“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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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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13 Jun 2026
From Facebook
π Preparation for the Mathematics Standard 2 HSC Examination Build confidence and sharpen your exam skills in this focused revision session, presented by experienced mathematics educator John Ley. π Wednesday 24 June π 5.30 pm β 7.30 pm πMax Webber Library John has served as Head Teacher of Mathematics, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, and was a member of the committee setting HSC examinations for three years. He is an experienced HSC Senior Marker, Lead Author of the Insight Mathematics textbook series, and currently teaches pre-service teachers at Western Sydney University. In this session, you will learn: β’ Revision of key Mathematics Standard 2 modules. β’ Strategies for tackling more challenging exam questions. β’ What HSC markers are looking for in your responses. A valuable opportunity to revise key content and strengthen your exam technique ahead of the HSC Book your spot β¬οΈ mathsstandardbcl2026.eventbrite.com.au
12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πππ§π«π’ππ‘ ππ’ππ² ππ’ππ«ππ«π² will be hosting free HSC study lectures next week for students. Mathematics lectures: Tuesday, 16 June English lectures: Thursday, 18 June These sessions are free, but students are required to register for tickets.
12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
π£ Calling all storytellers and poets! The Blacktown City Libraries 2026 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize is officially open! If you live in Blacktown City and love to write, this is your chance to shine β¨ βοΈ theme: All out π§ ages: adults and children (aged 8 to 17 years) π submit: Short story (max 500 words) or poem (max 25 lines) β° entries close: Midnight, Monday 14 September 2026. Let your imagination take over - we can't wait to read your stories! Find out more β‘οΈblacktown.nsw.gov.au/mcwp2026
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Lincoln Johnston, Tiana Bawab, Aldrin Ocampo, Carlo Calleja, Liam Robinson, Joel Habte and Quinne Brewer on graduating from the ACU Step Up Program! Throughout the program, these students have demonstrated dedication, commitment and a strong passion for their future pathways. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the way they have embraced this opportunity to gain valuable university experience while still at school. Their hard work and enthusiasm have been commendable, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future. @Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Thank you once again to Xavier and Thomas for accompanying our Junior and Intermediate Girls Football teams to PDSSSC last Thursday β½πΈ and taking photos of the event.
07 Jun 2026
From Facebook
ππ¬ π π’ππ₯ππ°π¨π«π€ π’π§ ππππ’π¨π§! πΏπ¦ Our Year 11 Biology students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre π±π, where they collected a range of biotic and abiotic data ππ‘οΈπ§. The information gathered will be used as they commence their major depth study and begin writing a scientific journal article βοΈπ. π Well done to our dedicated young biologists for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and scientific inquiry! π§ͺππ #FutureScientists #BiologyInAction #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
04 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, St Agnes students and Miss Clark joined Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and hundreds of other students at Hyde Park for a moving ceremony to commemorate the sacrifice of Indigenous servicemen and women. Year 11 and Year 7 students Isla, Izaiah, Tahlia and Shay-Leigh joined the Jannawi Dance Clan to perform the opening dance, showcasing the strength of culture, connection and community. Adding even more personal significance, CSPDβs Jarara team was joined by a special guest this year, Uncle Danny Eastwood, a celebrated artist and the proud grandfather of Kyle and Danny Eastwood. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
03 Jun 2026
CSPD joins 20th anniversary tribute to Indigenous Veterans
Since its inception in 2007, the annual Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service has united Australians to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. Students and staff from schools across the Parramatta Diocese along with members of the Jarara Cultural Centre joined Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and hundreds of other students at Hyde Park for the moving ceremony on Friday 29 May.
02 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πΈπ€ Our Battle of the Bands Semi-Final was held today, with Femme Fatal taking on DayDreamzz in a fantastic showcase of talent and entertainment! Congratulations to Femme Fatal for taking out the win and securing their place in the final. Well done also to DayDreamzz for a great performance.
02 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πβ¨ Exciting opportunities for our students! Through the Blacktown University Study Hub, students can explore a range of programs designed to inspire future study and career pathways, including the Sydney Science Trail, UNSW Girls in Business Camp, and volunteer opportunities at Blacktown Family Science Day. These experiences are a great way to discover interests in STEM, business, leadership and innovation while building valuable skills for the future. For more information and registration details, please see the information below. Last year, more than 500 people participated in the event, and we hope to grow that number this year. This opportunity may suit students interested in STEM, education, community work, youth leadership or future study pathways. View the event on this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx0K9XqTOxU
31 May 2026
From Facebook
St Agnes in the news, in todayβs Sun Herald featuring James and Mrs Karafotias. Well done Mrs Karafotias for your insights and knowledge on changes to university entry and the impact on our students. We are proud of both James and Mrs Karafotias for contributing to this important discussion.
31 May 2026
From Facebook
Xavier and Rylan took photos at the PDSSSC Girls Netball competition last Thursday. πΈπ Thank you for capturing the day and helping showcase the wonderful sportsmanship, teamwork, and spirit of the event!