NOTICES
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The VCAA is pleased to support the 2012 John Button School Prize, which will award $2500 for the best essay on a subject concerning Australia’s future, written by a Victorian student in Years 10 to 12 and under the age of 19. The student’s school will also receive $2000 and both student and school will receive a commemorative plaque.
Essays submitted for the prize will discuss Australian politics and public policy. The subject might be Australia’s population, climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, water, asylum seekers, education, health or the state of the Arts.
These topics are just a guide; the choice of subject is up to the student writer. The judges want to see clear thinking, enlivened by a sense of passion, about Australia’s future.
Entrants must submit an essay of no more than 2000 words by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 25 July 2012. An individual school can enter a maximum of two essays. The winner will be announced in August.
The John Button Foundation, which is bipartisan, has sponsored the prize in order to encourage and recognise good writing on politics and public policy in Australia. It also seeks to honour the life and work of John Button, who died in 2008.
For entry criteria and more details about the John Button School Prize visit: http://johnbuttonprize.org.au
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Wednesday 27 June 2012
9.15 am for 9.45 am start (approximate finish 1.00 pm)
Treasury Theatre, Ground Level, 1 Macarthur St, Melbourne
Come and hear some of Victoria’s best young speakers presenting a topic of their choice and drawing on their reserves and knowledge to speak in an impromptu setting. Semifinalists from across Victoria will present a six-minute prepared speech and a three-minute impromptu speech.
Adjudicators will select one overall winner and one runner-up. The winner will go on to the National Final in Brisbane in August.
Download an invite for RSVP details.
In Victoria, PESA is organised and conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). The Australia-Britain Society and Resources for Courses generously sponsor the Award.
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Applications for the VCE Leadership Awards are open.
The VCE Leadership Awards recognise the efforts of VCE students in promoting leadership and participation in their school and local community. The awards are open to government, Catholic and independent school students. Mature-age students are also encouraged to apply for these awards. Monthly finalists attend an end-of-year presentation where the year’s winner will be announced. The awards are sponsored by Lenovo (Australia and New Zealand Pty Ltd), which provides generous prizes, including a notebook computer to the overall winner.
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University of Melbourne
9 am to 3.30 pm,
Wednesday 27 June 2012
The University of Melbourne Maths Fair is a day-long event, held every two years at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Parkville campus.
Real World Maths in Action is Victoria’s premier showcase of applied mathematics and careers for mathematics and statistics graduates. Highlights include:
- Mathematicians Exposed, a showcase of career profiles of mathematics and statistics graduates. Speakers discuss how and where mathematics and statistics are used in their daily work.
- Maths in Industry & Technology Challenge, a competition for teams of four Year 11–12 students, designed to give students a taste of real world consulting.
Entry is free and open to all Victorian secondary school students. This is an extremely popular event and places are limited. Register online at: www.msaction.ms.unimelb.edu.au
For more information, please contact:
Christine Mangelsdorf
Phone: (03) 8344 5550
Email: mangel@unimelb.edu.au
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Diplomats from the US Consulate are available to visit secondary schools to discuss US-related topics as part of the Consulate’s speaker program.
Topics include:
- the US-Australia Alliance
- US Marine presence in Darwin
- international policy and the American political system
- the US presidency and Congress
- the US Constitution and Bill of Rights
- the future of Afghanistan and Iraq
- the future of India and China relations
- religion in the US
- cultural diversity in the US
- US relationships in the Asia-Pacific region
- foreign trade and economics
- a day in the life of a US diplomat
- functions of a Consulate and Embassy.
Schools may consider inviting a speaker for one or more of the following themes:
June: World Environment Day; Gay & Lesbian Pride Month
July: US Independence Day
August: International Youth Day
September: Commemoration of 11th Anniversary of 9/11; International Day of Peace
November: US Elections; International Education Week; International Day of Tolerance; International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
December: International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development; Human Rights Day.
US Consulate visits can be made to schools in metropolitan Victoria and regional areas, and video conferences are available to schools situated in remote and interstate locations.
Other services include Consulate tours, partnerships in community work, and debate facilitation and youth workshops partnerships.
To view activities the Consulate is involved in, visit the Consulate Facebook page or follow them on twitter.
Please lodge requests at least four weeks ahead of the date of visit. For more information contact the Public Affairs Section:
Phone: (03) 9526 5967
Email: MelbOPA@state.gov