(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.data-privacy-src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MF9T2HG');
Sydney Catholic Schools

Surfing for her mob, caring for her community

As National Reconciliation Week draws to a close, St Aloysius College Cronulla student Matilda Thearle has made history as the first Allied Health school-based Aboriginal trainee at Sydney Local Health District. 

The Year 12 student is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance through placements at Balmain Hospital and Forest Lodge Child and Family Health Centre, gaining hands-on experience across a range of health disciplines. 

The traineeship has seen Matilda named a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category at the 2026 NSW Training Awards, with winners announced on 4 June. 

“It’s just so rewarding to be able to help patients get back to doing daily activities and to see them gain confidence,” Matilda said. “My plan is to continue doing Allied Health Assistance as a job when I finish school.” 

A proud Badjiri woman whose family ties trace back to Cunnamulla in south-west Queensland, Matilda also travelled to Victoria last weekend to compete at the Australian Indigenous Surf Titles at Bells Beach, placing fourth in the Open Women’s division. 

“I feel really proud that I can represent at such a high level, not only as an athlete but also as a proud young Aboriginal woman,” she said. 

For Matilda, Indigenous sporting events are about far more than competition. Through them she has built friendships, strengthened her connection to culture and gained a deeper understanding of Aboriginal communities across Australia.  

Participating in smoking ceremonies before competitions connects her to the land and waterways where she surfs. 

Away from competition, she also coaches surfers of all ages at Cronulla Surfing Academy. 

Yvette Kennedy, Instructional Leader Pathways and Partnerships at St Aloysius College said Matilda had shaped her educational journey with real purpose.  

“She has taken ownership of …

June 3, 2026|
Read More

National Skills Week – Growing future educators through SBES Traineeships

Sydney Catholic Schools is investing in its classrooms of today to grow the teachers of tomorrow, with the School-Based Education Support (SBES) Traineeship placing senior students in real school settings while they complete their HSC.

This program allows students to learn while they earn, gaining hands-on experience supporting students in real classrooms and achieving a Certificate III in School-Based Education Support in the process.

Since its launch two years ago, 13 Year 11 and 12 students are now participating in the Grow Your Own program, working across 12 primary schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools network. 

At the heart of the program is the vision of nurturing current students who may one day join the Sydney Catholic Schools community as Educators and Learning Support Officers. 

Graduates from the pilot program have already moved into active, casual employment within Sydney Catholic Schools while continuing their tertiary studies, and participation is set to grow further with future intakes.

The traineeship not only develops practical skills but also nurtures confidence, teamwork, and a passion for education. It is a unique opportunity for students to make a meaningful contribution to their school community while exploring future career pathways, perfectly showcasing the value of skills development during National Skills Week.

Lillie, a current trainee at St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar, said the traineeship had helped her grow in confidence, as well as develop greater respect for her own teachers and their work.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn new things and try something new. I have found it rewarding and have learned new communication and resilience skills. It’s given me a different perspective on how education can impact young lives,” Lillie said. 

Principals across Sydney Catholic Schools have also …

August 28, 2025|
Read More

Sydney Catholic Schools celebrates National Skills Week with VET growth

Sydney Catholic Schools is seeing increasing numbers of young women breaking into the trades, with female enrolments in Automotive, Electrotechnology and Construction courses surging 39 per cent in the past year and 160 per cent over the past five years.

Against a backdrop of skills shortages and a decline in new apprenticeships, our Catholic systemic school system is celebrating National Skills Week (August 25–31) by ushering in the next generation of skilled workers, with a total of more than 6,000 enrolments in VET courses this year, up 10 per cent from 2024.

This includes more than 500 students who have undertaken School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), balancing their HSC studies with part-time employment and attaining nationally recognised industry qualifications.

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools Danielle Cronin says an education that combines academic learning with practical industry skills is good for students and good for the economy. 

“Our students are embracing the opportunities that vocational education provides. These programs equip them with real-world experience and open doors to rewarding careers across a range of industries,” she said. 

“It’s about creating real pathways for every student. Whether they want to go to university, begin a trade, or launch their own business, our schools and training centres ensure they leave ready for the world beyond school.”

Sydney Catholic Schools has invested in a number of specialist training centres, purpose-built to give students access to industry-standard facilities and expert trainers. Those efforts have been recognised with Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood named Non-Government Secondary School of the Year at the 2025 Australian Educator Awards.

Student Zahlia Quigley has been undertaking an SBAT in Electrotechnology while working towards her HSC. 

“It’s …

August 25, 2025|
Read More

SCS celebrates success at VET Regional Training Awards

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is proud to announce that two students have been named winners at the 2025 Regional Training Awards – a prestigious program recognising excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across New South Wales.

Bridie Irwin from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington was named Vocational Student of the Year, while Taine Wihare was named School-Based Apprentice of the Year, after both showcased outstanding practical skills, perseverance, and a deep dedication to their future careers.  

The pair will now represent the region at the NSW Training Awards State Final on 11 September 2025 at Town Hall.

Four other SCS students, together with one teacher, were also finalists at the awards, highlighting the strength of SCS’ VET programs. 

Kevin Carragher, Director of Education and Research at Sydney Catholic Schools, said the achievements of students and staff in the Regional Training Awards highlight the impact of purposeful investment in VET pathways.

“These results are a powerful reflection of the system-wide commitment SCS has made to VET. 

“From our dedicated teachers and trainers to our strategic industry partnerships and state-of-the-art school-based trade training centres, we are building pathways that not only lead to national recognition, but to fulfilling, long-term careers. Our students’ success at awards like these demonstrates what’s possible when excellence is embedded across every level of support,” Mr Carragher said.

Meet our winners 

Bridie Irwin — Vocational Student of the Year
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington

Bridie Irwin has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to Retail Services and her advocacy for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Her determination, resilience, and leadership have positioned her as a future industry leader. Bridie applies her skills in the real world through her employment at Woolworths, where she consistently demonstrates …

June 23, 2025|
Read More

Winners and placegetters: 2024 WorldSkills Regional Competition

Some of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) high-achieving Vocational Education and Training (VET) students were recognised for their outstanding efforts in the 2024 WorldSkills Regional Competition at a special awards ceremony at World Square.  

WorldSkills is a competition where students demonstrate mastery in a wide range of VET courses, from Construction and Cookery, to Plumbing and Hairdressing. 

Competitions are designed by industry and skills experts who assess students’ knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a set of strict criteria.

In the 2024 WorldSkills Regional Competition, 74 SCS students competed against their peers from Independent and Department of Education schools during five days of competition across seven different sites. 

Of those 74 students, 28 were placegetters in their disciplines. Of those 28 placegetters, nine students were selected to represent their schools and SCS at the National WorldSkills Competition which will be held in Brisbane in June.

Also recognised at the awards ceremony were the 28 Judges from SCS schools who presided over the competition. 

Congratulations to all those who took part in the competition and a special congratulations to those SCS students who will travel to Brisbane in June. 

Gold Medal Recipients

Silver Medal Recipients

Bronze Medal Recipients

National WorldSkills Competition Representatives  More on Vocational Education and Training at SCS

March 4, 2025|
Read More

SCS students going for gold at WorldSkills

It’s billed as the Olympics of Vocational Education and Training (VET), a chance for students to test themselves, to compete against one another, and to showcase their skills and expertise on a grand stage. 

And it all starts on Tuesday 22 October, as Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) hosts the WorldSkills Regional Competition across five days and four different colleges. 

WorldSkills is a competition where students demonstrate mastery in a wide range of VET courses, from Construction and Cookery, to Plumbing and Hairdressing. 

Competitions are designed by industry and skills experts who assess students’ knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a set of strict criteria.

From Tuesday, students from Catholic, Independent and Department of Education schools will compete in competitions at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, Marist Catholic College Kogarah, Saint Yon Trade Training Centre Bankstown and St Joseph Trades Skills Centre Hinchinbrook. 

This Regional Competition is one of 34 regional events being held around Australia, with students all vying for a spot in next year’s WorldSkills Australian National Championships in Brisbane in June. 

Last year, eight SCS students travelled to Melbourne to compete in the National Championships, with four achieving medal positions, including Claudia Walker from Marist Sisters College Woolwich who won gold in Kitchen Operations.

The hope is that this year’s Regional Competition will unearth more talent among the SCS ranks, with 82 students participating across the five days.  

The SCS competitors have learned from the best, with five SCS teachers appointed as Chief Judges of the competition, alongside 14 other SCS Judges. This highlights the expertise and dedication of the educators within the system.

This offers educators a valuable professional learning opportunity to exchange insights with peers and other sectors, enabling …

October 17, 2024|
Read More

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|
Read More

VET students recognised for workplace achievements

Talented Vocational Education and Training (VET) students from Sydney Catholic Schools have been acknowledged with a slew of awards this year. 

Vocational Education and Training students at Sydney Catholic Schools scooped almost a quarter of the honours given at the MLWP Work Placement Awards.

Two students took out three of 16 awards at an event held by the not-for-profit youth career development provider in March. Another two were finalists.

Each of the winners and finalists studied at Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) Burwood, either full-time or by completing a VET course at the college as an External VET (EVET) student while enrolled at another Sydney Catholic school.

Emma Ayoub receives her award at the 2024 MLWP Work Placement Awards.Emma Ayoub, an EVET student from St Vincent’s College Ashfield, won the Automotive category of the awards.

Sky MacIntosh, an EVET student from Aquinas Catholic College Menai, won the allied health category of the awards and was also named the MLWP awards’ Student of the Year.

SCCC student Breeanna De Florian was a Hospitality – Kitchen Operations finalist, while her peer Bianca Villari was a finalist in the allied health category of the awards.

Well placed for future employment

Jobs in the allied health sector have grown by 8.4 per cent, or 24,400 jobs, according to the federal government’s 2023 Annual Jobs and Skills Report.

Student on stage at the 2024 MLWP Work Placement Awards night.The report also notes that growth in the care and support workforce over the past five years has been three times faster than total employment. 

Allied health roles including for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and …

April 18, 2024|
Read More

Meet our VET Student of the Year

People, food, and seeing fare migrate from paddock to plate – Charlize Ashby has a passion for all things hospitality and the award to prove it.

The Brigidine College Randwick Year 12 student was named ‘VET in Schools Student of the Year – NSW Central and North Sydney Region’ in the 2023 NSW Training Awards.

The awards are held annually to recognise outstanding achievement in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Charlize, who has completed a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, is now one of three finalists for the state-wide award from a pool of 40,000 students.

“It was so amazing that the hard work I put into hospitality paid off,” she said.

“I’d see it on my timetable and think ‘I’m so excited for that’.”

VET ambassador

Part of being a NSW Training Awards regional winner and state finalist is to be an ambassador for VET, speaking with other students and schools about her experience as a hospitality student. As a self-described people person, she relishes the opportunity.

“I love how hospitality is inclusive of everyone.” – Charlize Ashby

“There is a mix of theory and practical skills,” she said.

“You can stop thinking about the books for a moment and create something in the kitchen to eat, serve to your friends or take home to your family.”

Charlize has put her hospitality qualification and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) gained through her school to work in her roles at Mad Mex and Merivale Venues.

She has also catered for 800 school open day guests and was booking manager at Kingsford restaurant Pinocchio’s for a night.

