Mercy News - 11 March 2022
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Prayer
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Message from Our Principal
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Student Executive
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Re & Identity
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Deputy Principal
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Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
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School Psychologists
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Humanities
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Languages- Indonesian
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VCAL
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Information Centre
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House Matters
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Learning Diversity Team
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Careers @ Mercy
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Careers @ Mercy Continuation
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Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
Prayer
A Lenten Prayer
God of Renewal, help us to reflect on our relationship with you and others and to mend broken connections in our lives.
God of Life, give us the strength to take stock of our attitudes, values and actions and help us to commit to being the best people we can be.
God of Compassion, guide us in our decisions, so that we can learn to make do with less so that others may have their basic needs met.
God of Love, during this time of Lent, encourage us all to give generously and to work towards overcoming the dehumanising challenge of poverty that faces so many in the world.
Message from Our Principal
Dear Mercy community,
It's been an extremely challenging fortnight for all of us-as individuals, as a community, as citizens of Australia and of our world. We've seen the heartache of floods and the damage and destruction that's come from that and beyond our shores, we’ve seen the heartache and the heartbreak, of war and violence. We long for and pray for peace.
We have gathered many times over the past fortnight to pray and especially to pray for peace. Pope Francis has reminded us, we must never stop praying for peace.
SCHOOL LIFE
Over the past fortnight we have also been reminded of the vibrancy that is school life. Last week we gathered as a school community to celebrate our Commencement Eucharist. Our celebrant was Fr Colin Xavier-Parish Priest: St Mark’s, Fawkner. We prayed that we emerge from two years of disruption and separation united in friendship, kindness, understanding and love. At this celebration we welcomed our Year 7 students into our Circle of Mercy. A symbolic action saw them enter McAuley Hall through the Door of Mercy. We pray that they will ‘emerge with mercy’ as they grow in the spirit of hospitality, compassion, justice and excellence in all they do.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA PROJECT COMPASSION LAUNCH
On Tuesday, 1 March, our College had the honour of launching this year’s Project Compassion. Given that mercy and compassion for those in need are the heart of our school’s core values, it was such a privilege to be able to participate in and host this wonderful event.
The theme of this year’s Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’, and it invites us to work today for a better tomorrow. I believe that education lies at the very centre of this year’s theme, and through the power of knowledge and opportunity, helps put an end to vulnerability and poverty.
Archbishop of Melbourne Peter A. Comensoli attended the event and reminded us all about the importance of love, generosity, kindness and compassion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFbJnWNnBq0
The principles we uphold as a College are directly aligned with those of Caritas Australia. We are committed to upholding dignity, and hope for humanity and all of God’s creation through our social justice initiatives. I hope that our contribution and participation in Project Compassion 2022 has a deep and powerful impact on the communities that Caritas Australia serves.
ASH WEDNESDAY-THE SEASON OF LENT
To begin the Season of Lent we came together on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of repentance, a season of prayer, a season of almsgiving, a season that enables us to step right back, in order to examine our own conscience and examine the part that we place in the consciousness of the world. It offers us an opportunity to reflect of how we want to live our lives as we journey together with others.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
On this day, we celebrated the achievements of women around the world and also reflected on how far we still have to go to break down bias. Our guest speaker at our school assembly was alumni Nadine Rabah (Class of 2012-College Vice Captain). Nadine shared her story of progressing though the ranks of the Australian Football League from player, umpire, community engagement officer and now as media manager where she leads the communications, media and public relations for the men and women’s elite competitions. As a female in a male dominated industry. Nadine encouraged students to challenge the perspectives people have regarding gender and culture in regards to career or aspirations, as well as to call out bias and discrimination in the workplace or school. At the end of last year we congratulated Nadine on being one of the successful recipients of the Inaugural Maureen Kerridge AM Scholarship She has chosen to study at Harvard Business School in Boston, undertaking the Authentic Leader Development Program.
THE END OF THE WEEK
We have finished the week with our Student Executive organizing a fundraiser for Caritas-Project Compassion. It was wonderful to see the students involved in the world’s favorite dance video game, “Just Dance”. Students donated a gold coin to participate. An example where the Mercy community put their compassion into action and help raise funds this Lent for people living in poverty.
At Mercy College we are inspired by Catherine McAuley and surrounded by so many brave, kind, supportive and change-making women of all ages.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Student Executive
COLLEGE CAPTAINS REFLECTION
We are excited to start this new year, with the whole mercy community. 2021 was a difficult year for everyone, however we were able to persevere through online learning and strive for excellence. This year we emerge with Mercy, back onsite and in the classroom. This is the year in which we celebrate everyone and everything. The past two years have taught us to be grateful for the people in our lives and to make memories and take opportunities. Even though we have just begun 2022 there have already been some great events and class activities such as the Night of Excellence, science experiments, excursions to the park and showcases which the students have participated in, but of course in a controlled and safe way. The student executive team has been working diligently and has come up with some great ideas that we are ready to implement in the college. We, the co-captains have settled into our roles and are very excited for the year ahead and what 2022 will bring.
Amelia Pozdik and Riana Zamora
College Captains
Re & Identity
Last week saw the beginning of our Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. This period is one of prayer, selfless giving and righting relationships with each other and with our God.Our Mercy community gathered in prayer at the Commencement Mass. With our theme, ‘Emerge with mercy’ we welcomed the new year, gathering for the first time since 2020 in Eucharistic hospitality and joy.
Our Mercy community selfless giving has been acknowledged in the many Project Compassion activities planned and completed this week. As we celebrated the launch of CARITAS Project Compassion we committed ourselves to opening our hearts and giving for the betterment of others.
Our Mercy community fasts from negative behaviour and lives out right relationships by committing to challenge bias. At our International Women’s Day Assembly we united to call out bias at school and in the workplace. Our guest speaker, AFL Media manager Nadine Rabah, asked us to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. She called on us to collectively #BreakTheBias.
When we look at the true spirit of Lent it is about recognising what we should change in our lives. It is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now and doing what we can to bring about the fullness of life in others. By praying, giving, and creating right relationships we are reminded of Jesus’ death, resurrection and hope. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) As we live into that fullness, may we also be challenged to act with love and hope.
Deputy Principal
When parents choose a Catholic education for their child, they form a partnership with the Catholic school. Together, through the formal years of schooling, this partnership provides a profound, faith-based platform for the child’s lifelong learning, formation and flourishing.
Source: Adapted from the School Improvement Framework Rubric (School Community)
There have been many opportunities throughout this term where teachers, students and parents have worked in partnership to co-design the learning for all students. This has been highlighted by the recent VCE Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences and is further evident by the way many girls have approached their learning this term.
Another example of this was during Discover Mercy Open Day for prospective students for 2024. ‘Learning’ or ‘opportunities to extend and to be challenged with my learning’ was a common statement used amongst the girls when describing why they wanted to attend Mercy College. Reference to the various learning opportunities offered at the school to support their daughter’s learning was also a common response from families.
These examples are further evidence of the strength of who we are as a faith learning community. All members of our community are to be proud in the way we are working in partnership to create a narrative that inspires learning and reflects our aspirations for all students to excel.
Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
The Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Wednesday 30 March.
This is an opportunity for teaching staff at Mercy College to share with families their understanding of the needs of each Year 7-10 student, working in partnership with parents, guardians and students to discuss strategies that will enhance the understanding of the course content. Such partnerships are essential to the success of each student and ensure that each girl can achieve their personal best.
We encourage all parents and guardians to make appointments with their daughter’s teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these interviews.
We look forward to meeting with you and your daughter, and discussing how to best support and extend her to achieve her goals and ‘flourish’ in the learning environment.
Families will receive further correspondence outlining how to access and make bookings for the Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences.
In the meantime, we encourage your daughter to continue to apply herself to the best of her ability across all her subjects and look forward to discussing your daughter’s progress with you.
NAPLAN Online Coordinated Practice Test (CPT)
Mercy College will once again conduct NAPLAN Online in 2022. As part of this, the VCAA require us to administer a NAPLAN Online Coordinated Practice Test (CPT). The CPT fulfils the requirements of student familiarisation for NAPLAN Online, and also enables the school to execute a simulated test experience for students and test administrators. Testing will be conducted with Year 7 & 9 students on the following dates:
- Year 7 - Thursday 24 March 2022
- Year 9 - Friday 25 March 2022
The CPT contains the following sample online tests:
- Omnibus test – this includes questions from the reading, conventions of language and numeracy domains.
- Writing test
Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.
Grading Scale
During 2021 the College undertook a review of the ‘Grading Scale’ used to make judgments on student assessment. As a result a new ‘Grading Scale’ will be used for all Year 7-10 assessment in 2022. The table below outlines how letter grades will be allocated based on percentage results.
Nick Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
Back at School
The first few weeks back at school can be highly emotional. Students are confronted with the excitement of the new year, being reunited with their peers and so many possibilities: leadership opportunities, community gatherings, friendships, excursions, incursions, co-curricular activities and new learning. Often the return to school, and in particular for new students, sees a change to routine and environment. These changes can create some short term stress or anxiety. When such presentations are evident in young people, it is important to listen without judgement and validate the young person’s feelings. Sometimes expressing their feelings is all the young person needs. Another strategy is to provide the young person with some autonomy and agency. Autonomy can be exhibited by young people carrying out certain activities own their own. Agency can be achieved through young people designing their learning goals or learning spaces or by finding motivation from interests, strengths and needs.
If a young person is showing signs of overwhelm or anxiety it may present in various ways. These presentations may include:
Appear more clingy than normal
Be restless and fidgety
Complain of stomach aches
Display changes in eating and sleeping habits
Express negative thoughts or worries
Get upset or angry more quickly
Have bouts of unexplained crying
Struggle to concentrate.
In the event of such concerns please contact the Homeroom teacher. The College will ensure appropriate supports are provided so that the young person can improve their sense of wellbeing and engage in school life and home life in a way that is calm and fulfilling. The home school partnership is paramount to positive outcomes for all.
Last week the College conducted the Wellbeing Survey. This survey is another way in which the College monitors students, through the identification of who may be in need of additional support.
Be strong enough to face the world each day. Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone. Anonymous
Vanessa Folino
Director of Student Engagement & Wellbeing
School Psychologists
Supporting Anxious Adolescents
Experiencing some anxiety is a normal part of life. As parents, it can be difficult to know how to best support your child with their anxiety. A common response is to step in and try to solve the problem for them, or remove your child from the anxiety provoking situation. However, taking over, or helping your child avoid these situations can often make the anxiety worse. It is usually more helpful to support your child to problem-solve and learn ways to cope with and manage their anxiety. Some ideas on how to do this are listed below.
Provide the opportunity to calm down and slow down
Encourage deep breathing or mindfulness strategies to support your child to regulate themselves first, before asking what is wrong or problem-solving. Help your child tolerate the anxious feelings and allow them to pass.
Set aside time to debrief
Give your child the opportunity to share their worries and validate the feelings they express.
Support your child to problem solve
Once you have taken the time to listen and understand, ask your child if they have thought of anything that could be helpful in this situation, ask what has worked previously, and support them to break down the problem into manageable chunks.
Encourage helpful thoughts
If your child gets stuck in an unhelpful thought cycle, support them to catch those unhelpful thoughts, and use more helpful thinking. For example, an unhelpful thought might be, ‘I’ve run out of time, I’m never going to get my homework done in time’, the corresponding helpful thought would be, ‘I still have some time left, I’ll do the best that I can in that time’.
Encourage brave behaviour
Work with your child to break down the problem into achievable chunks and encourage them to face the situations they feel ready to face. Avoid pushing them to face situations they are not ready for, and instead support them to take small steps towards facing the anxiety-provoking situations.
Model helpful coping strategies
We learn our coping strategies from the strategies the people around us use. When, as a parent, you are stressed, label that feeling and demonstrate helpful coping strategies, such as deep breaths, taking things one step at a time, writing to-do lists, etc.
