Term 3 - Week 2
Acting College Principal
Welcome back to Term 3. It has been a busy two weeks as we welcomed students and staff back from their break.
The College may have been closed but there was still a lot happening. Many of our Year 12 students were present at school working with their teachers in preparation for the upcoming Trial HSC examinations and the finalisation of Major Works. Trials begin on Monday 31st July and we wish our students all the best. With a Year 12 class of my own, I can attest to how hard they are working towards these exams.
NAPLAN results arrived at the College this week and were distributed to students on Wednesday 26 July. Please take the time to read through these results and let the College know if you have any questions or concerns regarding your daughter’s NAPLAN report. Sarah Rowland, our Leader of Data and Growth has included more detailed information about NAPLAN and the changes to reporting in 2023. In particular, the individual student report (ISR) which provides a summary about what students know and can do within each proficiency level.
I had the opportunity this week to support our Junior Girls Football team and watch them play in the Sydney Catholic Schools Winter Championships. They played with their hearts and despite the loss to Penshurst Marist, they were excellent ambassadors for Bethany in their sportsmanship, dedication and passion. We took students from Year 7 and 8 to watch the game and they were loud and proud in their support of the players. Congratulations to our players, and their coaches Ms Eldahaby and Ms Gordon. A special mention, thank you and congratulations to Mr Papoulis, one of our parents, who also coached, gave advice and encouragement to the girls. We appreciate it!
Kristina Flanagan,
Acting College Principal
Acting Assistant Principal
As we embark on Term 3, it is essential to create a conducive learning environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and a sense of community within our school. For this, we draw on the three pillars of Bethany:
Faith, in its essence, goes beyond mere religious beliefs. It encompasses the trust and confidence we have in each other, in ourselves, and in the power of education to transform lives. At Bethany, we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of diverse backgrounds and cultures that unite us as one community. We believe that by fostering an inclusive environment, where every voice is heard and respected, we can build bridges of understanding that transcend differences. Our faith in education itself is unwavering. We firmly believe that knowledge has the power to enlighten minds, break down barriers, and create a better world. Through the pursuit of knowledge, we seek not only to understand the world around us but also to find our place within it, recognising our responsibility to make a positive impact.
The second pillar of our school is intellect – the drive to seek wisdom, to question, to explore, and to challenge the status quo. We are committed to ongoing development of a rigorous academic curriculum that ignites curiosity and encourages critical thinking. Our educators are passionate about empowering each girl to unlock their potential, to discover their unique talents, and to excel in their chosen fields. But intellect extends beyond the classroom. We understand that true learning doesn't stop at the school gate. It is a lifelong journey, and we strive to equip students with the tools to become independent, lifelong learners. Whether it be in the pursuit of academic excellence, artistic expression, or athletic prowess, we celebrate all forms of intellectual achievement and encourage students to embrace opportunities that enrich their minds and souls as they begin this academic semester.
Character, the final pillar is the essence of who we are when no one is watching. At our core, we believe in cultivating not just scholars but also individuals of integrity, compassion, and resilience. Character is not built in a day; it is a cumulative result of our daily choices and actions. We aim to instill the values that will guide students in navigating life's challenges with grace and humility. Honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility are not merely words on a page; they are principles that we live by and integrate into every aspect of our school community.
Together, faith, intellect, and character form a threefold cord, unbreakable and resilient. They create an environment that values respect and sets high expectations, crucial for the holistic development of our students. By welcoming students back to school and reminding them of our shared expectations, we aim to foster a positive and respectful atmosphere that enhances the overall learning experience for everyone involved. Together, as a united school community, we can cultivate an environment where each individual thrives and achieves their full potential.
We wish all our students a fruitful Semester 2.
