SHOWCASE
News from our schools
Committed to helping community
Gabriel Liu joined the Adopt-A-Park program with his family a few years ago, and helps to clean up his neighbourhood park once a month. It is among the reasons the Eileen O'Connor Catholic College Lewisham student has received a 2021 Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence. “The work includes picking up rubbish, planting new trees and watering the garden, so we can enjoy a clean and nice environment,” Gabriel said. Gabriel has also given his time to youth group fundraising activities, his church choir, and serving morning tea after Mass. Another outlet for his love of cooking was serving in...
Push up challenge boosts mental health awareness
A desire to raise awareness of mental health inspired 2021 Archbishop’s Awards for Student Excellence recipient, Julia Trassari, to host a whole-school push up challenge in June 2021. The modest goal – to do a collective 3,318 push ups in 25 days – was trumped in the first hour of the challenge at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington. Students and staff completed more than 20,000 push ups and raised funds for youth mental health support organisation Headspace. “It was good not only to encourage physical activity, it also built community spirit,” Julia said. “Mental health is...
Creative spark catches Premier’s notice
When St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Belfield student Leonardo Smith decided to send his creative writing story to NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, he wasn’t expecting much of a response from one of the busiest people in the country. Yet the Year 2 student was given a pleasant surprise when he received a personal handwritten note from the Premier herself. “You are such a talented writer!" wrote the Premier. "When you publish your first book please make sure to send me a signed copy!” The Premier’s handwritten note. The path to getting noticed As part of an assessment...
