Rooty Hill High School - Excellence Assembly 2022 Achievements

2022 Achievements PRINCIPAL’S EXCELLENCE ASSEMBLY ADDRESS Friday 10 February 2023

Welcome to you all on behalf our school community to an Excellence Assembly that reflects the history, innovation and persistence of our wonderful school and its community. At the heart are our students whose courage, determination, and commitment we celebrate today. At the heart is our diverse and dynamic school community whose support of the school and our students grows stronger every year. At the heart is our relationship with the local Aboriginal community and our acknowledgement of the importance of our elders in shaping our culture.

Today, just over 150 students and 3 staff will be recognised for their achievements for themselves and the school community.

As principal I usually like to speak at this assembly about our progress and achievements in the previous year. This year is just a little different because, this school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022 and I would like to start there.

In our 60th year: •

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We connected with our school-community and many of you were here when we celebrated our anniversary on 5 August – almost 2000 people visited the school that day and I have a lasting memory of our first warm, dry day for months, a wonderful spirit of being together, performing in our new super-COLA, an inspiring performance program, and fireworks to finish.

We invited our alumni (that means ex) staff, students and families to a reunion dinner on 2 September where those attending shared food and heard from famous (and some infamous) former connections of the school.

We were approached by the Class of 1971 whose members visited the school early in the year and, after their tour agreed that they would like to donate a prize in the Arts to a student in the school. Today we welcome the School Captains of 1971 – John Cowpe and Jenny Combet to present $1000 as part of the Art Acquisition Prize.

We hear many stories of students and ex-students. Perhaps this is my favourite story. We were contacted by a journalist from the BBC who was trying to find three ex-students of the school. On 12 June 1968, two-year-old Kathy Wrethman was taken from the front yard of her home. A full-scale police search was started and the next day the army joined the search. On the third day, 3 Rooty Hill HS students Mark, John and Jeffrey were wagging (truanting) school when they heard a whimper from a paddock nearby. It was Kathy, her hair cut and blisters and bruises all over her. The boys picked her up and carried her to safety.

They took her to the police even though they were scared that they would 1

be in serious trouble for truanting. Kathy is still grateful to the 3 boys who saved her. She has met Mark but sadly John died, and Jeffrey has moved away.

I think I like these stories because they remind us that we each have our own journey to take, and that this community has always been one where students and their families look out for each other.

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And we retained a strong focus on our culture, platforms and change projects in the face of new policies and initiatives despite the challenges we faced. After all we could more of the same and we would get more of the same. We are not that school, and we have high expectations for improving, innovating and transforming.

We value our relationships, we value being one of the best high schools in this part of Western Sydney and we value the many stories that make up our history. It is not until we stop and take a breath and enjoy anniversaries as a chance to look back that we can see how far we have come.

You will hear much more of this during this assembly and in the next two weeks you will see more as we launch our Professional Practice Website – the Highly Accomplished School to continue to share our projects and professional learning with thousands of teachers, and hundreds of schools across Australia and internationally.

Today we can look back on 60 years and know that in our values, behaviours and language we have demonstrated that we can #PERSIST.

In 2022, we persisted and did our best. I am so proud of where we are.

We can also take a moment to celebrate the successes of 2022. Let me share a few highlights: •

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The school was recognised with the Secretary’s Award for a School Initiative – Student Agency – for our work in personalised academic goal setting, personalised learning, profiles, and student self-reporting.

Student progress (growth) and performance (attainment) on internal and external measures including HSC results was very pleasing and although the percentage of students in Bands 4, 5 and 6 was not as high as in 2021, Band 5 results were up. Given that this Year 12 had 3 years of COVID restrictions in the senior school, we are incredibly proud of their achievements.

Progress on other external measures of growth such as Year 9 NAPLAN and Year 10 VALID continued to show the effect of the school’s initiatives in teaching and learning.

Our long-standing partnership with Origin Energy and the key programs in entrepreneurial learning we have run with them were used as critical case studies in a national report on purposeful school/business partnering published

by Origin. https://purposefulpartnering.org.au/ Our students and staff partnered with “Learning Creates”, “Real Schools”, “PERU” and other partners to design and deliver bespoke learning and transition programs.

Our Deputy Principal was named as the Chifley Woman of the Year, 8 of our staff achieved accreditation at proficient and four of our staff were nominated for Executive Director awards.

We welcome the Executive Director here today.

In our school plan evaluation, we again rated our work as excelling in 13 of the 14 School Excellence Framework domains and we look forward to External Validation this year.

When the school’s founding fathers (and indeed they were all men) chose the school motto PERSIST they believed that this school would have high expectations, would have people who would work together, who would persist and who would believe that every student should have their best opportunity. We have learnt much about ourselves in the last 3 years, and in the last 60 years.

So, as we turn to 2023, I would like to announce that we have chosen the core values of “Respect and Responsibility” from our #PERSIST values for our focus in 2023 and announce that we will add two more that reflect our lives in this new decade for our school.

We call them the 4Rs – we will demonstrate in our language, behaviour, mindsets, and culture that we are respectful, responsible, restorative, and resilient. We will continue to make good choices, avoid blaming others and always seek opportunity to find new and innovative ways to ensure the best for each and for all our students.

The award winners here today represent so much more than their individual achievements – they represent the future of this community, and they speak for the best that public secondary education can provide when we all work together.

Congratulations to all our award winners, their teachers and families. I hope you enjoy the assembly and that you have a great 2023.

Christine Cawsey AM Principal Term 1 2023

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Recognising Excellence Last Friday morning, Deb and I had the pleasure of attending Rooty Hill High School’s Excellence Assembly; Rebecca Webster, Lee Sibir and Sue Bridge (Deputy Principal) also attended with Minchinbury, Eastern Creek and Rooty Hill Public Schools’ student leaders.

It was a joy to celebrate excellence of current students as well as the HSC class of 2022 – a wonderful recognition of achievement, personal best, effort and commitment. A particular highlight was the thank you speech delivered by 2022 Dux, Andrew Doan (pictured below).

Andrew not only spoke about reaching for the stars but taking time to ponder the wonderment of them. It was a brilliant speech. Andrew is commencing Actuarial studies at university this year…I suspect it won’t be the last time that we hear his name! It was a great morning.

Jason Miezis Director Educational Leadership, Eastern Creek Network

STAFF & COMMUNITY AWARDS Leadership for Learning Award – Nellie Harb In 2009, ACER published a book written by the school principal called Learning for Leadership based on the story of the school's leadership in professional practice. The proceeds of the book are now used to give this award, an award given to a teacher in the school who, in the opinion of the principal and deputy principals has demonstrated exemplary leadership as a classroom teacher and leader of teachers.

Nellie Harb is an exceptional teacher. She contributes to and inspires the ongoing growth and success of the students and staff with whom she works. In all classes, most notably HSC Legal Studies, her students consistently demonstrate measurable improvement in growth and attainment. Her fluent and expert classroom practice is integral to the success of students, and she works assiduously to support each one of them in achieving their full potential. Nellie leads subject teams to plan, evaluate and modify learning and teaching programs to remove obstacles to learning.

There is strong evidence in her work of higher student engagement and creation of productive learning environments. This was recognised in 2022 when, as a contributor to the NSW Department of Education HSC Strategy for Legal Studies teachers, she was invited to join the ‘community of engagement’ as a critical friend and associate.

Coral McLean Awards

As one of the school’s Professional Practice Mentors (PPM), Nellie has had a significant impact on teacher learning and capacity. In her role she supports colleagues to identify, plan and achieve personal professional development goals and improve classroom practice.

She leads mentoring sessions with new and beginning teachers, modelling effective and inclusive teaching and learning practices. She delivers APST Highly Accomplished professional learning (HAPL) and supports the HSIE Head Teacher to implement faculty procedures.

As part of the PPM team, Nellie collaborates to design and deliver high impact professional learning. She has worked with colleagues and school teams locally and nationally, 3

including HAPL on the following themes: embedding and measuring ACARA capabilities, effective classroom observation feedback practices, formative assessment, restorative practices and efficacious lesson design.

Nellie creates a culture of empowerment, collective responsibility, mutual support and collaboration.

Through her professionalism, collegiality and exemplary classroom practice, Nellie inspires and builds teacher capacity across her community, improving achievement for all students. She is a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Parents & Citizens Association and School Council Award for Outstanding Community Contribution – Melissa Scerri & Janice Stuart In 2013, the school’s Parents & Citizens Association (P&C) commissioned an award to be presented by the P&C and parent community to a student, staff member, parent, alumni or community partner whose work for the school community has made a significant difference to the school.

says it can be done, it will be. She is a genuine leader in our community.

The school-community wishes to thank and acknowledge these two extraordinary leaders and recognise that their contributions to the 60th anniversary in 2022 were exceptional and defined the success of the year.

STUDENT INDIVIDUAL & TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS School Council Student of the Year – Jamee Balzan & Joel Zahra

In 2022 the school celebrated its 60th anniversary with a range of small and large events that were highly successful despite COVID, flooding and considerable delays. Many staff, students, parents, families, alumni and community members made contributions to the success of those events especially the Community Day and the Alumni Dinner.

A dedicated team of staff and students worked together to organise and deliver a high-quality program that reflected the diversity of the school community, the talent of students and staff, and the special place of this school in this community, and in western Sydney. While many people contributed to the success and to the organising team, the school would like to recognise the leadership of Melissa Scerri and Janice Stuart.

Melissa’s leadership of the community celebration and the performance program required bringing together a myriad of details, a large group of people and a wide range of perspectives. It was an outstanding demonstration of community leadership and engagement, reflecting Melissa’s commitment to the community and her extraordinary skills as Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts.

Janice chaired the 60th anniversary committee and there was no detail from ticketing to table settings, that was outside her supervision and organisation. She knew the roles of each person and knew how to bring out their best in creating a great program, especially for the Alumni Dinner. The community trusts Janice and knows that if she

Dux of the School – Andrew Doan

Dux of the School Address Good morning parents, families, teachers, students, graduates, and esteemed members of the official party.

My name is Andrew Doan and I am incredibly honoured to be standing here today to accept the Rooty Hill High School Dux of 2022 award.

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But before I go on with this speech, I would like to take a moment to do two things: Firstly, I would like to thank the teachers, administrative personnel, other staff, as well as students who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to allow us to all gather today. Secondly, I would like to congratulate all the students and community members being recognised for their achievements in 2022 with me today. It is an astronomical honour that everyone here should be proud of. And now thirdly, I would like to provide a little reflection on my journey as well as some parting words as a former student of Rooty Hill High School. The sole representative from Blacktown City.

The sole It has been exactly 101 days since my last HSC exam. The 1st of November 2022. I remember it well.

Warm but not hot, no rain clouds in the sky, tumbleweeds rolling past me and ominous music playing in the background. And there I was sitting an exam for Economics. The only person in the hall. As the three-hour exam came to a close with the tick-ticking of the clock, a final tick tock, and that was it. I was done.

My final High School experience ever… except for formal… and this of course! And all I could think to myself was, “I can't believe this is how it ends. How very anticlimactic!”

As the exam invigilator came over to collect my exam she asked me, “Is this your last exam?”

“Yes”, I said deflated.

She excitedly replied “Congratulations, you must be so happy!”.

I walked out of the hall reflecting on what she had said, and she was right–I should be happy, and you know what, I WAS HAPPY, I was relieved and most importantly I had achieved something. I had finished the HSC. And all I did that afternoon was lie down on some green grass under a tree, staring out at the sky and wishing I could see the stars.

Truly a perfect way to end a chapter of my life. Picture perfect and dreamy indeed, but alas, schooling–and most certainly the HSC year–was not as calm or perfect as that moment.

To say the least, the HSC was not easy at all. There were many challenges, some of those challenges I overcame, and some challenges got the better of me–time management, work-life balance, extra-curricular activities, social commitments, willpower and sometimes the odd failure. Yet I believe the answer to these problems lay within the word under the school emblem which is displayed on the hopefully pristine white and blue shirts of every student in this hall, PERSIST. And with a little persistence and some unfettered confidence I believe you too (yes you!) will be able to achieve great success too!

Rooty Hillians are pioneers, creatives, leaders and most importantly team players. We always PERSIST and demonstrate the values that underpin our school. Over time PERSIST has evolved to mean to me; to do your best and

always take that leap of faith and I believe this aligns with a saying I always say to myself in times of challenge, Always aim for the stars, because if you don’t make it, at least you land outside in your backyard… and you know what; that's not such a horrible place to be.

I know it sounds like I have just taken an ending from a children's book, but I promise you this saying holds a lot of meaning. You might ask, why aim for the stars? To go all analytical on you, humans have been gazing at them for thousands of years, using the constellations as directions and generating vivid imagery, imagining depictions of giant animals, hidden folklore… or even a big spoon apparently!?

