Partnerships and Pathways

2025 is off and away with plenty happening in the Partnerships and Pathways universe!

Lunch and Learn has featured a wide range of guest speakers already this year. We loved seeing our students inspired by College Alumnae, Renee Kennedy, a highly accomplished Dietitian and owner of Motivate Nutrition. Renee shared her journey in health, nutrition and sports science, as part of our celebration of International Women and Girls in Science Day. We also hosted Jane Ewing from NECA, for an interactive session where she provided valuable insights into electrotechnology apprenticeships, career pathways and the bright future awaiting students in the electrical industry. Students with a passion for horses and agriculture were thrilled to hear from Madison Tims at TBA who shared insights into the Fast Track Internship Program, a pathway for talented individuals to enter the equine industry. 

This week the series features SEDA's industry-focused dual diploma qualifications (in Sport and Business) in partnership with elite sporting organisations, such as Penrith Panthers, Netball NSW and the Western Sydney Wanderers. It was wonderful to see SEDA’s newest student, College Alumnae Georgia Calderwood, join Michael Basan from SEDA for the presentation! We were also very grateful to hear from one of our College parents, Akshaye Kalkura, a cybersecurity business leader and mentor dedicated to empowering Australian women to pursue careers in the cybersecurity industry. Akshaye generously shared his insights and experience with students looking to kickstart their own journey into the industry. A huge thank you to all our guest speakers for inspiring the next generation! 

In other news, some of our Year 12 students participated in the final event of the WSU Fast Forward Program, gaining valuable insights into post-school pathways through inspiring speakers and workshops. The ‘Future Ready’ Conference equipped these students with essential tools for their next steps. A special thank you to Ana Setiu Tuala and WSU’s Future Student Engagement team for hosting the event. 

Congratulations to Year 12 student Sophie for her outstanding achievement in the UNSW STEP UP: Playconomics Competition, where she placed in the top 0.5% nationwide! Her independent effort, strong analytical skills and decision-making earned her state-level recognition and UNSW university credit. We can’t wait to see where Sophie’s talents take her next!

14 of our Year 12 students also successfully completed Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) and Step Up+ pathway initiatives at ACU. Students who complete the program can earn early entry offers to related ACU degrees such as Teaching, Exercise Science, Business, Nursing and Midwifery. Their dedication and perseverance in balancing tertiary studies with school commitments highlights their readiness for future success.

We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful to ACU, WSU and UNSW for providing such valuable opportunities!

Students and Families from Years 10-12 are invited to the UAC Student and Parent Information Webinar for Years 10-12 on Tuesday 11 March (from 5:30pm – 6:30pm). This informative and timely presentation, which will be hosted by Trudy Noller, Manager of Community Engagement at UAC, is essential viewing for students and their families in Years 10, 11 and 12. The webinar will cover areas and provide information about the role of UAC, the applications process for undergraduate courses, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Educational Access Schemes (EAS),  Equity Scholarships and UAC's Early Entry program, the Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS). Here is your zoom link for the event. Please register your attendance by completing this RSVP Google Form.

Students from Years 7-12 can find out about the latest pathways opportunities and keep up to date with all our careers news and resources at our school’s Careers at Canvas site, as well as through the Ponder Pathways Hub and Beyond. 

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