Pathways School Updates

Holiday adventures 

MITS Mob returned to Melbourne earlier this term, and whilst picking them up from charter flights, meeting at Darwin Airport, or returning via PTV they shared their holiday adventures with us. It was great to hear stories of reconnection to Country, family events, fishing, hunting, community events.

Every year on July 1st Territory Day is celebrated across the Top End, the Central Desert, Barkly Region, East Arnhem, and Big Rivers Region.  Territory Day, the Royal Darwin Show, and Footy finals are the most anticipated events in the NT and MITS Mob.  Family enjoyed a spectacular show “Craker Night” at Mindil Beach, and performances by local and international acts.   

Homework  

Homework has returned for Term 3! Each Monday and Wednesday our Year 8 fellas focus on homework which gives them the opportunity to work through the things they have learnt at school, strengthen their long-term understanding, develop study skills that support their transition into year nine which they will use for the rest of their life. 

Our volunteers and boarding staff have been providing great support during homework, sharing ideas, encouraging students to be courageous and ‘aim high’.  Our volunteers have commented that they ‘love’ coming in and helping out.

Achievements 

Congratulations to Des Morgan for receiving the 2025 Victoria NAIDOC Youth Award. The award recognises and celebrates outstanding young people aged 16–25. Just prior to the school holidays Des received the award which recognises inspirational role models within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the broader Australian society. It also takes into account each nominee’s future goals and their potential to create lasting impact. Des’ commitment to his education and sports journey is exemplary! 

Des also attended the Victorian NAIDOC Gala Ball on 5 July.  The Ball, with a Country theme, was another sell out occasion celebrating of 50 years of NAIDOC.  Des attended alongside fellow Vic NAIDOC recipients including Uncle Gilbert Wanganeen, Grandfather of MITS alumni Munyari Johnson. Uncle Gilbert received the 2025 Victorian Male Elder of the Year. 

Careers 

University 

University/Tertiary Institution Open Days have been held in the first few weeks of Term 3 and will continue throughout the term.   

Open Days are great opportunities for students to explore further education options and get a feel for which University or TAFE has the right course for them before enrolling. Students get to tour the campus and facilities, participate in workshops, lectures and talk to First Nations staff, students, and lecturers. 

Even if a student isn’t thinking about university, it’s good to go along for a ‘vibe check’.   

The words "You can't be what you can't see" ring true, but “If you can't see it, be it” are just as important.  

Trades 

Trades are a valuable career pathway that can lead to jobs locally, in Community, and overseas.  There are many options available for male and female students take up a trade as a part of their school program, or as their major program of study. 

MITS works closely with Pathways Schools and MITS partner organisations to provide work experience opportunities. In the past students have undertaken work experience in real estate, health care, construction, automotive, electrical, plumbing, travel, zoo’s, veterinary services, and parks and recreation.  There are huge benefits in work experience, not only for seeing if a job/career is right for you but also making connections for future employment or mentoring. 

Year 11 subject selection 

In the Fellas House our Year 10 students have completed their subject selection for 2026.  Our fellas have taken the time to think carefully about their future and plan classes accordingly.  They have worked closely with Pathway School First Nations staff, program coordinators, and school careers staff to choose academic and vocational courses for Year 11.  Moving into Year 11 and 12 requires determination, discipline and courage, and we know they are up for the challenge.

Our MITS alumni that have been through their senior years are ready to offer words of advice and support. 

Footy  

On a cold but sunny July afternoon St Kevin’s College 10A Football featuring Waylon Huddleston and Malakai Wright, hosted Emmanuel Catholic College from Perth.  There was some great football on display, with a small but vocal cheer squad of MITS Year 8 students. The result didn’t go the boys way but they left everything out there on the field, not giving an inch, and holding their heads high.  

House Music 

Des Morgan and fellow MITS St Leonard’s College students recently competed in the 2025 House Music competition held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, celebrating the joy of music, promoting teamwork and community spirit. There were some great performances that night, and it is very much a student-led event.

Each House performed a mix of instrumental, massed choir, and small vocal pieces, filling the auditorium with energy, creativity, and House spirit. Des’ advice for anyone that may feeling apprehensive to perform is to ‘Just give it a go!’ 

MLC formal (Keira and Ella)

To start off Term 3 for MLC, Keira and Ella had the opportunity to attend a Year 11 Social with their peers at the Lakeside Pavilion at Albert Park. Ella and Keira had a wonderful night of fun, relaxation and a little bit of glamour! Both students had an amazing night and made memories to last a lifetime. A huge shoutout to Tayla and Kahealea, two of our boarding staff who helped Keira and Ella get ready for the night.

Reconciliation & NAIDOC week (Siena, CGGS, Star)

Towards the end of Term 2 and over the last week, many of our Pathways schools have had different events to acknowledge Reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks. Tenielle and Allina McGuire helped Star of the Sea College create videos to share their culture and explain the significance of these weeks. Camberwell Girls Grammar School also had Murrindindi and Ruby Rosas (Class of 2024) join their events to also share knowledge and their culture. Katelyn and Leah joined Ruby to do a Tree of Life session that they have done during their time at MITS. Siena College had different activities running throughout the week which involved bracelet making and made damper.

Hoanna artwork

Hoanna Grantham has been named as the student artist of the week at St Leonard’s College with a Surrealism image she created to depict her feelings of what it is like to be living away from family and her home on the Tiwi Islands, while she is completing her high school education in Melbourne. Hoanna has merged photos that she has taken at home and in Melbourne to create this artwork.