They are Joshua Tamer from St Charbel’s College, first in Arabic Extension; Yara Natfaji from Al Noori Muslim School, first in Earth and Environment Science; David Stanisavljevic from St Euphemia College, first in Serbian Continuers; and Ivona Risktevski from La Salle Catholic College, first in Macedonian Continuers.
Joshua was in London taking part in a leadership program when he got the news.
“I just started screaming and my room mate became very concerned,” he said with a laugh.
“It was such a shock but a happy shock and I’m very grateful to my school and family.”
The Condell Park resident is planning to study radiography at university.
“I want to specialise in the science field but still keep in touch with languages,” he said.
Passionate about planet and climate issues, Yara was also hugely surprised to get word she had topped the State in her subject.
“My family was very excited when I told them and I hope to study in the healthcare field, possibly medicine,” she said.
Emergency Services Minister and State MP for Bankstown, Jihad Dib, said he felt immense pride watching the local young people recognised for their efforts.
“I have no doubt they will go on to achieve amazing things,” he said.
“While we must highlight their achievements, we must also recognise the families and communities who supported them to achieve their best.
“Teachers are a core part of our community, who support all of our students to achieve their very best – whether that be first in a course, or a personal success.”
A recording of the First in Course ceremony is available at: nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/awards-and-events/first-course-ceremony.
Students top NSW in HSC course
FOUR local students are being celebrated for achieving first or equal first in a 2023 HSC course.
The local youth are among the 128 students from across the State who have achieved some of the best results possible in at least one HSC course.