In this issue

NOVEMBER

11 November  Remembrance Day Service, 10:45 am
14 to 18 November  Incursion/Excursion Free Week
Assessment Free Week
16 to 17 November  Years 9 and 10 Examinations
18 November  Years 9 and 10 Examination Catch Up Day
Curriculum and Assessment Day (Student Free Day)
Student Celebration, Traralgon Butter Factory, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
21 November to 2 December  Early Commencement
22 November  ‘Codetta’ Rehearsal, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm
‘Codetta’ Concert, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
24 November  SEISA Summer Finals
25 November  Christmas Shopping Night, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

As we are getting closer to the summer holidays, students may be thinking of applying for a summer position or their first job ever. I remember mine was babysitting. In this fortnight’s newsletter, there are some hints about how to look for work but there are also some hobbies that can help build employment skills and help you become more productive in general. Cooking is a favourite hobby of mine and one that I am teaching my 12 year old as it is a really valuable skill that you will need throughout your whole life. After all, you cannot live on instant noodles forever. Besides the obvious nutritional benefits, cooking helps you learn how to follow instructions effectively, develop patience and can even teach you how to start planning ahead (think meal plans and prep). Gardening is not just a great way to keep your hands and mind busy. It also teaches some valuable skills, like patience and resilience and is also incredibly rewarding.  It is also a great way to learn about caring for things and our environmental impact.  Another one is reading, whether it is a good old-fashioned paperback or through your screen, reading is a great way to spend your time. You can learn a ton of new and interesting things, be exposed to points of view you might not have considered before and build your language skills, all at the same time.

While this list is not an exhaustive list, these are some great ways to get you ready for the workforce. Many students will say to me that they have nothing to put on a resume but as you can see, it is really easy to build up some skills that employers want to see.

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says: ‘I’m possible!'” — Audrey Hepburn

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

Year 12 Students

Important Dates

• Year 12 VTAC very late applications – 4 November to 2 December

GAP YEAR

Traditionally a gap year was taken by Year 12 students who deferred their university study for 12 months. Now, gap years are taken by students who would like to delay their TAFE or university studies or apprenticeships.  There are many benefits for young people – the following are several:

• Financial: save money to fund future study/training.
• Career development: complete a traineeship, TAFE course, volunteering etc, before starting university studies. This may improve your graduate employment prospects and give you practical employment skills.
• Take a break: if you are feeling burnt out from study, taking a break may be beneficial for your mental wellbeing.
• Give you time to firm up your future goals: if you are feeling unsure about your study or training plans, a gap year may give you time to explore your goals, attend open days, participate in work or training related to your interests and give you more time to make sure the course or training you want to do in the future is right for you.

Gap year programs

If you would rather travel or volunteer during your gap year, Year13 has put together a list of companies that offer working holidays, travel and volunteer gap year programs, click here for details: Year13

In our previous issue we had information on Camp America and US College Basketball, click here to read: Career News 28 October

TAFE applicants

Applications are open for most TAFE institutes and private providers. The following is important to know:

• Competitive courses may have early closing dates.
• You may need to complete additional tasks as part of your application such as portfolios, literacy and numeracy tests, information sessions, applying for a Working With Children Check, etc.

For examples of TAFE courses and why TAFE is a fantastic post-school pathway, download a brochure via TAFE Courses

Apprenticeship/traineeship applicants

Now is a great time to be searching for your dream apprenticeship/traineeship!  There are many positions available for enthusiastic young people who are keen to work hard, earn while they learn and obtain a portable qualification.

It is important to sign up for local Apprenticeship Network Providers. They will be able to assist you with your search. You can find their contact details here: Australian Apprenticeships

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways has developed an easy process for students to follow when seeking an apprenticeship or traineeship, AA Pathways

Do not have the Maths prerequisite for your dream course?

Swinburne University offers a maths bridging program called MathsLink.

