Against the backdrop of Australia’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood and Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) are addressing a pressing question: how can educators prepare young Australians for an increasingly complex financial future?
Last month, Southern Cross partnered with Ecstra Foundation to co-host FinEd Forum 2024, aimed at helping educators tackle financial literacy in schools.
As families feel the pinch of rising economic pressures, the forum united some of the nation’s most influential financial experts and educators, to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate today’s financial challenges.
Held at Southern Cross’ cutting-edge campus, the free, full-day event welcomed secondary school principals, teachers, and educators from across New South Wales.
The event featured high-profile speakers, including the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC, Treasurer of NSW, Effie Zahos, 9News Money Editor, and a panel of experts who provided invaluable resources to help educators integrate financial education into the classroom.
Kevin Carragher, Director of Education and Research at SCS, explained that by embedding financial education into school culture, SCS is equipping students with the skills they need for lifelong financial success.
“Sydney Catholic Schools is reinforcing its leadership in financial literacy education, ensuring that financial education is not only relevant to students’ academic growth but also integral to their personal and professional development,” Mr Carragher said.
Peter Tsambalas, an award-winning financial literacy educator at Southern Cross with over 20 years of experience teaching Economics, further emphasised the forum’s timely relevance.
“Financial education has never been more crucial. Today’s students are navigating unprecedented cost-of-living pressures, and having the knowledge to manage these challenges is essential, with wellbeing and happiness at the heart of the learning experience,” Mr Tsambalas said.
Southern Cross Principal Tammy Prestage explains how the vocational college’s approach to education goes beyond academics, with initiatives like the FinEd Forum ensuring students are prepared for life beyond the classroom.
“We want parents and the broader community to know we’re proactive in addressing students’ needs with skills that are applicable to life-long success, from financial literacy to career preparation.
“We offer Nationally Accredited VET qualifications, hands-on career pathways, and access to industry professionals and experts, supported by world-class facilities and real-life learning experiences,” Mrs Prestage said.
Through this forum, Southern Cross Catholic College, Sydney Catholic Schools and its partners are not just addressing a gap in financial literacy, they’re reshaping the educational landscape for students to face the future with confidence and resilience.
