NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mrs Lesley Williams, announced at the start of 2016 the inaugural (and annual) Aboriginal Student of the Year awards. The Aboriginal Student of the Year is an award recognising young people who demonstrate leadership within their school and local community.
This years NAIDOC Week theme: Songlines:The living narrative of our nation, celebrates the stories of achievement of Indigenous Australians so it is quite fitting that Manoa Ratabalouva, from St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill was presented with the inaugural Aboriginal Student of the Year for the Mount Druitt electorate on the eve of NAIDOC Week.
On Friday Emeritus Mayor of Blacktown, Mr Charlie Lowles was on hand to present this award to Manoa at a whole school assembly on behalf of Mr Edmond Atalla, Member of Mount Druitt in the NSW Parliament.
As recognition of his achievements Manoa received a certificate and a gift voucher. The top students from the award nominations across NSW will head to Sydney in August to attend the Emerging Leaders Forum, where they will meet with Aboriginal, business and Government leaders.
St Agnes Catholic High School Principal, Mr Peter Regan said, “Manoa was a worthy recipient due to his commitment to the school community, his politeness, helpfulness, sincereness towards his peers and for generally being a respectful young man who always completes what is asked of him.”
“This award highlights the outstanding contributions that young students make within their community and I warmly congratulate Manoa on his win. Manoa has a positive influence on other students, and teammates, and an ability to guide his fellow peers to get involved in many different activities.”
“He is a diligent and mature student who is a strong role model for his fellow peers. This award is well deserved.” Mr Peter Regan said.
St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill
www.stagnesrootyhill.catholic.edu.au
Latest News More news
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
π Congratulations to our Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation students! π Today, our Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation students successfully qualified for their First Aid Certificate, developing valuable skills that could one day help save a life. Well done to all of our students on this fantastic achievement. These are lifelong skills that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Students have been busy in the library today creating their stories to be shared with children across Australia who are undergoing long-term hospital stays. It's not too late to sponsor them! ππππ« ππ ππππ¦: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=332 ππππ« π ππππ¦: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=608 ππππ« π/π ππππ¦: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=616
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Year 11 Biology students use coloured toy ducks to simulate quadrat sampling techniques for estimating the abundance and distribution of different species populations. This hands-on investigation helps students develop ecological fieldwork skills.
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Next Thursday 30th July, we have 3 teams competing in the Write a Book in a Day challenge! This is an event where the teams will spend 9 hours writing, illustrating and publishing a story that will then be shared across the Children's Hospital Network for kids currently admitted in hospital to enjoy. There is also a fundraising aspect to this - teams who fundraise $240 or more will become eligible for judging and prizes. All funds raised go towards the Kids Cancer Project who fund further research projects that could save lives, improve and soften treatments, and reduce the harsh side-effects that survivors of childhood cancer have to live with. For more information about their research: https://writeabookinaday.com/the-kids-cancer-project/ To sponsor one of our teams, please follow the links below: Year 7/8 team: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=616 Year 9 team: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=608 Year 11 team: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=332
21 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π During the holidays, Year 12 student James Schofield was invited to attend a VIP tour at Australian Catholic University (ACU) after featuring alongside Mrs Karafotias in the Sydney Morning Herald article we shared last term. James and his parents were welcomed by ACU's Nutrition academics and a current student ambassador for a personalised tour of the campus and an insight into the Bachelor of Nutrition program, a course James is considering for his future studies. We are proud of James as he explores his future pathways and grateful to ACU for providing such a valuable and informative experience. We wish James all the best as he continues planning for life beyond school! π
21 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π When school bus lights are flashing, slow down! Every driver can help keep children safe by: π« following the speed limit and road rules in school zones β οΈ slowing to 40 km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies πΈ watching for children crossing near bus stops, in school zones and along bus routes π giving way to buses as they merge back into traffic. Last year, there were 5 crashes in active school zones across Blacktown City between February and September. Let's work together to keep that number as low as possible. #RoadSafety #TowardsZero #BeBusAware #SchoolZone
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
09 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Our Harmony Day Main Event was a vibrant celebration of culture, community and unity, with over 250 students proudly showcasing the rich diversity of our St Agnes family. ππ #StAgnes #HarmonyDay #CelebrateCulture #NAIDOC50 #Community #Belonging #Diversity #TogetherWeThrive
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Another amazing term of learning and fun events at St Agnes! Read our last newsletter for the term on this link. https://stagneschs.my.canva.site/newsletter-t2w11-2026-website We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and well-deserved holiday break. We look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Tuesday, 21st July for a great term of Learning.
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Students enjoyed a wonderful day celebrating South Asia Harmony Day, with a special focus on India and Vietnam. Throughout the day they explored Indian culture, traditions and history through interactive workshops, discussions and hands-on activities including henna, saree dressing, coloured rice art, and traditional games. The day concluded with a lively Bollywood dance workshop and Diwali celebration, giving students the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Indian culture while fostering intercultural understanding and appreciation.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π¬β¨ Looking for some school holiday fun? Check out this free STEM event happening in Blacktown these July holidays! ππ§ͺ