Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill Tall Crest
ENROL NOW
  • About
    About
    Gilroy Catholic College is the perfect choice for your child. Learn more and enrol today!
    Why Us?
    • Principal's Welcome A welcome message from Gilroy Catholic College Principal, Cheryl Merryweather.
    • Our Story Transforming the learning of each student every day.
    • Dedicated Teachers Inspired learning starts with highly motivated and professional teachers.
    • Facilities and Resources Discover our amazing facilities at Gilroy.
    • Policies and Procedures The framework in which our school operates.
  • Why Us?
  • School Life
    School Life
    Thinking of enrolling? We would love to welcome you. Let us help you get started on the enrolment process.
    Enrolment
    • Student Wellbeing Student happiness and safety are our top priorities.
    • Our Faith Journey Connecting faith, learning and life.
    • Learning Contemporary learning preparing students for whatever the future holds.
    • Beyond the Classroom Extracurricular opportunities to unlock potential or pursue a passion.
    • School Uniform Uniforms guidelines and purchasing.
    • Parents as Partners Learn how you can help support your child’s learning.
  • Enrolment
    Enrolment
    Discover our amazing facilities at Gilroy.
    Facilities and Resources
  • News & Events
    News & Events
    Download our parent communication app.
    Compass Parent Portal
    • Latest News Browse our latest news articles and social posts.
    • What's On Current promotions and events for Gilroy Catholic College.
    • Term Dates School terms dates as well as NSW public holidays.
    • Gallery View our photos showing school activities.
    • Compass Parent Portal Download our parent communication app.
  • Contact Us
  • Compass Portal
  • Compass Help
  • Term Dates
  • Uniform Shop
  • Careers Portal
  • ClickView
  • eLibrary
  • SchoolTV
  • Volunteer Training
Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill

2020 HSC High Achievers

10 Feb 2021

2020HSCHighAchievers01

 

Congratulations to all of our 2020 HSC Graduates.

The Sydney Morning Herald recognised 49 students from Gilroy Catholic College as Distinguished Achievers in 2020 achieving a mark of 90 or above in at least one of their subjects. Gilroy was only one of two Diocesan schools to be recognised by the SMH in the Top 150 schools. Gilroy was placed 144th in the NSW HSC Rankings for 2020.

We congratulate the efforts and achievements of two Year 12 students who were recognised on the Top Achievers list in 2020 for gaining a place in the State within a course, these included:

  • Aden Challita for 3rd in the state in Retail Services
  • Courtney Thompson for 5th in the state in Drama with a mark of 100%

Additionally, we acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students who gained an ATAR above 90.

Our 2020 HSC All Rounder was Ashleigh Howlett, NESA recognises an “All Rounder” as a student that achieves Band 6 results in all of their courses. Congratulations Ashleigh.

Finally, recognise the outstanding achievements of our 2020 ATAR Dux - Amelia Sing and thank Amelia for the inspiring speech that she delivered to the whole school (see below).

We thank all of our 2020 High Achievers who took their time to return to the College to share their insights and tips with our 2021 HSC cohort.

2020HSCHighAchievers03



Amelia's Speech

2020HSCHighAchievers02


Good morning staff and students, I feel very honoured to be here today representing the cohort of Gilroy 2020. I have heard this speech be delivered six times over my years here at Gilroy and whilst listening to those speeches the thought never even crossed my mind that it would be me who delivered the speech for our year. I always found it overwhelming listening to their immense dedication and studying routines but I promise this journey isn’t as extreme as it may seem if you have the desire to achieve.

I think it would be extremely unfair of me to stand up here today, sharing how I achieved my results and to expect anyone to take the same or even similar path that I did. It is important to understand how personal the HSC journey is and that ultimately there isn't a specific method that one can follow to ensure success. Some people study best individually whilst others thrive in groups, some people listen to house music whilst others listen to classical music to focus. There are so many different options which is why it's important to explore different studying techniques, especially in your junior years, that way you can develop the study habits that work for you as soon as possible.

Personally, I found studying to be the most effective when simply doing practise questions. During the past year I completed multiple choices, short answers and created essay plans for every HSC paper that was relevant to each subject's respective syllabus. Although this tremendous effort filled my teachers inboxes with a lot of marking, it provided me with great exposure to the types of questions that I could be presented with and ultimately reduced the likelihood of any unwanted surprises during my exams.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to find like-minded individuals, who have similar academic goals and levels of work ethic in your subjects. Through developing such relationships, I found this to be an incredible source of not only motivation and a shared sense of support in a very stressful year, but it also created a forum to gain greater perspectives from my peers. Within my business studies class, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by an amazing group of friends with common goals. This allowed us to have in depth discussions, both in class and during our study sessions, about theory and real life applications of ideas. We also used group chats to share ideas, questions and solutions, we created mind maps of syllabus dot points and their content on whiteboards and even FaceTimed leading up to exams to quiz each other.

I found a crucial aspect to success whilst studying was consistency. This included being consistent with my notes, which I updated after each syllabus dot point was completed in class, and also with practice questions. This consistency avoided tasks building up, particularly around the time of assessments, which helped to reduce stress during these periods. I think a consistent work ethic is critical especially during the HSC year. As the final HSC mark you receive is half your assessment mark and half your examination mark, ultimately it is just as important to apply yourself throughout the year as it is to the final exam. The day of my business studies exam I remember talking to my friends afterwards and quickly realising the many silly mistakes I had made. However, my continuous effort throughout the year assured me a good rank and provided me with a safety net for the actual exam. I was so incredibly grateful for this as it enabled me to still get a band six despite me feeling I didn’t perform as I wanted to on the day of the exam.

It sounds silly but honestly just ensuring that I was very prepared before exams helped me to relieve any stresses. During my two weeks of HSC exams, I found this period was when I actually studied the least throughout the year. I ensured I was prepared enough to never have to study the night before an exam, which assured a relaxed mindset and a good night’s sleep. Whilst I promote the importance of consistent effort, it is still vital to place great emphasis on your health during this period. I made sure to eat well, drink water, get essential sleep and play basketball twice a week. More often than not, when I had studies in the morning I would choose to sleep in or go out for breakfast with friends. This ensured I maintained balance, didn’t become too overwhelmed by my studies and had little things to look forward to.

I genuinely believe that the HSC isn’t just a test of intelligence but much rather a challenge of work ethic. I think it’s important, of course, to acknowledge that studying isn’t necessarily for everyone and that there are a range of pathways after school that do not involve your ATAR. However, I can tell you it’s truly satisfying when your results reflect your personal best and so I encourage you all to carry out your studies to the best of your personal abilities regardless of what level that is.

Thank you and God bless.

 

Secondary News
  • ARTiculate HSC Visual Arts Showcase Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

    09 Mar 2025

    HSC Visual Arts Showcase 2024
    View the ARTiculate Online Showcase of HSC Artworks.
    CathWest Innovation College

    24 Jun 2025

    Try a Career Day @ CathWest McCarthy Campus
    Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest McCarthy Campus!
    CathWest Innovation College

    01 Jul 2025

    Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
    Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!

Instagram | Gilroy

  • 18018391058636673-1
    18039997286027102-1
    18007224446505486-1
    18006761321683343-1
    17907800415060623-1
    18047055941032410-1
    17868082314253613-1
    17913679527022299-1

More News

487763083351028_1239465981514064-1

12 May 2025

From Facebook

Gilroy Catholic College Year 12 Student Matthew, will be competing at the World Triathlon Para Championship Series in Yokohama, Japan on the 17 May. He only found out late on Wednesday night and flies out tomorrow for Japan to commence his preparation for the race! Matthew will represent Australia against six Paralympians, one of which is a world champion. We congratulate Matthew on this fantastic achievement and wish him the best of luck in Japan!

487763083351028_1239430094850986-1

12 May 2025

From Facebook

Gilroy Catholic College students Carlton (Year 9) Caleb (Year 10) were selected for the Southern NSWCCC AFL team and recently attended the NSW trials. The boys played with enthusiasm and heart and although not selected to progress to the next level, they showed amazing sportsmanship. Well done on your efforts boys!

487763083351028_1239358268191502-1

12 May 2025

From Facebook
487763083351028_1238528518274477-6

11 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post
487763083351028_1237204541740208-10

09 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

This morning, we had the pleasure of celebrating our Gilroy mothers and mother figures at our Mothers’ Day breakfast. It was heartwarming to see so many attend, and the sense of community and connection was felt. When welcoming those in attendance, Mrs Rodriguez quoted Dr Seuss "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." This reminded us of the deep and lasting impact a mother has on her child—and the powerful love that flows in both directions. In her address, Ms Merryweather invited the community to reflect on the special bond we share with our mothers—those whose arms we long for in times of sadness or worry, and the first person we want to share our joys with. Whether they are with us in person or in spirit, they continue to grace our lives with their love. We hope everyone who joined us enjoyed connecting with fellow members of the Gilroy community and the delicious food shared together. Thank you to all of those, through their dedication and hard work, made this event a fabulous morning for all our mothers, staff and students

487763083351028_1237142391746423-1

09 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

On Thursday 8th May, 30 of our talented Year 7 & 8 students tackled their first APSMO Mathematics Olympiad contest! 🧠 This prestigious competition challenges high-achieving and high-potential students, giving them the chance to showcase their skills and abilities as well as deepen their love for problem solving. Over the past few weeks leading up to today, they’ve shown amazing determination, teamwork, and sharp thinking during early morning practice sessions. 💪 They should be so proud of their efforts — bring on Round 2 on June 12th! 🏅📚

487763083351028_1236502648477064-1

08 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

What an incredible day at the Western Sydney Secondary School Regional Tournament! 🏆 Gilroy Catholic College was proudly represented by four teams who gave it their all. The junior boys played with heart and showed fantastic sportsmanship, narrowly missing out on the finals. The intermediate boys went undefeated in their group stage and put in their best performance in the semi-final, falling just short against one of the top schools in the state. Both our junior and intermediate girls' teams made it to their grand finals. The inter girls fought hard in a close 3–2 loss, while the junior girls dominated with a brilliant 4–0 win! 💪 We’re thrilled to announce that both girls' teams have now qualified for the next stage of the tournament, where they’ll face off against the best schools from across NSW! Congratulations to all teams for their efforts!

487763083351028_1236322318495097-1

08 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

Year 10 student Stella Powell recently took to the stage as part of the highly reviewed Sydney Youth Musical Theatre Production of "Billy Elliot The Musical" at the Glen Street Theatre. In the musical production, Stella portrays one of the lead characters "Keeley Gibson," with such nuance, conviction, humour and grace. Stella was cast as "Gomez Addams" in Gilroy's "The Addams Family" Musical last year, and we look forward to seeing Stella's name in lights in many more musical productions to come! Photography by @grantlesliephotography

487763083351028_1235742651886397-1

07 May 2025

From Facebook

Congratulations to Tierie, Keira & Billie for representing at the NSWCCC Touch tournament on the Central Coast. Despite the weather, the students showed their great ability and resilience. Billie has been selected in the NSWCCC Touch team that will play at the next level later in the year at Coffs Harbour. Well done girls!

487763083351028_1235556215238374-1

07 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

Yesterday, Years 8 and 9 attended a presentation about mental fitness. Ellen Roberts, an elite softball player, has played in the USA, New Zealand, Italy, The Netherlands and Czech Republic. Ellen, through the AIS, partners with the Black Dog Institute visits schools to help young Australians grow into resilient and mentally healthy adults. We thank Ellen for her engaging and informative presentation. #MentalFitness #blackdoginstitute #theAIS

487763083351028_1234748365319159-1

06 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

Excursion success! ✔️ Year 11 Geographers had an awesome time diving into the world of primary research! They gained a fantastic hands-on experience that's already proving super helpful for their major projects on city life, going green, and so much more! 😉 #GeoExcursion #ResearchAdventure #LearningByDoing

487763083351028_1234094218717907-1

05 May 2025

From Facebook
487763083351028_1234015765392419-1

05 May 2025

From Facebook

Congratulations to former Gilroy Catholic College students Braydon Wickman and Jade Potuzanski, who have been selected to debut for Australia in the upcoming Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup in Queensland, in May. Wishing you the best of luck Braydon and Jade! #AsiaPacificYouthTouchCup

487763083351028_1231482642312398-1

02 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

Yesterday, Gilroy Catholic College Year 7 students attended a presentation by Daniel Merza. The overall theme of the presentation was how to "get the monkeys off your back" to overcome adversity, find purpose, and become the best version of themselves. Daniel's fun and interactive presentation provided practical ways to reduce unkindness and bullying behaviors, strategies for building resilience and what bystanders can do to stop bullying. We thank Daniel for his engaging presentation! #danielmerza #beatbullying

487763083351028_1230726709054658-1

01 May 2025

Photos from Gilroy Catholic College's post

We congratulate Year 9 student William on his fantastic achievements at the 2025 Australian National Age Swimming Championships, held in Brisbane in April. William competed in 6 events and received Goldfor 200 Butterfly and Bronzefor 400 Individual Medley, and placed 4th in three other events. Well done on these wonderful achievements William!

Browse Categories

Aboriginal Education Achievements Agriculture Alumni Assistant Principal Building Works Careers CSPD News CELC News COSHC News Coronavirus Creative Arts Enrolment Executive Director Extracurricular Garden General HSC ICT Trainees In The Media Learning and Teaching Library Literacy MLZ Partnerships Prayer and Reflection PRC Primary News Principal Promotions School Events School Excursions Science Secondary News Social Justice Sport Technology and Media Uniforms VET Wellbeing WYD
  • Home
    • About
      • Principal's Welcome
      • Our Story
      • Dedicated Teachers
      • Facilities and Resources
      • Policies and Procedures
    • Why Us?
    • School Life
      • Student Wellbeing
      • Our Faith Journey
      • Learning
      • Our Curriculum
      • Subject Selections
      • Assessment Handbooks
      • Beyond the Classroom
      • Our Library
      • BYOLT
      • School Uniform
      • Parents as Partners
    • Enrolment
      • School Fees
      • Financial Assistance
    • News & Events
      • Latest News
      • What's On
      • Term Dates
      • Gallery
      • Compass Parent Portal
    • Contact Us
      • Positions Vacant
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Logo
  • Acknowledgement of Country
  • Bishop's Office
  • Copyright
  • Privacy
Copyright 2025
X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm