All Posts By

Gemma Murphy

Feb 14
0

What are your rights as a casual employee?

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There are several different types of employment arrangements under Australia’s workplace laws. One of the most common types that students work under is casual employment. Casual jobs are defined as jobs that usually:

  • are short-term or temporary
  • involve irregular hours
  • aren’t guaranteed to be ongoing
  • provide extra hourly rate as they don’t provide paid holiday leave or sick leave.

Generally speaking, casual employees are employed on an hourly, daily or weekly basis without any commitment – from the employee or the employer – that the job is permanent or guaranteed.

Gaining a casual job can be convenient while you’re at school or in tertiary education. If your employer agrees, you can vary your hours to fit in with your studies. Gaining experience while you are studying serves many benefits. You may improve your future job prospects by developing skills that employers value, such as communication, team work and customer service. The contact that you have with colleagues also helps to build your social network. This is particularly beneficial over summer holidays.

As with part-time and full-time employees, casual employees are also granted rights under Australia’s workplace laws. This article examines these rights and provides a guide to some of the issues facing casual workers.

Read more here.. 

Feb 14
0

UNSW Girls In Engineering Club

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The Girls in Engineering Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme (GIE FEAS) Program is an alternate pathway program for high school girls in Year 11 and 12 who will be applying for an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney and expecting an ATAR within the FEAS eligibility* range. The program runs from February to May and has capacity for 100 motivated students to participate each year.

If you’re a student who wants to make a difference in the world, has an interest in helping others and would love to learn how engineering can solve problems in disadvantaged communities, then this program is for you!

Learn more here 

Feb 07
0

Marine Biology Experience 2023

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The University of Tasmania is once again proud to present year 11 and 12 students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a week as a marine biologist.

 

A Practical Introduction to Temperate Marine Biology is an introduction to our Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science degree. Upon completing this course, they will receive credit unit towards their future University of Tasmania degree.

This is a 5-day field trip based on the picturesque Maria Island, on the Tasmanian East Coast. Led by marine ecologist, Dr Scott Bennett, students will be doing field work and experiencing the sights and sounds of climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris, and the associated economic and social impacts.

Applications are open and we encourage teachers and career advisors to speak with students who are interested in marine biology to apply for this experience.

To enter, the students are to complete an online application and submit their 300-word pitch on the topic: why I wish to study the marine biology of Maria Island.

Applications will close at Midnight (AEST) on Monday 20 February 2023.

There are 24 places available, 14 of which are scholarships places. Scholarships will cover flights, accommodation, catering, local transport costs, equipment hire, tuition costs and survey gear.

The course will run from Monday April 17 – Sunday April 23, 2023.

Read our Terms and Conditions via our website, here.

Feb 07
0

First Class 22

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Yesterday a few current and previous St Brigid’s Teachers went to the opening of the First Class Art Show at the MAC – Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie in support of Year 12 2022 Student Erin Marini. Well done to Erin on her achievement and Year 12 body of work.

Since 2009 First Class has celebrated and showcased the exceptional standard of work produced by HSC Visual Arts Students from the Hunter and Central Coast regions. A Museum of Art and Culture, yapang initiated project, this unique exhibition continues to be a highlight of the yearly calendar. Selected from submissions produced in the previous year, the exhibition continues to embrace the diversity of media and techniques that represent the wide scope of the NSW HSC Visual Arts syllabus.­

Presenting the work of skillful young artists in a professionally curated gallery setting, audiences are able to experience the richness of local talent and the voice of youth. Employing a variety of visual imagery and techniques, many of these artists have turned inward to explore the impact of their world and their response to it. Themes of family, memories and the importance of home are distinctive concepts that connect us all. Intimate works explore complex connections to place and identity, youth, personal relationships and culture. A deep connection to nature is also explored with symbolic interpretations commenting on environmental impacts and ecological responsibilities.

Visual Arts places a high regard on how students develop an informed point of view, encouraging diversity, empathy and inclusion. Those selected for First Class 22 have excelled in these areas and their voices are heard throughout the exhibition. Whilst many works explore serious concepts and weighty issues, many have celebrated the fun, quirky and whimsical. This exhibition honours the wonderful talents of our local HSC students of 2022 and we commend their work and vision.

Curated by Cormac O’Riordan, Karen Gilbertson and Kate Endacott

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Feb 06
0

Practical advice for starting secondary school

By | News, Wellbeing | No Comments

“It’s common for kids to have some challenges with the transition to high school. One in three children say they found the transition difficult. These difficulties usually resolve during the first year. ”

Going to high school: what to expect

Children often have mixed feelings about starting high school. They might be:

  • excited about new friends, subjects and teachers
  • nervous about learning new routines, making new friends or even wearing a new uniform
  • worried about handling an increased workload or being bullied.

You might also worry about these issues, and about whether your child will have the confidence and skills to handle them.

These worries are all normal. Secondary school also means a move from the familiar to the unknown, and a whole new way of doing things.

Relationships

Your child will need to meet new peers and make new friends, and establish or re-establish her position within a peer group.

Schoolwork

Your child will need to adapt to new teaching and assessment styles, cope with a wide range of subjects, adjust to having different teachers in different classrooms, become more responsible for his own learning, manage a heavier study and homework load, and learn a new and more complex timetable.

Getting around

Your child will have to adjust to a new school campus, find her way around, get to class on time with the right books and materials, and possibly cope with new transport arrangements.

All the issues above might be particularly challenging for some young people living in rural or remote communities. For example, they might need to manage lengthy travel times or move away from their family, friends and the local community if attending boarding school.

”When children are making the move to high school, parents have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. Your child’s friends do influence how your child feels about the move, but your support has longer-lasting effects.

Preparing to start high school

You can help to ease any worries your child has about starting secondary school by preparing your child in the months and weeks before term begins.

Here are some ideas for dealing with practical issues:

  • Many primary schools run high school transition and orientation programs in the last term of primary school. If possible, make sure your child is signed up for these programs and is at school on the days they’re happening.
  • If your primary school doesn’t run a transition program, find out what transition services and supports your child’s new high school offers.
  • Involve your child in decision-making. For example, you could try talking together about school uniform decisions, transport to and from school, and subject choices, if they’re offered.

Here are some ideas to deal with mixed feelings and worries:

  • Talk with your child about what he’s most looking forward to and what he’s worried about. Really listen when your child shares his feelings about secondary school.
  • Listen to your child’s worries, but also get her to look at the positive things about the move. For example, you could highlight the new opportunities your child will have by talking about extracurricular activities your child could choose at the new school.
  • Talk with your child about friendship worries. For example, you could ask what your child’s friends are saying about secondary school. You could also talk about how your child might keep in touch with old friends and make new friends at high school.

During the transition to high school

Here are some ideas to help with the practical side of the transition to high school:

  • Try to arrange for a parent, grandparent or other close adult to be home before and after school for the first few weeks of transition.
  • Find out the name of the teacher responsible for your child’s overall care, attendance and social and academic progress. This person might be called a home-room teacher, home-group teacher, year advisor or pastoral care teacher. Make personal contact with this person as early as possible to introduce yourself and ask questions.
  • Try to make your home as comfortable for study time as possible. For example, make sure your child has a quiet place to study, away from distractions such as the TV or a mobile phone. When the internet is necessary for study, you might want to keep an eye on the websites your child is using.

These ideas might help with worries about getting to know people and making new friends at high school:

  • Find out whether there’s a buddy system at your child’s new school and encourage your child to be involved in it.
  • Let your child know that new friends are welcome in your home. Encourage your child to invite new friends over, or be ready to transport your child to their houses.
  • Help your child explore new opportunities. Learning a musical instrument, trying a new sport or joining a drama class are great ways for your child to meet other kids and get involved in school activities.

You could try these suggestions for handling emotional ups and downs:

  • Be prepared for early ups and downs. Adjusting to change takes time, but if things don’t stabilise after the first six weeks, talk to your child’s home-room teacher in the first instance.
  • Remind your child that it’s normal to feel nervous about starting something new – for example, you could share how nervous and excited you feel when starting a new job.
  • Talk to other parents to check whether your child’s experiences and feelings are similar to those of others. Sporting and school events are a good place to meet other parents.
  • Try to make sure your child eats well, gets plenty of physical activity and gets plenty of sleep. The change to secondary school is likely to make your child more tired at first.

Your feelings about your child starting high school

Your child’s transition to secondary school is a big change for you too. Your relationship with your child’s primary school might be ending, and you’re likely to have a different sort of relationship with your child’s secondary school.

It’s OK for you to have mixed feelings about these changes.

Talking to other parents, particularly those who have gone through high school transition, often helps. It might ease your mind to know that many children find things a little hard at first but settle in during the year.

Also, other parents who are experienced at the school can often answer small questions and give you helpful tips about how things work at your child’s new school.

And don’t be surprised to find that your child doesn’t want you to be as visible at his secondary school as you might have been during the primary years. Remember that he’ll still need your support outside of school, and that it’s all part of the way he develops greater independence.

Signs your child might be having difficulty

Signs your child might be struggling include:

  • a lack of involvement in the new school
  • little or no talk about new friends
  • refusal to talk with you about school
  • little or no interest in doing homework
  • low confidence or self-esteem – your child might say she’s dumb or stupid
  • no desire to go to school, or refusal to go
  • a drop in grades or academic performance.

If your child is having trouble, don’t wait for things to improve on their own.

Try to get your child talking about how he’s feeling, let him know that his feelings of worry and discomfort are normal, and see whether you can work out some strategies together. Also consider speaking with your child’s teacher, guidance counsellor or GP.

 

Transitions for children with special needs

The transition to secondary school is sometimes more challenging for children with special needs. It’s important to ensure that your child – and your family – are adequately prepared for the change, and have access to appropriate information.

You might need extra time to plan your child’s transition to secondary school – even starting up to a year ahead. Student welfare services at your child’s primary and secondary schools will play an important role in ensuring your child’s needs are supported.

If you’d like additional support or have concerns, you can seek advice from your child’s teacher, school principal or learning support team. Also contact disability services in your state or territory.

Feb 06
0

Have you considered a Defence trade?

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Have you ever considered a defence trade?

You can choose from a wide variety of trades in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ranging from electronics, mechanics and carpentry to cooking and plumbing, and enjoy training, good pay, mateship and job security.

Some ADF trade jobs are similar to those found in the civilian world, but the work is likely to be more varied and rewarding. Others are unique to the military and will see you working with some of the most technically-advanced equipment and systems in the world. All come with a great salary from the day you start, comprehensive training, travel and amazing experiences.

You will receive world-class training in the ADF from trade experts and use the best available tools and equipment and work in modern, well-resourced facilities. Better still, students will have the opportunity to gain nationally-accredited qualifications that benefit them for life.

The Defence Jobs website is a valuable resource to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on ADF careers. We also have Navy, Army and Air Force Trade brochures. If you would like a copy of these, please reach out to your closest Defence Force Recruiting Centre. The Recruitment Process Overview (General Entry) explains the step-by-step journey and who may contact your students when they apply for a Defence trade.

Marine Technician

Maintain and operate engineering machinery and systems, ensuring the ships remain fully operational and mission capable.

Vehicle Mechanic

Maintain and service an exciting variety of high-tech military vehicles including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, trucks, bulldozers, 4WDs and motor bikes.

Network Technician

Take on an exciting cyberspace systems role, responsible for the operation and management of the Air Force’s network capabilities during air, space, cyber and ground operations.

Feb 06
0

Student Achievement Isaiah R

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Isaiah R of Year 10 is proving to be an all-round athlete. Last weekend Isaiah entered in the Billigence Pathways Championship Series Triathlon out at Penrith. This particular event consisted of a 750m Swim, 20 Km Bike Ride and 5km Run. Congratulations to Isaiah on completing this event, we wish the very best for all future Triathlons and we look forward to hearing and sharing your success, Isaiah.
  • I ryan 2_Natasha McFadden
  • I ryan 1_Natasha McFadden
  • I ryna 3_Natasha McFadden