Partnerships and Pathways

As we celebrate our Year 12’s Graduation, it was timely to also acknowledge the Class of 2025’s engagement in a wide range of Pathways initiatives this year. From university showcases and Lunch & Learn sessions to scholarships, mentoring, workshops, volunteering and personalised coaching conversations, our students have embraced every opportunity to explore and prepare for their futures. Over 100 students participated in these experiences, to take charge of their next steps and they were awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold Pathways Accreditation credentials. This is a recognition of their commitment and personal investment in shaping their post-school plans. Congratulations Year 12 on your hard work, courage and dedication to your futures!

For our younger students, last week Years 7–9 took part in a Careers Wellbeing Lesson focused on challenging common career myths and assumptions around age, gender, job types and education. Through interactive activities such as Snap Judgements, Bias Mapping and Flip the Myth, students explored how biases can shape career choices and learned how turning stereotypes into positives can open up new possibilities. This was a valuable opportunity for students to think critically and keep an open mind as they begin their own pathways journeys.

We were very grateful to welcome Kia-Lee Sutton, parent and friend of our College, for a special Minute with a Mentor interview recently. Kia recently presented a very popular Lunch and Learn – and we wanted to share her insights and advice with you too! Click here to see the video. In her role as Entry to Workforce Coordinator at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Kia plays a key part in connecting students with opportunities such as the Health Inspirations work experience program and VET in Schools Certificate III courses in Nursing and Allied Health. She generously shares her career journey and invaluable insights, offering encouragement and practical advice for students considering a future in the health sector. We thank Kia for her passion, wisdom, and ongoing support in inspiring the next generation of health professionals at Caroline Chisholm College.

We are incredibly proud of seven of our dedicated Year 12 students — Emily B, Charlotte F, Olivia M, Katie-Maree C, Alyssa F, Sara M and Maddison R — who recently graduated from their Certificate III EVET courses in Allied Health and Nursing at a special awards evening at Penrith Panthers. Supported by their families, VET teachers and College staff, the students were celebrated for their commitment and perseverance throughout two years of study and placements. A special congratulations to Emily and Katie-Maree, who received Clinical Excellence Awards, and to Sara, who was honoured with the Academic Excellence Award and delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of her cohort. The future of healthcare in our community is in very safe hands — congratulations to all!

We are so proud of five of our Year 11 students who are about to begin the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program with Australian Catholic University at the Strathfield campus. This exciting initiative provides mentoring, university engagement and the chance to complete two first-year teaching units, with successful students receiving a conditional offer into a Bachelor of Education at ACU. It’s a fantastic head start for our aspiring teachers, and we wish them every success as they take this important step towards shaping the future of education.

And in breaking news today . . . we’re so proud of our team of ten Year 10 students who achieved a highly impressive 2nd place in the 2025 ACU VOYSE Social Enterprise Challenge! Over 8 weeks, they developed and pitched their creative idea, One Stop Swap — a business concept designed to give used items a second life. Their teamwork, innovation and passion truly shone through, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow their idea. Congratulations to this incredible team on their extraordinary achievement!

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