School of Entrepreneurs
Head of School Address
Dear members of the School of Entrepreneurs community,
It has been fantastic to see Years 9-12 students seamlessly transition into the school term with energy, focus and a strong sense of purpose. This is a big term for the School of Entrepreneurs, particularly for our Year 10 students who are beginning the subject selection process for their Stage 6 pattern of study. This is a vital step in shaping their academic pathways and future opportunities. It’s also a timely reminder for our Year 9 students that they will be in this position in just 12 months time, making now the perfect time to develop good study habits, maintain consistent effort and strive for their personal best. A strong academic foundation this year will support them in making informed and confident choices next year.
For our Year 11 students, this term is an especially important time to be performing at their best. These results form a significant part of their academic record, particularly for those considering early university entry programs. Consistent effort, time management and goal-setting now will give them every chance to stand out in the competitive application process. We are proud of how our senior students have started the term and encourage them to continue embracing every opportunity with commitment and enthusiasm.
CathWest Innovation College Presentation Years 9 & 10
On Monday 4th May, Year 9 and 10 engaged in a presentation delivered by the Principal of CathWest Innovation College. This presentation was geared towards students who may be seeking a NON-ATAR, alternate HSC pathway that enables students to develop the skills they need to pursue a trade they are interested in whilst still obtaining the Higher School Certificate. CathWest is a Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese College that caters for Years 10-12 students. There are 2 campuses for CathWest, McCarthy campus (Emu Plains) and Loyola campus (Mt Druitt). During this presentation I captured the curriculum delivery / pathways that are outlined for your information below:
The Year 10 Trade Readiness program is suitable for students wanting to enter a trade through the trade readiness program. All NESA mandatory courses are completed, as well as industry placement blocks and work in Term 2 (currently one day a term) working with employers and industry experts to allow students to determine if that is something the student wants to pursue. This pathway provides a hands-on experience where students are engaging more like an employee.
The Year 10 Inquiry Pathway offers the same subjects and NESA mandatory courses, however, the approach is around design and project work. Visual Design is studied to work on passion projects. There are flexible learning days and opportunities to engage in workshops and short courses. It’s a very skills focussed approach that encourages students to think like a designer.
Year 11 presents options that represent the following industry streams: design and arts, technology and media, health and wellness, sales and service, education and training, and construction and mechanical. One of these pathways is selected as the trade pathway. It involves one day a week of trade delivery, one day a week of work working as a paid apprentice. This pathway still enables students to gain an HSC without exams (NON-ATAR). CathWest works with students to transition them into full time employment prior to graduation.
The Year 11 and 12 Vocational Pathway involves a flexible 4 day a week learning package tailored to the students’ chosen profession with a flexibly timetabled learning day, it provides mentoring with industry experts and an opportunity to gain industry level qualifications. Relevant industry problems are embedded within the curriculum of study.
All pathways are 4 days per week and there are no ATAR and no HSC exams, however, this approach still enables students to achieve the HSC. More time is spent in the workforce (industry) than preparing for exams. In Year 12 at CathWest, 60% of a students’ time and HSC is working on your trade. CathWest still offers pathways into university through the ‘Step Up program’ without an ATAR using a students’ portfolio. Students considering CathWest as an option should ask themself, ‘are you ready for a senior school environment?’, ‘are you looking to enter your desired industry/workplace now and as part of your study?’, ‘are you wanting to get started on work?’
Career pathways and industry streams that CathWest promote are below. Please visit their insightful website for more information on the learning packages offered, VET qualifications and skill development opportunities.
In the School of Entrepreneurs, our mission is to cater to all students and ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an everchanging and dynamic world beyond school gates. For those students who do not wish to pursue an ATAR and who are seeking to engage in a trade, this pathway may be an option for you to consider. We are very committed to supporting every student's aspirations and preparing them for successful futures tailored to their individual goals and ambitions.
I am incredibly proud of the way our students in the School of Entrepreneurs continue to approach their learning with curiosity, determination and a growth mindset. This is particularly evident in my classroom visitations and walkthroughs. Their willingness to engage deeply, take on challenges and support one another speaks volumes about the culture we are building together. I encourage every student to keep applying themselves, put in the effort each day and strive for mastery in all that they do. Great achievements are the result of consistent hard work, and I have every confidence that our students are more than capable of reaching their full potential.