Important dates for Term 3: | |
31 July - 14 August | Year 12 HSC Trial Exams |
2 August | Parent information evening - Headspace |
16 August | Year 7 Vaccinations: Dose 2, Visit 3 |
21 August | Bethany Day |
21 September | Last day of classes for students |
22 September | Staff spirituality day |
Sara Camporeale,
Acting Assistant Principal
Assistant Leader of R.E. and Mission
The Feast of Martha, Mary and Lazarus
On Saturday, July 29 the global Catholic community will celebrate the Feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Whilst it is important to all Catholics, the Feast holds great significance to our College community. Throughout the Religious Education Curriculum and pastorally in the daily life of the College, students are encouraged to reflect upon the story of these influential siblings to celebrate the attentiveness of Mary, the service of Martha and the unwavering loyalty of Lazarus. In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason, the Gospel of John states that he loved them.
Bethany became a special place for Jesus, a place where he could rest and feel at home and talk quietly with his friends in an atmosphere of affection. Jesus felt truly loved by Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and I encourage you to reflect on the following words of Saint Josemaria:
“We enter that house in Bethany, a resting place always open to Jesus. There our Lord has a home, as I have so often told you; a home like the one He should find in our hearts, in our centres, in our tabernacles, because we treat Him well, and we will strive to wait for Him and love Him more each day. Bethany moves me; it has always moved me.”
Just like the town of Bethany, may Bethany College continue to be open to Jesus, a home for many, a place where we find time for friends, faith and love through loyalty, attentiveness and service.
Youth Mass
Pope Francis touches upon the importance of the Eucharist and Mass. He states it is where we find our strength for daily life, where Christ gives us the strength to live each day with courage. Our Monthly Youth Mass at St Michael's Parish provides our staff, students and families with an enriching, hands-on experience exploring different ministries within the Church. Thank you to all students who continue to participate wholeheartedly in the Youth Mass to strengthen their relationship with God and our local Parish.
I also want to thank Mr Michael Cindric for his continued support and leadership in music ministry, which ensures a reverent and lively Mass. If your daughter or family would like to attend our Monthly Youth Mass, it is held every fourth Sunday of the month at St Michael's Parish, Hurstville, at 6 pm. Further information will be communicated with students via Compass closer to the date of the next Mass.
Bayside Vinnies Van Service
The Bethany Community has been supporting the Vinnies Van Service for six months, and to say it is has been a fruitful and worthwhile experience is an understatement. The College staff, students and families have collaborated effectively to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable in our community are met. On Friday, July 21, Mrs Kathleen Vale and I took four Year 11 students out to the local community of Eastlakes to distribute sandwiches, soup, snacks, and hot drinks to those who have found themselves going through tough times.
“Last Friday night, a few Bethany girls volunteered to assist in the St Vincent's Night Patrol. This experience was a great opportunity to understand just how blessed and fortunate we are as we witnessed first-hand the struggles of individuals who don't have access to food, and just want to see a friendly face. It was a heartwarming and humbling experience as we served people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, many of whom just wanted to talk to us. They often told us about how the increased cost of living caused them to sacrifice many things that we would consider necessary, such as beds and certain hygiene products, and they told us how food for them was seen as a luxury and not a certainty. Doing night patrol has taught us how much we used to take for granted and how it is everyone’s duty to help out in whatever capacity they can to assist others. Overall, this experience was extremely eye-opening, and honestly a very pivotal experience that we will never forget. We implore all the girls to put their names down for Night Patrol, it will truly change their perspective on so many things.”
- Hannah Cabot & Holly Boyd (Year 11)
Whilst all spots for the Vinnies Van Service have been filled, we have an extensive reserve list that is continually growing. If your daughter is 16 and older and wants to add her name to the list, please email me at perrin.jones001@syd.catholic.edu.au.
Perrin Jones,
Assistant Leader of Religious Education and Mission
Teaching and Learning News
NAPLAN
NAPLAN results for the year 2023 were sent home this week with your daughter. NAPLAN, as you know, is an important national assessment that provides valuable insights into your child's literacy and numeracy skills, helping us tailor our educational approach to better meet their needs.
NAPLAN has undergone significant changes in 2023 to ensure its continued effectiveness in assessing your child's academic progress. One of the notable updates is the transition from numerical bands to proficiency standards. These changes have been implemented to provide a more clear and detailed understanding of your child's capabilities in literacy and numeracy at the time of NAPLAN.
Instead of numerical bands, the NAPLAN 2023 results will be reported against four proficiency levels:
Exceeding - the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong - the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing - the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs additional support - the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
Below is an example of what the results will look like.
The shift from numerical bands to proficiency standards allows us to gain a clear understanding of your child's strengths and areas for improvement. It helps us identify specific areas where they may excel or need additional support, enabling us to tailor our teaching strategies to best meet their individual needs.
We encourage you to take some time to review your child's NAPLAN 2023 results with them and discuss their achievements. If you require any further information please do not hesitate in contacting the college.
Year 12 Trial Exams
Best of luck to our Year 12 students who embark on their HSC Trial examinations on Monday. Embrace the challenge and give it your best effort. Your teachers, families, and friends are here to support you every step of the way.
Year 12 students were provided with the following Trial HSC Exam Guidelines this week. We ask that families are aware of the rules and responsibilities of each student. In the event that a student is unable to attend an exam due to Illness or Misadventure, please notify the College on the day of the exam and obtain independent evidence to verify the absence.
Good luck to all students
Mote - Voice Feedback Tool
Over the last few terms staff at Bethany have been trialling an exciting software app called Mote. This is a voice app that allows teachers to provide instant feedback and comments on student work. Due to the success of the trial, Bethany has purchased a licence for all staff and students. This means that students can listen to the feedback provided by their teachers and make the necessary changes to their work. Furthermore, students will be able to leave voice notes for their teacher to demonstrate their understanding about their learning.
Students will be sent an email over the coming week with instructions on how to get started. If you would like to see more about Mote, please visit their website.
Dorian Kipriotis Sarah Rowland
Leader of Curriculum Leader of Data and Growth
Wellbeing
It’s very pleasing to note that all Year groups currently have an at or over 90% average attendance for 2023. At this week's assembly we launched a new attendance initiative for the College. Students will now have access to their attendance percentage for the year and this will be updated fortnightly. We have asked each girl to be aware of how they are tracking and to make an improvement if necessary. Additionally we have a Year group attendance challenge starting this term - named “Attendance Avengers”. The cohort with the highest average attendance at the end of term will be treated to a special lunch. Let’s see who the best Year group is - at present Year 12 and Year 7 are leading the stats!
Year 7 | 94% |
Year 8 | 92% |
Year 9 | 90% |
Year 10 | 90% |
Year 11 | 90% |
Year 12 | 94% |
Whole school | 92% |
Parent information evening
Please join us for our second Parent Information evening next Tuesday August 1st from 6~7 p.m. Our school counsellor, Simone Nind, and Amy from Headspace will be speaking on Understanding mental health in young people. Please complete this form as your RSVP if you have not already done so. The evening will be held in the College library.
Parent and Student Resources:
Upcoming webinar for parents – How to Help Get (& Keep!) Your Child Motivated
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday 2nd August
How to Help Get (& Keep) Your Child Motivated
Click here to register for free
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
What impact does praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation?
What are the best type of goals to be setting with your child?
How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation?
Free event: Understanding anxiety: Supporting your tween/teen (Sutherland & Online)
Sutherland Shire Libraries will host this free event for parents and carers that explores how anxiety presents itself in tweens and teens, and provides strategies to help understand and support children to cope with anxiety. Not suitable for children.
Thursday 27 July, 6-7.30pm
Sutherland Library, 30-36 Belmont St, Sutherland OR Online
More information and registration
Free online parenting course to build stronger relationships with teenagers
This 6-week free online course is for parents and caregivers of teenagers living in the Sutherland area. Facilitated by a family therapist, the sessions will examine what makes the teenage years so difficult, how to help young people accept their feelings, and communicating with your teenager. Course material is provided. Bookings essential. Organised by Project Youth. More information HERE.
Tuesdays, from 1 August, 6:30-8pm
Bookings: contact Yvonne McDonell on 0409 798 124 or yvonne@projectyouth.org.au
From the Council of Catholic School parents:
As part of CCSP’s ongoing collaboration with eSafety we are holding a parent education webinar Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting on 15 August 2023.
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
- the impact of sharing nude images without consent
- practical suggestions for starting the chat about respectful relationships, consent and pressure to send nudes.
- where to get support for a young person who has experienced abuse.
- the impact of sharing nude images without consent
Tuesday 15 August 7.30pm – 8.00pm: Register here
Finally an interesting article on Gratitude and emerging research demonstrating that expressing gratitude actually changes the brain and its mechanisms, and ultimately improves mental health.
Charlotte Buxton,
Leader of Wellbeing
Year 10 Writing Competition
During Semester 1, the Year 10 Newman class were invited to enter the Whitlam Institute’s What Matters? Writing Competition. Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia's future, the competition provides students with an opportunity to respond to the simple question 'What Matters?' to them. Students can write in any form - fiction, non-fiction or poetry. This year, the Institute received a total of 4,991 entries to this year’s competition, encompassing a sum of 2.2 million words across 691 schools written by students to express what really matters to them.
Congratulations to Milly Costa whose entry, The Eternal Flame of Prometheus, has been shortlisted in this year’s competition. Many congratulations to Milly!
The Eternal Flame of Prometheus
Love was a place.
It wasn't an island,
Where you felt deserted and helpless,
Where no matter where you looked,
You only saw the endless blue.
It wasn't this inescapable reality.
Nor was it the shores of a cliff,
Waves crashing against the stone wall,
No escape from the merciless water,
Only the thundering force of thinly veiled hatred.
It wasn't wave after wave throwing you down.
It was cold winter nights by the fireplace,
Or fireworks on the beach.
It was candles and soft touches,
And a lantern, providing solace from the night.
Inexplicable warmth.
But what would I know?
I was stuck on the island,
And drowning in the waves,
More than anything I wanted out.
I wanted by the fire.
But who was I kidding?
An out was nothing less than a miracle performed by God,
And nothing more than the unyielding grasp of Thanatos.
I was on the island, and you were the water.
Comfort and security,
Deceit and manipulation.
You were all I had,
This all-encompassing presence.
Nothing for miles, with nowhere to run.
The waves didn't stop coming,
These mountains of your so-called love,
Even when I begged.
You were never the fire,
And the fire was never coming,
Never near enough.
When fire needed oxygen,
You needed nothing,
Nothing but yourself.
I was drowning in you,
And because of you.
The fire seemed so far away,
When it should have been right here,
With you.
MILLY COSTA - Bethany Catholic College
Shirley Woo,
Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator
Performing Arts
Congratulations to the Year 12 Drama class on a successful HSC Drama showcase last week. Students performed and presented their Individual Performances/Projects along with their Group Performance to friends and family, in preparation for their HSC Performance exam later this term. It was a wonderful celebration of creative talent on display with acting, original devised theatre, design, and directorial vision. Well done!
Ms.Iffland and Mrs Kekatos
Drama Teachers
VET News
Every year, The Youth Partnership conducts the VET Excellence Awards to acknowledge the achievements of Year 12 VET students.
This year, it is my pleasure to announce that Gabriella Fede was successfully nominated to represent Bethany College for 2023.
Gabriella currently studies three VET courses: Hospitality, Early Childhood Education & Care and EVET Baking. She was nominated for her diligent work ethic, mature approach to her learning and high levels of professionalism in all areas.
In September, Gabriella will attend an awards ceremony where the winners will be announced. We wish her all the very best of luck!
