Congratulations to the Catholic School students who are among 25 students recognised for outstanding academic and community achievements by the Governor of South Australia.
The six students were selected as 2018 Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award recipients.
The Governor of South Australia Commendation recognises excellence in Year 12 SACE subjects, and in the qualities young people need for community life, citizenship, and work.
The students will receive their awards at an official ceremony at Government House on Tuesday 5 February 2019.
SACE Board Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell has congratulated each of the commendation recipients.
“The South Australian Certificate of Education is a valuable qualification that goes beyond testing students’ knowledge, but also builds their personal capabilities,” Professor Westwell said.
“Each of these students have demonstrated these capabilities by not only achieving academic success, but by being leaders in their schools and contributing to their community on a local, national or international stage.”
A panel comprising the Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, and representatives from school, vocational education and training, and business sectors determine which students receive the Governor’s Commendation.
Tristan achieved three Merits in Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, and the Research Project. Tristan is dedicated to athletics and in particular to the sport of Racewalking, representing South Australia 21 times. In 2018 he was awarded the college’s most valuable athlete. Tristan is a highly effective communicator who completed Stage 2 Japanese Continuers in Year 11. Tristan is the Tiny Tot and On Track Coordinator at Coastal Districts Little Athletics Club, and also volunteers with the St Vincent De Paul Society.
Danielle achieved one Merit in the Research Project. As College Vice Captain, Danielle has been an excellent mentor for younger students, motivating and supporting students at college events such as Aquatics and Athletics Carnivals. Danielle has volunteered to make soup for the less fortunate in her school community and regularly visited a local elderly care home to provide company for the residents. Danielle also participates in classical ballet and starred as a character in the college musical Singin’ in the Rain JNR, which included singing, dancing, and acting.
Sebastian achieved two Merits in Chemistry and Physics. Sebastian was appointed Senior Leader of the College, captain of squash and a member of the Social Justice group. He excelled in Theatre Arts and was named Most Valuable Performer Award. Sebastian suffered significantly from Juvenile Arthritis in his earlier years of schooling, but received a number of school awards in his final year. He has spoken about issues such as mental health and disabilities with his peers in the hope they would talk to others about any issues they may be facing. Sebastian also participated in the Jarrumwani Journey of the Heart Program to the Tiwi and Aboriginal Lands of Northern Australia where he spent two weeks learning about their community and relationship with the land.
Tara achieved one Merit in the Research Project. Tara was Head Girl and has tirelessly raised awareness about social justice issues with her peers. Tara was an active member in the Hutt Street’s Walk a Mile in My Boots and the college’s Indigenous Garden Club. She made a substantial contribution to student and staff welfare through her work on International Women’s Day, Harmony Day, and R U OK? Day. She campaigned on issues such as the tax on sanitary products and was part of a group who collected sanitary products and donated them to women’s shelters. Tara was also instrumental in organising fundraising activities for a family in Uganda to build a new home.
Bridie achieved two Merits in Biology and English. As the SRC President, Bridie has generously supported and represented the College in a broad range of events, and spoken publically at many of them. In 2018, Bridie presented a reflection on her Mercy Pilgrimage to Dublin to the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia as part of school visits at the national conference. Bridie has played for the College’s netball, volleyball, touch football and inaugural AFL football teams, and is a member of the Kathleen Short ballet school and the Adelaide University soccer team.
Isaac was College Captain and has represented Adelaide at national conferences for his roles in the Young Christian Workers Leadership Team and the Young Christian Students group. He has started a local soup kitchen, supported Fred’s Van and initiated multiple fundraising campaigns, including creating Beans Benefit, where he has a team of students who sell iced coffee to raise money in aid of the soup kitchen.
The inaugural CESA STEM Forum took place on Friday 30th of November at the Adelaide Convention Centre with more than 120 students, teachers, and leaders in attendance.
