Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

When students start thinking about their future – what to do after school, where to study, what occupations do they want to have – the first two steps are:

  • Know themselves
  • Know what is out there

Students develop an understanding of themselves by identifying their strengths, skills, interests and values. Knowing what occupations are out there takes research. This research can start at any age, and can be undertaken on many different platforms.

In this newsletter I have included information from different universities regarding some of the webinars and in person events they hold.

Some great websites for students to use in their research are:

I am available to meet with students and parents if you have any questions or need some guidance.

On 18 February, our year 12 students visited the University of Wollongong for Discovery Day. They chose their own timetable for the day, and got to explore the uni whilst attending the lectures they have chosen. A fabulous experience to understand what uni is like. 

Discover ACU Series View the series and register 

Various dates during the April and July school holidays 

Tailored to students’ course interests, Discover ACU offers an exciting first taste of university study through interactive, hands-on workshops led by our academic staff. Students will also have the opportunity to speak with current ACU students and gain real insight into what it’s like to study in their chosen field. 

Workshops span a range of disciplines, including Nutrition Science, Nursing, Allied Health (Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy), Education, Exercise and Sports Science, Biomedical Science, Business, Law and Criminology. 

Strathfield Campus Art Gallery Show – Mixed Dozen: Drawing Visit the Art Gallery’s website for details 

15 April – 14 May 2026  

 In this group exhibition, six senior Australian artists who teach, or have taught, will each select a former student. All twelve artists (a Mixed Dozen of teachers and former students) will present drawings, highlighting the multifarious possibilities of the genre.  

The senior artists include: Peter Burgess, Tracey Clement, collaborative duo Julia Davis and Lisa Jones, Annelies Jahn, Kendal Heyes, and Kurt Schranzer.  

Talk with Industry Webinar Series View the series and register 

Various dates in May 

Students can join us and hear from alumni about their professional experiences after completing their studies at ACU. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates to find out what your future could hold with one of our degrees. 

Study at ACU Webinar: ACU Guarantee Early Offer, Entry Programs and Pathways Webinar (NSW/ACT/QLD) View the series and register 

Wednesday 22 July at 6.00pm – 6.45pm 

Students can get helpful advice about studying at ACU, how to apply, non-traditional pathways to uni, explore study options and hear from current students about what life is really like at ACU. 

Mark your calendars for our 2026 Open Day events: 

  • Blacktown Campus: Saturday 25 July at 10.00am- 2.00pm 
  • Strathfield Campus: Sunday 16 August at 10.00am – 2.00pm 
  • North Sydney Campus: Saturday 5 September at 10.00am –  2.00pm 
  • Canberra Campus: Saturday 12 September at 11.00am –  2.00pm 

Throughout 2026, UOW will be hosting a range of parent and carer webinars designed specifically for families to get the information, updates and confidence they need as they navigate the various stages of high school and the HSC. 

Webinars for families and schools to keep an eye out for in 2026 are listed below; 

  • Year 12 Parent & Carer Future Talk Series

    – 4 webinars hosted across 2026 designed to give families clarity, confidence and practical tools to navigate the year ahead.  

Register here: https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/schools-parents/parents-carers/future-talk/  

  • Year 11 Parent & Carer Webinar

    – 16th March (Registrations opening soon) 
  • Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar

    – 15th June (Registrations opening later in the year) 

Info Night series

On-campus and off-campus: March – April 2026 

Explore your future at the University of Sydney by joining one of our Info Nights, with dates available at venues in Western and Southwest Sydney, the Central Coast, and on campus. 

The events include two concurrent sessions tailored to students in Year 10 or Years 11–12.  The Year 10 session is interactive, helping students link strengths and interests to potential courses and offering clear guidance on subject selection. It also provides a high-level overview of admissions, entry schemes, pathways, fees, scholarships and support services, which are explored in greater depth during the Year 11–12 session. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with current University of Sydney students and alumni from various study areas and get advice on shaping your own study journey. The on-campus event will feature guided tours of the University.  

Dates and locations are available below:

Did you know, there are many pathways to studying law at the University of Sydney? Hear from current students who joined the law community at Sydney through an alternate pathway, such as transferring or studying graduate entry law.

Date: Wednesday 11 March
Time: 4 pm (AEDT) Register here

Discover your future in biomedicine and health

Wondering about a career in health or biomedicine? Or a path that leads to research, medicine, public health, or something entirely new? Join our webinar to uncover the possibilities with the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health, delivered at the heart of a world-class health and research hub at Westmead. Learn how this degree opens doors to careers in health, hospital services, and public health, and serves as a pathway to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health programs. Discover how this degree opens doors to exciting careers and future study options.

Date: Wednesday 18 March
Time: 4 pm (AEDT) Register here

If you’re a high achiever looking to kick-start a vibrant, successful career in accounting, the UTS Bachelor of Accounting is your perfect choice. A degree like no other, this cooperative scholarship program has been created in collaboration with leading industry partners, giving you the chance to connect with a range of invaluable professional opportunities throughout your studies.

What’s more, as a student in this exclusive program, you’ll receive scholarship funding of up to $18,000 per year, depending on your major and elective choices. With its practical focus, industry connections and customisable learning, this program is your passport to a lucrative future in the exciting world of professional accounting.

Applications for 2027 are now open. Visit the webpage here

Year 10, If  you are interested in the following “Try your Passion day” at Southern Cross Catholic College –  please email me with your expression of interest.

 

Join Tyson Day, Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator at Arrive and Thrive, for a practical and engaging session on how to spark meaningful career conversations at home.

In this webinar, you’ll discover:

  • Simple ways to positively influence your young person’s career decisions.
  • How to make sense of the future of work and explore options together.
  • How to use the GROW model to guide open, confident conversations about careers.

Everyone who joins will receive a Career Conversation Kit to get started right away.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1981687181706?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

 

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships