School of Entrepreneurs
A message from the School of Entrepreneurs Head of School
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
What a year it has been with so many achievements to celebrate and an abundance of learning from our students. With four weeks to go in the 2025 academic year, there is still so much more happening with more events yet to come.
CSPD Pilgrimage to Rome: Pilgrims of Promise
Over the Term 3 school holidays, I had the privilege of journeying to Rome as part of the CSPD Pilgrims of Promise pilgrimage. With the theme Finding Our Hidden Treasures, this experience offered far more than travel, it became a profound time of spiritual awakening, leadership growth and renewed understanding of what it means to accompany others in faith.
A significant part of this journey was encountering the legacy of the saints, especially St Francis of Assisi. Standing in the places where Francis lived, prayed and served brought his witness to life in a new way. His decision to leave behind comfort and privilege to live among the lepers, the poor and the marginalised is the epitome of servant leadership.
Attending the Papal Audience was one of the most moving moments of the pilgrimage. Sitting among thousands of pilgrims from around the world, I was struck by the profound sense of unity, faith and hope that filled St Peter’s Square. As Pope Leo spoke, his message of compassion, gentleness and accompaniment resonated deeply, reminding me that leadership whether in the Church, in our schools, or in our daily lives is ultimately about recognising the dignity of every person. Seeing the Holy Father up close was both humbling and uplifting; his presence carried a quiet strength that called us to lead with kindness, courage and joy. The experience left me with a renewed sense of mission and a deeper conviction that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, a global, synodal Church walking together as disciples of Christ.
Returning home, I felt a renewed commitment to leading staff and students with presence, compassion and accompaniment. This pilgrimage grounded my leadership more firmly in hope and reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about walking with others and trusting that God journeys with us every step of the way.
The hidden treasures I discovered in Rome were not only found in its sacred sites, but in the people, conversations and moments of stillness that revealed God’s gentle guidance. As our community continues its own journey, I carry these treasures with gratitude, trusting that the Spirit who led us as pilgrims continues to shape and inspire our work today.
St Luke’s Day: A Community United in Spirit and Talent
What an extraordinary day it was today as our school community came together for this year’s St Luke’s Day celebration! The energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie that filled our grounds were nothing short of inspiring. This event highlighted the incredible talents and entrepreneurial spirit of our students and reaffirmed the strong sense of community that makes our College so special. The celebration commenced with a College Mass where the entire community gathered to recognise how St Luke, our patron Saint, and our faith make our community who we are.
A standout feature of the day was the contribution from our School of Entrepreneurs. Through their creativity, hard work and passion, these students brought to life innovative activities in Krafty Korner and ideas that not only amazed their fellow students and staff, but also showcased their diverse talents and skills. From acts of service through volunteering to assist our younger students, innovative stalls to interactive activities, their work demonstrated the immense potential of our future leaders.
A special thank you must go to our Year 10 and Year 12 volunteers, who played a pivotal role in making the day such a success. These students stepped up to guide, support and mentor younger students throughout the festivities. Their leadership, patience and positivity created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, allowing everyone to fully participate and enjoy the day’s activities. Your dedication exemplifies the values of service and generosity and we are so proud of the role you played in fostering such a memorable celebration.
Talent That Shines BrightAnother heartwarming part of St Luke’s Day was the Talent Showcase. From musical performances to artistic displays, our students wowed the audience with their remarkable abilities. It is a true blessing to witness the breadth and depth of talent in our College community and we are grateful to everyone who stepped into the spotlight and shared their gifts with us.
Looking Ahead in 2026We are pleased to share that from next year the College will move to a revised timetable structure designed to maximise learning continuity, support consistent lesson pacing and increase the frequency for face to face teacher-student interaction. Each day will now comprise five 60-minute sessions, with no scheduled mentor or wellbeing time within the daily program. The Wellbeing program will be structured differently next year seeing bespoke days dedicated to our student needs. School of Entrepreneurs Late Starts will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays only, with Years 9-12 arriving at recess on these days.
