Farewell to a meaningful year

As we come to the end of another school year, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved together as a school community throughout 2025.

This year has been marked by exciting progress in the upgrades to our school facilities, including our Year 12 students sitting their HSC exams in the brand-new hall. Managing these improvements while ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning has been a team effort, and I am so proud of how our students, staff, and families have adapted with patience and resilience.

We also take this time to farewell some valued staff members who are moving on to new chapters in their lives and careers. Ms Chelsea Fisher will be heading to Fort Street High School, Mr Basant Sharma to Penrith Selective High School, and Mr Francis Floresca to Chatswood High School as Head Teacher Learning and Support. Mrs Leearna Borg from our Support Unit is returning to her Assistant Principal role and Mrs Belinda Nocera, our school counsellor, will be taking up a role as Senior Psychologist, Education (SPE). Mrs Josie Carzo has taken up a substantive role as a Learning & Support Teacher at Jamison High School and will be joined by Mr Ibrahim El-Dannaoui. A big thank you also goes to Mrs Ruth Newell, who supported our Year 12 Drama program. We also wish Alyssa Marabello all the best for the next chapter in her career in education. Finally, we celebrate Mrs Denise Gatenby, who is retiring after an incredible career and we wish her a retirement filled with joy and relaxation. Each of these individuals has made a significant contribution to our school, and they will be greatly missed by students, staff, and our community.

In 2025, Mr Aaron Peacock will be taking leave along with our SLSO Ms Nicola Simundza. Additionally, we extend our warmest wishes to staff members who will be taking maternity and paternity leave in 2025. We are excited for this new chapter in their lives and wish them all the best as they prepare for this special time with their growing families.

I want to extend my thanks to our dedicated teachers and support staff for their unwavering commitment to our students. From lesson planning and mentoring to report writing and collaboration, their efforts have ensured that every student feels supported, valued, and encouraged to thrive. I also want to thank our families for the ongoing partnership, feedback, and contributions that play such an essential role in our success as a school.

This year, our External Validation process and the development of our 2025 School Excellence Plan have highlighted the dedication and shared vision that make Cecil Hills High School a place where everyone belongs and achieves.

Earlier this week our Year 12 students received their HSC results. I cannot be prouder of our students and staff in achieving these fantastic results. While we work through the data in more detail and collect ATAR information from our students, I have created the infographic below as an overview. We will release more detailed information in the new year. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! You should be proud of your achievements.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you all to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead this wonderful school community, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my first year as Principal.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2025 as we embrace the next chapter, including the transition to our upgraded school infrastructure. Together, we will continue to build a caring, inclusive, and successful environment where every student can excel.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season, and a happy new year ahead.

Andrew King

Principal