2023 Years 7-11 Awards Ceremony Summary

Years 7-11 Awards Ceremony

The Years 7 - 11 Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, 8th December. Academic, cultural, service and sports awards were presented in all year groups. Years 10 and 11 were also presented subject place awards and a small number of special awards.

The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award is awarded to students who have consistently achieved at the top of their course in assessments throughout the year.

The Outstanding Academic Effort Award is for outstanding effort and application by a student throughout the year. It is for those students who have constantly demonstrated their personal best throughout the year in the majority of their subjects.

The Cultural Award is for those students who have excelled in a number of cultural endeavours throughout the year.

The Service Award is for those students who have been actively involved in a number of initiatives throughout the year that provides service to the school and wider community

In addition to these awards, a major award is awarded to one student in each year group. The Ambassador for Catherine McAuley Award is given to a student who lives out the Mercy values in all that she does. The recipient of this award is a student who is merciful, who shows hospitality, integrity and courage, who is just in her response to others and who strives for excellence.

A summary of the major awards is shown below.

Year 7 Ambassador for Catherine McAuley - Crystal M.

Crystal has consistently demonstrated true mercy spirit throughout the year by her active involvement in many facets of the school community.

Crystal has represented Catherine McAuley in the sporting arena through competing in the Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council (PDSSSC) Netball Competition each Thursday for eight weeks, as well as attending the PDSSSC Netball Gala Day. Crystal represented Catherine McAuley in swimming and placed third in the 13 years Age Champion. Both on and off the sporting field, Crystal has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, always encouraging others to do their best. 

Crystal is actively involved in the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) public speaking and debating competitions. In Term 1 she was successful in making the second round of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition and in overcoming the challenge of having a limited amount of time to prepare, Crystal was praised by the judges for the sophistication which her speech demonstrated. Crystal was a very prominent member of the Year 7 CSDA Debating Team, successfully making it through to the grand final.

Crystal is a pleasure to teach and receives consistent high grades and demonstrates maturity in her work ethic. She always delivers her personal best, and has attained outstanding achievements as a result.

Showing tolerance and acceptance, Crystal is a loyal friend, classmate and a positive role model to all her peers.

Congratulations Crystal.

Year 8 Ambassador for Catherine McAuley - Victoria M.

Victoria has made valuable contributions to Year 8 and Catherine McAuley whilst applying herself diligently to her studies.

She has demonstrated maturity in her work ethic and has been exemplary in her involvement in the life of the school.  Victoria takes every opportunity to share her skills and talents across all areas of school life and encourages others to do the same. 

Victoria has represented Coolock as the Liturgy Leader this year and has been called on many times to read at Wednesday morning mass.

She has participated in the concert band, Captivate Arts Factor, Art Workshop for Mercy 5 Project and was instrumental in showcasing French at the Year 8 Parent and Student Learning Event.  She was also a proud and talented member of the Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council Junior Basketball Team.

Victoria is an outstanding example of a student living out the values of Catherine McAuley in her everyday life.

Congratulations on this award.

Year 9 Ambassador for Catherine McAuley - Adut K.

Adut has demonstrated commitment and outstanding involvement at Catherine McAuley this year.

Adut made significant contributions to the life of the school by participating in the vocal ensemble,
the Sleek Geeks, Metro Minds and the Cyber Industry Day. Adut volunteered at the Sacred Heart STEM Day, the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association Competition and is an active member of the Earth Action Committee. She also took on the additional challenge of completing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Adut’s outstanding leadership skills and generous nature were evident in all duties undertaken as the Student Representative Council Leader for Veritas; a role she has performed with distinction. Adut does more than expected and is always ready to offer suggestions for initiatives that will enhance a sense of belonging and connection for every student. 

Adut demonstrated our mercy value of excellence by challenging herself academically through participation in the Big Science Competition, the Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge and the author’s writing workshop. She also participated in the Books over the Break Reading Challenge and the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Adut seeks out opportunities to extend herself by taking risks in her learning and accepting challenges.

Adut is first to volunteer for those tasks that are difficult and often go unnoticed. She does this in the true spirit of service without expectation of reward or acknowledgment. Adut is an outstanding role model for other students. She is inclusive and considerate; acting with integrity at all times and challenging and supporting those around her to excel in all areas of their school lives. 

Adut is an outstanding example of a student living out the values of  Catherine McAuley in her everyday life and is a worthy recipient of this award.

Congratulations Adut.

Year 10 Ambassador for Catherine McAuley - Brinda S.

The charism of Venerable Catherine McAuley, “doing the ordinary, extraordinarily well”,  is clearly evident in Brinda’s approach to her school life. 

Brinda is a quiet achiever who exemplifies the mercy values. Her genuine desire to help others is reflected in her commitment to various activities, where she not only advocates for herself but also tirelessly supports and uplifts those around her.

Brinda has also demonstrated remarkable academic success through her active participation in events such as the Brainbee Challenge, Big Science Competition, and the International Chemistry Quiz. Her willingness to share knowledge and assist peers as a peer tutor underscores her commitment to the academic success of her fellow students.

In the realm of arts and culture, Brinda has showcased her talents through participation in the vocal ensemble, Captivate Arts Factor (Music Day) and the Mercy Day choir. Her musical contributions have enriched our school community.

Beyond academics and the arts, Brinda has demonstrated the mercy value of hospitality by generously dedicating her time to school activities such as assisting with the Year 7 Parent Evening, conducting school tours and contributing to the school community as a Student Representative Council leader. These endeavours exemplify her sense of responsibility and willingness to make a positive impact on the school experience for students and parents alike. 

Brinda’s exemplary character and achievements make her a true ambassador for Catherine McAuley. 

Congratulations Brinda.

Year 10 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Award - Niamh M.

The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader community and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and 'mateship', that are integral to Australian society.

Year 10 ADF Future Innovators Award - Ann C.

This award recognises the recipient’s science and mathematics abilities while highlighting the value the navy, army and airforce place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within defence.

Year 11 Ambassador for Catherine McAuley - Alyssa C.

Alyssa is an extraordinary young woman who makes a tremendous contribution to the Catherine McAuley community. 

Alyssa’s generous nature is evident in all she does, not only in her role as Assistant Leader of Sport but also in the many other areas of school life she participates in.

Alyssa takes every opportunity to share her skills and talents and has represented the school with distinction in sporting events and in community service.  In the sporting arena she has played, umpired and coached at least four different Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council sports as well as being placed second in her age group at our school athletics carnival.  

Away from the sporting field Alyssa has participated in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout and volunteered to lead school tours for prospective families.  On every occasion guests commented on her helpful and welcoming nature, the very values Catherine McAuley herself displayed.  

Much of Alyssa’s contribution to our school community is not recorded as it occurs in the day to day activities of the school and happens quietly and seemingly unnoticed.  

Alyssa is an outstanding example of servant leadership in a student living out the values of the Venerable Catherine McAuley in her everyday life and is an eminently worthy recipient of this award.

Congratulations Alyssa.

Year 11 Macquarie University Leadership Award - Amelia C. and Alyssa C.

This award is presented to students (completing the HSC in 2024) who demonstrate exemplary leadership, initiative and commitment to their studies and school. Students eligible for this award are performing well academically, participating in extracurricular activities and making an active contribution to their community.

Year 11 Parliamentary Award - Sara E.

The Parliamentary Award is given to a student who displays excellent leadership and passion for community service and social justice. The student is also diligent and is proactive in assisting others within their community.

Awards Ceremony Principal's Address

The Awards Ceremony began with School Principal Ms Mary Refalo making her Principal's address. This can be viewed here.