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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16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC examinations today, they have the support and encouragement of the entire St Columba's community. We are tremendously proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Over the coming weeks we hold these students, as well as the families who love and care for them, in our hearts and prayers.![1079941253928892_1307134171209598-1]()
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our NAIDOC Cup Representatives! Over the holidays, Year 7 student Hunter and Year 8 student Henry proudly represented Football NSW in the NAIDOC Cup. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved - a true reflection of the school spirit and values we celebrate every day. Well done, Hunter and Henry! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC examinations today, they have the support and encouragement of the entire St Columba's community. We are tremendously proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Over the coming weeks we hold these students, as well as the families who love and care for them, in our hearts and prayers.
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our NAIDOC Cup Representatives! Over the holidays, Year 7 student Hunter and Year 8 student Henry proudly represented Football NSW in the NAIDOC Cup. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved - a true reflection of the school spirit and values we celebrate every day. Well done, Hunter and Henry! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud of Year 10 student and swimming superstar, Finn, who brought home multiple medals, and two national champion titles, from the New Zealand National Swimming Championships. Over an exhausting four days, Finn won two gold medals (1500m free 15 years, 400m free 15 years), one silver (800m free 15 years), and one bronze (200m free 15 years). What a stellar achievement!
11 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We’re so happy to see familiar faces on the Blue Mountains Youth Council and would encourage any of our students who are interested to have a go and apply! Blue Mountains City Council
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
A massive congratulations to Year 12 student, Lani Gleeson, who has been selected for the Australian U22 Women's Tumbling team for the FIG World Age Gymnastics Championships to be held in Spain in November! We know so much hard work and dedication has gone into your training over the years Lani and we are sending all of our best wishes with you as you travel to Spain next month. Good luck!! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Gymnastics Australia
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Helena Sypka (Year 9) whose mixed media artwork, 'Tides', is currently on exhibition at Lewers Penrith Regional Art Gallery. The exhibition 'Organised Chaos' includes the works of young artists who were a part of the Penrith Open Studio Program. You can see Helena's work at Lewers Penrith Regional Gallery until 9 November. Learn more about the Penrith Open Studio Program here: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/whats-on/organised-chaos-penrith-open-studio/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest
08 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We always love seeing St Columba’s students smiling at us from the pages of the Blue Mountains Gazette! In today’s edition, Taylah and Luka talk about how they are feeling in the lead up to the HSC, how the College has helped them prepare and what they have planned for next year. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
07 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We’re incredibly proud of our students who have received 177 early entry offers to university (so far)! These offers recognise them as capable, motivated learners who are well-prepared for university-level study. They’ve shown not only strong academic potential, but also leadership, resilience, and diverse strengths that reflect their readiness for the next chapter. This achievement also highlights our school’s commitment to guiding students toward success, providing a supportive learning environment where they’re encouraged to excel academically and grow personally. Congratulations to all our future university students - your hard work and determination have truly paid off!
02 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We are beyond proud to share this feature in The Daily Telegraph today highlighting the journey of Grace Costigan (Class of 2024) through last year’s HSC exams. The article also showcases invaluable advice from our brilliant English teachers—Jaden Ellis, Tracy Mulhall, and Sarah McCauley—who have dedicated their time to helping students succeed. Their expert guidance, combined with the commitment and determination of our students, truly reflects the strength of our community. We're thrilled to see our students thriving, with the ongoing support from our teaching staff. Good luck to all our students tackling their exams, and a special shoutout to the teachers who continue to inspire and guide them every step of the way! #itsnevertoolate #thediscerningfactor Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
01 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Wishing Kiran Mascorella the best of luck on his Kokoda Trail journey! The College community is incredibly proud of Kiran, Year 10, as he embarks on this extraordinary physical and historical challenge during the school holidays. His determination, inspired by his family’s legacy and the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, is truly admirable. We look forward to hearing about Kiran’s experiences as he walks in the footsteps of those who came before him, pushing himself both physically and mentally. Good luck, Kiran, we are all behind you every step of the way! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Blue Mountains Gazette
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!