Hundreds of Western Sydney students from Years 9 to 12 and some who recently graduated, joined teachers, parents, carers, and educators at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta for the Beyond School, What's Next? Careers Expo hosted by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
The event attracted more than 25 organisations such as civil construction company Gamuda, TAFE NSW, Ambrose Early Learning School Aged Care, Mining Australia, multiple universities, Universities Admission Centre (UAC), the Australian Defence Force along with careers advisors, Registered Training Organisations, employment services, and CSPD's Teacher Scholarship team to name a few.
Whether transitioning into full-time employment, seeking further education, or sourcing a traineeship or apprenticeship, students had meaningful conversations with experts in their field to help point them in the right direction.
“That's one of the great things about being here is being able to give back to the community, meeting new friends, and making a difference to young people,” said a representative from Western Sydney University’s Student Engagement team.
“It's a great opportunity if you’re not sure what you want to do in the future. There are so many organisations here with programs and apprenticeships that you can come and apply to.”
There was something for every student, helping them explore career and study pathways they might like to consider after school.
Executive Director of Schools Jack de Groot and Director Communications & Engagement Elizabeth Scully chatted with students, parents, and exhibitors as they toured the stalls.
“It's a great opportunity for students to have conversations with employers, trade schools, universities, and lots of other training institutions that could help them with their future,” said Jack.
“It's been a great morning meeting people from all sorts of places that help students explore their passions and interests and they can also get employment as they work through a training program. You can even work for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese as a trainee teacher while completing further studies. There are many great opportunities to explore what you want to do after school.”
CSPD’s Jarara Cultural Centre was also in attendance, presenting different opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating excellence, leadership and the bright future of St Columba's. On Wednesday morning, our College community came together for our Semester 1 Academic Awards and Leadership Commissioning, with more than 280 parents joining us to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. Students were recognised for their commitment to learning through the presentation of Academic Awards, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, acknowledging their dedication, perseverance and pursuit of excellence throughout the semester. The ceremony also marked an exciting milestone as we officially commissioned our new Student Leadership Team. It was a proud moment to present each of our student leaders with their leadership badge, while our 2027 College Captains, Mieke Watson and Lachlan Billiards, and Vice Captains, Lily Boersma and Beckett Kearns, received their College blazers. Congratulations to every student recognised on the day. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing our new student leaders inspire and serve our College community in the year ahead. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
As part of the College's support for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, students from Years 7–12 took part in a Winter Stay-Out event. Through experiential learning, faith in action, and community spirit, students deepened their understanding of homelessness and poverty during an evening of challenges, reflection, and a powerful talk from Vinnies NSW Kim Crawford. A huge thank you to all the St Columba's families who contributed to our Winter Woolies Drive - your generosity has helped keep many people in our community warm this winter. 🧣❄️ #faithinactioncspd #winterappeal #socialjustice #vinniesNSW Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating excellence, leadership and the bright future of St Columba's. On Wednesday morning, our College community came together for our Semester 1 Academic Awards and Leadership Commissioning, with more than 280 parents joining us to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. Students were recognised for their commitment to learning through the presentation of Academic Awards, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, acknowledging their dedication, perseverance and pursuit of excellence throughout the semester. The ceremony also marked an exciting milestone as we officially commissioned our new Student Leadership Team. It was a proud moment to present each of our student leaders with their leadership badge, while our 2027 College Captains, Mieke Watson and Lachlan Billiards, and Vice Captains, Lily Boersma and Beckett Kearns, received their College blazers. Congratulations to every student recognised on the day. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing our new student leaders inspire and serve our College community in the year ahead. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
As part of the College's support for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, students from Years 7–12 took part in a Winter Stay-Out event. Through experiential learning, faith in action, and community spirit, students deepened their understanding of homelessness and poverty during an evening of challenges, reflection, and a powerful talk from Vinnies NSW Kim Crawford. A huge thank you to all the St Columba's families who contributed to our Winter Woolies Drive - your generosity has helped keep many people in our community warm this winter. 🧣❄️ #faithinactioncspd #winterappeal #socialjustice #vinniesNSW Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud to announce that our 2026 Book Week celebrations raised $4,396.06 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) — our biggest Book Week donation ever! The total was made possible through the wonderful generosity of our students, families and staff, who supported our Book Week costumes, picnic lunch, cake stall, Poem Apothecary and second-hand book stall. Every dollar raised will help support the incredible work of the ILF, bringing books, learning resources and literacy programs to children and communities across remote Australia. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a charity that is particularly close to our hearts at St Columba’s. Supporting literacy, celebrating First Nations stories and languages, and helping children develop a lifelong love of reading are values that strongly resonate with our College community. A huge thank you to everyone who helped us reach this incredible total. What a wonderful way to celebrate Book Week — by helping share the joy and power of books with children and communities across Australia. If you’d like to learn more about the important work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, we encourage you to visit their website: www.ilf.org.au
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Over the recent holiday break, Year 12 student Nik represented New Zealand at the U18 Water Polo World Championships in Portugal. Nik made his mark on the world stage, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. The New Zealand team achieved a ninth-place finish – the highest ever placing by a New Zealand men's team at a Water Polo World Championships. What an incredible achievement! Congratulations, Nik, on your outstanding performance.
