Student Spotlight
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) celebrated a significant milestone last week, as 29 students formally graduated from our Step into Teaching Scholarship Program.
The Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, acknowledged the recipients as they completed their scholarship journey. This milestone recognises their commitment and marks their entry into the Diocese of Wollongong’s growing community of Catholic educators.
The graduates were presented with their graduation certificates by Executive Director of Schools, Peter Hill, and Director - People and Culture, Natasha O’Donoghue.
Mr Hill addressed the recipients, acknowledging the significance of the milestone and noting that “teachers have an extraordinary ability to shape lives, and empowering young people is one of the great privileges of this vocation.”
He praised the graduates’ hard work, adding that each graduate has worked hard to blend theory with practical experience and deepen their commitment to Catholic pedagogy.
“Today’s celebration honours your achievements and the hope you hold for the future of our Catholic schools,” he said. “Go forth to teach, lead, and inspire—planting seeds of faith, hope, and learning that will flourish in the lives of your students and in our communities.”
Launched in 2020, the Step into Teaching Scholarship Program was created to nurture and support future Catholic educators who show a passion for teaching and a commitment to the mission and values of the diocese. Since its inception, it has supported nearly 100 students.
Inaugural cohort representative and scholarship recipient Sarah Schembri addressed her peers, reflecting on the program’s tangible impact on her first year of teaching.
“Reflecting now, as graduate teachers, we can truly see the difference this program has made,” she said. “It has set us apart from many of our university peers in terms of readiness, confidence, and understanding of the realities of teaching.”
She also highlighted the value of connection: “The relationships we formed across the diocese, and the familiarity we gained with schools, staff, and values, have made our first year as teachers incredibly positive.”
Sarah acknowledged the academic support she received through the program, noting the mentoring provided by Dr Jan Hutton, and expressed gratitude for Talent Pathways Officer Sherryn Moore.
“Sherryn helped us navigate every stage of our journey and always ensured we felt supported, informed, and connected. The spiritual and professional development opportunities she organised were enriching and helped us form a community of like-minded future teachers.”
Congratulations to all recipients. The Diocese of Wollongong is proud to support you.
