In this issue

This is our final newsletter for the year so I would like to thank you all for another wonderful year.  It has been a pleasure working with you to discuss pathways and put plans in place for students to achieve their dreams.

As we wind down to the summer break and eagerly await for the sun to appear, I am busy preparing for when the Year 12 students receive their results and the Change of Preference (COP) period. All tertiary institutions will be available during the COP period with phone and on-site support available. Results will be released on Monday 11 December at 7:00 am and students will have until Wednesday 13 December at 4:00 pm to change their preferences, should they wish to do so.

To access your Year 12 results including Year 11 students who have completed a Year 12 subject, you need to register here: Results and ATAR
Note: To register, students need their VCAA student number and will be requested to choose a secure password upon registering.

See below for details of the universities that will be available to provide support during the COP period.

My availability and the days the careers office are open during the Change of Preference period is listed below.  I will also be contactable via phone and email.

For the rest of our school community, I hope that you all have a restful break and I am looking forward to working with you all in 2024.

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

Year 12 Students

I will be available for careers counselling during the following times:

Change of preference period:

December round offer counselling

January round offer counselling

To book a Zoom meeting please email me with your preferred day and time or phone me at school until 11 December on 5623 5833 or on my mobile between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on 0419 357 050.
 

Change of Preference

Finishing Year 12 and receiving your ATAR is an exciting time!  Whether you have exceeded expectations or did not perform as you hoped, universities can assist you with understanding the Change of Preference process and helping you understand your options for what is next.

La Trobe University | Change of Preference Support
11-13 December 

If you missed the entry requirement, have changed your mind, or need advice of any kind you can visit the Melbourne campus during the change of preference period.  Staff will be on hand to provide advice on anything you need during this change of preference period, including:

• VTAC preferences
• entry requirements
• pathway courses
• commitment/contact hours
• placement insight
• … and anything else you need to know about studying with La Trobe University in 2024!

Find out more

ACU | Change of Preference Tours
Melbourne: 11-13 December
Ballarat: 12-13 December

Explore ACU’s campuses and discuss your study options by booking a guided campus tour with friendly staff. Various times are available throughout the day.

Register for Melbourne
Register of Ballarat

RMIT | Change of Preference
12 December 

At RMIT’s Change of Preference event you will be able to:

• Speak to staff and students about your scores and study options
• Take a tour of our City campus
• Enjoy free food, good tunes and some lawn games!

Find out more

University of Melbourne | Change of Preference Expo
12 December

You are invited to the Parkville campus to chat about your ATAR results and finalising your preferences through VTAC. Discover undergraduate study options based on your ATAR, as well as the graduate pathways that you can lock in now or in the future. You will also learn about the scholarships you may be eligible for and the student support services on offer.  Alongside the expo, there will be information sessions and tours throughout the day to help you navigate the transition to university study and how to embrace life as a University of Melbourne student.
Find out more

Deakin | Change of Preference Events
12 December, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Visit Deakin at Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool campuses to speak to their experts one-on-one about your study options, the application process, pathways to your dream degree and more.  Explore campuses with guided campus and accommodation tours from knowledgeable and friendly current Deakin students and do not miss the opportunity to have all your questions answered.
Find out more

Federation University Info Days
12 December
If you are one of the thousands putting in course preferences this year, the team can assist you with understanding the change of preference process and plan your personalised pathway to a dream career.
Find out more

Victoria University | Build Your Future with VU
12 December
Our Change of Preference event, ‘Build Your Future with VU’, will run in the VU City Tower from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and will provide students with the support and advice they may need during the Change of Preference period. Get help with course and preference options, speak with academics and current students, tour the campus and nab some free goodies.
Find out more

Monash | Change Day
12 December 

Once you are on the other side of exams and receive your results, you may have lots of questions, and the Monash Change Day expo is the place to get all the answers.  From finding out how to change your VTAC course preferences to exploring study options based on your ATAR score, course advisers will be on hand to help you with your questions.  You will have the chance to explore the ten study areas, attend information sessions, plus discover Monash’s range of pathway options and student support services.
Find out more

