To me, a good education is more than just grades and exams; it prepares and equips our students to face challenges beyond the walls of their school. It’s a process that involves discovering your passions and empowers you to explore, question, and shape your identity.
It has been an honour and pleasure presenting students from all across the Penrith electorate with my Karen McKeown OAM Role Model Award 2024 to commend their commitment and dedication to their school community.
Education shapes our young people not only into knowledgeable individuals but also provides a solid foundation in creative arts, sports, and service, which is what defines my awards.
I would like to congratulate all the schools, teachers and staff who participated this year and award recipients listed below, many of whom I had the pleasure of meeting. May your educational journey continue to be one of discovery and personal growth.
Cambridge Gardens Public School – Ethan R
Cambridge Park High School – Rachael C
Corpus Christi Primary School – Blake P
Cranebrook High School – Lilee R
Emu Heights Public School – Isabella K
Emu Plains Public School – Evie W
Henry Fulton Public School – Lachlan B
Jamison High School – Keon T
Jamison High School – Kody J
Jamisontown Public School – Axell N
Kingswood High School – Ryan N
Kingswood High School – Sienna G
Kingswood Park Public School – Sienna W
Kingswood Public School – Peeha S
Kingswood South Public School – Ryan B
Leonay Public School – Misha M
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School – Jenna G
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School – Matilda V
Our Lady of the Way Primary School – Lucas E
Penrith Anglican College – Teagan K
Penrith Christian School – Harper R
Penrith Christian School – Tyler S
Penrith Christian School – Nicole Z
Penrith High School – Prashasti J
Penrith High School – Yingnam C
Penrith South Public School – Ava B
Samuel Terry Public School – Nicholas V
St Joseph’s Primary School – Taraneh F
St Nicholas of Myra Primary School – Sophia Y
York Public School – Dylan C
I would also like to acknowledge Kingswood Park Public School student Riley T for his exceptional Christmas platypus artwork, which can be found on the front of my 2024 Christmas Card. Riley’s artwork will continue to fill the letterboxes of Penrith residents in the lead-up to the holiday period.
Finally, I congratulate the exceptional efforts of our 2024 Year 12 graduating cohort, who will be receiving their HSC results.
Some students will open their computers with excitement, while others may be fearful of the number that appears before them. I want to remind students and parents that it is not the final grade that matters but the knowledge and skills these young men and women have gained during their 13 years of schooling.
Each student’s unique talents and strengths will lead them to their own path of greatness.
While receiving exam results can cause stress for all students, families can also feel the repercussions of “yearly results season”. If you or your child is in need of assistance, please reach out to any of the following:
Headspace – 1800 477 626
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
