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 …