Katie Abela (Gilroy Catholic College), Isabella Khoudair (Our Lady of Mercy College) and Jessica Hasbany (Cerdon College)
The HSC results has seen three students from our Catholic schools achieve first in the state for their subjects.
Jessica Hasbany, Katie Abela and Sonia Szarycz were recognised at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 16 December for achieving the highest HSC result in a course studied across the state. The awards were presented by the NSW Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli.
Minister Piccoli said the First in Course Awards acknowledge the highest achieving student in each HSC course, where the result is in the highest possible band for that course.
‘This year 105 students received First in Course Awards,’ said Minister Piccoli. ‘Over 76,000 students sat at least one HSC subject this year, so to come first is an incredible achievement that these students should be very proud of.’
Executive Director of Schools, Greg Whitby commended students on their outstanding efforts.
‘I congratulate Katie, Jessica and Sonia and their dedicated teachers who supported them in attaining highest score in NSW for their subject area,’ said Greg. ‘First in course is an incredible achievement and they can be very proud of their efforts.’
Jessica Hasbany from Cerdon College, Merrylands, achieved First in Course for Business Services Examination. Cerdon’s Principal, Patricia Baker said it was not only a wonderful result for Jessica, but for all involved in the Business Services course.
‘We acknowledge the outstanding achievement of Jessica Hasbany who came first in the state in 2 Unit Business Services. This is an outstanding result from a hardworking student,’ said Patricia. ‘In Business Services, Cerdon College students received three of the 26 Band 6 results given. This is a credit not only to the students, but to the professionalism of the Business Services teachers.’
Katie Abela from Gilroy Catholic College, Castle Hill topped the state in Mathematics General 2. Gilroy’s principal, Cheryl Mereweather said Katie’s achievement is a testament to her and her teachers.‘Katie is very deserving of this incredible result,’ said Cheryl. ‘She has worked exceptionally hard throughout the year across all her subjects and was particularly dedicated in her study of Mathematics General 2 working in partnership with and receiving great support from her teachers.’
Katie said she was thrilled to learn of her achievement, and even more excited to achieve an ATAR of 96.85.
‘I’m very grateful to my maths teacher, Melissa McDonough who was very supportive and helped me to do so well,’ said Katie. ‘All the teachers at Gilroy have a genuine and sincere interest in all the students – academically and personally – and I believe that this enables us all to realise what we’re capable of.'
St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas student, Sonia Szarycz achieved First in Course for her exam in Polish HSC Continuers which she studied at the Saturday School of Community Languages at Chatswood High School. St Patrick’s Principal, Angela Hay said the school are very proud of Sonia’s achievement.
‘Sonia has studied Polish throughout her schooling and has always achieved outstanding results in this area,’ Angela said. ‘She has consistently achieved high results across all subject areas and is an outstanding role model for our students.’
Congratulations to our students on their outstanding achievements.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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30 Oct 2025
From Facebook
St Joseph's Advent Appeal Soon we enter the beautiful season of Advent, and we are reminded that this is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Advent is a season of hope, peace, joy, and love—the same gifts we share when we reach out to help others in need. This year, our school community will be supporting Jesuit Social Services (JSS) through our Advent Outreach Program. JSS helps people in our community who are going through difficult times—offering care, friendship, and hope to young people, families, and adults so they can build brighter futures. Over the next week and a half, each grade will be invited to bring in specific items to support the work of JSS. These donations will be placed around our class prayer spaces as a visible reminder of our shared mission to bring the light of Jesus to others. Each act of giving is like lighting a candle that shines brighter as Christmas draws near. Items to be collected: Kindergarten: Breakfast cereals Year 1: Vegemite, Nutella, Peanut butter & other spreads Year 2: Tea, coffee & Milo Year 3: Pasta & pasta sauce Year 4: Tinned salmon, tuna, canned ham/turkey Year 5: Cake mixes, longlife custard & shortbread biscuits Year 6: Bathroom products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) Whole School Collection: Christmas cards, tinsel, napkins, bon bons, longlife pudding Together, let’s fill this Advent season with generosity and kindness—spreading the hope and love of Christ to those who need it most.
27 Oct 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together to celebrate Mission Month with a beautiful liturgy to begin our Socktober Day. It was a joyful occasion where we reflected on how we can live out our faith through compassion, generosity, and service. Our colourful socks reminded us that being a disciple of Jesus means walking in His footsteps — showing love, kindness, and care for others wherever we go. Through our fundraising efforts, we raised money to support the vulnerable members of our community, demonstrating that even small actions can make a big difference. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your generosity and spirit of service. Together, we continue to live our mission and share God’s love in our world.
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30 Oct 2025
From Facebook
St Joseph's Advent Appeal Soon we enter the beautiful season of Advent, and we are reminded that this is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Advent is a season of hope, peace, joy, and love—the same gifts we share when we reach out to help others in need. This year, our school community will be supporting Jesuit Social Services (JSS) through our Advent Outreach Program. JSS helps people in our community who are going through difficult times—offering care, friendship, and hope to young people, families, and adults so they can build brighter futures. Over the next week and a half, each grade will be invited to bring in specific items to support the work of JSS. These donations will be placed around our class prayer spaces as a visible reminder of our shared mission to bring the light of Jesus to others. Each act of giving is like lighting a candle that shines brighter as Christmas draws near. Items to be collected: Kindergarten: Breakfast cereals Year 1: Vegemite, Nutella, Peanut butter & other spreads Year 2: Tea, coffee & Milo Year 3: Pasta & pasta sauce Year 4: Tinned salmon, tuna, canned ham/turkey Year 5: Cake mixes, longlife custard & shortbread biscuits Year 6: Bathroom products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) Whole School Collection: Christmas cards, tinsel, napkins, bon bons, longlife pudding Together, let’s fill this Advent season with generosity and kindness—spreading the hope and love of Christ to those who need it most.
