The young Parramatta leaders inspiring their peers

Parramatta MaristZain ChaudryEnsuring he and his peers get cracking grades is not the only priority on Parramatta Marist captain Zain Chaudry’s mind.He is also dedicated to making the Westmead school’s sense of community remains strong and reminding students “no one’s ever truly alone”.“Throughout history, mental health is a highly-stigmatised topic,’’ he said.“Not many people in the past have been comfortable opening up about mental health and going to an all-boys’ Catholic school, you can imagine how stigmatised it is to talk about how you feel, talk about your emotions, cry in front of your friends.“I’ve definitely seen our school more recently try to break down that barrier, and that stigma, and kind of show us young men who are going out into the big bad world that talking about your emotions and talking about how you feel is such a necessary part of our life and our growing up.’’ A keen volunteer, whose work has included helping out at Vinnie’s night patrol, Zain said social justice was also important to him.“I think being voted or nominated as captain isn’t something that just happens overnight,’’ he said.“It has to be kind of like earning the trust and support of your peers and teachers.“I think putting your hand up and volunteering in junior years and before Year 12 plays a big role in who they see fit as captain later on.“I love talking to people and interacting with people and I just think I’ve been put in such a fortunate position I’m able to give back to the wider community. Being able to give back all the things I’ve been given and allow people the same opportunities I’ve been given.’’After school, the 17 year old hopes to pursue science at university. His studies include extension one maths, advanced English, biology, chemistry and studies of religion.“I’ve always been interested in the science side of things like that logic side but personally what I want to achieve is being able to graduate and leave the school and look back at the past five years and be proud of what I’ve done, not just academically but being able to say that I’ve interacted with people authentically, I created genuine lasting relationships and the decisions I made were ones that I live by and stand by.’’Sebastian Sammut, Parramatta Marist High SchoolLike his co-captain, Sebastian Sammut wants to lead by example.“As a school leader it’s not about just leading the school, it’s about embodying all of the values which one being family spirit but it’s also love of work,’’ the 17-year-old said.“All students are responsible for setting the right standards and embodying a real work ethic which really inspires others not only in our year group but the younger years for those who are coming up.’’That includes connecting junior grades with seniors and “maintaining culture of wellbeing at school”, something that has been more of a challenge with returning to school after Covid.“At the back end of last year we got introduced back to the physical school environment and it’s important to reconnect with our peers and make sure everybody is OK as they can be at school because that’s the place where parents send their kids to be safe.“I’ve always been a hands-on worker where you’re physically with other people listening to a teacher; you can see it in front of your eyes. There’s no delays. It’s really reassuring that throughout the end of the year, hopefully, we won’t have any disruptions like that and we’ll be able to gain the full experience of Year 12, which isn’t something we’ve been able to say for the past year.’’He counts business and legal business studies as his favourite subjects and is entertaining the idea of working in a law firm after university.Academically gifted, Sebastian has already completed many of his HSC exams, including achieving stellar results for maths (94) and 46/50 for studies of religion.He maintains a balance with his school work and leadership responsibilities.“It’s a big responsibility not just for Zain and I, but the rest of the team, we’re all looking forward to it otherwise we wouldn’t have put our names up for it.’’Parramatta High SchoolSrijan Barik and Jessica FrancisCollectively as school captains, we aspire to achieve a sense of community and change within our school society through the integration of engaging activities and events during the school year.Some of the main outcomes we consistently drive toward achieving include the deepening ofschool spirit, student participation and positive contribution to school life. On a more personal note, we would like to foster positive connections and interactions within the school community and be outstanding leaders which uphold the Parramatta High Schooltraditions.We want to see our cohort, in conjunction with the younger years, enjoy their 2022 after thecraziness from the previous two years.The main issues we believe that affect our peers include the ramifications of Covid-19 and how it has affected not only our schooling, but also the social interactions with others.We are also concerned with the increase in mental health issues that teenagers face because of lockdowns and isolation from peers and living with uncertainty.Achievement and using Year 12 as a launching platform for our future goals is also of concern to us.We must represent and lead the school in a positive manner, both within the school and outside, and we also must be strong role models for younger students to look up to.However, we will always continue to be ourselves while undertaking this role as we acknowledge the desirable quality of individuality, every student should feel accepted for who they are.We also have the privilege to serve Parramatta High School in events in the community, it allows us to portray the school in a positive light.We develop pride for Parramatta High School in the community and continue to instil a sense of belonging. We were both members of the Social Justice League from Year 7 to 11. Being a member of the SJL allowed for us to actively engage with the school community and develop our leadership skills.We worked on various projects to raise awareness for and confront social injustices includingchallenging the stigmatisation of mental health issues on R U OK? Day, raising awareness formen’s health on International Men’s Day and organising bags filled with essential items to bedonated to women for the Share the Dignity foundation.We also travelled to the regional centre of Gilgandra in 2019 to support a community in drought, visiting those affected first-hand.We raised funds and donated this as a means of showing our support and thereby establishing a strong connection with Gilgandra High School. Jessica: After the very busy six years at Parramatta High School, there are two paths I’m tossing up between — venturing into tertiary education and studying a degree in primary teaching, or taking a year off to recalibrate and seek employment. Srijan: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Parramatta High School and am extremely excited for the final six months of my high school journey.After graduation, my goal is to study for a Bachelor of Secondary Education in 2023.  Girraween High School Rahul SethiAs cliche as it sounds, I’d like to leave Girraween with more than I take, in that, I’d like to leave a positive impression on the school.Girraween has helped me grow as a person, with teachers and friends alike comforting and assisting me in my hardships.Similarly, I’d like to help Girraween flourish in my time as a captain and in doing so, set the foundations for future year groups and school leaders to further enhance our school.Some ways I hope to secure this legacy are by increasing the school’s connection with the local community and pushing for more initiatives intended to boost staff and student wellbeing.Some concerns that have become more prevalent in the past few years have been student mental health, the burgeoning climate change crisis and gender inequality.I should hope that within my captaincy, I am able to address these concerns in a way of benefit to (at least) the school community; using initiatives, events and our line of communication with the executives to be effective in doing so.As a captain, I believe that being a good role model for other students is a cardinal responsibility, which entails respecting my peers, striving to be my better self, standing up for what’s right and promoting an accepting school environment.In regards to my duties as a prefect, my responsibilities include listening to other perspectives, facilitating discussions and both leading and carrying out initiatives.More generally though, my role involves hosting formal assemblies, actively promoting the school values (Aspire, Respect and Unite), leading a team of well-rounded prefects and planning whole-school events.In my time at Girraween, I’ve made every effort to be both actively involved in the school and strive academically.Some of my achievements from such efforts include: being an SRC member and a volunteer leader.Being in the SRC gave me the opportunity to liaise with ‘The Push-up Challenge’ to plan an inter-school initiative that encouraged students to complete a target of 3139 push-ups to raise funds for suicide prevention in Australia – which in turn, spread awareness about mental health to the school community.This event was a highlight for me, as it not only lifted school spirit but also showed how we as a school, could band together to support a bigger cause. Volunteering showed me the importance of altruism, particularly during lockdown, when we worked alongside the teachers to plan the School Wellbeing Day.Beyond the HSC, I hope to see myself giving back to the community in some way or form, and apply my leadership skills and experience in university and workplace contexts. But as a global citizen, I wish to make meaningful contributions and make the lives of others better.Anjali ThevasaeyanI aspire to leave a legacy in my school and make a positive impact, whether that be to organise a fun event in a safe manner or be there for one of my peers when they need a shoulder, advice, or just someone who will listen.I also hope to revive some old school traditions that were well-loved in my former years and let the younger kids experience it too. I want to reunite our school community after restrictions have been lifted and help our younger grades feel a sense of pride to be a part of Girraween