Niamh M. was announced as the Dux for 2025 at the HSC High Achievers Assembly on Friday, 20th February 2026.
The Dux of 2025 was announced on Friday, 20th February at the HSC High Achievers Assembly.
Congratulations to Niamh M. who has been announced as the Catherine McAuley Dux for 2025. The announcement was made at the HSC High Achievers Assembly held at the school on Friday, 20th February 2026.
Niamh achieved an outstanding ATAR of 98.95 and attained a Band 6 result in all 10 units undertaken, earning her a place on the prestigious NSW All Rounders List. Niamh has accepted an offer from the University of NSW to study a Bachelor of Laws/Psychology (Honours).
“On behalf of the Catherine McAuley community I would like to acknowledge and congratulate you on this outstanding achievement and wish you every success in your future,” said Mrs Kate Kelly, Assistant Principal. “You certainly embody the Mercy value of excellence and are a remarkable role model for our community.”
Dux for 2025, Niamh M. with Principal Mary Refalo and School Captains.
Dux for 2025, Niamh M. with her family.
Niamh was invited to address the assembly and said that she was immensely proud and honoured to represent the hardworking, vibrant cohort of students who made up the Class of 2025.
“It is so special to be able to celebrate your incredible achievements with you and acknowledge every unseen moment of dedication and commitment - the sleep you sacrificed, the effort you kept putting in when motivation was running low and the family events you missed out on because you were studying,” Niamh told those gathered. “I also have no doubt that every one of you will go on to achieve incredible things beyond high school, each making your own positive imprint. Congratulations Class of 2025!”
Niamh went on to share some advice to the current HSC students as she acknowledged that while nothing can remove the pressure of the HSC, confidence comes from building strong habits and maintaining perspective. She encouraged students to focus on consistency over motivation, choose subjects they genuinely enjoy, maintain a small number of meaningful extracurricular activities, and trust their own study methods rather than comparing themselves to others.
Dux for 2025, Niamh M. delivering her speech at the HSC High Achievers Assembly.
Importantly, Niamh also reminded students that academic achievement does not define who they are. “Academic results, while significant, do not define our worth,” Niamh said. “In an environment where marks, ranks and comparisons are so often emphasised, it can be easy to tie our self-value to academic performance. But a number on a page doesn’t reflect our kindness, our humour, our generosity or our potential for growth. High school can feel all-consuming while you’re in it, but it’s just one chapter of a much bigger story.”
Niamh finished her speech by thanking her teachers and family for all the support they gave her throughout her HSC year and by wishing all the staff and students at Catherine McAuley a wonderful school year. “Embrace every opportunity even if it scares you. The friendships that you make, the life long skills you develop and values you instill are what will stay with you beyond high school. I can’t wait to see how each and every one of you excel in your own unique way,” Niamh said.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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