Cerdon College Merrylands and St Andrew’s College Marayong are celebrating the achievements of students who have been awarded First-in-Course at a HSC awards ceremony hosted by the Minister for Education Hon Prue Car MP on Wednesday 13 December at Western Sydney University.
Diya Badawi achieved First-in-Course for Italian Continuers. While she was not expecting to top the state, Diya said she was so well supported by her teacher Maria Marando that she can see how the hard work has paid off.
“It was extremely unexpected because I’m not Italian, I’m Lebanese,” she laughed. “There are not enough words to describe Mrs Marando as a teacher. She is so experienced and so passionate about what she does that I was just motivated to make her proud.
“She was so supportive and kept telling me that she knew that I could do well. Mrs Marando really goes above and beyond and knows how to get the most out of us.”
Diya said her Mum cried when she received the news and that this achievement is the culmination of great teaching that began in primary school at St Patrick’s Primary Guildford.
Diya Badawi from St Cardon College Merrylands with her family her First-in-Course achievement at a HSC awards ceremony at Western Sydney University in December 2023. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese/Supplied
Cerdon’s Principal Lisa-Maree Browning said she was proud of the achievement which reflects the high quality learning and teaching at the school.
“Congratulations to Diya on her magnificent achievement. This is the result of hard work, perseverance and a love not just of language, but of learning,” she said.
“For two years running Maria Marando has led her students to the highest level of success – First in State!
“Passionate about learning and with a love of languages, Mrs Marando is an expert teacher, dedicated to her students – caring about their learning and tailoring instruction to deliver the best possible for each student in her class.”
Patrick Iskander from St Andrew’s College Marayong achieved First-in-Course in Mathematics Standard 2. He described the news as ‘unexpected’ but his mum, Madlin Aboelsaad said she knew his love of Maths was unique.
“He has been working really hard and to achieve this incredible mark makes me the proudest mum ever,” she said. “Throughout the HSC when he was studying other subjects his idea of taking a break was doing math equations! He and his younger sister both just love mathematics and would spend time together quizzing each other.”
Coincidentally, Patrick’s younger sister Lexi who is in Year 9 at St Andrew’s was also receiving an award at school the same day Patrick attended the First-in-Course ceremony. Madlin said she was proud of not only how her children encourage each other but the support they receive at St Andrew’s College Marayong.
Patrick Iskander from St Andrews Catholic College Marayong with his mother Madlin with his First-in-Course achievement at a HSC awards ceremony at Western Sydney University in December 2023. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese/Supplied
“They have an incredible Principal and his Maths teacher was just so encouraging and always telling Patrick that he is more than capable of doing the work,” she said.
Patrick credits the support of his teacher Mr Speechly, his mum and in particular his sister with this incredible achievement. “It took a lot of hard work but I really thank my teacher for all his support and encouragement and especially Lexi who would practice questions with me.”
“Everyone at St Andrews is very proud of Patrick and is delighted for his family,” said Principal Dr Stephen Kennaugh.
“Patrick has always been a hard-working student but wasn’t always the person who won the awards at the College. It is through hard work, determination, the feedback from staff and the learning environment that Patrick has thrived.”
Both Cerdon College Merrylands and St Andrew’s College Marayong are part of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, a group of 80 excellent local schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. This includes 22 secondary schools such as Parramatta Marist High, consistently the highest-ranked Catholic systemic school in NSW HSC results.
Executive Director of Schools Jack de Groot is extremely proud of Diya and Patrick, and the achievements of the Class of 2023. “All our schools place a very high value on academic achievement,” Jack said. “Young people in Greater Western Sydney deserve the very best opportunities in life. Great HSC results are just one way of making sure that we give our students every option for the future.”
With thanks to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