High.This year our volunteering committee was actually able to organise a fundraiser to help clean up the oceans and in previous years we’ve done our best to host events for good causes that our school is passionate about. This includes helping local farmers through the droughts as well as global Covid charities.Making a difference isn’t just an effort from our school’s leaders, it’s something that’s on the minds of all our students.Before being captains, we’re actually prefects. So this role comes with organising most events for the school, including Valentine’s Day and Halloween events, as well as supporting a positive school environment and representing the students.Between this and last year I had the privilege of attending a leadership seminar at the University of Sydney as well as a women in leadership seminar with some of the other prefects which changed how we view our position and helped us gain skills for the future, when we may be in leadership positions again.Achievements that led to captaincy were basically any that made a helpful difference to my peers or those that saw me working in teams and taking initiative in those groups.This included valued leadership roles such as being SRC in the past and a peer support leader who guided and assisted year 7s in their transition into high school. Participation in the debating and band groups where teamwork, diligence and commitment were all strongly appreciated have also helped lead me to captaincy.Additionally, training my peers at the school cafe allowed me to establish many relationships I may not have had the chance to before if I hadn’t put myself into the extra- curricular activity and the volunteering job helped me gain awards that would be impressive to my resume as well as my portfolio for becoming school captain. Helping to execute the It’s in the Bag initiative, with other teachers and students in my grade, was an important part of learning organisation and teamwork skills as well as the joy that comes with helping to make a valuable difference for people in need outside of our school bubble.Finally, being the president of my Australian Business Week group in Year 11 was a turning point for me realising captaincy was a role I would thrive in as well as establishing my leadership skills among my peers. The week involved management, delegation and communication in a stressful environment and despite this our team won a prize at the end of the week.Currently, I’m interested in following a legal pathway. There are many facets of law that interest me and despite the extremely heavy reading I’ve heard about, I think learning the law and using and manoeuvring it to help people who might not have access to it as fairly as others would be an extremely gratifying job and I hope I thrive there.Our Lady of Mercy College ParramattaHead girl Maeve Nolan and assistant head girl Moana TualaAs head girls, we aim to encourage our community to actively “care for all,” inspired by our student leadership team’s vision to “answer earth’s call to care for all”.Some issues we noticed our peers were passionate about were inequality and prejudice in oursociety, and also climate change and environmental destruction.Both issues played a key role in formulating our vision of “answer Earth’s call to care for all.One of our most important responsibilities is collaborating with the student leadership team and obtaining regular updates on their initiatives, as this team is the backbone of our leadership.We also give leader addresses at assemblies where we aim to encapsulate life within the college and encourage the student body to participate and embrace the school spirit through co-curricular activities.We also conduct regular meetings with the student leaders and the staff college leadership team where our agendas aim to voice student concerns and raise current events that wewish to bring attention to at the college.Leaders at OLMC have demonstrated consistent participation and involvement in school life and activities throughout their time at the college. OLMC offers many leadership roles through Years 7 to12 including House councillors, the Student Representative Council and Mercy Action Representatives.These opportunities, together with co-curricular opportunities, help girls to develop the skills to become a senior leader. Public speaking, debating, sports and social clubs are great places to establish friendships with girls in other year groups and this is crucial to understanding what the student body needs to enhance their school life.These experiences ultimately equip students with the qualities needed to become a leader at OLMC.Maeve: After my HSC, I hope to study a Bachelor of Communications, although I am yet to decide what I will specialise in! I hope to use my degree to inform and inspire my community, in a positive way, guided by the Mercy values instilled in me during my time at OLMC.Moana: Throughout my life I have been fascinated by what influences human behaviour. I hope to study a Bachelor of Psychology and possibly pursue neuropsychology.MORE NEWSUni students reveal expectations for on-campus learning‘Real deal’: Orchestra’s return over 100 years in the making

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March 03, 2022 at 11:30PM
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Parramatta MaristZain ChaudryEnsuring he and his peers get cracking grades is not the only priority on Parramatta Marist captain Zain Chaudry’s mind.He is also dedicated to making the Westmead school’s sense of community remains strong and reminding students “no one’s ever truly alone”.“Throughout history, mental health is a highly-stigmatised topic,’’ he said.“Not many people in the past have been comfortable opening up about mental health and going to an all-boys’ Catholic school, you can imagine how stigmatised it is to talk about how you feel, talk about your emotions, cry in front of your friends.“I’ve definitely seen our school more recently try to break down that barrier, and that stigma, and kind of show us young men who are going out into the big bad world that talking about your emotions and talking about how you feel is such a necessary part of our life and our growing up.’’ A keen volunteer, whose work has included helping out at Vinnie’s night patrol, Zain said social justice was also important to him.“I think being voted or nominated as captain isn’t something that just happens overnight,’’ he said.“It has to be kind of like earning the trust and support of your peers and teachers.“I think putting your hand up and volunteering in junior years and before Year 12 plays a big role in who they see fit as captain later on.“I love talking to people and interacting with people and I just think I’ve been put in such a fortunate position I’m able to give back to the wider community. Being able to give back all the things I’ve been given and allow people the same opportunities I’ve been given.’’After school, the 17 year old hopes to pursue science at university. His studies include extension one maths, advanced English, biology, chemistry and studies of religion.“I’ve always been interested in the science side of things like that logic side but personally what I want to achieve is being able to graduate and leave the school and look back at the past five years and be proud of what I’ve done, not just academically but being able to say that I’ve interacted with people authentically, I created genuine lasting relationships and the decisions I made were ones that I live by and stand by.’’Sebastian Sammut, Parramatta Marist High SchoolLike his co-captain, Sebastian Sammut wants to lead by example.“As a school leader it’s not about just leading the school, it’s about embodying all of the values which one being family spirit but it’s also love of work,’’ the 17-year-old said.“All students are responsible for setting the right standards and embodying a real work ethic which really inspires others not only in our year group but the younger years for those who are coming up.’’That includes connecting junior grades with seniors and “maintaining culture of wellbeing at school”, something that has been more of a challenge with returning to school after Covid.“At the back end of last year we got introduced back to the physical school environment and it’s important to reconnect with our peers and make sure everybody is OK as they can be at school because that’s the place where parents send their kids to be safe.“I’ve always been a hands-on worker where you’re physically with other people listening to a teacher; you can see it in front of your eyes. There’s no delays. It’s really reassuring that throughout the end of the year, hopefully, we won’t have any disruptions like that and we’ll be able to gain the full experience of Year 12, which isn’t something we’ve been able to say for the past year.’’He counts business and legal business studies as his favourite subjects and is entertaining the idea of working in a law firm after university.Academically gifted, Sebastian has already completed many of his HSC exams, including achieving stellar results for maths (94) and 46/50 for studies of religion.He maintains a balance with his school work and leadership responsibilities.“It’s a big responsibility not just for Zain and I, but the rest of the team, we’re all looking forward to it otherwise we wouldn’t have put our names up for it.’’Parramatta High SchoolSrijan Barik and Jessica FrancisCollectively as school captains, we aspire to achieve a sense of community and change within our school society through the integration of engaging activities and events during the school year.Some of the main outcomes we consistently drive toward achieving include the deepening ofschool spirit, student participation and positive contribution to school life. On a more personal note, we would like to foster positive connections and interactions within the school community and be outstanding leaders which uphold the Parramatta High Schooltraditions.We want to see our cohort, in conjunction with the younger years, enjoy their 2022 after thecraziness from the previous two years.The main issues we believe that affect our peers include the ramifications of Covid-19 and how it has affected not only our schooling, but also the social interactions with others.We are also concerned with the increase in mental health issues that teenagers face because of lockdowns and isolation from peers and living with uncertainty.Achievement and using Year 12 as a launching platform for our future goals is also of concern to us.We must represent and lead the school in a positive manner, both within the school and outside, and we also must be strong role models for younger students to look up to.However, we will always continue to be ourselves while undertaking this role as we acknowledge the desirable quality of individuality, every student should feel accepted for who they are.We also have the privilege to serve Parramatta High School in events in the community, it allows us to portray the school in a positive light.We develop pride for Parramatta High School in the community and continue to instil a sense of belonging. We were both members of the Social Justice League from Year 7 to 11. Being a member of the SJL allowed for us to actively engage with the school community and develop our leadership skills.We worked on various projects to raise awareness for and confront social injustices includingchallenging the stigmatisation of mental health issues on R U OK? Day, raising awareness formen’s health on International Men’s Day and organising bags filled with essential items to bedonated to women for the Share the Dignity foundation.We also travelled to the regional centre of Gilgandra in 2019 to support a community in drought, visiting those affected first-hand.We raised funds and donated this as a means of showing our support and thereby establishing a strong connection with Gilgandra High School. Jessica: After the very busy six years at Parramatta High School, there are two paths I’m tossing up between — venturing into tertiary education and studying a degree in primary teaching, or taking a year off to recalibrate and seek employment. Srijan: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Parramatta High School and am extremely excited for the final six months of my high school journey.After graduation, my goal is to study for a Bachelor of Secondary Education in 2023.  Girraween High School Rahul SethiAs cliche as it sounds, I’d like to leave Girraween with more than I take, in that, I’d like to leave a positive impression on the school.Girraween has helped me grow as a person, with teachers and friends alike comforting and assisting me in my hardships.Similarly, I’d like to help Girraween flourish in my time as a captain and in doing so, set the foundations for future year groups and school leaders to further enhance our school.Some ways I hope to secure this legacy are by increasing the school’s connection with the local community and pushing for more initiatives intended to boost staff and student wellbeing.Some concerns that have become more prevalent in the past few years have been student mental health, the burgeoning climate change crisis and gender inequality.I should hope that within my captaincy, I am able to address these concerns in a way of benefit to (at least) the school community; using initiatives, events and our line of communication with the executives to be effective in doing so.As a captain, I believe that being a good role model for other students is a cardinal responsibility, which entails respecting my peers, striving to be my better self, standing up for what’s right and promoting an accepting school environment.In regards to my duties as a prefect, my responsibilities include listening to other perspectives, facilitating discussions and both leading and carrying out initiatives.More generally though, my role involves hosting formal assemblies, actively promoting the school values (Aspire, Respect and Unite), leading a team of well-rounded prefects and planning whole-school events.In my time at Girraween, I’ve made every effort to be both actively involved in the school and strive academically.Some of my achievements from such efforts include: being an SRC member and a volunteer leader.Being in the SRC gave me the opportunity to liaise with ‘The Push-up Challenge’ to plan an inter-school initiative that encouraged students to complete a target of 3139 push-ups to raise funds for suicide prevention in Australia – which in turn, spread awareness about mental health to the school community.This event was a highlight for me, as it not only lifted school spirit but also showed how we as a school, could band together to support a bigger cause. Volunteering showed me the importance of altruism, particularly during lockdown, when we worked alongside the teachers to plan the School Wellbeing Day.Beyond the HSC, I hope to see myself giving back to the community in some way or form, and apply my leadership skills and experience in university and workplace contexts. But as a global citizen, I wish to make meaningful contributions and make the lives of others better.Anjali ThevasaeyanI aspire to leave a legacy in my school and make a positive impact, whether that be to organise a fun event in a safe manner or be there for one of my peers when they need a shoulder, advice, or just someone who will listen.I also hope to revive some old school traditions that were well-loved in my former years and let the younger kids experience it too. I want to reunite our school community after restrictions have been lifted and help our younger grades feel a