Pathways

Today we welcomed six inspiring alumnae back home for the fourth annual Careers High Tea, giving our newest Year 12 students an opportunity to hear first-hand about our guests’ career journeys and the experiences that have shaped their lives since leaving the College. Featuring two former College Captains and a College Vice Captain, our panel – Hannah Azzopardi (Class of 2017), Angela Calderwood (Class of 1995), Sara Garrett (Class of 1997), Taylor Hodgson (Class of 2020), Keeley McCahon (Class of 2017) and Lilly-Rose Saliba (Class of 2019) – represented a diverse range of professions, sharing honest reflections on embracing opportunities, navigating change and remaining open to possibilities. Through an engaging keynote from Hannah, an entertaining panel discussion and smaller breakout conversation groups, students gained valuable insights and were reminded that their futures do not need to be mapped out all at once. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all six alumnae for returning to the College, generously sharing their stories and inspiring the next generation of Caroline Chisholm graduates in a wonderful celebration of our enduring College sisterhood.

Our recent Lunch & Learn sessions delivered plenty of inspiration, welcoming two very different career perspectives to our College. Former student Brooke Hoban (Class of 2019) returned to share her journey with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at professional sport and highlighting the importance of embracing opportunities, building relationships and recognising transferable skills. We also welcomed Chris Hughes and Ray Irving from Fire and Rescue NSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit, who explored the science of fire investigation, diverse career pathways and the impressive work of detection dog Xando, who certainly stole the show! A huge thank you to all our guests for sharing their experiences, inspiring future possibilities and reminding students that sometimes the best career opportunities begin with simply saying yes!

A group of Year 10 students recently took part in Step Into the Future of Healthcare, an immersive experience hosted by The Careers Department, exploring a wide range of healthcare careers through an interactive patient challenge involving medical investigations and treatment decisions. Students also heard from an inspiring panel of healthcare professionals, gaining valuable insights into career journeys, industry opportunities and the realities of working in healthcare. With an insightful presentation from employment organisation Indeed, they also discovered how transferable skills developed through casual employment can help build a strong foundation for future careers. A huge thank you to Sarah Warmoll, Mischa Wills and The Careers Department for this outstanding opportunity

In our latest Minute with a Mentor, former student Tahlia Rando (Class of 2021), founding owner of Plaster By Tahlia, shares how embracing unexpected opportunities, travel and transferable skills have shaped her career journey. Tahlia also reveals the inspiration behind the beautiful original artwork she created for the College, “No one becomes themself alone” – a reminder of the people and positive influences who help shape our futures. Watch Tahlia’s ‘Minute with a Mentor’ here 

For students unsure about their career and pathways options, wanting to talk through a decision, or simply need someone to help work out their next move - they can come and see us in the Library or email:

📧 Adam: amacnamara1@parra.catholic.edu.au

📧 Kara: koliver4@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Adam MacNamara

Partnerships and Pathways Coach