A love of teaching – along with the offer of financial and academic support and a guaranteed role at a Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) school – were the inspiration for recent CEDoW Catholic school graduates Morgan White, Monique Fenech, Sarah Schembri, Samuel Franklin and Bowe-Armanii Smith, who officially accepted positions in CEDoW’s new Step Into Teaching Scholarship Program last week. 

Each scholarship recipient will receive: 

• $20,000 towards the cost of their tertiary studies in primary or secondary education at a Catholic university, plus additional contribution to living away from home costs; 

• The possibility of employment as a classroom School Support Officer while they study; and

• At least three years in a Conditionally Permanent Teaching position in the Diocese of Wollongong once they graduate.

Dr Jan Hutton from University of Wollongong will act as an academic mentor providing additional academic and moral support to the scholarship recipients throughout the course of their studies, nurturing both their teaching abilities and spiritual formation. 

At a COVID-safe ceremony to recognise the achievements of the five alumni, Director of Schools Mr Peter Hill, addressed the aspiring teachers and said there is nothing more powerful than liberating the hearts, minds and spirits of young people and watching them thrive. 

“I want to thank you for their commitment to teaching. I hope you develop a deep affection for Catholic education that continues to grow. As you take this leap of faith into the unknown I want to remind you that you are not alone in this journey” — Peter Hill, Director of Schools

Find out more about CEDoW's Step Into Teaching Scholarships here.
 

About our 2021 scholarship recipients...

MORGAN WHITE - PRIMARY TEACHING, ACU STRATHFIELD 

(Graduate of St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park)

“This scholarship offers security with a guaranteed job at the end of university, which would not have been available if I had not received the scholarship. It also means I have access to extra academic support if I am struggling, unlike other students enrolled in the course. I’m hoping to develop skills and experience along the way that will prepare me for life in the classroom.”

MONIQUE FENECH - PRIMARY TEACHING,  ACU STRATHFIELD 

(Graduate of Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan)

“I’m very excited to have the financial support and not have to stress as much about how to pay uni fees or work as much during exam periods. I’m really looking forward to being able to get into the classroom with the kids while I’m studying.” 

SARAH SCHEMBRI - PRIMARY TEACHING, NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY

(Graduate of Holy Spirit College, Bellambi)

“I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with CEDoW throughout my university career and my life as a teacher. I attended a Catholic primary and secondary school and have always wanted to get into teaching. I can’t wait to see the long-lasting impact I can have on students by teaching them fundamental skills and implementing their faith into their daily lives.”

SAMUEL FRANKLIN- PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHING, ACU STRATHFIELD

(Graduate of Holy Spirit College, Bellambi)

“I always knew I wanted to teach and work in a Catholic school. I’m really excited about the Conditionally Permanent Teaching position offered at the end of my study.”

 BOWE-ARMANII SMITH - PRIMARY TEACHING, ACU STRATHFIELD

(Graduate of Corpus Christi Catholic College, Oak Flats)

The scholarship has opened a lot of doors and opportunities for me. I’m looking forward to learning different ways of teaching and supporting different people. The school support officer role is an amazing opportunity to sit in a classroom and learn from experienced teachers. I was inspired to get into teaching by my little brother who has additional learning needs. I've seen the difference that good teachers have made to his learning.”

We congratulate our scholarship winners and wish them all the very best as they pave their future in education.

Catholic schools are enrolling now. If you’d like to know more about the diverse faith and learning opportunities our primary and secondary schools can offer your son or daughter, please contact your local Catholic school.