2025 Achievements
PRINCIPAL’S EXCELLENCE ASSEMBLY ADDRESS
Thursday 12 February 2026
Welcome to the Rooty Hill High School Annual Excellence Assembly, celebrating the achievements of the students, the school and the community in 2025. Welcome to students, ex-students, families, community guests and a special welcome to Year 7, including our 3 scholarship winners Mia Bigic (MPS), Samuel Dabinett (ECPS) and Telisia Bourne (RHPS).
Today, just over 150 students, 5 staff and 3 community members will be recognised for outstanding achievements in 2025. I want to acknowledge the support of our community and, particularly thank our Elders for their ongoing support of the school. I also want to acknowledge and thank Khearna-Rose Lever for her Acknowledgement of Country and affirm the importance that we place on personalising our acknowledgement and recognition of the Aboriginal community connected to our school. Today, I want to highlight some of our major achievements and the stories of 2025:
• Our core value for 2025 was innovation and creativity. Given the context of the school with significant staffing pressures, the growing demand for the school to give more support students, their families and the community (both financial and emotional), a commitment to giving every student the opportunity to do his or her best, and a belief that our school plan (2024-2027) willmakeadifference,thechoiceofthisvaluewasessentialtowhatwebelieve we can be.
• The Department of Education asked us to focus on explaining and publicising thehigh-qualityworkwehavedoneoveryearsin“highperformanceandgifted education”. As our new website, developed by 3 of our most creative administrative staff shows, we achieved that goal in all 4 domains – academic, social, physical and creative.
• The school receivedthe PublicEducation Foundationaward for ourinnovative personalised learning program designed to give every student the opportunity to do his or her best. This program, a decade in the making, is now one of the mosthighlyawardedandrecognisedprogramsinAustraliansecondaryschools withits focuson personalised learning,expansivelearning, student agency and flexible learning journeys and pathways. Our overall student culture exemplifies the highest qualities of inclusion, citizenship and kindness, something that we never take for granted and always value. It is the heart of our high-performance work in leadership and citizenship – through the 4Rs respect, responsibility, resilience and restoration. In 2026, we will add regulation (self-regulation) as our 5th R. Today, I am delighted that we will give recognition to two of the leaders of this work across the last decade –HeadTeacher JuniorSchool,SarahAndrewsandHeadTeacherSeniorSchool, Kylie Munzenberger. It is no accident that 112 early entry offers were made to Year 12 2020 and 90% of Year 12 students choosing university study enrolled in that pathway.
• In sport, as you will see in the program today, there were over 450 representative opportunities. It must be noted that due to the high-quality coaching and the development of elite level skills, female sport in this school has become elite, with our students developing their talents and gifts into elite sporting performances. I would like to make a special note of Uitime Levi who was recognised by NSW CHS sport for his service to elite volleyball and I would like to recognise the leadership of Sautualasi Heron and McKenzy Lolo our Sports Captains, and the senior girls’ volleyball squad who inspired elite performance in others while modelling school values. When our school was featured in the NSW DoE Curriculum program on how to “spike” in volleyball (somethingI will never be ableto do), we were all very excited because our top players are always creative and innovative.
• IntheArts,2025wasayearwherestudentcreativity and commitment to excelling was always on show. Whether in theatre, writing or art making, the standard of performance and display was also elite. From the‘Milkshakes andMonet’ program withthe partner primary schools, to winning art works at external competitions, to performances in Pulse and Schools Spectacular, and our student writers working with Story Factory to produce the book: I Talk, It Echoes. Can I extend the school’s special congratulations to Alyssa Flanagan-Rogers who was a featured soloist for Schools Spectacular, Shaun Silivia who performed as a member of the state musical theatre corps, and Brody Wilcockson whose HSC script for Drama was a finalist for On Stage as well as the 3 art students whose works are being acquired this year – Roxanne Cajumban, Vicent Delos Reyes and Divine Sang-Yum.
• Of course, at the centre of our work as a successful comprehensive secondary school, is our determination,despitecontinuingstaffvacancies,to deliver academic progress for each student. The school’s innovative program where each enrolling student receives a Chromebook on loan as well as critical school equipment has enabled a level of technology and learning access that would not otherwise have been possible. As principal can I givemysincere thanks on behalf of studentsandthe school to parents who have been able to purchase school uniform and contribute $200 towards the costs of the school supplying Chromebooks and other school equipment. It has really helped us maintain every class on our Google Domain, one of the most innovative features of ensuring opportunity for every student.
• The impact of our work in subject based teaching and learning is reflected in the following outcomes:
o The increased number of students in Years 7-10 achieving grade point averages above 4.0 and today there are 24 students who were in Year 10 2025 who will be recognised for GPAs above 4.5. It is important that, in finding ways to be creativeandinnovativeinreachingourgoal
of being an “average school”, designing explicit and high-quality learning within each subject to increase our Grade Bs and eliminate Grades D and E in each subject has been a successful strategy. The grades in years 7-9 demonstrated how much impact this had on progress for students in a secondary setting.
o A significant improvement in results in the practical components of HSC courses including Drama, Design & Technology, Visual Arts and Society & culture for students whose overall academic potential showedthevalueofchoosingasubjectwith a major work Students made significant progress (growth) and performance (attainment) on internal and external measures. Improvement and growth in NAPLAN results from Years 7 -9 was at and above state average.
o We made good progress on our progress measures especially in attendance, where wewereagainabovetheaverageforsimilar schools’ groups and above other local schools.
o Band 6 results in Business Studies (Hooria) and Community and Family Studies (Laurel). Congratulations to our Dux Hooria.
o The success of students entering university via early entry was significant (with 112 offers) and we continued to understand the importance of investing in Year 11 to achieve their best results if they want a university pathway.
o Jim Anderson scholarships/True Reward scholarships/Harding Miller scholarship/ ABCN scholars
• We saw the impact of our innovative and creative approach in what students said about how we recognised their potential and listened to their voices. The school had above state average results in the Public School Student Surveys on key measures of learning, belonging and advocacy and the ongoing engagement of students as the “data analysts” for each year group providing powerful recommendation for action and better practice.
In preparing this address today, I have reflected on our PERSIST values and how critical it is to understand what it takes to sustain a decade of “innovation and creativity”, including having the courage and tenacity to pursue big and important changes.
At the 2025assemblyIsaid: Asthe DoElaunches itsfocus on high potential and gifted education we will audit all the ways we currently provide opportunities and we will reopen our book(the one wewrotewith Professor Bill Lucas in 2017) on Creativity and we will use the Creativity Wheel asa driver ofturningacademic, physical, socialand creative potential into success. We have done that and I want to identify 3 key factors that enabled us to use the
core value in 2025 to deliver the DOE focus on high performance and gifted education – to be elite in so many areas.
1. The capacity to identify mentors, research and evidence to inform decision making and I want to identify our decision in 2025 to go back to using the elements of the school’s creativity wheel with its five dispositions – to be imaginative, inquisitive, collaborative, disciplined and, above all persistent.
2. The willingness to take risk and to do things differently because this school-community has seen a history of sustained innovation create a school where students do well, where the commitment of adults to “give every student the opportunity to do his or her best” is not just words but informs our ways of thinking, knowing, doing and being.
3. The capacity to work together in the present to create the future where every learning journey matters. At this school we want to find the best ways to “do things” and to align our strategic, operational and cultural practice so that we make the most of the time we have.
The award winners here today represent so much more thantheirindividual achievements –theyhaveshowntheir potential and shown that they can be elite. They are a window to the future of this community, and they speak for the best that public secondary education can provide in western Sydney.
And now to 2026..this year our core value will be “Excellence” and as this school that means doing a “personal best”. The question that goes with this value is “Have you done your best?”
It is the question we will ask of our strategic, operational, and cultural practice. It is the question we will ask of the adults who work with our students as they manage the complexities and challenges facing the school. It is the question we will ask students each day as they complete the success criteria for each lesson and task. It is the question we will ask students as they take their learning journeys through personalised learning plans that give them agency and increased self-regulation over their attendance, goals, academic progress, transition plans and pathways. It is the question so many of our award winners have already answered in their journeys to today.
Congratulations to all our award winners, their teachers and families.
Ms Christine Cawsey AM – Principal
STAFF & COMMUNITY AWARDS
Leadership for Learning Award – Jade Dowling 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.
Jade has been a member of the HSIE and Rooty Hill High school staff since January 2019 and, in that time she has been recognised across the school-community for her teacher leadership, a leadership that has been built on her capacity to identify curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular areas where students and their families can be engaged with the academic and cultural life of the school.
In the HSIE faculty, Jade is recognised as a “lead teacher” in curriculum, programming and assessment for Geography, Society & Culture and she has also taught and coached students completing cluster tasks in VET Retail even when not teaching the course. Students in her classes know they can do well, and this is demonstrated in their academic results. Jade is described by colleagues and supervisors as the person to whom others refer as a source of mentoring, expertise and willingness to lead the implementation of new strategic and professional initiatives. Her intellectual grasp of the complexities of teaching humanities and aligning pedagogical practice to improve the results of secondary students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is both expert and exemplary.
In the HSIE faculty she is the HPGE lead and Gifted Gateway coordinator, in the PLLT (professional learning and leadership team) for Strategic Direction 3 she is one the HALT program leads, and she is also the faculty Professional Practice Mentor, coordinating the professional learning, accreditation and PDP programs.
In addition to her expertise as one of the school’s leading teachers, Jade has also made a significant contribution to building the school’s value of team work and leadership with students and families in her roles as SRC and student leadership chair, and as coordinator of the school’s Pasifika programs where she leads a team of staff, students, parents and community volunteers to improve outcomes and opportunities for students within and beyond the school. She has coordinated the Pathe program with Western Sydney University and, critically, has ensured that the school has engaged with major programs such asthe PCYC Haka Warrior program. Theschool won the performance competition in 2023 and 2025, reflecting Jade’s influence and commitment to visible leadership in the hours of rehearsal and community connection.
Her colleagues asked that this citation note that Jade has crafted a new and enduring relationship with Pacifica parents and students whose “trust in the school” has resulted in significant student success across the full range of school opportunities. The school is delighted to recognise Jade Dowling’s body of professional work with this award.
Outstanding Executive Contribution to Rooty Hill High School Award – Sarah Andrews & Kylie Munzenberger
In 2025 Rooty Hill High School received The Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement at the Public Education Foundation Awards for a decade’s work to “GiveEveryStudenttheOpportunitytodohisorherbest”. This prestigiousawardispresentedtoonly20 NSW public schools for demonstrating achievements in teaching and learning outcomes, leadership, supporting students and/or creating a sustainable learning environment. In the case of Rooty Hill High School, the award recognised programs in personalised learning (2015-17), expansive learning (2018-2020), student agency (2021-2023) and student learning journeys (2024-2027).
The citation said: Since 2015, RHHS has driven its purpose to give students the opportunity to do their best through personalised learning, expansive learning, student agency and personalised “learning journeys”. All students at this school can expect to have a personalised learning plan, set their own goals, evaluate their progress, use their learning profile for planning, engage in a range of purpose designed programs that build their skills, capabilities and dispositions, write powerful applications for work and further study, and have confidence that their learning journey through high school is planned around their needs and adapted to their progress, growth and expectations.
Many staff members, executive staff and students contributed to this award. However, the school wishes to recognise two Head Teachers who have made a significant impact on realising the purpose of this school over the last decade. Working with the junior and senior school teams, they have been central to the planning, implementation, evaluation and refinement of each new strategy, initiative and program for students from Year 6 to Year 13 in what has become one of the best personalised transition and pathways programs in Australian secondary schools. They have done this while being expert teachers, compassionate mentors and highly effective middle leaders.
Parents & Citizens Association and School Council Award for Outstanding Community Contribution – Haka Warrior Volunteers
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.
In 2023, our school community faced challenges and opportunities as a result of social and economic changes. Withthesupport ofthePoliceCitizensYouthClub,alarge group of students were able to participate in the Western Sydney Haka Warrior Program and competition. And won the competition. The school continued to compete in 2024 and again in 2025 and also extended its work to work with Mount Druitt Public School in the Junior Haka Warrior program.
Over many weeks the PCYC coordinators, Raisa Lea’ana and Rhys Tamaka, worked with student, parent, staff and community volunteers to give students, their families and the Pacifica community hours of leadership, service, cooking, mentoring and community engagement.
This awardrecognisesthefollowingvolunteers and thanks them for their outstanding commitment and contribution. This award also recognises that the RHHS Haka Warrior Team, won the competition again at the end of the 2025 program. This prestigious award honours the work that was done to create an outstanding and culturally deep connection and performance.
Thank you to Tristan Lolo, Wendy Roberts, Isabella Kauvai, Tuifao Anae & Lillian Lolomana’ia.
Congratulations to Sarah Andrews and Kylie Munzenberger
STUDENT INDIVIDUAL & TEAM
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
School Council Student of the Year – Brody
Willcockson
Dux of the School Address
Good morning, Ms Cawsey, members of the official party, teachers, parents, and students.
I am incredibly honoured to be standing here today as the Dux of the school. Firstly, congratulations to all the students and staff receiving awards today. This is a moment for all of us to reflect on our journey and be proud of how far we’ve come.
I want to start by thanking the people who are the reason I am standing here today, To my parents, thank you for putting up with the late-night cramming and stress. Your constant belief and support pushed me to reach my full potential.
I’d also like to thank the school, and Ms Cawsey for making RHHS such a meaningful and memorable place for all students.
Most importantly, I want to thank the teachers who have supported me throughout high school. Miss Munzenberger, Miss Pozoglou, Miss Lata, Miss Hussein, Ms Vuki and special thanks to Ms Douglas. Without you all, none of this would have been possible.
Last year, I was sitting in the audience watching my older brother,Muhammad, receive this same award. I didn’t feel pressure to match him, I felt inspired. It showed me what was possible with consistency, support and belief.
Year 12 challenged my disciple, my confidence, and my ability to keep going when things felt overwhelming. There were long nights and moments of doubt, but those challenges became the most valuable part of the journey. Theytaught meresilience,perspective,andtheimportance of asking for help. Looking back, what matters most isn’t just the result, but the growth and the people who shaped who I am today.
What really helped me through it all was keeping in mind that grades don’t define you. You are more than just your marks. And some of my best memories came from supporting each other – like the 30 minutes before the Business Studies HSX exam in Miss Douglas’ office, where we all gathered to go over what we didn’t know together, helping each other through it.
To the Year 7 students and the Year 12 class of 2026, my advice is simple: Make the most of your school years. Ask for help and support each other. High school will go by way faster than you can imagine. Don’t get too caught up in assessments and exams, use this time to grow individually, make friends, and enjoy while it lasts.
Thank you, and best of luck to everyone in the future.
Representative Team of the Year – The Open Girls Volleyball Team Team Members:
Aaliyah Acosta Mikayla Mantua
Henrietta Ah Lam Alarna Matatia
Natasha Ah Lam Daveleen Mulbah
Khalia Evagelia Daniel Ma-Jacqueline Sinclair
Sautualasi Heron Alyssa Urfano
Alexandra Llagas
Jordan Vella
RoSA GPA Awards – 4.5 or above
Year 10
Aaron Acosta
Shahad Alhirz
William Allen
Jasmine Browne
Taylor Cayabyab
Khaila Chavaria
Alivia Chojnacki
Dux of the School – Hooria Asghar
RoSAGPAAwards– 4.5orabove(Continued)
Year 10
Ecrin Diler
Anthony Le
Kelvin Li
Colin Malsi
Addison Marsh
Maxene Mojica
Asli Nacakli
Steven Parmar
Alfred Ramos
Clarissa Randell
Duaa Saeed
Laith Saleh
Ava Scobie
Lillyarna Suitupe
Timothy Tumbaga
Alyssa Urfano
Jordan Vella
Year 11 Mali Coombes
Jemuel Nallas
Visual Arts Acquisition Prize – Roxanne Cajumban, Vincent Delos Reyes & Divine Sang-Yum
Roxanne’s Artist Statement:
Upgraded is a series of digital artworks inspired by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence within the creative industry. My Body of Work examines the growing presence of AI-generated art and its impact on creative individuals, encouraging viewers to reconsider the increasing reliance on technology within today’s world. Set in a dystopian world, the series portrays a society that turns to cybernetic enhancements to improve personal abilities. Through these imagined futures, I invite the audience to reflect on the fragile boundary between technology and humanity questioning when assistance shifts into dependence. Ultimately, Upgraded aims to prompt critical thought about the future of creativity, the value of human expression and individualised style, skill and artistic intention.
Vincent’s Artist Statement:
Pur – Traits is a personal drawing series that pays tribute to my two cats, who have been constant companions throughout my life. Growing alongside me, they have become deeply woven into my daily routines, memories, and sense of comfort. This series seeks to capture not only their physical features, but also their distinct personalities and quirks. Each drawing reflectsmomentsthat emphasise their enduring presence and quiet influence in my life. Inspired by the meaningful role my cats have played in my journey growing up, this Body of Work serves as both a reflection and a commemoration of the lasting bond we
share one that has been a significant part of my life since childhood.
