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
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
The Class of 2026 experienced a special event like no other today. Now in its third year, the Year 12 Careers High Tea is a signature event and a highlight of the College calendar, celebrating six decades of accomplished alumnae and the diverse career paths they’ve forged. Held exclusively for Year 12, our High Tea is designed to inspire students as they begin their HSC journey, offering real-world insights and encouragement from women who share a special bond across the years. The engaging forum featured keynote speaker Professor Emeritus Margot Kearns — our College's first ever Captain — alongside a panel of six remarkable graduates who shared stories of leadership, resilience and success. We were also pleased and honoured to welcome our special guests from CSPD and the Western Weekender. More than just an event, the Careers High Tea continues to embody the College’s spirit of sisterhood, connection and aspiration. We sincerely thank these amazing women for generously sharing their time, wisdom and experiences with our students: Chantelle Al-Khouri (Class of 2016), Lauren Bozic (Class of 2014), Sam Arnold (Class of 2015), Margot Kearns (Class of 1977), Corinne Duffy (Class of 2000) and Emily Thomas (Class of 2003).
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 9 Food Technology students are rising to the challenge this term — planning, baking, and presenting their own celebration cake as part of their 'Food for Special Occasions' Common Task. To help them refine their skills, they were thrilled to take part in a hands-on workshop with Saoirse Blazevic, owner of boutique cake business Sift’d. Students mastered skills such as making American buttercream, colouring icing and experimenting with a range of piping techniques. Students even discovered new passions that may inspire future careers as pastry chefs!
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
After spending the morning at Sydney Zoo, our Japanese exchange students enjoyed a variety of sport activities with Year 9.
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our ACYF students came together for a formation afternoon, taking time to reflect on their faith journey and prepare their hearts for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. May their experiences continue to inspire them to be young people of hope, joy, and service.
07 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Year 7 students are creating entries for the CSPD Catholic Outlook Christmas Edition Cover Competition, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas through their artwork. The theme, “What Christmas Really Is,” invited students to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and express it through their art capturing the joy, hope, and faith of the season. Wishing all entries the best of luck!
06 Nov 2025
From Facebook
06 Nov 2025
From Facebook
At Wednesday's Lunch & Learn, a big crowd of students had the chance to meet CCC alumnae Rebecca Collins (Class of 2012) and Madeleine Vella (Class of 2020), who have built rewarding careers in healthcare administration with OnePointHealth. As Healthcare Support Officers, Bec and Maddy are part of a busy multidisciplinary team, working alongside allied health practitioners to manage day-to-day operations — from coordinating appointments and events to liaising with Medicare and NDIS providers. They shared inspiring stories about their journeys into healthcare, what a typical day looks like in their roles and how strong communication and people skills have shaped their progress. Both are also passionate about community programs through OnePoint Health’s charity partnerships, including The Footcare Project. Bec and Maddy spoke about how rewarding it is to be the first and last point of contact for patients — playing a crucial role in the overall patient experience and outcomes. We were thrilled to welcome them back to Caroline Chisholm College, and also extend our thanks to Alicia Whiticker from OnePoint Health's Marketing team for sharing insights into the organisation’s many career pathways and workplace culture. Thank you all for inspiring our students and showing the many pathways into meaningful, people-centred careers in health!
05 Nov 2025
From Facebook
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
There are so many ways to work in schools — but Learning Support is one of the most rewarding. It’s all about helping students overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their potential. Today, we were joined by two incredible members of our Diversity Team, Mrs Southern-Gale and Mrs Fox, who hosted a group of students aspiring to careers in education at our latest Lunch & Learn. They shared insights into their roles, the pathways that led them there, and the joy that comes from making a difference every single day. Their passion for supporting others and being part of a caring team truly inspired our students to consider this meaningful and impactful career path.
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Josie and Olivia joined with students from St Dominic's College to visit the Italian Forum, enjoy an Italian meal and watch an Italian movie as part of the Italian Film Festival.
Browse Categories