During the final term of school 2020, Gateball ran a program for 20 students from St Columba's Catholic College years seven and eights students one week and then years nine and 10 the following week.
After several weeks of learning the basics the students were ready for a real challenge, with the program culminating in a mini-competition.
The Hazelbrook Gateball home team romped home to victory in the interclub mini-competition held on Sunday February 14 at the Hazelbrook Bowling and Sporting Club. They remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
After a week of rain, the weather miraculously cleared overnight before the competition, setting the scene for an action-packed day. Visiting competitors arrived from the Newcastle, Toronto, Strathfield, Epping and Lithgow clubs. All were impressed with the immaculately kept (though super fast) lawn and the facilities at the Hazelbrook Bowling and Sporting Club.
The mini-comp (numbers were limited to three teams) was played out in three rounds of three games, with each team playing twice and officiating once in each round. Play was fast and furious, onlookers impressed with the strokes, slides, bombards and strategy on display throughout the day and players simply glad to be able to get back into competition again after last year's COVID-19 interruptions.
Players were well supported by the Hazelbrook Bowling and Sporting Club, who opened the clubhouse early for the event.
Some of the Blue Mountains Gateball players moved their games from Lithgow to Hazelbrook Bowling and Sporting Club mid-last year due to the refurbishment of the Lithgow lawn and the COVID-19 lockdown. During the final term of school 2020, Gateball ran a program for 20 students from St Columba's Catholic College years seven and eights students one week and then years nine and 10 the following week. After several weeks of learning the basics the students were ready for a real challenge, with the program culminating in a mini-competition.
Gateball plays on Thursday mornings at 9am. Sunday morning games, also at 9am, are multi-age. One family boasts three generations with their youngest, nine-year-old competitor full of promise with a fine grip and fierce concentration.
Gateball may be new to Hazelbrook but its future looks as bright as the Valentine's Day weather.
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
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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![1079941253928892_1289386462984369-1]()
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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!
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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!
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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
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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".
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Outstanding Achievement in Drama! We are thrilled to announce that seven of our talented Drama students have been nominated for the prestigious OnSTAGE HSC Showcase - an incredible recognition of their creativity, commitment, and passion for the performing arts. Congratulations to Addison, Samuel, Summer, and Melissa for their individual nominations and to Cooper, Samuel, Brodie, and Audrey for their group nomination. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only the dedication of our students, but also the guidance and expertise of their teacher, Mrs Carmen Noonan. We are so proud of each of you - congratulations on such an inspiring achievement! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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From Facebook
Our College was a sea of yellow today as students and staff came together for R U OK? Day. From bright accessories to smiles shared in the R U OK? photo frame, the spirit of the day was strong. 💛 Most importantly, we’re reminding each other that checking in matters, not just today, but every day. A simple question, “Are you OK?”, can make all the difference. #ruok