Careers – Week 1 Term 4

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Term 4, Week 1 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope all our Marist College Eastwood families had a restful break and are ready for an exciting final stretch of the school year. Term 4 is always a fast-paced term, especially for our senior students who are finalising their post-school pathways or stepping up into their final year of secondary school. Please keep our year 12 cohort in your prayers as they take on the HSC.

Upcoming Events & Key Dates

This Weekend & Next Week

JMC Academy Portfolio & Audition Masterclass, Sydney

  • Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
    • Location: JMC Academy, Sydney Campus
    • Details: A practical session for Year 10–12 students interested in creative industries (Acting, Music Performance, Animation, Game Design, Music Production) to prepare portfolios and audition pieces with expert feedback.
  • HSC Workshop: Visual Arts Induction, Marrickville
    • Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
    • Location: Marrickville Library and Pavilion
    • Details: Designed for Year 11 students starting the HSC Visual Arts course in Term 4. Unpacks developing the HSC Body of Work, preparing for written exams and time management.
  • Study Project Management at Sydney (Webinar)
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: Online
    • Details: Learn how the Bachelor of Project Management at the University of Sydney equips students with skills to lead complex projects across diverse industries.
  • Beneath Our Feet: Discover Lecture Series with Macquarie
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus
    • Details: Dr Golnaz Alipour explores underground engineering, soil stability and new tools like AI and sensors used in major Australian infrastructure projects. Suitable for ages 10+.
  • Southern Cross University Future Leaders Workshop, Coffs Harbour
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: SCU Coffs Harbour Campus
    • Details: Full-day interactive workshop led by world-record pilot Lachie Smart aimed at Year 11 and 12 aspiring school leaders.
  • APC VETiS Student and Parent Information Night, Sydney
    • Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
    • Location: Australian Paramedical College, Sydney
    • Details: Information session for high school students interested in healthcare careers, covering how to complete a Certificate III in Basic Health Care alongside senior secondary studies.
  • National Art School Bachelor of Fine Arts Info Session
    • Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
    • Location: Online
    • Details: Overview of entry requirements, portfolio applications and course structures for the BFA at NAS.

Look Ahead: Future Events (Late October & November)

  • Why Study Business at Sydney? Webinar: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • UTS Bachelor of Nursing Info Session: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • University of Newcastle TAFE to Uni Webinar: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • A Taste of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney: Wednesday, 29 October 2026
  • Year 12 & Beyond with ADHD Webinar: Wednesday, 29 October 2026
  • Charles Sturt University Online Parent Information Session: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • Explore Speech Pathology at Sydney Webinar: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • STEM + X: Technology Career Webinar: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • Procrastination & ADHD (Years 10–12) Webinar: Wednesday, 5 November 2026
  • UTS Engineering & IT Parent & Guardian Info Evening: Thursday, 12 November 2026
  • TAFE NSW Virtual Open Week 2026: Tuesday, 17 November – Thursday, 19 November 2026

Highlighting Career Pathways: Agronomy & Primary Industries

When people think about farming, they usually picture tractor drivers or station hands, but modern agriculture relies heavily on cutting-edge science and tech! Enter Agronomists – the plant and soil doctors who help growers produce better yields, tackle pests sustainably and protect land for future generations.

What Does an Agronomist Actually Do?

  • Paddock Inspections: Walking crops to spot nutrient issues, plant diseases or pest problems before they take over.
  • Soil & Tissue Testing: Taking samples and using environmental data to advise farmers on fertiliser, planting schedules and irrigation.
  • Trialing Innovation: Testing new crop varieties or farming techniques right out in the field to see what works best locally.
  • Trusted Adviser: Translating complex science into straightforward advice for local farmers and agribusinesses.

Why Consider It?

  • Variety: You get a healthy mix of outdoor field visits and indoor data analysis or trial planning.
  • Strong Demand: Agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, data and sustainability, meaning skilled agronomists are highly sought after with above-average salary prospects.
  • Making a Difference: You’re directly contributing to food security, environmental management and sustainable primary production.

How to Get There from High School

  1. School Subjects: Focus on senior sciences like Biology, Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science, along with Mathematics.
  2. Tertiary Pathways: Look into a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Agronomy or Environmental Science at university or vocational pathways in agriculture through TAFE NSW.
  3. Get Hands-On: Check out local agricultural shows, field days or work experience opportunities with agribusiness firms or research facilities.

Senior Study & Academic Integrity Guide

As assessment tasks and exam preparations ramp up this term, it is essential for students to maintain clear academic integrity practices in their research work.

Understanding Plagiarism Beyond Direct Copying

Plagiarism involves submitting work that is not your own without clear attribution, regardless of intent. Key forms to avoid include:

  • Close Paraphrasing: Retaining a source’s original structure and replacing only individual words with synonyms.
  • Idea Plagiarism: Presenting another author’s argument, research finding or concept as your own original thought without citation.
  • Unacknowledged AI Content: Submitting text generated by artificial intelligence tools as your own writing.

Best Practice for Referencing

  1. Understand First: Read reference material until the core concept is understood, then close the source.
  2. Draft Independently: Write notes or summaries entirely in your own words without looking at the original text.
  3. Cite Accurately: Provide immediate in-text citations and add full source details to your bibliography.
  4. Utilize Tools: Tools like MyBib, Zotero or built-in document citation tools can assist in managing sources cleanly.

Practical Tips: Starting Term 4 Strong

  1. Centralise Important Dates: Record all assessment submission dates, practical exams and key events in a single digital or physical calendar.
  2. Set Specific Targets: Focus on measurable goals for the term (e.g., “Submit all draft essays two days prior to due dates”).
  3. Establish Study Routines: Schedule designated study blocks throughout the week to maintain consistent progress.
  4. Seek Feedback Early: Consult course teachers early in the term if any subject concepts remain unclear.

If you have any questions about university applications, UAC or apprenticeship options, please feel free to contact the Careers Office at the College – benjamin.nguyen004@syd.catholic.edu.au 

For the full version, please see the link

Warm regards

Mr Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser