Recently the College received a letter from Frederick Were, a 12-year-old from Nairobi, Kenya, who the College has supported for the last five years. Frederick often writes to the College to thank us for the support we provide which allows him an education. Please see his letter below:

Uniform and College Bag Donations Required Uniform malfunctions often occur with splits, rips and food/drink spillage very common. Some families are also struggling financially and require help with supply of some parts of the uniform, the College is therefore seeking donations of second-hand, clean uniforms including sports uniforms, summer/winter uniforms, ties, jumpers, blazers and College bags.  All sizes are required but we are very short on larger sizes. If you can help, please donate all washed items to Pastoral Care in the Wellbeing Centre.  We appreciate your assistance in helping us keep our boys well presented.  

Phil Glendenning Phil is an OAM, Director of the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice in Sydney since its inception in 1996. He has been a national and international voice on Human Rights, especially Reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, as well as Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Climate Change/Action advocacy. Phil has produced documentaries on asylum seekers, which have appeared on TV and have been used as resources in our classrooms. Phil has been a huge supporter of Edmund Rice schools and particularly of St Edward’s College. He retires at the end of this year after a distinguished career in Awareness, Advocacy and Action. We are fortunate at St Edward’s to have Phil for one of his final speaking events as Director, this will take place at our Assembly on Friday 4 November 2022. Annual Christmas Appeal This annual appeal resumes this year, after COVID-related restrictions over the past few years. The aim is for the St Edward’s College community to donate at least 100 hamper baskets of tinned food and items, to be used for local disadvantaged and vulnerable people, as a Christmas Day meal. Each boy will be asked to donate at least one item towards this appeal. This will be done via Homeroom classes. Our two recipients for this appeal are Coast Shelter and The St Vincent de Paul Society. Many individuals and families on the Central Coast struggle with difficult economic situations, mental health, unemployment and other factors, so our aim is to help people in this small way, allowing our boys to be aware of the difficulties faced by many people around us. Boys will be assigned in Homerooms to bring in items. Examples to make up a hamper include: tinned vegetables, tinned ham, bon bons, nuts, biscuits, soft drinks and other items. More information will be provided on this in the next edition of Touchstones. Waterford Project Please check-in with your son about his submission of this compulsory program. Congratulations to the following boys who have achieved Edmund Rice Honours, for their efforts in serving more than 100 hours for others this year. Other students will be added to this list, to be presented at the Annual Awards Assembly, once they submit their Waterford Summary Sheet to me. 2022 EDMUND RICE HONOURS RECIPIENTS   Social Justice and Spirituality Portfolio This is a good way for the boys to work together, led by senior Prefect leaders, to promote Justice and Peace ideas at the College and to learn skills in advocacy. If your son would like to be involved, please ask him to see me in the next few days. Asking the Question Social Justice, in part, is about trying to enable our boys to ask the ‘Why’ questions, like: Why is there injustice around us, locally, nationally and internationally? Why should I do Waterford, service-learning for others? Why is it important to support,via donations, a ministry like the Mary Rice Centre in Kenya? Why should I commit to making a difference? What impact does it have on my life? Education is not just of the mind, but also of the heart, transforming with hope.

Student Led Conferences for Years 7 to 11 - Term 4 The Year 7 to 11 Student Led Conferences for Term 4 will be held online as a Microsoft Teams meeting. Teachers will call the students on their Teams account at the scheduled booking time to make contact. These Conferences will be held on Thursday 20 October 2022 (Week 2). This will be a good opportunity for parents and staff to meet with the students and discuss their progress. It will be a good opportunity for students in Years 7 to 10 to discuss how they performed in their Interim Report and for Year 11 students to discuss their performance in the Preliminary exams. Parents will be able to book appointments for the afternoon/evening.  Please note that interviews will commence at 4:00 pm and conclude at 7:30 pm with a staggered dinner break for staff during the evening.  All interviews will be of seven minutes duration. The student led interview bookings are managed with an internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). It will save time for parents, staff and students.  Using this system you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best. Access to the system will be available from Tuesday 11th October at 7:00 pm and will be closed off for bookings the day before interviews. If you encounter any problems using PTO, please contact the school office on 4321 6400. Please follow these steps to access the system: Click here go to the PTO website Click on “Obtain PIN/Password” (you will need to supply your email address) Enter your email address and click on “Send Email” Check your email in-box for your login details or click on the link in the email Go back to the PTO website, login with the details supplied via email Follow the online instructions to complete the bookings. Please note that in Step 1 of the booking process you will need to select the start date and time by scrolling through the drop-down menu until you reach your desired start time. For additional information please click on the link below Additional Information | pdf  