Wishing you a great week ahead.
Ms Jacqui Genovese - Head of School, School of Entrepreneurs
Wellbeing Update
From the Year 9 Wellbeing Coordinator
I hope you and your families have had a restful break. My name is Jesse Moritz, and I will be stepping into the role of Acting Year 9 Wellbeing Coordinator for the remainder of 2026 while the previous Wellbeing Coordinator is on maternity leave. I’m looking forward to working closely with Year 9 students and supporting their wellbeing and development throughout the year.
As we begin Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students back and remind them of a few key expectations. It is important that students return organised and prepared for learning ensuring that they have all the necessary equipment for their classes. With the change in season, students are also expected to wear the correct College winter uniform each day. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this at home.
A reminder as well regarding the College mobile phone policy: mobile phones are not to be used during the school day and should remain off and in their school bags. This helps ensure students remain focused, engaged, and respectful of their learning environment.
In Week 1, Year 9 students attended a performance by Brainstorm Productions. Overall, student feedback was very positive. Many students found the performance engaging and appreciated the way the actors used realistic scenarios, humour, and interactive elements to explore important topics such as mental health, cyber safety, relationships, and decision-making. The incursion encouraged students to reflect on their choices and provided practical strategies for seeking support, including awareness of services such as Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, and Headspace.
Additionally, Year 9 students recently participated in the Future Me Expo, where they showcased their project designs and ideas. I was very proud of the effort and creativity demonstrated, and it was fantastic to see such a wide range of interesting and thoughtful projects on display. The expo highlighted the initiative and potential of our students, and it was a pleasure to see them take ownership of their learning in such a meaningful way.
Mrs Jesse Moritz -Acting Year 9 Wellbeing Coordinator
From the Year 10 Wellbeing Coordinator
Welcome back to Term 2! It has been fantastic to see our Year 10 students return to campus with a renewed sense of focus. As we move further into the term, students are encouraged to consolidate their study routines, stay on top of their coursework, and begin thinking critically about their futures.
Stage 6 Subject Selection Evening
To help our students take that next big step with confidence, we invite all Year 10 students and their families to our upcoming Subject Selection Evening. This is a compulsory opportunity for students to explore the pathways available for the Preliminary and HSC years.
- Date: Tuesday May 12th
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Performance Hall
- Focus: Stage 6 NESA course selections for the 2027 and 2028 academic years.
During the evening, we will cover vital information regarding NESA requirements, patterns of study, ATAR and non-ATAR pathways, and the diverse range of subjects on offer. Choosing the right subjects is highly personal, and we encourage students to select courses that align with their strengths, interests, and future career goals.
We look forward to seeing you there to help make this transition as smooth and informed as possible.
Mr Dean Zaccaria - Year 10 Wellbeing Coordinator
From the Year 12 Wellbeing Coordinator
Welcome to Term 2, a time that is significant and what can be a demanding phase of the final school year. This term presents valuable opportunities for students to consolidate their learning while maintaining a healthy balance between academic commitments and their social wellbeing. Establishing consistent routines, staying organised, and managing time effectively will be essential in supporting both achievement and overall wellbeing. Open and supportive communication between students, parents, and staff remains a key factor in success, ensuring that any challenges are addressed early and that students feel well supported throughout this important stage of their educational journey.
Key information regarding the Higher School Certificate (HSC) was outlined at our most recent assembly. Students have been advised that their personalised HSC written examination timetable is available via Students Online and that the HSC written examinations will take place from 13 October to 5 November 2026. Students are expected to carefully review their individual timetables and promptly notify the school of any discrepancies. Additionally, the Trial HSC examinations are scheduled for Weeks 3–5 of Term 3 and will serve as a critical component of their preparation.
As Year 12 students progress through their HSC year, a range of targeted academic support opportunities are being offered to help them build confidence, refine their skills, and maximise their performance. Weekly exam practice sessions on Monday mornings provide students with valuable experience under timed conditions, while Wednesday Study Lab workshops focus on practical strategies such as planning assessments and preparing effectively for key subjects like English. In addition, optional one-to-one interviews will soon be available to support students in understanding their progress, setting realistic goals, and maintaining motivation. Ongoing individual support is also available, ensuring all students have access to the guidance and feedback needed to succeed in the lead-up to the HSC.
We are now entering the final weeks for Formal payments. Thank you to those people who have confirmed their attendance through purchasing their ticket through the QKR app. Please ensure that this payment is made as quickly as possible as we are unable to extend this deadline with the venue.
Last week, an email was sent to all parents and students of Year 12 highlighting the dangerous behaviour members of the public have witnessed from our students when driving. Please take some time to read through the information and reiterate our safety concerns for all of our students. Parental support remains integral during this important stage of each student’s educational journey both in and out of the classroom. We encourage families to continue reinforcing organisational habits, supporting adherence to deadlines, and promoting engagement with school expectations.
Thank you for your continued support of our Year 12 cohort and wishing all of our Mum’s a wonderful Mother’s Day - hope that you all get recognised for the amazing job that you do!
Mrs Sharon Eldridge - Acting Year 12 Wellbeing Coordinator
What’s been happening Across the Curriculum . . .
English
Year 9
This term in Year 9 English, students are engaging in a multi-novel unit where they have had the opportunity to choose from a range of historical fiction books that are situated during World War II and other major historical moments within the world.
Year 10
This term in Year 10 English, students are engaging in a close study of Shakespeare’s 1606 tragedy ‘Macbeth’ where they will explore how the choices we make today ripple through time, influencing not only our personal lives but the societies we shape.
Most recently they have explored the ways in which Shakespeare creates an eerie mood in the opening scene to set up the action of the play in the opening scenes of Macbeth.
PDHPE
Year 9 Sport & Fitness
Students have started a new unit on Physical Fitness Training. They will spend the term learning about circuit training and the fitness required for athletic performance. Students will also continue their work on their community coaching course.
CAPA
Year 12 Visual Arts students are actively refining and resolving their Body of Work, guided by ongoing research documented in their Visual Arts Diary. Through critical investigation of artists, materials, and conceptual ideas, students are making informed decisions about their practice, experimenting with techniques, and reflecting on the development of their intentions. The diary serves as both a record of exploration and a space for problem-solving, allowing students to justify choices and demonstrate a clear connection between research and their final artworks. This process supports the synthesis of conceptual depth and technical resolution required for successful HSC submissions.
Our Year 12 students studying HSC Visual Arts recently visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales to view top-achieving Body of Work submissions. By engaging directly with exemplary artworks, students gained insight into how successful candidates resolve ideas, materials, and conceptual intent at a high standard. Observing these works in a gallery context deepens their understanding of presentation, scale, and audience engagement, while also inspiring them to refine their own practice and approach to their Body of Work.
Religious Education
Year 9
In Year 9 students were provided an opportunity to explore the complex topic of suffering within our society and the various ways people respond to it. The students demonstrated a thoughtful engagement as they reflected on how suffering can lead to personal growth.
The use of diverse resources like Eddie Jaku’s life story, the Chinese fable of the cracked pot, and the wisdom of Job from the Bible helped students see suffering from different perspectives, blending personal, historical, and religious viewpoints.
Year 10
This term in Year 10 focuses on helping students understand and apply the concept of conscience, decision-making, and the guidance of God through scripture.
The lesson on decision-making and conscience was an eye-opener for some students. As we discussed why it is important not just to follow but to form one’s conscience properly, we could see a lightbulb moment for many. The discussion about the consequences of acting on a mistaken conscience, even if well-intended, led to some deep reflections. One student shared a personal example where they acted based on what they thought was right but later realised it wasn’t the best decision. The moral dilemma case study was an effective way to bring these ideas to life. It challenged students to think critically and carefully, and we noticed many of them approached the scenario with a new sense of responsibility in their decision-making.
Year 10 History
Last term Year 10 students attended the Central Jewish Synagogue as part of their study of the Holocaust. This was a fantastic day of learning and reflection. The students engaged really well and left with insights provided by a Holocaust Survivor.