Yet today we will use the stars as a visual depiction of a dream, your dream, whatever it may be.

And the second part of the quote, “at least you land outside your backyard”, your backyard is a familiar place–yet the backyard of your next-door neighbour… not so much. By aiming high you allow yourself to explore beyond the confines of your backyard, or rather the artificial confines of society. Don’t feel like you can't achieve things because of where you started! As soon as you believe you can do something, you are already on your journey there!

I know that as a student of Rooty Hill High school I was able to foster and grow my own skills, through meeting brilliant people–both staff & student–who have inspired me, supported me and made me see the world in more ways than one. I have always tried to aim higher, to see how far I can fly. One of the ways I did this was aiming so high that I found myself selected to be a part of the Combined High Schools Team in the NSW Representative Debating Cup. There I was the sole representative from Rooty Hill High School. A representative from the much larger, Western Sydney. And strangely enough the only person on the team to ever experience Red Rooster! I aimed for the stars, and now I was flying past the atmosphere.

I very much enjoyed the opportunity, it was fun meeting new people who found me as much of a culture shock as I did them, or maybe that was because I showed up to a debate wearing shorts, an oversized button up shirt and a black hoodie… while everyone else was wearing their blazers.

(Whoops. In my defence… no one told me the dress code…)

But as is true to the Rooty Hillian blood that runs through our body, the PERSIST motto and values are what got me through.

I persisted throughout the gruelling debates against the equally impressive competition from the catholic and private schools all around NSW, embarrassing myself on many, many, many occasions along the way in front of my own teammates, the opposition, and my coaches. Yet never shying away from giving it a go and enjoying the moment.

But there were times where I just couldn’t. Or at least, I felt like I couldn't.

The topics were too hard, and the ideas were not flowing as easily as I had hoped. Yet I persisted carving out my own debating path. And then the fruits of my persistence–it was 5

my turn to speak, my turn to take the leap of faith… and I did. For 8 whole minutes, nothing in the world mattered, except for the piece of paper in my hands with some barely readable scribble that was "technically” my speech.

Then as I was sitting down, my teammate, a guy from North Sydney Boys, leaned across and told me that the speech I had just given had bamboozled the opposition, and him. At that moment I knew I had won. I had achieved far greater than what I set out. I had PERSISTED, and now I had arrived at the stars.

I hope that from my story you can take away more than an analogy about the stars or your neighbour’s backyard or my life in debating. But you realise that being from Rooty Hill High School, a comprehensive High School in Western Sydney means that you are the lucky ones, because you have the tools you need to achieve anything you set your minds to and be successful anywhere you choose. You are a group of people that hold the power to the future you want in the choices you make.

Representative Team of the Year – 60th Anniversary Student Promotional Team Accepted by: Ekaterina Lapteff & Duaa Saeed Team Members: Liza Anwar Taylor Cayabyab Nandika Charan Ceylin Diler Ulata Falemoe Alleyah Khan Myra Kumar Ekaterina Lapteff Peyton Maybury Maxene Mojica

Skye Nichols-Hession Alecia Ostric Cezlie Prasad Krystal Punzalan Olympia Ross Duaa Saeed Ghazala Tariq Summer Thompson Jordan Vella Monique Yeng

Band 6 HSC Results Name

Subject

Andrew Doan Bilal Shah

Mathematics Advanced Mathematics Advanced

Because you will break through the latte line. And you will achieve far greater than anyone expected from you, a small Rooty Hillian fish in a sea of much larger fish.

But really, there is so much more to my high school journey than just this one story and at the end of your journey, you will have much to tell too. Every teacher who I’ve met has built and added to my high school experience and made it better. They have pushed, supported, challenged, guided, and taught me. A very special thanks to my Year 12 teachers - Ms Lucas, Ms Razi, Ms Douglas and my band of Math Teachers *deep breath* Mr Meng, Mr Hewitt, Mr Wrigley, Mr Bailey and of course my Edrol bestie Jonathan Kim Sing.

I would also like to thank my Year Adviser Ms Edney, Deputy Principal Ms Vuki and Principal Ms Cawsey for all their support of me, in particular, in my last two years here at Rooty Hill High School. A highly commended thanks goes to my good friend Bilal Shah, who I enjoyed our intense academic rivalry with throughout Year 11 & 12. I wish him, and all my fellow graduates and friends here the best of luck with their futures.

RoSA GPA Awards – 4.5 or above Year 10:

Dan Nicholas Bonifacio Freshta Hashimi Henna Mansory Rhianna Nallas Rubaina Parmar Ryzell Soria Marian Unay Monique Yeng

My last and most heartfelt thanks goes to my family.

Thank you, Mum and Dad, for lovingly supporting me, despite how difficult I may have made it at times and much to my embarrassment at times. Your support, care and encouragement has got me here today. Thank you. And finally, for anyone here itching to explore the world outside the confines of the school fences, my advice is– enjoy your high school life, all of it, even the challenges, because you are living your life now, and tomorrow will always come regardless.

Always aim for the stars and continue persisting.

Andrew signing off :)

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Visual Arts Acquisition Prize – Isaac Fesseha Artist Statement: All eyes on me My printmaking body of work ‘All Eyes on Me’ explores the concept of selfpreservation. The self-portrait series depicts the repeated symbols of both the eye and the button attached, covering, smothering and moving around the face as I navigate through life. The button, a tool used to fasten, symbolises a personal plight to overcome and keep it together, while the eyes are both the onlookers and my analysing self-watching over me. The royal blue ink markings reiterate this meaning as it symbolises stability and being true to myself.

Deputy Principal’s Award for Most Improved Student Year 7: Skye Nichols-Hession Year 8: Ashton Molloy Year 9: Junior Pita Year 10: Angelleq Firouzeh-Knott Year 11: Serina Scopelliti Year 12: Jessica McGrath

Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment & Ampol Best All-Rounder Award Reuben F Scarf Award – Stefan Adamovic Ampol Best All-Rounder – Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage

Andy McKay VET Student of the Year Hospitality – Ianne Shanley Mateo

Jan Van Doorn Personal Best Award

Australian Defence Force Awards

Year 7: Jai Meta Year 8: Mashfiqur Alam Year 9: Declan Tafolo Year 10: Brayden Crass Year 11: Amity Darly Year 12: Bilal Shah

Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award Year 12 – Alyse McCutcheon Year 10 – Taliyah Suitupe Future Innovators Award Year 12 – Diaz Smith Year 10 – Ryzell Soria

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Chifley Science & Technology Prize – Ucheme Ohiaeri

Firstly, I would like to thank all my teachers that have taken time out of their day to make engaging lessons to teach us all. They have supported me throughout the year and helped me a lot which I really appreciate. Thank you to you all!

I would also like to thank my friends and peers which have made school a much more enjoyable place to be and having someone to talk to and laugh with, motivates me to come to school every day.

Chifley School Service Award Year 7: Jordan Vella Year 8: Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage Year 9: Layla Macatangay Year 10: Um-e-Farwah Syed Year 11: Dansia Gomes Year 12: Skye Lepua Year 12: Amanda Ngo

Lastly, I would like to thank my parents who have helped me the most by encouraging me to do the best that I can and telling me to work hard for everything that I do.

Finally, I would like to conclude my speech by thanking everyone who has helped me throughout my first year of high school and I look forward to spending the next 5 years at this school.

Thank you!

Year 8 – Ashmeet Parmar Good morning, Mrs Cawsey A.M, Ms Vuki, Ms Andrews, Ms Short, students, teachers, parents, and distinguished guests. It is with immense privilege that I stand before you today, honoured to be awarded the Year 8 DUX of 2022 during the 60th Anniversary of Rooty Hill High School and show my gratitude towards everyone who helped me achieve this great feat.

Dux Years 7 – 11 Year 7: Duaa Saeed Year 8: Ashmeet Parmar Year 9: Rebecca Gao Year 10: Freshta Hashimi Year 10: Marian Unay Year 11: Reign Dimayuga

I would like to first thank all the teachers that taught us and all the other school staff that gave us students countless opportunities and worked hours on end for us students to be able to have a safe, happy and educational environment.

Thanks to your dedication we were able to enjoy events like the 60th anniversary and strength in numbers. Your hard work has helped us students get one step closer to achieving our goals and helped me become something that I have aspired to be.

I would also like to thank all my friends for cheering me up when I wasn’t quiet myself and always having my back.

Without you guys school wouldn’t be the same.

