News

Stars is super proud of the courageous and resilient First Nations girls and young women in our programs – and at the end of every year we celebrate their hard work!

Stars Awards Nights were held around Australia during November and December, with students, Stars Mentors, families and communities coming together to honour the achievements of our Stars during 2019.

Our Haileybury Rendall School Awards Night was held in Darwin in November and it was a true celebration of effort, commitment and success!

Given that our Haileybury Stars are mostly boarders from remote communities across the Northern Territory, they face particular challenges in pursuing their education. In addition to their study commitments, they have to deal with the stresses that come with being away from family, community and country.

During 2019, it has been wonderful to watch these determined girls and young women develop and grow in confidence and take big strides forward in their academic progress.

Stars is especially proud of senior Haileybury Star, Phylisia Palipuaminni from Milikapiti on the Tiwi Islands, who was honoured for graduating Year 12 this year.

Phylisia delivered a beautiful speech outlining the challenges of her journey and finishing with some generous words of encouragement for the younger girls:

“To all the Stars girls here today – my message to you is that it is important you stay in school and graduate Year 12.  Even if it’s hard for you; even if you are homesick.  Keep pushing.  Never give up.  Keep your head held high.  And remember there are lots of people that want to support you and encourage you.”

Stars Foundation CEO and founder Andrea Goddard was on hand to present the Middle and Senior School ‘Star of the Year’ Awards, which recognise those students who display commitment to their education and consistently demonstrate the Stars Values of Respect, Honesty, Commitment and Pride.

We congratulate all our Super Stars across Australia, especially our Graduates and Award winners, on a fantastic year in 2019.