Please see the link below for the 2022 HSC Examination Schedule for St Edward's College students.   2022 HSC Written Examination Schedule  

At the end of Term 3 we farewelled Mrs Gaynor Clancy. After more than 20 years of service to the College, Mrs Clancy has taught her last lesson and retired to Queensland to be closer to her children and grandchildren. [caption id="attachment_40324" align="alignright" width="200"] Mrs Gaynor Clancy[/caption] Her presence and knowledge will be dearly missed, however, her legacy and stories will remain with many of the boys she has taught during her time here. Term 4 has begun with our current Year 12 students sitting their HSC exams, with the first paper sat in Science being Investigating Science last Friday. The boys generally left the exam feeling quite positive of the responses they gave and the structure of the paper. Biology and Science Extension students will sit their exams in Week 3, while Chemistry and Physics students will sit theirs in Week 4 of the exams. We wish them all the best of luck during this stressful period and for their bright futures ahead. Year 11 students have received their results for the Preliminary Course, and have had the opportunity to interact with their teachers, gaining critical and insightful feedback that should help them better prepare for the HSC course. During Term 4, students in each of the 5 HSC Science courses will undertake the first of four school based assessment tasks. The boys are strongly encouraged to begin working on the task as soon as it is provided, and making every effort to seek critical feedback from their teacher so as to present a final submission which is of the highest quality. Year 9 and 10 Marine Studies students have some amazing opportunities this term to put into practise what they have learned and are learning in class over the coming weeks. Year 9 will be visiting the Shark and Ray Centre in Port Stephens, as well as use the skills developed to snorkel in the pristine waters of Nelson Bay. Year 10 students are currently constructing their own fishing rod, and will be testing the quality of their build, along with their fishing skills during an excursion in Week 5. In the coming weeks, all students in Years 7-10 will be undertaking their final assessments for the year. These will be shortly visible on the Portal, though boys should be aware of the expectations of the tasks from their class teachers. Year Task 7 Semester 2 Exam (Forces, Rocks & Earth and Chemical Transformations) 8 Semester 2 Exam (Our Chemical Earth, Electricity & Energy) 9 Semester 2 Exam (Short Circuit & Energy) 10 Hand in of Practical Workbook, focussing on: -Combustion of an alkanol -Determining the speed of sound using resonance   Year 10 Marine Studies Students on the Rock Platform Excursion [foogallery id="40327"]

Do you like breakfast but don’t have the time to make it? Do you like getting cosy in soft, plush bean-bags? Do you like experiencing new worlds without leaving the country? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then  BREAKFAST WITH BOOKS is for you! Starting in Week 3, the English Department are hosting a new book club every Wednesday morning in Room 57. From 8 am you can grab a comfy seat, help yourself to some breakfast, make a hot chocolate or a cup of tea and ease into the day with a good book. Reading improves brain connectivity, empowers you to empathize with other people, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate as well as fighting depression symptoms. BYO book and mug. $2 donation for entry to the next best thing to come to Eddies! Come along and dream with your eyes wide open.  

Mrs Titheradge meets acclaimed Australian author, Jane Harper. On Friday 7 October, during the school holidays, Mrs Titheradge had the opportunity to attend an author talk with Jane Harper as part of her own Professional Learning. Jane Harper is the author of bestsellers The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man, The Survivors, Jane released Australian and New Zealand tour dates to coincide with the recent launch of her fifth novel, Exiles. Exiles is the final novel to feature detective Aaron Falk, the main character in The Dry and Force of Nature. Jane appeared at bookstores and venues to discuss her books, particularly Exiles, with readers. Jane is the winner of various awards including the 2015 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, the 2017 Indie Award Book of the Year, the 2017 Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year Award and the CWA Gold Dagger Award for the best crime novel of 2017. Rights have been sold in 27 territories worldwide, and film rights optioned to Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea. Jane worked as a print journalist for thirteen years both in Australia and the UK and lives in Melbourne Mrs Titheradge attended ‘In Conversation with Jane Harper’ at PHIVE, Parramatta’s new community, cultural and civic hub, located in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD which opened recently on 23 September. The talk was hosted by Parramatta City Libraries and ran for approximately one hour. Throughout the talk, Jane discussed her writing process, her inspiration for her writing and how she came to publish her debut novel, The Dry in 2016. In an intimate gathering of around 100 people, the talk also allowed for audience questions and Mrs Titheradge was able to ask some questions around structuring of narrative writing to learn tips and tricks to bring back to her classes to assist them with their own creative writing, particularly HSC students who are now required to study the module Craft of Writing in the Higher School Certificate. After the talk concluded, Jane spent time chatting with the audience and signing copies of her novel. Mrs Titheradge was lucky enough to get her entire collection signed and even managed to grab a photo with the lady herself. The evening was an amazing opportunity for Mrs Titheradge to meet and spend time with one of Australia’s most successful and prominent Crime Fiction writers in recent years.

