The Environment, Sport and Wellbeing portfolio would like to invite you to participate in Movember again this year. All you need to do is click on the following link to sign up to the St Edward’s Team page. If you didn’t want to participate you can still donate to the Team. Last year, we raised $2,695 for men’s health!   Click Here to Sign Up Students and staff can either grow a moustache or ‘Move for Movember’. To move for Movember all you need to do is move (run, ride, swim) 60 km in the month of Movember.  Students can participate to get Waterford hours, however, to do so they will need to sign up to the College Team and raise a minimum of $20. After more than a term in lockdown, this is a great way to broach the subject of mental health amongst mates.  We encourage you to get involved.  Whatever you grow will save a bro! Our newly appointed College prefects; Owen Bradstreet and Wilheim Hieber have made a short clip encouraging staff and students to sign up. [embed]https://youtu.be/A_o0_N7dgnI[/embed]    

The creative arts are nothing if not versatile! As we moved into Home Base Learning during Term 3, students needed to rapidly upskill to create in the online environment. Advanced skills such as digital multimedia, Photoshop, Premier Pro, and online based software programs became the norm. As you will see in the gallery of images, the boys outdid themselves and created some amazing work. Traditional forms of the fine arts – such as drawing and painting – were able to be continued using various online platforms. Year 7 and 8 focused their attention on learning all about the history and timeline of Art, from First Nations and Prehistory through the Renaissance and all the way to Contemporary forms. They created stained glass windows, digitally coloured images and even 3D bubble animations. Year 9 and 10 created miniature photography calendars used Photoshop to digitally paint a landscape and even completed a short music video using premade footage and their own choice of soundtrack. Year 11 Visual Arts created multimedia collage paintings using Photoshop and, using some software called Kleki, created an online triptych painting of an aerial view of the coastline, in the style of Fred Williams. Year 11 Photography worked hard to create their own conceptual film – difficult to do when you couldn’t leave the house! – and submitted their films around various topics, using their own soundtracks. And finally, our HSC year, our Year 12 students have completed their work and given the limitations of COVID, they are spectacular. Expressive forms ranged from drawing to graphics to collections of work including film making. The level of completion was excellent and the boys have done an exceptional job in motivating themselves from home to create work of such a high standard.   [smallgallery fooid="34008"]

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) has developed the Disability Provisions program to assist students completing the HSC examinations, who have a special examination need. This may be related to a physical condition, mental health issue, visual impairment, hearing loss or difficulty in reading and/or writing. The Authority aims to offer practical support to students with higher needs by providing provisions, such as separate supervision, extra time to rest/read/write, writers and/or readers. On behalf of these students the College makes an application online to NESA submitting specific supporting documentation. When a final decision has been made, NESA will send both the College and student written notification of the approved and/or declined provisions. Please be aware that if you have been granted the use of special examination provisions by the College for internal examinations and assessments, this does not automatically deem that you will be eligible for the same provisions in the HSC examinations. In completing the application process, evidence of the special examination need must be included, such as, medical evidence, timed essay samples, reading test results, in addition to relevant subject teacher comments. Please note that these applications should be submitted online to NESA by the end of Term 1, 2022, but can also be applied for up to the day prior to the commencement of the formal, external HSC exams. If your son wishes to apply for these special examination provisions for the HSC exams, you should contact me, Leader of Learning - Diverse Learning, Ms Kiekebosch, before the end of this term. If you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact me, either by phone or email at the College. Ms B Kiekebosch Leader of Learning Diverse Learning bkiekebosch@stedwards.nsw.edu.au  

2021 NSW All Schools Championships Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 December, 2021 ENTRIES NOW OPEN Click Here to enter We're very excited to announce that we have now opened registrations for the 2021 NSW All Schools Championships. The Dates Are Thursday 9 December until Sunday 12 December 2021 to be hosted by Athletics NSW at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. This event is open to all high school students in New South Wales - no qualification standards are required to enter. We have also released a DRAFT timetable of events (subject to minor change) to give all students/parents/teachers an idea of when each event will be held over the four days of athletics. This year's Championships will be delivered in a COVID-safe environment, at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. We are currently working on providing our network with more information - including ticketing information, our merchandise collection for the event, and much more.

NECA Training and Apprenticeships   We are currently open for applicants for apprenticeships starting late 2021 and early 2022 in Sydney , the Illawarra and ACT Click Here to Register Interest     Local employers wanting apprentice brick layers – an alternative path into Construction. Become a Bricklayer website https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/ Jobs Board https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/jobs-board/ Bricklaying Career Pathways https://careerpath.becomeabricklayer.com.au/     Click Here for More Information       Click Here for More Information     Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) Higher Apprenticeship Program (Cohort 3) starting in February 2022. The program focuses on dual qualification of Certificate IV and Diploma of Information Technology with applications opening 20 October and closing on 7 November. Candidate target is 18-24years Preference on those with a strong interest in ICT and completing their HSC this year, although happy to talk to previous students Academically minded that may not have the money to pay for university Click Here for More Information   Year 12 These courses could help you gain casual jobs when at university, college or a full time job.   Forklift First Aid White Card Working at Heights Traffic Control Heights/Confined spaces Elevated Work Platforms Traffic Control Plan Implementer Scaffolding Click the link below to complete your expression of interest http://licencesworkcom.coffeecup.com/forms/SUMMER%20SKILLS%20%20Rachael/   Local plastering business seeking Apprentices. MJ's Plastering build new homes and granny flats on the Central Coast installing walls, ceilings, and preparing all internal materials for painting. They are looking for 1 or 2 new apprentices to join their team of 7. Requirements: 17 years + Provisional license or close to White Card preferred Own transport preferred Fit, healthy, well-mannered and reliable Interest in Construction Industry  Send your resume to:  Matt Vella Owner | Director mjsplastering@y7mail.com   Register Here   ACPE's enhanced Early Offer program will now allow students to submit and receive an offer based on Yr 11 Results and the completion of the HSC. This means students now have the option to receive and accept an offer prior to the HSC. Now students can receive an offer based off their Year 11 results! They are now able to utilise this program for entry into their preferred course*. The Early Offer & Entry program is a simple 3 step process providing students with the opportunity of securing their spot prior to the HSC into the degree of their choice*. See the website for more information  Click Here   Click Here for More Information  

2022 Accommodation Applications Open Now! Applications are extremely competitive therefore we encourage all students to apply as soon as possible to ensure the best possible chance of living on campus next year. Students will need to register a profile on the Student Living Accommodation Portal to begin their application process. They will need a recent passport style photo, a valid credit or debit card and a valid email address. Students can view our Student Living 2022 Application Guide for a step by step guide. For more information view our 2022 Room Types and Fees and Student Living Brochure. Students looking to live on campus? Join the Student Living Parent Information Session We invite parents to join us on Monday 11 October at 5:30pm for a live information session with the University of Newcastle's Student Living Team. This webinar aims to help familiarise parents, families, carers and loved ones with Student Living’s ResLife program, our customer service team and support services. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A with the Student Living Team. Date: Monday 11 October Time: 5:30 pm Location: Zoom Webinar Click here to register     Here at Torrens University Australia, we’re all about passionate humans, not perfect performance. That’s why you don’t need an ATAR to study with us. We’ve shifted our focus to soft skills, because we want everyone to have the chance to achieve their academic and career goals. ATAR isn’t a true representation of hard work and future success – so just like that, we removed it as an entry requirement*. To join us, students just need a Year 12 certificate. Then it’s just a matter of letting us help you find a course you're passionate about so you can get started on creating a career you'll love. Secure your place today with our Early Entry Program.  Apply now If you have any questions, would like to discuss options or want to find out about scholarship opportunities, contact us any time. Torrens University Australia futurestudents@torrens.edu.au *Exceptions apply to some courses.   All you need to know about starting at Federation. Visit federation.edu.au/preference   Click Here for More Information   Click Here to View Video Presentation   MedEntry is running an interactive, online webinar for careers advisors, parents and students, including those in year 11 and 12. The session will cover pathways into medicine/dentistry, prerequisite subjects, how to prepare for UCAT & interviews (including free resources), and a Q&A session. The webinar will be run by Dr Ray Boyapati (Gastroenterologist at Monash Health and Director of Education at MedEntry). Date and Time: Wednesday 3rd November 2021, 7pm to 8pm AEDT (Melbourne/Sydney time). Please click here to register (it only takes a minute!).     MIT Sydney offers industry accredited degrees with Work-integrated learning programs such as internships and industry based projects to develop practical skills and boost students’ employment prospects. Degrees include: Bachelor of Business (Accounting Major) Bachelor of Business (Management Major) Bachelor of Business (Marketing Major) Bachelor of Business (Digital Marketing Major) Bachelor of Networking Bachelor of Networking (Cyber Security Major) Bachelor of Networking (Software Engineering) Bachelor of Networking (Data Analytics) Due to disruptions caused by the pandemic to Year 12 students, MIT Sydney has adjusted their 2022 entry requirements for their degrees. All students who meet the new entry requirements and enrol at MIT Sydney will also be automatically eligible for the ‘Beyond the ATAR’ scholarship which significantly reduces their tuition fees and means that students have less FEE-HELP debt once they complete their degree. For more information, please see the attached flyer which can be printed and handed out to your students. If you have further questions, you can call our hotline 1800 648 669 or email Julia Barnes at ibarnes@mit.edu.au  

Please see the link below to the Canteen page on the College website for the Term 4 Menu.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/parent-canteen/[/embed]

Please see the link to the College website for the latest positions vacant, role descriptions and application forms .   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/our-college/employment/positions-vacant/[/embed]

How to Manage Stress Caused by Exams and Upcoming Events If your child is a seasoned worrier, you will know how difficult living on high alert can be. Constantly irritated, often anxious and occasionally withdrawn, worriers are in a never-ending state of fight, flight or even freeze. An upcoming exam or a nerve-wracking event can trigger a flight-or-fight response, flooding the body with cortisol and adrenaline. This response, designed to power up the body to face real threats, helped keep our hunter-gatherer ancestors safe. Unfortunately, the part of the brain responsible for keeping us alert can’t tell the difference between a woolly mammoth and an upcoming exam. Both are seen as threats, so the body responds the same. Fortunately, we have an inbuilt relaxation response that can help counteract this stress. Here are some ways your child can regulate stress and anxiety rather than live in a constant state of high alert. Practise Belly Breathing Taking several deep belly breaths is probably the quickest way to engage the body’s relaxation response. Teach your child or young person to breathe in through the nose to the count of five and out through the mouth to the count of seven. Encourage them to repeat this simple exercise a number of times to switch on the relaxation response. Anchoring belly breathing to regular events such as the start of breakfast or family mealtimes can embed deep breathing into daily life. Make this a part of your child’s regular routine to develop a wonderful stress beating habit. Lift Their Gaze to the Horizon Next time your child is stressed out suggest that they go out the front of where you live and look down the end of the street. Long distance viewing sends a message to the nervous system that they are safe, signalling to the relaxation response to take over. If a child or young person is stuck at a desk, they can lift their gaze to the horizontal and move their head from side to side to achieve a similar effect. It's worth remembering that many positive wellbeing habits are physical in nature, a throw back to the times when people spent most of their time in natural environments. Splash in Some Cold Water Hardy types who’ve added ocean swimming to their daily routines know just how invigorating cold water can be. Your child doesn’t have to become an iceberg to experience the stress beating benefits that cold water can bring. Plunging their face in cold water for 10 seconds, turning on the cold water at the end of the shower or holding an icepack to the right side of the neck can achieve the same effect. Their body will be flooded with feel-good endorphins taking their worries away. Cold water use has the advantage of stimulating the vagas nerve, making it easier and simpler for kids to move to relaxation mode in the long term. Contact Family or a Friend A warm chat with a friend, a fun family board game or karaoke dance party will move your child into relaxation mode, away from high alert. While extroverts will naturally connect with others, introverts and shyer types may need some parental encouragement to engage with others. Do Something They Love Ensure your child or young person does something fun and enjoyable every day. Play, hobbies, games – anything that’s not screen-based that your child or young person enjoys brings down cortisol levels. In Closing Regulating stress and anxiety in the body gets stronger and more responsive with practice. Knowing how to support the parasympathetic nervous system is a wonderful strategy to place in a child’s or young person’s wellbeing toolkit.

Helping Your Family Manage Uncertainty Uncertainty is part of life and yet our brain, which creates our thoughts and feelings, loves certainty and predictability. The pandemic has created more uncertainty in families, schools and communities than most people can recall in their lifetimes. With no clear end point, more stress and anxiety may well be triggered. In small doses anxiety heightens your sense of focus, giving you an increased level of energy, and increases your chances of managing a potential challenge that has appeared. In large doses, this anxiety is problematic, as it can cause feelings of being overwhelmed and even panicked. The Lesson of Being Real Many fears and unexpressed emotions lie beneath the stress of navigating uncertainty. Be prepared to share your emotions with your children, especially feelings of sadness. They experience grief every time they lose the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, go on holiday or return to school to see friends. Grief is not a sign of weakness. It shows you are human. Let your children see you cry and give them the agency to know what to do. They can grab a tissue, they can give you a hug and, if they’re old enough, they can make you a cuppa. Your children need to see that when bad things happen to adults, they can feel upset for a time. There are many ways you can help children cope with uncertainty. Normalise Uncertainty Teach your children that nothing is permanent. Good things come and go. So will tough times. Change is a part of life and can be positive or challenging. Share stories about how your family recovered from hard times. Adaptability and flexibility are key components of resilience, which can be nurtured in childhood. Make Choices That Ease Fear and Anxiety Remind your children and young people that they are not powerless. Resting, reading and relaxing are great tools to ease fear and anxiety. This might include taking deep breaths, listening to music, or making others laugh. Getting outside to play or walk the dog is another simple way to ease the nervous system. Focus on the Things You Can Control Simple habits and routines really make a difference. When everything is changing routines and rituals such as regular family mealtimes, bedtimes and wake up times help maintain a sense of normality. These rituals provide an important anchor helping them feel in control. Encourage Your Kids to Have a ‘Gratitude Attitude’ Though times are no doubt really tough for many, you can choose to feel grateful for the things you have, and the people love, and you can model this mindset with your children. Maintain Hope Hope is an important antidote to feeling stuck in fear. Encourage feelings of hope by sharing wonderful memories via photos or videos which can lift everyone’s spirit. Plan a new experience to happen when that becomes a possibility. Children and young people need to understand that life can be an unpredictable ride and together you can adapt and find a way through to each new day. The greatest tool you have as a parent in these times is to remember that you are the 'safe base' for your children and young people. If you can embody that, and help them feel that no matter what, your love and support is a certainty, then the uncertainty around us all becomes a lot more manageable.

Please find below information regarding Term 4 including the latest COVID information.   Correspondence Emailed Home   Return to Face-to-Face Teaching - 28 October 2021   Year 12 End of Year Letter - 26 October 2021   Years 7-12 Parent Information Term 4 -  18 October 2021   Parent Information for Level 3 Plus Staged Return - 12 October 2021   Parent Information, Return To Face to Face - 11 October 2021   Years 7-10 Parent Information - 5 October 2021   Year 11 Parent Information - 5 October 2021   Year 12 Parent Information - 5 October 2021