Nagle College Blacktown has announced the launch of the “Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship”, a new opportunity designed to support and inspire young women passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Students enrolling in Year 7 from 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in learning within a supportive Catholic community.
Recipients of the scholarship will not only receive either a full or partial discount on College tuition fees, but will join the specialised “Lumen Mathematics” class. Students in this class are selected for their exceptional skill in numeracy and are provided with advanced programs and enrichment opportunities that nurture curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills. Both the scholarship and Lumen Class aim to open pathways for girls to explore STEM fields with confidence, preparing them for future study and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
Deborah Scollard, Interim Principal, says the scholarship embodies the College’s mission to educate the whole person in the tradition of Nano Nagle, an Irish Catholic education pioneer known as the “Lady of the Lantern.”
“Students are encouraged to let their light shine by using their gifts and talents to make a difference in their communities and beyond. The scholarship also highlights our belief here at Nagle, that every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of circumstance,” Deborah said.
“By supporting excellence and opportunity in STEM, the College continues its proud legacy of empowering young women to shape the future with faith, purpose and compassion.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship.
Express your interest and find out more
ABOUT CHRISTINE HOWE OAM
A brilliant mathematician, Christine Howe OAM excelled throughout her early studies, completing a Masters of Education at the Australian Catholic University, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of New South Wales where she received the University Medal and the coveted RJ Webster Prize for the best undergraduate thesis.
After beginning her own education at St Monica’s Primary North Parramatta, Christine’s career in secondary teaching also commenced locally in 1984 when she began work at Parramatta Marist High School. In 2001, she was appointed Principal of Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park, where she served for more than a decade and graduated over 1000 students.
Christine progressed to a series of senior leadership roles within Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, most recently working as Director Learning and Deputy Executive Director. Christine was recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to secondary education.
Christine Howe OAM
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
More photos and highlight reel from last weeks Mental Fitness Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase where Charlotte, Annalise and Natalia presented their idea for the Buddy Bench. - Gotcha4Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpiW5LXkQgU![412906884192908_1257125086437746-1]()
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28 Oct 2025
Nagle College Launches New STEM Scholarship for Future Innovators
Nagle College Blacktown has announced the launch of the “Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship”, a new opportunity designed to support and inspire young women passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Students enrolling in Year 7 from 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in learning within a supportive Catholic community.
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From Facebook
More photos and highlight reel from last weeks Mental Fitness Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase where Charlotte, Annalise and Natalia presented their idea for the Buddy Bench. - Gotcha4Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpiW5LXkQgU
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Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase – University of Western Sydney, Kingswood October 15, 2025 Yesterday, three Year 5 students, Annalise, Charlotte and Natalia, represented Holy Family Luddenham at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase presented by Gotcha4Life Foundation. Last term, Mentally Fit Primary Schools launched the Student Voice Project, with the goal of empowering students to become mental fitness leaders within their school community. In partnership with Gotcha4Life, students were encouraged to promote mental fitness (to build your emotional muscle, to never worry alone, and embrace your village). The students designed a wonderful initiative called the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench aims to reduce loneliness and provide a safe space for students in the playground. It signals that a student is feeling lonely and that student would like someone to play or talk with. To further support peer connection, the team developed Conversation Cards with thoughtful prompts to help students start positive discussions while at the bench. The staff and students at Holy Family are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their creativity, compassion, and leadership. The Gotcha4Life Foundation extend their thanks to all the Year5 students for their inspiring contributions and for the enthusiasm displayed during this project. Special thanks to the Year 5 students who presented at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in preparing for this showcase — you should be extremely proud of yourselves and the positive impact your project will have on our school community. At the event, Gus Worland spoke passionately about the importance of teaching young people about mental fitness and breaking the negative stigma surrounding mental health. Let’s continue to work together to Build a Mentally Fit School and Community — Build your emotional muscle. Never worry alone. Embrace your village. Let's Build Mental Fitness For more information, visit https://www.gotcha4life.org/programs/primaryschools
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