Pencils down - the last HSC written exams have just wrapped up, and students across NSW have a moment to breath as they wait for results to roll in.
At St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood, students finished their physics exam on Thursday, November 7, one of the last tests left on the timetable.
Students shared different thoughts and feelings as they left the exam room, but one sentiment was universal - relief.
"I thought [the exam] was good. It could've been better, I feel, but it could have been a lot worse," said physics student Marlowe Carey.
I feel very relieved, a lot of stress has just left now, so it's quite nice.
For student Jessica Nguyen the exam marks the start of a holiday, as she prepares for a trip to Japan to be followed by Schoolies with her friends.
"I feel very free, I can do whatever I want, and also excited," Jessica said.
Others are already starting their next challenge, such as student Lucy Hall who said: "I'm going overseas, I've got an internship... in preparation for uni."
The last written exam (for geography) was held on Friday, November 8. The next step will be the release of HSC Assessment Ranks, which will be available to students on Students Online for four weeks.
Each year more than 700,000 exam papers are printed for the HSC. Last year, more than 68,000 students completed their HSC.
Results for the 2024 HSC will be released on Wednesday, December 18.
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07 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Happy Father’s Day to all the special people who care for us with remarkable love and kindness. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the College for our Father’s Day breakfast on Friday.![1079941253928892_1273048844618131-1]()
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07 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Happy Father’s Day to all the special people who care for us with remarkable love and kindness. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the College for our Father’s Day breakfast on Friday.
03 Sep 2025
From Facebook
On the weekend of 30-31 August the St Columba's Catholic College Show team represented the College at Penrith Show. It was a wonderful weekend, with students winning plenty of ribbons and awards for their exceptional work. Congratulations to the 28 students who took part, and a huge 'thank-you' to the dedicated and supportive staff for all their work. The team's fantastic results include: ⭐3rd in School Display - Wool to Wardrobe ⭐Reserve Champion Calf Raising Competition ⭐Reserve Champion Novice Parader, Isabella (Y10), with four of our students making the final ⭐Reserve Champion Experienced Parader, Olivia (Y11), with four of our students making the final
02 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Cindy, Abbey and Deanna (Y11) on being accepted into the prestigious Step Up Into Teaching program with Australian Catholic University (ACU)! This incredible opportunity will see them begin their university journey early — completing their first subject these holidays and a second in January. On successful completion, they’ll not only earn credit for both units but also secure an offer into any Education degree at ACU. We are so proud of you all for taking this big step towards your future in teaching. What an outstanding achievement!
01 Sep 2025
Celebrating Faith, Learning and Mission at 2025 Education Mass
Students, parents and carers, educators and clergy from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered in a spirit of unity and celebration for the 2025 Education Mass on Wednesday 27 August.
01 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Our Junior Boys Football Team has done it! After a successful group stage campaign and a heroic effort in the semi-final, the boys booked their spot in the grand final match against St Andrew’s College. Both teams showed grit and determination as they played in pouring rain and strong winds. The game had all in attendance on the edge of their seats, with big tackles, tremendous saves, near misses, and some impressive passages of play going end to end. Both teams gave their all and, with the clock ticking away and the game still scoreless, it looked as if a penalty shootout would be the only way to separate them. Then, with only 40 seconds remaining, the St Columba's boys broke the deadlock, with their corner tactic routine paying off and giving them the crown! Congratulations to the team and enormous thanks to the hardworking and dedicated coach Mr Flaherty.
31 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Over two days last week, Charlie and Marla (Y10) had an incredible opportunity to experience life inside Nepean Hospital through the Health Inspirations program. Thanks to the wonderful Beth and Lee from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD), they explored different parts of the hospital, connected with nurses and allied health professionals, and gained real insight as they look ahead to their own futures in healthcare. Nepean Blue Mountains Health
29 Aug 2025
From Facebook
✨ The St Columba's Astronomy Night - a brilliant night under the stars! ✨ A huge thank you to Angel, Claudia, and Charlie from Macquarie University for running the show and bringing the wonders of the universe to life - your passion and knowledge made the night truly unforgettable! Despite the cold winds, our community showed up in force, bundled up and ready to explore the night sky. The clear skies gave us the perfect backdrop for some spectacular stargazing, and the energy and excitement were absolutely contagious. Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to be part of this special night - you made it an event to remember!
29 Aug 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud of our u16 girls rugby league team! All players displayed incredible effort, teamwork, and determination throughout the PDSSSC season. Their hard work earned them a spot in the grand final match against Caroline Chisholm College, where we saw them play with great spirit and skill. We congratulate them on finishing in second place overall in their inaugural season.
28 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Year 10 students Imogen, Mollie, Harvey and River represented St Columba's Catholic College at the annual Education Mass and Mission Expo held at St Patrick's Cathedral on Wednesday. With faith and purpose we joined schools from across the Parramatta Diocese to celebrate the Eucharist and engage in conversations about social justice initiatives. It was a wonderful opportunity to focus on our shared vision of learning and leading through head, heart, and hands. @Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 Aug 2025
From Facebook
IGNITE FOOD DRIVE The St Columba's community is taking part in the Ignite Food Bank Drive, with year groups competing to bring in the most-needed items for our local Ignite Food Store. The winning year level will earn House Points. 📦 Only specified items from the Top 20 List will be counted towards the competition; however, all donations are welcome and appreciated. 💬 Why it matters: With the rising cost of living, many people in our community are doing it tough, including young families, the elderly, people facing homelessness, and those escaping domestic violence. The Ignite Food Store, run by Jesuit Social Services, supports thousands of people every year, offering hope, dignity, and essential food to those in need. Your generosity makes a real difference!
22 Aug 2025
From Facebook
In Early August our students represented the College in the GSSCC, woking together to achieve outstanding results. Whilst more results are to be finalised in September at the closing ceremony, the following were announced on the day: Mikayla from Year 12 placed 2nd in Senior Experienced Parader Tilly from Year 10 placed 4th in Junior Experienced Parader Joseph From Year 11 and Caliyah from Year 10 made the top 7 in their parader classes. Congratulations to all of the students involved and to Mrs Sibbald for leading them and helping them to pursue their passions.