2023 High Achievers

Pictured: Gavriel Hariyanto ATAR of 99.75

Gavriel set high expectations for himself academically in his VCE journey and has worked diligently and conscientiously to realise his goals. His persistent, organised and methodical nature have contributed to a highly successful final year of study. A passionate violinist, Gavriel has participated in many music events over his time at Salesian College Chadstone and this year during Year 12 was exceptional in the College Musical Guys and Dolls. Gavriel plans to study Biomedicine at The University of Melbourne.

Pictured: Hardu Ginoya ATAR of 99.75

Hardu’s strive for excellence and thirst for knowledge has characterised his time at Salesian College Chadstone. His varied fields of study in Years 11 and 12 encapsulate his broad interests and accomplishments earning him an additional certification; the VCE Baccalaureate.  Hardu always willingly assisted his peers and those who needed support. He plans to study Medicine at Monash or Science/Dental Surgery at The University of Melbourne.

Pictured: Alexander Phylactou ATAR of 99.0

Alexander is a diligent, hard-working and kind student who built excellent rapport with his peers and teachers throughout his time at the College. He was a member of the Year 12 Moroney Futsal team as well as representing Salesian College in ACC Soccer during his VCE years. Alexander was pivotal in creating a positive learning culture within the classroom in all of his subjects and consistently supported his peers around him. He set goals and targets for himself and was clear in his vision whilst also maintaining a balanced workload. Alexander plans to study Law and Arts at Monash University.

Pictured: Damon Occhiuto ATAR of 99.0

Damon has completed an outstanding VCE at Salesian College, attaining superb results across the board. The key study strategy that he has followed is to use a study plan to help him to keep track of homework and study requirements. He believes that it is important to maintain balance in his life and to ensure that he regularly saw his friends throughout the year. He has valued the friendships that he has made, which have helped to ensure that he has had an enjoyable experience at school and acknowledges that his teachers have been a great help over the course of this year.  Damon plans to study a Bachelor of Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Peter Liptai ATAR of 98.85

In his role as College Vice-Captain, Peter embodied the College values each and every day and was an excellent role model in our College Community. His contribution to the Musical life at Salesian has been exceptional starring in many College Productions over the years. Peter has consistently achieved outstanding academic results throughout his time at Salesian and shared his skills and knowledge by participating in authentic and collaborative learning. In 2022 he was awarded the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Hungarian with a study score of 49. Peter plans to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) at The University of Melbourne

Pictured: Marcellino Baselyous ATAR of 98.55

Marcellino has completed an exceptional year as College Captain at Salesian College. He has represented the college at numerous events and has successfully balanced his leadership and study commitments while studying a demanding program of English, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry and Italian to achieve an outstanding ATAR. Marcellino is actively involved in the life of the college, in particular in the public speaking arena, having been a previous winner of the Mary McKertich public speaking competition. He has set a superb example to all of students of the college in his role as school captain. He hopes to study Medicine at Monash University

Pictured: Matthew Curmi ATAR of 98.3

Matthew’s diligence and quiet determination have characterised his VCE studies. He has sought and implemented feedback from his teachers, and his commitment to achieving excellence is highly commendable. His caring and compassionate nature has been evident in the way he has worked with his peers and teachers alike. A keen learner and a deep thinker, Matthew’s natural organisational skills have contributed to a highly successful final year of study. Matthew plans to study Computer Science/Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Peter Holland ATAR of 98.25

Peter has balanced the demands of a rigorous VCE load with his role as College Vice Captain with energy and enthusiasm. A creative, committed and incisive learner, Peter has also made time for his passion for public speaking and debating and was the McKertich Public Speaking Competition Senior Winner this year. His diligence, academic drive and spirited inclusivity have stood as fine examples for other students, both in VCE and younger year levels. Peter hopes to study Arts/Law at Monash University.

Pictured: Daniel Biviano ATAR of 97.85

Daniel has embraced the challenge of his VCE years with vigour and diligence. He has balanced his academic studies whilst also participating in ACC Hockey and Football throughout his time at the College. Daniel relished the challenge of learning and created a positive classroom culture, always seeking feedback from his teachers for academic growth. Daniel is hoping to study Engineering at the University of Melbourne.

Pictured: Aidan Latief ATAR of 97.95

Aidan was a dedicated and hardworking student; his strength lay on his ability to accept feedback and continue to rework his ideas and work positively alongside his teachers to improve. He was a positive member of the classroom and generous with his time and knowledge, often providing help and assistance to his class mates. Aidan was also one of five students selected to attend Newman College, The University of Melbourne event as part of 3/4 Biology in 2022 entitled; The Applications of Mathematics to Open Problems in Biology. Aidan plans to study Medicine at Monash University.

Pictured: Luke Marino ATAR of 97.0

Luke is a proud member of the Salesian Community who consistently strives to make a positive difference for the future. Luke has performed exceptionally well over the course of the year in all of his subjects. He is a respectful student who is always willing to help his peers with their own learning as has built great relationships with his teachers throughout his time at the College. Luke plans to study Law at the University of Melbourne.

Pictured: Ryan Daniel Dennis ATAR of 96.7

Ryan studied a highly demanding course during his VCE, attaining excellent overall results. In his role as Academic Captain, Ryan led by example consistently working hard, setting goals, taking regular breaks and collaborating with his friends during study sessions to help with his motivation. Ryan actively involved himself in different activities during Year 12 including House Debating and was part of the ACC Open Chess team. Ryan plans to study a Double Degree in Engineering and Commerce at Monash University.

Pictured: Jamie Csendes ATAR of 96.5

Jamie is a quiet achiever. He is someone who is incredibly diligent both in the content of his work and presentation. He is highly motivated to be the best version of himself he can be. His dedication to his studies is admirable. Jamie consistently demonstrated what it means to strive for personal excellence to his peers. Although a quiet achiever, Jamie was always available for his friends and peers to assist them in any way he could to ensure they too were achieving their best. His positive work ethic was evident in his preparation for class, organisation and time management. He is kind, caring and generous. He has demonstrated these qualities in his contributions to all elements of school life. Jamie truly embodies what is means to be a Salesian; strong in mind, gentle in heart and ensuring he does the ordinary things, extraordinarily well. He plans on studying a double degree in Engineering and Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Andrew Zaki ATAR of 96.3

Andrew has been a highly motivated, committed and hardworking student, most especially during his VCE years. He began Year 12 with high expectations for himself, and worked diligently to realise his potential. Andrew’s positive work ethic, ability to respond to feedback and his drive for academic excellence has made him an excellent role model for his peers. Andrew actively participated in many aspects of College life including ACC Soccer, Cross Country and Debating. He plans on studying a double degree in Engineering and Computer Science at Monash University

Pictured: Jayden De Kauwe ATAR of 96.15

Jayden’s resilience and commitment to achieving his very best has played a strong part in his overall success in VCE. Planning and remaining organised whilst also building strong friendships helped Jayden to remain focussed and committed to his studies. He has contributed to the sporting life of the College particularly in the area of Tennis and Table Tennis.  Jayden hopes to study Engineering and Computer Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Emmanuel Aquino ATAR of 96.0

Emmanuel is a measured young man who has balanced his final year with exceptional precision. His organisation and time management skills have allowed him to complete his studies to achieve his best. Although a quiet achiever his dedication to doing his best and using feedback to improve his results provided inspiration for his peers. During peak assessment times he was able to coordinate his studies and other commitments. Emmanuel set goals at the start of his secondary school journey in Year 7 which assisted him to remain focussed until the last Year 12 exam. He also establishes great relationships with likeminded students and teachers to support him in his endeavours. He plans to study a double degree in Engineering and Commerce at Monash University.

Pictured: Zac Palatsides ATAR of 95.9

Zachary is a highly motivated student and very committed to his students and achieving his personal best. He used all opportunities available to him to enhance his understanding in all his subject areas. He was a positive role model in that that he was an inspiration to others and assisting his peers in their learning wherever he could. In class he was focused and worked well both independently  and in collaboration with his peers. His commitment to his studies, with a strong focus to attention to detail has certainly contributed to his success. Zachary received feedback well and used it to his full advantage to improve his learning. He plans on taking a gap year in 2024.

Pictured: Joseph Dinatale ATAR of 95.75

Joseph’s strive for excellence and thirst for knowledge has characterised his time at Salesian. His varied fields of study in Years 11 and 12 encapsulate his broad interests and accomplishments. Joseph believes cultivating external interests was a key factor in him finding balance with his studies. He was very actively involved in cultural pursuits throughout Year 12 and is a keen painter and guitarist. Additionally, he was the English Captain in 2023. Joseph built positive relationships with his peers and teachers alike and earned the respect of the Year 12 cohort for his willingness to involve himself in so many aspects of college life. Joseph plans to study Engineering/Computer Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Ruchith Navaratne ATAR of 95.45

Ruchith is a resilient young man who from the beginning of the year set himself some wonderful goals to lead him to success. His unwavering dedication to his learning was admirable and an inspiration to his peers. He approached each learning opportunity  with a dedicated focus and placing importance on how he used feedback to further improve his knowledge and understanding. Ruchith is a highly respectful student and was able to build strong relationships with both teachers and his peers, which assisted him in his learning. Although a quiet achiever, he was always available to his peers to support their learning. Ruchith plans to study Biomedical Science at Monash University.

Pictured: Samuel Yoshawirja ATAR of 95.25

Samuel’s diligence and quiet determination have characterised his VCE studies. He has sought and then implemented feedback from his teachers, and his commitment to achieving excellence is commendable. Samuel was generous in support of his peers, and worked collaboratively to reach great outcomes. He involved himself in College life in many ways and plans to study Law at Monash University.