staff they are looking for, what they want to learn about you during your interview. You also have the opportunity to ask the Camp Directors and CCUSA questions.

https://www.ccusa.com.au/MORE-INFORMATION/Camp-Job-Fairs

Teen Boss Magazine

Do you want to start your own #business, but don't know where to turn to? Well, you can begin by using our 8 tips on how you can fund your next business venture to help you! 

Have you had the chance to enter these contests in our latest issue of #teenboss? There's tons of fun and exciting opportunities waiting for you!

https://www.facebook.com/TeenBossMagazine/

What to Wear to an Interview

Wondering what to wear to an interview? You’re not alone. Figuring out your best ‘hire-me’ outfit is a pre-interview dilemma that stumps even the most fashion-forward amongst us. Beyond looking professional and polished, you need an interview outfit that’s a balance between being ‘you’ and a respectful nod to the company culture. 

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/category/dressing-for-work 

21 Job Skills That Will Increase Your Salary

The good news is these skills are valuable! You know you’re a valuable member of the team, the workplace just wouldn’t be the same without you; you’re positive, organised, reliable, a problem solver ... The list goes on; but what happens when it’s salary review time, how do these prized traits come into play? 

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/news-and-views/job-skills

The Best Jobs Of The Future

What jobs will be in demand in the future? You don’t need a crystal ball to find out. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, here are the 8 jobs every company will be hiring for!

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/news-and-views/future-jobs

How Much Do You Need To Earn To Be Happy?

Can money buy you happiness? A study from Princeton University reveals the magic number when it comes to the ideal salary for maximising happiness.

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/news-and-views/how-much-do-you-need-to-earn-to-be-happy

NSW Smart and Skilled

Get the skills you need. Find government subsidised courses and training providers near your location.

https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/

VET. It’s Right Now. Industry Perspectives

“The world of work is changing faster than ever. It’s not that we haven’t had change before, it’s just that the pace has really ramped up. As we go through the rapid change that’s happening at the moment, we’re going to need to keep reskilling and upskilling throughout our lives and VET is the main way of doing that. That’s what VET is all about.” - Sara Caplan, CEO, PwC Skills for Australia.

https://www.myskills.gov.au/rightnow

7 Excellent Career Ideas For Language Learners

Here is an excellent message for all of you who love learning a language.

Are you learning a language to further your career?

‘Do you have a career in foreign languages?

Of all the people I’ve surveyed and listened to over the years, career is one of the most popular motivators for foreign language learning.

The reality is that for most people they don’t actually have a ‘passion’ or deep interest in learning languages like some of us do.’ Read more here:

https://www.mezzoguild.com/foreign-language-careers/

Beyond School Study Guide

The 'beyond school study guide' will help you when you're making important decisions about your future studies.

Check out the factsheets on each of the HELP loans, different pathways to university, and a comparison on what study might look like in the higher education sector or for vocational education and training (VET).

https://www.studyassist.gov.au/beyond-year-12/beyond-school-study-guide

About the Young Achiever Awards

The Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of all young people throughout Australia up to and including 29 years of age as of 31st December each year. No achievement is too small (or big!) and ALL young people should be applauded for their positive impacts on our local and wider communities. Instead of boring you with more text…hear some tips from Michael Usher! Then simply click the link above for your relevant State/Territory to get started.

https://awardsaustralia.com/youngachieverawards/

Degree Costs Fee Structure and Loans

There are countless things to think about when you start sorting through your study options: the course you want to do and where you want to do it, just to name a couple. 

But what about the cost of your course? In the same way as it is helpful to understand the structure of your program and its graduate opportunities, it also helps to know exactly where you stand on the costs front. The cost of your education and how you pay for it vary depending on a few factors, which will be explained below. 

https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/study-information/funding-your-education/degree-costs-and-loans

Financial Assistance and Scholarship Support

There are plenty of costs associated with tertiary study: course fees, books and computer equipment are just a few. If you have additional expenses (such as rent if you need to live away from home), you may be wondering how you will manage on a limited student income. 

If you need financial assistance, you generally have two options as a student: 

• Scholarships 
• Government allowances
• Financial assistance for research students
• Student loans
• Other loan schemes

There are also schemes in place to assist you with the cost of student services and amenities fees and studying overseas. Your institution may also offer additional financial assistance options. Our advice is to investigate your options the minute you begin searching for courses. With the amount of information to get through, it doesn't hurt to start early! 

https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/study-information/funding-your-education/scholarships-and-financial-assistance

A Start in Life

A Start in Life provides support to disadvantaged students to promote educational progression and to help students overcome the educational barriers they face, so they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers. A Start in Life provides support to students from the first year of primary school through to tertiary education. Our Student and Family Management team works in conjunction with parent/ carers, students and educators to set learning goals for each student, and develop a tailored plan of support that addresses the barriers they are facing to their education.

http://www.astartinlife.org.au/index.php/are-we-right-for-you/

‘I Was Told I Could Never Sustain Myself With A Creative Career’

‘In high school, I was warned about picking “too many creative subjects”. I was told it wouldn’t prepare me for work or that my career expectations were unrealistic. Yet 5 years out of school with a string of professional positions under my belt, I’ve learnt firsthand that almost every single job requires a creative mindset’.

https://www.fya.org.au/2018/04/04/make-a-living-creative-career/

Stand Out and be Competitive

View a three part series on 'How to be competitive for jobs' offering tips on connecting with employers and understanding your own preferences. Topic videos covering writing a cover letter, setting goals and more. Check them out at:

https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/videos

https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/video/how-be-competitive-jobs-part-1-getting-know-yourself

https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/video/hot-tips-stand-out-crowd

https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/video/no-work-experience-no-problem