Cassandra Bartels,
VET Coordinator
ATSI News - Taghara Program
Celina Sukkar and Sienna Grasso were accepted into the Taghara Residential Program at Sydney University during the school holidays. What a wonderful week, full of new opportunities and memorable moments. Bethany College is very proud of Celina and Sienna.
The Taghara Program is a week-long program held by the University of Sydney for Aboriginal year 12 students across Australia. The week included a range of activities that were academic, educational and fun!
The other students along with Sienna and myself learnt about the many pathways we could use to get into the university, which really helped relieve the stress we had about the upcoming HSC and trial exams.
There were also multiple sessions that allowed us to have some personal study time, with the help from subject specific tutors.
At the end of each day we had a fun activity planned for us including a night at Archie Brothers Arcade, a performance at the Opera House and a screening of the State of Origin: allowing us to have time to socialise with the other students and create new friendships.
Overall, the Tahgara Program was a really exciting and helpful opportunity for Aboriginal students to learn about the University of Sydney and the overwhelming amount of support they provide to students, as well as an opportunity to create lifetime memories with new friends.
Celina Sukkar, Year 12
Jina Sotirios,
Diverse Learning and ATSI Support
Sport News
SCS WINTER FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to our Junior Football Team who were successful in making the Sydney Catholic Schools Grand Final. The team defeated Rosebank College 7-0 in Week 1, displaying team work and skill. Victoria Alpheris and Annie Markou each scored, whilst Danielle Raad had two to her name and finally, Natalia Busevski put three away!
After an outstanding performance, the girls progressed to the SCS Winter Championship Grand Final earlier this week where they faced Marist Penshurst, and came in as runners up. Each and every one of our girls showed unwavering dedication, passion, and sportsmanship throughout the entire match. We are so proud of the effort and hard work you put into every game, both on and off the field. A special thank you to all Staff and Coaches for all of your time and support.
It was also great to see students from Years 7 and 8 supporting the players, and even in defeat the cheers did not stop! Congratulations to Erin McAllister who was awarded the Players’ Player by Marist Penshurst.
SCS REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY 7's AND AFL
Bethany will be competing in the Sydney Catholic Schools Representative AFL and Rugby 7s Competition in Term 3. The competition will be played at Barden Ridge and Riverwood Park respectively, and will be played from Week 3 - Week 9.
SCS U16’s GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE
Congratulations to Jessica Brightwell, Sophia Brightwell, Charlotte Teplicanec, Emily Teplicanec and Sarah Byrne who have been selected in the Sydney Catholic Schools U16s Rugby League Team. The girls will be attending the NSWCCC trials held on Wednesday 16th August (training afternoon) & Thursday 17th August (Competition Day). Good luck!
AUSTRALIAN ALL SCHOOLS RUGBY 7's CHAMPIONSHIP
During the school holidays Jessica Brightwell in Year 11 went into camp with NSW schools and competed over four days at the Australian All Schools Rugby 7’s Championship. Jessica and her team had a great week of rugby and came up against QLD in the finals, it was a nail biting game, with NSW defeating QLD 24-17.
Rachel Bevan,
Sport Coordinator
Library News
Term 3 is shaping up to be a very busy time at the Library and I warmly invite you to be part of it. It is my pleasure to be able to share the upcoming events with you.
Book Week - Read, Grow, Inspire (Week 6)
Book Week is arguably the biggest event in the school library calendar! It gives us the opportunity to celebrate reading, school libraries, and the people who bring books to children – from booksellers to school library staff, parents, teachers, and beyond. We are very excited to celebrate all things to do with reading. There will be much fun to be had and lots to celebrate.
The theme for Book Week 2023 is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. It is a theme that encompasses many truths about reading - it’s ability to help us grow in more ways than could be counted. By reading, we can build empathy and understanding towards others and it can also inspire us to consider the world through a different lens.
Activities on offer during Book Week
There are going to be many opportunities for students to involve themselves in Book Week celebrations.
Author visit - Catherine Jinks
This year, we are lucky enough to have author, Catherine Jinks, visit to speak about her craft and answer questions you may have. The session will occur on Thursday of Week 6 in Period 3 and half of lunch.
Catherine is a four-time winner of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award. She also won a Victorian Premier’s Literature Award, the Adelaide Festival award for literature, the Ena Noel Award for Children’s Literature and an Aurealis Award for Science Fiction. In 2001, she was presented with a Centenary Medal for her contribution to Australia Children’s Literature.
There is a limit of 40 students that can attend this incredible opportunity. A Google form has been shared via Compass. It will be on a ‘first in first served’ basis.
For those attending, once the form is completed:
- A Compass Event will be shared with parents to approve.
- And a link will be sent separately to students via email, so that if students wish to, they can purchase any of Catherine’s books to have it signed on the day.
During the week, there will be opportunities to colour in or work on completing a Book Week themed jigsaw puzzle. There will be a number of competitions throughout the week:
- Lunchtime Kahoot on all things to do with books
- Google Form to complete where you guess how many books are in the library collection
- A ‘Book shelfie’ competition where you guess which teacher owns the book shelf
- A ‘Book in a Bottle’ competition - Where one book will be chosen, pages are photocopied and lines are cut into strips of paper and mixed up. They are then placed in a bottle. You will need to guess which book the lines are from
There are going to be some great prizes also, so make sure you get involved! For information on these activities and much more, check the schedule that will be released on Compass in the coming weeks.
We need your help for Book Week!
Could you, or someone you know, donate any of the following?
- artificial grass or plants
- gardening pots
- hardcover books that are no longer used and needed, that would love to be upcycled and rehomed?
We would love any of the above items if you are able to donate them as they will help us in our preparation for Book Week. If students could please bring these to the library, it would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Book Club
Book Club has continued to grow and remains a highlight of the week for many students as they are able to connect with others and share their love of reading.
Towards the end of last term Senior Book Club activities included black out poetry, ranking books and having heated ‘best genre’ and ‘book to movie adaptation’ debates. Junior Book Club discussed various topics such as ‘a book that I want to live it’, ‘the last book that made me cry’ and ‘a character that I want to meet in real life’.
Book recommendations
Each week on Compass, students receive ‘Book of the Week’ recommendations for fiction and non-fiction. Below are some from Weeks 1 and 2.
Fiction: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy
A princess in exile. Six enchanted cranes. An unspeakable curse.
If you want:
- fairytale vibes
- arranged marriage trope
- family and siblings who would do anything for each other
- dragons, curses, quests, and talking paper cranes
…then you need to read, Six Crimson Cranes!
Non-Fiction: Becoming by Michelle Obama
Written by Former First Lady of the U.S. Michelle Obama, this number-one bestselling memoir talks about how preparation and determination can lead to an extraordinary life.
A tale of ups and downs, triumphs and failures, this is an incredibly honest account. Above all, it is a book that makes you consider, who are you, and what do you want to become?
State Library of NSW Initiative - Atlas
Atlas is a free after-school club designed for students up to the age of 15. Whether they’re into reading, writing or drawing, Atlas has something for everyone.
Members meet online from 4-5pm during the school term for interactive sessions led by Library educators and special guest authors and illustrators. Plus, there are extra activities available online, a chance for your work to be published on the Library’s websites, and in-person events with authors and illustrators.
Atlas is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. Members in NSW will receive a bonus welcome pack filled with fun things to do.
Access it here: https://ow.ly/J26e50P4KBE
Shared from State Library of NSW
Alison Sladen,
Librarian
Careers
Macquarie University Actuarial studies co-op program
Applications Close 14 September
The Actuarial Studies Co-op Program is a highly competitive full-time honours degree. You'll graduate with practical knowledge, strong professional networks and enhanced employability in your chosen field.
Co-op students alternate between classroom studies and workplace experience in the form of three industry placements of up to three to six months combined with on-campus preparatory and reflective practice components.
Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme
Apply By 31 July for Round 1
Apply By 31 August for Round 2
You could receive an early entry offer to study at Macquarie if you have performed well academically in Year 11 and demonstrate leadership skills, personal development and dedication through your extracurricular activities.To apply for Macquarie Leaders and Achievers entry scheme, you must meet both academic and leadership criteria.
https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/schemes/leaders-achievers
Western Sydney True Reward - Key Dates
The HSC True Reward early offer program will give school leavers much needed peace of mind, providing students with an early offer into most university degrees based on their Year 11* or Year 12 results.
6 September - Apply by 11:59pm to be considered for the first True Reward offer round.
14 September - True Reward conditional offers released (Round 1: Year 11 results)
8 November - Apply by 11:59pm to be considered for the next True Reward offer round.
16 November - True Reward conditional offers released (Round 2: Year 11 results)
6 December - Apply by 11:59pm to be considered for the next True Reward offer round
14 December - True Reward unconditional offers released (Round 3: Year 12 results)
3 January 2024 - Final closing date for HSC True Reward, apply by 11:59pm
11 January 2024 - True Reward unconditional offers released (Final Offers: Year 12 results)
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward
Discover Western: Applying for University & Receiving an Early Offer
22 August
Hear from Western staff and current students about our HSC True Reward Early Offer program, how to accept your early offer and change preferences, other alternate entry programs and more.w
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/western-webinars
Guaranteed Entry Requirements at the University of Sydney
Find out what selection rank you need to guaranteed entry to your dream course.
Guaranteed Entry gives you a confirmed place in an eligible degree if you achieve the required selection rank and meet any other admissions criteria.
Your selection rank is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors you receive through our admission pathways.
https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/guaranteed-entry.html
University of Sydney Open Day
26 August
Experience Sydney at Open Day
The program is packed with everything you need to start your journey. Join an info session, explore the campus and get course advice from staff & students. There will be activities scheduled throughout the day, so you can join in on what interests you.
Register to build your personal timetable and keep informed of any event updates.
University of Sydney - Conservatorium of Music Audition Registration Site
25 to 29 September
Register your audition/interview in this portal if you are applying in an Undergraduate coursework degree for Semester 1 2024 to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.
Live auditions will be held at the Conservatorium. You will schedule your audition time in this portal.
For Semester 1 2024
Live auditions in: classical, historical, drum set, jazz, music theatre, and non-western performance
Zoom interviews in: composition; creative industries; digital music; contemporary music; musicology
https://app.getacceptd.com/sydneycon
University of Sydney Webinar - Nursing at Sydney
2 August
Nursing is one of Australia’s fastest-growing employment sectors. The Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) and double degrees in nursing will prepare you to apply for registration to practice as a nurse in Australia. Join to learn more about the program, work placements and what a typical student looks like. This session is delivered by current students studying Nursing.
https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aiHV6DpcTkOY2jDl93nXew#/registration
UTS Open Day
26 August
Explore your course and career options at UTS Open Day! With 100+ info sessions, campus tours, the student experience and more on offer, it’s a great opportunity to talk to academics and current students and get your UTS questions answered.
https://www.uts.edu.au/study/open-day
UTS Engineering and IT Early Entry Program - Edge
Applications Close 4 September
The Early Entry Program – Edge is based on broader criteria than the ATAR alone.
Register today for a live webinar to gain an understanding into what the UTS Engineering and IT Early Entry Program is all about and how it can work for you. There'll also be a live Q&A session to get all your questions answered.
UTS Early Entry Program
Closes 4 September
Designed for students who have excelled in Year 11, the Early Entry Program recognises and rewards the hard work that you have put in to your studies, while providing you with some certainty about your next steps after school.
