Lebanese but tops Italian

Achieving First-in-Course for Italian Continuers, Diya Badawi said she was not expecting to top the State but was so well supported by teacher Maria Marando that she could see now how the hard work had paid off.
She said her mum cried when she received the news and that this achievement was the culmination of great teaching that began in primary school at St Patrick’s Primary Guildford.
“It was extremely unexpected because I’m not Italian, I’m Lebanese,” she laughed.
“There are not enough words to describe Mrs Marando as a teacher. She is so experienced and so passionate about what she does that I was just motivated to make her proud.
“She kept telling me that she knew that I could do well. Mrs Marando really goes above and beyond and knows how to get the most out of us.”
Cerdon’s Principal Lisa-Maree Browning said she was proud of the achievement which reflected the high quality learning and teaching at the school.
“Congratulations to Diya on her magnificent achievement. This is the result of hard work, perseverance and a love not just of language, but of learning,” she said.
“For two years running Mrs Marando has led her students to the highest level of success – First in State!
“Passionate about learning and with a love of languages, she is dedicated to her students – tailoring instruction to deliver the best possible outcome for each student in her class.”
Also achieving First-in-Course, were Al-Faisal College Auburn students Lena Benbatta for Arabic Continuers and Sarah Ahmad for Biology.
Premier Chris Minns offered his congratulations and a “huge well done” to all 67,234 students who are moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
“Whether or not today’s results are what you wanted – remember that this is just a step on your journey and there are many pathways to success,” he said.