School Leavers

School Leavers Guide
The National Careers Institute has produced a guide for school leavers with loads of information including short courses, gap year ideas, identifying your skills and applying for jobs. Read it here: School Leavers Guide

School Leavers Toolkit
Leaving school can be daunting but the Study Work Grow School Leaver Toolkit can walk you through all the things you need to do. Check it out here: Toolkit

Important Dates

For a full list of cancelled, amended and new courses, visit VTAC Course Updates
 

Accessing VCE Results 2023

VCE study scores, ATAR and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students via the Results and ATAR website and the Results and ATAR app on Monday 11 December at 7:00 am.  Students will receive a statement of VCE study scores from the VCAA, and those who applied for courses through VTAC this year and have paid their VTAC processing fees, will be sent an ATAR statement in the mail.
Students who wish to receive their results online will need to register at Results and ATAR before results are released.

Registrations are already open, and students are encouraged to register soon.
Note: To register, students need their VCAA student number and will be requested to choose a secure password upon registering.

Calling all creatives!

The Young Producers will see five young people (aged 13 to 25) paid to produce a theatre and film based event in 2024.

All the details and the application for this program are here: https://www.rav.net.au/projects/future-reset/.  We have tried to make the process super simple and we encourage all young people to apply in their unique voices and humour.

Applications close on 10 December 2023.

Workplace Spotlight

Working in a Museum
Museums are cultural institutions designed to collect, preserve and exhibit artefacts and artworks of historical, scientific or artistic significance. They play a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge, offering a space for reflection, learning and appreciation of human achievement throughout history.

Additionally, museums also contribute to the preservation of cultural identity, acting as repositories of our shared past, and often serve as platforms for dialogue and critical thinking.  Every museum is different, but they do have some things in common:

1. A focus on conservation – you will be protecting important pieces of heritage for future generations.
2. You will need strong communication skills – to enhance public engagement and to interact with co-workers.
3. A passion for culture – not only sharing it but also respecting and preserving it.

Preserve and exhibit cultural heritage
Their primary purpose is to educate and inspire the public by providing a tangible connection to our collective heritage and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse subjects. Museums are usually found in the arts and recreation industry. There are many different kinds of museums, including art, science, history and specialty-focused institutions.

Key tasks

• Select, research and arrange artefacts for display.
• Preserve and restore cultural and historical items.
• Develop and implement public learning initiatives.
• Organise and maintain museum collections.
• Interact with and guide visitors.
• Conduct studies to enhance understanding.
• Create visually compelling and informative displays.
• Promote museum programs and events.
• Secure financial support through grants or donations.
• Organise and oversee special events.
• Safeguard museum collections.

You can expect regular hours
The typical working hours for employees in a museum usually align with regular business hours. However, there might be exceptions, particularly during special events or exhibition openings, where staff may need to work outside these hours. Museums are more commonly found in metropolitan areas due to the increased population density and cultural diversity that cities offer. While some rural areas may have museums, there are usually more in large cities where there is a greater capacity for public engagement and support.

How do we expect working in a museum to change in the future?
The future of working in museums is set to be shaped by evolving technological, societal and cultural trends. Museums are already embracing digital technologies to enhance the visitor experience. Virtual exhibits, augmented reality and interactive displays are becoming more common – this also means there will be a higher demand for professionals with expertise in digital curation, technology integration and multimedia development.

With a growing global emphasis on sustainability, museums may adopt more eco-friendly practices. Jobs related to implementing sustainable practices, managing environmental impact, and creating exhibits centred around environmental themes could see increased prominence.

In response to global calls for decolonisation and a heightened awareness of the importance of respecting diverse cultures, museums are undergoing significant transformations in their approaches to collections and exhibitions. A crucial aspect of this evolution involves addressing historical injustices, including the return of stolen artefacts to their places of origin. They are also actively working to reinterpret narratives, challenging colonial perspectives and embracing a more inclusive and nuanced portrayal of history and culture.

