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Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill

Western Sydney Catholic school students top NSW in Studies of Religion

17 Dec 2024

Mikaylah Dimech from Bede Polding College Windsor
Mikaylah Dimech from Bede Polding College Windsor first in NSW for Studies of Religion II.

In an outstanding achievement, two students from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CPSD) have earned First-in-Course honours for Studies of Religion I and Studies of Religion II in the 2024 HSC exams.

Genevieve Sing from Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill, placed first in NSW in Studies of Religion I and Mikaylah Dimech from Bede Polding College Windsor first in NSW for Studies of Religion II. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the students’ dedication and passion for faith and academic studies and reflects the high standard of excellence in Religious Education within the Parramatta Diocese.

The accomplishment of Gilroy student, Genevieve, is impressive on another level as she sat the exam as a Year 11 accelerated student. Principal of Gilroy, Cheryl Merryweather, expressed her pride and that of the whole college community.

“Genevieve is part of our Year 11 accelerated Studies of Religion cohort and has shown exceptional commitment to her studies. Genevieve has earned this well-deserved recognition through her hard work. Her success is an inspiration for our community!” she said.

For Bede Polding graduate, Mikaylah Dimech, the news came as a big surprise but has reinforced her commitment to learning.

“It was really surprising to receive the news but it was such a great feeling,” Mikaylah said. “It just goes to show that if you try your best and work hard, you will get the results.”

Mikalya has received early entry to UNSW to study Law/Commerce next year and thanked her teachers for making Studies of Religion II interesting and engaging.

Bede Polding Principal, Greg Malone congratulated Mikaylah on her dedication, acknowledging the support of her great teachers.

“We are extremely proud of Mikaylah for her achievements in the HSC. She is an extremely hardworking student who left no stone unturned in her pursuit of excellence,” he said.

She was consistently working with her teachers to improve her understanding and responses. Mr Brendan Lazaroo and Mr Joshua Rodricks-Testa are highly experienced, talented and dedicated teachers who know their students well and what they need to do to improve.


“They tailor their lessons to meet the needs of each and every student to make sure learning is engaging, relevant and purposeful,” he said.

Mark Smith, CSPD’s Executive General Manager - Mission highlighted the exceptional support and teaching of Religious Education within CSPD.

“Congratulations to Genevieve and Mikaylah for their outstanding academic achievements. This is a credit to their diligence and application to academic rigour and excellence,” said Mark.

It is a credit to the expertise and commitment of their current Studies of Religion teachers and to their Religious Education teachers over their entire schooling, who helped to build their foundational knowledge and understanding.


Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese congratulates Mikaylah and Genevieve on their incredible achievements.

Photo of the First in Course presentation.

Achievements HSC Learning and Teaching

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Instagram | Gilroy

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More News

St Patricks Marist College Dundas HSC students

18 Dec 2025

Catholic schools across Western Sydney celebrate HSC success

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is celebrating another outstanding year of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results as students from 22 secondary schools receive their results.

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17 Dec 2025

From Facebook
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17 Dec 2025

From Facebook

In 2024 and now 2025, Gilroy Catholic College students have achieved a First in State result. #CSPD #HSCSuccess

CSPD Students attending HSC awards ceremony at the University of New South Wales

17 Dec 2025

Four Western Sydney Catholic School Students top the state in HSC

Four CSPD Schools are celebrating HSC students who have achieved First in Course.

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17 Dec 2025

From Facebook

Gilroy Catholic College is proud to congratulate Nicholas McKewen on achieving 1st Place in the state in Mathematics Standard 1. This remarkable result reflects exceptional dedication, perseverance and academic excellence. Congratulations Nicholas!!

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17 Dec 2025

From Facebook

In the spirit of Christmas, our student leaders and FIA students came together to surprise our Year Coordinators and Wellbeing team with Christmas Care Packages as a way of showing appreciation for everything they do. Since our faith based initiatives often run during recess and lunch, the team can not always join us, so our students decided to bring faith to them. Each package included handwritten affirmations from their year groups, reminding them of how valued, supported, and cared for they are. It was a heartfelt moment of gratitude and service, and a beautiful reminder of the spirit that shapes our community. Thank you to our Year Coordinators and Wellbeing team for the love and dedication you show every day. Merry Christmas!

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16 Dec 2025

From Facebook
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16 Dec 2025

From Facebook

🎄Gilroy Christmas Community Day 🎄 To celebrate the last official day of school for 2025, we enjoyed a Christmas Community Day at the College. The day began with Mass celebrated by Father Joe from St. Michael’s Parish, setting the tone for a joyful and meaningful day. We then enjoyed the sounds of Christmas carols as we came together in celebration. Throughout the day, students participated in rotating activities including volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and soccer, filling the space with laughter and friendly competition. Students then wound down by relaxing together and watching a Christmas movie. 🎅✨ Merry Christmas to all our Gilroy families! Wishing you a safe, joyful, and blessed Christmas surrounded by love, friends and family.

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15 Dec 2025

From Facebook
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15 Dec 2025

From Facebook

The Year 7, 8 and 9 Awards Ceremony marks the conclusion of a productive year for our students, who have engaged positively in all aspects of school life—academic, sporting, cultural, and spiritual. Last Thursday, we acknowledged our students for their sense of community, their commitment to learning, and their ongoing efforts to develop their knowledge and skills.

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14 Dec 2025

From Facebook
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12 Dec 2025

From Facebook

Our Book Christmas Tree made its joyful return for 2025 — and once again, students proved they’re brilliant book-counters! 📚🎄Congratulations to our competition winners! And here’s a beautiful reminder of why books and Christmas pair so perfectly: Beneath the evergreen’s soft gold glow, lie books that teach our spirits how to grow. Each tale is a candle in the winter night, each word a spark of everlasting light. In stories and in shining branches, we find the quiet courage that renews the mind. In word and wonder our spirits see that Christ is the Light—on the page, on the tree.

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11 Dec 2025

From Facebook

Each year, our student leaders coordinate the Christmas Hamper Appeal in partnership with the St Bernadette’s Parish Family Groups and St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies), supporting families who may be struggling during the Christmas season. Last week, students were invited to donate essential food items, and—as always—the Gilroy Catholic Community responded generously. Students who contributed were treated to a photo with Santa and his helpers, adding some festive fun to the giving spirit. On Monday morning, our leaders packed and delivered the hampers to Catholic Care Bidwill, with additional donated items sent to the Ignite Food Store in Emerton. Our Year 11, 2026 Leaders—Niamh, Madeleine, Dominic and John—reflected on the experience: “This morning we had the opportunity to deliver Christmas hampers to those outside our community, helping lift the Christmas spirit for individuals and families in need. It was rewarding but also eye-opening to see how a small act can go such a long way. As we go about our everyday lives, we often take for granted the opportunities and things we have. This experience allowed us to step outside our own bubble and place ourselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. We found the day very enjoyable, and we highly recommend that other students take part in the future.”

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10 Dec 2025

From Facebook

Our Year 9 Police Defender Leadership Program students had an inspiring day at the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence, where they presented their Culture Change Projects. Students were given a guided tour of the facilities and learned about the many roles and opportunities within the Parramatta Eels organisation. They also met with George and Aunty Chris, who shared valuable insights into player wellbeing and the importance of having two “Plan A’s.” A Q&A session followed, giving students the chance to further explore ideas about leadership, resilience, and personal growth. It was an engaging and enlightening experience for all involved. After lunch, our students presented their project proposals to members of Hills Council and listened to the thoughtful presentations from the students of Pennant Hills High School. Our Gilroy students represented the school with pride and were outstanding ambassadors. Their projects were sophisticated, deeply considered, and showcased a genuine commitment to building a connected school community grounded in Gilroy spirit. What truly set them apart was their passion not only to initiate meaningful change within the school, but also to make a positive impact on the wider community. We look forward to sharing more as these projects come to life!

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09 Dec 2025

From Facebook

Our Year 10 Student Special Religious Educators (SREs) are preparing to attend the Christmas Celebration at Excelsior Public School. Throughout the year, they have been assisting in teaching Religious Education to the Catholic students enrolled at the State Primary School, and this event marks a meaningful culmination of their service and involvement. Well done Niamh, Sophie, Olivia, Nethuki, Abby, Bailey, Alex, Sophie, Sienna, Maddy, Angelina, Gabby, April and Cyla! #GilroyValues #CSPD

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