In this issue

Welcome back to Term 3. This is always a massive term for senior students with many important dates to keep track of, for Year 12 students in particular. This term is also when universities hold their Open Days, the dates for this can be found on the Careers page of MyStPauls. Open days are a fantastic way to explore the campuses, talk to current students and find out about accommodation, student life and many other things.

Year 12 students will complete their VTAC applications this term with VTAC opening on 31 July. Students and their families will be supported through this process and the Year 12 students will be given a VTAC presentation during their pastoral on Thursday 3 August. This will cover the application process in detail.

Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be choosing their subjects for 2024 this term also. Again, the students will be supported through this process by a team of staff to assist with their selections. We suggest selecting subjects that you enjoy, have an interest in and are good at rather than subjects your friends have chosen, you think will scale better or would look better on your resume. A successful VCE program is one that you have an interest in and is catering to your ability.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

Sarah Luck
Head of Careers
sluck@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Apprenticeship Opportunity

Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship Program 2024, Pakenham
Komatsu’s Award Winning Apprentice Development System (ADS) is a leading benchmark for training nationwide. It has earned widespread recognition, including Silver for Large Employer of the Year and Silver for Employing Australian Apprentices at the National Training Awards in 2022.  Throughout the 4-year program you will receive first class training in state-of-the-art facilities, working on some of the most innovative and advanced equipment ranges globally. Upon successful completion of the Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship, you will obtain the qualification of AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology.

 What can a student expect as a Komatsu Apprentice?

• Learn valuable, nationally recognised job skills and qualifications.
• Be supported by a dedicated Apprentice Technical Capability team.
• Be provided with mental health awareness and resilience training.
• Opportunity to advance a career globally by leveraging cross-functional development.
• Continual training and upskilling for ongoing career development.

Students keen on finding out more and the recruitment and application process, should visit: Komatsu’s Apprentice Program.
Applications close 31 July 2023.

University News

A new pathway to Medicine at the University of Southern Queensland
If you are looking to become a Doctor, you know you will need to study one of the few (and competitive) degrees out there that lead to your chosen career.  The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is now making it easier for regional students to realise their dreams, launching the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway).

Upon successful completion of the degree within three years and obtaining a minimum Grade Point Average of 5.0, students will gain direct entry into the University of Queensland’s (UQ) MD, delivered by the UQ Rural Clinical School, Toowoomba.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) is part of the Darling Downs South West Medical Pathway, a collaboration between The University of Southern Queensland, The University of Queensland, Darling Downs Health and South West Hospital and Health Service. The goal of the collaboration is to provide end-to-end medical training in the Darling Downs and South West regions to enhance our rural, regional and remote medical workforce.

Regional and rural students are encouraged to apply and may be eligible for ATAR adjustments if they reside in a rural area in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, however all students are eligible to apply for this course.

For further information click here: Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway)

New Climate Change Major
Study climate change as your major.  It will equip you with the skills and knowledge to respond to the climate crisis and drive positive change.

Make an impact through La Trobe’s climate change major.  As the first of its kind in Australia*, students can study climate change as a major in a wide range of discipline areas including science, global studies, health sciences and more.

Students can study the climate change major entirely online, or as an open access major in a wide range of undergraduate degrees, including:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Biological Sciences
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Global Studies
• Bachelor of Health Sciences

* The climate change major at La Trobe University is the first of its kind in Australia as it is non-cognate and interdisciplinary and it provides a unique opportunity for students to study the global challenge of anthropogenic climate change from a wide range of disciplines including law, economics, public health and archaeology.

Find out more: Climate Change Major

Cyber Security

Certificate IV in Cyber Security
This one-year on-campus cyber security course will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of cyber security.  Throughout the course, students learn about different types of cyber threats and how to identify and protect against them.  They also learn about the legal and ethical issues surrounding cyber security and how to respond to security incidents.  Additionally, the course covers the principles of risk management and how to implement security controls to mitigate risks.
Find out more: Certificate IV in Cyber Security at Box Hill Institute

Information Sessions

Victoria Police Careers Information Session
West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
Victoria Police is hosting an information session this Monday at the West Gippsland Arts Centre for members of the community who are interested in a career with Victoria Police focusing on the role of a police officer.

Learn more about the recruitment process, training at the Police Academy, general duties policing, career pathways and specialty units and more. It is also your opportunity to speak with local police members to ask questions you have about a career with Victoria Police.

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Monday 24 July 
Find out more

WEP Student Exchange Information Session
Imagine making friends from all over the world, learning about yourself and the world around you and seeing sights you could only dream of! Find out more about your student exchange opportunities at WEP’s online info session.

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Tuesday 25 July
Find out more

Monash Engineering Student Panel
Monash Engineering students will discuss the specialisations available, the day-to-day student experience and the careers they plan to undertake in this online seminar.

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Wednesday 26 July 
Find out more

Open Days

Deakin University Open Day
Want to find out everything you need to know about studying at Deakin? Open Day is your chance to get a good feel for the university, get your questions answered by students and staff and find out what it is like to be a Deakin student.

Whether you join the open days online or on campus this year, it is your chance to explore courses, discover campuses, hear from students, chat with advisers and win prizes. Be inspired by sessions held by world-class academics and study experts. Open Day is your day to get your questions answered.

Each campus will have their own open day as follows:
Sunday 6 August: Warrnambool
Sunday 20 August: Geelong
Sunday 27 August: Melbourne Burwood

Find out more here: Deakin Open Day

RMIT Open Day
Join an Open Day that matches your vibe at a uni that prepares you for what comes next. You will feel it click at NextFest!

• Take a tour of the campuses to see everything from inspiring labs to tech-integrated learning spaces.
• Catch a glimpse of what student life is like at RMIT.
• Attend presentations, Q&As and more where you will learn what it is like to study your dream course.
• Meet your future employers, lecturers and current RMIT students.

Sunday 6 August: Bundoora
Sunday 13 August: City and Brunswick

For further details click here: Find out more
To download the full event schedule and helpful tips click here: NextFest Open Day

RMIT Flight Training Open Days
At RMIT Flight Training Open Day, our experienced flight instructors and students are on standby to talk to you about the range of career opportunities in aviation.

Sunday 20 August: Point Cook
Sunday 27 August: Bendigo

For further information click here: Flight Training Open Day

Whitehouse Institute Open House
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, 19 August 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant campus atmosphere of Whitehouse Institute of Design, explore the exceptional learning environment and meet their welcoming design community.

What you can expect on the day:

• Interactive creative workshops: immerse yourself in hands-on design workshops led by expert teachers.
• Course information sessions: Hear more about the comprehensive curriculum, subjects and the overall Whitehouse experience.
• Campus tours: Take a tour of the state-of-the-art campus, where creativity thrives and innovation is nurtured.
• Design exhibition, view the latest student design work.
• Q&A sessions: Engage with faculty and current design students to answer all your questions.
• Fashion runway show.

Find out more

Torrens University Open Day
Saturday 12 August

Torrens University offers courses in design and technology, health, education, business, hospitality and education and has campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.  Open Day gives you a taste of what they do and how they do it. Meet their academics, talk to current students and tour the campuses.

Find out more

Open Day at SAE
Saturday 12 August

If you are thinking about a career in animation, audio, creative industries, design, film, gaming or music, head along to SAE Open Day where you will have the opportunity to check out the campus facilities, explore study pathways for a career in creative media and get all your questions answered by existing students and industry experts. SAE boasts world-class facilities and collaborative spaces geared towards the creative media industries, as well as flexible remote learning options.

Find out more

AIE | Open Day
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday 13 August

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day.  AIE’s Open Day is a great opportunity to meet the teachers, staff and students. The day will cover everything you need to know about:

• careers in games and VFX
• studios and industries that they work with
• courses on offer – from beginners to professional mastery
• the software, skills and knowledge they teach.

AIE’s Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career.

Find out more

Photography Studies College Open Day
Visit Photography Studies College’s Open Day, to explore the facilities, meet tutors and staff, discover courses and learn about the application and interview process.  The Photography Studies College provides a range of nationally accredited photography-focused courses, including Masters, Degrees, Diploma and Certificate courses (Vocational and Higher Education) led by internationally renowned teachers and mentors.

Find out about 2024 courses and hear from alumni about their careers and experience since graduating.

Find out more

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria. It could be your good grades, active involvement in your community, leadership skills, or even specific talents like sports, arts or music. It is important to showcase your achievements and strengths when applying for scholarships. You might need to fill out an application, write essays, provide recommendation letters or demonstrate your skills or talents.

Applying for scholarships can be a fantastic opportunity for you, especially if you are concerned about the cost of education. Scholarships not only reduce the financial burden but also open doors to better opportunities. They encourage and reward your hard work, dedication and potential.

The Study Work Grow website has a list of scholarship opportunities and a few are listed below.  To view the comprehensive list click here.

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship

Open: 4 September
Closes: 14 January 2024
Value: $20,000

Swinburne Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship

Open: 31 July
Closes: 1 December
Value: $5,000 AUD per year

Monash Achieving Potential Scholarships for Distinction

Open: 31 July
Closes: 6 October
Value: Up to $36,000 AUD

Accounting Degrees in Victoria in 2023

Accounting is offered at many universities in Victoria.  It is often offered as a major or minor in a business or commerce degree, but many universities also offer dedicated accounting degrees.  Below is a list of many specific accounting-focused courses offered at Victorian universities.
Visit VTAC for more comprehensive information on these and other courses – including double degrees – that offer accounting.

Resources

The Importance of Good Email Etiquette
In a world of emojis, abbreviations and instant communication, we are all used to sending messages that are short, sharp and to the point. So when we use email, why wouldn’t it be the same? Well, there is actually something pretty important to consider: your email etiquette.

What is email etiquette?
Basically, email etiquette is a set of rules that you use when you are composing an email. You use these rules to make your email clear and professional. The rules can be different depending on who you are sending an email to but generally provide a great base to work from no matter who you are talking to.

Think of it a bit like sending a letter (old-fashioned, we know). If you just put a piece of paper in the envelope without saying who it is for and who it is from, or what it is about, it is probably going to be pretty confusing for the person who receives it, if it even makes it to the right person in the first place.

Why is email etiquette important?
Taking a few extra minutes to use good email etiquette makes it far more likely that people will respond positively to your emails. It shows people that you are professional and polite, and your email is less likely to cause misunderstandings.

And it might not seem like it while you are at school, but your conduct online is very important. Lots of things that go on the internet are out there forever – and this includes your emails. Always think twice before you hit “send”.

Email etiquette tips
So what are some things you can do to make your emails more professional, and potentially causing offence to someone? We have gathered some of the top tips for you to keep in mind:

Make your subject line clear and concise
Depending on who you are emailing, they might receive tens or even hundreds of emails to sift through every day. So the first thing they are going to see is the subject line. If the subject line is confusing, vague, or non-existent they are much more likely to scroll right past it, or it will be sent to their spam folder and they might not see it at all.

Use proper greetings
Even if you know the person you are emailing, it is best to be as professional as possible in your emails. And this includes the way you greet them. While you might say “hey” or “what’s up” to them in person, it is not the best look in an email. Even worse, jumping in with no greeting at all comes off as rude.

Some common greetings include “Hi” or “Hello”, or if you need to be a bit more formal, “Dear” or “Good morning/afternoon”.

Don’t forget to include the person’s name as well (if you know it) – it shows that extra level of attention to detail. And make sure you refer to the person you are emailing correctly. You would not email your teacher and start with “Dear Jane”; “Dear Ms Grey” would be much more appropriate.

Politely sign-off
Similar to the above point, being professional and polite when finishing your emails is important too. Common ways you can sign off an email include “Kind regards”, “Sincerely”, or even a simple “Thank you”.

Introduce yourself
This is especially important if you are sending an email to someone you do not know. But even if it is someone you know (like your teacher), it is better to introduce yourself so they can quickly figure out who it is from instead of having to read through to the end.

You can always start with your name (“My name is…”), and then some extra info about who you are that is relevant to the person you are emailing. For example, if you are emailing a university lecturer, you might also include your student number. If you are at work and emailing a client, you could include the name of your business so they know who is contacting them. If you are emailing about a job opportunity, mention that.

Proofread your message
Just like you would with your assignments, it is important to double-check your emails before you send them off. Make sure there aren’t any spelling mistakes or issues with grammar. It is also important to check the tone of your message to make sure it doesn’t come off as rude or aggressive, or too casual.

Taking the time to read your email out loud can also help you catch any mistakes you might have missed by skimming it.

Keep it simple
Nobody wants to be spending half of their day reading through pages and pages of emails. Keep the content relevant and as brief as possible while still being clear. If it is something that you feel might need more explaining, you could try contacting the person by a different method, such as over the phone.

Include a signature
Similar to introducing yourself, having a signature at the bottom of your emails lets people know who you are. Not having any information about yourself can seem rude or even suspicious. Include your name and contact information so people know the best way to contact you if they need to.

Check who you are sending it to
There is nothing more embarrassing than sending a message to the wrong person, especially if it includes information that is private or personal. Make sure you always double-check the email of the person you are sending to, as well as whether there are other people who need to be included (or not) in the email.

A good habit is to write your message before entering the person’s email address – this way you will avoid accidentally sending it too early.

Final thoughts on email etiquette
Remember, the way you write your emails is a way of showing people who you are. If your message is disorganised and full of spelling mistakes, what do you think people will think about you? If it is rude or aggressive, do you think the person on the other end will respond positively? Regardless of who we are or what we do, good communication is always an important skill to have.

If you want to know more about effective communication in the workplace, we have more resources you can check out here.

Want to know if communication is your strong suit? You can take our Skills Report and find the soft skills you excel in.