Visit Museums Victoria for further information

Unusual Christmas Jobs

With Christmas just around the corner, we thought we would do some research on some more unusual jobs you could think about doing if you love all things Christmas (or just want to take advantage of the festive season to make some cash).
Reindeer walker
No Santa experience is complete without reindeer. Lots of shopping centres, garden centres and entertainment venues hire real reindeer to entertain the Christmas crowds – and they need reindeer walkers to exercise, feed and look after them.
Christmas tree decorator If you love decorating and Christmas is your favourite time of the year, you could find work as a professional tree decorator. They are needed in shops, businesses, hotels and private homes, and even local councils hire them.
Gift wrapper If you never get sick of wrapping gifts and can make even the most simple item look enticing, then your skills will be well in demand around Christmas.
Mince pie maker A great mince pie is the icing on the Christmas feast for lots of people. If you have the time and the skills, you could sell stacks of these delicious festive treats.
Caroller Help to spread the spirit of Christmas by singing hymns or special carols at large events, small scale venues or even door-to-door.
Christmas cracker joke writer If you are a bit of a comedian and love to come up with new jokes, you could be the person making the nation chuckle and roll their eyes by coming up with new jokes for the Christmas crackers each year.
Christmas light de-tangler If you are practical, dextrous and have the patience of the saint, this could be a great little annual earner for you. Some stores offer this as a professional service, but you could also set yourself up with your own business.

Careers That Make a Difference 

Jobs in disaster relief:
Over the past few years, the need for disaster relief professionals has become increasingly evident. From hurricanes and earthquakes to global health crises and wars, people with a passion for helping others during tough times can find meaningful and impactful careers in the field of disaster relief. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact on people’s lives, we have some jobs in disaster relief that might interest you.

Emergency Response Teams
If you picture yourself being the first on the scene, helping out right after a disaster hits, this might be your calling. You could be providing emergency care to those in need, battling blazes, saving lives and keeping calm under pressure. If being in the midst of the action is not for you, there are roles in logistics too; coordinating resources, managing teams and making sure everyone has what they need.  Teamwork, resilience, adaptability and the ability to think quickly are key in any of these roles.

Humanitarian aid and development
If you are committed to making long-term change, humanitarian aid and development could be more for you. Organisations like the United Nations and various non-profits work towards rebuilding communities affected by disasters. You could be rebuilding communities, leading organisation efforts, allocating supplies, and helping people get back on their feet.  If you are organised, creative and passionate about making a difference, this might be the job for you.

Public health and medical professionals
In the midst of pandemics and health crises, we need healthcare workers more than ever. Nurses, doctors, aged carers and public health workers are all vital in disasters, providing care and keeping everyone safe. You could be planning and implementing health interventions, providing medical care to affected populations, or working in the field with international organisations.  If you have a heart for helping people and a knack for thinking on your feet, this is a field where you can truly shine.

Engineering and infrastructure
While dealing with the direct impacts of disaster is important, long-term recovery is key too. Engineers, architects and construction workers are all essential in this space. You could be helping to design and rebuild homes, hospitals, roads, water supplies and everything in between.  If you are hands-on, innovative and have great attention to detail, this is your chance to build a better future.

Communication and media specialists
If you are more of a storyteller or a social media guru, there is a role for you too. Communication and media specialists help to spread the word about events, keep the public in the loop and let people know how they can pitch in and help. Your knack for words can be a powerful force for good.  Communication, storytelling and social media management are all valuable in these positions.

Volunteer opportunities
If you are not quite ready to make disaster relief your full-time gig, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities that can still make a significant impact. Local and international organisations often welcome volunteers for various roles, from assisting with emergency shelters to providing support in fundraising efforts.  Volunteering not only allows you to contribute your time and skills, but also gives you a taste of the field, helping you decide if a career in disaster relief is the right fit for you.

Help make a difference
There are lots of jobs in disaster relief where you have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others – whether you’re on the front lines or contributing to long-term development and recovery.

Competition

2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Competition
Professional, emerging and junior photographers from around the world are encouraged to submit their photographs taken in the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea bioregion.  The bioregion that encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea possesses a unique natural heritage stretching back more than 80 million years, to the break-up of the great southern continent of Gondwana.

With ten categories, including a new aerial category, the competition encompasses a wide range of styles and subjects for photographers to be inspired by. The overall winner will receive $10,000 cash and a holiday prize generously provided by Coral Expeditions.

Entries close 6 February 2024.
Find out more and enter here.

University News

Apply for ‘Uni Step Up Online’ with ACU in 2024

Current Year 10 (soon to be Year 11) students in regional areas are invited to apply for ACU’s 2024 Uni Step Up Online program, with applications open now.  It is a free online program that gives students the opportunity to study first-year units outside of regular school hours and if successful, gain two university credits (applicable to other universities) and an unconditional offer to a relevant ACU course.

This program is ideal for students interested in health, business or exercise science fields and would like to take a first step towards achieving their career goals. Uni Step-Up students are supported throughout the program, upskilled in academic literacy and given access to all ACU resources.

If you have questions, feel free to contact ACU usu@acu.edu.au.
Apply to the program here.

Scholarships

To help provide opportunities for young women, the ACS Foundation launched the Women of STEM Scholarship for women aged 18-20 years old who are entering their first year of a STEM degree at university.  The Women of STEM Scholarship is a national program that provides women with financial grants of $5,000 per year for the life of their degree, up to a maximum of five years.

Applications open 15 December
Click here for further information Women of STEM

Do you need to pay tax on scholarships?
Receiving a scholarship can be a huge boost, not just to your education, but your quality of life too. It might mean you can afford better study equipment, do not need to work as many hours, or provide you with a place to live.  While there are undoubtedly many benefits to receiving a scholarship, one common question students have is whether or not they need to pay tax on scholarships. Here, we delve into the details so you can apply with peace of mind.

First off – what is tax?
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, tax is essentially a bit of money taken off the top of your income and earnings. That money then goes to the government, which uses it to provide public services and build new infrastructure, like hospitals, schools and roads.  Nearly everyone who has a job will pay tax. There are minimum amounts you need to earn before you start paying tax and most of the time, your employer will automatically withhold tax from your pay, so you do not need to worry about it.

In Australia
If you receive a scholarship in Australia, chances are it will most likely be considered exempt income (that is, you do not pay tax on it), however, there are a few conditions to meet:

• You must be a full-time student. Unfortunately, part-time students must always declare scholarships as income.
• Your scholarship is not tax-exempt if, as a condition of the scholarship, you work or will work in the future for the person or organisation funding the scholarship.
• The scholarship must be provided to you principally for educational purposes. If the scholarship or your course involves unpaid work experience, this still counts as educational.

If your scholarship is taxable, you must include it on your annual tax return. The ATO will then assess whether or not you will have any tax deducted from your scholarship payments.

If you have any concerns or questions, we suggest you get in touch with the scholarship provider or the ATO.

Ready to apply?
Keep in mind that these are all general guidelines. Whether or not you need to pay tax on scholarships will come down to your personal circumstances and the conditions of the scholarship. So if you have any doubts or concerns, make sure you talk to a professional first, whether it is your careers advisor, someone from university or the tax office.

You can read more about scholarships, including application tips and search for opportunities here.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to get skilled for your future career. In fact, there are many careers where an apprenticeship is the only pathway. Unfortunately, some people can still hold some outdated views of apprenticeships – and if your parents are the ones feeling a bit concerned, it might put a dampener on your future plans.

We get it; your parents want what is best for you. If you want to show them that doing an apprenticeship is the answer, these reasons might change their minds:

The advantages of apprenticeships
First things first, your parents are probably going to want to know what the advantages of an apprenticeship are. You probably already know all the reasons and they might not even have factored into your decision – but here are some apprenticeship benefits that might reassure your parents:

• Job security and financial stability: Parents worry about your future stability. Reassure them by highlighting that many apprenticeships lead to full-time employment, and you will be earning while you are learning (you could even sweeten the deal by showing them you already have a budget planned for when the money starts coming in).
• Academic progress: Remind them that apprenticeships still include classroom work, so you will not miss out on academic growth. Plus, you will have the advantage of being able to apply what you learn in a real work setting.
• Long-term career prospects: Apprenticeships are not just a job; they are a stepping stone to a fulfilling career. Share stories of successful individuals who kick-started their journeys through apprenticeships.

Open communication is key
Sit down with your parents and have an open, honest conversation. Discuss your passion for the field and how an apprenticeship aligns with your goals. Be ready to answer their questions and address any concerns they may have. If you find the conversation getting heated, it is probably best to leave it for another time.
Do some research and planning
Show them you have done your homework. Share information about reputable apprenticeship programs, success stories and potential career trajectories. Having a well-thought-out plan will definitely help to ease their worries.
Connect with former apprentices
If possible, connect with other people who have gone through apprenticeships. Their first-hand experiences can provide valuable insights, and serve as living proof of the benefits.
It is your choice
In the end, remember that your future is in your hands. While your parents probably just want what’s best for you, only you can decide your path. No matter what you end up doing, having your parents on your side for support always helps.

If you want to read more about apprenticeships, take a look at the Apprenticeships Australia website here.

Five New Year’s Resolutions for Students

The end of the year is nearly upon us, so now is a great time to reflect on everything you have achieved over the past 12 months. It is also a good time to think about what you would like to achieve in 2024 and many of us like to set New Year’s Resolutions.

A New Year’s Resolution is essentially something you want to do differently over the coming 12 months. Think of it almost like setting a goal. What you decide for your New Year’s Resolution is entirely up to you. It could be anything at all, from eating less chocolate to learning the piano or running an ultramarathon. It could even be as simple as resolving to be kinder to your siblings.

If you need some inspo, check out these top 5 New Year’s resolutions for students.

1. “I want to take better care of myself.”
Self-explanatory. Get more sleep, eat more vegetables, try to do some exercise and be kind to yourself.
Benefits: You will feel better, which is always nice. Plus, when you are feeling healthy and happy, you are more likely to do well in all aspects of your life – which in turn will set you up for success post-school. You can find some great tips on leading a healthy lifestyle here.

2. “I want to try harder at school.”
Deciding you want to put more effort in is always a great idea. To make your resolution more achievable, being a bit more specific can help – think “I want to stop failing my maths tests” or “I want to achieve above average marks in every subject”.
Benefits: Verbally committing to trying harder can be a great incentive. It will keep you on track and give you something to work towards. Plus, hopefully you will get better marks.

Need inspiration? Read up about some “famous failures” who refused to give up on their dreams.

3. “I want to not take on too much.”
You have probably heard the phrase “don’t bite off more than you can chew”. This is the same thing.
You are already studying and possibly working. You are probably also playing sport, staying fit, enjoying some extracurriculars and maintaining a social life. So next year, maybe resolve not to put yourself under too much pressure.
Benefits: You will feel happier and less stressed. Trying to do too much at once usually ends in some form of disaster, so look after yourself and learn to say no from time to time.

Here is an article from the Black Dog Institute about how to deal with burnout (it’s aimed at people in the workforce, but the tips are relevant for anyone).

4. “I want to try something new each month.”
Trying new things is the way we learn what’s right for us. Now is your time to try just about everything on offer – and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to make it a long-term commitment. So enrol in new sports, take classes, volunteer, and grab opportunities that come your way.
Benefits: Trying new stuff is fun! You can build your resume at the same time; do not forget to add the skills you learned along the way too.

5. “I want to think positively.”
Banish doubt. It will only hold you back. At this stage in life, you can do or be almost anything you want if you work hard enough. Yes, you still have to do the work and put in the hours, but thinking positively can change your life. So stop telling yourself you are not good enough.
Benefits: Once again, you will just feel better. Do not forget that while positive thinking alone is a great start, you need to turn that energy into positive action as well. As Tony Robbins says, “You can sit in the garden of your mind telling yourself there are no weeds, but to build a truly fulfilling life, you need to stop covering up the weeds with positive thinking – and pick them instead.”

Start ASAP
Hopefully these New Year’s resolutions have given you some inspiration.  Start thinking about your resolutions as soon as possible. Remember, breaking your resolutions does not make you a failure. Use it as a chance to take a step back, see how far you have already come and start fresh tomorrow.

You might like to read other wellbeing tips and tricks to start the new year on the right foot.