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Massive news out of Glasgow with St Columba's alum, Jenna Jones winning the 100m freestyle S13 at the Commonwealth Games and taking gold for Australia! Congratulations from all at St Columba's Jenna - such an awesome result! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games #WeAreUnstoppable
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Be sure to check out the Schools on Show feature in the Blue Mountains Gazette today! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Jenna! First the gold and now the bronze! Outstanding! 🥇Gold 100m Freestyle s13 🥉Bronze 50m Freestyle S13 #jennawinsgold #jennawinsbronze Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Commonwealth Games Australia
28 Jul 2026
From Facebook
It was wonderful to welcome Liliana Arango from University of Tasmania and Seona Findlay from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture to St Columba's this morning. Seona spoke with Year 12 Agriculture and Year 11 Primary Industries students about the many opportunities available to them studying Ag at UTAS. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #agriculture #careersinagriculture #agronomy #Sustainability
28 Jul 2026
From Facebook
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT 2026 Late last term our St Columba's Community was once again treated to the wonderful event that is 'Under the Spotlight'. It is hard to believe that so much talent exists in just one school! Congratulations to the talented and dedicated cast of performers and crew. It was an excellent showcase of the Performing Arts at SCCC. Special thanks to all of the staff who worked so hard to bring this annual spectacular together. #performingarts #music #drama Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
27 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐ Cross Country Success for St Columba's ⭐ In late June, 17 students from St Columba's Catholic College competed at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships. We were thrilled to send such a large team to the event, with the College having the highest number of representatives of any PDSSSC Secondary School. At these championships, the following eight students qualified for the NSW All-Schools Cross Country Championships: Alexis Galloway-Smith Tasman Harrison Darcy Waring Odin Brennan Alton Freeman Keeden Harrison Benjamin Merrick Joshua Simone NSWCCC Cross Country Results 12 Years Girls Elizabeth White (46th/58) 13 Years Girls Alexis Galloway-Smith (9th/70) Ruby Ross (38th/70) Eva Hetherington (39th/70) 16 Years Girls Lulu Green (13th/53) Ava Lorking (22nd/53) 17 Years Girls Madeline Southers (19th/44) 18 Years Girls Annalise Blattman (15th/45) Annika Vasilev (29th/45) 14 Years Boys Tasman Harrison (6th/53) 15 Years Boys Darcy Waring (6th/54) 16 Years Boys Odin Brennan (3rd/50) 17 Years Boys Alton Freeman (1st/44) Keeden Harrison (3rd/44) River Rodemark (14th/44) 18 Years Boys Benjamin Merrick (4th/40) Joshua Simone (7th/40)
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Year 11 students Ava, Hailey, Trinity, Annabella and Isobel who completed their first university subject during the recent school holidays. These five students are getting a head-start on their university study through the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Coming to a classroom near you in 2032! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
17 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Alumni Spotlight | Olivia King - Class of 2009 When Olivia King (Class of 2009) graduated from St Columba’s, she was beginning a creative journey that has since taken her to the forefront of international type design. Today, her work is helping shape the visual identity of globally recognised organisations while making reading more accessible for millions of people around the world. This year, Olivia received one of the design industry’s highest honours, a D&AD Yellow Pencil, awarded for her work on Penguin Inclusive Sans, the new global brand typeface for Penguin Books. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious creative awards in the world, the D&AD Yellow Pencil recognises work that demonstrates outstanding creative excellence, exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. Winning a Yellow Pencil places Olivia among the very best designers working internationally. Her work in accessible typography extends beyond Penguin. Olivia is also the creator of Inclusive Sans, an open-source typeface developed through extensive research into legibility and readability. She has since created customised versions for both Penguin Books and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, demonstrating how thoughtful design can meet the needs of globally recognised cultural institutions while remaining accessible to diverse audiences. Olivia’s success is a wonderful example of where creativity, innovation and a commitment to inclusion can lead. The St Columba’s community warmly congratulates her on receiving a D&AD Yellow Pencil and looks forward to following the next chapter of her remarkable career. Learn more about the D&AD Awards here: https://www.dandad.org/awards/d-ad-awards Read Liv's responses to some of our questions in the comments. #alumni #design #yellowpencil #penguins #sfmoma #classof2009 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese