Georgia Hammond, Year 12 student at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood, playing the French horn.
As early entry offers for universities reach schools across the state, St Columba's student Georgia Hammond has received a "dream come true" with an invitation to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Known colloquially as "The Con", the conservatorium of the University of Sydney is one of the most prestigious and acclaimed music schools in the country.
Ms Hammond, a talented French horn player, had listed The Con as her first choice for further study - but it had been her goal long before any application process.
"I remember from an early age I knew that I wanted to do something with music, and when I found out about the conservatorium I thought that was the place for me. So definitely a dream come true," she told the Gazette.
[Receiving the offer] was crazy, I couldn't believe it to be honest. Relief, excitement, just crazy.
Georgia Hammond standing by the quadrangle at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood.
Ms Hammond picked up the French horn in her primary school band at St Thomas Aquinas in Springwood.
Discovering her love for the instrument, she continued playing it through high school at St Columba's Catholic College.
Driven by her passion Ms Hammond also took up daily practice, tutor sessions, and extracurricular roles in Mountains Youth Band and some select Sydney orchestras.
A proud school
Her music teacher, Rob Badman, said the news of her early entry offer was "exciting, but not entirely surprising", given her effort and determination to improve.
"[Seeing] over a number of years of Georgia's enthusiasm, willingness to stretch outside of what she might be used to musically, and all those sorts of things, has just made her a much more versatile musician," Mr Badman said.
The school's Partnership and Pathways Coach Nicky Alsemgeest said: "Music here at St Columba's is second to none. All of our staff, including Rob, are just pure gold. If you see the kids who do music here, they flourish."
Ms Hammond will study a Bachelor of Music (Performance), and hopes to climb the ranks of professional orchestras throughout Australia after graduating.
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music opened in 1915 and is one of the oldest music schools in Australia.
Blue Mountains Gazette
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25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
After a highly successful debut in 2025, St Columba's Catholic College is proud to announce the return of the St Columba's Art Prize for 2026. This year's event offers a prize pool of more than $14,000, including a $10,000 Open Prize and $2,000 worth of Youth Prizes. Submissions open 1 December 2025. For all the details visit the St Columba's Art Prize website: https://columbasartprize.com.au/
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Today, our Year 10 students had the profound honour of spending time with three Kinchella Boys Home survivors; Uncle Bobby, Uncle Will and Uncle Terry, who generously shared their stories in a powerful truth-telling session. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to the Uncles for their courage, wisdom and strength. Their voices are vital in helping our young people understand the truth of our shared history and the importance of walking together towards healing and justice. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Gloria, Lesley and DJ for their support and guidance throughout the visit. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
Latest News More news
25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
After a highly successful debut in 2025, St Columba's Catholic College is proud to announce the return of the St Columba's Art Prize for 2026. This year's event offers a prize pool of more than $14,000, including a $10,000 Open Prize and $2,000 worth of Youth Prizes. Submissions open 1 December 2025. For all the details visit the St Columba's Art Prize website: https://columbasartprize.com.au/
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Today, our Year 10 students had the profound honour of spending time with three Kinchella Boys Home survivors; Uncle Bobby, Uncle Will and Uncle Terry, who generously shared their stories in a powerful truth-telling session. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to the Uncles for their courage, wisdom and strength. Their voices are vital in helping our young people understand the truth of our shared history and the importance of walking together towards healing and justice. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Gloria, Lesley and DJ for their support and guidance throughout the visit. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud to have two students representing our College at the 2025 Australian Athletics All-School Championships 4-7 December in Melbourne. Douglas Penecost (Year 9) in Discus and Tyson Verriere (Year 10) in Triple Jump To qualify, Douglas and Tyson achieved the following wonderful results; NSW Athletics All-Schools Championships Douglas - 3rd in Discuss (48.93m) and 6th in Shot Put (13.25m) Tyson - 2nd in Triple Jump (12.74m) and 6th in Long Jump (5.89m) NSWCCC Athletics Championships Douglas - 1st in Shot Put, Discus and Hurdles. He was awarded NSWCCC Age Champion for the second year in a row. Tyron - 1st in Triple Jump Good luck to both of you - we will be cheering you on from Springwood! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
21 Nov 2025
From Facebook
The weather may have been cool this morning, but the welcome was warm for the St Columba’s Class of 2031! We’re delighted to host 250 Year 6 students from 38 primary schools - from Blackheath to Oxley Park and everywhere in between - as they join us for Orientation Day. Welcome to St Columba’s! #year6orientation #classof2031 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Earlier this month four of our dedicated Year 9 students attend the Walk the Talk Awards night at Parliament House NSW. Women's Community Shelters addresses domestic and family violence, and our Year 9 students have learned that it takes a whole-of-community effort! Our students got to hear Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, and Professor Steve Roberts from Monash University. A special thank you to Mr Born for taking the students to the awards night.
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Student Leaders spent a wonderful morning with our local Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP. Susan spoke with the group about leadership, life in the public eye, and the importance of remaining open to new opportunities throughout their career journeys. We are so grateful for the generous time she gave—answering all of their questions and offering thoughtful insights. She also met one-on-one with Tim, who this week was presented with the Susan Templeman Leadership in Action Award. We sincerely thank Susan for her ongoing support of St Columba’s and for investing in the leadership of our young people. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our St Columba’s community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Redman, who taught History at St Columba’s Catholic College from 1981–2012. Helen was a gifted teacher, a generous colleague, and a dearly loved member of our community. Her warmth, wisdom, and enduring commitment to her students touched the lives of so many over more than three decades of service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Helen’s family and all who knew and loved her, during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
18 Nov 2025
Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
16 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are celebrating yet another OnSTAGE nomination for Audrey (who was also part of a group performance nomination), this time for her individual major work in Scriptwriting. This is a fantastic achievement - congratulations Audrey!
12 Nov 2025
From Facebook
St Columba's students Luciana and Rohan gathered with the local community at Springwood War Memorial on Tuesday to commemorate Remembrance Day. The students laid a wreath on behalf of the College to honour those who have given their lives in service. Lest we forget.
12 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Year 9 camp is off to a fabulous start! Our students are having a wonderful time challenging themselves with fun activities and spending time with their friends and teachers.