STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENTS 

Saints Students Shine at the CQUni School Business Challenge

By Noah Conlan - Year 12

Riley Jackson, Jack Hardy, Declan McAlister and I took part in round one of the CQUniversity School Business Challenge in April. The competition resumed after Covid prevented it from running for the past two years. Keeping in mind the legacy left by the winning 2018 St Augustine’s team, the boys and I prepared for the first round in which we competed against schools around the state including those in Central Queensland, North Queensland and Wide Bay. 

We had to answer 10 multiple-choice questions from four subject areas including accounting, business and management, economics and law as well as general knowledge. We each divvied up areas to our strong points of knowledge based on our Year 12 elective subjects. Totalling 33 points out of 40, we gained second place, closely followed by The Cathedral School, Townsville on 35 points. We were pleased with the result despite some minor mishaps among the nature of accounts in the accounting area and “irrelevant” general knowledge questions. 

However, now through to the second round, the boys were hungry to win after some wide- spread prior reading to refine our lack of general knowledge. On 26 July at the Cairns CQU city campus, we dug deep gaining 31 out of 40 points putting us in first  place, one point ahead of Rockhampton Grammar School. We were awarded with a perpetual trophy, a $3000 cash prize and scholarships to CQUniversity. 

On behalf of the team,  I give massive thanks to CQU and the CQU Cairns city campus and all those involved with organising the challenge. Additionally, I thank our Accounting and Business teacher Mrs Bellerby for her continued efforts to ensure the smooth sailing of the event.