Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Frank Hunter Prize for outstanding Leadership in final year of school

The Frank Hunter Prize is awarded to the student adjudged by his peers to have offered, through his leadership, the most positive contribution to the school, particularly to Year 12. This prize is open to all students in Year 12 except the school captain.


Students are invited to nominate candidates for this prize, from which the voting slips will be prepared. Each nomination must be signed by the nominee to indicate that he is prepared to accept the nomination.

Nominations must be handed to Mr Parker by 4pm Friday September 10
 
Nomination forms can be obtained from Mr Parker's office or from your tutors

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

SATAC information

South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) applications for Year 12 students



Most Prince Alfred College Year 12 students are considering University or TAFE courses next year. As such they are currently preparing for the application process for 2011 entry to undergraduate courses. In South Australia this is done through the SATAC website, http://www.satac.edu.au/. At school, students have received a “show bag” which contains relevant information for University and TAFE entry, as well as specific information about the three major Universities in Adelaide. The “show bag” will be supplemented by a SATAC seminar on Friday August 27 which will inform students of how to complete the application process, and the resources available. The SATAC website has links for those applying to Interstate Tertiary Admission Centres. The SATAC application is completely online. The process is straight forward and can be completed at home.

Students should not need individual help with applications. Appointments with Ms Magann, Mr Bruford or Mr Parker can be arranged to ask related questions. The College devotes time to informing and preparing students for this important process; however, it is ultimately the individual student’s responsibility to ensure they apply on time, and to check that they have chosen the correct courses at the correct Universities and locations.

The three important closing dates for applications are:

August 31: for Medicine and Dentistry at Adelaide University

September 30: last day to apply for most other courses before incurring a late fee

December 3: last date to apply to still receive equal consideration, however, a late fee applies

Parents and Year 12s may also be interested in searching the SATAC site for special admission information. In particular, the mature age entry through the STAT(Special Tertiary Admissions Test) process is now eligible to students who turn 18 on or before February 1st 2011. This provides, for some students, another potential avenue for University entry apart from an ATAR(Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking) calculation.

IB students who apply through SATAC will need to use their IB personal code which can be obtained directly from Mr Bruford. Pastoral Care Teachers will also be given this information.

Scott Parker

Year 12 Coordinator

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Year 12 IBD and SACE Trial Examination Timetable

Year 12 BBQ fundraising

Our second BBQ(to celebrate Intercol Week) raised $578.00 which when combined with our first BBQ total allows us to donate over $1000.00 to the Future Project. That's a fantastic effort boys! I will have Duncan Soang report on this blog of our progress with this worthy cause. Thanks to all the boys who helped with organising the event, and particularly Duncan and his family who have been so generous with their time and their donation of food.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

SATAC meetings

By now you should have collected your SATAC "showbag" from Mr Parker's office. In this information pack there is a range of resources related to TAFE and University undergraduate entry in 2011. Please ensure you read this carefully as it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you apply correctly online and that you are aware of any pre requisites or assumed knowledge for the courses you have applied for.


To support you with your online application, we will be having some sessions at school regarding SATAC applications. The first is next Wednesday in room N13 for those interested in Medicine and Dentistry applications, as these close on August 31 which is earlier than all other SATAC applications.

On Friday August 27 there will be a Year 12 meeting in the Chapel during Module 4(PC time) to discuss the application process for all students. This will be presented by careers counsellor Ms Magann and Mr Bruford. Your attendance is compulsory.

If you have a specific question before this meeting please contact Ms Magann or Mr Bruford directly.

On a related matter, we will have a representative visiting us from University College at Melbourne University on Wednesday August 25 at 8.30 am in Ms Magann's office. If you are interested in attending please contact Ms Magann

Monday, August 9, 2010

Adolescent use of technology and cyber bullying:

On Friday I was lucky enough to attend a fantastic professional development seminar by Robyn Treyvaud(founder of cybersafekids.com.au) on how young people use digital technologies. As we know, technology is a wonderful business and learning resource to us all and it often becomes part of our social and cultural currency. However, the convenience, impulsivity and anonymity of many digital mediums does make the use of them potentially harmful to both ourselves and to others.


If you are a Year 12 student reading this post please carefully consider your digital identity. Information about you, either written or visual can appear on the internet and you have very little control over its content, validity, or its movement. Impulsive actions by you can leave a lasting effect on your identity across these digital mediums which could cause you embarrassment or even restrict your opportunities for future employment/careers. If you are concerned about your digital identity you could consider www.reputationdefender.com. This site is aimed at ensuring that potential unwanted or harmful content about you is not left in cyberspace. It is not an automatic saviour however, as it can only access public sites, and so social networking sites like facebook cannot be reviewed. It also is not intended to give you anonymity for any poor/inappropriate choices you make when using digital media. Nevertheless, it is a useful site for your digital peace of mind allowing you to enjoy adolescence without the potential stigma of your own personal experiences becoming public, and remaining digitally accessible for years to come.


If you are a parent reading this post there are a number of great sites that can help you consider the best way to support your family using digital technologies responsibly and safely. Try:


www.cybersmart.gov.au
https://onlinefamily.norton.com/
www.cybersafekids.com.au

Also consider this article: www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25privacy-t2.html


Wearing of Year 12 jumpers

Friday, August 6, 2010

enjoyexams.com

This is an excellent Australian site set up buy a guy not much older than you! Get onto it and take some time to read some of the info and watch the videos. It will be well worth your time.


Scholarship opportunities

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Monash University scholarships


Please see Mr Parker for a copy of the Monash 2011 Coursework Scholarship guide. There are only two in hard copy so first in best dressed.

