This year over 900 Catholic school students across the Diocese of Wollongong completed the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations.

These students were enrolled in eight systemic Catholic schools across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Macarthur regions of our Diocese. For the first time, this list includes St Benedict's Catholic College, Oran Park, presenting their first cohort of students for the HSC.

Director of Schools for Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, Mr Peter Turner, offered his congratulations to all students who completed their secondary schooling. Mr Turner stated, "For most students, these results are the culmination of 13 years of Catholic education. We are immensely proud of all our students and there are many success stories that we can celebrate. Some of these were achieved in the face of significant adversity. Reflective of this success is not only the results of the high achievers but the increase in the proportion of our students achieving Bands 5 and 6. We also acknowledge the valuable contribution of the parents and teachers who worked in partnership to support and encourage students to achieve their goals."

Five students have been named on the 2016 All-Round Achievers list . This category highlights the names of students who have achieved a result in the highest performance band in 10 or more units of courses in their pattern of study. Congratulations to the following students:

2016 ALL-ROUND ACHIEVERS LIST

LUKE MARIANI

Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats

JOSEPH ROODENRYS

Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville

JESSICA TOPOLSKI

Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville

JESSICA WAITE

Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville

ASTRID TURNER

St Benedict's Catholic College, Oran Park

In addition, six students have been placed on the 2016 Top Achievers in Course list. This category includes students who achieved one of the top places in a HSC course and achieved a result in the highest band. Congratulations to the following Top Achievers:

2016 TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE LIST

RYAN MAY

Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
2ND IN CONSTRUCTION

ELIJAH CROWE

Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
3RD IN CONSTRUCTION

PAIGE TATE-HARRINGTON

St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra
7TH IN HOSPITALITY

NATHAN JURD

Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
10TH IN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

JESSICA TOPOLSKI

Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville
11TH IN ENGLISH (ADVANCED) 
15TH IN ANCIENT HISTORY

OLIVIA ATKINS

Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville
1ST IN GERMAN BEGINNERS (COMPLETED AS A STUDENT OF THE OPEN HIGH SCHOOL)

Mr Turner stated that while the HSC is significantly important, it forms just one part of the broader educational journey for our students.  "The pleasing HSC results reinforced the fact that Catholic Schools have been able to combine authentic learning with opportunities for growth in faith and personal development.  I am confident that this experience will positively influence the lives of these young people as they continue their journey through life beyond the school."

Congratulations to all students who have completed their HSC as members of the senior class of 2016.