Our HSC achievers
Hills and Hornsby students have clearly shown they can beat whatever COVID-19 threw at them in the past 18 months , having attained first-incourse , top and distinguished merits in the 2021 High School Certificate . Several students received First in Course accolades for their extraordinary academic achievements , namely :
Sarah Wilson , The Hills Grammar School , Geography ;
Akane Kunita , Castle Hill High School , Japanese and Literature ;
Luchith Yahan Thenuwara , Baulkham Hills High School , Mathematics Extension 2 ;
Andrew Suhaili , Baulkham Hills High School , Korean Beginners ;
Kate Teresa Chipman , Hornsby Girls High School , English Extension 1 ; Jessica Niu , Hornsby Girls High
School , Legal Studies ; Kate Teresa Chipman , Hornsby
Girls High School , Modern History .
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said students studying the 2021 HSC have succeeded during a challenging year experiencing bushfires , drought and a global pandemic .
“ In a normal year finishing first in a HSC course is an outstanding achievement , and to do so in a year
Pandemic inspires emerging artists
Stars of stage and production : Tamara Lee Bailey and Josephine Lee .
Hills Shire locals Tamara Lee Bailey and Josephine Lee are rising stars to watch in the theatre and screen world .
The emerging directors and actors - and proud women of colour - are completing a Director Mentorship Program run by the award-winning theatre company , Sport for Jove .
As part of their program , they ’ ve been learning “ on the job skills ” while working on the company ’ s production of As You Like It , which debuted at the historic Bella Vista Farm .
Both Tamara and Josie are excited to return to the stage and bring the light-hearted Shakespearean comedy to life , especially after the 106-day Greater Sydney lockdown which saw many industries , including the arts , completely shut down and leave people without work .
“ It ’ s been beautiful [ to be back ]. Everyone craved it and missed it for so long ,” Tamara said .
Josie agreed , saying the whole rehearsal process was fantastic and “ getting artists working again and in like 2021 , is a credit to the dedication and talent of these students ,” said Mr Williams , who also acknowledged teachers ’ efforts .
“ A huge congratulations to the young people who achieved top marks this year . I am sure your teachers , family and friends are incredibly proud of you .
“ To see students come out of the HSC with these results is incredible , particularly those who achieved to such high standards .”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the 2021 cohort of students were inspiring and congratulated them for rising to the occasion .
“ The First in Course award recognises student ’ s intellect , perseverance and a passion for learning that will hold them in good stead for the future ,” Ms Mitchell said .
Also listed in NSW ’ s top 150 schools by success rate were : Baulkham Hills High ranked third ; Hornsby Girls High ranked eighth ; Hills Grammar School ranked 91 ; Blacktown Boys High ranked 111 ; Blacktown Girls High ranked 145 . Of note , are the two schools in neighbouring Blacktown which were identified as Local Government Areas of Concern during the pandemic and incurred the harshest lockdown regulations in the state .
their niche has been great ”.
While the pandemic has been disheartening for many artists , with lack of opportunites , Tamara used the time to reflect on her own work and look at ways to up skill .
“ I had to sort of find something that was my niche and build upon and practice [ my craft ] so that I could sustain myself in the pandemic .”
Josie said the pandemic opened doors for her in the acting world .
“ If COVID didn ’ t happen , I wouldn ’ t be here today ,” she said .
“ Last year , I was able to participate in Sport for Jove ’ s Second Age Project [ youth program ] after I was offered a BIPOC / CALD scholarship with them . Thanks to the scholarship and the program being run online , I was able to be involved and be in the position that I ’ m in today .
“ We ’ ve been in our homes and watching theatre through our screens for far too long . Outdoor theatre is just a totally different experience . It ’ s truly magical to watch !”
First in Course for Geography in the 2021 HSC : Sarah Wilson of Hills Grammar School . Image : Facebook .
Nominate a young Stroke Warrior now
Nominations are open for the Stroke Foundation 2022 national Stroke Awards .
The awards recognise survivors of stroke , family members , carers , volunteers , fundraisers , researchers , and health professionals .
There are seven award categories this year which include the new Stroke Warrior Award .
This new award is open to inspirational children who have taken the initiative to raise awareness of stroke , or who are simply inspirational champions in their own recovery or through supporting a stroke-impacted family member .
Stroke Foundation acting CEO Mark Karlovic said these awards are the highlight of the foundation ’ s calendar , with the new Stoke Warrior category celebrated our nation ’ s youngest people .
“ There are so many incredible individuals across the country who have demonstrated courage , tenacity , passion and care to improve lives for people with stroke ,” Mr Karlovic said .
“ We know there are children and teenagers who make incredible efforts in their own stroke recoveries , and many who play a significant role in the stroke journey of their parents and grandparents .
“ They might have been the one to recognise the signs of stroke and call triple zero ( 000 ), or to have arranged their entire school class to write get well letters to a teacher .
“ The caring actions and courage of the children who are living with the impact of stroke in their lives are as important to celebrate as our amazing
Stroke Foundation needs your help to find the unsung heroes in our community who are making the future brighter for people with stroke . medical professionals , carers , and fundraisers .
“ We are looking forward to hearing their incredible stories , so we need our wider community to get their nominations in .”
Nominations close Friday , 11 February .
Winners will be announced at Stroke Foundation ’ s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne in May . Visit strokefoundation . org . au for details .
Stroke Awards categories :
• Stroke Warrior Award - Recognises the significant contribution of a person under 18 in stroke awareness , fundraising or advocacy .
• Courage Award – Sponsored by Ipsen . Recognises the indomitable courage and hope shown by a survivor of stroke or carer in facing stroke recovery .
• Creative Award – Sponsored by Marmalade . Celebrates a survivor of stroke ’ s contribution to creative industries including writing , photography , music and fine art .
• Fundraiser of the Year Award – Sponsored by Precision Fundraising . Recognises a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia .
• Improving Life after Stroke Award - Sponsored by Australian Physiotherapy Association . Celebrates those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community .
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Sponsored by NAB Community . Awarded to an outstanding volunteer whose dedicated service to stroke has made a significant difference .
• President ’ s Achievement Award – Recognises an exceptional individual who has made a significant contribution to reducing the impact of stroke in our community .
10 ISSUE 80 // FEBRUARY 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT