Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

OLM Careers Newsletter can be accessed here.

Sutherland Shire Year 12 Careers Information Day

Last Thursday our Year 12 students attended the Sutherland Shire Careers Information Day. This is an expo organised by the careers advisers of the Sutherland Shire to support our Year 12 students as they prepare to transition from school to work, university or other training. With almost 100 exhibitors, it is a valuable event with something for everyone. As it is targeted at Year 12, students can easily discuss their needs by finding out about things such as Early Entry, Scholarships, cut-off dates etc. 

Year 12 – Future Teacher Scholarship 

Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to offer an academic teaching scholarship in 2026 for high-performing Year 12 students at our school.

Future Teacher Scholarship – Applications Now Open

Offered is up to $20,000 in financial support over four years plus a one-off $2,000 upfront payment to get you started. Many other features and benefits to this scholarship can be found at the above link.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Year 11 – Step up into Teaching

Step Up Into Teaching (SUiT) is an Australian Catholic University (ACU) early entry program. It provides Year 11 students considering a career in teaching the opportunity to:

  • Experience learning in a university environment.
  • Study two University-level units while completing their school studies.
  • Qualify to receive a conditional offer to study a Bachelor of Education degree at ACU.
  • Receive credit for the units completed, HECS-free.

You will also gain real world experience of university learning skills such as referencing, study skills and navigating a university campus. This might help you decide if university studies are right for you.

Applications are now open and close 15 May 2026.

Work Experience

All Year 10 should have now received their information packs for Work Experience. If a student was absent during the presentation, please see me to obtain a pack. Any questions regarding work experience, please contact me.

EMPOWER Lunches

Empower lunches began this week. Different speakers will attend during lunch time to discuss their occupation in a casual, informal way with students from any year group. This is a great way for students to hear about the day-to-day duties of a role, and the different ways to enter that role, from someone still working.

It is also a fabulous networking opportunity for students to develop connections they may not otherwise have. All students are welcome.

Monday – 4 May HR and small business management

This was our first Empower Lunch of the year. A huge thank you to Mrs Kelly Salmon for taking the time to discuss with our students the career of HR and the important aspects to running a small business. The girls had some fantastic questions, and greatly appreciated the time Kelly gave to them.

Upcoming Empower Lunches at OLM

Tuesday 2 June – Mirvac – Construction and Project management

Monday 15 June – Paramedicine (UTas discussing their Sydney based talk)

TBC UOW Student discussing the pre-med degree and the options it offers

If you are interested in assisting with a casual half hour chat to our students about your position, I would love to hear from you. Please email lisa.formica@syd.catholic.edu.au.

UOW

2026 EmpowerHER Applications Open. The University of Wollongong, with support from Bluescope, is excited to announce the return of the EmpoweHER STEM Summit in 2026. Students will explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) at UOW’s Wollongong Campus, enjoying interactive activities, and a Bluescope Steel site tour alongside faculty, current students, and local industry representatives. 

Dates: Tuesday 7 July & Wednesday 8 July 2026

Who Can Attend? Female students in Years 10, 11, & 12 who are passionate about STEM!  (Year 7 to 9 student program applications open October 2026). Registration Closes: 19 June 2026

Cost: $120 per student for the two-day event. Application Here

UOW Early Admission Dates Confirmed

UOW Early Admission applications will open 9am Monday 15 June 2026, and close 5pm Friday 7 August 2026. A dedicated UOW Early Admission ‘Ace your Application’ Webinar will be held online on Monday 29 June 2026 for students and families. Find more information and register here

Upcoming UOW 2026 Parent & Carer Webinars 

  • Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar – 7pm, 15 June: Register Here
  • Year 12 Parent & Carer Future Talk Series – 4 x webinars hosted across 2026 designed to give families clarity, confidence and practical tools to navigate the year ahead: Register Here  

University of Sydney

  • Year 10 Info Night: 11 June – This session is designed to support students as they navigate the subject selection process and prepare for their pathway to university. It will explore a range of important topics, including what to consider when choosing subjects for Years 11 and 12, how subject choices can influence adjustment factors, what the ATAR is and how it is calculated, prerequisites and assumed knowledge, tips for university admission and scholarships, and first‑hand insights from current students about their own subject selection experiences and transition to university.
  • Year 11 and 12 Info Night: 16 June 2026 – Learn everything you need to know about the University of Sydney, including university entry, scholarships, study options, entry pathways, student support services and more. Undergraduate events will be published on the link soon.
  • Indigenous futures at the University of Sydney: Westmead Open Night is holding an on campus event: 13 May 2026, 5–7 pm (AEST). Register here
  • The information evening to study Medicine at Sydney University is on Wednesday, 6 May at 4 pm (AEST)Register here
  • Women in Engineering Scholarship Information Night on Wednesday 3 June 2026, 5–8 pm (AEST) Register here

Western Sydney University

The 2026 Discover Western webinar series featured webinars aimed at Educators, Parents and Students. Watch the webinars on demand to hear all about our early offer program, alternative entry, Scholarships and student life. Register here

  • Discover Western – For Parents and Supporters: Your Role and How You Can Help Guide Them to University | Monday 4 May, 7:00pm
  • Discover Western – Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offers | Tuesday 9 June, 5:00pm
  • Discover Western – Uni Life, and Making the Most of Your Time At Uni | Tuesday 28 July, 5:00pm
  • Discover Western – Scholarships | Tuesday 18 August, 5:00pm

UNSW

UNSW Engineering Work Experience Programs | EOIs close 10 May

UNSW Engineering’s Year 10 Work Experience Programs will be offered from 19–23 October 2026. Students will be able to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for either Chemical Engineering or Solar & Renewable Energy Engineering. These programs provide students with practical, hands-on insight into what it’s like to study and work in these engineering fields. More information here

Australian Catholic University

  • Australia Catholic University – Talk with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists: Wednesday 6 May 2026, 6.00pm–6.45pm Think physio is just sports injuries or OT is only for the elderly? Think again. From paediatrics to neurological rehab, women’s health to community care — these careers go further than you’d expect. Join ACU alumni as they share where their degrees took them. Visit: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/future-student-events/talk-with.
  • UTS Bachelor of Accounting Information Evening Designed for high‑achieving school leavers, the UTS Bachelor of Accounting with a cooperative education scholarship prepares future business leaders. This multi‑skilled degree focuses on accounting and financial management. The webinar will be held on Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 6.00pm. https://www.uts.edu.au/events/bachelor-of-accounting-information-evening.
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) Women in Policing and Protection – Online Information Session | Tuesday 12 May Discover a legendary career with the AFP by registering for this online information session. The session features female officers from national policing, ACT policing, protective services and the recruitment team. Hear about their experiences, career opportunities and benefits, and offer advice on the application process. Register now at https://www.afp.gov.au/jobs/events.
  • Australia Catholic University – Talk with Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics: Wednesday 13 May 2026, 6.00pm–6.45pm Nursing is more than a ward round — think ICU, Emergency, Oncology, Cardiology. Midwifery means delivering personalised, specialist care at life’s most profound moments. And paramedicine? High-stakes pre-hospital care and rapid decision-making that makes a real difference. Hear from ACU graduates and find out where these careers can take you. Visit: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/future-student-events/talk-with.

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships