Within the Upper Hunter group of schools, the Educational Pathways Program supports students attending Merriwa Central School, Muswellbrook High School, Dungog High School, Singleton High School, Cessnock High School, and Kurri Kurri High School (base school for the group).

We spoke with the dedicated school-based staff from Upper Hunter - Head Teacher Careers Anne Grieve, SBAT Engagement Officer Tracy Forbes, and School Administrative Officer Richelle Stirrat - about their roles in the EPP, what makes their school group unique, and get a little glimpse into their lives outside the program. what makes them feel supported in their day-to-day work.

About their role:

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Tracy: Creating opportunities for students and connecting them with local employers.

Anne: Visiting the different schools and meeting the staff, students, and community.

Richelle: The variety of work with ongoing learning and flexibility. And although working alone, a team of support at your fingertips. Being one of the original SAO's I have learnt how to adapt to different procedures and guidelines that have changed over the course of the program. I have worked for two different Head Teachers which both have given me room to grow and learn together.

Are there any opportunities or challenges that are unique to the schools and communities you are working in?

Tracy: I have found that local businesses are keen to provide job opportunities to local kids. Country kids are usually pretty great to work with and very appreciative. In some areas, like Dungog and Merriwa, there is a lack of variety of job roles that perhaps students in metro areas would have access too. Availability of transport can be prohibitive, and a lack of training particularly TAFE on campus delivery.

Anne: The vast areas students have to travel to attend courses and program, but there are lots of opportunities for students to obtain SBATs.

Richelle: Major challenge is the distance between all our schools. Relying on digital communication instead of face to face. If the opportunity allows for myself to visit, I feel I become part of the team while seeing the beautiful countryside while travelling there.

What is your proudest achievement (or a memorable day) in the role so far?

Tracy: Every student that I help start an SBAT is a great achievement for me. I love walking into the schools I support and students know me, the awareness of the SBAT pathway is growing.

Anne: When the Career Expo Days come together.

Richelle: Being part of a Careers Immersion Day for students from Year 6-9 from multiple schools. They experienced the range first hand at a unique careers fair where they learnt about different options for their future. Speaking to the media and feeling proud and confident that we were helping students make informed decisions while having fun.

A little bit about them:

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Tracy: Spending time with my family and friends, coffee and wine catch-ups. I also enjoy cooking, reading and watching my son play hockey.

Anne: Reading, crocheting, cooking.

Richelle: Relaxing! This could be as simple as reading a book or watching a movie. Catching up with friends over dinner or going for a walk. And if the activity allows for it, enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Where is your favourite place? This could be anywhere! A holiday spot, special restaurant or the patch in the backyard that gets just the right amount of sun!

Tracy: Forster - we have been holidaying in Forster for 2 weeks every Christmas, for about 15 years now. It's a beautiful place.

Anne: The south coast, Mollymook in Australia and Vietnam overseas.

Richelle: Anywhere that has a nice view or peaceful surrounding where I can relax and explore. I love visiting places I have never been before.

For our binge watchers, or book readers... any recommendations of TV shows, movies or books?

Tracy: I love a good Netflix series and just watched One Day, now into Dead To Me. I have also read a few Colleen Hoover books lately,

Anne: No, I have different watching and reading habits.

Richelle: There's so many! I like different genres. TV shows - I recently finished 'This Is Us', also enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale and have been a supporter of Grey's Anatomy since it began. Books - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy by Stieg Larsson, It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover.