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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04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, eight Year 9 students attended Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta where they received an award for their service throughout the year as Special Religious Education Catechists in two of our local public primary schools, Ellison Public School and Winmalee Public School. Their commitment to this important ministry has been evident throughout the year. Every week they turned up with enthusiasm and interest to share the Gospel in Scripture classes. They have been exceptional role models and are much loved by the primary school students. Mrs Anne Ellis has driven this program for many, many years. The students’ humble work is a testament to her tireless leadership and service. Thank you to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, for the support it has provided. Congratulations to all involved in this vital ministry!
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
👮♂️🤝🎓 Great things happen when community comes together! Today, Blue Mountains PAC, NSW Police Force Youth Command & Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese joined forces at a productive forum hosted by St Columba's College. 💬✨ Following our September Principal's Forum, this is another step in building strong partnerships for safer, more connected communities. 💙
Latest News More news
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, eight Year 9 students attended Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta where they received an award for their service throughout the year as Special Religious Education Catechists in two of our local public primary schools, Ellison Public School and Winmalee Public School. Their commitment to this important ministry has been evident throughout the year. Every week they turned up with enthusiasm and interest to share the Gospel in Scripture classes. They have been exceptional role models and are much loved by the primary school students. Mrs Anne Ellis has driven this program for many, many years. The students’ humble work is a testament to her tireless leadership and service. Thank you to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, for the support it has provided. Congratulations to all involved in this vital ministry!
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
👮♂️🤝🎓 Great things happen when community comes together! Today, Blue Mountains PAC, NSW Police Force Youth Command & Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese joined forces at a productive forum hosted by St Columba's College. 💬✨ Following our September Principal's Forum, this is another step in building strong partnerships for safer, more connected communities. 💙
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
⭐TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY ⭐ To thank our teachers for their incredible care, enthusiasm, and commitment, the student leaders and Hospitality team at St Columba’s organised a magnificent morning tea in Columba Café to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on Friday 31 October. We are truly grateful for all the dedicated and hard working staff at the College.
31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday St Columba’s had a team of Year 8 students compete in the WeSSSTA Geography Competition. There was some fierce competition and our team came 6th out of 24 teams - only 2 points from the top 4 teams!
25 Oct 2025
From Facebook
The College has had some excellent results at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza! Our lightweight steer placed 5th in his class and our midweight steer placed 4th in his class, and we still have paraders classes to come on Sunday. Congratulations to the students, who have been working hard and have done a great job presenting the College's animals, and an enormous thank you to the staff for all their work and support.
21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
🏆 Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day Champions! ⚽ St Columba's won championship titles in every age group at the Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day in Katoomba on Monday. It was an incredible clean sweep for the College, with teams from Years 7, 8 and 9 dominating the competition and displaying outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork both on and off the court. The following teams won their grand final games to become Champions: ⚽ Year 7 Boys Team – Champions of the Year 7 Boys Pool. ⚽ Mixed Years 7 Team – Champions of the Mixed Years 7, 8 and 9 Pool. ⚽ Year 8 Boys Team – Futsal Champions for the Year 8 Boys Pool. ⚽ Year 9 Boys Team – Champions for the Year 9 Boys Pool after an exciting penalty shootout victory! ⚽ Year 9 Girls Team – Undefeated Champions of the Year 7/8/9 Girls Pool. Special congratulations to Archer (Y7) and Isla (Y7) who were awarded MVPs of the tournament and well done to all players for their fantastic effort, enthusiasm, and success throughout the day. 💪🎉
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC examinations today, they have the support and encouragement of the entire St Columba's community. We are tremendously proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Over the coming weeks we hold these students, as well as the families who love and care for them, in our hearts and prayers.
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our NAIDOC Cup Representatives! Over the holidays, Year 7 student Hunter and Year 8 student Henry proudly represented Football NSW in the NAIDOC Cup. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved - a true reflection of the school spirit and values we celebrate every day. Well done, Hunter and Henry! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud of Year 10 student and swimming superstar, Finn, who brought home multiple medals, and two national champion titles, from the New Zealand National Swimming Championships. Over an exhausting four days, Finn won two gold medals (1500m free 15 years, 400m free 15 years), one silver (800m free 15 years), and one bronze (200m free 15 years). What a stellar achievement!
11 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We’re so happy to see familiar faces on the Blue Mountains Youth Council and would encourage any of our students who are interested to have a go and apply! Blue Mountains City Council
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
A massive congratulations to Year 12 student, Lani Gleeson, who has been selected for the Australian U22 Women's Tumbling team for the FIG World Age Gymnastics Championships to be held in Spain in November! We know so much hard work and dedication has gone into your training over the years Lani and we are sending all of our best wishes with you as you travel to Spain next month. Good luck!! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Gymnastics Australia
09 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Helena Sypka (Year 9) whose mixed media artwork, 'Tides', is currently on exhibition at Lewers Penrith Regional Art Gallery. The exhibition 'Organised Chaos' includes the works of young artists who were a part of the Penrith Open Studio Program. You can see Helena's work at Lewers Penrith Regional Gallery until 9 November. Learn more about the Penrith Open Studio Program here: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/whats-on/organised-chaos-penrith-open-studio/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest