On Tuesday 22nd July, ex-St Columba’s pupil Claire Zorn, came to the school to launch her new novel ‘The Protected’.
The successful, published author delivered a captivating and impressive presentation followed by an insightful writing workshop for aspiring authors. Claire’s talk was inspiring and sincere. She moved the audience with her personal experiences from which her writing is heavily influenced. She spoke of her favourite literature, growing up in the Blue Mountains and of the challenges she has faced during her writing.
During the writer’s workshop, Claire provided tips on beginning novels, how to collaborate your ideas and enjoying writing. Claire Zorn had an enthusiastic and lively personality, which encouraged students to embrace and appreciate literature. Her two stories, ‘The Sky So Heavy’ and ‘The Protected’, are award winning, remarkable books.
I thoroughly adored Claire Zorn’s book launch, and I am positive that every student who attended that day found her both engaging and thought provoking.
Jasmine Sharp | Y8
St Columba's Catholic College Springwood
www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au
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25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
More HSC Showcase success for St Columba’s! We are thrilled to share that three of our students have been nominated for SHAPE, the HSC showcase celebrating excellence in Technology and Design. Congratulations to Rhianna and Kirrilly for their incredible achievements in Textiles and Design, and to Xavier for his outstanding work in Industrial Technology (Timber). A special thank you to their teachers, Mrs Cusack and Mr Flack, whose expertise and encouragement have helped our students bring their creative visions to life. With such a remarkable number of showcase nominations this year, we couldn’t be prouder of our students and staff. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese![1079941253928892_1289386462984369-1]()
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Since Week 3 of this term, the staff, students and families of St Columba’s have been donating much-needed food and household items to the Ignite Food Store in Emerton, run by Jesuit Social Services. The Ignite Food Store offers grocery items at reduced prices, helping people cope with the rising cost of living. Here is part of the message that Joe Magri delivered at our St Columba’s Day Mass after receiving some of our donations: “[On] your feast day, which calls on all people to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God; your College motto is also what we at Jesuit Social Services strive to be and do, especially in Mt Druitt. The College is in solidarity with us, walking shoulder to shoulder, accompanying people with dignity, who are struggling with the costs of living, to support themselves and their families.” A sincere thank you to all the families and staff who contributed to this worthy cause!
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25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
More HSC Showcase success for St Columba’s! We are thrilled to share that three of our students have been nominated for SHAPE, the HSC showcase celebrating excellence in Technology and Design. Congratulations to Rhianna and Kirrilly for their incredible achievements in Textiles and Design, and to Xavier for his outstanding work in Industrial Technology (Timber). A special thank you to their teachers, Mrs Cusack and Mr Flack, whose expertise and encouragement have helped our students bring their creative visions to life. With such a remarkable number of showcase nominations this year, we couldn’t be prouder of our students and staff. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Since Week 3 of this term, the staff, students and families of St Columba’s have been donating much-needed food and household items to the Ignite Food Store in Emerton, run by Jesuit Social Services. The Ignite Food Store offers grocery items at reduced prices, helping people cope with the rising cost of living. Here is part of the message that Joe Magri delivered at our St Columba’s Day Mass after receiving some of our donations: “[On] your feast day, which calls on all people to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God; your College motto is also what we at Jesuit Social Services strive to be and do, especially in Mt Druitt. The College is in solidarity with us, walking shoulder to shoulder, accompanying people with dignity, who are struggling with the costs of living, to support themselves and their families.” A sincere thank you to all the families and staff who contributed to this worthy cause!
24 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Huge congratulations to our incredibly talented Music students Alina, Louis, and Thomas, who have each been nominated for ENCORE - the prestigious HSC Showcase that presents the very best major works in Music from across NSW! This is an extraordinary achievement, reflecting not only their creativity and dedication, but also the outstanding guidance of their teacher, Mr Silvestrini. We are so proud of these students for reaching such a remarkable level in their HSC journey. To have three nominations from St Columba’s is an achievement worth celebrating! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
21 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our students on their Human Services Graduation - Alexis, Maddie, Claudia & Evie. Special mention goes to Evie who received an Academic Excellence Award for the Blue Mountains Cluster and Claudia who gave the graduation speech.
17 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Year 12 students Gabrielle, Lucienne, Sydeny, Taylah, Addison, Madison, Emilia, Luca, Lachlan, Samuel, Louis, and Elliot who were each acknowledged with a Cultural Yellow Award for Community Service, due to their volunteering with Mama Lana's throughout the year. These students are truly living the St Columba's motto, "Act Justly".
17 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our St Columba’s athletes who competed earlier this month at the 2025 PDSSSC Athletics Carnival held at SOPAC Homebush. There were multiple medals for our students in both track and field events, with a few students going on to the next level!
16 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Years 10 and 12 students who opted into a PT session with Dewan and Michael from ADF Careers last Friday morning. What a fantastic way to kick off the day! Every single student gave it a red hot go and our guests were so impressed they have asked for an invite again next year. Thank you Dewan and Michael for coming out to work with our students and give them some idea of what life in the ADF might be like - from the smiles on faces, you might already have some working on their applications now!
15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
🌟Excellence in Vocational Education and Training🌟 We are proud to celebrate four of our outstanding students who were nominated in this year’s Rotary Youth Vocational Education Awards, recognising excellence across Western Sydney. Eloise (Y12) – VET Primary Industries Roman (Y12) – VET Business Services Keira (Y12) – VET Hospitality Joshua (Y12) – VET Construction Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and leadership in their field. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
What a night for St Columba’s! Our incredible Show Team absolutely dominated at the Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition, bringing home an outstanding list of results. From individual brilliance to team triumphs, they’ve made us so proud: 🏆 Champion Junior Judge - Isabella (Y10) 🏆 Champion Senior Judge - Eva (Y11) 🏆 All Age Team Judging - St Columba’s 🏆 Champion Senior Judging Team - St Columba’s 🏆 Champion School - Steer Weight Gain 🥈 Reserve Champion School Overall These results are a true testament to the grit, teamwork and dedication of our students, who have worked tirelessly to care for and present their steer at the highest standard. Congratulations to Oakhill College who just pipped us at the post for Champion School Overall. A huge congratulations to every student involved – you’ve put St Columba’s well and truly on the map in the ag show world!
13 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Outstanding Achievement in Drama! We are thrilled to announce that seven of our talented Drama students have been nominated for the prestigious OnSTAGE HSC Showcase - an incredible recognition of their creativity, commitment, and passion for the performing arts. Congratulations to Addison, Samuel, Summer, and Melissa for their individual nominations and to Cooper, Samuel, Brodie, and Audrey for their group nomination. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only the dedication of our students, but also the guidance and expertise of their teacher, Mrs Carmen Noonan. We are so proud of each of you - congratulations on such an inspiring achievement! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
12 Sep 2025
Bishop’s Awards celebrate student excellence across Parramatta Diocese
The annual Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence honours Year 12 students who demonstrate strong leadership, a spirit of service and a lasting impact on their school community.
11 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Our College was a sea of yellow today as students and staff came together for R U OK? Day. From bright accessories to smiles shared in the R U OK? photo frame, the spirit of the day was strong. 💛 Most importantly, we’re reminding each other that checking in matters, not just today, but every day. A simple question, “Are you OK?”, can make all the difference. #ruok