Courtney (far left) with some of her scholarship friends at the 2024 launch
With applications for the CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program now open, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with our 2024 scholarship recipients. Get to know some of our future teachers through our series of Q&A profiles over the coming weeks.
Courtney O’Reilly, Macquarie University, Bachelor of Secondary Education (RE & English)
Which schools (primary & secondary) did you attend?
I went to Mary Immaculate Primary Quakers Hill and then St John XXIII Stanhope Gardens for high school.
Why did you decide to study teaching?
People had always told me I would make a really good teacher, but it was having amazing English teachers in Year 11 & 12 that actually made the decision for me, because I wanted to inspire kids the same way those teachers inspired me.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about applying for a CSPD Teacher Scholarship?
Do it! My friends and I all applied without too many expectations because this was new at the time and we all got in. It has been nothing but helpful. I know we are all so grateful for this opportunity.
What has been the best thing about being part of the scholarship program?
The associate teacher opportunities have been incredible. We are able to support the teachers and work with students at schools alongside 3rd year prac students. I’ve been able to run masterclasses with kids, mark and give feedback to some students’ short answer questions, and been given so much insight into what teaching is really like in such a short amount of time. It has been amazing.
Courtney O' Reilly
Have you had any practical teaching experiences or placements? If so, what do you enjoy most about working with students?
Yes, I have been lucky enough to get a job back at my old school, where I am getting heaps of exposure to teaching which has been awesome. I think what I enjoy most about the practical teaching experience so far is in the 10 weeks that I have been there, I can actually see students grow with certain content and skills which truly makes me feel so proud of them and excites me for the future.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time outside of your studies?
Hanging out with friends, working and binge watching Wentworth!
What is your favourite memory from your own school experience?
Pilates with my favourite teacher before one of my practice exams to “destress”. Honestly it was the most fun and random experience ever!
Learn more about the CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program and apply for 2025
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
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Helping Your Child Learn at Home - Practical strategies every parent can use
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22 May 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, St Columba’s proudly celebrated Book Week in the very best way — with creativity, community spirit and plenty of fun! 📚✨ Students and staff embraced the occasion with incredible costumes and enthusiastic participation in our annual Book Week Parade. From classic literary characters to imaginative creations, the effort and joy on display made the day something truly special. We also enjoyed our annual "Book Themed Cake Competition' with some incredible and delicious creations. While Book Week is often associated with primary schools, it remains a much-loved tradition here at St Columba’s. It is wonderful to see our students and teachers continue to celebrate the joy of reading, storytelling and imagination together each year. Importantly, our Book Week celebrations also support a cause close to the College community — the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Through this annual fundraiser, we help support access to culturally relevant books and literacy resources for children and communities across remote Australia. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated and helped make the day such a success. 📖 Donations to our Book Week Indigenous Literacy Foundation fundraiser via the QKR App will remain open until today for anyone still wishing to contribute. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 May 2026
From Facebook
⭐SAVE THE DATE⭐ St Columba's Catholic College's annual celebration of the performing arts, Under the Spotlight, will be held on the evenings of 23 and 24 June at Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood. Join us for a night of entertainment as we showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Tickets will go on sale soon.
Latest News More news
22 May 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, St Columba’s proudly celebrated Book Week in the very best way — with creativity, community spirit and plenty of fun! 📚✨ Students and staff embraced the occasion with incredible costumes and enthusiastic participation in our annual Book Week Parade. From classic literary characters to imaginative creations, the effort and joy on display made the day something truly special. We also enjoyed our annual "Book Themed Cake Competition' with some incredible and delicious creations. While Book Week is often associated with primary schools, it remains a much-loved tradition here at St Columba’s. It is wonderful to see our students and teachers continue to celebrate the joy of reading, storytelling and imagination together each year. Importantly, our Book Week celebrations also support a cause close to the College community — the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Through this annual fundraiser, we help support access to culturally relevant books and literacy resources for children and communities across remote Australia. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated and helped make the day such a success. 📖 Donations to our Book Week Indigenous Literacy Foundation fundraiser via the QKR App will remain open until today for anyone still wishing to contribute. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 May 2026
Blue Mountains teenagers dominate UTA11 races on day one
Blue Mountains teenagers Lulu Green and Odin Brennan claimed the first titles of the 2026 Ultra-Trail Australia last Thursday as they battled their way to victory in the UTAII (llkm).
19 May 2026
From Facebook
⭐SAVE THE DATE⭐ St Columba's Catholic College's annual celebration of the performing arts, Under the Spotlight, will be held on the evenings of 23 and 24 June at Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood. Join us for a night of entertainment as we showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Tickets will go on sale soon.
19 May 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Chloe (Y10) on her selection for the 2026 NSWCCC 16 Girls Rugby League team! We wish her all the best at the Australian Championships, which will be held in Coffs Harbour in July.
17 May 2026
From Facebook
Odin Brennan! Lulu Green! Congratulations to you both. We are so proud of you both! Ultra-Trail Australia By UTMB UTA11 winners both from St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
15 May 2026
From Facebook
Two local legends indeed! Both St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood students! Congratulations Lulu and Odin!! Blue Mountains Gazette Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
15 May 2026
From Facebook
Today at lunchtime, we welcomed Kiri and Pat from Endeavour Energy to the College as part of The Feed in the Quad. Students were excited to learn more about Endeavour Energy’s fantastic apprenticeship program, which has recently opened for applications. Kiri and Pat spoke with many interested students about the opportunities available and what a future career in the industry could look like. Thank you to Endeavour Energy for taking the time to ⚡ connect ⚡ (see what we did there?) with our students and share such valuable insights and advice. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
13 May 2026
From Facebook
We’re delighted to see the 2026 St Columba’s Art Prize featured in today’s Blue Mountains Gazette. Thank you to the Gazette for shining a spotlight on the incredible artists, students, sponsors and community members who helped make this year’s exhibition such a success. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese St Columba's Art Prize Belle Property Lower Blue Mountains Western Sydney University Susan Templeman MP
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!