Divine’s Artist Statement:
My artwork, Ceci n'est pas une sculpture, is a life-size sculptural installation that pays homage to the surrealist artist René Magritte. Constructed from plywood, paint, and found objects, the piece reimagines key motifs from Magritte’s body of work through a three-dimensional lens. The title, a nod to his famous painting The Treachery of Images (Ce n’est pas une pipe), sets the conceptual framework for a reflection on illusion, perception, and the boundaries of reality. The sculpture features iconic symbolsassociatedwithMagritte suchasthebowler hat, suitcase, suit, umbrella, and the recurring falling selfportrait set against a painted backdrop of a blue cloudfilled sky. By employing both sculpture and painting on everyday objects, I aim to blur the line between object and image, challenging viewers to question what they see and what they believe.
Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment & Ampol Best All-Rounder Award
Reuben F Scarf Award – Danica Tahana Ampol Best All-Rounder – Sautualasi Heron
Roxanne, Vincent & Divine pictured with RHHS Alumni (class of 1971) Ms Jenny Combet and Mr John Cowpe
VET Student of the Year – Hospitality – Chellsea Diakowsky
Chellsea pictured with Ms Natalia Greguric, Relieving Director - Educational Leadership, Eastern Creek Network.
Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth
Leadership & Teamwork Award
Year 10 – Ava Scobie
Year 12 – Henrietta Ah Lam
Defence Force Future Innovators Award
Year 10 – Addison Marsh
Year 12 – Joshua Dillon
Deputy Principal’s Award for Most Improved Student
Year 7 – Rauf Yosufi
Year 8 – Jaidyn-Clint Bolt
Year 9 – Ella Skinner
Year 10 – Maddison Briffa
Year 11 – Zahira Sadiqi
Year12–BreannaHargreaves
Jan van Doorn Personal Best Award
Year 7 – Hudaa Saeed
Year 7 – Miranda Sedmak
Year 8 – Azlan Saeed
Year 9 – Usu Ohi
Year 10 – Ryan Pearson
Year 11 – Primrose Ohi
Year 12 – Nabaa Boram
Year 12 – Alyssa FlanaganRogers
Chifley Awards
School Service Awards
Year7 –HarrisonClapham
Year 8 – Sisilia Ikamanu
Year 8 – Liam Mondala
Year 9 – Mercy Lalaga
Year 10 – Summer Thompson
Year 11 – Khalia Evagelia-Daniel
Year 12 – Fawz Al Jamhour
Year 12 – Marwa Amini
Ben Chifley Achievement Award for Leadership
Year 12 – Jayden Chua & Laurel Lyttleton
Dux Years 7 – 11
Year 7 – Lilley Smith
Year 8 – Raina Kongkon Year 9 – Duaa Saeed
Year 9 – Laith Saleh
Year 10 – Ashmeet Parmar
Year 11 – Laurel Lyttleton
Year 7 – Xantle Zhey Estrada
Hi Teachers, parents and students. To begin, I want to address how grateful I am to be up here receiving this award. Starting high school and being in Year 7 was a new thingforallofus,andatthestartoftheyear, I did not think I would be up here today! I want to thank both teachers and friends for guiding me through this new experience and being there for me.
I truly wouldn’t be here without my teacher’s help, educating me and assisting me with all this new Year 7 work, especially in maths and science! I wouldn’t be up here either if it wasn’t for my friends, helping me enjoy this year, grasp concepts and just being there for me when I struggled. I’m grateful for the friendships I have made, and how we have helped each other. And of course I can’t forget my parents. Despite making me do so many chores, you have always been there for me through ups and downs and will continue to, which I am thankful for.
Getting this award was not a breeze, and it took work and effort for me to achieve this. I believe that little things like giving my full attention to teachers when teaching, revising classwork and especially asking questions when struggling to understand the work really impacted how I learnt, as well as my grades and building up to get DUX for Year 7. I alsofeel that becomingambassador andbeing a part of the ‘tell them from me’ analyst team contributed to this award.
This year has been a whole bunch of different experiences, much different compared to primary school. From completing stressful assignments or presenting presentations, to going to the movies or soon to be raging waters, all of these events and experiences have helped us get to where we are. This year made me realise that all these things we get to do are valuable and to be remembered.
As much as focusing in class and getting all the work done does have a large part in getting these types of academic awards, I think that helping and providing support to one another is a big part of it as well. As I said before, I wouldn’t have gotten here without all the guidance and support I have received from friends, and I still stand for that. Without these supportive peers, I don’t think my year would have been just as enjoyable or successful as it has been.
My friends have made me want to come to school by giving me fun times and laughs, which in a way increased my passion to work hard academically. If we continue to help our friends and our peers, aid and support in various ways, we could all achieve so much and enjoy our time at school. We have all accomplished so much this year, despiteit beingbigorlittle,foundourplaceinhighschool, and I am excited to see what else we all can accomplish in the years to come.
Thank you.
Year 8 – Lilly Smith
Good Afternoon Teachers, Parents and students. I want to begin by expressing how happy I am to be up here today, receiving DUX. This year has been another big one for all of us, and while I do stand here receiving dux, I want to recognise that we’ve all achieved such big things and deserve to be congratulated. I want to acknowledge my teachers,friendsandfamilyforthecontinuedsupportfrom last year, as you all have had a role in helping me achieve this award today. To my teachers, thank you for guiding usthroughYear8andthechallengingworkthat camewith it. To my friends, thank you for supporting and encouraging me in class. Of course, to my family, thank you for providing me with these opportunities.
I feel that similar habits from Year 7 have continued to help me this year, and I believe that's what got me here today. Basic things like paying attention in class, completing work and asking questions when struggling definitely helped me grow academically. But what I've learnt this year is the importance of balance. To get DUX doesn't mean studying every single afternoon, it definitely doesn't mean getting 100% every test. What is important is that you try your best no matter what and to not give up.
This year has been another big one, but also a very important one as well. Year 7 was new for everyone, and as we just settled in, Year 8 comes around and everything changes! Instead of familiar faces in each class, we had different faces for every subject! Which then brought along new friend groups, harder assessments, and higher expectations. Yet, all of these things just go to show the power of effort, and how it is so important to push through challenges, as eventually we will settle in.
As we finish Year 8, we approach Year 9, our last year of juniorschool!It will bringusnewchallenges,but alsonew opportunities. If you keep in mind the power of effort and balance, you can push through the challenges and enjoy Year 9.
Thank you everyone for a great year, and I wish you all safe and happy holidays!
Year 9 – Raina Kongkon & Khang Phan
Good morning Ms Cawsey, Ms Douglas, Mrs Andrews, Miss Elford, teachers, parents, fellow students, and respected guests. My name is Raina and Iam very proudtosaythat this year there are 2 Duxes’.
Hello, my name is Khang, and I am incredibly honoured to be standing here as one of the Duxes of 2025. To be honest, this still feels so unreal. I never imagined that I would be able to stand up here on this stage to deliver a speech like this. When we first entered high school, we were students learning from our older peers, never realising that one day we would become peer mentors
ourselves. As a cohort, we have grown so much this year creating countless memories with the highs bringing us together and the lows testing our resilience. We’ve all persisted through our final NAPLAN, spending our nights completing and turning in assessments. And as we conclude this year we are officially halfway through completing this high school journey.
I would like to first start off by thanking my mother and father for giving me every opportunity to succeed. Their words of encouragement, patience and presence is what drove me to become the best version of myself possible. I would also like to thank my friends for being there for me and I feel incredibly blessedknowingthat they will always have my back. We both would like to thank Ms Cawsey, Ms Vuki and Ms Douglas for giving us the opportunity to both be here in the first place. We would also like to personally thank Miss Elford and Mrs Andrews for being such amazing role models and supporting us during all our hardships.
Beingcompletely honest with you, thisyear was adifficult one forme. Academic pressure had takenitstoll, and Iwas certain that there was no way I would be receiving this title.
Thankfully, God Himself had blessed me.
Carpe Diem. I associate theLatin words with Aalia Gloria. It translates to seize the day. She reminds me that I am more than just smart. “Just don’t lose yourself trying to be perfect.” These are words spoken by Natasha, spoken when I needed them the most. A girl moved to the school exactly when I needed a girl like her. Without these people I genuinely would not be giving this speech, and I am so gratefulthatthey’reinmylife.Weallneedpeoplelikethat in our lives, and I hope we can all be like that for each other. Of course, I would like to thank my dad and mum for sacrificing everything to give me this life, my teachers, specifically Ms Elford, Ms Ratnappuly, Ms Harb, Ms Dowling, Mr Carlin, Ms Poon, Ms Valentin and Ms Andrews, for all being there, supporting me, and believing in me, and my fellow classmates for making this year enjoyable.
As this term ends, as this year is coming to an end, and as our time as juniors is practically finished, I couldn't help but notice the amount of people talking about how time flies and how we’re all getting old. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re all young and bright individuals, waiting to experience life to the fullest.
There’s no time to waste it being preoccupied stressing over tests, there’s no time to be worried about what others think of you. There’s also no room to waste your opportunities, throw away your potential.
As we enter our senior years, this is the time not to pause our lives and neglect everything else to get good results, but to work together in order to achieve goals both inside and outside of school, while creating life-long memories.
Receiving Dux is an achievement that I thought was never possible, but as Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, and standing here today on this stage proves that every small effort, every setback and every push to succeed was worth it. Because if there's one thing I have learnt it is that success isn’t about being the smartest or most talented person. It's about consistency, dedication, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Because the hard work you put in will never go unnoticed.
We can’t wait to see you all next year, I know that you’ll all look dashing in your new senior uniforms. I hope you guys have the best holidays and get up to all sorts of shenanigans.
God bless you all. Thank you.
Year 10 – Lillyarna Suitupe
Good Morning Ms Cawsey, Ms Mattimore, Mr Mangali, Miss Munzenberger, teachers, parents and fellow peers.
I could go on and on thanking every single person who has helped me along the way to receivethis award, andtrust me there would be a lot but I will keep it short and sweet today.
Firstly I’d liketothank theamazingteachersat RootyHill, especially my class teachers. Thank you for guiding, assisting and helping me throughout the year. I wouldn’t have achieved these results without your help.
In all honesty, DUX always seemed like an “impossible” achievement for me, however I’m so grateful to be recognized and honoured as this year's Year 10 DUX. It wasn’t an easy accomplishment, especially juggling sports and school. From coming home late from training and diving straight into studying, there were definitely several late nights and many times I wanted to give up. But in the end I pushed through, blocking the negative thoughts, and look at where it got me.
I would also like to congratulate and say how proud I am of our year group on completing this challenging year, with making it through the first year of senior school, a new year adviser and also the daunting challenge of pickingourelectives.Fromherewestillhaveabigchapter of our schoolinglivesto gobut I wisheveryoneall the best next year going into year 11.
Finally I would like to thank my friends, family and god. Without them I would not be where I am today nor the person I am. They allow me to be myself and support me no matter what and I will forever be grateful for their help, guidance and encouragement.
And in light of this beautiful day I would like to finish my speech with a bible verse. Philippians 4 verse 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Thank you everyone and hope you have a safe and happy holiday.
Year 11 – Jemuel Nallas
Good morning Ms Cawsey, Ms Vuki, Ms Munzenberger, Miss Short, teachers, parents and year 12.
I never thought I’d be standing here again, fouryearslater.SinceYear7,we’vewalked a path of change: growing taller, learning faster, stumbling, falling, and standing up again. The peoplewewereinYear7feel likestrangersnow,yet every moment since then has built the version of us today. Looking back, I can see how far we’ve come and how far we can still go.
Year 11 taught me what it truly means to take responsibility not just for my learning but for my mindset as well. Some of you may think I’ve always been naturally smart, but this year taught me that talent alone is not something you can rely on. When it comes down to moments of hardship, relying on your own perseverance is what shapes your success. Before the prelim exams, I knew talent wasn’t going to save me. The assessments got harder, the exams were more stressful, and this made me realise that dreams don't work unless you do.
During those two weeks of back-to-back exams, I pushed past every limit I thought I had. Studying eight hours a day locked away in my room, which was something my past self would’ve called crazy. But I kept going because I knew that discipline would take me further than motivation ever could. There will always be moments when quitting feels easier. But when those thoughts cross your mind, ask yourself: is it worth it to quit? When your goals are on the line, what other choice do you have other than to keep going? Pure dedication is the only reason I'm standing up here today and that alone can get you anywhere in life.
As we enter our final year of high school, the road ahead will be even more challenging. The HSC is right around thecorner,and weall haveone last chancetoshapethelife we’vealways wanted.I guaranteeyoutherewill beavoice in your head telling you why things won’t work. But only you have the power to prove it wrong. Even if you don’t see it, we all have the potential to grow, improve, and change as people. And for that reason, I believe in all of you. Thank you to all our teachers who inspire and support us every single day, and to my parents, I thank you for being there along my journey and pushing me to do my best.
So, carry your discipline and perseverance forward. And watch the person you become outshine every single doubt you’ve ever had.
Thank you.
Subject, Achievement & Sport Awards
Year 7
Name Award
Rishan Ahmad
Thon Atuich
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environment
Outstanding Attendance Award
Lance Baldeswis Outstanding Attendance Award
Vin Joshua Casuco
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Harrison Clapham Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Xantle Zhey Estrada Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Outstanding Attendance Award
Harper James-Pullen
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Stephanie Nguyen Khan Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Emily Lang
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Ruby Marshall Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Fahima Mesbah Outstanding Attendance Award
Ivy Nucom Outstanding Attendance Award
Best Performer Languages Other Than English
Haddi Rezaei
Hudda Saeed
Best Performer Science
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Enrique Sebastia Outstanding Attendance Award
Lukas Starr
Thaksika Thevakumar
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer English
Diesel Thompson Sports Champion – Junior Boy
Tansy Ussher-Jackson Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Alvin Yacat
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Samantha Yang Outstanding Attendance Award
Year 8
Name Award
Lewis Abarca
Alghasim Balla
Fahima Bare
Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Priscilla Darwon Outstanding Attendance Award
Name Award
Name Award
Krishma Gautam
Lianah Giacalone
Best Performer English
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Ferdaws Hamid Outstanding Attendance Award
Mi’a Lafo
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Jack Shang Zhao Long Li Outstanding Attendance Award
Faith Mendoza
Azaina Moala
Liam Mondala
Londyn Paluch
Londyn Paluch
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Premier’s Sporting Challenge
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer English
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Mackenzie Pittman Outstanding Attendance Award
Jarryd Santiago Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Lilly Smith
Eli Suitupe
Robert Toomalatai
Year 9
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environment
Best Performer Science
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Name Award
Aaliyah Acosta
Natasha Ah Lam
Von Casuco
Aizel Cellona
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Sports Champion – Junior Girl
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Best Performer English
Anton Dargantes Outstanding Attendance Award
Jacy De Leon Mercado Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Mercy Lalaga
Tamzyn Le Roux
Alexandra Llagas
Best Performer English
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environment
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Mohammad Mesbah Outstanding Attendance Award
Rham Peralta Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Khang Phan
Best Performer Mathematics Outstanding Attendance Award
Atharv Prasad Outstanding Attendance Award
Anthony Reyes
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Noah Sinnett Outstanding Attendance Award
Miguel Villena
Amelie Whiddon
Year 10
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Name Award
Loujane Abbadi Outstanding Attendance Award
Best Performer English
Aaron Acosta
Best Performer Mathematics
Ali Awsat Bunyadi Outstanding Attendance Award
Khaila Chavaria
Ecrin Diler
Ulata Falemoe
Raiyan Huda
Addison Marsh
Daveleen Mulbah
Asli Nacakli
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environment
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Elijah Ponce Outstanding Attendance Award
Duaa Saeed
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Ashna Gandhi
Nevaeh-Maree Kake
Raina Kongkon
Best Performer English
Best Performer Science
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Laith Saleh
Ava Scobie
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Science
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Name Award
Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Lillyarna Suitupe
Alyssa Urfano
Year 11
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education Excellence in Sport
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Name Award
Petra Adamovic
Keeley Allen
Mali Coombes
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Aaron Dargantes Outstanding Attendance Award
Khalia Evagelia Daniel
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Kasak Gautam Outstanding Attendance Award
Zainab Haywari
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environement
Taiba Hussain Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Firaba Hussaini Outstanding Attendance Award
Mikayla Mantua
Jemuel Nallas
Myah Nguyen
Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer English
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Best Performer Science
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Mathematics Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Jimmy Santiago Outstanding Attendance Award
Ma-Jacqueline Sinclair
Name Award
Fawz Al Jamhour
Marwa Amini
Hooria Asghar
Jayden Chua
Alyssa Flanagan-Rogers
Sautualasi Heron
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Olympic Changemaker
Sports Champion – Senior Girl
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Matthew Lim
McKenzy Lolo
Best Performer Mathematics
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer English
Laurel Lyttleton
Best Performer Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Georgia McAndrew
Celena Merched
Rosaleah Paulo
Rohan Prakash
Zahra Rajayee
Saarim Saeed
Shaun Siliva
Danica Tahana
Mason Villanueva
Brody Willcockson
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Best Performer Human Society & Its Environment
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Sports Champion – Senior Boy
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Best Performer Technology & Applied Studies
Aden Tran Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Samuel Vista
Year 12
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Name Award
Daniel Ademovic
Henrietta Ah Lam
Outstanding Attendance Award
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Lena York
Best Performer Creative & Performing Arts
Best Performer Science
