From the Leader of College Future Pathways

Rotary Youth Vocational Education Awards

On Monday the 19th of August the combined Rotary Clubs of Parramatta, Parramatta City and Granville celebrated the achievements of the students who are completing an in-school Vocational qualification as part of their HSC.

The awards ceremony was held at Parramatta Marist High School. During the ceremony government and industry special guests acknowledged the important contribution that vocational qualifications have on individual careers and the Australian economy.

The following St Andrews College students are to be congratulated on their exceptional achievements in their vocational studies.

Nywere Majak - Business Services

Nywere is very driven and sets a fantastic example for other students in the class. She has often provided modeling and guidance to her peers including making phone calls for placement and completing competency tasks. She regularly seeks feedback and applies it to improve her achievement.

Aryan Rao - Construction

Aryan has displayed a high level of diligence and commitment in his studies when completing his VET Construction tasks across all practical and theoretical elements of the course. He often provides guidance and assistance to his peers in all group-based tasks and is always eager to get involved in assisting others after he has completed his set tasks.

Talena Hourani - Entertainment

Talena has displayed a high work ethic, always completing both theory and practical areas to the highest standard. She is often provided with feedback and works consistently to improve all aspects of her work and assists her peers where necessary.

John McCaffray - Fitness

John has applied himself diligently throughout the VET Fitness course. Despite having some challenges in regards to literacy, John continues to complete all set theory work. His particular area of interest is around all practical fitness activities, where he embraces challenges and learns training techniques enthusiastically.

Holly McLoughlin - Hospitality (Food and Beverage)

Holly is an enthusiastic and hardworking student who consistently produces excellent work. She actively engages in class discussions and asks thoughtful questions. Her practical skills are exceptional, and she has an excellent work ethic. Holly is passionate about hospitality and always ready to help her peers.

Michael Kershaw - Information and Digital Technology

Michael is an expert in his field. He loves everything IT and spends his free time coding and tinkering with hardware and software. Michael is the go-to student for assistance in class, his peers gravitate to him to explain how he codes and they have learnt more from watching him than the course requires. He exceeds the current requirements of the course and is an expert in his field. He will go far when he decides which track he wants to follow.

I wish to thank all the parents who gave their time to support their son or daughter at the Rotary Youth Vocational Education Awards Ceremony. I would also like to thank Mr Geoffrey Dickson and Mrs Allison Thomson who took time away from their families to support the students. I am sure they, like myself, were very proud to be in the audience.

Year 9 Fast Forward University Campus Visit

The Fast Forward Program is a partnership between Western Sydney University and schools in Greater Western Sydney. 

The program encourages students to strive for their personal best and to see tertiary study as a realistic and viable post-school option. During the four-year program, students begin to understand the concept of lifelong learning and the benefits of continued education and training have on the success of their careers.

On Friday the 23rd of August, Year 9 Fast Forward students visited Western Sydney University, Kingswood Campus to participate in a program called “Rise to the Challenge”.

The students participated in fun games to develop their communication and teamwork skills. Students learnt about the four methods of communication: Verbal; Nonverbal; Written; and Visual.  Students also learnt that there are four ways to improve teamwork: Define each role; Communication is the key; Focus on individual strengths to strengthen the team; Celebrating team success.

A part of the day was spent learning about potential careers and Western Sydney University course offerings. Students heard briefly from the University Student Ambassadors about their university journey, the degree they are studying and the campus they are attending. Students learnt that Western Sydney University has several campuses and not all degrees are offered at all campuses.

After lunch, students embarked on an investigation challenge. This challenge, with the help of the University Student Ambassador, involved locating various buildings on the Kingswood Campus and collecting clues to identify the corporate identity thief. To be successful students needed to use their communication and teamwork skills. Congratulations go to our students for their excellent teamwork and communication skills in collecting all clues, identifying the thief correctly and being the first school to return to home base.

Students are to be commended for their behaviour and wonderful participation in the day’s activities. I would also like to thank Mr Weaver for his attendance and for his help leading up to the excursion.

Ms Therese May

College Future Pathways Leader