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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26 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic way to celebrate National Skills Week! Today, St Columba’s hosted our inaugural Skilled Futures Careers Expo, with 22 exhibitors joining us at the College to inspire and inform our Year 10, 11 and 12 students about the incredible range of career opportunities available to them. From construction trades and early childhood education to the Police and ADF, motor mechanics, hair and beauty, local government and so much more, there really was something for everyone! It was fantastic to see our students engaging with industry professionals, asking questions and exploring the possibilities that could shape their futures. A huge thank you to all 22 exhibitors for giving up your time, sharing your expertise and helping our students see where their skills and interests could take them. Your enthusiasm and generosity made the Expo such a success. And of course, a big thank you to our wonderful St Columba’s staff who helped organise, coordinate and support the event throughout the day. It takes a team to make an event like this happen, and we are so grateful for everyone who played a part. What a brilliant celebration of skills, careers and the many exciting futures ahead for our students! National Skills Week Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Susan Templeman MP Prue Car MP Andrew Giles MP Trish Doyle MP
25 Aug 2026
From Facebook
There’s been some very cute new arrivals at the College! 🐑 Our first little lambs of the season arrived last week when a set of twins made their entrance, followed by three more new arrivals over the weekend. And the best part? We’re still expecting at least two more! While these little ones are certainly stealing the show, their arrival also marks one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year for our Agriculture students. Caring for newborn lambs takes commitment, patience and plenty of hard work, and our students step up every year to make sure they are well cared for. It’s one of the many reasons we value Agriculture education so highly at St Columba’s. Our students aren’t just learning about agriculture in a classroom, they’re developing practical skills, responsibility and a genuine understanding of what it takes to care for animals. Many of our students also go on to pursue post-school pathways in Ag with our amazing tertiary and industry partners! For now, though, we think they’ve earned a little time for some serious lamb cuddles! #agriculture Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Charles Sturt University University of Tasmania University of New England, AU University of Sydney NSW Agriculture Sydney Royal Easter Show
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26 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic way to celebrate National Skills Week! Today, St Columba’s hosted our inaugural Skilled Futures Careers Expo, with 22 exhibitors joining us at the College to inspire and inform our Year 10, 11 and 12 students about the incredible range of career opportunities available to them. From construction trades and early childhood education to the Police and ADF, motor mechanics, hair and beauty, local government and so much more, there really was something for everyone! It was fantastic to see our students engaging with industry professionals, asking questions and exploring the possibilities that could shape their futures. A huge thank you to all 22 exhibitors for giving up your time, sharing your expertise and helping our students see where their skills and interests could take them. Your enthusiasm and generosity made the Expo such a success. And of course, a big thank you to our wonderful St Columba’s staff who helped organise, coordinate and support the event throughout the day. It takes a team to make an event like this happen, and we are so grateful for everyone who played a part. What a brilliant celebration of skills, careers and the many exciting futures ahead for our students! National Skills Week Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Susan Templeman MP Prue Car MP Andrew Giles MP Trish Doyle MP
26 Aug 2026
ParraSkills Video Competition showcases ‘Life Changing’ VET
Students across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) brought the 2026 National Skills Week theme, “Life Changing”, to life through the 2026 ParraSkills Video Competition, showcasing the skills, experiences and opportunities available through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
25 Aug 2026
From Facebook
There’s been some very cute new arrivals at the College! 🐑 Our first little lambs of the season arrived last week when a set of twins made their entrance, followed by three more new arrivals over the weekend. And the best part? We’re still expecting at least two more! While these little ones are certainly stealing the show, their arrival also marks one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year for our Agriculture students. Caring for newborn lambs takes commitment, patience and plenty of hard work, and our students step up every year to make sure they are well cared for. It’s one of the many reasons we value Agriculture education so highly at St Columba’s. Our students aren’t just learning about agriculture in a classroom, they’re developing practical skills, responsibility and a genuine understanding of what it takes to care for animals. Many of our students also go on to pursue post-school pathways in Ag with our amazing tertiary and industry partners! For now, though, we think they’ve earned a little time for some serious lamb cuddles! #agriculture Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Charles Sturt University University of Tasmania University of New England, AU University of Sydney NSW Agriculture Sydney Royal Easter Show
23 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last night, students, staff and families from most of the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese high schools came together for the Alchemy Photography Competition. St Columba's had five students amongst the finalists - congratulations to Ana W, Aiden C, Nicholas H (who had three photographs recognised in the finals), Max B and Zachary B - all of Year 11. And a special shout out to Max, who took out the Wildlife Category Prize, with his amazing photo "Spider". Thanks to the team at CAPTIVATE for once again providing our students with these incredible opportunities to grow and express their creativity. Thank you for bringing students, staff and families from so many different schools together to celebrate the arts. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
21 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Alumni Spotlight | Jed Berben | Class of 2025 We could not love this more! Seeing our graduates doing what they love is the best thing we could hope for as a school and Jed Berben, from the last year's HSC class is doing exactly that! Jed has been working at a cattle station located in the remote Northern Territory outback (in the Roper Gulf Region) for six months now. The station he is on comprises just over one million acres! Recently, Jed had the opportunity to go up in the chopper and experience mustering from the air! Great stuff Jed - we are all so happy for you and this year's Year 12 P.I. class are very jealous! #ringersinthetopend #alumni #dowhatyoulove Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 Aug 2026
From Facebook
From exchange student to German national champion! Congratulations to Year 10 student Douglas Pentecost, who has returned from his school exchange in Germany with rather more than improved language skills! While in Germany, Douglas took up the challenge of competing in the U16 German National Athletics Championships — and came away with GOLD in the discus with a phenomenal throw of 61.02m! Not a bad way to spend an exchange… go overseas to practise your German and come home a national champion! We are incredibly proud of you, Douglas. What an achievement! 🇩🇪 🥇 Blue Mountains Gazette Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Each term, some of our Gold Award students put service into action, making fresh sandwiches and snack packs of long-life food items for the Vinnies Van, supporting people experiencing hardship across Greater Sydney, including Parramatta and Mount Druitt. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to serve others and live our college motto: ‘to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.’
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
2026 Academic Showcase Last week, we celebrated something truly special at St Columba’s - students who are curious, passionate and willing to go that little bit further in their learning. Organised by SCCC teachers Stephanie Wilkie and Paul Elias, the Academic Showcase provides students with the space and time to explore a specific topic that captures their interest and to put in that extra 10% of effort. As Steph explains, the Showcase isn’t about perfection - it’s about motivation, passion, curiosity and the love of learning. It’s about giving students the opportunity to engage deeply, try something new and discover the value and reward that comes from learning and trying. We were also incredibly fortunate to welcome Greg Lee (Class of 2006) as our guest speaker. Greg challenged everyone to think about the extra 10%: What can you do today that will take you one step further? He encouraged our students to be passionate about what they do and reminded us of the importance of reflection as a powerful part of our own learning. A huge congratulations to all of our students who participated in the 2026 Academic Showcase. Your curiosity, commitment and willingness to share your learning with others is something to be celebrated. Thank you to Ms Wilkie, Mr Elias and all the other staff involved (and there were lots!) for creating such a wonderful opportunity for our students - and a very special thank you to Greg for returning to St Columba’s and sharing his time, wisdom and experience with our community. Because sometimes, it’s that extra 10% that makes all the difference. #StColumbas #AcademicShowcase #LoveOfLearning #Extra10Percent Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
HSC Major Works Showcase 2026 It’s time to celebrate the incredible creativity, imagination and hard work of our HSC students! We warmly invite our families to come along to the St Columba’s HSC Major Works Showcase and experience the outstanding work our students have created across Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Society & Culture, Industrial Technology Timber, Textiles & Design, English Extension 2, Design & Technology, History Extension and Science Extension. Across two incredible nights: 🗓️ Tuesday 18 August | 4.00–6.30pm Drama Rec Theatre | 5.00–6.30pm Textiles & Design, Ngurra | 4.00–5.00pm 🗓️ Tuesday 1 September | 4.00–7.30pm Exhibitions, Ngurra | 4.00–6.00pm featuring Design & Technology, Industrial Technology Timber, Visual Arts, Society & Culture, English Extension 2, Science Extension and History Extension and Music Rec Theatre | 6.00–7.30pm Come along, explore the work and, most importantly, celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students. We’d love to see our St Columba’s families there!
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Engineering Club are enjoying an equipment upgrade - from toaster ovens and sandwich presses to a you beaut, state-of-the-art heat press - all thanks to the Western Sydney International Airport Soaring Scholarship that we were awarded earlier this year. The club members are busily turning waste into useful objects, keeping plastic out of landfill and giving it a second life. They have already built a shredder using the guide from Precious Plastic Community and prototyped coasters and guitar picks. Now with the heat press they are moving onto bigger products like clipboards. Families can keep waste out of landfill and support the Engineering Club by donating HDPE 2 plastic lids. FOR SAFETY, all lids must be washed and dried and can only be HDPE 2 (look for the 2 inside the triangle). Lids can be dropped off in the box in Nicky's office in the library. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
It's late Friday afternoon and Andrew has found the perfect vantage point to contemplate the weekend ahead. #doesnteveryschoolhaveitsownpeacock
08 Aug 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