St Agnes

Catholic High School

MaY 16 newsletter term 2

A very warm welcome to Term 2! It has certainly begun with vigour and our students and staff have settled well into the routine of learning.

The teachers of St Agnes began the term on a Professional Learning Day. This focused on Assessment, Cognitive Load, and the rollout of the new Curriculum (as directed by NESA). My thanks to all staff for their engagement on the day and this will be realised in the delivery of lessons to all students across the school as the weeks unfold.

Sunday 12th May was Mother’s Day, and we hope all the mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community had a wonderful day. Pope Francis recently provided his thoughts and considerations about mothers and motherhood in the recent edition of the Vatican News; I have shared these for you below:

Mary is the model of mother and woman. Her school is one of faith and life, and she teaches well the alphabet of human and Christian life. By going to the heart of her mystery, the Pope said, we can discover the wonders of her motherhood and her womanhood. Elizabeth recognized her as “mother of the Lord”, the Pope said, and Jesus wanted us to walk in life with the best of mothers.

“Our Lady made God our brother, and as a mother can make the Church and the world more fraternal,” the Pope said. The Church needs to rediscover her maternal heart, which beats for unity; but she also needs our Earth, to become again the home of all her children. Citing his latest encyclical, Fratelli tutti, he said, Our Lady “wants to give birth to a new world, where all of us are brothers and sisters, where there is room for all those whom our societies discard” (no. 278).

“We need motherhood, those who generate and regenerate life with tenderness, because only gift, care and sharing keep the human family together.”

According to the Pope, a world without mothers has no future.

“Profits and profit alone do not give a future, on the contrary, they sometimes increase inequalities and injustices. Mothers, instead, make every child feel at home and give hope.”

Pope Francis; one who provides such guidance for our church, values the role mothers play in the lives of each one of us. To all those in our St Agnes community, please join with me in the following prayer - A Mother’s Love:

Student Led Conferences

We recently held our Student Led Conferences for Years 10 and 11. This was a fantastic opportunity for parents and carers to engage with their child’s teachers. The discussions focused on what is working well in class and, steps to be taken for improvement. The session was also useful for our Year 10 students who have begun considering subjects for Year 11 2025. To those parents who attended, thank you; we hope you were able to gain insight about your child’s learning. For those who could not make it, please reach out to the teachers of your child/ren and information can be given to you about their learning.

Year 7 2025 Interviews

We are very excited about the many enrolment applications that have been submitted to the school. To date, we have held one enrolment interview session in late Term 1 and on Tuesday 14th May, we had our second. It is very important to us to meet each prospective student, whether they be a sibling of a current student (or past) or indeed, a new family to our community. We focus our discussion on their experiences of primary school, their learning behaviours and how they can become a part of our St Agnes community.

Should you know of a family who is considering St Agnes, please direct them to our office ASAP as places are filling fast.

This week marks the end of Week 3, almost a third of the way through the term. Our Year 12 students are in their final semester, Year 11 are nearly halfway through their respective courses, Year 10 are considering subjects for next year and our Years 7 - 9 students are in the process of completing their most recent assessment tasks. I challenge all students to be determined in their goal to be the best they can be this term.

Mr Kemmis

Acting Principal

CLICK HERE to access our Parent Calendar. Click subscribe at the bottom to connect the school calendar to yours and stay up to date with school events

Welcome back to Term 2.

By now, students should be well and truly settled in their learning. At this point of the academic year, it is useful for them to spend more of their time using feedback for reflection and goal-setting. All of these are high-impact strategies for learning gains.

Feedback

Feedback improves learning. Students receive information about their learning progress in many forms, but the key feature of feedback is that it provides the learner with specific advice about how to improve their performance. Hence, it is essential that the students act on this and do not ignore it.

Reflection

Reflection improves learning. This is the process through which we come to recognise ourselves as learners; we come to understand how we learn best, and what tools and resources we need to keep learning.

Goal setting

Setting goals improves learning. The purpose of goal setting is to set targets for ourselves and then to determine how well we achieve them.

Year 11 2025 Subject Information Evening

Our Year 11 Subject Selection Information Evening is on the 30th April, for our current Year 10 students and families. Students and their families had the opportunity to discuss subject choices with the Leaders and Assistant Leaders of Learning, as well as Macquarie University representatives and 1300 Apprentice.

