“Our economy: just or unjust?” Within our Catholic context discuss the ways the most vulnerable are able to find a place as individuals in society.
Congratulations to Farida Zaheer (9.8) for winning the Bishops Statement and Social Justice Essay Competition for 2018. This is the first year that St Agnes had entered this Diocesan Competition and it is with such delight that we celebrate a truly tremendous achievement!
This is a true testament to all of Farida’s teachers over the past 3 years who have built up her capacity to respond to a very challenging social justice question. A very special thank you and mention to Mrs Barbara Kelly, her English teacher this year for identifying her writing capacity and this shows just how important our knowledge of our students are to encourage them to participate in diocesan events such as this as a hallmark of our school Literacy writing goals. You can read Farida’s winning essay in this newsletter. What a wonderful achievement for St. Agnes!
To read Farida's winning essay, click here for the latest Newsletter issued on the 26th October 2018.
I’d also like to congratulate the other Year 9 students who also participated in the Social Justice Essay competition for their involvement and also insightful essays: Alecksandra Favor (9.3), Jamie Sukkarieh (9.7) and Chrystal Aquilizan (9.1). Thank you for taking up the challenge and the opportunity to be a voice for justice so needed in our community.
Last Tuesday, Mr Sadsad accompanied some our Year 9 Social Justice Leaders - Farida Zaheer, Alecksandra Favor, Ruth Nool and Holly-Anne Ramos to the Social Justice Statement Launch at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta. This was an opportunity for them to engage with the 2018–2019 Social Justice Statement, A Place to Call Home: Making a home for everyone in our land.
(Here is a excerpt from Most Rev. Vincent Long Van Nguyen DD OFMConv Bishop of Parramatta Chairman, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Message): The Statement reflects the deep concern of Australia’s Bishops at the growing problem of homelessness and insecure housing in Australian society.
All over our nation, a ruthless housing market leaves people struggling to find secure and affordable housing, whether they live in cities or in regional areas. That struggle has a corrosive effect on family life, on employment, on study and on our capacity to contribute to and benefit from our society. At its worst, the struggle leaves the vulnerable in our society homeless – sleeping on the street, in cars or in doorways, or hoping for a space on someone’s couch or floor. The last Census showed the number of homeless Australians had increased to more than 116,000 people.
The document begins with Jesus’ famous parable of the Good Samaritan – as challenging to us today as it was to his hearers. We are reminded that we have the same experience as the Samaritan: we see people in the street who are in need of help, wounded by violence, misfortune or poverty. We face the same choice: do we walk past or do we stop and help?
St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill
www.stagnesrootyhill.catholic.edu.au
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05 Dec 2025
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03 Dec 2025
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𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐯𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬! What an incredible match today, full of energy, teamwork and plenty of laughs. Both teams gave it everything, but the staff came away with a hard-fought 5–4 win! Huge shout-out to all the students who played with so much spirit and skill, and to the staff who proved they’ve still got it! ⚽🔥 Such a great way to bring everyone together and celebrate our school community.
01 Dec 2025
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🤘𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬🎸 Congratulations to our 2 bands that competed in the competition this year. This year St Agnes showcased 2 bands - Paraless and Dear Francis 'Paraless' walked away with a Highly Commended Award, and 'Dear Francis' took out the Runners Up - a great achievement for our musicians who covered pop punk classics by Paramore to R&B funk bangers by Bruno Mars. Mr Cecire, our Music teacher and band leader, would like to congratulate the students on their dedication to their craft and hours of rehearsals both in and outside of school. !!!Rock on!!!
26 Nov 2025
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Recently, we announced our 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, and we are excited to congratulate the students chosen for these important leadership roles. Our Portfolio Leaders play a vital part in our school community, working alongside the Year 12 Student Leaders to lead and coordinate key initiatives. They will officially receive their badges and take their pledge at the 2026 Opening Mass, where they will also receive a special blessing. A big thank you to Mr Scarpin and Mr Bortoluzzi for organising the selection process and working closely with our staff to support the appointment of our new leaders.
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25 Nov 2025
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Day 2 of our fantastic Year 5 class from our feeder schools experiencing High School life. We hope you all enjoyed your time! Thanks for visiting us Holy Family Primary Emerton and Good Shepherd Plumpton
25 Nov 2025
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Our Year 8 students enjoyed a meaningful retreat yesterday, spending time reflecting, growing, and strengthening their connections with one another.
25 Nov 2025
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𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓 Last week, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to hear from local police officers who visited our school to speak about White Ribbon Day. Their message highlighted the importance of respect, healthy relationships, and standing up against violence in all its forms. We’re grateful to the officers for taking the time to engage with our students and for reinforcing how every young person can play a part in building a safer, more respectful community.
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Day 1 – Year 5 High School Experience Day at St Agnes Today we welcomed our Year 5 students from our feeder primary schools for the first day of our annual High School Experience program. We are so proud of the energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity the students brought with them. These Experience Days are such an important opportunity for our primary students to get a true sense of the vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic learning community here at St Agnes. Throughout the day, students enjoyed a range of engaging activities, explored different learning spaces, and began to experience what high school life is like in our community. We look forward to another great day tomorrow!
21 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday, the VOYSE Students had the opportunity to present their pitch at the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber.