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Sydney Catholic Schools

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From Iraq to Australia: two sisters’ tale of embracing resilience and finding their dreams

Helen recalls tearing up on her first day of school in Australia, feeling overwhelmed by not knowing how to communicate. 

Born and raised in Iraq, the former Sydney Catholic Schools student and her sister Nadeen had a tumultuous start to life, constantly facing the looming threat of persecution from militant groups.

In a country where Catholics make up less than one percent of the population, the sisters and their parents relocated to Australia via Lebanon, seeking better opportunities, a higher quality of life and the freedom to practice their faith in peace. 

In 2020, fate led them to Sydney Catholic Schools’ Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), and their academic future quickly became one of optimism, brimming with newfound potential and opportunities. 

The CEF supports a number of refugee students via bursaries across 39 Sydney Catholic Schools, easing financial burdens and supporting families academically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

“The opportunity to study in a Sydney Catholic School was one of our parents’ main goals. Catholic values align perfectly with who we are as a family. Without the CEF’s support, our parents wouldn’t have been able to afford to enrol us at our dream school, and it gave them significant peace of mind,” Nadeen said. 

Starting high school in Year 10 and Year 11, when most students already have established friendships, took significant courage. Additionally, the pressure to perform well academically was immense.

“I struggled with understanding the accent and often joked about needing subtitles. However, through the CEF’s support, intensive English programs and a nurturing school community, we overcame these obstacles,” Helen said.

Helen and Nadeen truly returned their parents’ persistence and dedication in ensuring their daughters had every opportunity available to them during their academic journeys and beyond. 

July 25, 2024|
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2024 Eisteddfod: the results are in

Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust from everyday life.” 

The creativity of young people has a singular expressive power, bringing their energy and unique perspective forward to inspire people of all ages, serving as a mirror to our emotions, aspirations and shared experiences.

This year’s Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Eisteddfod was a shining example of these vibrant expressions, an encore-worthy event, featuring the dance, music and vocal performances from our dynamic creative arts program offered throughout our 147 primary and secondary schools. 

While the curtain has officially fallen on this year’s Eisteddfod—with 8,500 students and 125 schools taking part in show-stopping solo and ensemble performances across 23 days—it will not quickly be forgotten.

The event continues to hit all the right notes, enabling more students and schools to access competition with feedback provided from industry professionals who adjudicate performances.
 View Individual Results Here

Performance categories included Drama, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and dedication among our students. Points were awarded for each place, certificate and participation.

St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine were crowned the winners for the very first time, after receiving the most points over the course of the nine weeks.

St Vincent’s College Ashfield took 1st Runner Up, while Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra came in 2nd Runner Up.

A selection of the best and brightest acts from this year’s Eisteddfod were also invited back to perform at the Eisteddfod Showcase which was held at Marist College Eastwood.

As depicted in the uplifting photo gallery above, the annual Eisteddfod not only celebrates students’ artistic achievements but also fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts. LOOK BACK ON LAST YEAR’s …

July 9, 2024|
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Empowering refugee students through a Catholic education

It’s a typical Monday morning at All Saints Catholic College Liverpool in south-west Sydney, one of the largest and most vibrant Catholic schools in Australia. As students gather around lockers and corridors, preparing for another day of learning, the school resonates with a vibrant energy that sets it apart.

Unlike many typical Australian schools, the college echoes with the laughter and chatter of refugee students from Syria, Iraq and Palestine, contributing to a bustling multicultural community.

This is a place where differences are celebrated, where every student finds a welcoming environment to thrive and grow, while honouring their often extraordinary backgrounds

Underpinning this commitment to supporting refugee students, is Sydney Catholic Schools’ Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). 

The CEF’s Refugee Bursary ensures all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a quality Catholic education. It offers crucial support to families who’ve fled their countries of origin to seek safety, peace and opportunity in Australia.

At All Saints Catholic College, the integration and support of refugee students into the school community is approached with a deep sense of compassion. This commitment is evident through various initiatives and perspectives offered within the school community.

A former refugee student returns as a staff member to pay it forward

Former student, Nancy, had only just turned six when war broke out in Syria. 

“We were living a normal life until the war started, then things started to deteriorate and get bad. By the end of 2016, it was a threat to our lives to stay there. There was no electricity, we had to find a solution,” Nancy said. 

Nancy’s family fled to Lebanon and applied to come to Australia. Six months later, aged 13, she and her family set foot …

June 24, 2024|
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Honouring their service and sacrifice: SCS commemorates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans

In 1942, Leonard ‘Len’ Waters, a proud Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) man, found himself at the crossroads of history as Japan entered World War II, with the threat of invasion looming ever closer to Australian shores.

Responding to the urgent call of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for recruits, Waters and his brother, Jim, volunteered for service at No. 3 Recruiting Centre in Brisbane in August 1942.

Undeterred by his limited formal education, Waters began training as a pilot in 1943, determined to prove himself. By July 1944, his hard work paid off as he received his RAAF pilot’s wings and was promoted to sergeant, becoming Australia’s first-ever Indigenous fighter pilot.

Waters flew an impressive 95 missions in his Kittyhawk, Black Magic, logging 103 flying hours. After the war, he left the Air Force, married his fiancée, and returned to shearing, never to fly again.