Defence Force Veterans scholarships

Scholarships for Children of Veterans intending Tertiary Studies in 2011



In 2011 the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is expecting to give financial assistance for up to 65 students under many different scholarship schemes. All schemes help the selected children in need of the Australian veteran community with the costs of tertiary education. Applicants are considered for all schemes for which they are eligible.
Applications open on 18 August 2010. To apply you must be:
a. Within the means test. That is eligible on assets and income grounds for Youth Allowance benefits for full- time education.

b. Enrolled, or planning to enrol in a full-time course of tertiary education in Australia by attendance at a

university, TAFE or college. The course must be of one or more academic years length and at undergraduate level.

c. The child or grandchild of a person who has operational service with the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force, or if not has three or more year’s continuous full-time service as a member of the Australian Defence Force.

d. Under the age of 25 when applying, unless exceptional circumstances related to veteran’s service exist.

The largest scheme is the Long Tan Bursary funded by the Australian Government. There are 50 new bursaries each year. They are valued at $9,000 each which is paid at $3,000 per year for three years. There are selection quotas for each State and Territory. To apply you must be the child of an Australian Vietnam Veteran, be resident in Australia, be entering any year of tertiary study, having not previously received a Long Tan Bursary.

The other national schemes are the AVCAT Bursary, the two RSL Scholarships, three Vietnam Veterans’ Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Scholarship and the Defence Force Welfare Association Scholarship. George Quinsey Scholarships directly pay tuition fees for economics, commerce and accountancy studies. There are also regional scholarships. In NSW, there are three from Brisbane Water Legacy covering Gosford/Wyong NSW and one from the NSW TPI Association. Some private donors offer two scholarships to resident NSW applicants. In SA, the VVAA also offers a scholarship.

Schemes vary between $3,000 and $5,000 per year each. Some are restricted to location of residence or studies. Most require veteran service in Vietnam but others are broader in eligibility criteria. Most schemes continue payments for later years of study. All scholarship schemes but one pays monthly instalments. That scheme helps with tuition costs for courses in commerce, economics and accountancy. In addition to the above there is one grant per year to assist a handicapped eligible veteran’s child or grandchild with special extra costs of transition to tertiary studies or employment

To receive an application form register interest on 1800 620 361. Children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans should do so now, as should any others who believe that they are eligible. If not sure, ask:

Applications close on 31 October each year.

AVCAT PO Box K978, Haymarket, NSW 1240

FAX: 02 9213 7307, Email: avcat@dva.gov.au Web: www.avcat.org.au

Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust Limited

ACN 008 609 032 / ABN 50 008 609 032

Monday, June 14, 2010

2009 AGG to SA TER TABLE

A useful reference for the SACE students

Monday, June 7, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Year 12 Jumpers

John Savvas has been working hard on some concepts for this year's Year 12 jumper. Next week on Friday there will be a chance to vote on your preferred design. Michael Brown will be organising this through tutor groups but will also address the Year 12s next week at our Year Level Assembly in the Chapel on Friday. Please direct any enquiries/comments to Michael in the meantime.


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Careers News

Please see Mrs Magann for more details or email her on mmagann@pac.edu.au


Revision guides, Workbooks and Holiday Tuition

Adelaide Education Consultants offers a range of services for Year 12 students. The school has some flyers which can be collected from your tutor or from Mr Parker, or, check out http://www.aeg.sa.edu.au/



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Careers Expo May 30 and 31

Head to http://www.careersevent.com/ for more information on this event. Also remember that PAC will have its own careers expo on campus later in the year.


Monday, May 17, 2010

i-student enuiry

This website may be useful to some students who are looking for pathways to overseas entrance to University. Find more information on http://www.i-studentenquiry.com/


Sunday, May 16, 2010

The 2010 Red and White

The 2010 PAC Red and White Formal was a huge success. The night ran very smoothly, with close to 400 guests enjoying the theme of Red and White makes Pink. Almost $2,000.00 was raised for the McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation on the night, which included donations on the night as well as proceeds from ticket sales. Old Scholars Patrick Deegan and Ollie Brecht provided the DJ services which ensured the dance floor was full during the night. The best dressed Year 12 boy was awarded to Joe Virgin who is pictured below in his very appropriate pink suit. Special thanks must go to the Prefect Formal Committee of Michael Brown, Ned Young, and Dominic Albanese, as well as the help of our Captain of School John Hood, and school assistant Mrs Melissa Dales, who fittingly won the best dressed staff member on the night. It was certainly an enjoyable night for all involved and the boys can be very proud of the way in which they hosted their guests from a variety of schools.



Josh Gugliotta, Formal Committee


Thursday, May 13, 2010

KPMG cadetship program information sessions

Australian Youth Aerospace Forum

Please see Mr Parker, Dr Mills or any science staff regarding opportunities to be involved in the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum to be held over 5 days from July 5th -9th. You can view the student application by visiting http://www.ayaf.com.au/ for more specific details and conditions

MedEntry UMAT preparation

http://www.medentry.edu.au/ have given the school some flyer information about the courses that they offer. Please see Mr Parker for more information of investigate further as to what services they provide by visiting their website.


Study Skills Online

http://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au/ is a wonderful resource that Prince Alfred College has invested in for all Year 12 students. Your PCTs should have already issued you with passwords but if you are unsure you can see Mr Parker or e-mail him. The website will be a valuable resource for many students due to its ease of navigation and its student centered video and audio files. Please make good use of it for organisation, study, revision, motivation plus a host of techniques aimed at helping you with your assignments and tests.


Year 12 IBD Mid Year Examinations

Please see the attached information regarding the IB examinations in week 6 of Term 2. SACE students will attend classes as normal.