Getting to Know Your English Teacher Series Part three of Getting to Know Your English Teacher  is now available.  We hope you enjoy an insight into their careers, study tips and much more. Click the image to read their profile. [caption id="attachment_40214" align="alignleft" width="218"] Ms Elena Atayde[/caption] [caption id="attachment_40215" align="alignleft" width="218"] Mr Tom Anderson[/caption]

This term, Ms Moulton and Ms Moon, our two Teacher-Librarians, are trialling a new reading program with two Year 8 classes. The aim is to continue to build and foster a love of reading in students from Year 8 ultimately moving through to the HSC years. After Year 7, Ms Moulton and Ms Moon have noticed reading and borrowing rates at the library decline and it is hoped that this program will re-invigorate an interest in reading, leading to benefits in the long-term for English and all other subjects.     Research shows that regular reading improves brain connectivity, increases vocabulary and comprehension, empowers people to empathize with others, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, as well as fighting depression symptoms. Ms Moulton and Ms Moon have designed an innovative and engaging program keeping the students at the core of the learning. This term, Mrs Titheradge’s and Ms Atayde’s class are participating in the trial allowing the teachers the opportunity to balance and refine the program which will be rolled out to all Year 8 classes next year and then run out to other year groups. On Wednesday week one, Mrs Titheradge’s Year 8 English class were the first lucky students to take part in the new program. Students are reading the novel ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar. Many students have either read the novel or seen the movie before, which is a huge benefit. This allows students to extend and consolidate their pre-existing knowledge and build their comprehension of narrative structure and enjoy the process of reading for pleasure. The focus was on plot, characterisation, setting and style. After reading and discussing the first 6 chapters of the novel, students were able to view the first 10 minutes of the film and draw comparisons between the two. It was noticed that the film stayed quite true to the narrative and the boys were eager to contribute to a discussion of how similar the two were. The class were supported throughout the lesson by Ms Moulton, Ms Moon, Mrs Titheradge and Mr Bonello. It was an enjoyable and relaxed way to start the day and boys are looking forward to their fortnightly reading lessons for the rest of this term.

Towards the end of Term 3, to consolidate the students’ knowledge and skills of the media unit, Fake News, Mr Neve and Ms Nowalinski’s Year 10 classes competed in a mini Debating Cup. Run over a series of lessons, students selected their teams and were allocated a debate topic to compete for a place in the finals. The students took to the task with enthusiasm and employed their skills in persuasion and rhetoric to much applause. The finalists who battled it out in the Grand Final were: For the Negative -  Cohen Duncan, Fynn Mussared, Marco Sgaravizzi and Charlie Jacobson For the Affirmative -  James Butlin, Oliver Wagemaker, Christopher Rae and Sam Baxter. Their topic for debate was, The Australian Government should censor content on the internet. Under the adjudication of Mrs Katie Moon, the students presented some very compelling arguments, but in the end, the Affirmative won the day and took out the title of Inaugral Year 10 Debating Cup Winners! The event was such a success that we hope to extend this tournament next year across the whole of Year 10 for the Year 23 Debating Cup.  

There are a number of services available to students with disabilities to help them transition into the workforce and post-school study. This includes the option of supported work experience.  If you are interested in your son accessing these services, please contact our new Diverse Learning staff member, Melanie Heard via email mheard@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions is one agency that offers flexible and individualised support, including help to access NDIS.  Please see attached an invitation to a school leavers mini expo which will be held on 4th November 2022. It is a free event that welcomes parents and carers of school leavers with a disability.  If this is you, I would encourage you to attend to see what they can offer.      

We had four boys attend these championships, that were run by Athletics NSW at SOPAC, Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 September. This event is open to all students across NSW, with the aim of being selected in the NSW team to contest the School Sport Australia Championships, to be held in Adelaide. Our boys achieved the following results: Under 13      Liam Smith Liam placed 23rd (800 m) and 21st (1500 m). Under 15      Cooper Jones Cooper placed 39th (100 m), 26th (200 m), and 19th (400 m). Under 16      Lincoln Markulin [caption id="attachment_40304" align="alignright" width="233"] Lincoln Markulin[/caption] Lincoln continued his good run from the Broken Bay and NSWCCC carnivals, by claiming a Bronze (3rd) medal in the Javelin – with a throw of 51.98 m. He narrowly missed selection in the NSW team, with only the top 2 placegetters progressing. Under 17      Will Browning Will ran two great races in the preliminaries for both the 800 m and 1500 m events. He qualified for both Finals, placing 7th (800 m) and 11th (1500 m) overall.    

The Open team finally wrapped up their season, contesting the NRL Schoolboy Trophy Final Day against Callaghan College Jesmond (the Country winner). The game was held as part of the Schoolboys Finals Day at CCRSC Tuggerah. On the back of our Year 12 boys wrapping up their formal celebrations in the morning, we travelled to Tuggerah, full of confidence. The team very excited to play in front of family and a big contingent of Year 12 students. The senior boys certainly did not let the team down with their vocal support. We had spoken about not letting the emotion and energy of the environment, get the better of us and it did take the boys a while to settle into the contest. Callaghan were certainly up for the game and came ready to play. Callaghan started quick. A few early mistakes with the ball and in defence, saw Callaghan grab two early tries and put the team under pressure for the first time this year. To their credit, the boys hung in their and clawed their way back into the game. A try right on half-time allowed us to take the lead for the first time and it looked as though momentum had swung our way. We went into the second half confident the game was ours for the taking. Unfortunately, Callaghan had other ideas and started as they had in the first half. They scored back-to-back tries and we spent most of the half chasing them. Again, we were good enough to claw our way back, scoring, to take the lead 22-20. Callaghan just wouldn’t go away and scored a try off a contentious call. We had time at the end to score but just couldn’t conjure a try. While the boys walked off disappointed in the result and how we had played, there was certainly no doubting the great effort Callaghan put up as deserved winners (26-22). The boys as a team, did a great job all year. They played some fast and entertaining football at times that was founded on their tough and uncompromising defence. While the result didn’t go our way, it is fantastic to see our school competing consistently at this level. Well done, boys.

Congratulations Sebastian Plaister returned from a very successful competition at the National Youth Touch Football Championships in Caloundra. As a member of the NSWCCC team, Sebastian had a fantastic event and was awarded the Most Valuable Player award at the Championships. Upcoming Events Week Event Venue Date Week 3 BBSSSA Under 13 Touch Football Lionel Watts Ovals, Manly Monday 24 October Week 4 NSWCCC Basketball - Junior and Intermediate Bankstown Basketball Stadium, Condell Park Monday 31 October and Tuesday 1 November Week 4 Berg Shield Cricket Round 2 Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford Tuesday 1 November Week 6 BBSSSA Surfing and Body Boarding Shelly Beach Tuesday 15 November Week 7 BBSSSA Surf Lifesaving Terrigal Beach Thursday 24 November Week 8 BBSSSA Tennis Queenswood Tennis and Sports Centre Tuesday 29 November Week 8 BBSSSA Beach Volleyball Manly Beach Tuesday 29 November  

Information for 2022 HSC VET Students – NESA Students Online Students Online is your source for information about your study from Year 10 to the HSC. Once you have logged into Students Online: check your details are correct - your name, courses, address, email and phone number Your name shown in Students Online is what you see on your certificates. If your name needs changing – see your school ASAP. You can change your address, email and phone number in the Personal Details section. You should update your email to a non-school email you can easily access. Assessment ranks are available after the final HSC exam has finished. HSC results released from 15 December 2022. All VET certificates are available for download in Certificates/eRecord from 5.00 pm on 14 December 2022. Schools may make a request to vetrecords@nesa.nsw.edu.au on behalf of students if required earlier. Attached are instructions to assist with downloading your certificate. Find helpful information in My Account under Manuals and Guides. NESA Student Credential download instructions    

Please see below for employment opportunities: Apprentice Chef We are looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Chef. The candidate must be 16 years or over, have a keen interest in food and looking to become a qualified chef. Any previous experience working in a commercial kitchen or hospitality is a plus but not entirely necessary. They must be reliable, hard working with a “can do” attitude. This is a physically demanding job, is fast paced and will require someone who is ready to learn. Other details are: Must have reliable transport for early starts Job is day work only (no nights) Covers breakfast and lunch service (approx hours 7am to 3pm) Each week includes: 4 days on the job (8 hour shift) 1 day theory at TAFE (8 hours) 2 days off. Will include weekends with 2 week days off. This opportunity does not come around often and we are looking to take on our next young worker. Contact:  Andy Johnson  Mb 0417 227 786   Starr Glass and Aluminium Architectural - Apprentice Apprentice Window and Door Installer We are a family owned and run business, Central Coast based but service Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney regions. We are a commercial and residential company, with the installation of doors and windows we have numerous jobs going at the moment ranging from 60 storey towers in Parramatta to residential homes on the Central Coast. Suitable for Year 10, 11 or 12 school leaver Drivers license desirable but not necessary Please contact: Josh 0414543974     Mammoth Landscapes - Landscaping Apprenticeship Mammoth Landscapes are currently seeking applications for an Apprentice Landscaping position. Attributes: Great work ethic, physically strong/robust, willing to learn, team player Drivers license: Preferred (but not essential) Start: Immediate, but willing to wait for right candidate There is an opportunity for work experience to see if you are the right fit for this job/industry Please forward your resume and cover letter to:  to mammothscapes@gmail.com For further information: Contact David on 0477681810 (I am an Eddies Old Boy) Allstaff Australia Allstaff Australia are in need of pick packers at the Woolworths Distribution Centre at Warnervale. Must be 18 or over Must be double vaccinated for COVID 19. Starting rate $33:00 per hour Resumes should be emailed to debbieh@allaus.com.au Alkira Early Learning Centre Alkira ELC is seeking educators with an excellence in achievement and a passion for the care and education of children. We are looking for 6 Full Time Trainees.  This would be suitable for any Year 12 school leaver. Click for more information       Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships- 2023 Regional Intake We are excited to announce that we still have opportunities available across the state for the 2023 intake for Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee programs. Our programs provide local employment opportunities for high school students finishing school, job seekers or people who are looking to change careers, while at the same time developing skills and knowledge from experienced leaders and completing a nationally recognised qualification. No previous experience required! Program opportunities include Civil Construction, Business, Bridge Construction & Maintenance, Project Management and Marketing & Communication. Please view our website which contains detailed information regarding each of our programs. If you know of anyone in your community or network who may be interested in joining Transport for NSW through a regional Apprenticeship or Traineeship please help us in promoting these opportunities to them! How to apply Applying is easy! Please visit our Transport Jobs Board Applications close midnight Wednesday 9 November 2022. If you have an enquiry, or would like to know more, please reach out to us at ROMentrylevelprograms@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit our website for more information   Office for Regional Youth 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce recruitment Phase Two – Applications Closing Final call for regional youth leaders to join the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce There’s still time for young people across New South Wales to apply for the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce, a ministerial advisory group that informs the government on issues affecting young people living in regional NSW. The Taskforce offers youth throughout rural and regional NSW an opportunity to meet with government and inform decision making that will have flow-on benefits for their peers and communities. The Taskforce is comprised of 18 members aged 12-24, with two people representing each of the state’s nine regions. The group meets four times throughout the year, with travel costs, meals and accommodation covered when travelling across NSW for meetings. Regional Youth Taskforce members will also be given access to leadership training and opportunities to meet and hear from high level members of the government and provide their ideas and perspectives. As a part of the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce, you will discuss issues such as entering the workforce, mental health, public transport and connectivity in the regions. If you want to make a difference to your community, you have until 23 October to apply. The Taskforce will be appointed from January 2023 until 31 December 2023. To find out more or apply, visit  nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.           Central Coast Council are currently recruiting for the following positions. For more information, or to apply, please click on the below links: Child Care Caterers - Casual Educator Early Childhood Teachers - Casual Educators - Certificate III - Casual Educators - Diploma - Casual Geospatial Analyst Group Fitness Instructors - Casual Open Space and Recreation Planner Program Delivery Assistants (Umpires/Referees) - Casual Property Development Manager Swim Programs Instructors - Casual Talent Acquisition Lead Specialist     Mid-Career Checkpoint Program The Mid-Career Checkpoint program supports eligible carers who are looking to return to the workforce or carers who have recently returned to paid employment and would like to advance their career. Click Here for More Information MCC Application Form     Nursing School Based Trainees - Aboriginal Students The Central Coast Local Health District’s (CCLHD) School Based Traineeship (SBT) Program commenced in 2014 as a targeted employment pathway program for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students. The program provides Year 11 students (over Years 11 & 12) who are interested in a career in the health sector, the chance to gain valuable work skills and experience at CCLHD while still at school. It provides hands-on experience for students in various roles across administration, nursing, midwifery, and allied health over a two-year period.  See the link below for more information SBAT - Information Pack    

Please see the links below to courses available:     There will also be information kiosks that will showcase the various employment opportunities within the Club, as well as an informative “workplace starter kit” stall which will equip attendees with the skills to commence their career journey. Date | Thursday 17th November 2022 Time | 5pm - 7pm Cost | Free to attend Location | Lobby Lounge, Central Coast Leagues Club Complete your free registration at https://www.trybooking.com/CDHLH       Session highlights include: Course and flexible degree options Meet academic staff and current students Career guidance & Industry insights Scholarships opportunities Personalised campus tours Register Here     The Most In Demand Jobs Right Now See the link below to read the article recently published on LinkedIn Click Here  

Please see the links below for the latest information from universities.   Scholarships Now Open We have over $3 million worth of grants and scholarships to help students realise their full potential. It was recently announced students commencing their studies in 2023 are also eligible for a further $4 million in accommodation scholarships. Students who received an early offer through the Charles Sturt Advantage are currently being assessed and will be notified if they are successful for this scholarship. Click Here Good Universities Guide This is the sixth consecutive year that Charles Sturt has topped the Good Universities Guide’s undergraduate full-time employment ranking. Data published in the latest edition reveals that 85 per cent of Charles Sturt undergraduate students are in full-time employment within four months of graduating, with a median graduate salary of $64,100 in their first year of work. Both figures are the best among Australia’s 39 universities. Charles Sturt - Number 1 Preference We’d like to assure your students they’re making a great decision when preferencing Charles Sturt number one on their UAC application. If your students haven’t already, they can adjust their preferences to ensure they have the best possible chance at securing a place at Charles Sturt. We’ve collated some FAQ’s, some helpful information and some guidance for your Year 12 students below to help them make the best decision. Click Here Living on Campus Make connections, build a community and get immersed in campus life – these are a few of the perks of living on campus. As well as the obvious benefits, we also offer 24-hour security, student support, meal plans at some of our campuses and plenty of inclusions for your students to make the transition from high school to uni easily. Your students may also be eligible for a guaranteed place. To be eligible, students must complete their application by 31 December 2022. Click Here     APPLICATION TIMELINE Students who applied direct to ANU should have accepted any September offers by Wednesday 5 October 2022. The complete timeline for 2022 applications is available at click here DIRECT APPLICATIONS TO ANU Reminder: Accepting their September offer ensures it will be waiting for the student at the end of the year; students will be able to make their ultimate decisions (including accepting, deferring or declining) when final confirmations are made in December/January. ACADEMIC OFFERS: Accepted the program they were offered Change of preference will run from Tuesday 1 November – Sunday 18 December Some programs have an earlier closing date – please see the full application timeline for further details If changing program preferences, keep your accepted program on your preference list; this program can be dropped down the list as needed ACCOMMODATION OFFERS: Accepted the accommodation they were offered, even if it was not their preferred location Students who don’t accept their offered accommodation will fall out of the ANU Accommodation Guarantee After accepting their accommodation offer, students will be able to request a change of accommodation preference following instructions that will be sent via email Please note: a request to change accommodation is NOT guaranteed. ANU Accommodation will consider student requests and make changes if there are places available and where a change does not adversely affect the diversity of any given residence. Additional information about accommodation offers for direct applicants can be found at click here SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: Accepted any and all scholarships offered Students cannot make any changes to the scholarships section of their application. If a student missed out on a scholarship with their direct application and would like to be considered for other awards, they can check the ANU website and apply for available awards individually - click here   Important: Direct applicants should be aware of the following Students who submitted an ANU direct application, whether they received a September offer or not, DO NOT need to include ANU degrees in their UAC preferences. Direct Applicants can manage their preferences through the application portal as outlined above. ALL Direct Applicants will have an opportunity to receive a new offer in December (ACT & NSW HSC) or January (Other States and IB) If students are happy with and have accepted their September offer, this offer will be confirmed in Dec/Jan once the student finished year 12 and receives an ATAR They do not need to achieve a specific ATAR to keep their September offer, but they should be aware of any prerequisite subject requirements as listed on ANU Programs & Courses, and/or any additional selection criteria for their desired degrees We recommend moving this accepted program to their first preference if they do not want to be considered for other programs. If students would like to be considered for a higher preference Put/leave their most preferred program first Keep the accepted program on their preference list; it can be dropped down the list as needed ANU will use the student’s best score to assess their application in Dec/Jan, from either their ANU Selection Rank based on Year 11 results or their ATAR/IB Score If a student is eligible for a higher preference, and if there are spaces available in their preferred degree, students can receive a new offer (Note: this offer will REPLACE their September offer) If ANU cannot make them a new offer, their offered program from September will be confirmed UAC APPLICATIONS TO ANU ANU programs are available in UAC for applications for Semester 1, 2023. Students need to include their co-curricular activities with appropriate documentation: click here ANU has supplementary forms available which students can use when submitting their documents (if their existing documents are already in the correct format, they DO NOT have to use these forms) Co-Curricular Documentation Template: click here Students who want accommodation should apply via the ANU website - click here Applications for Semester 1 2023 opened as of Thursday 1 September 2022 Students who want to be covered by the ANU Accommodation Guarantee need to apply be 11:59PM Tuesday 20 December 2022 Students interested in scholarships can check the ANU website and apply for available awards individually - click here   ANU CAMPUS TOURS Our campus tours currently operate during school holidays; these are general outdoor tours (i.e. students are not able to look inside residences at this time). Booking pages for tours tend to be published around two weeks before holidays are due to start. ANU also has several virtual tours online for the campus generally and for our residences. You can find further information about in-person and virtual campus tours at click here Our team is allowed to have school groups on campus again for general tours and some enrichment activities. Please contact me if you would like to discuss bringing a group of students to visit ANU. ANU OPEN DAY 2023 Please save the date for ANU Open Day – Saturday 18 March 2023. This event has been moved earlier in the year in order to align more closely with the ANU Direct Application, allowing students to see the campus and ask their questions while applications are open.   HSC STUDY LAB HSC Study Lab is an online learning and teaching resource for year 11 and year 12 students and teachers. These courses are based on the aims and objectives of the NSW syllabus and are available online 24/7. Learn More SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Click Here to Find Out About Scholarships   Portfolio Entry Looks Beyond ATAR Here at UNSW, we understand that the ATAR is only one measure of a student's potential to succeed at university. That's why we offer UNSW Portfolio Entry, which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their passion and talent, alongside their ATAR.  Who can apply? All domestic applicants who are applying for an eligible degree and expecting an ATAR within 10 points of the lowest selection rank for their degree (unless stated otherwise). Which degrees are eligible under Portfolio Entry? In 2023 we've increased the number of degrees that are eligible for Portfolio Entry. The eligible degrees fall under four schemes: Arts, Design & Architecture Portfolio Entry 2. Bachelor of Information Systems Admissions Scheme 3. Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme 4. Medicine & Health Portfolio Entry To see a full list of eligible degrees, follow the link below. View eligible degrees  What needs to be submitted in a portfolio? This will depend on the degree that your students are interested in. Students may be asked to include a creative portfolio, cover letter, personal statement, interview, school report or a short video. View submission requirements   

ATAR release It's fantastic that this year's HSC exams will go ahead as planned with no delays. This means that HSC results and ATARs will be released on time on 15 December. Students will be able to access their ATAR via the UAC website from 9am. ATAR eligibility Talking of the ATAR, your new Year 12 students will no doubt be reviewing their HSC course loads, and your Year 10 students will be considering their HSC course options. So here is a reminder of the ATAR eligibility rules. To be eligible for an ATAR in NSW, a student must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of ATAR courses. These ATAR courses must include at least: 8 units from Category A courses 2 units of English three Board Developed courses of 2 units or greater four subjects. Four subjects requirement A subject is an area of study (eg mathematics). Within that subject, there may be a number of courses (eg Mathematics Standard 1, Mathematics Standard 2, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2) It's important to be aware that an extension course falls within the same subject area as the 2-unit course it is combined with. For example, when combined with Modern History, History Extension falls under the subject area of Modern History. When combined with Chemistry, Science Extension falls under the subject area of Chemistry. Requirement to sit exams Another thing to remember is that the student must be enrolled in and complete the exam component of the course for the subject rule to be satisfied. For example, a student completing the following pattern of study must sit the optional Hospitality exam in order to meet the four-subject rule: English Adv = 2 units English Ext 1 = 1 unit English Ext 2 = 1 unit Maths Ext 1 = 2 units Maths Ext 2 = 2 units Biology = 2 units Hospitality exam = 2 units Similarly, they must sit the Biology exam to satisfactorily complete the course and count Biology as a subject. I understand that the NESA forms indicate eligibility for an ATAR, but if a student's pattern of study doesn't seem to meet all the rules listed above, please contact me so that I can confirm their eligibility. Preparing the Class of 2023 Applications for the class of 2023 will open in early April. If you would like us to come to your school and speak to your new Year 12 students and their parents about the ATAR and university entry, please email ce@uac.edu.au. Schools Recommendation Scheme With SRS applications in and ratings complete, we now just wait for offers. Students have a little more time to consider their preferred courses but must meet the change of preference deadline: deadline for changing SRS preferences –59pm on 3 November 2022 SRS offers released –30am on 11 November 2022. Some students may be contacted by an institution and advised that they need to have that institution's course at the top of their preference list in order to receive an offer. Please assure your students that they will receive an offer to the highest course preference for which they are eligible and competitive enough. If they don't receive an offer to their highest preference, they will be considered for their second preference, and so on down the list. Educational Access Scheme EAS is for students whose studies have been negatively impacted due to circumstances beyond their control or choosing. There are eight types of disadvantage that students can claim in their EAS application. An EAS application is only considered when ATAR-based offers are made, except where an institution requires it as part of its SRS criteria. EAS applications, including supporting documents, must be submitted by 22 November for students to receive notification of their EAS eligibility on ATAR day. Some disadvantage types require an Educational Impact Statement (EIS). If your school has a policy not to provide this statement directly to the applicant, please email the EIS to our Access team at equity@uac.edu.au. If you have any questions about EAS, please don't hesitate to contact me. We're also keen to get your feedback on EAS via a 2-minute survey. Your responses will help us improve the EAS process for schools and students.

Dad-proof tip: Look after your own emotional well-being To show up as the best dad you can for your kids, looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing is a number one priority. Mental health refers to our psychological emotional  and social wellbeing - it is all about how we think, feel, and behave.  Good mental health and wellbeing allows you to live your life in a positive and meaningful way and cope with life’s changes and challenges.   Mental health condition can refer to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and others. Feeling down, tense, angry or anxious are all normal emotions and it’s normal to experience them. But when these feelings persist for long periods of time, they may be part of a mental health condition.  Many factors can contribute, including:  Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry Life experiences, such as stressors or trauma Family history of mental health problems  As well as being healthy, physically, good mental health is very important in helping you be the best dad you can be for your kids.   For optimum mental health, it is important for you to be able to prevent the development of down or depressed moods as well as manage your moods during times of stress or adversity. The aim is to be able to maintain a balance   Have a broad range of interests (work, family, sport, hobbies) and spend time on the things you enjoy. Develop skills to help you cope better in stressful situations – e.g. anger management, relaxation techniques or assertiveness. Recognise and accept the things you can’t change. Develop a support group of people you feel comfortable to talk to and can trust and nurture these relationships. Don’t think you have to do it alone – share issues with an empathetic listener and ask for help sooner rather than later.  If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 131 114, Mensline 1300 78 99 78 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.  If children are struggling, they can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or Youth Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636  

Please see the link below to the latest position vacant at the College.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/our-college/employment/positions-vacant/[/embed]

Please see below all correspondence emailed home in Term 4 2022, including COVID information and STUDENT POSITIVE RESULT reporting link.   Please notify the College of a positive student test result via the following link: FORM: Report Positive Student Covid-19 Test   COVID-19 Update and Continued COVID-smart Measures As advised by NSW Health, COVID smart measures continue to be in place and are vital in allowing us to keep our school operational while prioritising student and staff wellbeing. These measures include: Staying home if unwell and/or showing any symptoms Mask-wearing strongly encouraged, particularly when indoors and/or when physical distancing is not possible, and on public transport Using rapid antigen tests (RATs) when showing symptoms or exposed to COVID19 NSW Health are also encouraging everyone in the community to continue to register positive RATS with Service NSW to ensure they receive timely support and advice, including access to Antivirals for those eligible.     Correspondence Sent Home Semester 2 Reports - Sent 14 December 2022 2023 Fee Schedule = Sent 13 December 2022 Year 10 Mock Interviews - Sent 28 November 2022 Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing - Sent 21 November 2022 Year 10 Future Ready Program - Sent 10 November 2022 RAP Parent Letter - Sent 17 November 2022 Year 10 2022 Laptop Advice - Sent 10 November 2022 Year 11 2022 Laptop Advice - Sent 10 November 2022 Year 12 2023 Letter to Parents - Sent 9 November 2022 2022 Year 8 Camp Packing List and Information - Sent 9 November 2022 Year 8 Camp Consent Form - Sent 27 October 2022 Work Experience - Year 10 Minimum Standards - Sent 25 October 2022 Year 12 2023, eBook Elevate Education - Sent 20 October 2022 Uniform Compliance - Sent 19 October 2022 Vaccination Letter to Parents - Sent 19 October 2022 Parent Consultation Meetings - Sent 18 October 2022 Year 12 (2023) Parent Information Evening Information - Sent 17 October 2022 Parent COVID Update Term 4 2022 - Sent 17 October 2022 Year 10 Camp Information and Consent Form - Sent 14 October 2022 Student Led Conferences Years 7 to 11 - Sent 11 October 2022