Bright future for Class of 2024
Schools
It takes more than just study hours to achieve top results in Year 12. For many 2024 Catholic college graduates, the quest for success came down to academic and life balance.
A total of 3,461 students from various Catholic schools successfully completed their SACE last year, 32 more than in 2023.
After celebrating their achievements, Catholic college duces shared their experiences, advice and plans for the future.
Matthew Jones (ATAR 98.85) from Blackfriars Priory School said the highlight of his year was a class trip to Japan to visit Blackfriars’ sister school.
“Beyond the improvements to language learning, it was a great opportunity to form deeper bonds with my classmates,” he said.
Matthew, who plans to pursue a career in research in a STEM field, said it was important to find ways to take your mind off schoolwork.
“Try not to sacrifice your mental health too much. Keeping active, especially with team sports, will support both your health and your academic performance.”
Cabra Dominican College dux Leilani Holland (99.05) hopes to become a radiologist.
“It’s really important to surround yourself with a strong support network of teachers, friends, and family who encourage you through both the triumphs and struggles of the year,” she said.
“Another crucial factor is choosing subjects that you genuinely enjoy and excel in, even if they aren’t going to scale favourably. Picking subjects that play to your strengths can make a significant difference, as it allows you to perform at your best and stay engaged in your studies to avoid burnout.”
Milo Lloyd from Cardijn College Marian Campus (98.15) said the Year 12 retreat put him in the right headspace.
“It encouraged Year 12s to start with a fresh mind and outlook for the year.”
Milo moves to Sweden this month where he plans to study Astrophysics or Engineering in Space Technologies and eventually a PhD in Physics.
“I would also love to either ‘intern’ or work at NASA because it is the place to be if you are an enthusiast about space.”
He believes the key to success is consistency and knowing yourself.
“If you can master these two things there is nothing you cannot do,” he said.
At Christian Brothers College, dux Abir Sindhu (99.85) was a Year 11 student who completed Year 12 as an accelerated student. He is on the right path to study medicine and contribute positively to the community.
“The efforts that my staff and teachers at my school and also the efforts of my parents allowed me to excel,” he said.
CBC’s proxime accessit was Andrew Callow (99.55) and an impressive 42.8 per cent Year 12s (39 students) achieved a 90 plus ATAR, with 34 Merits and 60.9 per cent of grades in the A-band.
Meanwhile, at Gleeson College, Mackenzie Mulvihill (97.95) also prioritised the balance of study with rest, socialising and hobbies.
Her dream career in dietetics kept her focused.
“Try to get into good habits early,” she said.
“You don’t have to begin studying for exams at the start of the year, but if you haven’t studied at all during Year 12, it will be difficult to switch on and stay focused during SWOT VAC.
“The same goes for sleep. Exam season is tiring, so try to build good habits early and get the hard work out of the way, so the end of the year will be as easy as possible.”
Kildare College dux Maddison Montgomery (99.1) received A+ results in nearly all subjects, six dux awards, and the prestigious 2024 Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award.
Her hopes for the future are to enter the medical research field and collaborate with others to discover new treatments to improve societal health and reduce preventable illnesses.
Organisation and self-discipline were key.
“I always set aside time to plan out assignments alongside my personal commitments to find a school-life balance that facilitated my learning and personal needs,” she said.
“I would suggest that students select subjects they enjoy because this makes learning content much easier. If someone chooses a subject because they believe the class will scale well, it is much harder to find excitement in learning which is very important in achieving in Year 12.”
At Loreto College Molly Silvy (99.45) was thrilled to be one of 16 South Australian students chosen to take part in the Class of Cabaret program, performing a set in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
“Mine focussed on the impact of internalised misogyny on young women and the stigma attached to the colour pink. It was interesting to explore how I can be an agent of change through my art.”
The key to Molly’s results was spacing out her Year 12 subjects, completing many in Year 10 and 11.
Molly plans to study a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance – Voice) at the University of Adelaide, then a Master’s in Speech Pathology.
Caitlyn Grech (99.3) received four merits in Chemistry, Biology, Research Project B and Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, during Year 12 at Mary MacKillop College, Kensington.
“I’m looking forward to commencing a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide this year,” she said.
“I’ve always been passionate about working in healthcare and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Taking inspiration from my sister’s volunteer trip to Cambodia last year, I would be especially keen to take the skills I gain in my degree to volunteer internationally and assist communities in need.”
Mercedes College dux Douglas Rigter (98.45) said the Year 12 retreat at Mercedes College was a highlight.
“It allowed me to break away from the stress of my studies and hang out with my friends for a couple of days, doing various fun activities that would not be done in a typical school environment.”
In the lead-up to exams, the aspiring aerospace engineer hit the books for up to eight hours a day. His advice is to consistently revise the older content while learning new content.
“The exam revision guides helped me to have lots to revise and better prepared me for the exams,” he said.
“Doing exercise in between this was just as important as going for long walks and helped reset my brain between these long study stints.”
Mount Carmel College dux Astin Lu (94, with bonus points 97) said support from family and friends was priceless.
“Knowing that I wasn’t alone allowed me to really do the best that I could,” he said.
“My family also supported my choices and were openly proud of my hard work which helped with my confidence to do well.”
He believes it’s important to spend time with friends.
“Study hard and do the best you can but don’t lose sight of what is important to you just to get the best ATAR. Get a lot of sleep and make sure to take care of your mental health.”
At Nazareth Catholic College, dux Sargunpreet Kaur (99.7) also received a Governor of South Australia Commendation.
“The highlight of Year 12 was participating in the school events that brought everyone together, she said.
“These moments allowed me to step away from my studies and connect with my peers, which was a refreshing break from my studying routine.”
When Our Lady of the Sacred Heart college captain and dux Madison Gurney-White (98.2) learned of her results she was spending two weeks in Coober Pedy supporting people with drug and alcohol addiction.
“I aim to pursue a career in the dental field and to hopefully be based in a rural community,” she said.
“I have seen firsthand the barriers rural communities face in terms of access to adequate health care and I want to be a part of the solution.”
Her key to success was consistency.
“Even on the days you don’t feel like doing that physics homework, do it anyway. Even if it’s just 20 minutes.”
Rostrevor College 2024 head prefect and dux Alexander Clark (99) received A+ grades for Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, Physical Education and Psychology. He also received a Governor’s Commendation.
“My highlight was our Year 12 retreat, it was a memorable experience and one we will never have again,” he said.
“It was an opportunity to deeply reflect on our relationships with those around us, our own spirituality, to build stronger connection with staff and peers and be grateful to our families for their support so far. Sharing in stories, laughter and time for reflection is invaluable in Year 12.”
The highlight of Sacred Heart College student Jaylen Atkins’ year (99.35) was his grandad’s reaction to the news he was dux. Jaylen hopes to eventually practice as a doctor throughout Australia.
“The key to my success was embracing the journey,” he said.
“I found the times I struggled the most were when I lost my perspective.”
St Aloysius College dux Poshika Magesh (99.2) believes a positive mindset was the key to her personal experience.
“Continually reminding myself that all my hard work would be worth it in the end was definitely integral for my success,” she said.
“Making time and effort to ask for advice and additional constructive feedback on my test answers and assignments extremely aided in ensuring that the quality of my work was high.”
Aspiring orthodontist Zahra Yousefi (98.45) was St Columba College’s dux. She found beauty in the simple things.
“The highlight was making a lifetime of memories with my peers and enjoying our time together after years of growing up with one another,” she said.
“Take your academics seriously but also take time for yourself and have fun. Enjoy the company of your peers and teachers because after Year 12, everything will change.”
Dux Alana Nguyen (99.85) found the St Dominic’s Priory College Year 12 retreat poignant.
“Having that time in the middle of the hectic school year to take a break and strengthen our bond as a cohort was both meaningful and bittersweet,” she said.
“I think it helped me to really appreciate my final year of schooling.”
Alana will study Medicine at the University of Adelaide this year.
“I hope to one day become a doctor and make a meaningful difference in someone’s wellbeing. Aside from career aspirations, I would love to travel the world and expand my understanding of different cultures.”
St Francis de Sales College dux Gabriel Cregan (94.4) will never forget the moment he graduated.
“This was where my cohort got to look back at our year, say goodbye to students and staff, recognise the achievements of the cohort and individuals. I received many awards on this evening and read part of the year’s reflection I co-wrote with the other college captain. This evening is one I will remember for a long time.”
A Governor’s Commendation recipient, Gabriel was accepted into the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Enhanced Program for High Achievers at Flinders University, majoring in Mathematics.
“Set yourself mini goals throughout the year, even if it’s a particular mark on a test, getting to a certain point in an assignment by the end of the week or something else,” he said.
Saint Ignatius’ College dux Lawrence Yang (99.8) was a master of organisation.
“My advice for those students embarking on Year 12 this year is to stay composed and confident. It is a very daunting and important year to most people so it’s important to stay on top of everything but to also maintain a work life balance and lastly to try your best always.”
Lawrence plans to pursue medicine and become an oncologist. He would like to “conduct research and develop a cure for rare forms of cancer which are currently uncurable”.
St Mary’s College was thrilled to announce Sirisha Subramani (99.15) as dux, and college proxime accessit Amelia Scully who
achieved an ATAR of 97.65.
At St Michael’s College, 57 students achieved an ATAR in excess of 90 (25 per cent) and 22 in excess of 95 (10 per cent). The dux honour went to Indira Burns (99.15) who received four A+ results including three merits.
St Paul’s College dux William McCulloch (99.80) said it was crucial to listen to your heart and never neglect your emotions.
“During an intimidating final year of schooling, students often find themselves overwhelmed with stress that will continue to compound over time,” he said.
“It is important to ensure there is balance between school, work and social life during Year 12, as this helps prevent burnout whilst generously supplementing mental wellbeing.”
As for his future, he simply hopes to find fulfilment surrounded by the people he loves.
“To me, there is no greater success than finding peace alongside beautiful people who uplift your character and enlighten your journey through life. Though, career-wise, I wish to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, specialising in aeronautics.”
In Mount Gamber, Tenison Woods College dux was Max Patzel with an ATAR of 98.7.
“I found that building a relationship with your teachers is important and seeking as much advice and clarification as possible,” he said. “I questioned everything that I was not 100 per cent sure about.”
He will take a gap year in 2025.
“Then I intend to either move to Melbourne or Adelaide to complete my undergraduate degree in Veterinary Bioscience. Following that I am hoping to complete my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine so I can practice as a qualified veterinarian.”
Thomas More College was excited to announce that Sophie Lee (96.25) was dux. Other significant achievements were the number of students who completed their SACE by accessing Modified SACE, with a VET qualification and/or securing an apprenticeship. Four students achieved SACE by accessing Modified SACE, eight students secured an apprenticeship with SACE completion, and 39 students achieved SACE with a Certificate III VET qualification.
Xavier College dux Benjamin Walkuski (99.15) struggled to call Year 12 enjoyable but admits there were great moments.
“The best part of my final school year was, undoubtedly, the retreat. It was a well-earned break from the school slog that culminated in students writing letters of gratitude. Getting to write these letters, and receiving a fair few more than I expected, was extremely rewarding,” he said.
Honesty is one of Benjamin’s traits.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve highly in SACE, and it definitely was not good for my health, nor my results. It’s so important to recognise that your ATAR and SACE results don’t define you. As long as you’re trying your best, you’re always good enough.”
He encourages students to research how to learn with Ultralearning by Scott H. Yung a “great starting place”.
Benjamin also received a Governor’s Commendation.
