Partnerships and Pathways

Our Year 12 students are ready — not just for their HSC exams, but for the many exciting pathways that lie ahead! Not only have many of the year group met with us in Pathways over recent years, but last term, every student took part in a personalised careers meeting with their caring Homeroom team, led by Mrs Wilson, to discuss their goals and post-school plans. From university and TAFE to work, college or a gap year, Year 12 are well prepared for wherever their journey takes them. Take a look at our Pathways Star to see the many directions our students are heading after they graduate.

In addition to our five students who joined the ACU Step Up Into Teaching program in the recent school holidays (see Need to Know Issue 15), three other Year 11 students — Chelsea, Kelsy and Emilia — have also taken an exciting step toward their future studies through the UniPath program at The University of Notre Dame Australia. UniPath offers Year 11 students a direct entry pathway into a range of university programs while building key academic and uni-readiness skills. Delivered in three one-week intensive courses, the program includes studies in Mathematics, Communication and Research & Academic Writing. Continuing into the upcoming Summer holidays at Notre Dame’s Broadway campus, our students have shown impressive dedication to invest in their future. Thank you to The University of Notre Dame for this valuable learning opportunity.

A team of generous Year 10 students helped pack over 110,000 meals for young people in the Philippines — all in one morning! Alongside teammates from St Columba’s, Reanna, Imogen, Amelia, Hannah and Prabhleen brought energy and teamwork to the Zambrero Plate 4 Plate Meal Packing Day at Carriageworks last week, part of a nationwide mission with Rise Against Hunger to pack over one million meals. It was extra special to reconnect with former College Captain Bianca Azzopardi (Class of 2010), a highly experienced senior executive with Zambrero and the Sam Prince Group — a true sisterhood moment!

We’re counting down to one of our favourite events of the year — the Year 12 Careers High Tea! Now in its third year, this highlight on the College calendar celebrates our inspiring Alumnae who’ve forged a diversity of incredible careers. This year’s event features women spanning our College’s six decades across health, media, marketing, education and sport. It’s a unique chance for students to connect with women living their passions and shaping their industries. Who will be on this year’s panel? Stay tuned …

In this week’s Year 7–9 Wellbeing Lesson, students explored the idea of ‘career twists and turns’ — the concept that few people follow one straight line from school to their dream job. They learned about ‘career curveballs’ that can change their direction, such as new opportunities, life events, or shifting interests, and how transferable skills help us adapt along the way. Using Jessica Mauboy’s diverse career as inspiration, students mapped out their own squiggly career journeys and reflected on the many positives that come from life’s twists and turns. They were also challenged to take a blank ‘squiggly career line’ sheet home and talk with family and friends about their career stories.

For any pathways enquiries, or to book a coaching conversation, students can pop into the library or email us: amacnamara1@parra.catholic.edu.au

and koliver4@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Adam MacNamara

Partnerships and Pathways Coach