Graduate Stories
We are so proud of our school’s graduates and all of the things they are accomplishing on the local and global stages. Here are a few of their stories.
2018 Netball Graduate
Taylah K, studying Pre-Medical Science at USYD
After graduating, Taylah went to Griffith University on the Gold Coast to complete her Bachelor of Sport Development through an elite athlete scholarship program. We are incredibly proud that Taylah is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney studying a Bachelor of Science (Pre-Medical Science).
Taylah is a talented netball player and has played netball both locally and internationally, competing with the Netball USA team in 2019. She also represented Griffith University at the National Championships, was selected for the Netball QLD U19s State Squad and was contracted to play for the Bond University Bullsharks in the QLD Hart Sapphire Series competition.
“…I never thought it would be possible to have a successful academic and sporting career. [The school] provided support and a balanced curriculum that allowed me to focus on achieving academic excellence while providing the flexibility I needed to develop my elite netball career. Once I graduated I had the reassurance and confidence that I needed to make an easy transition from school to university.”
2017 Cricket Graduate
Bella C, Bachelor of Primary Education
After graduating in 2017, Bella received a full time permanent Student Learning Support Officer (SLSO) position with the Department of Education in a support unit at Randwick. In 2019, she accepted a position to study a Bachelor of Primary education full time at ACU in North Sydney based on classroom experience and references from work colleagues.
While completing her studies, Bella worked as an SLSO at Ultimo Public school and also began training for triathlons. In 2022, she was awarded female triathlete of the year in her club and qualified for the Half Ironman World Championships.
Bella has recently completed her third year of study and gained her teacher’s accreditation with NESA and approval to teach from the NSW Department of Education and Sydney Catholic Schools. She has just accepted her first teaching job with a Year 6 class at St Michaels Lane Cove.
“…it was a passionate and supportive environment that fostered relationships between students and staff. Knowing my teacher was there to fall back on, I approached new situations and found my teaching career through work placement opportunities. This allowed me to learn workplace skills that have positively impacted my career. [My teacher] encouraged mock interviews, sending emails, phone calls, traveling initiatives, and many more skills that have helped me come this far.”
2019 Netball Graduate
Kaitlyn S, Venue Operations Supervisor at Netball NSW
Kaitlyn graduated in 2019 and immediately gained employment with Netball NSW upon completion of her HSC. She began as a Metro Development Officer, which saw her delivering multiple netball programs across schools in Sydney. With this role, she was involved in the Schools Cup competitions, and – through COVID – the Virtual Schools Cup competitions.
Kaitlyn is currently employed as Netball NSW Venue Operations Supervisor, where she supervises the Netball Central venue during netball and volleyball events for state, national and international competitions.
She was recently involved in the local organising committee for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she was the Training Venue Coordinator for all 12 participating teams, interacting with international stakeholders and managing a team of volunteers for the duration of the competition
“Whilst I was working for the World Cup I found myself constantly telling people that without the opportunities I was presented [at school] I wouldn’t be where I am today. … I was able to network and give myself opportunities to take on roles and responsibilities that pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
2017 Cricket Graduate
Lachlan A, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Lachlan graduated in the school’s first cohort and gained entry to the Bachelor in Exercise & Sport Science at ACU through direct application to the university.
Since graduating, Lachlan has obtained internships at Newington College, Rugby Australia Women’s 7s, Parramatta Eels U20s and the Cricket NSW Junior 1st Grade Men and Women’s Squads, which has led to employment as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with Newington College and the Parramatta Eels Tarsha Gale Cup.
Lachlan is currently working for Ethos Performance as a Strength & Conditioning Coach and the Director of Team Sport.
“[My time at school] is where I was first given the freedom to explore my career interests. Completing placements in my desired area of work alongside learning professional skills at school opened a world of opportunity upon leaving school and equipped me with the skills I needed to take the opportunities that presented to me. “
2020 Soccer Graduate
Cooper H, Professional Soccer Player
While studying with us, Cooper played for the Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the first NPL1 Grand Final held at Bankwest Stadium. He also played for the Marconi Stallions NPL1 U20s First Grade.
After graduating in 2020, Cooper moved to Madrid and signed for Aravaca CF U19s La Liga for a season. He then signed with CD Leganes U21, but was ultimately scouted by and signed with Fuenlabrada U23s (B Team). While he was with Fuenlabrada, he played against Athletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and other La Liga Academies.
Cooper moved back to Australia for the 2022 football season, and has signed with an NPL1 First Team. Using the business skills he learned at school, he’s also started a Football Coaching and Mentoring business, and continues to build a clothing business that he started while overseas.
In the next 12 months Cooper will be signing overseas again and will also be playing football for Cameroon in Afcon.
“Like we used to say in our class, we aren’t your average school but that’s because we aren’t average – we are excellent! Education is great, but you need to be taught about life, and handed the opportunity to thrive, and that is [what you get]”
2020 Cricket Graduate
Taylah W, studying Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania
While studying with us, Taylah was captain of the Brewer Shield Team for the Universities Women’s Cricket Club and secured a work placement with Cricket NSW. After graduating, she gained entry to the University of Western Sydney via direct application and was also offered an amazing opportunity to be employed with Cricket NSW as a Community Cricket Officer.
Due to injuries, Taylah has not been able to continue her sporting career as a Cricketer, but she is grateful for the opportunities and experience she received at Cricket NSW. Her coaching skills allowed her to use her skills and knowledge to help others, which helped her to realise her passion for Aged Care.
Taylah has been working as a Leisure & Lifestyle Officer at a nursing home in Sylvania. This role involves encouraging all residents to participate in activities, assessing social and emotional needs, and making changes to their lifestyle care plans when necessary. She is currently studying Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania and is intending to progress into a career as a Dementia Consultant.
“My time [at school] helped me gain confidence in myself, taught me many vital career/life skills and just how much I am capable of in terms of learning and growing.“
2020 Rabbitohs Graduate
Bienne T, Elite Sportswoman and Wallaroo
BB is an accomplished sportsperson and while completing the HSC, she captained the Australian Youth 7s team at the 2019 World Schools 7s tournament in NZ and was named Tournament MVP.
Since graduating, BB was named in the Senior Australian 7s Team for the 2021-2022 International 7s series and made her senior debut for Australia at the 2022 Spain 7s in Malaga.
BB was named in the Wallaroos squad having commenced in the starting lineup in the second test against NZ and on debut scored two tries.
“[This school] enabled me to combine my education and sporting goals and gave me the flexibility to schedule my workload around my rugby commitments, helping me achieve success both academically and in sports. I am very grateful.”
2019 Rabbitohs Graduate
Matt S, Strength & Conditioning Coach at ISCA and part-time university student
Matt relocated from Scone to Sydney by himself to complete his HSC. While studying with us, he secured a work placement with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
After graduating, Matt received a scholarship from the International Sports College of Australia (ISCA) to complete a diploma in High Performance Sports Management. In addition to his diploma, Matt has also completed his ASCA Level 1, Sports Trainer Level 1 and Certificates III & IV in Fitness.
Matt is now employed with ISCA as a Strength & Conditioning Coach and continues to work for the NRL’s South Sydney Rabbitohs. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science part-time at the University of Technology Sydney and plans on attaining a Master’s Degree in Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy and High Performance Sport.
“[My time at school] exceeded my expectations by accelerating my learning in the sports industry, enhancing my individual growth and work-life skills while providing the necessary opportunities to forge a clear career and education path to obtain university acceptance, sporting internships, create networking relationships, and then successfully gain employment.”
2020 AFL Graduate
Kai W, 1st Grade AFL
Kai is currently in his second year of a building apprenticeship and is playing first grade AFL for Ganmian Grong Grong Matong (GGGM), the 2022 Premiership winners. He has just bought his first puppy, a mini dachshund named Dixie.
“Without [this school] I would have never completed my HSC and had the sporting and social opportunities or cultural connections that I was offered during years 11 and 12.”
– Kai W
“[This was the] best decision we ever made regarding education – every part [of the school] is supportive, professional, encapsulates the whole person and ensures individual education is delivered. We will be forever grateful to the Principal, Kate, and his teacher. Above and beyond at every step of the way.”
– Toni W, parent
2018 Rabbitohs Graduate
Isaac M, studying Health Science at Western Sydney Uni
After graduating in 2018, Isaac went on to enrol in a Bachelor of Health Science with a major in Sports Exercise at Western Sydney University. To support his studies, Isaac is working part-time in the revenue department at StarTrack.
Isaac’s Fijian culture is important to him, and he is a proud member of a Meke group – a dance and cultural group that shares Fijian culture with the wider community. In his spare time, Isaac is chasing his dream of fighting in the UFC and trains regularly in MMA.
“[I was] helped to prepare for the workplace whilst studying which allowed me to transition better to life after school. [The school] also fostered my interest and passion for health and sport allowing me to make post-school study and career choices that align with my values and dreams.”
Isaac M, graduate
“As parents of children who completed their studies [here] I am ever so grateful to Kate and all the staff. It really changed the outcomes for both [children] and everyone was so supportive of them and the family when we were working through some very difficult times.”
Renae M, parent
2021 Soccer Graduate
Aleyna A, Exploring Her Options
Aleyna applied to Western Sydney Uni using the Schools Recommendation Scheme while finishing her HSC and received an offer to study a double degree in Community and Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Social Work. She later decided not to pursue this pathway straight out of school and instead, took up a Project Management traineeship with Transport NSW.
Aleyna has always had a keen interest in law enforcement and is currently seeking a full time job with the NSW Police Force while looking at future options for study. Martial arts have always been an outlet for Aleyna, and she continues to upskill herself in the higher levels of karate.
Aleyna would like to offer future students one piece of advice:
“Do not rush the process of making a decision, allow yourself time to grow and excel at your own pace, do not compare other people’s experiences and achievements to yours and most importantly always remember to be the best version of yourself!”