Model and encourage healthy lifestyle choices
Never underestimate the value of plenty of sleep, healthy food, hydration, and body movement, as they are essential to being able to manage challenging situations. If your child is feeling energised and well-nourished they are going to be better placed to deal with anxious feelings.
For further information visit the below webpages:
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/mental-health-physical-health/stress-anxiety-depression/anxiety
- https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/anxiety/strategies-to-support-anxious-children
Jo Banks and Rachel Calalesina
School psychologists
Humanities
It has been a busy start to the year for our History students with excursions to the Melbourne Museum for the Year 7 History classes as part of their study of Ancient Australia, the Shrine of Remembrance for the Year 10 History class to deepen their understanding of Australia’s involvement in World War II and a Medieval Europe incursion so the Year 8 History class were able to learn more about the Middle Ages..
Below are some reflections from students about their experiences.
Year 7 History - Ancient Worlds at the Melbourne Museum
On the 1st of March 7B and 7C went to the Melbourne Museum to learn more about our history topic on Ancient Australia. The exhibit called the First People of Ancient Australia had many things to offer about the heritage, culture and traditions of the first owners. One thing that I learned was that the possum skin cloak is very symbolic to Aboriginal people because it connects them to their elders with a story which is told on the cloak. Another thing I learnt about the First Nations Peoples was that in their time they had many animals like the Diprotodon which is the biggest marsupial known ever and was related to wombats and koalas. I found out that the biggest differences between all the many clan groups are the resources they found and used, tribal celebrations, culture and language. Another thing I found out was that their toys that their children played with help them with life skills in the future.
- Gabriella, 7B
Something I found interesting when exploring the Melbourne Museum were the artefacts! Objects such as the children's toys, possum skin cloaks, boomerangs, and others were really fascinating, and proved how advanced the ancient Australians were in their technology. I found the Diprotodon jaw and front tooth artefact very interesting to analyse, and also to guess how much bigger it would have been compared to humans. After visiting the museum on Ancient Australia, I would like to know more about the different clans that still exist today, and their different traditions and beliefs!
- Daphne, 7C
At the Melbourne Museum, I saw a language map that represented each area and the different languages the First Australians spoke. I also saw unique weapons created and used during the time period; each weapon included a painted pattern and was carved for a specific purpose. I found it fascinating to observe the different techniques of how the Aboriginals found food sources. I would like to know more about the stories that were passed down from each generation and the traditions of the Aboriginals. I would also like to know if the way they lived back then still contributes to the way we live today.
- Zainab, 7C
Year 8 History - Medieval Europe Incursion
On the 28th of February class 8A had a history incursion where people from History Up close named Robert and Gina came to the school and taught us about medieval Europe. The class was invited to dress up as people of the medieval times. Some of the costumes included were Peasants, nobels, merchants, king and queen, and religious figures. We learnt a lot about why they dressed a certain way and how they showed wealth through clothes. For example the baggier and the more fabric in the outfit the wealthier you were.
We were then shown and taught about medieval Europe’s armor and were allowed to feel it, it was so heavy it was impossible to imagine being able to fight in it. Robert and Gina also taught us about the certain weapons they used and when they used them. I found the spear the most frightening. They also let us feel fox fur and stoat fur (a type of weasel) that the royals used in their clothing.
The last activity was sword fighting! We were taught certain techniques and were able to watch or do sword fighting against each other (with rubber swords). It was a very special, interesting and fun experience and helped us understand Medieval European times a lot more.
- By Sophie 8A
Jemmah Ind
Head of Humanities
Languages- Indonesian
Learning Indonesian Through Stories
At Mercy College, particularly in the junior years, students learn Indonesian through a story-telling approach. In contrast to traditional methods of language learning which often require students to memorize long lists of nouns, at Mercy we focus on students acquiring high-frequency vocabulary and structures through engaging and relevant repetition of these words.
In Year 7 Indonesian, students recently co-created a story about a character who likes (suka) and wants (mau) chocolate. They then later tested their understanding via a fun similar story - a story involving the celebrity Rihanna and cartoon character Shrek. A formative assessment was undertaken via a ‘flyswat’ activity - students listening to a phrase from the story and then turning to swat, as quickly as possible, the picture that represented the story.
Here are Katherine and Malak (7C) playing this game!
Elizabeth Moore
Indonesian teacher
VCAL
VCAL-Led House Activities
As part of the PDS (Personal Development Skills) strand of VCAL, students are required to plan, organise, implement, and review an activity.
This term, students have focused on running a number of House activities.
A water relay race and basketball knockout occured at the Swimming Carnival, while an egg and spoon race, a beanbag relay, a basketball bounce relay, dodgeball, and volleyball have taken place over several lunchtimes.
This has been a great opportunity for students to gain House points, enjoy fitness with friends, and also for the VCAL students to demonstrate competencies.
VCAL students will now review the success of their activities, considering successful promotion, OHS, student engagement, as well as their own leadership, teamwork, and organisational skills.
Elizabeth Moore
VCAL Coordinator
Information Centre
Staffing Update
Before the new school year commenced the Information Centre Team bade farewell to Ms Jessica Vuong. To further her career and experience in school libraries Ms Vuong has taken up a position as Library Technician at St Kevin’s College, Waterford Campus. Ms Vuong worked at Mercy College for nearly five years and had responsibilities in cataloguing, ordering, stocktaking, and circulation particularly with regards to overdues. In addition, the preparation and installation of displays was also a task that she undertook. We will miss her sunny disposition and her contributions to the workings of the library. Ms Nguyen, Ms Moore and myself wish her all the best with this next stage of her career.
Access Hours
As the 2022 school year unfolds there are some changes that the Information Centre will experience. Firstly the access hours are now 8.15am to 5.00pm on Mondays through to Thursdays and 8.15am to 4.00pm on Fridays.
The Overdue Process
The overdue process has been slightly amended. Reminder emails will be sent to students with an overdue item on Wednesdays. It is important that these items are returned to the library as soon as possible. Twice a term, parent/guardians will be contacted, via email, to inform them of any overdues and the replacement cost required if those items have been lost, damaged or not returned to school.
Every student is required to be responsible in returning items by the due date or seeking to have that item renewed.
Library Lovers Day
Our first celebration for the year was Library Lovers Day. This annual event enables all members of the College to experience a ‘lovely’ reading experience. There were are number of activities planned and during lunchtime on Monday 14 February many students and staff participated. One of the activities was for students and staff to write a quote about their love for reading for a quote from the book they love the most. These quotes were displayed and garnered a lot of discussion. Very soon those quotes will be placed in various books on the Fiction shelves to offer a surprise for the reader. Will you be one of the lucky ones? To find out, simply borrow a book from the Fiction collection.
Anne Girolami
Information Services Leader
House Matters
In the second week of Term 1, students were invited to forward themselves for consideration for Year Level House Leaders. The role of the Year Level House Leader is to support their House and their House Captain by:
- Creating team spirit within your House
- Ceing a leader in all elements of Mercy College school life
- Attending all House events such as Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and any other House activities
- Organising your Year Level for sign ups and participation for events and activities
- Attending any meetings organised to involve participation in House events
- Signing up to different extra curricular activities throughout the year
- Encouraging other members of your team to also get involved
- Being enthusiastic and encouraging to all members of your House … older and younger
The applications and interviews made for some very difficult decisions by House Captains and House Mentors. All candidates did an outstanding job in outlining how they would support their House in 2022. However only one person per House per Year level could be accepted.
After the interview process, all recommendations were forwarded to the Leadership Team for their seal of approval. Once the positions were ratified the names of the Year Level House Leaders were published on Simon.
