More than 100 Year 12 student leaders from across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered at West HQ, Rooty Hill, recently for a special LIFTED Student Leaders Forum, where they explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our world and the role young people play in helping shape a future that is both ethical and inclusive.
The annual forum provides student leaders with the opportunity for honest conversation and reflection about their experiences in Catholic education across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
“The day was a great way to connect with leaders from other schools and learn about advancements in technology,” said Angelina Dicenso, from Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. “Being able to listen to the ideas and concerns from leaders of other schools allowed me to reflect and come up with ideas I could then bring back to Emmaus.”
The guest speaker at the forum was Andrew Gorkic, a technology leader and data science expert. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Jack Fitzpatrick, from Delany College Granville, said: “Getting to interact with other leaders from other schools was an enlightening experience.”
The guest speaker was Andrew Gorkic, a technology leader and data science expert with extensive experience in AI-driven innovation. He shared valuable insights on how AI is already transforming the way we live, work and connect.
He encouraged students to think critically about the ethical implications of these technologies and reminded them that the future of AI isn’t just about machines, but about the people who guide them.
“My advice is to find your way of bringing love into the world,” he said. “In the age of AI, it is not what you do, but how you do it that matters. Roles like nursing and teaching, where care and love is at the centre, will always be vitally important. Sciences will still matter and they will be supercharged. In the law, AI will know all the facts but will still need human moral judgement.”
Student leaders were able to meet and discuss issues with leaders from other schools. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Shreya Kumar from Nagle College Blacktown said it was “important we stay informed and open-minded about emerging technologies like AI. While AI is powerful, it still relies on human values, decisions and ethics, and that’s where our responsibility as leaders comes in.”
Angela Younan, from St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill, said: “The future is AI and it’s up to us to use AI responsibly and for the betterment of society.”
Reflecting on the forum, Michael Reid, Head of the Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta, spoke of the importance of not just equipping students with knowledge, but also forming them with values that will guide how they interact with the world.
Vicar General Fr Fernando Montano delivering the opening prayer at the forum. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“As they head out into the world it is vital that our young people are not just taught to harness technology but formed to become positive influences, actively and outwardly embodying the values of compassion and mercy, and becoming experts in care, so that the machines can learn to reflect their goodness,” he said.
After his presentation, Andrew Gorkic engaged with students in a fascinating discussion session where they pondered questions such as: ‘Will AI be able to feel?’; ‘How can we promote AI for positive things rather than negative ones?’; ‘Can you use AI to clarify faith – can that be helpful?’; and, ‘How is AI impacting the environment?’
“While AI can process data, it can’t replicate human dignity, compassion, or conscience,” said Gabrielle Behrens from Nagle College. “That really stuck with me. In a world shaped by AI and algorithms, our Catholic values of empathy, justice and community are more important than ever in guiding how we can use this technology.”
The forum is part of a series of initiatives for Year 12 student leaders organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta and CSPD. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
The forum concluded with students taking part in group discussions about their experiences of Catholic Education under Chatham House Rules, where participants are free to use the information received but the identity of speakers will not be revealed.
“It was great for the students to be able to speak freely about what they’re seeing going on in their schools and communities,” said Deacon Adrian Gomez, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Mission Partner. “These are our future leaders and they must get to experience these different opportunities to share their thoughts with fellow student leaders. It’s inspiring to see how engaged they were with collaborating with their peers.”
The LIFTED Student Leaders Forum is part of a series of initiatives for Year 12 student leaders organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta and CSPD, following on from the annual LIFTED Leaders program run in Term 1.
Year 12 student leaders alongside representatives of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese and the Diocese of Parramatta during the LIFTED Student Leaders Forum at West HQ, Rooty Hill, in June 2025. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
