The medallions were awarded at the school’s first assembly for the new year, which was held in St Xavier’s Primary School hall on Tuesday.

To receive a Mercy Medallion, students needed to achieve a band 6 (90-100 marks) in an HSC subject.

St Mary’s principal Max Quirk said the Mercy Medallion was introduced a few years ago and was a symbol of St Mary’s in that it bore the mercy cross.

“It is a real privilege to receive a Mercy Medallion,” he told the assembly.

Georgia Anderson and Emily Osmond achieved a band 6 in PDHPE, and Lucy Jaeger  achieved band 6s in both PDHPE and studies of religion. 

Claudia Bryant came in the top five in NSW for primary industries and Emily Evans received a band 6 in mathematics general.

Luke Zelinski had a trifecta, receiving band 6s in mathematics, HSC mathematics extension 1 and physics. He received an ATAR of 93.5 and was named dux of St Mary’s.

Georgia, Lucy, Luke and Emily Evans are taking gap years, while Claudia and Emily Osmond begin degrees this year.

Claudia will undertake a rural science degree at University of New England (UNE) and Emily will head off to Orange shortly to start a physiotherapy course at Charles Sturt University.

In 2017, Georgia will undertake a psychology degree at University of Newcastle (UON), Emily Evans will begin a social work degree at UNE, Lucy Jaeger will commence a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at UON, and Luke will take up a civil engineering degree at UON.

Emily Osmond addressed the assembly following the presentation of the Mercy Medallions, offering encouragement and advice to the current Year 12 students.

“It’s up to you and how much effort you want to put in,” Emily told the assembly.

“Stay positive.”