Further detail will be provided to the students in the coming weeks and they will make their initial decisions about subjects mid June. From there, we will be meeting with each student and the parents/carers regarding their pathway for Stage 6 and beyond. These meetings will be taking place during the first few weeks of Term 3

Year 11 and 10 Student Led Conferences

We had a successful evening on Tuesday 7th May and our sincere thanks to the parents and carers who came up to the school. It is so important for parents and teachers to work as a team in the education of their children. The next step for our students is to ensure that goals are set for the immediate future and they act upon the advice provided by each teacher.

Study Skills Tip for May

Harnessing Neuroplasticity:

Unlocking Your Brain's Potential

Have you ever wondered how your brain adapts and evolves in response to your experiences and environment? Welcome to the fascinating world of neuroplasticity – the brain's remarkable ability to form and reorganise connections, particularly through learning and experience.

Here's what the latest brain science tells us about neuroplasticity and its implications for your learning journey:

Dynamic Brain Growth: Your brain is not a static organ; it's a dynamic powerhouse that constantly evolves based on your experiences and surroundings. Every interaction, every lesson learned, and every challenge overcome shapes the structure and function of your brain.

Use It or Lose It: Just like a muscle, your brain requires regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. If you neglect certain skills or cognitive abilities, your brain may "prune" those neural connections, leading to a decline in proficiency. In other words, if you don't use it, you might lose it.

The Power of Brain Rewiring: The exciting news is that you have the power to "rewire" your brain to enhance your abilities and intelligence. By engaging in targeted activities and deliberate practice, you can strengthen neural pathways associated with specific skills and knowledge.

But what does this mean for you in practical terms? Here are some actionable strategies to leverage neuroplasticity and maximize your learning potential:

1. Commit to Short, Regular Practice Sessions: Consistency is key when it comes to brain training. Instead of marathon study sessions, aim for shorter, focused practice sessions spread out over time. This approach not only prevents burnout but also allows for better retention and skill development.
2. Ensure Correct Practice: Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. When you're practising, pay attention to the quality of your efforts. Focus on precision and accuracy, and seek feedback to ensure you're on the right track.
3. Embrace Intense Practice Sessions: Intensity breeds progress. Rather than passively going through the motions, challenge yourself with intense practice sessions that push your limits. Pushing beyond your comfort zone stimulates neural growth and accelerates skill acquisition.
4. Create a Mimicked Environment: Context matters. Whenever possible, practice in environments that mimic the conditions in which you'll need to perform. Whether it's a quiet library for studying or a simulated exam setting, familiarizing yourself with the context can enhance your performance when it counts.

By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you can harness the power of neuroplasticity to achieve your academic goals and unlock your full potential.

Remember, your brain is a remarkable organ capable of extraordinary growth and adaptation. With the right mindset and approach, you can cultivate a learning environment that nurtures your cognitive abilities and fuels your success.

2024 HSC Written Examination Timetable

The 2024 HSC written examination timetable is available for viewing online via the NESA website at:

HSC written exam timetable | NSW Education Standards.

The HSC written examinations will commence Tuesday 15 October and will conclude no later than Friday 8 November.

Mr P Madigan

Acting Assistant Principal - Learning Transformation

Uniform Update

Thank you to all the parents and carers who continue to send their children to school in their full school uniform each and every day. As we move into the cooler months it is important to remind everyone that we now employ our winter uniform which includes stockings for girls. Blazers must be worn to school and into Homeroom and must also be worn when leaving school each day. Scarves are permitted as long as they are plain black and are worn correctly.

As always if anyone requires assistance with uniform please contact the school.

Health and safety (Vaping)

Vaping poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of children and young people. The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows us that vaping has increased significantly, with 18% of 15-24-year-olds vaping. Overall nicotine product use (smoking and vaping) has more than doubled in those aged 14-17 to 10.4%

You can help stop the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine by using the following link.

Health and safety

(Student Travel to and From School)

Please encourage your children to go straight home after school and to travel straight to school in the morning. There have been some recent issues occurring at train stations and in shopping centres in the Blacktown and Mt Druitt areas.

Our advice is for students to go home after school rather than gather in these areas and to only frequent these areas when needed.

E-Safety Commissioner

upcoming free parent webinars

eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you

This webinar provides an overview of the eSafety Commissioner, and supporting programs and resources for parents and carers, children and young people.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school.

Term 2 dates:

6 June 12.30pm

Register here

Wellbeing and digital technologies

This webinar provides an overview of strategies to protect, respond to and support your child online. This webinar will focus on the digital skills to protect and support young people’s mental health and well-being online.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in secondary school.

Term 2 dates:

4 June 2:00pm

Register here

Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary-aged child

As children begin to navigate the online world, they need to know how to make decisions around consent and boundaries. This webinar will outline strategies for parents and carers, as well as support those hard-to-have conversations.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

Term 2 dates:

28 May 12:30pm

18 June 12:30pm

Register here

Setting your child up for success online

An overview of having conversations about tech and online interaction, putting boundaries and rules in place, using parental controls, and monitoring your child online.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

Term 2 dates:

30 May 12:30pm

20 June 12:30pm

Register here

Mr G Hilder

Assistant Principal - School Culture

May- The Month of Mary

May is often referred to as the "Month of Mary" because it's dedicated to honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary in many Christian traditions, particularly within the Catholic Church. There are several reasons why May holds special significance for Mary:

1. Tradition: The tradition of dedicating May to Mary dates back centuries, with roots in various European customs. It became more widespread in the 18th century.
   
2. Flowers: May is a month of blooming flowers in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising purity, beauty, and new life. These attributes are often associated with Mary, who is regarded as the epitome of purity and motherhood.
   
3. Marian Feasts: May contains several feast days dedicated to Mary, such as the Feast of the Visitation (May 31st), the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima (May 13th), and the Feast of the Queenship of Mary (May 31st). These celebrations add to the significance of May as a month devoted to Mary.
   
4. Papal Encouragement: Various popes throughout history have encouraged the devotion to Mary in May. Pope Paul VI, for example, wrote an encyclical in 1965 called "Mense Maio," which encouraged Catholics to intensify their prayers to Mary during May.
   

5. Rosary: The Rosary, a popular Catholic devotion honouring Mary, is often prayed more frequently during May, with special Marian prayers and devotions.

These factors, along with cultural and historical influences, have solidified May as a special time for honouring Mary in many Christian communities.

Prayer to Mary in the Month of May

Hail Mary, Mother of Mercy,

our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To you, we cry, as children of God,

joined as one with our wounded world,

with hearts full of hope for a home transformed.

Mother of Creation,

look upon us we pray,

so we may come to see God's earthly garden

through the radiant light of wisdom.

Holy Mary, Mother of all,

make us worthy we pray,

to treasure the earth our common home,

and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Amen.

This prayer is inspired by the Salve Regina.

Year 11 Reflection Day

Attitude of Grace - “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you” (Eph 1:18)

Towards the end of last term, the year 11 cohort went on their Reflection day to visit Winbourne Retreat Centre at Mulgoa.

The Reflection Day was around the theme of “Attitude of Grace’. This was designed to give students an opportunity to reflect individually and collectively on their lives, and how they can further support outreach within our school and local context. As part of the reflection day sessions, students considered the following: How they view themselves versus how they want to be seen by others. How does God see us? What is Grace? How can we be of service not only in our immediate circle of relationships but to those in the wider community?

I would like to thank the students for their invested interest and active participation throughout the reflection day. Also, thank you to Ms Gale, Ms Collins, Mr Bianchi, Mr Goco, Mrs Ely, Ms Blinman, Ms Kaur, Ms Dunne, Mrs Fielding, Mr Madigan and Mr Kemmis for their assistance on the day, and for leading the groups through their activities.

Peace and blessings.

Mr H. Sadsad

Acting Head of Mission

FAM Update

Dear St Agnes Community,

We're thrilled to share that our FAM students are currently participating in a Culture and Interfaith Dialogue Workshop series hosted by Together for Humanity. This series, which kicked off on 9th May 2024, is set to run fortnightly, offering our students an engaging platform to delve into discussions, activities, and explorations of faith and culture.

In these workshops, our students are actively exploring different faith traditions and cultural practices through interactive sessions filled with fun activities. Through these experiences, they are not only fostering understanding and empathy but also building bridges of cooperation among diverse communities.

