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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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!![1079941253928892_1295416925714656-1]()
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
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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!
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!