Two Year 11 students from Saint Mary’s Catholic College from Kingaroy have been accepted into the ACU Step-Up program for 2024.
Year 11 students Josie Perrett and Michael Polley were the two students who were accepted into the program, with Josie being accepted into Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, and Michael being accepted into Exercise Science.
“As I am going into my senior years of school,” said Josie, “I realized that I have to start considering the different pathways I can take after school.”
“When I heard about this Uni Step-Up program, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to begin and get a head start on my university schooling.”
“When I received this offer, I was pleased that I was given the chance to participate in this program, but I am also anxious as this will be a huge step up from high school.”
Marty and Lisa, Josie’s parents, said, “We are very proud of Josie and excited about this path for her.”
“We know it will be a challenge but one she is up for because Josie chased it herself,” they said. “We are grateful to the College for making timetable allowances so Josie can begin in her chosen field. There is great peace of mind knowing that she may have an early entry to a course after Year 12.”
Michael, the second student to be accepted into this program said, “What encouraged me to apply for the ACU Step-Up Program would be my wish to try and learn as many different things as possible whilst still at school, in order to achieve my goal of helping people when I leave school.”
“I felt extremely joyful when I received my offer to join the ACU Step-Up Program, as I knew it would allow me an opportunity to get closer to my goals.”
Michael’s parents Corey and Jessie said, “When hearing about Michael’s acceptance into the ACU Step-Up Program, his father and I were quite thrilled for him but not surprised. Michael has so much potential, and it makes me very proud to see him starting to tap into it. We cannot wait to see how he flourishes from this program and are eager to see what he does next.”
The principal of Saint Mary’s Catholic College, Principal Carmel O’Brien, said, “I am so proud that Josie and Michael are seeking out opportunities to realize their dignity.”
“At Saint Mary’s we know that if we work together all our can soar towards success.
“We are so fortunate that our students are able to take up opportunities like the ACU Step Up program at Saint Mary’s, where they can experience university life by studying university units whilst still at school.
“Not only will they get a head start at university, but they will be able to develop the skills they need to be successful post-secondary schooling.
“We hope that Josie and Michael’s achievement and success in this program will inspire other Saint Mary’s students to dream big for their futures and take up all the wonderful opportunities on offer.”
