This month twelve of our First Nations Year 7 students recently took an exciting step in their educational journey, officially joining the Polly Farmer Foundation Follow the Dream program at St Mary’s College.
Students and families gathered alongside our St Mary’s College Program Coordinator Wendi Torres, Director of Learning Innovation and Extension, Zoe Court, Jeremy Harvey from the Polly Farmer Foundation, Jo-Anne Shiosaki and Nerreda Hillier from Rio Tinto, as well as St Mary’s College Principal Coby Rhatigan for the signing of the Follow the Dream Compact, an important commitment that marks the beginning of their involvement in the program.
Entry into Follow the Dream is a significant achievement. Students complete an application process and are selected based on their potential, commitment, and willingness to engage positively with their learning and future pathways.
By signing the Compact, students commit to goals such as attending school regularly, striving for strong academic results, completing homework and assignments, attending tuition sessions, and acting as positive role models within the school community.
The Follow the Dream program provides both educational and emotional support for students throughout their schooling journey. Students have access to specialist tutoring, including one-on-one support, personalised learning plans, and guidance to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills. The program also opens doors to a wide range of experiences and opportunities, including university visits, career camps, workplace internships and work experience opportunities, leadership days, inspirational guest speakers, cultural celebrations, and memorable excursions.
The signing ceremony was a proud moment for students and families, celebrating aspiration, commitment, leadership, and the power of education to create future opportunities.