sense of pride to be a part of Girraween High.This year our volunteering committee was actually able to organise a fundraiser to help clean up the oceans and in previous years we’ve done our best to host events for good causes that our school is passionate about. This includes helping local farmers through the droughts as well as global Covid charities.Making a difference isn’t just an effort from our school’s leaders, it’s something that’s on the minds of all our students.Before being captains, we’re actually prefects. So this role comes with organising most events for the school, including Valentine’s Day and Halloween events, as well as supporting a positive school environment and representing the students.Between this and last year I had the privilege of attending a leadership seminar at the University of Sydney as well as a women in leadership seminar with some of the other prefects which changed how we view our position and helped us gain skills for the future, when we may be in leadership positions again.Achievements that led to captaincy were basically any that made a helpful difference to my peers or those that saw me working in teams and taking initiative in those groups.This included valued leadership roles such as being SRC in the past and a peer support leader who guided and assisted year 7s in their transition into high school. Participation in the debating and band groups where teamwork, diligence and commitment were all strongly appreciated have also helped lead me to captaincy.Additionally, training my peers at the school cafe allowed me to establish many relationships I may not have had the chance to before if I hadn’t put myself into the extra- curricular activity and the volunteering job helped me gain awards that would be impressive to my resume as well as my portfolio for becoming school captain. Helping to execute the It’s in the Bag initiative, with other teachers and students in my grade, was an important part of learning organisation and teamwork skills as well as the joy that comes with helping to make a valuable difference for people in need outside of our school bubble.Finally, being the president of my Australian Business Week group in Year 11 was a turning point for me realising captaincy was a role I would thrive in as well as establishing my leadership skills among my peers. The week involved management, delegation and communication in a stressful environment and despite this our team won a prize at the end of the week.Currently, I’m interested in following a legal pathway. There are many facets of law that interest me and despite the extremely heavy reading I’ve heard about, I think learning the law and using and manoeuvring it to help people who might not have access to it as fairly as others would be an extremely gratifying job and I hope I thrive there.Our Lady of Mercy College ParramattaHead girl Maeve Nolan and assistant head girl Moana TualaAs head girls, we aim to encourage our community to actively “care for all,” inspired by our student leadership team’s vision to “answer earth’s call to care for all”.Some issues we noticed our peers were passionate about were inequality and prejudice in oursociety, and also climate change and environmental destruction.Both issues played a key role in formulating our vision of “answer Earth’s call to care for all.One of our most important responsibilities is collaborating with the student leadership team and obtaining regular updates on their initiatives, as this team is the backbone of our leadership.We also give leader addresses at assemblies where we aim to encapsulate life within the college and encourage the student body to participate and embrace the school spirit through co-curricular activities.We also conduct regular meetings with the student leaders and the staff college leadership team where our agendas aim to voice student concerns and raise current events that wewish to bring attention to at the college.Leaders at OLMC have demonstrated consistent participation and involvement in school life and activities throughout their time at the college. OLMC offers many leadership roles through Years 7 to12 including House councillors, the Student Representative Council and Mercy Action Representatives.These opportunities, together with co-curricular opportunities, help girls to develop the skills to become a senior leader. Public speaking, debating, sports and social clubs are great places to establish friendships with girls in other year groups and this is crucial to understanding what the student body needs to enhance their school life.These experiences ultimately equip students with the qualities needed to become a leader at OLMC.Maeve: After my HSC, I hope to study a Bachelor of Communications, although I am yet to decide what I will specialise in! I hope to use my degree to inform and inspire my community, in a positive way, guided by the Mercy values instilled in me during my time at OLMC.Moana: Throughout my life I have been fascinated by what influences human behaviour. I hope to study a Bachelor of Psychology and possibly pursue neuropsychology.MORE NEWSUni students reveal expectations for on-campus learning‘Real deal’: Orchestra’s return over 100 years in the making