University of Wollongong Bachelor of Performance and Theatre - Early Admission Audition Webinar
15 August
As a part of your Early Admission application to the Bachelor of Performance and Theatre (Acting) you are required to submit an audition. This webinar will provide you with all the information you need to ace your audition, including:
- Timeline & key dates
- Audition performance pieces
- Audition tips and advice
- The audition assessment process
https://mkto.uow.edu.au/2023-Online-AceYourAuditionWebinar_Registration.html
University of Wollongong - Early Entry Closing Soon!
Closes 11 August
When you apply for Early Admission, UOW considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside your Year 11 results, so you can earn an offer to uni before you sit your first exam.
https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/
Notre Dame Sydney Open Day
26 August
Chat to academics, alumni and current students about your study options and university life.
Register now for our 2023 Open Day and explore everything that Notre Dame has to offer!
https://events.nd.edu.au/opendaysyd23/begin
Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Entry Program
Applications Close 30 September
Notre Dame’s Early Offer 2024 program is for year 12 school-leavers completing the ATAR pathway. Early Offer applications will need to include your Year 11 and Year 12 school reports and we base your eligibility on your predicted ATAR. You can find out more about our Early Offer minimum academic entry requirements for programs on the website.
https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/early-offer/early-offer
University of Newcastle – Joint Medical Program (JMP)
Applications Close 29 September
Applications will open in August. You will have the opportunity to review your application after it has been submitted. For details and instructions on how to apply, please download the online application instructions.
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/joint-medical-program/how-to-apply
TAFE Virtual Open Day
24 August
Discover all that TAFE NSW has to offer while connecting with experts who can help you make decisions around your future studies.
Join us for webinars, browse the exhibition hall and view our on-demand content to learn more about studying with TAFE NSW.
https://www.tafenswevents.com.au/event/open-day
TAFE Ultimo Campus Open Day
26 August
What to expect:
- Discover certificates, diplomas, and degrees
- Explore student support services
- On-demand tours of our facilities
- Experience practical demos and interactive workshops
- Connect with industry-experienced teachers
- Enjoy live music and giveaways
https://www.tafenswevents.com.au/event/ultimo-campus-open-day
Explore the many occupational videos relating to Australian Apprenticeships
Through the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways YouTube channel. Visit the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website to search for apprenticeship and traineeship ideas, get helpful tips on how to find an employer, and access a range of career resources
https://www.youtube.com/user/AAPathways/videos
Sydney Trains Electrical Apprentices 2024 Intake
Applications Close 6th August
With this opportunity you’ll combine paid work with structured training, allowing you to learn a trade of your choice while working towards a nationally accredited qualification. No previous experience is required – you’ll learn everything you need to know throughout our four-year programs. You’ll also be part of a friendly and supportive team that delivers safe, timely and efficient rail services to communities across NSW.
Sydney Trains are looking for people to join apprenticeships in the following trade disciplines:
- Signal Electrical – you will be trained to carry out regular routine maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, and installation of signals asset. You will assist our Signalling Teams to deliver a range of construction, engineering, and maintenance services.
- Telecommunications (Operational Technology) – You will be trained to carry out work with complex communications, control systems and emerging technologies
- Substations – You will be trained to install and maintain electrical equipment in and around our high voltage rail substations.
- Rail Traction (Overhead Power Lines) – You will be trained to carry out routine maintenance and construction of the electrical 1500Vdc and high and low voltage aerial lines. You need to feel at home at heights and driving large vehicles and plant.
- Rail Maintainers Electrical – You will be trained to diagnose electrical faults and complete repairs and carry out routine scheduled maintenance of our trains.
- HV Cable Jointer – You will be trained to carry out maintenance, emergency repair and construction of our electrical cable network to ensure a safe and reliable network for our customers.
JMC August Open Day
12 August
Tour the facilities and tech
Explore your creative future in the hands-on workshops
Meet current students and industry expert lecturers
https://pages.jmcacademy.edu.au/Aug2023_OpenDay_Syd.html
Stephen Donlan,
Year 12 Coordinator and Careers Advisor