MathsLink is a bridging program for students needing VCE Units 3 and 4 Mathematics to study a course at Swinburne.
MathsLink is a six-week intensive program delivered fully online and students will be guided through the unit modules by specialised teachers.
MathsLink: Methods is recognised by Swinburne as the equivalent to VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3/4
MathsLink: Further is recognised by Swinburne as the equivalent to VCE Further Maths Units 3/4
MathsLink will commence Monday 3 January 2023.  Due to the holiday season, it is highly recommended that students apply before Friday 23 December 2022.
MathsLink incurs a one-off $400 fee is payable upon enrolment in MathsLink. Should a student pass MathsLink and enrol in a relevant Swinburne degree, or Associate degree, the $400 MathsLink fee will be credited to their fees account.

On successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to make a direct application to Swinburne University for entry in 2023.

Find out more on MathsLink: Methods: MathsLink: Methods Bridging Program

Find out more on MathsLink: Further: MathsLink: Further Bridging Program

Open Days and Information Sessions

Engineering Information Session at Melbourne Polytechnic
Monday 14 November 2022, 6:00 pm
Online

Choosing a career path, knowing where to upgrade your skills or how to start does not need to be a decision you make alone.  Hosted by teachers who can answer questions and offer advice on your chosen field, this information session will help you make an informed decision around your study and career options.

Find out more about the following courses:

• Diploma of Engineering Technology – Civil Engineering
• Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Civil Engineering Design
• Diploma of Engineering Technology – Mechatronic Engineering
• Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Mechatronic Engineering Design

Click here for more details: Melbourne Polytechnic

Fitness Information Sessions and Tour of VU Polytechnic
23 and 30 November 2022, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Victoria University, Footscray Campus

VU Polytechnic has an information session where you can find out more about the Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate IV in Fitness and tour the facilities.

The sessions will cover:

• the course structure and information
• industry connections
• placement opportunities
• pathways to further study
• tour of the facilities.

Find out more: VU-fitness-information-sessions

NIE | Academic Insights Program Webinar
Monday 14 November 2022, 7:00 pm
Online

The Immerse Education Summer School in Sydney is a unique opportunity for participants to live and study at the highest-ranked university in Australia, The University of Sydney.

During this webinar, teachers will discuss how this immersive Academic Insights summer program will provide ambitious high school students with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate-level subjects at the University of Sydney.

Webinar topics:

• a detailed look at the Academic Insights Program; syllabus, curriculum details and program inclusions.
• Summer School program benefits and how it can help with gaining admission into highly competitive undergraduate courses, like medicine and dentistry.

Read more here: NIE Academic Insights program

IT and Cybersecurity Information Session at Chisholm
Wednesday 16 November 2022, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online

Are you interested in pursuing a career in IT and Cybersecurity?

Chisholm offers a range of IT courses that will equip you with the essential skills needed for this fast-moving sector. If you want to pursue games development, library and information services, multimedia and web development, or specialisations like cyber security or software development, this session is for you.

Attend an online information session designed to provide you with a better understanding of which course is right for you and have all of your questions answered by experienced IT and Cybersecurity teachers.

Find out more: Cybersecurity-information-session

William Angliss | VET Info Series: Hospitality and Hotel Management
Tuesday 6 December 2022, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online

Do you consider yourself a true people person? If so, hospitality may be the right path for you. William Angliss is hosting an online information session where you can explore courses and take your first step into the hospitality industry.

Topics covered:

• course content
• entry requirements
• career pathways
• graduate student outcomes
• how Angliss can support you
• a chance to ask the program leaders questions

Find out more: Info-series-hospitality/

Workshops and Courses

The Australian Film Television and Radio School – Introduction to Directing
5 – 21 December 2022, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
(Six Zoom sessions over three weeks)

• Learn about the important role the director takes in narrative storytelling and bringing the script to the screen
• Find out about key relationships and working with the different production departments
• Basic principles of blocking for the camera, working with actors and character development

Find out more: AFTRS/intro-to-directing/

Whitehouse Institute of Design | Foundation Sewing Workshop
16 – 19 January 2023, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Foundation Sewing Workshop provides individuals with an introduction to the application and modification of patterns, together with techniques to embellish and construct a complete garment.  The workshop is aimed at those wishing to gain pattern making and sewing skills or those with an interest in fashion.

The four-day sewing workshop provides foundations for designing a garment using simple pattern modification techniques manually. Students will then be able to cut and make the garment using the simple techniques that guarantee success.

Participants will have access to all the technical equipment required for the course.

Location: Whitehouse Institute of Design, Level 4/672 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Find out more: Foundation-sewing-workshop

The Gordon | Hospitality Boot camp
21 – 22 November 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Get ready for Geelong’s best hospitality boot camp and gain access to hospitality employers recruiting for the summer season!

If you can put your best foot forward you could land yourself a job!  A skillset short course delivered by industry expert trainers in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare school leavers for the summer season of work in hospitality venues throughout the region.

Please note students must complete the RSA course online before attending the campus.

Location: Geelong City Campus
Find out more: The Gordon

Scholarships 

ACU Freemasons Foundation Scholarship
Value: $5,000 AUD
The Freemasons Foundation Scholarship aims to support access to higher education for students from rural, regional and remote backgrounds.
Closing: 1 March 2023
Find out more

RMIT IDEA Photography Scholarship for Excellence
Value: $7,500 AUD per year
For commencing Bachelor of Arts (Photography) students who demonstrate creative excellence in their photography.
Closing: 4 December 2022
Find out more

Deakin William and Lindsay Brodie Foundation Achieving Potential Scholarship
Value: Up to $7,500 AUD per year
A William and Lindsay Brodie Foundation Achieving Potential Scholarship offers financial support to students who are studying on the Warrnambool campus and are experiencing an area of hardship.
Closing: 9 January 2023
Find out more

Swinburne NICA’s Excellence Scholarship
Value: Full tuition fee waiver
This scholarship is open to a prospective first-year student in the Bachelor of Circus Arts who demonstrates excellence in their audition process but cannot enrol due to financial hardship. This scholarship will contribute to tuition fees.
Closing: 1 February 2023
Find out more

Study Abroad

Study Abroad Programs offered by Victorian Universities
Students who choose to take up an opportunity to do some of their university study overseas get the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, study at an overseas university, and really get to engage with students and lecturers at those institutions.
An added bonus of many study-abroad programs is that students get to study for one or two semesters at these overseas partner institutions and earn credit towards their degrees.

Find out more about the Study Abroad programs offered by browsing the following links:

 
Scholarships to Study Abroad
Looking to study abroad but worried about the costs? Good news! There are hundreds of scholarships to study abroad, including general scholarships and more specialised funding schemes. Some are offered by government agencies, some by individual universities, and others by external funding organisations and charitable enterprises.

The Top Universities website is an excellent resource to learn more about what scholarships are on offer.  Students can search for region-specific scholarships or country-specific scholarships.  Students can even search for subject-specific scholarships.

Students are encouraged to browse: Top Universities study abroad

Competitions

Little Stories Big Ideas Writing Competition

Little Stories Big Ideas is a writing competition for Australian secondary school students. As part of the competition, students write a story in one hundred  words or less to a specific themed prompt, in any literary style they like – prose, poetry, haiku or song. There are two entry categories, Years 7 to 9 (junior) and Years 10 to 12 (Senior).

Cash prizes of $100 plus gift vouchers and memberships are up for grabs.

Entries are now open for the Term 4 competition with the theme “Fear”.
Entries close Friday 23 December 2022.

Find out more: Little Stories Big Ideas

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

The call for entries for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 is open! This popular annual event promotes the best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.

The winner will receive a $30,000 cash prize and photographic equipment – courtesy of imaging partner, Canon. There are a raft of other prizes too, including Highly Commended supported by EIZO and an Art Handlers’ Award thanks to IAS Fine Art Logistics.

Entries close Tuesday 31 January 2023 at 9:00 am.

Find out more and enter here: Portrait Prize

Careers and Jobs

Getting your first job
Are you ready to start working? If you are keen to embark on your first job, below are some tips and advice you might find handy.

For job seeking tips and resume/cover letter templates, check out the resources at Youth Central, Youth Central

Where to find work
Gone are the days of having to look through the newspaper – now there are tons of places you can find jobs with the most obvious being online. There are handy sites like Seek Jora and Indeed that lots of employers will list job openings with.

