Beyond Sacred Heart is a program designed to further prepare students for future endeavours. This year was the 12th time this program had been conducted and covered a range of activities, culminating in mock interviews on Friday 17th November.

On Monday 13th November, two former students discussed their journey since leaving Sacred Heart. The first of these presenters, Casey Beath, has worked extensively overseas in postings for the Australian Government and the second, Mikayla Sheahan, is currently studying Medicine at University, whilst also being involved in recruiting future university students. We then developed cover letters and resumes for their interviews on Friday. Mr Mark Gash from the Commonwealth Bank discussed banking options with the students, including loan application processes, managing credit cards and bank accounts successfully, and an outline of the impact of a poor credit rating.

On Tuesday 14th Nov, the students shared breakfast at E’Claires. After breakfast, students walked to either Jak+Jill’s or Deep’s Clothing to learn about appropriate attire to wear to a job interview.

Upon returning to school Mr Bill Godman and Miss Ella Ronning addressed the students on behalf of the Country Education Foundation regarding the assistance that is available to students as they continue their education or undertake work-based training.

Following this Mrs Cath Alderman and Mrs Leanne Parkman, the Stage Six Career Coordinators from Cootamundra High and Hennessy Catholic College respectively, presented information regarding their roles, subject selection, University admissions, TAFE and apprenticeship pathways and scholarship advice.

Jorja Holder and Chris Ryan from Fleming’s Real Estate presented information on renting accommodation, paying bonds and the legalities involved. The rest of the day was allocated to completing resumes, curriculum vitae (CV), and cover letters.

On Wednesday 15th Nov, the morning was devoted to learning and practising interview skills. In the afternoon, Mrs Jodie McPherson presented information on hair care and general grooming. This was followed by a session on applying suitable makeup for an interview, ironing shirts, cleaning shoes, and organising their attire for Friday morning.

On Thursday 16th Nov, students had a food challenge, for which they had to prepare and cook their lunch on a budget of $6 per person. Then they attended a session with Mr Paul Thompson and Mrs Andrew Alderman, on basic routine mechanical tasks associated with driving. Each student completed a checklist of tasks.

On Friday 17th in the morning, the interviews were held. The interviews were face-to-face and conducted at the school or in the Presbytery. Each student was allocated two interviews in the career areas they had selected. We assembled panels that included local professionals and business owners as well as others from Melbourne, Albury, Canberra, Wagga, and Sydney. After the interviews, we shared a morning tea with the panelists to allow further discussions and networking in a more relaxed environment.

The week concluded with the annual staff versus student volleyball challenge. Congratulations to Year 10 for a classy performance.

Thank you to Ms McGlynn and Mrs Deep for being the interview receptionists and grading the students on their presentation and manners.

We would like to thank all the community members and staff who were involved in making the program so successful and the students for treating the experience as a lifelong and valuable learning opportunity.

Good luck to Year 10 for your future endeavours and life Beyond Sacred Heart.