School Captains Julia Freeman & Abhishek Maharaj
As we go into another school year, the Blacktown’s school leaders are preparing to lead and motivate their fellow students through 2022.
From natural leaders to future sports stars to the educators of tomorrow, the school leaders of western Sydney have shared what makes them a leader and what their futures hold.
Meet the region’s young and upcoming leaders for 2022.
School Captain Julia Freeman
Newly-appointed St Agnes High School captain Julia Freeman has a passion for volunteering, with involvement in a number of initiatives which expand on her social justice skills and desire to help others.
What makes you a good leader?
Integrity, compassion, inclusiveness, diversity, perseverance – these are important values of our St Agnes school community and I always strive to adopt them into my everyday life. I am constantly thinking of new ideas for how to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at our school. I always endeavour to think of others and putting their needs ahead of my own. I chose to become a leader because of the guidance I can give others rather than the acknowledgment that I receive for it.
What are your future aspirations?
I hope to become a primary or high school teacher or study social science and psychology. I aspire to work in a field where I can help others achieve their goals, assist them to become better individuals as well as leaders for their future.
School Captain Abhishek Maharaj
What makes you a good leader?
I pride myself on my ability to talk to, listen and understand my fellow students regardless of their age or background.
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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
30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
π₯₯πΊ As part of our St Agnes Week celebrations, students had the wonderful opportunity to learn how to prepare 'ππππ’', a traditional Pasifika drink, alongside Francis and Mr Fonua. This hands-on cultural experience gave students the chance to learn about Pasifika traditions, develop practical food preparation skills, and work together in a fun and collaborative environment. It was fantastic to see so many students enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to celebrate and share in Pasifika culture. #StAgnes #StAgnesWeek #Pasifika #CulturalLearning #Community #Otai #CelebratingCulture πΊπ₯₯