Day: January 6, 2013

It’s all Greek, and all good, to top HSC student

First in course: Penrith’s Claire Fassoulidis (right, with her mother) plans to continue studying Greek by correspondence. Picture: Carlos Furtado

First in course: Penrith’s Claire Fassoulidis (right, with her mother) plans to continue studying Greek by correspondence. Picture: Carlos Furtado

SHE may have just topped Modern Greek Continuers in the HSC but Claire Fassoulidis plans to study physiotherapy.

‘‘I was surprised by my result because with my family at home we don’t speak Greek,’’ Claire, a former Jamison High School student, said.

Her aptitude for the language will come in handy when she arrives in Greece in a few weeks.

Claire was one of two Penrith students — and 120 statewide — recognised by Education Minister Adrian Piccoli at a ceremony held in their honour at Australian Technology Park, Redfern, yesterday.

The other was Kiera Warda, a former Caroline Chisholm College student. She topped Studies of Religion II.

“There is something about celebrating the achievements of young people that generates collective pride,” Mr Piccoli said.

To be first in course students needed to have come first in an HSC course and for their result to be in the top band.

The 2012 HSC merit lists are at http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc-results/hsc-merit-lists.html

Were you happy with your results? Share your stories below or email kstevens@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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GALLERY – BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Participants line up set to start. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Participants line up set to start. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Participants line up set to start. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Participants line up set to start. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Greek community members wait at the Bogie Hole for the race to retrieve the cross from the bottom of the pool. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Greek community members wait at the Bogie Hole for the race to retrieve the cross from the bottom of the pool. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle's Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: Unmarried men from Newcastle’s Greek Community raced to retrieve the cross thrown into the Bogey Hole in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday. Picture BROCK PERKS

 

BLOOD was spilled, water was splashed and glory was won on Sunday at the Bogey Hole.

Newcastle’s Greek community marked the religious feast of Epiphany with the centuries-old tradition of the Blessing of the Waters.

More than 200 people from the Newcastle’s Greek Orthodox Church looked on as young unmarried men from their community jumped into the watering hole and raced to be the first the grab a holy cross thrown down to the sea floor.

The traditional race, which is also open to women, has been performed at the Bogey Hole since 1957.

During the service the community prays for the safety of people working at sea and the prosperity of Australia.

Sixteen-year-old Ilias Gore, was the first to find the blessed prize this year.

The New Lambton Heights resident even spilled some blood to achieve the feat, cutting his foot during the friendly race.

‘‘I went down and grabbed something and it was seaweed,’’ he said.

‘‘But then I got it.’’

Father Nicholas Scordilis said the feast marked the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and the only in time history when the trinity – God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit – were present at once.

‘‘It’s a happy opportunity to wish everyone health and prosperity,’’ he said.

‘‘It gives me great joy to wish that to all the wonderful people of Newcastle.’’