In a heartfelt tribute to the bravery of individuals like Waters, students from across Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) gathered at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park to honour the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

Through our Goodjarga Aboriginal and Torres Strait Performing Arts program, more than 50 Aboriginal students from six schools represented SCS, delivering a moving rendition of the National Anthem in both Dharawal and English. 

A further six students from St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney embraced the prestigious role of flag bearers for the ceremony, selected for their outstanding dedication and leadership within their school community.

This year, 18 Sydney Catholic Schools attended the ceremony, each laying a beautiful wreath at the Hyde Park Pool of Reflection to honour the service of First Nations’ men and women, both past and present.

SCS Supervisor for …

June 5, 2024|
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Bethany College educator claims gold at VET awards

Cassie Bartels, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and External Pathways Coordinator at Bethany College Hurstville has clinched the gold. 

She recently won Education Partner of the Year – Sydney Catholic Schools at the prestigious Partners in Excellence Awards, for outstanding contributions to VET work placement programs for our students across South-East Sydney.

Cassie’s approach is marked by meticulous preparation, ensuring her students thrive with the skills and confidence needed for successful work placements and post-school achievement in the workforce.

Like many educators across the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) system, her journey into education follows a non-traditional path, uncovering a passion for teaching through extensive industry experience. 

Cassie brings a wealth of practical knowledge from her background in hospitality, with roles in various cafes and restaurants adding a flavourful twist to her teaching style. She relishes the opportunity to share her own stories and experiences, which VET students can directly relate to. 

“I aim to prepare students for their chosen pathways by providing them with real-life scenarios and practical skills. Work placement is a transformative experience for many students, offering them a unique glimpse into their desired industries,” Miss Bartels said. 

Cassie oversees three VET subjects at Bethany College including Business Services, Hospitality and Entertainment. 

Alongside supporting work placements, she also facilitates a range of additional VET courses available across the system through three SCS Trade Training Centres, and external partnerships such as TAFE NSW.

Bethany College’s VET programs reflect the wider offerings and programs available across the SCS system, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on experiences.

“Our programs offer students not just experience that looks fantastic on a resume, but more importantly qualifications alongside their HSC. 

“While on their work placement, some students receive job offers to start part-time …

May 30, 2024|
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Former student returns as principal

From the tentative steps of a young girl to the confident stride of a respected leader, Gilda Pussich is again walking through the gates of her beloved secondary school, this time as its Principal.

As a former student at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) Kensington, it’s safe to assume her younger self would be deeply impressed with the important role she now plays.

She is taking her school into the future, inspiring and guiding today’s OLSH girls along their own journeys.

Joining OLSH at the start of Term 1 in 2024, Gilda brings over 13 years of experience as a principal, gained from highly successful tenures across the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) system.

This wealth of unique experience positions Gilda well to lead OLSH, with a clear vision to uphold the school’s legacy while ushering in a new era of excellence.

“The education I received at OLSH was second to none and I want students to have the same opportunities that I was given at OLSH. 

“My parents were not wealthy but due to my education here, I could have followed any path my heart desired. I chose to become a teacher and eventually became Principal,” Ms Pussich said. 

And her top priority? Doing all she can to continue to strengthen the schools’ HSC position.

“We have a strong legacy of excellent outcomes, and we’re on a mission to continue to set high expectations and strive for success. 

“We have a winning formula with the right staff and leadership team. The girls trust their teachers, who in turn believe in their abilities, and give them extra time and attention,” Ms Pussich explained.

A specialist in girls’ education, Gilda’s return to OLSH follows accomplished leadership roles as Principal …

May 29, 2024|
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SCS debuts inspiring podcast with Australia’s biggest names

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has launched a brand-new podcast ‘So You Want To Be…’, to inspire listeners by hearing from some of Australia’s most influential and successful people.

Each episode explores the lives of household names who are leading their respective fields, providing a rare insight into their unique journeys while sharing incredible advice. 

In Episode One, Channel Nine’s Georgie Gardner gets season one underway as she reveals what it takes to make it as a journalist, and the scoop on pursuing a career in media.

We then explore the remarkable and diverse careers of Colin Fassnidge, Shelley Craft, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley, and five-time Paralympian, Ryley Batt. 

Completing the lineup are emerging Bondi Rescue star Chase Hardaker, along with two of the nation’s most prominent and highly-regarded doctors, Dr Fiona Wood and Dr Randall Greenberg.

Along with a star-studded list of talent, each episode features an SCS student as a co-host who has a particular interest in the area of expertise being studied. 

We unpack how these famous faces’ education, teachers, subjects and choices they made while they were at school, guided them towards their own unique path to success.  

It’s a must-listen for those seeking insight into the starting points of their dream careers, with advice from those actively living them. 

Through their inspiring stories, genuine wisdom, and reflections on seriously impressive careers, listeners are guided toward their own path to success.

Every installment links directly to a range of offerings that are exclusive to Sydney Catholic Schools, including programs across Literacy, STEM, Sport, and Vocational Education and Training. 

The podcast isn’t just a fantastic listen for our students, but the whole family with tips, tricks and advice that can be applied to any …

April 30, 2024|
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