Catholic Outlook Magazine | Advent | Summer 2022 Issue

Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek student Alisha Santos (centre) with her mother (second left) and father (left), and School
Principal Robert Nastasi (right) after being presented with the Bishop's Award for Excellence this year. Image: CEDP.
‘Class of 2022’ share life lessons
STORY CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
As the 2022 school year comes to an end and
the newest batch of graduates celebrate the
wonderful milestone of completing 13 years of
schooling, some Year 12 students from across
Western Sydney reflect on their experience -
how they feel, what they have learned, what
they will take away with them and what they
hope to achieve.
St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas student Amy
Jahja had a big year. In addition to undertaking her
final year of school, Amy also served as the Year 12
College Captain. When reflecting on her experience,
she spoke about how her schooling has shaped who
she is today.
“I believe one of my greatest achievements at school
has been the ability to build my resilience when things
have not gone my way. I’ve learnt to work harder and
come back stronger when I haven’t gotten the result
that I wanted,” Amy said. “I have great teachers to
thank for that. Their encouragement and support have
been a constant source of support.”
Amy also acknowledged the support of her friends
and classmates, recognising the laughter, love and
support she felt throughout her time at school.
Servant leadership opportunities were highlights of
her learning and faith journey.
“St Patrick’s has helped me to grow in my faith,
to place my trust in Jesus and follow in his
footsteps,” she said. “This has been reflected
through my servant leadership role - I was the
Junior Environmental Captain, a Year 10 Peer
Support Leader and a member of the Social Justice
Group. Helping out at events and working with
Marist Connect and Ekklesia Food Bank have been
amazing highlights of my journey.”
Year 12 student Alisha Santos from Emmaus
Catholic College Kemps Creek was the recipient
of the Bishop’s Excellence Award earlier this year.
She completed her schooling journey having been
an active member of the student leadership team,
school music ministry and various Social Justice
initiatives. Her proud mum reflected on the passage
of time at the awards in September.
“When I saw her getting her award, it brought back
memories from when she was in Kindy and I started
to get teary,” said her mother, April.
For Alisha, the culmination of her schooling has filled
her with confidence to undertake the next stage of
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