Term 1 - Week 2

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

Welcome to the 2024 school year. I especially welcome our new families in Year 7 and other year groups. This year, you will hear us talk a great deal about “Faith, Intellect and Character”. These themes form the trunk of our Bethany tree which displays our values and learning principles.

We acknowledge that the heart of an education at Bethany grows out of faith, intellect and character. The faith dimension has been celebrated many times this year already. On the first staff day of the year, the entire Bethany staff joined with the staff from St Mary Star of the Sea to celebrate the Eucharist and some hospitality together with Father Janusz our College Chaplain.

The academic year was formally opened with students last week at our Opening College Mass and this was quickly followed by our Ash Wednesday liturgies this week.

The prayerful and reverent manner which staff and students entered into these expressions of our faith and the time dedicated to these, are testament to the weight that we give to our Catholic life.

At our opening assembly this year, we launched our Faith, Intellect and Character Badge.

This is a new initiative this year where students are encouraged to strive for earning this badge. Points are awarded of varying degrees for commendations within each category. You may have already noticed your daughter receive a commendation of a character or intellect nature via Compass. Our merit or awards system is based on this and students will receive points according to hours of service, outstanding uniform or behaviour or noticeable effort or improvement in class. Each of these fall into the category of faith, intellect or character.

We have been fortunate to recruit some wonderful teaching and support staff for 2024:

Cameron Paff - Leader of Data & Growth

Madeleine Brealy - Year 7 Coordinator

Jessica Touma - Assistant Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Meleena Papadopoulos - Assistant Maths Coordinator

Micaela Abbott - Assistant HSIE Coordinator

Anna Fsadni - Stage Assistant Coordinator

Marina Kyriacou - Drama / English

David Wang - Maths

Lizzie Moncrieff - Music 

Amie Schoenmaker - Religious Education job share

Lili Braidner - HSIE job share 

Kiara le Gras - TAS

Yolla Bressa - Student Services Officer

Sandra Horne - Learning Support Officer

Already our new staff have settled well into the College and are enjoying the welcoming nature of our College.

As the year progresses, I look forward to seeing each family and unveiling further plans and initiatives for the rest of 2024.

Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

As we reach the end of the second week of the 2024 school year, I welcome all of our families back to Bethany, with a special welcome to the families who have joined our community for the first time. The students have returned with a positive attitude which indicates a great year ahead. Year 7 has started extremely well, making a wonderful transition to high school. 

Communication Pathways

At Bethany College, we believe close links between the College and the home ensure students’ experiences are positive ones. The College is focused on ensuring a meaningful partnership between parents, teachers and school leaders and effective parent engagement is beneficial to successful student learning and wellbeing outcomes.  As communication pathways are essential in building strong relationships, please use the following structure when making contact with the College about your child’s school experience.

Parent contact during the school day 

Should parents need to reach their child during the school day, we ask you to make contact through the College office and we will ensure that your daughter receives any important communication. Please do not message your daughter on her phone or laptop at any time during the school day. 

Students have been informed that they are not to use their mobile phones to contact parents at any time. If students are sick or feel unwell they are to report to Student Services where the staff will follow normal procedures and make the necessary calls home at that point. It would be greatly appreciated if parents and carers could please remind their children of this process and assist us in this endeavour.

Attendance

If your child is away from school it is important that you let the College know. There are a number of ways you can explain your child’s absence or partial absence from school:

• Adding an attendance note in Compass
• Calling the College and leaving a message
• email Student Services via studentserv.13990@sydstu.catholic.edu.au

If your daughter is late to school and this is unexplained by one of her parents or carers, she will be asked to attend a detention at recess time. Your daughter is allowed to make contact with you and ask you to explain her lateness. If the lateness is explained, your daughter is not required to attend detention. 

Uniform

The students have had the College’s expectations regarding uniform and personal appearance reiterated to them and staff will be working with the students to ensure students meet these expectations. It is important for parents to support the College staff by knowing the College expectations and challenging their children when they are not meeting them. The College’s uniform and grooming information can be found on p15 of the Student Planner.  

A reminder that the Bethany College school bag is part of the uniform and is the bag the girls should use to bring their equipment to and from school. Students should only be using their tote bag whilst at school to carry their equipment to and from class.

Parking

A reminder to families that parking is not permitted in the grounds of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Hurstville at any time when picking up or dropping off your child. Parents are asked to use Waratah St or nearby alternatives when collecting their children from school. 

Upcoming Events 

There are a number of upcoming events at the College. A summary of events can be found in this newsletter and are also communicated through Compass. Detailed information about each event will be sent to you, in most instances, through Compass. Permissions for events, again in most instances, will be online and given by you through Compass. 

Open Day is being held on Tuesday 5th March (Week 5). Unless your daughter volunteers to help with Open Day, students will be dismissed at 1.30pm. Buses have been arranged for the usual school routes. Supervision until 3pm will be available for any girl who is unable to finish school early on Open Day. There will be more information, provided to you through Compass, about Open Day over the coming weeks. 

We are off to an exciting and busy start to the year and I look forward to working with you and your family in 2024.

Kristina Flangan

Assistant Principal

Religious Education

Lent

On Tuesday 13 February our Lenten preparations began. Shrove Tuesday immediately precedes Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday has its origins in the ancient Christian ritual of Shriving. In Shriving, a person confessed their sins to a Priest, received absolution and offered penance. Lent was and is a time of abstinence and observant Christians would not indulge in foods such as meat, dairy or fatty products. For this reason households would use up their supply of eggs, flour and butter to make pancakes. All foods that could not be consumed during the subsequent forty days would be eaten on Shrove Tuesday. Thank you to Miss Jones, Youth Ministry Coordinator and Student Leadership Facilitator, Ms Anderson, teacher of Religious Education and the Student Leadership Team for their organisation of pancake sales on Tuesday morning.

As we commenced our Lenten journeys on Wednesday with a beautiful liturgy organised by Ms Touma, Assistant Leader of Religious Education and Mission, we recalled the ultimate sacrifice- Christ’s Passion and Death on the Cross. The personal sacrifices we make during Lent pale in comparison to the one that Jesus offered. Yet, every sacrificial action keeps Christ at the center of all that we do and thus, draws us closer to Him. What will you give up? What will you take up? How can you make a difference in the life of another? How will you be the face of Christ in the world today? As you reflect on the questions, The Archdiocesan, Go Make Disciples Lenten Companion 2024, Repent and Believe, can be accessed here.

Following our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, we launched Project Compassion 2024. Miss Jones, is already working tirelessly with the Student Leaders and Year Coordinators to create many fundraising opportunities which began with Tuesday’s pancake sale raising over $500. We ask that the entire Bethany community get behind this cause whose theme, For All Future Generations invites us to act beyond ourselves in the present to make a difference in the future of others. Your generous donations are welcome via this link.

Year 7 Welcome Mass

In the true spirit of welcome as exemplified by Martha and Mary of Bethany, we warmly welcome Year 7 students and their families to the College with a Mass that will celebrate all that we are as a Catholic faith community. We hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful faith journey, pursuant to our College Motto, “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.”

Sara Camporeale
Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Assessment Resources

Students will be provided with their Assessment Calendars and Grids over the next two weeks. Families are encouraged to speak with their daughters regarding key assessment dates and have calendars visible around the home as a reminder. All students will receive an Assessment Handbook that outlines the requirements surrounding assessment this year. Please take time to review this information, especially that pertaining to illness and misadventure.

Travel Procedures

Whilst students are expected to attend school at all times, we understand that families may be required to travel. Should this be the case, families must apply for leave with the Principal, Ms Rodwell. Students can collect the Travel Leave form at Student Services. Once approved, students will meet with the Leader of Curriculum, Mrs Rowland to organise arrangements for any missed assessment tasks.

Active Bodies and Active Minds

Recently a Sydney Morning Herald article “Active children do better at school. So how do we keep teens in sport?” (Link Here) reported on a University of Sydney study on the benefits of students remaining active throughout their schooling years. Lead researcher Dr Katherine Owen of the longitudinal study of over 4200 students found conclusive evidence of the benefits stating “We have shown kids who continue playing sports through their childhood and into adolescence perform better academically”. As the school year begins and students start to consider which sports they play or whether they play sport at all, please consider the benefits of being a part of a team or participating in individual sports not just for the physical, socio-emotional and psychological benefits that come with playing sport but also the academic benefits that can result from doing so. 

NAPLAN Information and Dates

NAPLAN is the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy. It is a standardised assessment test for students in Australia, taken by students in Years 7, and 9. The tests are designed to assess students' skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation), and numeracy. The results of the tests are used to provide information on the performance of students, schools, and education systems. Our teachers at Bethany use NAPLAN results to support student learning and growth. The 2024 NAPLAN tests will take place between the 13th and 19th of March. More information regarding NAPLAN will be provided closer to the test date. 

ATOMI

All Bethany students have access to the online learning platform Atomi which provides a wealth of videos and quizzes aligned to the curriculum. Atomi is an effective way for students to revise and consolidate their learning in class. Students should be attempting the quiz questions on Atomi especially in the lead up to an assessment task. More information can be found here.

Library Afterschool Tutoring

The Bethany Afterschool tutoring program will start to return this week in the library from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Tutors will be available for all students to access. The program is free for all students to use. A tutor timetable will be posted to students via Compass. 

Sarah Rowland - Leader of Curriculum

Cameron Paff - Leader of Data & Growth

Wellbeing News

Welcome back to the 2024 school year! A special welcome to the new cohort of Year 7’s and also to the new students in other year groups. I trust that your daughter's school year has begun in a positive way and that she is looking forward to her learning and Bethany life this year.

Attendance

This year the College has a goal of 95% attendance for all students. We ask for family assistance in establishing expectations and routines that support your daughter’s attendance each and every day. Should your  daughter be absent for illness, special family celebrations or other reasons, parents and guardians must explain their daughter’s absence within 7 days via Compass.  I will be sending out reminder letters each fortnight to follow up on unexplained absences.

Attending school every day is the single most important indicator to a student’s success at school. A student cannot do as well if they are missing out on the face to face teaching time that other students are receiving. We know that if a student misses one day a fortnight, this equates to twenty days a year, or four weeks of school. It very quickly adds up. The more a student is away, the more disconnected they become from their peers. This builds anxiety, which is the main cause of school refusal developing. Keeping on going to school, unless there is an unavoidable, good reason, is vital for student wellbeing. The attached chart demonstrates clearly the message that “Every Day Counts.”

Year 7 Transition

For the first four days of the term, the College was abuzz with 190 new Year 7 students. Over these days, the girls were immersed in all things high school from their new timetables, lockers, class groups, computers and new classrooms. The girls were introduced to the heart of Bethany by learning about the value (Relationships) and symbol (the Shepherds) for Year 7, Saints Martha and Mary, and the four Sports houses. The Bethany scavenger hunt allowed the students to find their way around the College, and locate some significant markers around the school.

We were very proud of our Year 10 “Big sisters”, who gave up the last day of their holidays to assist their “Little sisters” to settle into the College on Day One. The girls ran “Getting to know” you activities and games, showed the Year 7’s around the school and helped the Pastoral teachers in the first few classes.

“Big Fish Little Fish” Incursion Year 7

The big fish little fish presentation didn't just comfort me with my transition to high school but it helped me make many new friends. The program helped me learn so much more about high school, highlighting that everyone is feeling something different.  I learnt that we should all take that into consideration and respect each other's feelings since we are all experiencing it differently. The big fish little fish presentation taught us so many things in a fun and exciting way. We all worked together to tangle our way out of problems with people we have never met before. We filled out worksheets with so many fun and exciting activities like listing all your values into a jar and finding girls in my class that matched the questions, that helped me become more confident about myself and more confident about meeting other students. It also helped me look at high school in a different way. I was so nervous prior to the start of high school but the big fish little fish presentation helped me to look at high school differently. Now I understand that I wasn't alone, everything is going to be ok. I want to thank the big fish little fish program for helping me feel more relaxed about making new friends and starting the journey through high school.

Sophia Giorgi 7 Yellow

During the Big Fish to Little Fish Incursion, I had a positive experience sharing our experiences about the transitions from primary school to high school. Our guest speaker, Natalie, helped us bond with our cohort through activities and reflection. She also shared some of her own experiences with starting high school, which was helpful. It was comforting to know that others have gone through similar experiences and come out on the other side successfully. Overall, the incursion was very enticing and it made me feel more at ease with starting my first year of high school.

Arianne Faisan 7 Purple

Safer internet day was promoted within the College during Week One to coincide with the global initiative raising awareness of online safety issues. Students were presented with various scenarios and strategies to further equip themselves to be safe online and through social media.

Please continue to discuss with your daughter the many and varied ways in which she is online and what her digital footprint may look like. Adolescents need to hear the same safety messages time and again to ensure that they remain protected online, especially on social media.

Parent education and support

Elevate Education is an external group who has worked with our students for many years around the area of study skills and learning preparedness. Strategies taught to parents and students are based on research and best practice. To this end, they are offering 16 free webinars for parents on topics such as motivation, time management, technology and focus, and memory. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can better support your daughter at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

The next webinar is How to help your child manage their time. This will be run on February 28th, click on the link to register.

Wellbeing tip: Students need to take care of their physical health. Ensure they are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular physical activity. Physical health directly impacts mental well-being and academic performance.

Charlotte Buxton

Leader of Wellbeing

Library News

With the start of a new year, the Bethany College Library has been buzzing with activity! It is my pleasure to share with you the wonderful things that have happened since students returned.

Year 7 Orientation Sessions

We began 2024 by welcoming our new Year 7 students, who have since been regular visitors, utilising our various spaces. I had the pleasure of spending time with each Year 7 class as part of their orientation. Students had two sessions in the library to help familiarise themselves with the space and to ensure they were aware of all available resources. Session 1 was an introduction to the basic functions of our library such as borrowing, spaces, tutoring program and events we celebrate throughout the year. Session 2 included a demonstration of how to use Oliver (Library catalogue) and completing a scavenger hunt to find the different areas of our library. We hope Year 7 now feel confident to take advantage of the amazing space we have available.

Installing Printers

The start of a new year is a good time to check if the Library printers have been installed. It only takes 5 minutes to complete, but will ensure students are prepared when they need to use them. Students will need to access Compass, click on the Star icon and select Oliver (Library catalogue). On the Oliver landing page, the instructions can be found. It can only be installed whilst at school.

Library Lovers’ Week

Week 2 was all about celebrating why we love our College library. Students were asked to write down one reason why they love their library on a heart-shaped piece of paper. They are now displayed in the library and have created such a positive atmosphere to our space.

Blind Date with a Book

Library Lovers’ Day fell on Ash Wednesday this year and it provided a beautiful reminder about the promotion of love and God's greatest commandment of love: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34).

Students were encouraged to visit the Library to “fall in love” with a good book. The ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative was again, very popular amongst staff and students, as books were wrapped and choices were made based only on genre, themes and the first line. We also utilised the books that were lovingly wrapped by the Year 7 Newman class when they visited at the end of last year. On the front, they noted down only the first lines of the book. These proved popular also!

We hope students found a great read!

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Premier’s Reading Challenge

February 26 marks the start of the annual Premier's Reading Challenge for Years 7-10. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure in students and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge for each student to read more and more widely. If students wish to take part or require more information, please see the Library or visit the PRC website if you are interested.

Book Club

Many students will be pleased to know that Book Club will be returning to Bethany in Week 3! This year, it will take place every Friday A during Lunch (juniors and seniors). The purpose is to provide an opportunity to share our love of reading with others, make new friends and participate in fun activities along the way. All are welcome!

Club Unwind

This popular club focused on wellbeing, will also be returning on Monday Week A Lunch (beginning Week 5), led by the very capable Mrs Brooker and Ms Barnes. This club offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and participate in mindful activities with others. It includes knitting, crocheting, colouring in or loom band making. Students of all abilities are welcome. If you have your equipment, please bring it along, otherwise, you can borrow ours.

Alison Sladen

Teacher Librarian

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education Policy

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Please be aware that in your daughter’s first PDHPE lesson for the term, her teacher will be reading through a PDHPE Policy in regards to class work and her sports uniform. Please read the below information in regards to wearing of the sports uniform to school for their practical lessons. 

1. The SPORTS / PDHPE uniform, as outlined in the student planner and school uniform documents, is to be worn for all practical classes and sport, unless the teacher specifies other items.
2. All students will come dressed for their PDHPE class in the appropriate sports uniform and may remain in that uniform for the duration of the day as advised by their PDHPE teacher and on Thursdays.
3. Students are to choose sports shoes that provide adequate support and grip - these include athletic shoes or cross trainers (canvas / converse shoes are not appropriate).
4. Where an unexplained breach of uniform occurs, the following penalties will be incurred:

• Complete theory work as set by the teacher (students can describe three aspects of what is happening within the lesson) and will be logged on Compass as an infringement. This includes all aspects of the uniform including correct hat, socks, shoes, tracksuit, polo and shorts.  
• If the behaviour continues, students will have a conversation with the PDHPE Coordinator, a note will be sent home and an appropriate penalty will occur. 

1. If a student has a problem with bringing the PDHPE uniform for a lesson, a parental note explaining the issue and an alternative change of clothes that they can change into before the lesson should be supplied.  This will not incur a uniform infringement.   
2. The aim of all PDHPE practical lessons is to promote student activity; thus only injured and/or sick students with signed parental notes will be permitted to sit out the lesson. If a prolonged injury occurs, students will be required to provide a doctors certificate due to the compulsory practical hours. 

Please be aware that throughout the year we will be presenting some sensitive content to the students mandated by NESA. Listed below are the topics that are covered in each year group. Our teaching programs in these sensitive areas are based on Catholic Church teachings and are contained in the “Towards Wholeness” Archdiocesan response to these matters. The program also provides appropriate content for the maturity of the students in each year.  It is our belief that by providing relevant information, developing interpersonal skills and encouraging students to clarify their values, they will be in a position to make informed health decisions for safe living.

Year 7 - Adolescence and Change, including puberty and female reproduction (Term 2)

Risky Business, including personal safety and risk taking (Term 3)

Year 8 - Health Matters, including drug use and sexual health (Term 1)

Supporting Myself and Others, including bullying (Term 2/3)

Year 9 - Overcoming Adversity, including racial discrimination (Term 2)

Girl Talk, including the sexualisation of females in the media (Term 4)

Year 10 - Road Safety / Drug Use, including types of drugs (Term 1)

Sexual Health, including relationships and contraception (Term 2)

Mental Health, including the types and support services (Term 3)

If you would like to have a conversation in regards to these topics, please contact the PDHPE coordinator, Beth Oliver  at school on 85660711 during school hours or email bethany.oliver@syd.catholic.edu.au 

Beth Oliver
PDHPE Coordinator

The Regals Musical Society

The Regals Musical Society - Spamalot Young@Part Edition

We are proud to announce that Samantha Kubina (Year 11) and Chloe Nixon (Year 7) are performing in the upcoming Regals musical production of Spamalot.  Former student Jasmine Salinas will be playing the Lady of the Lake in alternate shows.

ABOUT

The story centres around King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail. After a rather silly bit of miscommunication leads us briefly to Finland, our King and his ever faithful squire Patsy begin to search for knights to accompany him on his Quest. The Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls send our stalwart band on their way. They meet up with an unforgettable slew of outrageously kooky characters and musical hilarity ensues.

The Lady of the Lake casting schedule:

Fri 8 March - Jasmine Salinas

Sat 9 March (both shows) - Stephanie Swords

Sun 10 March - Jasmine Salinas

Fri 15 March - Stephanie Swords

Sat 16 March (both shows) - Jasmine Salinas

Sun 17 March - Stephanie Swords

Don't wait to get your tickets for this side-splittingly funny and fully family-friendly show.

📆: 8-17 March

🗺: Rockdale Town Hall

🎟: https://bit.ly/3MJqpAv 

Presented by The Regals Musical Society: https://www.theregals.com.au 

Clare Moroney

Performing Arts Coordinator

Careers News

It is with great excitement that I move into the role of Careers Advisor at Bethany College in 2024  following the retirement of Mr Steve Donlan. I know that Mr Donlan was a great source of guidance and information for you and I will continue to provide this same level of support. Girls, please use the booking form at the entrance to the Careers Office when you need an appointment.This is a hard copy for you to write your name in the desired timeslot. My daily timetable is also there so you can see when I am available at other times when you can just drop in. Like every nail salon; appointments preferred but walk-ins welcome!

I look forward to working with you towards achieving your goals for your post school pathway whether that be starting work, or undertaking further training or study. These are exciting times with so many opportunities for you to explore.

Bethany College subscribes to a fantastic careers site named  Job Jump. https://www.jobjump.com.au/

I encourage girls to look at this site regularly as it is a ‘one stop shop’ for all things Careers and future study related. Click on “I’m New”, then select Bethany College and the password is hamsters  ( No, I did not create this password 😂 )

This is a very full issue as we start the year. Happy reading and exploring these exciting opportunities!

Please feel free to contact me at melanie.bullock@syd.catholic.edu.au should you need further guidance.

UAC NEWS - University Admissions Centre

The UAC site is a wealth of information for students in yr 10 - 12. Information on subject selection for Year 10, pathways and entry schemes, scholarship information, the ATAR calculation and Access schemes. I will guide year 12 through the UAC application process and the schemes available

Year 12 students: Your UAC PIN will be emailed to you in April to the address you registered with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). You'll need it to apply for uni through UAC and to get your ATAR.

All of the University 2024 Open Day dates here

Professional Cadetships Australia

Business Cadetships  and Technology Cadetships

As a Business Cadet, you may choose from a broad range of degrees, including Economics, Commerce, Business, Actuarial Studies, Computer Science and Information Technology, Mathematics, Arts, Social Sciences and Advanced Studies. Some combined degrees may also be chosen. While your choice of degree majors will usually be up to you, a Business Cadetship allows you to discover at work where your strengths lie and to tailor your degree as your professional interests develop.

To be considered for a Business Cadetship, you will need to expect an ATAR of at least 86.25 

Under the 2024 ETCAD Program, Year 12 students have the opportunity to apply for a Technology Cadetship. Cadets will be placed at UBS in the Group Operations and Technology Office where they will gain experience across the business.

Technology Cadets combine work with university study in computer science, information technology or information systems. Alternatively, cadets may undertake a generalist degree like arts or business. Some combined degrees may also be chosen.

Applications for the Business and TechnologyCadetships Program are made online to Professional Cadetships Australia.

BUSINESS CADETSHIPS:

Applications Open   Monday 4 March 2024

Applications Close                    Wednesday 22 March 2024

TECHNOLOGY CADETSHIPS:

Applications Open   Monday 29 April 2024

Applications Close   Tuesday 7 June 2024

USYD Info Nights 

Discover what a future at the University of Sydney looks like for you at our Info Night.  Info Night is a chance for students in Years 10 – 12 to learn about admission requirements, entry schemes, pathways, fees, scholarships, financial assistance and support services from our expert staff and a UAC representative. You’ll also have time to speak with local current students and alumni from a range of study areas about their experiences and get advice on forging your own path to study.  

• Penrith - 12 March - Register: 
• South Sydney - 13 March - Register: 
• Parramatta & The Hills - 14 March - Register:
• Fairfield - 19 March - Register: https

University of Sydney - ARTiculate webinars

A unique opportunity to gain insight into arts and social sciences topics beyond the classroom. Engage with leading academics from the University of Sydney.

Introduced in 2021, the ARTiculate Talk Series aims to provide senior high school students with additional support complementing the curriculum to enrich their understanding in HSC subjects related to arts, humanities, languages and social sciences. 

Delivered by academic experts in the field, each talk explores key concepts taught in the classroom while providing further insight into the topics studied. These talks are designed to be a resource for teachers, and they provide a unique opportunity to engage with our outstanding academics as they share their knowledge and current research.

Discover Health Sciences at ACU North Sydney 16 April 

Registration Open Take part in hands-on workshops, tour our facilities and hear from current students about a rewarding career as a health professional. 

Discover Teaching and Social Work at ACU Strathfield 17 April 

Registration Open Take part in hands-on workshops, tour our facilities and hear from current students about a rewarding career as a teacher or social worker.

UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program 

Registration Now Open The UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program is an alternate pathway program for high school students* in Year 11 and 12 who will be applying for an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney and expecting an ATAR within the Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme (FEAS) eligibility** range. The one-month program runs from February to March and has capacity for 120 motivated students to participate each year.  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 make an impact, then this program is for you! Gain valuable skills by participating in an engineering challenge set by one of the eight engineering schools in the UNSW Faculty of Engineering. Guided by a lead academic and UNSW Women in Engineering student ambassadors, you will work with like-minded students in small teams to tackle an engineering challenge associated with their ongoing research.

WSU  Webinars - What Can I Study? 

Live 2024 Webinar series will cover program-specific information as well as general topics about Western, applications, early offers and student life. These webinars are perfect for current and non-current school leavers looking to further their studies in tertiary education. Find out more: 

UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening 12 March 

Are you interested in a career in medicine? Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world.* Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional. UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2025 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes. 