Classroom and career

NSW Training Awards winner Charlize ... </p srcset=

September 14, 2023|
Read More

Celebrating excellence at the Olympics for Vocational Skills

Nothing short of a transformative experience that shapes vocational futures

In August, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery in various trade skills at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne.

Eight talented students represented SCS at this years’ tournament, demonstrating their passion for and dedication to diverse industries including Automotive, Commercial Cookery, Electrotechnology, Hairdressing, Information Technology, and Plumbing.

Four of these students emerged as medal winners, showcasing the depth of talent within Vocational Education and Training (VET) across SCS:

WorldSkills not only highlights the ongoing success (VET) offerings across SCS, the competition also paves the way for promising career pathways for the next generation of trainees and apprentices. 

Mary Bancks, Education Officer – Vocational Education, explains how WorldSkills brings together students from diverse vocational backgrounds to compete in a wide range of …

August 30, 2023|
Read More

NSW Training Awards regional winner 2022 Courtney McNally

Hospitality extraordinaire Courtney McNally has been recognised as the Central and Northern Sydney Region VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Training Awards.

St Clare’s College Waverley Director of Administration said she felt honoured to receive the award. She teaches Hospitality to students in Years 11 and 12.

Courtney McNally has been recognised as the Central and Northern Sydney Region VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Training Awards Courtney McNally.

“As teachers we are constantly striving to make a difference in the lives of our students, without expecting anything in return,” she said.

“When moments like this come along and we are recognised for our hard work they are really special and humbling experiences.”

The award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher who provides nationally recognised training to students at, or in partnership with, a registered training organisation (RTO).

As a regional award winner, Ms McNally is now in line to be a finalist in the NSW VET Trainer / Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in September.

“VET in schools opens doors for students to apply the skills they have learnt to a number of post-school pathway opportunities” – Courtney McNally

Ms McNally said Hospitality was a popular subject at St Clare’s, with an average of two Year 11 and two Year 12 classes each year being offered.

She attributes this to the academic success of students in the subject – which is well above the HSC state average – and the practical opportunities to apply their learning.

These opportunities include restaurant ‘takeovers’ and excursions, where students can develop their culinary skills and understanding of the hospitality industry by working alongside professional chefs.

“VET, and in particular Hospitality, provides a pivotal platform to optimise student growth” – Courtney McNally

“Application based learning …

July 11, 2022|
Read More

Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards recipients 2022

More than 200 Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) HSC graduates and VET students have been recognised by SCS’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, at a gala ceremony in Sydney. 

The system’s first combined Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards ceremony was held last night at the International Convention Centre. It was also live streamed on the centre’s website.

The awards recognise the amazing achievements of SCS students in 2021, in either the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Speakers on the night included Mr Farley and  SCS’ Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien.

Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights alumna Keisha Sta Barbara, who was the top SCS student in the HSC Music 1 examination, provided a musical performance for the audience.

 SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

The principals of St Clare’s College Waverley and Trinity Catholic College Auburn accepted awards on behalf of their schools, which had outstanding results in the 2021 HSC.

St Clare’s was the highest-placed SCS secondary school in the Sydney Morning Herald’s top 150 secondary schools rankings, coming in 29th in NSW.

Trinity had the biggest ranking improvement of any SCS school, climbing 191 spots up the state ladder.

HSC FIRST IN STATE

Eight SCS students who ranked first in the entire state in a 2021 HSC subject  were also recognised on the night. They were:

  • Tony Khattar: Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton (Construction – tied)
  • Brock Wilson: Aquinas Catholic College Menai (Construction – tied)
  • Oliver Wells: Aquinas Catholic College Menai (Construction – tied)
  • Jovanka Lim: Bethany College Hurstville (Indonesian and Literature)
March 30, 2022|
Read More
Sydney Catholic Schools
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’

Contact

Level 23, 680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

PO Box 20277
World Square NSW 2002

phone

(02) 9569 6111

Links
Follow Us

© Copyright 2026 Sydney Catholic Schools | All Rights Reserved

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top