Dux Speeches Year 7 – Duaa Saeed Good afternoon, Ms Cawsey, Ms Douglas, teachers, parents and students.

I am truly honoured to receive the Year 7 DUX of 2022 award today. Many people have helped me achieve this award and, in this speech, I would like to thank all of them.

Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for always being there for me and encouraging me to do my best. The fact that I knew they would be there for me no matter what would happen just made me more persistent and dedicated towards doing my best and achieving all of my goals. My sister Rubaina and my brother Steven were also a big part of my journey, although they were a constant pain in the neck, they pushed me to do better and go further beyond what I thought I could achieve. Without my family I wouldn’t be standing here today.

To conclude this speech, I would like to recite the message that I gave in my speech last year. Pursue your dreams, 8

follow your passion, try your best and work hard. I was nervous at the start of Year 7 too, but I did this, and I've already made it through 2 years of high school ready to face the new challenges that Year 9 will throw my way. I am proud of how far I have come so thank you all for helping me get here and become the DUX of our year.

uniforms, where we’ll achieve our goals with a positive attitude and mindset every day.

I wish to congratulate everyone on their successes today and all the hard work they’ve shown throughout the year.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced, I believe we, as a grade, made that happen.

Thank you.

Year 9 – Rebecca Gao Good Morning to Ms Cawsey, Ms Douglas, Ms Andrews and Ms Pozoglou, and my fellow peers.

Welcome to the Principal’s assembly for 2022!

It’s the greatest honour to be nominated to be here today, receiving the Year 9 DUX title for 2022, alongside the support of my peers in this journey. The thought of junior years coming to an end feels quite surreal. We’ve completed three years of schooling, with only three years remaining until we graduate. Year 9 has been a once-in-alifetime experience, every single day, we mature, persevere and grow from mistakes.

Throughout this year, I’ve noticed that sometimes every day isn’t how you always want it to be. Perfection isn’t always perfect, but rather progress. Learning to fail and growing takes bravery. We should learn to embrace it rather than denying it. Every day, we all see it, whether it’s from yourself or others, we all continue to persist, supporting and encouraging everyone. It’s a trait we should always remember and be proud of. We can see this through our improvement of behaviours, grades, mentality and accomplishments.

Every day, I appreciate the support from everyone, especially my teachers, friends, peers and family. Moreso, I would like to thank all the teachers that have made this year possible, especially Ms Andrews and Ms Pozoglou for the past three years.

I advise everyone to make the most of our student years and teachers as not only do they know the most information, inside and out, your biggest supporters and strive for your education. On that note, I would like to thank all the teachers that have contributed to our community in the past year. Thank you for helping us grow and learn to be the best version of ourselves, leaving a positive mark.

I appreciate all the effort that so many of you have gone to help me achieve what I have. Grateful is an understatement of how I felt toward teachers. They’ve provided us with opportunities and trust, allowing us to make our own decisions. In that process, we’ve all learnt key life skills that will help us realise and achieve our high potential.

2022 is coming to an end and we’ll be graced with a fresh new year. A new start in senior school in our pristine white

I highly encourage each of you to enter 2023 with the goal of performing to your personal best, constantly striving for improvement and focusing on what matters most to you. I hope that each and every one of you can trust yourself, stay open to improvement and take all the opportunities high school has to offer. Most of all, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Thank you.

Year 10 – Freshta Hashimi & Marian Unay Good morning teachers, parents, distinguished guests, and most importantly, Year 10. It is an honour and a privilege for us to be titled as this year's Year 10 DUX students.

We congratulate you all for completing another year of high school. We should acknowledge that this year was particularly daunting in terms of RoSA and fundamentals for Years 11 and 12. But we did it, and we have much to show for it.

We'd like to start by thanking our teachers for helping us throughout the year and ensuring that we're always performing our best. Thank you for helping us with our schoolwork, responding to messages and emails (especially when they got spammy), and most importantly, showing us some much-needed kindness. Not to name anyone but some teachers gave us candy, if that was not you, please take notes.

We'd also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our parents, family and friends, for always being supportive, and providing us with the understanding and patience whenever we faced obstacles.

This year has forced many of us to reflect on the past and ponder our options for the future. During his 2018 UN speech, RM of BTS stated "Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday's me is still me. I am who I am today, with all my faults. Tomorrow I might be a tiny bit wiser, and that's me, too."

It's important never to lament past mistakes, instead, we should derive meaningful lessons from them and use them to improve ourselves. These "mistakes" can include using the wrong method to solve a math problem, "forgetting" to read your prescribed book for English, and "accidently" not putting your phone in its Yondr pouch.

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In Year 10, mistakes seem more consequential, especially with the constant assemblies they've held this year regarding RoSA grades, subject selections, and our journey after Year 10. We've been bombarded this year with many decisions that we alone had to make – decisions that'll no doubt alter our education, careers and lives.

We're no longer the naive year sevens we were almost 4 years ago, but instead well-adjusted Year 10s that have much to contribute to the world. Yes, we'll make mistakes along the way but it's important to remember that mistakes are an opportunity to grow wiser, and it's instead the inability to take these opportunities that hurts us more.

Year 10 is sort of that awkward transition in school where you're not a junior anymor3 but also not really considered a 'proper' senior. We're expected to know more, when reay how much difference can a few months of holidays make?

But the truth is we are another step closer to the end of our high school lives and another step further from youth.

Many of us had opportunities to display this, for example, work experience. For me, those three individual weeks were one of my many highlights this year. I'd feel all grown up in a suit, travelling to the city by myself on the train and blending in with the 'office' people. I felt grown up. I would use my key card to go inside 70-storey buildings without needing to go to reception and order overpriced coffee at the cafes along the way. But quickly, reality dawned that the aesthetix train rides came with very, very early mornings and notorious peak hours squished with strangers. The stunning views of the skyscrapers came with aching feet in heels. The connections fostered with the employees came with the knowledge of letting go. The delicious food cam3 with the guilt of spending money and the sense of independence came with that pang of homesickness.

I felt lost in between those people who seemed like they had life sorted out. And literally lost when walking to the buildings. I still needed to use google maps for an average of 3 out 5 days a week because I'd keep finding these random shortcuts and feel cool about knowing them. It made me feel like I belonged there.

I simply felt grown up. I knew in my mind and in the eyes of adults, that I was not. The reality is, no one has everything set out, there's always at least one additional thing that we seek for. It's human nature. We can't ensure happiness, but we can ensure growth, and who's to say we can't start early. So, let's make the best of it, before we end up spending a good amount of our lives standing in crowded train carriages.

So, after all these lessons learnt, what happened this year?

We commemorated that school's 60th anniversary by holding an amazing festival. Those who did commerce got a taste of running a small business, and those not doing commerce got a taste of our products (after we pestered them for 15 minutes of course).

We showed up in our best 80s outfits and found out that Ms Mattimore does an excellent Celine Dion performance (and that Mr Meng is a great backup dancer).

Recently, we've all experienced weeks of Mr Hewitt's relentless harassment for bowling notes – it was better than expected. Especially all the "free refills" they so generously offered us. For many of us, this is an emotional time. After 4 years of being Rooty Hill students so many of us are moving on. So many friendships, dramas, friendship dramas. We'll miss you and wish you all the best to those who are leaving. For those who'll be returning, start looking forward to zero periods, free periods and most excitingly, a Covid-free year eleven prelims. Congratulations again for the wonderful collective efforts you've put in 2022. Make sure to hold onto those memories. Thank you and have a happy holiday.

Year 11 – Reign Dimayuga Good morning, Ms Cawsey, Ms Mattimore, Miss Douglas, Miss Munzenberger, parents, teachers and Year 12.

I'd first like to start off by thanking my teachers who endlessly supported me throughout the entirety of Year 11 from start to finish. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I couldn't have asked for better teachers. To be honest, I never saw myself delivering a DUX speech, it felt like an impossible title to achieve, but that never stopped me from pushing through to the end. Year 10 was like a quick demo of what senior school is really like, so coming into Year 11 was not easy.

I found myself, just as others did, studying day and night and stressing over assessments. But beneath that, I also procrastinated, forgot to do my homework, and did anything but study some days. They say, "life is a roller coaster of emotions", I never truly understood that until I came into Year 11. There were countless times this year where I just wanted to give up, and many times where I did. The difference is self-discipline. I mean I have to admit my time management wasn't so well. So, I'm contradicting myself, I guess. But hey, nobody is perfect right? Fall 7 times, get back up 8.

The important thing is that everyone sitting here in this room right now, has made it to Year 12, and that should be enough to be proud of yourself about. We, as a year group, survived what I believe was the toughest year of high school, and now on our journey to the end of a chapter.

I would also like to add that as much as you push yourself to do the best, taking breaks is the most important. Spend time taking care of yourself, go watch your favourite movies, go out with friends, and do whatever you wish to do! Make high school part of the golden years of your life, not ones filled with regret.

In saying so, I'd like to give special thanks to my family who supported me and never stopped believing in me.

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They watched me as I struggled to stay awake studying late at night and celebrated with me on my results. As well as my friends whom I got to share my journey with through Year 11. I don't know where I'd be without them, they are the kind of people who wish to see success for others... I'm proud of you guys too. On a final note, I'd like to once again, congratulate Year 12 for completing Year 11! And remember, what doesn't challenge you, doesn't change you.

Thank you.

Ashton Molloy Myah Nguyen Ashmeet Parmar Alexa Parreno Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage Charli Russell Aden Tran

Academic Subject, Achievement & Sport Awards

Year 9

Year 7

Name Hidayah Amjad

Name Ceylin Diler Ecrin Diler Chloe Gamsby Raiyan Huda Humzah Hussain Jamielle Lopez Addison Marsh

Amiracle Meng Celesti Prasad Duaa Saeed Ava Scobie Khian Sta Maria Lillyarna Suitupe Alyssa Urfano

Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer LOTE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer CAPA Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer HSIE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer PDHPE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer English Overall Best Performer Science Overall Best Performer Maths Overall Best Performer TAS Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement

Year 8 Name Petra Ademovic

Mali Coombes

Taiba Hussain Zaheen Hussain Micholai Marquez Ethan Mascarenas

Ramon Ayoub Gabriella Creswell Rebecca Gao Zakir Gloria Lilley Gotts

Sautualasi Heron

Sidra Jafari Matthew Lim McKenzy Lolo Adriel John Mendoza Priya Muduliar Rohit Mullashery Satish Dhwani Ramwani Elianna Raquedan Saarim Saeed Mason Villanueva

Premier's Sporting Challenge Medal Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement DUX Overall Best Performer TAS Overall Best Performer CAPA Overall Best Performer Maths Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement

Award Overall Best Performer HSIE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement DUX Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer CAPA Junior Girl Sports Champion Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer Maths Overall Best Performer Science Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer TAS Overall Best Performer English Overall Best Performer PDHPE Junior Boy Sports Champion

Year 10 Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer HSIE Overall Best Performer Science Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer English Overall Best Performer PDHPE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement

Name Liza Anwar Chelsea Batty Jazmine Birett Dan Bonifacio James Collisson

Freshta Hashimi

Zena Jalil Garth Le Roux Henna Mansory

Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer CAPA Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer TAS Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement DUX Overall Best Performer English Overall Best Performer Science Overall Best Performer Maths Overall Best Performer PDHPE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement 11

Rhianna Nallas Ryzell Soria Taliyah Suitupe Marian Unay Monique Yeng

Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer HSIE

Zahra Almoaiel Adam Almoail Japheth Arona Gizem Biber

Reign Dimayuga

Bianca Dodd Dararitu Duriso Dansia Gomes Dean Gower Veronica Ieremia Lillian Lolomanaia Ucheme Ohiaeri Serina Scopelliti Belinda Tahana

Ianne Shanley Mateo Alyse McCutcheon Amanda Ngo Nicholas Pakas Chloe Paz Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage

Year 11 Name

Tamana Mansory

Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Senior Boy Sports Champion Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement DUX Overall Best Performer English Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer HSIE Overall Best Performer VET Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer Science Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer CAPA Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer PDHPE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer Maths

Bilal Shah Nicayla Storozuk Joel Zahra

Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement VET Student of the Year Hospitality Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer TAS Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer Science Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement

Year 12 Name Stefan Adamovic

Malaika Ali Jamee Balzan Kaiceryn Cantre Koralee Catlett Andrew Doan Mitchell Grosvenor Skye Lepua Nicole Li

Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer HSIE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer PDHPE Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Excellence in Sport Award Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Overall Best Performer English Overall Best Performer Maths Overall Best Performer CAPA Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement Principal's Award for Outstanding Achievement 12

Rooty Hill High School Learning, Leadership & Achievement North Parade, Rooty Hill NSW 2766 P.O. Box 70, Rooty Hill NSW 2766 Phone: 02 9625 8104 Follow Rooty Hill High School:

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