Five Western Sydney Catholic students top the state in HSC courses

Bede Polding College Windsor, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill, Cerdon College Merrylands, Catherine McAuley Westmead and St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood are celebrating the achievements of their students who have been awarded First-in-Course at a HSC awards ceremony hosted by the Deputy Premier and Education Minister The Hon Prue Car MP on Tuesday 17 December at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Cerdon College Merrylands student, Daniella Maugeri, has topped the state in Italian Continuers, marking an outstanding third year in a row that the school has claimed this achievement. Daniella said she was so well supported by her teachers and their passion for Italian.

“I felt so incredibly proud of myself, I didn’t expect to achieve first-in-course but I’m overjoyed that my efforts have paid off,” Daniella said. “My teachers played such a substantial role and this achievement is largely reflective of their commitment and dedication as teachers.”

“Their love for Italian was contagious and I looked forward to being a part of their classes.”

Cerdon’s Principal, Lisa-Maree Browning, said she was proud of the achievement which reflects the high quality learning and teaching at the school.

“Congratulations to Daniella, who excelled under her teacher, Victoria Meduri's guidance, continuing this tradition of excellence. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teachers and the commitment of our students to academic success,” she said.

Cerdon College Merrylands student, Daniella Maugeri with The Hon Prue Car MP

Grace Costigan, from St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood, achieved First-in-Course in English Extension 2. Grace, who has also been nominated for the HSC Young Writers Showcase, said she appreciated the extra opportunities provided to her by the school.

“I think the main part of school in allowing me to achieve this success were my teachers. Their ability to find a balance between helping us achieve what we all wanted to achieve - which was a great mark - but also remembering that in our last year of school we could foster friendships and make a lot of memories through our shared love of English and literature.”

Principal of St Columba’s, Phillip Scollard, said the college was delighted by the news.

“We are thrilled for Grace and her teachers and family. Her work was truly outstanding and as a comprehensive Catholic school in the Blue Mountains, catering to students of a wide range of abilities and interests, to have a student top the state is a fantastic achievement.”

Her teachers Sarah McCauley and Jaden Ellis are also overjoyed with the incredible achievements of Grace and her peers.

“We are so proud and excited,” Sarah said. “We had six students undertake the course this year and it was the most joyful class. They worked together, laughed together, and supported each other. They truly fell in love with the subject.”

Jaden Ellis said Grace’s effort throughout the course was incredible. “Major Works are a lot of hard work, but the secret was finding joy in the work and not giving up. We had three students nominated for the Young Writers Showcase, which shows just how dedicated and passionate the group are.”

Grace Costigan, from St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood with The Hon Prue Car MP

Excelling in Studies of Religion, two students from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) have achieved First-in-Course. Genevieve Sing from Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill topped the State in Studies of Religion I and Mikaylah Dimech from Bede Polding College Windsor in Studies of Religion II.

Genevieve’s accomplishment 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, this achievement 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.”

Mikaylah 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 incredibly proud of Mikaylah for her achievements in the HSC. She is an extremely hardworking student who left no stone unturned in her pursuit for 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.”

Mikaylah Dimech from Bede Polding College Windsor with The Hon Prue Car MP

Catherine McAuley Westmead student Sanmeet Brar achieved First-in-Course for Business Services Examination. She is planning to study teaching and credits the support of her teachers in this achievement.

“I was so shocked and honestly didn’t expect this,” said Sanmeet. “My teachers were the foundations for all this, their feedback, help and preparation support was so helpful.”

Principal Mary Refalo said the college was thrilled to hear about Sanmeet’s achievement.

“She has worked hard throughout her Prelim and HSC courses, and she deserves this achievement. I also congratulate her teachers whose hard work and dedication have supported Sanmeet in this and all of her HSC subjects."

Sanmeet Brar from Catherine MCauley Westmead with The Hon Prue Car MP

CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said he is extremely proud of the achievements from the Class of 2024.

“It is so great to see so many First-in-Course achievements across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese,” Jack said. “These students and their teachers pursue excellence and have been rewarded for their dedication and hard work showing that our students, no matter what background, thrive in our education system.”