Georgia (centre) with her parents, Mrs P. Relan, Social Sciences Teacher, and Ms M. Refalo, School Principal.
Catherine McAuley Westmead is celebrating the success of a Year 12 student who was announced last week as the VET in Schools Student of the Year for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region.
Congratulations to Georgia E-K., a Year 12 Business Services student, who was named the VET in Schools Student of the Year for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region at the 2026 NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region), held last week on Thursday, 28th May. This outstanding achievement now places Georgia in contention for the State Award, which will be announced later this year.
The VET in Schools Student of the Year award recognises an exceptional student who is undertaking accredited vocational education and training (VET) as part of their HSC program of study. Georgia was nominated by her Business Services teacher Ms L. Spelman.
Georgia was presented her award by Donna Davis MP State Member for Parramatta.
Through her Certificate III in Business Services, Georgia has developed valuable workplace skills, combining hands-on learning with practical industry knowledge in a course she describes as unlike any other. “Everything we learn in Business Services is so hands-on. There’s not just the practical part but there is also the theory part. It’s so different from my other subjects which is why I love it,” Georgia says.
“I credit Ms Spelman, my teacher, as she has been my biggest support. In class we have such a good time with the whole class working collaboratively together. It helps the process so much when we help each other but also just have fun.”
The MC for the event was ex Catherine McAuley student, and former winner, Holly Zaccaria, Class of 2022.
Known for her positive attitude, willingness to help others and strong aptitude for business, Georgia has made a lasting impression on both her classmates and teachers, who describe her as a role model and an exemplary student. “Georgia stands out with the caliber of her knowledge, her intelligence is excellent, and her general aptitude and willingness and ability to pick up on the skills of Business Services has been very fast,” says Ms Spelman. “It was pure exhilaration when I found out that Georgia was a finalist…I have just nothing but pride.”
With aspirations of one day owning her own business, Georgia is already building the skills, confidence and experience that will support her wherever her future takes her.
Georgia on hearing the announcement of her winning the award.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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Well done to Holly Zaccaria, Class of 2022, who did an amazing job as joint MC at the NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region), held last week on the evening of Thursday, 28th May. Holly is a former VET in Schools Student of the Year - Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region, and it was extra nice to have Holly present the award to this year’s winner and Catherine McAuley student - Georgia! Holly is currently a final year Bachelor of Business student at Macquarie University, specialising in Human Resources and Business Administration. Congratulations Holly on your skill in guiding attendees through the awards ceremony last week!
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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!! 🎉🎉 Congratulations to Year 12 student Georgia E-K. who has been named as the VET in Schools Student of the Year - Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region! This award was announced last night at the NSW Training Awards. The award recognises an exceptional student who is undertaking accredited vocational education and training (VET) as part of their HSC program of study. Georgia had been nominated by her teacher Ms L. Spelman for her Business Services subject. Georgia will now automatically be in the running for the State award as she will represent the Western Sydney/Blue Mountains region for the NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year to be announced later in the year.
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