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Sydney Catholic Schools

2026 CEF Teaching Scholarship recipients welcomed into SCS community

Sydney Catholic Schools has announced the 2026 recipients of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Teaching Scholarship, with record application numbers highlighting strong interest in teaching within Catholic schools.

Following a competitive selection process, 16 students were awarded scholarships for 2026, recognised for their academic potential, commitment to Catholic service, and passion for teaching.

For 2026 recipient Angelina Odisho, an 18-year-old former student of Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights, receiving the scholarship represents both reassurance and opportunity as she begins her university journey.

“I am immensely grateful to have received the CEF Teaching Scholarship for 2026, as it allows me to gain a head start on my career in education knowing that I am supported not only financially, but also holistically throughout my journey to becoming an educator,” she said.

CEF Supervisor Kathleen Badolato said early support, mentoring and belonging underscores the important role the scholarship plays in forming confident, values-led educators.

“For these students, receiving this scholarship signifies an entry into a lifelong ecosystem of support. It provides them with a rare bridge between their academic studies and their professional vocation, allowing them to deepen their faith journey within the Sydney Catholic Schools community even as they master their craft at a Catholic university,” she said.

Angelina echoed the importance of this support network, noting that the scholarship eases the pressures often associated with university life.

“Through extensive mentorship and opportunities for employment whilst studying, the scholarship not only eases the pressures often associated with university life, but it reminds me that education is a shared mission, and that I am supported by a community that believes in the transformative power of teaching,” she said.

Michaela Zizovski, a 21-year-old former student of Good Samaritan Catholic College Hinchinbrook, said the program has played a key role in preparing her for the classroom and securing a full-time teaching position.

She …

February 9, 2026|
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Breaking barriers: Liam’s path to success with the CEF

For Liam*, completing high school was more than an academic milestone; it was a victory against overwhelming odds.

Thanks to the support of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), Liam was able to rise above personal challenges and thrive at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield.

Liam’s story began with upheaval. Before starting high school, he and his younger brother returned to Sydney from Cairns after experiencing domestic violence at home.

Their grandmother stepped in, providing a safe haven, taking on the financial strain of their education, and delaying her retirement. Despite his grandmother’s dedication, the mounting costs of school fees and the emotional toll of family difficulties became too much to bear.

In 2021, Liam’s wellbeing coordinator, Mrs D’Amico, stepped in to help. Recognising the family’s challenges, she introduced them to the CEF, which provided a bursary that lifted the financial burden and allowed him to remain at Patrician Brothers’ College.

“The CEF and Mrs D’Amico’s support made all the difference,” Liam said. “It eased the pressure on my grandmother and let me focus on my education instead of worrying about how we’d manage.”

The CEF’s assistance extended far beyond finances. With the stability it offered, Liam embraced opportunities for personal and academic growth. Leadership roles such as becoming a Senior Prefect, helped him develop resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“These experiences shaped me,” Liam shared. “They pushed me to be a better version of myself and taught me the importance of perseverance.”

Liam also credits his Catholic education for reinforcing values like respect, integrity, and faith. …

December 23, 2024|
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From refugee to role model: CEF helps Sarah thrive

Sarah’s story reflects the determination and resilience of many young people seeking a fresh start, culminating in her impressive achievement of an ATAR of 97 in the 2024 HSC.

After arriving in Australia as a refugee, Sarah’s journey from adapting to a new education system to excelling in her HSC at Mary MacKillop Catholic College was made possible with the support of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF).

Originally from war-torn Iraq, Sarah and her family lived in Jordan before resettling in Australia. Adjusting to a new environment came with challenges, as her family focused on priorities like securing housing, employment, and stability.

“My access to educational resources was limited, but the CEF gave me greater opportunities in education that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise,” Sarah explains.

The CEF bursary provided more than just financial relief. It gave Sarah the confidence to embrace her education fully. “Receiving the bursary showed me that people believed in my potential,” she says. “It inspired me to work hard, give back to my community, and help others who face similar challenges.”

Speaking about the Foundation’s commitment to supporting refugee students, Kathleen Badolato, Supervisor at the CEF, explained: “The Catholic Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting students like Sarah, who show incredible resilience and determination despite the challenges they face”.

“Sarah’s story demonstrates how, with the right guidance and resources, refugee students can unlock their full potential and build a future filled with opportunity and hope.”

When Sarah started at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, English was her fourth language. After only two to three years of learning the language, she …

December 18, 2024|
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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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CEF and LJ Harper: A powerhouse partnership creating educational opportunities for all

“We have seen firsthand how a Catholic education helps students reach their potential. CEF financial bursaries have profoundly shaped these students’ lives, empowering them to discover their talents, passions, and capabilities” – Scott Wilson, LJ Harper

12 years and counting! That’s how long the generous and visionary team at LJ Harper have been supporting the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF).

Not only do LJ Harper specialise in the back-to-school resources found in Sydney Catholic Schools primary schools they demonstrate a commitment to giving back by making a financial contribution to CEF, whilst giving generously of their time and resources too.

Having seen firsthand the transformative power of CEF educational bursaries, Scott Wilson encourages other organisations to support the CEF. 

Let’s make a difference together! 👏

Five minutes with Scott Wilson from LJ Harper

Hi Scott. First of all, thank you to LJ Harper for their generous support of the CEF. Can you tell me a little bit about what LJ Harper does?

Our business specialises in providing resources for 70 SCS Primary schools including back-to-school essentials like textbooks, stationery, exercise books, literacy resources, student diaries, and more. Established in 1954, we’re celebrating our 70th anniversary this year. We understand the chaos of the new school year and are dedicated to easing the stress by supplying everything needed for a smooth return. We take pride in our strong relationships with schools and currently serve over 70 primary schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools network.

You have been kind enough to support the CEF for an incredible 12 years, can you tell us a bit about why LJ Harper does this?

LJ Harper has been a proud partner of the CEF since its inception in 2012. Right from the beginning …

June 28, 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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CEF Launches The Giving Circle

The Sydney Catholic Schools’ Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), has launched a new initiative called The Giving Circle. 

Launched on International Women’s Day, the Giving Circle is an opportunity for inspiring and generous women and men to help young female students in need through the gift of a Catholic education.

Members will join the Giving Circle with a $1,000 tax deductible donation, and will meet each year to reflect on areas of community need and work together to provide a life-changing Catholic education for girls impacted by these challenges.

Foundational members have heard the call and have already made their contribution, and look forward to being joined by new members who share their vision. Ongoing networking, learning and socialising opportunities will be offered to Giving Circle members, who share a common passion for philanthropy and education. 

CEF Supervisor, Kathleen Badolato, explains how planning for an International Women’s Day event inspired the launch of The Giving Circle.

“International Women’s Day shines a light on the empowerment of women and at the CEF, we believe one of the most powerful ways to do that is by providing an education to girls in need.

“Members of The Giving Circle, guided by their faith and values, will have the opportunity to give to female students and families who need it most and contribute to the CEF’s vision of making education accessible to all,” Ms Kathleen Badolato said. 

“We have CEF bursary opportunities for students who are Indigenous, from foster backgrounds, have come to Australia as refugees, or are from families experiencing financial hardship.”

“Our goal is to have at least 1,000 members of the Giving Circle actively supporting female Catholic education within the next decade,” Ms Badolato said.

March 28, 2024|
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Supporting Refugee Students with the Gift of a Catholic Education

The philanthropic division of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), recently achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone of raising over $12,000 for its Refugee Bursary program.

In support of the CEF, more than 100 employees from SCS’s World Square office participated in the ‘Walk for a Refugee’ initiative, aimed at increasing awareness and raising much-needed funds to provide refugee students with the opportunity to access a Catholic education.

Volodymyr, a Year 5 student at Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School Beverly Hills, is among the refugee students receiving ongoing assistance from the CEF.

Hailing from conflict-ridden Ukraine, Volodymyr, along with his two sisters and mother, relocated to Australia seeking refuge from the war and aiming for a brighter future.

During this period, the CEF provided direct assistance to Volodymyr and his sisters to study at Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School, where dedicated and hard-working educators deliver a strong faith-based education.

“The CEF gave me a scholarship so I could receive the opportunity to learn here in Australia.

“Because we are part of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, my parents wanted me to study with children who have a similar religious background to me, learn by God’s example and have faith in everything I do,” Volodymyr said. 

The CEF’s assistance for Volodymyr goes well beyond covering his tuition fees. 

A portion of the funds generated from the ‘Walk for a Refugee’ initiative was allocated to purchase a MacBook Pro, providing additional support for his educational journey.

CEF Supervisor, Kathleen Badolato elaborates on why such a significant number of the wider SCS team passionately support its initiatives.

“Our staff are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the lives of students that we work for every day, and bond as …

November 27, 2023|
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From refugee to advocate: Thang’s journey in support of an inspiring cause

For Thang Phan, a Project Officer within Sydney Catholic Schools’ Vocational Education and Training (VET) team, the Catholic Education Foundation’s (CEF) Refugee Bursary initiative resonates deeply. 

The CEF continues to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a quality Catholic education with its Refugee Bursary providing invaluable support to families who have fled their countries of origin in search of a better life here in Australia. 

One of the initiatives top fundraisers, Thang was born in Vietnam, a country left deeply scarred in the aftermath of war.

“I was a refugee along with my entire family. My family’s decision to leave Vietnam was driven by a desire for a better future for their children,” Mr Thang Phan said.

In the midst of a nation ravaged by the consequences of war, Thang’s parents managed to gather their nine children onto a small fishing boat, determined to escape the confines of their homeland. 

Thang’s recollections of this harrowing journey are blurred by his age at the time. He was merely five years old when they set sail in the late 1970s, alongside countless others looking for refuge.

His family’s destination was Hong Kong, where they would spend two years in a refugee camp before finding acceptance in the United Kingdom. 

In England, Thang’s new life began to take shape. It was a challenging time for his family, grappling with a foreign language and adapting to an unfamiliar environment.

Charities and local religious organisations, much like the CEF, played a pivotal role in their settlement, providing essential support including shelter, clothing, and education. 

“I don’t think we could have survived on our own. We were given housing and everything from clothing to furniture was …

November 13, 2023|
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Embracing Equity on International Women’s Day 2023

Sydney Catholic Schools strives to crack the code to gender equity by creating an educational environment that prepares our students for the world in which they live.

Female students are encouraged to embrace innovative learning strategies, including technologies and disruptive innovation to ensure access to an equitable education system.

“Innovation is a driver of change and by embracing new technologies and championing the unique skills and knowledge of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which may also include the Arts with STEAM, Sydney Catholic Schools can offer a gender-neutral education, to accelerate progress towards a gender equitable future,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ aims to close the digital divide by providing all students’ access to inclusive digital technologies and learning opportunities as well as role models in the STE(A)M fields.

Creating clear pathways from Kindergarten to Year 12, Sydney Catholic Schools endeavours to leverage the transformative power of inclusive innovation, critical to cracking the code to gender equality.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove is the first systemic Catholic school in Sydney to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Program alongside the Higher School Certificate.

The holistic nature of the IB ignites creativity, innovative thinking and design, particularly, for in-depth projects undertaken which include the Arts into STEM.

With this choice of study in Stage 6 the young women at St Ursula’s have further access to disruptive education— that is, an an education that incorporates innovation and technology and STEM subjects — needed for future careers in these fields.

In addition to NESA approved subjects in STEM, girls will be offered access to coding classes, robotics programs, and other technology-based learning opportunities.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Women students …

March 6, 2023|
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CEF awards scholarships to next gen teachers

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) has announced support for seven high school graduates embarking on their teaching careers as part of the inaugural CEF Teaching Scholarship program.  

The program provides scholarship recipients with ongoing financial support as they earn their teaching degrees at Australian Catholic University, together with the opportunity to work as casual support staff members within Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS). 

The recipients will additionally be paired with a Principal from one of SCS’ 148 schools, who will act as a mentor along the students’ four-year learning journey. 

The seven recipients, who will be formally recognised at the Executive Director Excellence in HSC and VET Awards in March, will also partake in a bespoke Spirituality Retreat designed by the SCS Mission and Identity team. 

The seven scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of SCS specialists and school leaders following an extensive application process. 

The Teaching Scholarship program comes as the CEF, which is the not for profit charity of SCS, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. 

In that time, the CEF has supported and funded over 36,793 student bursaries, providing students with genuine financial, cultural and social hardships access to a quality Catholic education. 

Kathleen Badolato, Supervisor at the CEF, said it was exciting to see the program come to fruition after being in development for almost a year. 

“This scholarship was just a small idea in April last year but thanks to the support of SCS Director of Finance & Property, Glenn McLachlan, and Executive Director, Tony Farley, we’ve been able to see it brought to life today,” Mrs Badolato said. 

“Our vision at the CEF is to raise funds to support the bursary programs offered to our students and their families, and it’s been pleasing …

February 15, 2023|
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The gift that keeps on giving

For the first time in 10 years Sydney Catholic School secondary colleges were invited by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) to nominate a Year 12 student for the Catholic Education Foundation Social Justice & Excellence in Learning Award.

Recipients of this award have been recognised for their ability to lead by example, display empathy and compassion, embrace social justice activities and serve a community parish or youth group.

They were also consistent in their approach to their studies and displayed personal learning excellence.

Congratulations to the awardees:

October 27, 2022|
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World Refugee Day: Giving voice to student stories

In honour of World Refugee Day (20 June), we are sharing the stories of courageous refugee students from war-torn Iraq who have been welcomed into the Sydney Catholic Schools family.

Karam Shashah was forced to flee his Iraqi-Kuridish town of Arbil in 2014 after the bloody Iraqi civil war engulfed his country.

“My village was attacked – in the same day me, my grandfather, uncle, my parents and sister went out of the village,” says 14-year-old Karam, a tinge of sadness visible in his countenance.

Karam’s family lived for five years in Lebanon before settling in Australia.

People holding hands in a circle formation The 2020 Refugee Week theme is Celebrating the Year of Welcome: Online. Image: Wylly Suhendra on Unsplash.

Karam is currently in Year 9 at one of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) three Catholic Intensive English Centres, at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield.

Others are at Mary Mackillop Catholic College Wakeley and Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba.

“I miss my house, my friends, and my village,” Karam says sombrely. Smiling softly, he offers this observation: “Here (in Australia), life is good.”

Karam’s classmates have similar stories that leave you in awe of their resilience.

“I miss my house, my friends, and my village” – Karam Shashah

Despite having faced adversities they focus on their positive adjustments which include the ease with which they are picking up English.

“I learnt English from YouTube,” Year 10 student Noel Jamil said. “And zombie games,” he added, breaking into a grin.

Year 9 student Yohan Al-Lao said listening to music and watching movies has helped with his English. That, and playing video games. It …

June 19, 2020|
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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ students perform an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’

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