High Achievers from the Class of 2025 Honoured at High Achievers Assembly

Catherine McAuley Westmead High Achievers, from the Class of 2025
High Achievers from the Class of 2025

Catherine McAuley Westmead gathered on Friday, 20 February 2026, to celebrate excellence, dedication and the pursuit of personal best as the High Achievers from the Class of 2025 returned to the school

A special High Achievers Assembly was held to recognise students from the Class of 2025 who excelled in the 2025 Higher School Certificate examinations. Twenty-two students were acknowledged, with 20 in attendance, for their determination to ‘strive for higher things’.

Of the cohort, 21 students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% of the state. One student achieved a first-place state rank in one of her courses, with a further six students placing in the top 20. Five students had works nominated for NESA Showcases, with one student’s major work selected for exhibition at Hazlehurst Gallery this month.

The Class of 2025 also celebrated 69 students named on the Distinguished Achievers List, having attained a Band 6 result in at least one course. Additionally, 94% of the cohort has received an offer of placement at university, TAFE or a private college.

High achieving students from the McAuley Westmead Class of 2025 were recognised at a special assembly on Friday, 20th February 2026.

High achieving students from the Class of 2025 were recognised at a special assembly on Friday, 20th February 2026.

Niamh M. was announced as Dux of 2025 after achieving an outstanding ATAR of 98.95. Niamh attained a Band 6 result in all 10 units undertaken, earning her a place on the prestigious NSW All Rounders List. She has accepted an offer from the University of New South Wales to study a Bachelor of Laws/Psychology (Honours).

School Principal Mary Refalo spoke to the students about the recent passing of one of her heroes, Dame Marie Bashir, former Governor of New South Wales, who died at the age of 96. Marie Bashir was a high achiever who defied all expectations, not because she wanted the glory, but because she wanted to work with people in a way that made them more dignified.

“Dame Marie Bashir really is one of my heroes because she was exceptional,” said Ms Refalo. “A model of a woman who went from strength to strength, who offered herself to making a better world by ‘striving for higher things’ throughout her life, and who did it because she could. Although she didn’t have a Mercy upbringing, she was a woman of excellence, hospitality, courage, justice, integrity and mercy.” Ms Refalo went on to ask the students from the Class of 2025, and indeed all Catherine McAuley students, to be inspired by Marie Bashir, a Catholic woman from a non-English speaking background. “The women before us lead the way, and we are invited to follow,” Ms Refalo said.

Students with works nominated for NESA Showcases.

Students who received a State ranking in the Top 20 for a course.

Ms Refalo acknowledged the other 185 students from the Class of 2025, all who worked diligently and effectively throughout their high school studies, to achieve results for which they should be proud.

Catherine McAuley Westmead High Achievers, from the Class of 2025, attendinf High Achievers Assembly.
Class of 2025 students at the High Achievers Assembly.

Each high-achieving student was presented with a certificate and a flower. School Dux Niamh M. received the Dux Shield and a bouquet of flowers before addressing the assembly. Students and families from the Class of 2025 then joined staff in Mercy Square for a celebratory morning tea.