Stay tuned for more updates on this enriching journey as our students continue to engage in meaningful dialogue and exploration!

Kind Regards,

Mr M Goco

FIA Coordinator

Year 10 SRE Catechists:

Embracing Service and Faith

Our Year 10 students are making a remarkable impact as Special Religious Education (SRE) catechists at a local primary school in Eastern Creek. Every Tuesday morning, they dedicate their time to teaching catechism and nurturing the spiritual growth of younger students.

This initiative not only provides our Year 10 students with a platform to deepen their understanding of their faith but also empowers them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By engaging with students from Years 6 to Kindergarten, they create a supportive and enriching environment where the values of love, kindness, and faith can flourish.

Their commitment embodies our school values of dignity, compassion, integrity and inclusiveness. We're proud of their dedication to sharing the teachings of the Catholic faith and fostering a supportive environment for their peers.

Let's support and celebrate their efforts as they inspire us all to live our faith through service.

Mr M Goco

FIA Coordinator

PDSSSC Cross Country

On the 10th May, I was privileged to take our school representative runners to the PDSSSC Cross Country that was held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park. It was a fantastic day that saw students from Years 7 to 12 tackle the challenging course.

Congratulations to all our St Agnes representatives that

showcased determination and endurance, pushing through fatigue to cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment. I would like to highlight a standout performance from Andrea Plaatjes of Year 10, who secured a remarkable 3rd place finish in her age group. This has earned her a spot to compete at the NSWCCC Cross Country to be held later in June - Good luck Andrea!

Mr S Barnett

Sports Coordinator

Library News

Welcome to Term 2!

Our school Library is constantly growing and changing. In 2024 the Library Team is a great example of this. In addition to our long-standing Library Technicians, we have two new teacher librarians who will be working with students and teachers to develop reading and research skills across the school. The Library will also continue to promote a love of reading for pleasure and recreation.

The Library Collection is currently growing and we have many exciting new books for students to enjoy. Keep an eye out for new Fiction, Biography and Classics.

Library Catalogue Searching

To help students develop their independent searching skills, the Library has a permanent computer (OPAC) that is set up for searching the catalogue. This is located in front of the Library Service Desk and next to the printer.

The Library OPAC provides a quick and easy way to search for any book to see if we have it on the shelves. Students can also place a ‘hold’ on a book they would like to read if it is unavailable. Books can be searched by title, author, subject or keyword.

Still can’t find the book you want?

Don’t forget to look on our E-Reading platforms, Sora or Wheelers, or ask the Library staff for assistance. Students can recommend new titles and the Library will do its best to add them to the collection.

Book Bingo Challenge

Over the April School Holidays, students were invited to participate in a Book Bingo Challenge. In the challenge, students needed to read a minimum of 5 books that matched various descriptions on the ‘bingo’ sheet. All participants received a Merit Award, and a Chupa Chup and their names were entered into a draw to win a $20 book voucher.

Congratulations to Shanya Shrestha in Year 9 who was the Winner of the $20 book voucher.

It was great to see which books students chose to read and congratulations to everyone who participated in this event!

You can find copies of the following Book Bingo books in our Library Collection:

• One of us is Lying by Karen McManus
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
• The Babysitter’s Club: Kristy’s Big Day by Gale Galligan
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
• Nevermoor: the Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• The Golden Door by Emily Rodda

Premiers Reading Challenge

The 2024 Premiers Reading Challenge is underway and open to all students in Years 7-9

The challenge is to read 20 books, and students have until the end of August to submit their reading log. At least 10 books need to be from the Year 7-9 or Year 9+ reading lists and 10 books are free choice.

Our Library Fiction Collection is a great place to begin when looking for books to read for the PRC!

To participate, scan the QR code to complete an entry form, or click the link in the Compass Notification.

What books are the Staff Reading?

Mrs Ayden took up the goal of reading all the nominated books for the Children’s Book Council Australia’s Book of the Year awards this year.

Borderland by Graham Akhurst is about an Indigenous boy, Jono, who lives in Brisbane with his mum. He doesn’t feel a connection to Country or know who his mob are. Jono and his best friend Jenny end up working on a documentary with a crew promoting mining in rural Queensland. Soon after, Jono begins seeing a horrific figure, experiencing panic attacks and having nightmares.

An interesting and eerie read about a young boy discovering his identity and finding his voice. Recommended for older readers.

Ms Sharman read a number of books during the holidays but the one she enjoyed the most was The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams. This is a follow-up book (not strictly a sequel) to The Dictionary of Lost Words and is set on the grounds of Oxford University in the early 1900s.

The Bookbinder of Jericho is a story about knowledge – who makes it, who can access it, and what is lost when it is withheld. In this beautiful companion to the international bestseller The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams explores another little-known slice of history seen through women's eyes. Intelligent, thoughtful and rich with unforgettable characters.

We hope to see you in the Library soon!

Happy Reading

Ms Sharman, Mrs Ayden, Mrs Berman & Miss Brogan

Environment Club Bake Sale

Well done to all the bakers and helpers from the Environment Club who helped raise $197 on Tuesday, May 2nd for our Environment Club bake sale. Despite some rain dampening the day, we managed to keep all the cupcakes dry and plenty of students turned out to buy some tasty baked treats and help raise money for a future vegetable garden and compost bins. Hopefully, we will be composting waste from the canteen and staffroom and growing our own vegetables by the end of the year.

YoWIE 2024 experience

Angelica Prasad's reflection on her transformative experience in the YoWIE program!

The YoWIE program is highly insightful for women considering a career pathway in engineering. Over the course of the workshop, I got to utilise my science and mathematics skills to solve engineering problems. We were split into 6 groups, each representing the surname of a famous female engineer, who is renowned in their specific fields of engineering for their outstanding work. These women are known in our world today as Mary Jackson, Elsie MacGill, Violet McKenzie, Kate Fox, Florence Taylor and Diane Lemaire.

Over the course of the workshop, I got to indulge in aerospace, mechanical, aeronautical, electrical, civil and software engineering. The lawn mower workshop which involved the disassembling and the reassembling of a lawnmower engine, taught me and the other girls how engines work and fit together. In the earthen dam workshop, we got to build, design and test our dam based on simulated weather conditions. Furthermore, we built a model of a gas turbine engine, which allowed us to understand the principles behind how engines power an aircraft. Moreover, we analysed signals to

aid an astronaut return to her rocket, in the lost in space workshop. Lastly, we also had the opportunity to: practise flying in their aviation simulator lab, build and fly a rocket and program an electrical circuit.

During the YoWIE program, we also had the chance to attend their 2024 careers fair, during which 17 companies exhibited what a career in engineering involved. Some of these companies consisted of: Canberra Innovation Network, Australian Signals Directorate, Academy Racing Team and Engineers Australia. We also talked with three practising female engineers, two of whom work at the ADFA.

From this experience, I got to step into various fields of engineering at a university level. This is significantly beneficial for an individual who wants to pursue a career in engineering, as there are many pathways you can take within this career field alone.

The passion and enthusiastic atmosphere for engineering radiating from my fellow peers, the YoWIE team and the activity leads, is one of the most inspiring aspects of the program.

More information on the YoWIE program can be found in the news report coverage of the program linked below.

YoWIE 2024 media coverage news report

YoWIE 2023 media coverage article

YoWIE

Year 8 Romeo and Juliet Riverside Theatre Excursion

STUDENT REVIEWS

Year 8 English is studying Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare as it is what our Term 2 assessment is about. On Thursday the 9th May Year 8 went to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta to watch the Romeo and Juliet play. The play is about a tragic love story where two children (Romeo and Juliet) fall in love at first sight, but the only problem is that their families are enemies. There were lots of sound effects and special effects (fake thunder, etc), props (fake weapons, etc). I would recommend people to watch Romeo and Juliet because it's very interesting and entertaining.

-Selen Essho

This term Year 8 is learning and studying a play written by William Shakespeare called Romeo and Juliet. We travelled by bus on the 9th May to Parramatta Riverside Theatre to watch the play live. When we first arrived we had a little break to have our recess, after we finished our break we entered the theatre sitting with our class. We sat for 3 hours watching the play, 12 actors played characters in the play. All the actors did an amazing job throughout the play. There were a lot of special effects like fake thunder, and different types of lightning colours which were based on the mood of the scene. There were props like fake knives and guns which looked pretty real. They displayed a smoke effect through the whole play which made it look foggy. Overall Year 8 had a fun and enjoyable experience watching Romeo and Juliet.

-Aanya Ram

On the 9th May, Year 8 went to the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta to watch the famous play by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Mr Loughlin and Year 8 English teachers accompanied the students to the theatre. We are studying the play for the Term 2 unit: “Romeo + Juliet, It’s a Love Story!” Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story between two lovers who were destined for each other. However, the pair were from families who were sworn enemies for life. Only when Romeo and Juliet take their own lives and three other characters die, do the families release their grudges and forgive each other. During the play, the actors were very passionate about their roles, providing each line with enthusiasm and portraying the necessary emotions to affect the audience. The music and background noise changed with each act and scene. However, the context was hard to understand since the characters’ lines were in old English, e.g. - “Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” and “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” We learnt many things during the play and witnessed the script by Shakespeare come to life.

-Kristina Jagiello

Year 8 has recently been delving into the plays and poems of the English writer William Shakespeare, especially one of his famous tragic plays, Romeo and Juliet - the story of feuding households, two star-crossed lovers and their fated ends. Fortunately, we were given the opportunity to watch the play at Riverside Theatre on Thursday 9th May, to further immerse ourselves in Shakespeare’s work. Though their interpretations were somewhat different from the original story - having Benvolio and one of the Capulet’s servants as female actors - we were able to have an in-depth understanding of the events taking place in the play. We felt many different emotions, as we laughed, cheered and cried for the characters in the story. This event definitely changed and broadened our perspectives on Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, and was truly an enjoyable experience for all of Year 8.

-Destiny Favor

Careers

Western Sydney University Pasifika Achievement

to Higher Education program |

WSU PATHE In-School Workshops

Western Sydney University will conduct in-school workshops with Pasifika and Māori students from Years 7 to 12. The workshops are designed to discover students' interests, career options and how they can look at university through interactive activities that are inclusive of Pacific concepts. The workshops look to engage students, educators, and parents to embrace cultural perspectives within education. PATHE has been running at St Agnes since 2019 and we have had students successfully transition from high school to WSU and become PATHE ambassadors. We now also have many graduates who have succeeded in completing their degrees as the PATHE community fostered them. This program is proven to break down barriers and provide inclusive access to the Pasifika and Māori communities.

Open Day will be held on Sunday, 30 June 2024 and is a great opportunity to discover all that Western has to offer. Explore course options, meet academics and find out about our pathway options.

Register now to join us. We can't wait to see you at Open Day 2024!

HSC True Reward Early Offer Program - Apply now

Our 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.

Students can explore the HSC True Reward web page for more information on important dates, subject requirements and how to apply for study in 2025.

Apply Now

What is National Careers Week?

National Careers Week is an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia. It celebrates careers, career development, career development services, and career development practitioners and promotes career development‘s economic, social and personal benefits.

What is career development?

Ultimately, career development is about much more than jobs – it is about how to live your life.

Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training, and work. Everyday decisions and priorities affect career development. A positive approach to career development begins when you raise your aspirations, challenge stereotypes, broaden your horizons, stay open to learning, and get curious about careers!

National Careers Week is your one-stop shop for exploring career education, information and guidance. It connects you with fantastic resources and events to help you achieve your dream job, like these sheets:

Take charge of your future and invest in your career development. Participate in National CareersWeek to help you on your journey towards a fulfilling career.

UAC - Universities Admissions Centre for NSW and ACT institutions

Applications are open for applicants from NSW and ACT. IB and interstate students can apply from 1st August. Domestic applicants also unlock access to the:

• Educational Access Scheme Equity Scholarships
  
• Schools Recommendation Scheme So if you’re interested in applying to a university in NSW or the ACT, download your interactive survival guide to get started
  

WSU | Pathway to Dreaming | Unlocking Careers in

Health and Sport

Tomorrow Ms Tomich will take Aboriginal students in years 9 to 12 to an on-campus event. This day raises knowledge and aspirations for the wide variety of careers available in the Sports and Health industries. Students will participate in practical workshops and a Q&A Yarn Up with Indigenous industry professionals to gain insight into their education journeys, work and careers. As part of the Unlocking Careers in Sport and Health event, students who participate in the Sports Journalism workshop have an exciting opportunity to interview former AFL Player Malcolm Lynch! Students can choose between a range of faculties including Paramedicine, Medicine, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Sports Management and Marketing, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Nursing.

Year 12 Penrith Careers Market | 22nd May

Students in Year 12 will get the chance to speak to LOCAL professionals and education providers to consolidate their transition pathway at the end of the year. University, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centres, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers will all be available, and it is recommended that students have resumes on hand on the day to email or hand a copy to employers. They will have key staff members attending with them on the day who have been supporting them throughout their journey and we will be able to advocate and amplify their voices as they approach various institutions and organisations to secure transition plans.

© JobJump Pty Ltd

Whether it is a school-related assignment, or a project you created in your own time, enter your work for an opportunity to win study grants towards a Faculty of Arts and Design degree, as well as a range of Adobe products and cash prizes!

The UC Creative Competition celebrates the creativity of Year 11 and 12 students from across the country. Participating students stand a chance to win a full year’s tuition and semester study grants towards an Arts and Design degree at UC, and cash prizes for each competition category. Each work will be published in UC’s competition gallery and open to voting for the annual People's Choice Award.

Submissions to this competition can be used to form part of the participating student's portfolio to gain entry into any of the Faculty of Arts and Design degrees.

Learn more about portfolio entry here

Major prizes

12-month study grant towards a degree from the Faculty of Arts and Design plus

$500 cash.

Runner up prizes

Semester study grants towards a degree from the Faculty of Arts and Design.

$300 cash prize for each runner-up category winner.

12-month Adobe student subscription.

Mentoring session with an Adobe expert.

Adobe merchandise apparel.

Edii Maker2Market online experience.

People's Choice award

Cash prize plus the esteemed title of People's Choice.

Key dates

1 May – Submissions open

25 September– Submissions close 23 October – Voting opens.

6 November – Voting closes.

13 November – Winners announced.

Be sure to read the participation guide and full terms and conditions before you enter.

"Reminder: School photos are on the 21st of May.

Please make your online orders for both portraits and sibling photos BEFORE the 21st of May. All school students are required to be in full school winter uniform as outlined in the student diary"

Message from Samantha - Family School Liaison Officer

Emerging Minds has shared a collection of resources including animations, fact sheets, videos and podcasts based on information about what children's mental health is, what shapes it, how to support it and what to look out for if your child might need some extra support.

https://emergingminds.com.au/families/understanding-and-supporting-childrens-mental-health/

Further information supporting your child's mental health can be found on this website,

https://emergingminds.com.au/families/five-ways-to-support-your-childrens-mental-health/

Additional supports available,

Mental Health Access Line, 1800 011 511

LifeLine, 13 11 14 and crisis online chat, connect with LifeLine online option available and text (0477 13 11 14) - available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service, 1300 659 467

National services that provide free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide

Headspace, 1800 650 890 or, chat online option available

Providing free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged between 12 - 25 years old and to families and friends.

Beyond Blue, 1300 22 4636, -available 24/7

also available chat online - available 24/7

Provides a free online and telephone helpline for people with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. You can talk to trained mental health professionals who can give you support and advice. Beyond Blue can also help you find mental health services near you!

Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800

A telephone counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25 and available 24/7

Head to Health, 1800 595 212

Provides advice and connects to local mental health services.

Parent Line

1300 1300 52, 9am - 9am Monday - Friday and 4pm - 9pm Saturday - Sunday

Compass is our primary parent communication tool for day-to-day operational matters, upcoming events, notices, and notifications so it is essential that all parents download the app.

It is more important than ever that we are able to communicate effectively, especially when it involves the safety of our children. If you haven't already, we ask that parents download the Compass app onto their devices for either Apple or Android.

• Compass is a web-based system allowing you to access up-to-date and meaningful information about our school and your child’s progress. Compass includes many different features, including the ability to:
  
• Be informed of important updates, events, and reminders
  
• View your child’s timetable
  
• Review your child’s attendance
  
• Provide explanations for periods of absence
  
• Update your contact details
  
• Book Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences.
  

Compass is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) or by using the Compass iOS or Android apps.

If you have not received notifications via email can you please email the school to check on our contact details for you.

stagnes@parra.catholic.edu.au

shttps://www.facebook.com/StAgnesCHSRootyHill