Year 5 student Ernie Hilleary has taken his love of learning to the international stage, representing Australia at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The St Mary’s Primary School, Warners Bay student earned his place at the international event following a strong performance at the Hunter Regional World Scholar’s Cup in June 2026.
Students who qualify at regional competitions are invited to take part in one of several Global Rounds held around the world. Ernie and his family chose the Da Nang event, while other qualifying students from Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle will soon travel to Christchurch, New Zealand, to compete.
Held from 11–16 September at the Trung Vuong Theater, the Da Nang Global Round brought together students from around the world for a series of academic challenges designed to encourage learning, collaboration, critical thinking and global citizenship.
For Ernie, the experience was proof that hard work can lead to opportunities well beyond the classroom.
“Study pays off because you get smarter and the awards are fun to get,” Ernie said. “You also get to go to other countries because of your achievements.”
The Writing Challenge was Ernie’s favourite of the four competition events, but his week in Vietnam delivered plenty of other memorable moments.
One of the biggest came when Ernie was selected as Australia’s flag bearer, proudly waving the Australian flag in front of more than 1,000 participants.
He also enjoyed the humour and enthusiasm of the World Scholar’s Cup organisers and the opportunity to make new friends from across Australia and around the world, including teammates Oliver from Perth and Tommy from Vietnam.
Another highlight was the World Scholar’s Cup alpaca adoption ceremony, a much-loved tradition in which students adopt a stuffed alpaca and pledge to care for it.
Away from the competition, Ernie had the chance to explore Vietnam with his family, including a memorable coconut boat ride through the coconut forests of Hoi An.
Ernie’s experience highlights how academic enrichment opportunities such as the World Scholar’s Cup can take students beyond the classroom, connecting them with new ideas, cultures and friendships.
His achievement is a testament to his curiosity, commitment and enthusiasm for learning, and Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle congratulates Ernie on representing his school, diocese and country on the global stage.