For 2022, here are our Year Level House Leaders for:
Frayne
- Year 7 -- Sienna C
- Year 8 -- Tahlia D
- Year 9 -- Sara A
- Year 10 -- Jessica A
- Year 11 -- Kyla G
Kane
- Year 7 -- Lourdes T
- Year 8 -- Marianna T
- Year 9 -- Rebekkah K
- Year 10 -- Devmi J
- Year 11 -- Anna M
Marian
- Year 7 -- Eve F
- Year 8 -- Amelia T
- Year 9 -- Kyara D
- Year 10 -- Daniela L
- Year 11 -- Alara M
O'Hea
- Year 7 -- Nadia K
- Year 8 -- Zhiannon H
- Year 9 -- Sienna M
- Year 10 -- Isla R
- Year 11 -- Eva B
Thecla
- Year 7 -- Bridget M
- Year 8 -- Dana I
- Year 9 -- Elisa M
- Year 10 -- Ruby C
- Year 11 -- Paige R
Congratulations to these students. Your House Captain and House Coordinator are looking forward to working with you this year.
For those students who missed out please do not feel downhearted, instead you can still make worthy contributions to your House throughout the year by your participation in all planned events and activities.
We have recommenced the awarding of House points for 2022 with the Swimming Carnival, Lunchtime Sport activities and the Project Compassion Fundraiser - selling pancakes. There are plenty more activities and events on the horizon. We are so looking forward to seeing everyone getting involved.
Learning Diversity Team
Careers @ Mercy
UNIVERSITY UPDATES
RMIT
Interested in a career in Design and planning on applying for a Design course in the future?
The RMIT I Belong team is inviting Year 11 and 12 students to participate in their Ready Set Design Program for 2022, including the opportunity to explore the different design fields and participate in design workshops in preparation for tertiary level study. The first program for 2022 is Design Bytes
Design Bytes
On the 21st of April, Design Bytes will be held at RMIT's famous theatre, The Capitol, 113 Swanston Street.
Students will hear from a panel of industry designers about their insights and tips for students preparing to study a design program. From different design fields, the designers will showcase their work and discuss ways in which design shapes the world around us.
The panel of designers will also talk to students about a design brief, their career and experience in industry and discuss their transition from secondary school to tertiary level education.
All students who register to attend must sign and return the following consent form.
Consent form:
Careers @ Mercy Continuation
Students can return the form to RMIT via snap@rmit.edu.au to ensure they are permitted entry upon arrival.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Upcoming events for students:
- Study at ACU webinar: Return to study - entry and pathways
Tuesday 29 March 2022, 12 – 12.30pm
Find out about the various pathways and entry schemes into ACU.
- Talk with Teachers webinar
Tuesday 5 April 2022, 6 – 7pm
Learn all about the teaching profession. Graduates will talk about their course and their current work.
Registrations will be opening soon. To find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/talk-with?_cldee=dmhhcnZleUBtZXJjeWNvYnVyZy5jYXRob2xpYy5lZHUuYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-569373012dc7e1119a351cc1de6e6bae-5a889aa9a0cd4974a39c52ccac889a7f&esid=8b507cc7-2898-ec11-b400-00224892f2da
- Talk with Lawyers and Criminologists webinar
Wednesday 6 April 2022, 6 – 7pm
Hear where a law or criminology
degree will take you and the types of work in
the legal industry
Registrations will be opening soon. To find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/talk-with?_cldee=dmhhcnZleUBtZXJjeWNvYnVyZy5jYXRob2xpYy5lZHUuYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-569373012dc7e1119a351cc1de6e6bae-5a889aa9a0cd4974a39c52ccac889a7f&esid=8b507cc7-2898-ec11-b400-00224892f2da
- Talk with Business and IT Professionals webinar
Thursday 7 April 2022, 6 – 7pm
Learn more about a career in the corporate world.
Registrations will be opening soon. To find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/talk-with?_cldee=dmhhcnZleUBtZXJjeWNvYnVyZy5jYXRob2xpYy5lZHUuYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-569373012dc7e1119a351cc1de6e6bae-5a889aa9a0cd4974a39c52ccac889a7f&esid=8b507cc7-2898-ec11-b400-00224892f2da
Vicki Harvey & Jenni Hickey
Careers Practitioners