Student Spotlight
Six top-performing graduates from secondary Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Wollongong have taken their first steps toward a career in teaching. Inspired by the impact of their own educators, these students were recently honoured at a formal scholarship presentation by Bishop Brian Mascord, and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Deputy Director, Tim Gilmour.
The scholarship presentation was more than a formal ceremony; it was a chance for parents to share in the success of their children. As Bishop Brian and Tim Gilmour presented the awards, a strong sense of gratitude and pride filled the room, recognising the vital role families have played in supporting these future educators throughout their schooling journey.
The following students have been officially welcomed into the Step into Teaching Scholarship Program for 2026:
- Claire Small – St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park
- Samantha Essex – St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park
- Syona Miranda – St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
- Jack Teteris – Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
- Aaron Sojan – St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown
- Harper Davidson – St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Wollongong
Launched in 2020, CEDoW’s Step into Teaching program aims to encourage high-performing graduates to pursue a career in education. Now in its sixth year, the initiative has created a pipeline of over 100 future teachers within the Diocese.
Each successful applicant receives:
- $20,000 towards the cost of their tertiary education degrees
- Academic mentor support
- Part-time employment as a school support officer during their studies
- A three-year conditional permanent teaching position within a CEDoW school upon graduation
For Claire Small, St Benedict’s Catholic College graduate, the Step into Teaching Scholarship has given her a meaningful kick-start to a journey that began in Kindergarten.
“This scholarship will ease some of the financial pressure of university, allowing me to focus fully on my studies for primary teaching. The opportunity to engage in school support officer work across the Diocese will help me to build my classroom skills, so that when I graduate and have a class of my own, I feel prepared for both the challenges and the many rewarding moments that lay ahead.”
CEDoW is also celebrating a three year partnership with Australian Catholic University (ACU) through the Step Up into Teaching (SUIT) Program. This initiative allows Year 11 students to fast-track their careers by completing two units of their first-year teaching degree, while still in secondary school.
CEDoW is proud to sponsor the following seven SUIT recipients:
- Zoe Meic – Mount Carmel Catholic College, Varroville
- Gabriel Varenica – St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park
- Mia Huynh – St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park
- Jorjen Kalodikis – St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
- Emily Denford – St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park
- Tori Martin – St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra
- Giann Johnstone – Corpus Christi Catholic College, Oak Flats
By successfully completing these units, students have secured automatic admission into ACU for 2027. This head start not only reduces their future university workload but also provides invaluable insight into campus life and the rewarding career that awaits them.
Learn more here about how CEDoW supports students and graduates to grow their careers in Catholic education through scholarships, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
