August, 2026 - FACT: Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals.

As Year 12 students are completing their Trial HSC exams, students are working towards planning their options post school. For some students this may involve further study at University, Private Institution or TAFE, and for other students this may be transition to full time employment. Some students are uncertain about their next steps so it is vital to complete research and self-reflection. Included in this newsletter is the Open Days for a number of institutions. I urge students to attend these Open Days to make informed decisions about the next step in their education.

In a recent article, The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation (Preparing Teenagers for their Future, OECD, 2025), it was reported that “By the age of 15, 39% of students are unclear about their career expectations – double the figure from 2015. The OECD report explains, ‘students who participate more in career development activities tend to have clearer career plans and better employment outcomes.’

At St Aloysius College we aim to expose students to a wide variety of career options and opportunities post school. By doing this, we aim to support our students to make informed choices about their career goals as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

It has been a busy term as several universities and colleges have presented to Year 11 and Year 12 at their Pastoral assemblies. We have welcomed University of Wollongong, University Notre Dame, Australian Catholic University, UNSW Co-op program, UTS Elite Athletes, and MEGT Apprenticeship Centre. Students have had the opportunity to further explore options for further study as well as identify scholarship opportunities.

Industry Partnerships

Community Partnerships with Parc Pavilion, Sealevel and Bocca Bocca.

Recently our Year 12 Hospitality students had the opportunity to partner with local restaurants Parc Pavilion, Sealevel and Bocca Bocca. Over three exquisite evenings, our students worked with head chefs Conor Turner and Culinary Director Jamie Gannon (Call Me Mamma), Chris Russo (Sealevel), Huon Muntz (Kin Cafe), and Sam Bova (Bocca Bocca) to produce three course menus for over 200 guests.

Each event was amazing, where our students learned valuable industry skills and were able to hone their hospitality skills. The events were an educational experience that allowed students to work in a professional kitchen environment, learning from some of the best in the industry. The success of the event not only highlighted the talents of the students, but also underscored the importance of industry partnerships in education. We thank each of our community partners for welcoming our students into your kitchen and providing such a valuable experience for all!

UAC News

A reminder that Year 12 students need to place their university preferences into UAC by the Early Bird deadline of 30 September.

Year 12 students: early offers explained

If you’re in Year 12 and planning to go to university next year, there are plenty of opportunities to lock in an early offer before you get your ATAR. Learn more about Early Offers here.

UAC - How the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme works

If you are an elite athlete or performer and your training, rehearsals, or competitive commitments have significantly affected your Year 12 studies, UAC’s Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme (EAPS) provides a pathway where institutions can consider both your academic and elite achievements. Through this scheme, you may receive adjustment factors (points) to enhance your selection rank when applying for eligible courses at participating institutions. Please note this includes representation at State or National level. Read more here:

University Updates

As students are considering the best university to study in 2027/2028, I highly recommend that they attend Open Days. Please see the list below of the dates that are coming up.

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS

University	Date
UTS Open Day	29 August
University of Sydney	29 August
University Notre Dame	29 August
UNSW Open Day	5 September
ADFA Open Day	15 August
ACU Open Days	Strathfield: 16 August North Sydney: 5 September
Macquarie University	15 August
Torrens University Open Day	29 August

University of Sydney - Parents Webinar Series

University of Sydney hosts dedicated webinars and information sessions for parents and caregivers throughout the year. Find out more and register for upcoming sessions here:

UTS – 6 Must-See Business Sessions, 29 August

UTS Business School has identified 6 must-see Open Day sessions for future students exploring business study options. Covering AI, career pathways, student experiences and degree information. Learn more:

University of Wollongong - Early Admission Applications - Close Friday 7 August 2026 Successful applicants will receive an offer to UOW before their final exams begin. For more information and to apply, visit:

Australian Catholic University - Guarantee Early Offer Program - Close 17 August 2026 (Round 1). This program allows Year 12 students to receive an early conditional offer to study their preferred course prior to sitting their Year 12 exams. For more information visit:

University of Wollongong - Spotlight Series

Discover your future at UOW Spotlight Series! These free 90-minute evening events let individuals explore study areas, meet academics and students, ask questions and experience hands-on learning.

Criminology: Tuesday 4 August

Education (Early Years & Primary): Wednesday 5 August

Maths: Wednesday 19 August

Radiation Physics: Thursday 20 August

Secondary Education (STEM) – Thursday 27 August 2026.

For more information and to register,

University Scholarships/Cadetships

Scholarships are a great way to help you fund your future studies. One type of scholarship that can provide significant help is industry-specific scholarships. These scholarships are often sponsored by companies and are designed to support students who are interested in pursuing a career in that field. Each university has its own scholarship program to investigate, some of which are included here. I encourage students to submit applications for scholarships, as many go unclaimed.

UNSW Co-Op Scholarship, Application Closes 30 September

A Co-op Program scholarship provides industry training, professional development, networking and financial support for selected undergraduate students in the disciplines of Business, Engineering, and Science. Apply now.

Western Sydney Scholarships – Join UWS online on 18 August at 5:00pm, to learn more about scholarships. This webinar will go through the different types of Scholarships available, as well as the application process, and provide tips for writing their Personal Statement. For more information and to register, visit:

UTS Engineering and IT Scholarships and Entry Programs

The Faculty of Engineering and IT has a range of entry schemes, programs, cadetships and scholarships that you can access. Some offer financial assistance, unique mentorship opportunities, exposure to industry as well as real-world employment placements. Learn more:

TAFE NSW Scholarships Support Students to Study

TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships to students. Learn more here:

TAFE/Colleges

TAFE Information Sessions - Check for online sessions on a variety of courses.

The Hotel School - Industry Insights Day, 22 August

Step into the world of hospitality at Four Seasons Sydney. This exclusive event for Year 12 students gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the top venues in the industry and a taste of the exciting careers in hotels. Register here:

Australian Institute of Music - Open Day – 15 August

Explore their campus, meet staff and students, experience live performances and workshops, and get all their questions answered. For more information and to register visit:

JMC Academy – Open Day - 15 August

Join interactive workshops, meet lecturers and students, hear from industry reps, and learn how to apply via UAC and secure an early offer. For more information and to register visit:

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment – Open Day - 16 August

Meet teachers, students, and alumni, tour the AIE campus, and explore study pathways into the games, film, and animation industries. For more information and to register visit:

Whitecliffe The Fashion Institute - Open Day – 29 August

Tour the TFI campus, meet the lecturers and student advisors, explore TFI's courses in fashion business, marketing, communications, and design. For more information and to register visit:

Apprenticeships, Traineeships

HIA Building Apprenticeships

Shape your future through this apprenticeship program. Learn how to apply here:

Australian Cabinet & Furniture Association Apprenticeships

Learn more about an apprenticeship in cabinet and furniture making here:

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Jobs Expo - Tradies, Gymea, 1 September

Parents are encouraged to attend with their children to learn more about apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. Some employers will take resumes for future employment. Learn more here:

Positions Vacant

Part time work - Surf Groms

Providing surfing lessons as Occupational Therapy

Send resume to - supergromssurfschool@gmail.com

As you can see there are many opportunities for our students at St Aloysius College Cronulla. I can be contacted if any students need career advice as they enter into their senior studies or transition from school.

Mrs Yvette Kennedy

Instructional Leader Pathways and Planning

8522 1500

yvette.kennedy@syd.catholic.edu.au

Community Notices