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 February 4 2020.
A panel comprising the Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, and representatives from the school, vocational education and training, and business sectors determine which students receive the Governor’s Commendation.
Congratulations to all the recipients including:
Chloe achieved Merits in Biology, English and Research Project B.
Chloe mentored younger students as part of the Learning Assistance Program by listening to them read and helping them with their homework. For the past two years, Chloe was an after-school tutor for Year 11 students to help them with their mathematics and science subjects. Chloe was the school’s wellbeing leader and ran school charity events including Harmony Day and raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
Lachlan achieved Merits in Mathematical Methods and Physics.
Lachlan overcame a serious car racing accident in April 2019, after his car rolled during a speedway race in Mildura. The school leader successfully kept up with his school work as he recovered from severe back and ankle injuries. Lachlan was a positive role model to Year 7 students, many who are refugees from Afghanistan and northern Africa.
Jack was Junior Captain of the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club who mentored younger members and gained a host of qualifications. Jack excelled in mathematics and helped other students at the college. Jack and two of his friends set up a profitable small business, designing and manufacturing products on his 3D printer. He plays AFL and also represented South Australia in American Football. He volunteers with his grandparents at Vinnies.
Sophie was College Captain and has the ability to communicate, inspire, and engage with her peers. She took part in a range of voluntary initiatives, which included being a member of the Young Christian Students Group, which aims to help the poor and needy within her local community. Sophie was the only female member in her F1 in Schools team, which won state and national titles, and she is a passionate advocate for STEM. She led the local soup kitchen, as well as supporting Fred’s Van. Outside of school, Sophie is a member of Surf Life Saving at the Moana SLSC, and a member of Hackham Scouts.
Maya achieved Merits in Biology and English.
Maya instigated a sponsorship process across the 2019 Year 12 cohort to sponsor a child’s education at the School of St Jude in Tanzania. She shared information about schooling in Australia and our culture via regular videos of school life as well as sending gifts of Australian goods. Maya was the school’s SRC President and an invaluable leader to the school’s SHE Leads High Program, which encourages female leadership among the SRC. Maya also had a lead role in this year’s whole school musical.
Archer achieved Merits in English, Psychology, Physics and Research Project B.
Entrepreneur Archer set-up three concurrent online businesses connected with the children’s game Minecraft, which generated sufficient income to pay for school and buy IT equipment worth $6000. He works with the intellectually disabled as a volunteer at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and as a young adult mentor at Rotary Morialta. An outstanding musician, Archer was the lead guitarist in the school senior rock band and senior ensemble, and played at licensed premises from year 8 to 12 outside of school.
Ella achieved Merits in Psychology and Research Project B.
Ella is an accomplished sportswoman with a passion for physical activity and positive health outcomes. Outside of school she has played netball for the community of Mallala for 10 years, winning best and fairest, and volunteering in the roles of scoring, timing, umpiring and fundraising. Her research project focused on nutrition and in particular, contributing factors to childhood obesity.
Hillary achieved Merits in Research Project B and Ancient Studies.
Hillary was the College’s Justice Captain who demonstrated true care for others. She created over 200 Shoe Boxes of Love after visiting every class in her school and encouraging students to donate essential toiletries and age appropriate Christmas gifts. She led her school community to action for a coordinated winter appeal for Vinnies, organising a soup lunch, Live Below the Line, and 40 Hour Sacrifice events. She organised a winter sleep-out event for her peers and also brought in a guest speaker from Vinnies to help students understand the complexities and pressures impacting on homelessness. Today is also Hillary’s 18th birthday.
Georgia has dedicated herself to helping others, both within school and the wider community. She has fundraised for the Little Heroes Foundation, and Still Aware, an organisation that raises awareness and research regarding stillbirths, through a series of events, including a regular market stall at Stirling, weekly raffle tickets and selling baked goods, and holding a bonfire night. She also hosted a crazy hair day where she had her head shaved in front of a large audience and donated her hair for making wigs for children with cancer.
Congratulations to the Class of 2019 - read more about SACE Completion here.
Over recent years, Catholic Education SA has seen a significant increase in the number of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This has led to a growing need to develop effective practices for engaging and communicating with students and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