The new daily structure is as follows:
Session 1 (8:30–9:30am)
Session 2 (9:30–10:30am)
Recess (10:30–11:00am)
Session 3 (11:00am–12:00pm)
Session 4 (12:00–1:00pm)
Lunch (1:00–1:30pm)
Session 5 (1:30–2:30pm).
We thank you for your support as we implement this refined model to enhance learning outcomes for all our students.
New Government Social Media Ban
From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping accounts. The eSafety Commissioner website has information for parents and carers to help them understand what this means for their family and how they can help their children under 16 who will be impacted by the social media age restrictions.
You can find a webinar created especially for parents, short videos and fact sheets here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions.
There are also First Nations community resources, including a parent yarning guide, student workbook and flyers here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/campaign#first-nations-community-resources
Importantly, please remind your son/daughter to reach out for help and support if they need it.
If any student is concerned by online activity that is inappropriate, harmful or distressing, there is support available. This includes those who are under 16 using age-restricted social media platforms.
Support is available through school counsellors and confidential 24/7 services, including:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- 13YARN 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
I thank you for your continued partnership with the College. Please reach out if you require any further information or support for your son/daughter.
Ms Jacqui Genovese - Head of School, School of Entrepreneurs
What’s been happening in SOE?
Religious Education
Year 9
Students have been engaging deeply with the Catholic teaching on Care for Our Common Home, exploring what it means to view creation not simply as an environmental issue, but as a sacred trust given to us by God. Through class readings, discussion and reflection, students have come to understand that our relationship with the natural world is closely connected to our relationship with God and one another.
In particular, students have been exploring the impacts of AI and fast fashion and its detrimental effects on both the environment and vulnerable communities. Using Catholic Social Teaching principles such as Subsidiarity and Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, students reflected on the imbalance of power and the communities affected. They recognised that technological progress must never come at the cost of human dignity or ecological wellbeing.
Year 10
We have started exploring the nature and purpose of prayer through contemporary storytelling. A highlight of this learning cycle was our study of the film Bruce Almighty, which provided a meaningful and relatable way for students to examine how prayer shapes belief and behaviour. A core idea expressed in the Lex Orandi Axiom: as we pray, so we believe, and so we live.
Through guided reflection, class discussion, and written analysis, students traced Bruce’s journey from frustration and self-centredness to gratitude, compassion, and genuine prayer. They identified how his life, beliefs, and actions changed when he shifted from demanding miracles to becoming a source of love for others.
Students also linked the film to Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5–13, recognising that authentic prayer is not about asking for quick fixes, but about transforming the heart to align with God’s will.
English
Year 9
This term in Year 9 English, students are diving into Shakespeare’s most reimagined play, Romeo and Juliet, exploring how its timeless themes of love, fate, family conflict, and personal choice continue to resonate today. They will examine different interpretations of the story, from modern film adaptations to contemporary retellings in music and media, to see how Shakespeare’s work is adapted and kept relevant across generations.
Through these comparisons, students will investigate the concept of intertextuality, how texts interact with and influence one another. So that they can discover how new adaptations add layers of meaning while maintaining connections to the original.
Year 12 English Standard
This Term in Year 12 English Standard, students have been exploring how composers represent individual and collective human experiences through a range of texts. This term’s focus text, Billy Elliot (dir. Stephen Daldry, 2000), has allowed students to dive deeply into the powerful ways stories capture resilience, identity, hardship, and hope.
Most recently, students participated in a rotational activity where they were synthesising their understanding of their prescribed text and the rubric.
TAS
Year 12 HSC IT Multimedia Sprint Pitch with Mr Ellis
Last week, our Industrial Technology students took part in our inaugural Sprint Pitch event. Each student was joined by a parent or older sibling and presented the initial concept for their Major Project. After a brief pitch, visitors were invited to ask questions, offer suggestions, and provide constructive feedback. The pairs then rotated, allowing students to repeat the process with multiple parents and gain insights from a wide range of perspectives.
This fast-paced, collaborative format not only strengthened students’ project ideas but also helped families understand the scale of the Major Project and the three-term commitment required. We thank all parents and siblings who attended and look forward to seeing these creative projects come to life.
Year 10 Accelerated HSC Design and Technology course
Mrs Bauer and Mrs Johnstone
At the beginning of the school year, all Year 10 students were given the opportunity to study Preliminary Design and Technology. This course encourages students to explore their interests while developing the knowledge and skills needed to design meaningful solutions to real-world problems.
A number of these students have now chosen to continue their studies through the HSC Design and Technology course. Over the next four terms, they will undertake a program that is typically studied by Year 12 students — a remarkable achievement that reflects their enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Now five weeks into the course, the students are already thinking deeply about the needs of their school and community. They have begun shaping a range of innovative project ideas that show both creativity and purpose. Some are designing ergonomic furniture to enhance learning spaces. Others are developing tools to help students build their artistic skills or creating environments that bring people together.
These projects highlight each student’s ability to think critically, act with empathy, and apply their strengths in meaningful ways. We look forward to seeing their ideas evolve and can’t wait to celebrate what they create.
Year 10
This term Year 10 students have been learning various design and making skills. They have been Cooking with Mrs Mayer and Mr Gutierrez, Sewing textiles with Mrs Gizatulin and Mrs Kaur and starting woodwork with Mr Holloway.
In woodwork students have been producing designs and drawings, measuring and cutting wood and taking great care to assemble a personalised wooden foot stool.
Year 9
Students of the ‘design, create and make’ course have started textiles with Mrs Gizatulin after completing their jewellery unit in Term 3. Students have learnt how to thread a sewing machine, and learnt basic stitches creating a bunting flag for the classroom. Currently, students are working on making a functional project, choosing to make a tote carry bag, apron or bucket hat.
Year 8
Our Year 8 Technology students have been busy combining creativity and craftsmanship in their latest design project. As part of their Technology studies, students are designing and constructing a functional and decorative animal-themed paper towel holder suitable for the domestic market.
Using radiata pine, a sustainable and locally sourced material, students are learning essential practical skills including planning, measuring, sketching, sawing, gluing, filing, and sanding. They are also developing their understanding of sustainability principles, design communication, and the safe use of tools and equipment.
The final product must be freestanding, aesthetically appealing, and functional, and something that would not look out of place on the shelves of an Australian homeware store. This hands-on project encourages students to think like designers and makers, using their creativity and problem-solving capabilities to produce a quality prototype that showcases both skill and imagination.
Year 7
Year 7 students are exploring the world of jewellery design by creating their own pendant. The focus of this project is to understand the key factors of design and how they influence the creation of successful products. Students will learn to identify, explain, and apply these factors such as function, aesthetics, materials, quality, and target market. Learning these concepts will help them make their designs both functional and visually appealing.
As part of the learning process, students will analyse an existing piece of jewellery, discussing which design factors are evident and how they contribute to the product’s success. This critical thinking task helps them see how design decisions affect real world products.
Throughout the unit, students are encouraged to check the quality of their work by ensuring they can clearly define the factors of design, explain their influence, and apply accurate design vocabulary. They will also focus on presenting their work neatly, seeking feedback from peers or teachers, and making improvements to show genuine understanding and effort.
By the end of the project, students will not only have crafted a unique pendant but also developed a strong foundation in design thinking, preparing them for future creative and technical challenges.
Partnerships
Last week some of our Year 9 and 10 students took part in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel Careers Day. Students enjoyed a detailed project overview, explored career pathways, engaged with the interactive digital table, stepped inside a virtual reality tunnel environment, and took part in a live Q&A session with engineers, site workers and project staff.
The hands-on activities and direct access to industry professionals gave our students a clearer understanding of the opportunities available in major infrastructure projects. Thank you to Acciona, CSPD, RIEP, and Penola Catholic College for providing our students with such a valuable learning experience.
Recently, eleven of our Year 9 students participated in the Academy U Innovation and Investigation Day at Western Sydney University. Academy U lets students undertake a university-level subject while in high school and participate in programs that develop leadership, teamwork and critical thinking.
During the event, students took part in a series of sessions, explored a variety of academic disciplines, and later collaborated to analyse their findings, prepare their Future Directions presentation, and submit an Investigation Report and Poster.
We look forward to watching our newest Academy U cohort as they begin this exciting academic journey!
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