Shannen Lobo at NYSF
The National Youth Science Forum is a two week forum, catering for students entering Year 12 with a keen interest in science.
In January this year, I was fortunate to attend the forum myself in Canberra, along with 150 other enthusiastic students from across Australia and from as far as Canada, Germany and New Zealand.
My experience, held at the Australian National University, was a very informative, engaging, motivating and a highly enjoyable journey. During this time, I was placed in a Chemistry interest group. We attended various sites including NASA’s tracking station, the ANU Chemistry and Physics centre, Geoscience Australia, CSIRO, Questacon and even a therapeutics testing centre.
Despite being in a chemistry group, we were exposed to other areas as well, enabling an insight to the numerous possibilities of science. We also took part in debates and attended lectures from university professionals, scientists and various staff members, who made the experience both valuable and entertaining.
Apart from the remarkable science experience, we had evenings for socialising including a bush dance, a science relay quiz and a science disco. The friendships, networking and enthusiasm experienced throughout the trip was definitely one to remember and continue through life.
There are many programs this forum has enabled me to now apply for and attend, including the Next Step programs, held in major cities of Australia as well as International Science Forums, held in a variety of countries. These programs offer the opportunity to further develop my interests (in health science) and without the NYSF, I would not have been able to consider them.
I have taken away invaluable knowledge and memories and look forward to more opportunities which both challenge and encourage me to lead in the future of science and our wider community. There is so much to learn in science, visible all around you. If you are passionate about it, get involved, make the most out of opportunities and aspire to be one of Australia’s scientists. For me, this truly was an experience of a lifetime.
Shannen Lobo - Year 12 Chemistry student
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
07 Dec 2023
Join our Alumni Association
Former and current staff and students are invited to register today!
Instagram | CCC
Latest News More news
25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Caroline Chisholm College was proud to be part of the Warragamba ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service today. With a wonderful turnout of 60 students and staff, our college community showed great respect and gratitude as we honoured the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. A special thank you to our School Captain, Olivia A, and our Year 7 representative, Diya K, who laid a wreath on behalf of the college. You represented us with dignity and pride. Lest we forget.
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Our College ANZAC service was carefully prepared by Elective History students who did a wonderful job in helping our community honour Australia's military personnel, past and present. Each Homeroom group acknowledged one chosen individual and create rows of poppies, reflecting Flanders Fields. Army Cadet Jasmine R proudly filled the role of flag bearer, and even created a floral wreath of crocheted poppies to add a special touch to our ceremony. Lest We Forget.
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we have welcomed our calves ๐๐ for the Schools Calf Raising Competition at this yearโs Penrith Show, sponsored by Leppington Pastoral Company. They are just settling in and have been active and a little bit noisy as they get used to their new feeding routine ๐ผ โ moo! ๐ฎ They will be well looked after by Yr 9 Ag, Primary Industries and the Ag Show Team students.
21 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Caroline Chisholm sent three teams to the All Schools OzTag Championships at the Kingsway at the end of term 1. We are delighted to report that the girls had a wonderful day with the Senior girls team coming away undefeated and Champions for the region. The Junior girls making the Grand final, but unfortunately going down to Gilroy and the Intermediate girls making the semi-finals. The girls are to be congratulated for their effort, sportsmanship and teamwork. We wish the junior and senior girls' teams the best as they progress on to the next stage of the competition.
21 Apr 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic start to our College Athletics Carnival! The day kicked off with the Year 12s bringing the energy in the 100m race , followed by some impressive performances in the high jump. We truly couldnโt ask for better conditions - the weather is absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere is buzzing! Itโs wonderful to see our students getting involved, supporting one another, and enjoying the spirit of friendly competition. Looking forward to an amazing day ahead!
20 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Key Information โ Athletics Carnival ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ Students will attend normal Homeroom at school before travelling by bus to Blacktown International Sportspark. All students will return to school by bus and be back in time for normal 2:40pm dismissal. Any travel exceptions must have prior approval. ๐ What to wear: Students are encouraged to wear their House colours or College sports uniform. No singlets or midriff tops. Clothing with writing must be appropriate. โ๏ธ Sun Safety: Students must be sun smart. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and long sleeve shirts are strongly recommended. ๐ Food: Students should bring their own morning tea, lunch and drinks. A canteen will also be available (cash or card only โ no phone payments). ๐ Medication: Please ensure any required medication (e.g. asthma puffer, EpiPen) is brought on the day and sighted by staff before departure. ๐ก Afternoon pick-up: Students may be collected by a parent/carer after signing out with their Homeroom teacher during roll call. Collection must occur by 1:45pm. At 2:00pm buses depart back to school and there is no supervision after this time. Any student not collected will return to school by bus. ๐ต Mobile phones: Not permitted for use during the day, in line with normal school rules. ๐ฒ Full details are available on Compass.
20 Apr 2026
From Facebook
The Goat Team are on fire! It was a fantastic few days surrounded by Angora goats at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The students were busy showing the Stud goats from Cullbookie Angora Stud on Monday with Debbie giving them expert advice for out in the ring. That meant Kelsey, Cassandra, Matilda, Addison, Kirrily and Charlotte were in and out of the ring all day parading wonderful examples of angoras. This helped prepare them for the paraders competitions Tuesday with Matilda, Addison and Kirrily in the ring and then our Young Judges Charlotte, Matilda and Kirrily participating in Angora goat and fleece judging. Charlotte made it to the top 9 out of 22 competitors and spoke in the ring to he judge about her placings. One of our wethers was placed 5th out of all the school wethers in the ring and then the day culminated with the Schools Competition Presentations in the ring about raising our angoras at school. Cass and Charlotte did the team proud with a lovely presentation on behalf of the team and ..........the school was awarded Champion for the Schools Presentation! Well done to all involved in the preparation of the goats at school and the presentation!
20 Apr 2026
From Facebook
During the school holidays, two of our Year 10 students, Nathania and Isabel, had the exciting opportunity to attend the NextGen Engineering Day hosted by Qantas at their Sydney Headquarters in Mascot. Held in the James Strong Auditorium, the day brought together a range of guest speakers - from current engineers to recruitment professionals - who shared valuable insights into what itโs really like to work in engineering at Qantas, and the pathways to get there. Nathania and Isabel also got hands-on, taking part in mini challenges and activities designed to showcase the kind of work Qantas engineers do every day. It was an inspiring experience that offered a real-world glimpse into the aviation industry and future career possibilities. A big thank you to Georgie Dunstan and the Qantas Early Talent Team for extending this wonderful opportunity to our students!
19 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Term 2 commences tomorrow, Monday 20 April. Students are required to attend in full winter uniform, including blazer. A reminder that the College Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday 21 April. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Browse Categories