28 Oct 2025
Nagle College Launches New STEM Scholarship for Future Innovators
Nagle College Blacktown has announced the launch of the “Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship”, a new opportunity designed to support and inspire young women passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Students enrolling in Year 7 from 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in learning within a supportive Catholic community.
27 Oct 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together to celebrate Mission Month with a beautiful liturgy to begin our Socktober Day. It was a joyful occasion where we reflected on how we can live out our faith through compassion, generosity, and service. Our colourful socks reminded us that being a disciple of Jesus means walking in His footsteps — showing love, kindness, and care for others wherever we go. Through our fundraising efforts, we raised money to support the vulnerable members of our community, demonstrating that even small actions can make a big difference. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your generosity and spirit of service. Together, we continue to live our mission and share God’s love in our world.
22 Oct 2025
From Facebook
This Friday, we’ll be celebrating Mission Month with a special Socktober Liturgy in the MPA, beginning at 9:15am. Families are warmly invited to join us as we come together in faith and community. To mark the occasion, students are encouraged to wear their craziest, most colourful socks and bring a gold coin donation to support those in need within our community. Let’s step up in style and show how small acts of kindness can make a big difference!
21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Year 5 Leadership Day What an incredible day our Year 5 students had on their Leadership Day! Throughout the day, students explored what it truly means to be a leader in the footsteps of Jesus — someone who leads through service, kindness, and compassion. They took part in a range of fun and challenging activities that encouraged communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and courage. Students reflected on how leadership is not about power or position, but about using our gifts to serve others and make a positive difference in our school community. It was inspiring to see so many students step up with confidence and show that true leadership begins with a servant heart.
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Netball Gala Day Fun! What a fantastic day our students in Years 3-6 had at the Netball Gala Day! The courts were buzzing with energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. Our students represented our school with outstanding sportsmanship, cheering each other on and showing great determination in every game. We are so proud of the way they played, encouraged one another, and demonstrated our school values throughout the day. A huge thank you to the teachers, parents, and organisers who supported our teams — it truly was a great day of fun, friendship, and netball!
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
First Day Back Learning! Our Year 5 students hit the ground running today—literally! They kicked off Term 4 by estimating their stride length and then measuring to see just how accurate their predictions were. Lots of fun, teamwork, and mathematical thinking on day one back at school!
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Welcome back to Term 4! A friendly reminder for those attending the Netball Gala Day tomorrow. You will need to arrive at Jamison Park Netball Complex by 8:15am and pick up is by 2:30pm. Payment of $10 is required, to be paid via eftpos at the school office.
10 Oct 2025
From Facebook
A friendly reminder that Monday is a Staff Development Day — no school for students. Our teachers will be busy preparing for an exciting and productive Term 4! We’re looking forward to welcoming all students back on Tuesday for another great term of learning, without Limits! Enjoy your weekend. See you then!
30 Sep 2025
From Facebook
During the term our Year 5 students were busy bringing their creativity to life! As part of their writing, they learned how to write play scripts and then designed and crafted puppets to represent the characters in their stories. With excitement and teamwork, they rehearsed and performed their plays — and our Kindergarten students were the delighted audience! It was a wonderful way for our Year 5s to share their learning, storytelling, and imagination, while giving our Kindy students a taste of the magic of performance.
26 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Year two have been writing procedures and what better way to test their accuracy than by following the procedures ourselves! 📝 We spent Tuesday morning conducting a range of procedures and we were all rewarded by getting to snack on what we produced.👩🏼🍳👨🏻🌾
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Today our Year 5 students took part in their Formation Day as they begin their leadership journey. The day invited them to reflect on what it means to be a Christian Leader and how true leadership is not about power or recognition, but about service, kindness, and following the example of Jesus. Through prayer, reflection, and activities, the students explored how God is at the centre of every decision a leader makes and how being a leader means using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions. This day is an important step in preparing them to be the Year 6 leaders of our community next year. We pray that they continue to grow in confidence and faith, always guided by the love of Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Dear Playgroup Families. Playgroup will be unfortunately cancelled tomorrow, Friday the 26th of September. We look forward to seeing you all next term.
15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
On Thursday, St Joseph's was proud to support R U OK? Day. It is a National Day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask 'are you okay?' and support those around us. Both students and staff participated in this day and learnt how to offer support through the four step conversation framework- Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In. A genuine conversation can sometimes have the greatest impact.
05 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Year 5 have had a wonderful day at Scenic World! Students braved the cable car, skyway and railway – all with smiles and success. After a fun morning of adventure, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch in the park and are about to hop on the bus and head home. What a great camp experience it’s been. Please keep a look out for a Compass notification for our ETA for pick up.