Many big employers (for example McDonald’s, Kmart, Woolworths, Bunnings etc) take applications directly through their websites. If you are unsure, search them up and see what you can find, or talk to someone at your local store.

You might like to try asking your parents if they know anyone who might be looking for work. Word of mouth is still a great way to get your name out there.

And do not forget the good old-fashioned way: see if your favourite store has a ‘help wanted’ sign in the window, or just head in and ask. Even if they do not have any availabilities right now, they might keep your resume on file for future opportunities.

The interview
You applied, and now you are up for an interview – score! But if it is your first interview, you might be a bit nervous. Do not panic. Just take a look at our top 5 interview tips.

Before your first day
The interview was a success, and you have got the job! Hooray!  Make sure you ask any important questions you need to before your first day. This could be things like:

• Where do I need to be on my first day?
• What time am I expected to start?
• Do I need to wear a uniform?

If you are confused about anything, do not be afraid to ask. It is better to get clarification than to assume.

There are a few other important things you will need to get in order too, like:

• Your Tax File Number
• Bank account details for your pay
• Given any thought to superannuation?

Make sure you get enough sleep and eat well the night before so you’re ready to go for your first day.

The big day
It is finally here – your first day at your brand-new job. It can be slightly nerve-wracking but it is also incredibly exciting at the same time. Here are some of our tips for your first day.

Relax!
Nobody expects you to know everything straight away. Do not pressure yourself to be perfect and if you make mistakes, it is okay – as long as you learn from them.

Ask lots of questions.
Related to the above, there will probably be a lot you need to learn for your new job. So people are going to expect you to have questions, and be happy to answer them.

Be on time.
Want a surefire way to make a good impression first thing? Show up on time – in fact, better even if you are early!

Rights and responsibilities
Know your rights and responsibilities when starting a new job, www.fairwork.gov.au

An important tip for school leavers for getting a job is to create a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is like a professional Facebook account where you can blog, comment on professional discussions and build a professional portfolio that aligns with your resume. This needs to be developed over a period of years before graduating from university, so start soon and continue to work on it during university.

www.linkedin.com

Top Tips shared by a former head of Linkedin, Cliff Rosenberg

PICK A PROFESSIONAL SHOT

Including a profile picture in your profile is a must. Putting a face to your name makes it twenty-one times more likely to be viewed, but first impressions last, so make sure your profile picture is professional.

INCLUDE A SUMMARY

Clearly outline your professional story; what your aspirations are and what qualifications you have to offer that others do not. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how your unique qualities make you perfect for your dream role. This is your elevator pitch.

BUZZWORDS ARE BUZZKILL

Are you motivated, creative and passionate? Great. So is everyone else on LinkedIn. Do yourself a favour — delete every single one of these buzzwords from your profile and replace them with keywords.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Illustrate your unique professional story and achievements by adding pictures, compelling videos and innovative presentations to your experience section. If you are just graduating, include your school history.

SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS

Maintaining a relevant list of at least five skills on your profile will help others understand your strengths and match you with the right opportunities. Also add other certifications that highlight important skills.

STAY ACTIVE

Share content that excites you, such as a gripping video, a well-written news story or a particularly impressive presentation through status updates.

Job Spotlight

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Physiotherapists are health professionals who assess and treat people with a variety of injuries that impact mobility.  You might travel with professional athletes and play a critical role in their success, managing injuries and helping maximise recovery and preparation so that they can be their best on the big day. Or you can assist in rehabilitating people who have been injured in accidents so they can get back to work and normal life.

If you love helping people and have a healing touch and want a job that can provide a lot of variety and the chance to travel, this could be the ideal career for you.

About you:

• Patient and kind
• Strong interest in fitness and health
• Ability to handle the physical demands of the job
• Excellent communication skills
• Get along with people from all walks of life

The job:

• Assessing patients with injuries to identify the problem
• Walking patients through recovery exercises
• Using techniques such as massage and heat therapy to relieve pain and assist recovery
• Designing appropriate treatment and recovery plans
• Assessing whether a client is ready to return to work or sport
• Developing plans to decrease the risk of future injury

Lifestyle Impact: Low

• Part-time opportunities: Moderate – around 37% of Physiotherapists work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Average hours for full-time workers: 42 hours a week, which is average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Physiotherapists’ salary (median) $65,000* per year (source: ato.gov.au). *Salaries greatly vary depending on your skills and experience.
• Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• You will be doing work in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors.
• More than a third of workers reported regularly working overtime or extra hours (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).

Physiotherapists are most in demand in these locations:

There is demand for physiotherapists in both metropolitan and regional areas – some rural areas in particular experience shortages of medical professionals and are in high demand. Most physiotherapists work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

 How to become a Physiotherapist

You must complete an approved university-level degree and register with Ahpra in order to work as a physiotherapist in Australia.

Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English and Maths. Biology, Chemistry and Health can also be useful.

Step 2 – Study an accredited program of study, usually a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. You can see a full list of approved qualifications here.

Step 3 – Once you have completed your studies, apply for general registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Step 4 – Start working as a fully qualified physiotherapist.

Step 5 – Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout your career and renew your registration annually.

Find out more here:

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
https://www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au/
https://australian.physio/

Similar Careers to Physiotherapist

• Occupational Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• General Practitioner
• Surgeon
• Aged Care Worker
• Disability Worker
• Social Worker
• Massage Therapist

Find out more about alternative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What options are there for career progression?

You might start out working at a private clinic, before becoming a specialist physiotherapist for a large sporting team. Once you have had lots of experience, you might also like to move into roles in research or upskill further to become a doctor.

Do I need to go to university to become a Physiotherapist?

Yes, you will need to complete an accredited qualification and register with Ahpra to work as a physiotherapist.

Where do Physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists can work in a variety of environments, including private clinics, hospitals, aged care facilities, sporting facilities, schools, and in the community.

Year 11 Students

ACU | Uni Step Up Online – 2023

Uni Step-Up Online is your chance to get a head start at university by studying first-year units while you are still at school.

Year 11 students develop connections with current students and staff while experiencing study at a tertiary level. During 2023, the program is delivered online over a 10-week block, one night per week during term times. Semester 1 starts around 13 March 2023. Semester 2 starts around 14 August 2023.

Why should you enrol in Uni Step Up?

• Receive credit for a university degree
• There is no charge: complete two university units HECS free
• Get a head start for university: test out a subject area and develop your skills in academic writing and referencing
• Small group size: class size is limited to ensure you have regular access to guided mentoring from current university students and staff
• Participants who complete two Uni Step-Up units may be eligible to receive an unconditional direct entry offer to a mapped ACU course

Find out more: ACU Uni Step Up

NOVEMBER

11 November  Remembrance Day Service
15 November  Madagascar Junior Musical
16 November  Regional Cricket Blast
18 November  Student Free Day
21 November  State Hot Shot Tennis
23 November  Division Bowls
24 November  Years 5 and 6 Endeavour Program EXPO
25 November  Market Day
Friends of St Paul’s (FOSP) Walking Shopping Tour

DECEMBER

1 December  Whole School Swimming Carnival
2 December  Christmas Celebration Evening
5 December  Year 6 Excursion
6 December  Year 6 Graduation
Prep to Year 5 Activity Day
7 December  Presentation Assembly
Dismissal 3:20 pm

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

NOVEMBER

14 November  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program
15 November  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Carnival
16 November  2023 Prep Transition 3
17 November  Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival
18 November  Student Free Day
22 November  Years 5 and 6 State Hoop Time
23 November  2023 Prep Transition 4
2023 Early Learning Centre Transition
23 to 25 November  Year 3 Camp
28 November  Year 5 Excursion
29 November  Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival
Year 4 Excursion
30 November to 2 December  2023 Year 7 Orientation Program

DECEMBER

1 December  2023 Years 1 to 6 Orientation Day
5 December  Year 6 Dinner
7 December  Presentation Assembly, 9:30 am
End of Term, 3:20 pm Finish

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.