Have you ever had trouble concentrating, an upset stomach, sleeplessness, worry about something you have no control over, an upcoming test or exam? Anxiety can show up in a lot of ways and to varying degrees in our students. Anxiety can be one of the most debilitating challenges that students face in the classroom and at home. It is also considered to be one of the most hidden and unknown! Anxiety is an emotion that most people experience at some time in their lives. It is the feeling of apprehension that comes from the belief that something bad will happen that you will be unable to manage or control. Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it is experienced most days for a prolonged period of time; and interferes with daily functioning including learning, play, sleep and enjoyment of life. According to the Child Mind Institute, which is also supported by many other recent studies, health care providers have seen a 17 percent increase of anxiety in children over the past ten years. There is a strong chance you have seen the increase in anxiety in your own child at home, maybe around test and exam time, if they have experienced grief or loss, as well as during the current uncertain times surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Children who are worried and anxious are not doing it on purpose. The nervous system acts automatically, especially when it comes to worry (which often stems from fight or flight reflexes). That is why phrases such as “just relax” or “calm down” are not particularly helpful. But with practice at school and at home, children can learn to slow down their anxious brains, and teachers can learn to help them. Here are a few strategies you can use to help your child at home if they are feeling anxious.

1. Practice deep breaths: When people slow down their breathing, they slow down their brain. It helps the child who is overwhelmed and usually a few others as well. Slow, deep breaths are the key. 
2. Talk about anxiety: Do not set anxiety up as something you want (or should) get rid of. It is part of life, and it is not realistic to think it will go away completely. You can help students see and understand this in your own actions.
3. Get children moving: Exercise helps anyone who is feeling anxious. Anxiety can end up looking like anger, so if you see this, try taking a movement break.
4. Take a break outside: Being out in nature can also calm an anxious brain. Sometimes just a change of scenery is what makes the difference. Breathing the cool air or making time to notice chirping birds can also calm an overactive worrier.
5. Try walking and talking: Building on the moving idea, if you have a child that needs some one-on-one attention, try the walk-and-talk method. I used to have a student who struggled a lot with anxiety, and this worked great with her. After a couple of loops around the basketball court with me, everything would feel a little better. Our walk served three purposes: 1. It removed her from the situation. 2. It gave her a chance to explain the issue to me. 3. It got her blood pumping, which clears out the anxiety-producing energy and brings in the positive exercise endorphins.
6. Remind children to eat healthy and stay well: Not surprisingly, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep make a difference in how well children are able to handle situations that could be overwhelming.
7. Reading: Reading a book can be quite soothing for children as it can be a distraction and an opportunity to think of other things.
8. Think positively by keeping a gratitude journal: The brain is incapable of producing anxious thoughts while it is producing positive thoughts stemming from gratitude. If you can trigger a positive train of thought, you can sometimes derail the anxiety. Some time ago in my Year 4 class, I had students keep gratitude journals, and every day they would record at least one thing they were thankful for. If they seemed overwhelmed by negative thoughts, I would encourage them to reread their journal entries.

There is often no single cause of anxiety. There are risk factors which include having a parent with anxiety, stressful life events, health issues, frequent lack of sleep, learning disabilities and temperament. Anxiety does tend to ‘lock up the brain’ which means it is difficult to change children’s mindsets, therefore employing some of these strategies at home will be useful and you may be surprised how successful they are.  Simon Edgar - Head of Junior School

Australian Defence Force
ADF gap year is now open! You can now apply for the 2021 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year, to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force. It’s an opportunity to experience military life, without committing to a longer period - 'signing up'. An ADF Gap Year is a way to have an adventurous year, gain valuable skills and work experience and get paid for it. In 2021 there are 27 roles to choose from across the Army, Navy and Air Force from administration to cabin crew to artillery operator to driver to engineer and more. Be aware that it is a very popular program and once all roles are filled the program will close. Click here to find out how to apply and you must be an Australian citizen, aged between 18 and 24 years on admission and have completed Year 12 (required passes vary by job).

ADF music careers information session If you’re a professional musician and looking for a unique and stable career, you could find yourself performing in concert throughout Australia and overseas as part of the Australian Defence Force. The ADF is hosting a Musician Information Night on Thursday 12 March 2020 from 6:00pm—8:00pm at Defence Force Recruiting –Level 13, 295 Ann St, Brisbane 4000. A great opportunity for budding young musicians. To RSVP, click here.

Australian Defence Force information sessions Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the Defence Jobs website. View the specific events information link for more details including: location, times and to book your tickets. Further information about these events and Army Reserve Information Sessions can be accessed on the ADF Facebook site.  26/03/2020         Brisbane: Women in Trades Information Session

Defence Work Experience Program Work experience is one way to find out if a military life is for you. Visit the Defence Work Experience website (click on ‘Placements’ and ‘Qld’) for a list of work experience opportunities. You will need to speak to Mrs Maxwell, Head of Pathways about applying. You can also apply for work experience with the medical and dental unit, musical and army bands and Malaria and Infectious Diseases Institute. You will need to ask your work experience coordinator to apply for this directly through the Defence Work Experience unit. These are popular programs, so start your application early.

Interstate and International

USA sports scholarships and university placements Many universities and colleges in the USA offer sports scholarships to students from other countries. To be considered for these scholarships you have to be able to demonstrate your sporting and academic potential. The process involved in researching available scholarships and applying for them is quite complex. There are several organisations that offer a service to help you through the process. It is important to find out as much as you can about the organisations and, if possible, talk to previous clients. The following are examples: 

• Study and Play in the USA – This organisation has had over a decade of experience helping young Australians gain sports scholarships in the USA. During this time, it has established regular contact with head coaches in a wide range of sports across the US. Visit the website for more information.
• Aus Recruit – This organisation is a scholarship placement agency that represents talented student-athletes interested in obtaining sport scholarships to US universities. It has been operating since 2002. Read about the services provided by Aus Recruit on its website.
• Internationally Educated – This organisation assists students and their families through the selection and application process for US universities. More information on the website.
• Student Placement Australia New Zealand – This organisation offers several programs including an athletic and academic scholarships program through Go Campus. Find out more on the website.

Universities

ANU: Apply now for entry to ANU in 2021 Right now, you can take the stress out of Year 12 by applying directly to ANU for study in 2021. Direct applications opened on 4 March and close on 25 May 2020 and could see you receiving a conditional offer for admission, campus accommodation and scholarships as early as 10 August. One application covers your admission, 200-plus scholarships applications and guaranteed campus accommodation. Click here for more information.

ANU: Flexible programs ANU, located in Canberra, offers a range of flexible (e.g. B Laws/B Actuarial Studies) and vertical (e.g. B Arts/Master of International Relations) double degree programs. Find out about the options available on the website. Queensland students may be interested in the scholarships offered at ANU.  These include:

• The Tuckwell Scholarship
• The National University scholarship

Students interested in applying for ANU courses are required to apply through UAC by the end of September each year.

Bond: 2021 Undergraduate Guide now available The Bond 2021 undergraduate guide is now available where you will find information on the following and more:

• How is a degree structured?
• What your ATAR rank really means.
• What can I study:
  • Architecture and Built Environment
  • Business and Commerce
  • Communication and Creative Media
  • Law
  • Humanities, Languages and International Studies
  • Health Sciences and Medicine
  • Social Sciences, Psychology and Counselling
• Pathways to Bond
• Accommodation
• Fees and costs

Bond: Experience Days in 2020 Bond University opens its campus throughout the year to provide Year 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to experience what life is like at Bond - both inside and outside the classroom. From exploring the body in virtual or augmented reality in our laboratories, to learning how to trade on the stock exchange, to watching a live courtroom demonstration, to building models in our new architecture building, students will experience an interactive and intimate view into the programs offered at the University. Experience days in 2020 are:

7 April           Architecture Experience Day  9 April           Construction, Property and Project Management Experience Day 15 April         Communications and Digital Media Experience Day 20 May          Careers in Business, Sport, Hotel and Tourism Management, Actuarial Science and commerce Experience Day 23 May          Actuarial Science and Commerce Experience Day 13 June         Health Simulation Experience 30 June         Film and Television Experience Day 7 July            International Relations Experience Day Psychology Experience Day 9 July            Criminology Experience Day 21 October   Careers in Business, Sport, Hotel and Tourism Management, Actuarial Science and commerce Experience Day

Bond University Exercise and Sport Science program has developed a suite of packages targeted at high school level physical education students. These packages are aligned with the new Physical Education syllabus and allow students with an interest in high performance sport, technology and testing to learn from a highly experienced staff in the award-winning High-Performance Training Centre. Click here to access the brochure.

Bond: Student for a Semester Bond University’s Student for a Semester program gives high achieving Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to gain an authentic university experience before they finish high school. Student for a Semester students enrol in a Bond University subject, attend lectures and tutorials on campus, complete assignments and sit their subject exams. They mix with other university students, meet academics and get involved in university life. Applications for the 2020 May semester open on 13 March and close Friday, 24 April, the September semester opens 10 July and closes on 14 August and January 2021 semester opens 6 November and closes 3 December 2020. Download a copy of the 2020 Student for a Semester brochure to review a list of the subjects that are available in the May and September semesters. 

CQU: Campus Update CQUniversity has 13 Queensland campuses in Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers, Mackay, Emerald, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Biloela, Bundaberg, Noosa and Brisbane. You can find out more about each of the campuses and view all current Queensland and interstate CQU locations here.

CQU: Upcoming events

• Big Fish Cairns - Big Fish on 3 – 5 April 2020, will bring together 60 budding entrepreneurs from our region, aged 14 - 25, for three days of intensive and fun learning through doing. You will be guided through a creative entrepreneurship process to solve social problems. You WILL start a new social enterprise in three days!
• STEPS Information Session - Need a little help to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university course? Or perhaps you just want some additional support to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully enter and undertake further study. Find out how CQUniversity can be the support to your study and take the first step toward a brighter future with our Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) course.
• Bundaberg University Experience – This is a free one-day on-campus event providing Year 12 students an opportunity to explore their post-school options. It will be held on 30 April, and again on 10 June 2020.

You can view more CQU events here.

GU: International students studying Year 12 in Australia International students have three options when applying to study at Griffith: 

• Apply directly using the online application form found on the website
• Apply through a registered Griffith international agent
• Apply through QTAC or UAC

International students applying directly or through an agent can submit their application to Griffith International at any time during Year 12. For those applying through QTAC or UAC, Griffith International will make a conditional offer for the student's highest course preference in November. Click here for more information. Entry requirements for international students: 

• Academic entry requirements: offers will be conditional on 2019’s minimum selection thresholds
• English entry requirements: for students who have studied in an Australian school for at least 6 years (two years must have been high school study) English or English and Literature Extension or English as an additional Language or Literature (Units 3 & 4, C) or an approved English language test. Click here for more information.

GU: STEM Futures day In the next decade 75 per cent of all jobs will need skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. This doesn’t mean everyone will become a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician. STEM is important to everyone and all professions — whether you study to be a neuroscientist, or an electrician. Having STEM skills makes it easier to meet the daily challenges we often face in our jobs: in trades, on the land and in businesses small and big.  

• Year 12 students can register to attend the Griffith STEM Futures Day being held on 6 April Nathan Campus or 7 April Gold Coast campus
• Year 10 can register for Year 10 STEM Futures Day on 10 June, Nathan Campus or 11 June, Gold Coast campus
• Year 9 can register for the Year 9 STEM Futures Day on 23 June Nathan Campus or 24 June at the Gold Coast Campus.    

Medical Schools in Australia Queensland students interested in gaining entry to a medical course can apply to medical schools throughout Australia. The Australian Medical Council website has a list of Australian medical schools with links to each school. There are three major entry points for medical courses in Queensland. 

These are:

• Direct entry from Year 12 (Bond University and James Cook have this type of entry)
• Graduate entry after completing an undergraduate degree (Griffith University and the University of Queensland have this type of entry)
• Provisional entry for high achieving Year 12 students (Griffith University, University of the Sunshine Coast and The University of Queensland have this type of entry)

Some of the other states/territories also offer these three pathways. Visit the following websites for more information about medical studies pathways in Australia. 

• Australian Medical Association – Becoming a doctor
• Medical Board of Australia – Medical Specialisations

Monash University: Global Immersion Guarantee Arts – Global Immersion Guarantee - The Monash Arts Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is a ground-breaking initiative – a guaranteed two-week overseas study experience for all first year Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Global Studies students, with the cost of airfares, accommodation and local travel covered as part of the program. Students will study the impact of the global movement of people and goods on environmental sustainability. The program is open to all students who have successfully completed one semester of their Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Global Studies single or double degree and are in good academic standing. For more information visit the Global Immersion Guarantee webpage.

QUT: Queensland University of Technology special entry programs The following are special entry programs offered by QUT. Extra Adjustment Factors can be allocated through these programs. The maximum number of Adjustment Factors a student can receive for QUT courses is 10 ranks. Details about the following programs can be accessed here.

• Educational Access Scheme (EAS) - This program helps students who may have experienced educational disadvantage during their preparation for tertiary study. Students can receive a bonus of up to three OPs or six ranks and other benefits. Applications are via the QTAC application by completing the Educational Access Scheme section. If you're from a low-income background, you may be eligible for the Q-Step Scheme under the EAS financial hardship category. The Q-Step Scheme offers a guaranteed Equity scholarship to successful applicants in addition to the OP or rank bonus. You must apply for EAS so visit the EAS webpage on the QTAC website here.
• Elite Athlete Entry Program - this program helps elite athletes (coaches, referees, competitors) gain entry to QUT courses through an entry bonus of up to three OPs or six ranks. The program assists its students to manage the demands of their studies and their sport.
• Year 12 subject scheme – this program is for students who have successfully completed certain subjects at school or university level units. The school subjects eligible for adjustments include: Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Languages other than English (LOTE) and Aerospace Studies or Engineering Technology (for some courses). QTAC apply these adjustment factors.

Torrens University: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Leura (in the Blue Mountains). It offers internationally recognised hospitality and business degree courses in International Hotel and Resort Management and International Event Management. BMIHMS conducts a Career Focus Days Program three times a year. The three-day program provides interested students with a glimpse of what hotel, event or restaurant management is like. The total cost of the focus program is $325. This includes transportation throughout the program (including pick up and drop off at Sydney Domestic Airport), accommodation, meals and activities during the program. For anyone who enrols in the degree program after attending a Career Focus Days Program has the fee taken off their tuition or residential fees. For further information call 02 9307 4600 or email enquiry@bluemountains.edu.au.

UM: University of Melbourne Interstate Student and Family Day at the University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne Parkville campus is holding two information days for interstate students and their families on Friday 17 April 2020 and Friday 2 October 2020 from 8.30am - 6:00 pm. These events are for interstate students who are thinking of attending the University of Melbourne to study an undergraduate degree. There will be presentations about the university, undergraduate degrees and graduate pathways, scholarships, student services, accommodation options and financial assistance.

UNE: The Joint Medical Programs The Joint Medical Program (JMP) is offered jointly by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England. You can study on either a metropolitan (Newcastle) or rural (New England) campus. Clinical venues will give students metropolitan, regional and rural experience so students will be prepared to practice anywhere in Australia. This is a direct entry program that Year 12 students can apply for. There are no subject prerequisites for admission to this course. However, students may benefit from completing Chemistry and English. Applicants need to sit for UCAT and apply through JMP and UAC. For more information, read the Joint Medical program brochure here. Applications close on 30 September 2020.

UQ: School of Pharmacy - Book a visit The School of Pharmacy is now taking school bookings for their laboratory-based experience at the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE). This opportunity allows you to gain valuable insights into the dynamic health industry through hands-on and interactive activities involving pharmaceutical science. You will attend a short orientation followed by a tour of the PACE facilities and will have the opportunity to engage in a drug compounding workshop. Talk to your Science teacher or guidance Officer/School Counsellor to book a PACE visit by emailing the UQ Student Recruitment team.

UQx UQx offers free online courses (MOOCs) from UQ. Browse the courses available on the UQx website. Students can choose to receive a verified certificate for a course for a small fee.

USC and GU: Joint Medical Program Is your dream to become a doctor? The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) has a joint medical pathway with Griffith University (GU). USC's Bachelor of Medical Science is your first step. This highly competitive program provides provisional direct entry (subject to entry requirements) to Griffith University's Doctor of Medicine program - and to your future medical career. For more information regarding this pathway, visit the Bachelor of Medical Science web page on the USC website.

Jeanette Maxwell - Head of Pathways

(Source:  Options Careers Bulletin 4)

Over the past few weeks students who have moved through Year 6 at A.B. Paterson College have had the opportunity to write down their fondest memories of Mrs Pam Willoughby as she retires from our College after 19 years of dedicated service. We have unfortunately had to cancel the assembly we had planned for her farewell however our current and past Year 6 students have filled four giant cards with their heartfelt thanks to Mrs Willoughby for her influence on their journey through our College.

• I will miss the happy times we had together, including Winton when she would help us when we were homesick, and at school with organising flags, events and mainly helping me with my maths and always coming in with a big smile on her face, making everyone happy and enthusiastic.  Charlotte Jones, Year 7
• Thank you for being such an amazing teacher aide when we were younger and continuing to support us in our Senior years. You will be greatly missed, but we hold such fond memories of you. Georgia & Blake Charnley, Year 11 & Year 8
• Thanks for helping me and teaching me new things. Thanks for helping me in Maths when those tricky times come and for everything you have done. Noah McQueen, Year 6
• I remember Mrs Willoughby always bringing in eucalyptus leaves for my stick insects in Year 4! She always shared some wisdom as to how to set them up in my cage which, thinking back now, is pretty funny. Alex Cannen, Year 10
• I remember at the Disco she would dance with us and make me laugh… Mia Lee, Year 7
• Thank you for helping us through every challenge we have faced. Zara Khan, Year 8
• You have made such an incredible impact on so many different students, including me. I love you so much Mrs Willoughby. Tayla Van Heerden, Year 7

Mrs Willoughby has been a driving force behind our Year 6 Winton Wanders expedition through Outback Queensland for a number of years. She is one of the hardest working, most loyal and endlessly optimistic colleagues we have all had the good fortune to work with and she will be missed by our students, their families and also by us. Her tireless work for her Year 6 students and staff, as a positive and supportive colleague, will be missed most of all. Of all Mrs Willoughby’s strengths, one that we have most appreciated and admired is her leadership. No job was ever too big or too small, no issue too trivial, and she always accepted responsibility for a range of projects, delivered with poise, grace and positivity. Mrs Willoughby will be dearly missed by the College and we wish her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. From All College Staff and Families

The Planeteers have launched a new initiative inviting parents to help us on our mission to reduce single use plastic and cans from ending up in landfill.
Each Tuesday morning during term time, between 7:45am and 8am we will be in the Marble Arch car park near the big red recycling bin. The Planeteers want you to donate to us your 10c plastic bottles and cans. We can now also accept empty, rinsed alcoholic 10c drink containers. They will then be taken to be recycled into other goods, with the proceeds to go towards our community garden.
There are a few things we need your help with, to make the process a little easier.

1. Ensure that the containers you bring in have the 10c logo on them and are non-alcoholic bottles or cans (see ‘Yes’ image)
2. Remove all contents inside and give them a rinse so they’re clean.
3. Remove any lids from bottles as these cannot be recycled yet. These can be put into your recycling bins at home (or if the lid is made of number ‘2’ or ‘4’ plastic keep them for potential projects starting in 2020).
4. Bring your items in a bag to the red bin where a friendly Planeteer and Miss Moore will be there to collect them. Feel amazing that you’ve helped reduce landfill and helped the Planeteers raise money towards building our community garden.

One full red bin for our Year 6 Planeteers! That's a whole lot of cans and bottles that won't be going to landfill, and a good start to
community garden fundraising. Thank you to our families for supporting #10cTuesdays. Keep up the good work!
We look forward to seeing you on 10c Tuesdays!
Remember, the Power is Yours!  #10cTuesdays.
If you are interested in participating, please print off the logo below and place it on your dashboard for the traffic guides to help direct you into the right lane to minimise any congestion.