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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11 May 2026
From Facebook
Today’s Feed in the Quad was a little different, with not one, but two organisations visiting the College to speak with students about their future pathways. We welcomed Josh, Zack and Lincoln from SEDA, who shared information about SEDA’s Double Diploma program and the unique opportunities it offers students interested in sport, business and hands-on learning pathways. We also welcomed Gen and Wael from Western Sydney University, who spoke with students about everything they need to know about studying at Western — from courses and campus life to university pathways and support services. It was fantastic to see so many students engaging so positively throughout the lunchtime session, asking thoughtful and insightful questions about their future options. A big thank you to SEDA and Western Sydney University for taking the time to visit the College and connect with our students today. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 May 2026
From Facebook
Year 11 Health and Movement Science students were fortunate to welcome Glenbrook physiotherapist Tony Larven to St Columba’s this week as part of their Collaborative Investigation project. With more than 30 years’ experience in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Tony led an engaging practical workshop on biomechanics, giving students valuable insight into injury prevention, movement, rehabilitation and performance. Tony has worked extensively in elite sport, including more than 20 years with the Australian Olympic Canoe Slalom program and 17 seasons with the Penrith Panthers. Students greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from someone with such a wealth of professional experience and expertise. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
Latest News More news
11 May 2026
From Facebook
Today’s Feed in the Quad was a little different, with not one, but two organisations visiting the College to speak with students about their future pathways. We welcomed Josh, Zack and Lincoln from SEDA, who shared information about SEDA’s Double Diploma program and the unique opportunities it offers students interested in sport, business and hands-on learning pathways. We also welcomed Gen and Wael from Western Sydney University, who spoke with students about everything they need to know about studying at Western — from courses and campus life to university pathways and support services. It was fantastic to see so many students engaging so positively throughout the lunchtime session, asking thoughtful and insightful questions about their future options. A big thank you to SEDA and Western Sydney University for taking the time to visit the College and connect with our students today. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 May 2026
From Facebook
Year 11 Health and Movement Science students were fortunate to welcome Glenbrook physiotherapist Tony Larven to St Columba’s this week as part of their Collaborative Investigation project. With more than 30 years’ experience in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Tony led an engaging practical workshop on biomechanics, giving students valuable insight into injury prevention, movement, rehabilitation and performance. Tony has worked extensively in elite sport, including more than 20 years with the Australian Olympic Canoe Slalom program and 17 seasons with the Penrith Panthers. Students greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from someone with such a wealth of professional experience and expertise. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
05 May 2026
From Facebook
We were delighted to welcome the Year 6 students and teachers from St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood yesterday to visit the St Columba's Art Prize exhibition. Our visitors engaged thoughtfully with the artworks, showing great respect and curiosity throughout. It was wonderful to hear the insightful questions being asked as students explored the exhibition. A special mention to Francesca, who shared a particularly perceptive observation about 'Mano Po', an artwork by a Year 11 student from Nagle College, Blacktown South . It is fantastic seeing students from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese connecting through art. Thank you to staff and students from Tommies for visiting - we loved having you!
04 May 2026
From Facebook
Thanks and thanks and ever thanks to the amazing crew at Belle Property Lower Blue Mountains - We LOVE having you as our Youth Prize Major Sponsor. Thank you for your generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the St Columba's Art Prize. We could not be more grateful!
02 May 2026
From Facebook
Be like Susan Templeman MP - Visit the St Columba's Art Prize this weekend - open Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm. We can't wait to welcome you - straight up the driveway and through the arch into the quad.
26 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We have had a great start in Agriculture in Term 2. Our dairy cross calves for Penrith show have arrived. Students will be caring for them and preparing them for the show ring in August. On Friday we took a team of 13 students to the Hawkesbury show for the Cattle judging competition. Three year 8 students made it into the speaking final, with some great results: Frank coming 1st, Emily 3rd and Seth 5th in the 11-14 years final.
26 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We have had a great start in Agriculture in Term 2. Our dairy cross calves for Penrith show have arrived. Students will be caring for them and preparing them for the show ring in August. On Friday we took a team of 13 students to the Hawkesbury Show for the cattle judging competition. Three Year 8 students made it into the speaking final, with some great results: Frank coming 1st, Emily 3rd and Seth 5th in the 11-14 years final. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This time next week! We can’t wait until the St Columba's Art Prize opens - what about you?
21 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Alexander (Y12) on his selection in the NSW All Schools Cricket team. We wish him all the best as he competes in the Australian All Schools Cricket Championships next week in Maroochydore, Queensland.
15 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Amelie (Y7) on winning a silver medal at the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane! Amelie competed against the best young athletes in Australia, finishing in second place in the under 12 girls 80m hurdles and fourth place in the under 12 girls long jump. What a fantastic achievement!
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From Facebook
We are so proud of Ellie (Y11) who recently won three silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Ellie had a phenomenal week of racing, finishing second in the Under 23 lightweight double, second in the Under 23 lightweight quad, and second in the lightweight Open eight. These fantastic achievements are testament to the hard work and determination Ellie has displayed this season. Congratulations!