Jim Gillespie and Patrick Rosato
Catholic schooling is a work of love and nowhere is the work of love and learning more evident than in the relationship between teacher and student.
Research highlights that teachers’ belief and commitments are the greatest influence on students’ achievements.
In a four-part series, we’ve taken a closer look at the teacher-student relationship and how it makes better learners and teachers. Jim Gillespie teaches Year 12 student Patrick Rosato at St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood
Patrick says Mr Gillespie is a good guy who is more than just a teacher.
‘He is hard working, he helps everyone and he’s fair, honest and helpful,’ says Patrick. ‘Mr Gillespie is really committed to his students as individuals and I respect him because he treats me with respect.’
‘He has really made a difference to my learning and he set up extra classes to help students who want to do more study. He tests us in class to make sure we know what we have to know,’ said Patrick.
Patrick says Mr Gillespie loves his subject and this comes across in his teaching. ‘He expects everyone to work as hard as they can and get the best results they can and he makes the subject accessible and creates a want for learning,’ said Patrick.
Jim Gillespie says he sees the good in all kids and wants to see them flourish.
‘In Pat’s case, I have learned that adversity can make people even stronger,’ said Jim. ‘Even through the hardship of losing his home in the bushfires, Pat’s attitude to his learning has not changed. He is respectful, always cheerful and dedicated to his studies.’
‘I have seen Pat grow from a sound student in Years 7 to 10 to now as a Year 12 student where he works to achieve the best result,’ said Jim. ‘He understands what hard work is and the effort needed to achieve excellent results.’
Jim says he is motivated by seeing students achieve at a high level and the enthusiasm that this instills in them.
‘I have a great love of working with young people and seeing the rapport that is built between teacher and student. I think I have a never-give-up attitude.’
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
We are delighted to congratulate Mrs Sarah McCauley on being recognised at the 2026 Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Excellence in Education Awards. Sarah is an outstanding educator and leader whose dedication to student learning, excellence in teaching, and commitment to supporting both colleagues and students has made a lasting impact on our College community. Her expertise, generosity, and passion for education are evident in everything she does. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains for hosting this wonderful celebration of education, and to Trish Doyle MP for joining the evening and assisting with the presentations. Congratulations, Sarah, on this well-deserved recognition. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
22 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Calling all young artists in Years 7–12. Looking for a creative way to spend a day of the July school holidays? THESE WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM ANY SCHOOL - NOT JUST ST COLUMBA'S STUDENTS. Join us on Monday 6 July at the Ngurra Art Studios, St Columba's Catholic College, for a series of hands-on workshops led by talented Blue Mountains artists Freedom Wilson, Jane Taverner and Katie Leavey. Students can explore: • Printmaking (Etching) • Printmaking (Monoprint) • Textile Art • Abstract Landscape Painting These small-group workshops, priced at just $20 each to cover materials cost, offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from practising artists, experiment with new techniques and create your own original artwork in a professional studio environment. Whether you're an experienced art student or simply love to create, there's something for everyone. Workshop numbers are intentionally capped to provide individual support and access to materials, so early registration is recommended. Register now to secure your place and preferred workshop. All links in the images below.
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24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
We are delighted to congratulate Mrs Sarah McCauley on being recognised at the 2026 Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Excellence in Education Awards. Sarah is an outstanding educator and leader whose dedication to student learning, excellence in teaching, and commitment to supporting both colleagues and students has made a lasting impact on our College community. Her expertise, generosity, and passion for education are evident in everything she does. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains for hosting this wonderful celebration of education, and to Trish Doyle MP for joining the evening and assisting with the presentations. Congratulations, Sarah, on this well-deserved recognition. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
22 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Calling all young artists in Years 7–12. Looking for a creative way to spend a day of the July school holidays? THESE WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM ANY SCHOOL - NOT JUST ST COLUMBA'S STUDENTS. Join us on Monday 6 July at the Ngurra Art Studios, St Columba's Catholic College, for a series of hands-on workshops led by talented Blue Mountains artists Freedom Wilson, Jane Taverner and Katie Leavey. Students can explore: • Printmaking (Etching) • Printmaking (Monoprint) • Textile Art • Abstract Landscape Painting These small-group workshops, priced at just $20 each to cover materials cost, offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from practising artists, experiment with new techniques and create your own original artwork in a professional studio environment. Whether you're an experienced art student or simply love to create, there's something for everyone. Workshop numbers are intentionally capped to provide individual support and access to materials, so early registration is recommended. Register now to secure your place and preferred workshop. All links in the images below.
19 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Have you got your tickets to Under the Spotlight? Hurry - they are selling fast! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
The College's Year 10 students recently visited St Thomas Aquinas Primary School as part of a long-standing partnership between our two school communities. Students planned and delivered lessons for classes across all year groups, tailoring their learning activities to each class's current Religion unit. The visit provided an opportunity for the Year 10 students to apply their learning in a practical setting while developing their communication, leadership and teaching skills. The annual visit continues to strengthen the Catholic learning partnership between our schools and provides a valuable opportunity for students to reconnect with former teachers and buddies, and share faith in action. We thank the staff and students of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School for their ongoing support and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the SCCC Open Boys Football Team on the skill and sportsmanship they displayed at the recent PDSSSC Open Boys Gala Day. The team progressed to the semi-finals, finishing the day with two wins, one draw and one loss. We are incredibly proud of all the team members for the way they represented the College and the high quality of football they played. A special thank you to our Year 12 students, for whom this was their final game representing the College. We appreciate their commitment, leadership and contribution to football throughout their time at St Columba's.
15 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Kate, Ellen, Scarlett and Audrey are at Western Sydney University's Parramatta City Campus today and tomorrow, completing the Introduction to Aviation Operations microcredential. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about working in the aviation industry. Thanks to Rasha Fitzsimons for all the organisation work in giving these experiences to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese students. Western Sydney International Airport
13 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, St Columba's Catholic College was delighted to welcome students and staff from 11 schools for the Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition Training Day. The day provided valuable hands on learning opportunities focused on steer growth and development, with students learning from our Agriculture teachers and industry experts. It was wonderful to see so many young people sharing their enthusiasm for agriculture, asking thoughtful questions and developing practical skills together. It was a fantastic day filled with learning, collaboration and plenty of enjoyment. Thank you to everyone who travelled to St Columba's to be part of the day, and to all of the teachers, industry experts and volunteers who generously shared their knowledge and experience. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition Awards Night. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
This week's Blue Mountains Gazette features an article on 'Nurturing Breath', the beautiful sculpture by Terrance Plowright that has become a landmark within our College grounds. Positioned at the heart of our campus, it contributes so much to the visual landscape of the College and serves as a daily reminder of the values we seek to nurture in our community. At the very core of the Christian world view is the belief in a God of Love who is revealed in an ongoing way through the beauty and majesty all of creation. In the ancient scriptures of Judaism and Christianity, God’s Spirit is often experienced as a gentle breeze or a wind, a great creative force - the Breath of God. Terrance Plowright’s sculpture, ‘Nurturing Breath’ reminds us that God is present in each and every one of us and that our responsibility, our mission, is to nurture that presence of God and to allow the Holy Spirit to take hold of us, and to form and shape us. We encourage our community to take a moment to read the article and discover the story and symbolism behind this remarkable piece of public art. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Blue Mountains Gazette
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
A huge lunchtime crowd gathered in the Quad today for the latest edition of The Feed, our popular careers and pathways series. We were delighted to welcome representatives from Macquarie University and University of Sydney who spent the lunch break chatting with students about university life, study options, pathways, and future career opportunities. Both stalls were absolutely swamped, with students asking thoughtful questions and taking away plenty of valuable information about what life at Macquarie and USYD has to offer. It was also especially wonderful to welcome back Emma Hyslop (St Columba’s Class of 2023), who returned to the College as a Student Ambassador for the University of Sydney. It is always rewarding to see our graduates sharing their experiences and helping inspire the next generation of students. A sincere thank you to all of our university representatives for generously giving their time and providing our students with such informative and engaging conversations. Your support helps our young people make informed decisions about their futures, and we are incredibly grateful. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Tickets for Under the Spotlight are now on sale! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/
03 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 7 students have arrived at The Great Aussie Bush Camp! Full of energy and excitement, they wasted no time and are already enjoying their first round of activities. We are seeing lots of smiles and friendships being made and strengthened.
02 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Tickets for Under the Spotlight are now on sale! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/