Over three days in April, Tara Bennett and I joined 18 passionate Year 10 students from Caroline Chisholm College, Menai High School, Hurlstone Ag High, St Greg's College, Cherrybrook Technology High School, Gosford High School, Colo High School, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College and Bede Polding College at a camp run by the University of Western Sydney (UWS) Hawkesbury Campus and the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS).
We were allocated to teams of 3, loaned an iPad and engaged in tutorials on using the iPad and iMovie app. After some fun and bonding, we learnt about new innovations in farming and refined our video skills prior to boarding a bus for the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
We experienced the Carriers Expo to gain inspiration to create a unique and creative iMovie in order to promote agriculture to teenagers visiting the Sydney Royal Easter Show and in schools. Developing the idea and concepts for our video concepts was quite challenging and thought provoking.
On the second day it was an early 5.30am start, so that we could get to the Show in time to have a Google Hang Out with New York which was put on YouTube, have a look!
The experience was pretty cool, we heard firsthand about the agriculture initiatives that were happening in New York and we had a chance to share what was happening in Australian agriculture. Following breakfast, we went to the technology section of the Woolworths Dome to learn about new technologies in agriculture such as the Felix Weber's Swinglet flying wing camera that can fly for 30 minutes and return to its launch point without aid (it is computer controlled).
The unit weighs 500 grams with an airframe made of Styrofoam. It’s battery powered and carries a 150-gram NIR (near infra red) capable camera. The time had now arrived to engage in our planning/filming activity before moving to a chocolate workshop. We didn’t just eat chocolate, we learnt about how chocolate is made, where it comes from, what ingredients does or should go into chocolates and how the cacao beans are farmed, and yes we did get to eat the chocolate but we went through some steps to access the chocolate.
Day three started with the final editing of our iMovie’s ready for presentation to our peers, April Browne and Chris Vella (the USW supervisors for the camp) and our parents. When the camp was over and we had to say goodbye, I was sad and wanted the camp to never end but I knew that I had friends for life.
Both videos above were produced by Caroline Chisholm College students.
Laura Feeney | Year 10 Student
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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07 Dec 2023
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24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
It was a fascinating look behind the scenes of film and TV production when Ms Devlin's Year 10 class took part in a film shoot to promote the UNSW School of Economics’ 2026 STEP UP Playconomics Competition. Our College will be offering this opportunity to students in Years 10–12 later this year when the competition opens - especially those studying Commerce and Business Studies - so it was a great preview of what’s to come! One of College Alumnae, Sophie McLaughlin (Year 12, 2025) was the 2024 national winner - finishing in the top 0.5% of students across Australia. A huge thank-you to Mike and Nash from StoryStack for helping bring this together on behalf of the UNSW STEP UP Team and the UNSW Business School – School of Economics (Loretti Isabella Dobrescu and Alberto Motta). What an exciting learning experience for our students!
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today our Year 12 Hospitality students travelled into the Sydney CBD to complete the practical component of their Barista course. This course is designed to put theory into practice, requiring students to confidently: ✔️ Greet customers professionally ✔️ Take accurate orders ✔️ Ask clarifying questions ✔️ Suggest suitable choices based on customer preferences ✔️ Prepare and serve quality espresso coffee Each student had access to their own commercial coffee machine and grinder, giving them authentic, hands-on industry experience. It was fantastic to see them working independently, applying their knowledge, and refining their milk texturing, extraction and presentation skills. Experiences like this strengthen their confidence, build real-world service skills, and prepare them for employment pathways within the hospitality industry. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and focus they demonstrated today! 👏☕️
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 9 Sport Ag Club students recently took part in an exciting Amazing Race challenge around the farm! Students navigated their way across different checkpoints, applying teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills while completing a variety of practical farm-based tasks. From physical challenges to agricultural jobs, the race tested both their fitness and their knowledge of the farm environment.
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Year 11 Ancient History participated in an activity where they explored the types of jewellery worn by people of different cultures in the Ancient period. This activity is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of how archaeologists and historians use material culture to reconstruct the past and interpret ancient societies. The students enjoyed the experience and recognised the challenge for ancient craftspeople in having to create these items for use in their time.
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We invite you to come along and discover firsthand why students thrive at Caroline Chisholm College. Self guided tours along with the Principal's address scheduled at 3:45 pm & 4:45 p.m. Accepting applications for 2027 & 2028 on the night For more information, please contact the college at (02) 4737 5500. REGISTER NOW: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/cccglenmorepark#form-section
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Get ready to turn up the volume! Our house chants are officially locked in and ready to echo across the pool at the Swimming Carnival tomorrow! We can’t wait to hear each house bring the energy, pride and passion on the day. Start practising, bring the hype, and get ready to chant loud and proud for your house! https://youtu.be/BDF1AU332w8
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
At Caroline Chisholm College, we’re proud to stand together as students and staff to celebrate International Women's Day 2026 and this year’s theme: Balance the Scales. It’s a powerful reminder that every girl and woman deserves to feel safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. If barriers holding young women back can be built - then together, we can break them down. Next week, we’re marking the occasion with a full calendar of excursions, events and initiatives involving our whole College community. This International Women’s Day is just the beginning. Together, we’re balancing the scales of injustice and shaping a fairer future today, and every day.
23 Feb 2026
From Facebook
A group of our senior students had an awesome day at the Year 12 Fast Forward Conference at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South campus! The “Beyond Year 12” event was packed with motivating speakers and hands-on workshops that really helped students think about their future study and career options. It was a great chance to get inspired and feel more confident about life after school. Huge thanks to WSU for providing yet another invaluable opportunity to support our students as they prepare for their next chapter!
23 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we welcomed back Michael Basan from SEDA Group, along with one of his star graduates (and one of ours!), Georgia Calderwood, for an inspiring Lunch and Learn session that will help our students kick-start their careers through the Dual Diploma Program in Sport and Business. SEDA’s industry-driven qualifications are developed in partnership with leading sporting organisations across Australia, including the Penrith Panthers, Netball NSW, and the Western Sydney Wanderers. Students learned how they can break into this exciting sector, gain knowledge from top industry professionals and explore a wide range of career pathways. They also heard Georgia share her amazing journey - including how her qualifications from SEDA in 2025 helped launch her stellar career with Netball NSW. Thank you Michael and Georgia for spending time with our students today — we always love hosting you at our College!
23 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What better way to launch into the third year of our signature Lunch & Learn Guest Speaker Series than with an inspiring look into the exciting learning and career pathways offered by Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)! A huge thank you to Emily for giving our students a fantastic, in-depth overview of the world of 3D animation, game design, film and VFX. It was wonderful to learn about the many career and learning pathway opportunities available - from Bachelor Degrees and Advanced Diplomas to specialised short courses. With such an incredible turnout, it’s clear our students are excited to explore how they can build the skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic and creative industry. Thank you, Emily, for sharing your expertise, guidance and passion with our students - and Isabel in Year 8 for sharing her reflections in our video. What an inspiring way to start the year!
22 Feb 2026
From Facebook
This week our Year 11 Hosp1 students stepped into the industrial kitchen for their very first practical lesson — and what a fantastic start! Dressed professionally in their new blacks, students arrived ready to learn, listened carefully, and showed a real desire to do their best. 👏 During the lesson, they prepared paprika pita chips and fresh salsa while focusing on the foundations of hospitality: 🔪 Safe and hygienic kitchen practices 🧼 Clean-as-you-go routines 🔪 Knife skills 🍽️ Plating and presentation It was wonderful to see students working responsibly and supporting each other as they developed their practical skills. A strong first step towards becoming confident hospitality professionals!
21 Feb 2026
From Facebook
As part of their Farm Fresh to Frying Pan unit of work, Yr 7 students have been preparing the garden beds and planting seeds and seedlings. This hands-on experience helps students understand the full journey of food production — from planting and growing, through to harvesting and preparing fresh ingredients in the kitchen.
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