MedEntry UCAT Workshops 

29 March, 13 April, 18 May or 6 July Feeling intimidated by the UCAT? You’re not alone. Most students are nervous as they approach this huge obstacle in their medical career. But you can sit the UCAT with confidence, knowing you have the right strategies and techniques to overcome every challenge. The key is Dr Ray’s UCAT Workshop - the most effective UCAT training course available.

UCAT ANZ

Free UCAT Bootcamp For parents, aspiring Medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health offers UCAT mini test, discusses medical interviews, admission process, life as a medical student, and career as a doctor. Watch this two hour Bootcamp from the comfort, convenience and security of your home at any time.Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 should note these key dates. We do not make exceptions to these deadlines.

Scheme Opens 1st February 2024

Booking opens 5th March

Closing Deadline 17th May 

Results delivered to Universities - early September 2024

Deadline times are 11.59pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time

Scholarships

UTS Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) Co-op Scholarship 

Applications for 2025 Open Around 35 full scholarship places are available for the UTS Bachelor of Accounting in 2025. This includes a tax-free scholarship of more than $55,000 each, two internships with different industry partners, and a graduate role after completion of your 3 year degree. For more information, please visit: 

 NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships 

Applications are Open Apply for a NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarship to elevate subject knowledge and inspire positive outcomes for students, teacher colleagues and the wider school community. Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to $15,000 to undertake a five-week study tour within Australia or internationally.    

TAFE Be Skilled in Days or Weeks! 

TAFE Short Courses are the Answer Discover hundreds of TAFE short courses and get the skills you need to be whatever you want to be. TAFE NSW has hundreds of short courses - including online short courses - that can be completed in just days or weeks, offering practical skills and experiences across all industries. Gain the confidence to immediately apply new skills in your career and be whatever you want to be — faster

Australian Training Company Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Australian Training Company (ATC) is excited to share our updated Traineeship & Apprenticeship vacancy list.

• No ATAR Required
• Paid Full-Time Employment
• Nationally Recognised Qualification
• Gain Skills & Industry Experience                             
• Career Pathway For Your Future
• Travel Concession Card

Get hands on experience, earn money and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Start your career today! Apply and view the full list of Apprenticeships and Traineeships, including requirements and benefits

Pathways to a Career in Real Estate 

Webinar by the Real Estate Institute of the ACT Web Wednesday 28 February, 4.30pm. Find out about the varied opportunities in the real estate sector in the ACT, the training requirements and how to choose an employer. Contact reception@reiact.com.au to register or phone Maria on 0499881168 www.reiact.com.au.

ADCO 'Girls Who Build' - Careers Information Session for Years 10-12 | 21 March 2024, 5pm-7pm 

Build A Career in Construction. Come and hear from a community of empowered women who are paving the way for future generations of female construction professionals. Connect with some Women of ADCO, mentors, and support networks dedicated to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/Hy5DXP6uPv.

Study in the US Virtual Presentation 

Hosted by Internationally Educated Come learn about studying in the US and the US university application process, directly from a former Assistant Director of Admissions. Q&A session will follow. Suggested for students in Years 9-12. Wednesday 6 March, 6pm, registration required: 

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Priority Skills List has Been Updated The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List has been updated. This will provide additional financial support to apprentices, trainees (up to $5,000 over the apprenticeship) in order to boost apprentice numbers and support completions in priority occupations. 

Fast Track A Career with a Traineeship Due to the robust job market and the financial challenges associated with living costs, numerous high school graduates are opting for employment instead of pursuing a university education. Rather than accepting any available job, engage them in a traineeship, where individuals can both earn and learn. Apply at www.studyandwork.com.au.

1300apprentice Apprentice and Trainee Intake 2024 

2024 Apprentice and Trainee intake is underway. Great choice of career roles for those wanting to learn while earning a good wage. Great pathways into rewarding careers. Apply today in 3 steps. 1. Have your resume ready 2. Choose an occupation 3. Submit online. Go to www.1300apprentice.com.au/jobs and search for specific roles or explore the website for more information.

Endota - Don’t miss out on studying Beauty Therapy within Australia’s largest spa-network! 

Next Intake: April Hear from our team, have your questions answered and learn all about life at endota Wellness College. 

If you’ve ever wondered where the beauty and wellness industry might take you, this is the place to find out. Train within Australia’s largest spa-network and become an expert in skin, health and wellness. But most of all, discover how you can help others feel their best with industry-leading Beauty Therapy training. We’re also all about making study work for you, with a choice of study options to suit your lifestyle. Based at our Alexandria campus, you’ll learn a wide range of treatments, from specialised facials right through to body treatments and client consultation. Discover the science of the skin, gain hands-on experience and graduate a caring, confident and spa-ready therapist. 

Cabin Crew Aviation Course William Angliss Institute Sydney

 A qualification in aviation is your passport to success. Get a start in this competitive industry with technical, health and safety, and risk management training. You’ll go on industry-based excursions and learning experiences, strengthening your employability with our industry approved course. Learning the customer service and hospitality foundations to take you around the world, you’ll be well equipped to perform as part of a professional cabin crew team.

AIE Industry Experience Day 17 April 

AIE's Industry Experience Day is a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries. Students will get the opportunity to learn about the different pathways to get into the industry, what should be in a portfolio and will be able to get creative in practical workshops using industry-standard 3D animation and game development tools. The sessions are run by industry professionals who have worked on some blockbuster games and films. Everything is provided for you to participate in the hands-on workshops and you will be using the same software that is used in the industry. 

AIE Information Evening 13 March 

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, film, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening. The evening will include presentations on different areas of industry to get into as well as information about AIE full-time and part-time courses and entry requirements. We will be showing off AIE student work and our staff and teachers will be available to chat with you about our courses and how AIE can get you into a creative career. © JobJump Pty Ltd

Melanie Bullock

Careers Advisor

From the College Counsellor

Supporting Transitions 

The beginning of a school year is a period of transition and adjustment for many of our students. Whilst this time can be exciting it can also represent a period of heightened anxiety. Like through any period of transition, parents play an enormous role in helping their children adjust and cope with these changes.

As parents, there are a number of steps you can take to help your child through their period of transition:

• Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the school and its programs and find out what resources are available to your child.
• Encourage your child to make connections. Talk to your child about opportunities at the school and the clubs, sports teams, or extracurricular activities they may like to consider to facilitate connections with teachers and other students. You can also model this by reaching out and connecting with other school parents.
• Set achievable and specific goals together. A transition period presents a natural opportunity to set some new goals e.g., making new friendships, trying a new sport or co-curricular.
• Encourage organisational skills e.g., maintaining school belongings, keeping track of important dates/events.
• Support them when they need help. Normalise any mixed feelings or feelings of worry during this period (e.g., you could share with your child how nervous/excited you felt when starting a new job) and don’t be afraid to reach out to the school for assistance.

Dimity 

School Counsellor 

School Vaccination Program

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2024, you can provide consent online for school vaccinations. 

In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal. Consent should not be provided to the school via email or other electronic form submission. 

How to provide consent: 

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: engage.health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you do not have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one. 
3. Update or confirm your personal details as required. 
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:   
5. Enter your child’s personal details 
6. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child   
7. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement 
8. Provide consent   

Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school. Produced by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District 

The benefits of providing consent online: 

• easily update your child’s details 
• receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given 
• faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) 

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination . 

If you require information in your language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx 

An Elite Performer

Congratulations to Sybella Newman,Year 9 who has been awarded the James Jonathon Drama Scholarship for 2024 at  ACTiv Elite Performers.

Sybella not only excels in Drama but also in Dance and singing.

SCS Eisteddfod 2024

The Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod is back again in 2024.

This year, parents will be required to register their own children in solo categories including Music, Dance, Drama and Slam Poetry. If your daughter is interested in competing in a solo category, please visit the Eisteddfod website for more information: https://artshq.syd.catholic.edu.au/performances/eisteddfod

The handbook contains detailed information regarding each category as well as the registration process. Please be aware that solo categories will compete during the April school holidays.

Registrations close March 14.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the College.

Clare Moroney

Performing Arts Coordinator

NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers

School Photos

Bethany College
School Photography Date: 04/03/2024

 Parents and Carers 

Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below for 7 days from the day photos are taken, after which late fees/additional charges will be incurred.

2 easy ways to purchase before late fees apply:

1. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
2. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: HZC FK4 YXH

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased more than 7 days after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Bethany College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact