Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP congratulates Sergio Rosato
St Thomas Aquinas Primary Principal, Sergio Rosato was awarded a Papal Medal for his exemplary courage in evacuating his entire school during life-threatening bushfires in October 2013.
The Catholic Bishop of Parramatta, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the medal to Sergio at a ceremony held today on the one-year anniversary of the 2013 Blue Mountains bushfires.
In conferring the award, Archbishop Anthony Fisher acknowledged Sergio for remaining calm and dedicated, ensuring every child was accounted for and safely reunited with their families.
“This was despite his awareness that his own home had been destroyed,” said Archbishop Anthony Fisher. “The actions of Mr Sergio Rosato were heroic and exceptional.”
“He is a man of strong faith, strong moral principles and integrity, proactive member of his Parish.”
Archbishop Anthony Fisher conferred the Benemerenti medal on behalf of Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis has advised me that ‘in recognition of his singular service to the Christian life’ Mr Sergio Rosato is awarded the gold papal medal ‘Benemerenti’.”
The Benemerenti medal was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community.
The families of St Thomas Aquinas students and the community of Springwood gathered together today on the anniversary of the 2013 bushfires to offer prayers of thanksgiving and plant trees to honour the 50 staff who cared for the children during their evacuation last year.
Fifty trees were planted to commemorate the heroic efforts of staff at St Thomas Aquinas symbolising strength hope and new life. The parents of St Thomas Aquinas unveiled a plaque honouring the courageous actions of staff, ‘They bravely led our children to safety, and cared for them as their own’.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the school with a Certificate of Appreciation to the teachers and staff for their outstanding commitment to the children in their care that day and every day.
Led by Principal Sergio Rosato, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Springwood was forced to evacuate over 600 staff and students on 17 October 2013 as the bushfires threatened the school property. The students and staff walked calmly and bravely to safety to the Winmalee Shopping Centre despite some of their own homes being damaged or lost during the fires.
St Columba's student Madison Thompson named all the feelings the students had as witnesses to the terrible 2013 fires and responded with gratitude for those who helped each other.
“Today presents an opportunity to reflect on what this day has meant to us, perhaps revealed to us about ourselves or about others,” said Madison. “The extent of the damage is undeniable, but so too is the hope. That is what we should try to remember.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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From Facebook
There’s been some very cute new arrivals at the College! 🐑 Our first little lambs of the season arrived last week when a set of twins made their entrance, followed by three more new arrivals over the weekend. And the best part? We’re still expecting at least two more! While these little ones are certainly stealing the show, their arrival also marks one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year for our Agriculture students. Caring for newborn lambs takes commitment, patience and plenty of hard work, and our students step up every year to make sure they are well cared for. It’s one of the many reasons we value Agriculture education so highly at St Columba’s. Our students aren’t just learning about agriculture in a classroom, they’re developing practical skills, responsibility and a genuine understanding of what it takes to care for animals. Many of our students also go on to pursue post-school pathways in Ag with our amazing tertiary and industry partners! For now, though, we think they’ve earned a little time for some serious lamb cuddles! #agriculture Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Charles Sturt University University of Tasmania University of New England, AU University of Sydney NSW Agriculture Sydney Royal Easter Show
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24 Aug 2026
From Facebook
There’s been some very cute new arrivals at the College! 🐑 Our first little lambs of the season arrived last week when a set of twins made their entrance, followed by three more new arrivals over the weekend. And the best part? We’re still expecting at least two more! While these little ones are certainly stealing the show, their arrival also marks one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year for our Agriculture students. Caring for newborn lambs takes commitment, patience and plenty of hard work, and our students step up every year to make sure they are well cared for. It’s one of the many reasons we value Agriculture education so highly at St Columba’s. Our students aren’t just learning about agriculture in a classroom, they’re developing practical skills, responsibility and a genuine understanding of what it takes to care for animals. Many of our students also go on to pursue post-school pathways in Ag with our amazing tertiary and industry partners! For now, though, we think they’ve earned a little time for some serious lamb cuddles! #agriculture Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Charles Sturt University University of Tasmania University of New England, AU University of Sydney NSW Agriculture Sydney Royal Easter Show
23 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last night, students, staff and families from most of the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese high schools came together for the Alchemy Photography Competition. St Columba's had five students amongst the finalists - congratulations to Ana W, Aiden C, Nicholas H (who had three photographs recognised in the finals), Max B and Zachary B - all of Year 11. And a special shout out to Max, who took out the Wildlife Category Prize, with his amazing photo "Spider". Thanks to the team at CAPTIVATE for once again providing our students with these incredible opportunities to grow and express their creativity. Thank you for bringing students, staff and families from so many different schools together to celebrate the arts. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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From Facebook
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