Hundreds of students, parents and carers, teachers and clergy from Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Parramatta gathered for the 2024 Education Mass to celebrate our schools’ commitment to Faith in Action and their positive engagement in the community.
Held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, the Mass was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and celebrated the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his inspiring Homily, Bishop Vincent said the Mass was a renewal of our commitment to follow the example of Mary in our lives and be bearers of her son Jesus’ good news.
“Blessed Virgin Mary is the prototype of the normal disciple,” Bishop Vincent said.
She exemplifies closeness with the poor, solidarity with the needy, compassion for the afflicted. Like Mary, we must be totally permeated by the Holy Spirit. We must be consumed by action for God's Kingdom – Mary is the sign of hope for humanity.
In his address, Executive Director Jack de Groot reflected on his own experience of mission and service while announcing CSPD’s new Religious Education curriculum Encountering Jesus.
“When I think about why my work has always taken me to places of service, I can pinpoint two things: my education and my faith,” said Jack.
“When my parents chose to send me to a Catholic school, they knew they wanted to provide me with an excellent education grounded in Catholic tradition. They wanted me to experience opportunities to put my faith into action and to live it out within the community.”
Jack said his hope is that the new Religious Education curriculum builds on and reflects this same intention families have for their children at our schools.
“Encountering Jesus reflects our intention for all students to have a deep encounter with the person and message of Jesus Christ, to really get to know and love Jesus. To see Him in others, and to be Him to others,” he said.The curriculum has been endorsed by Bishop Vincent along with Australian and international Catholic theologians and educators.
“Encountering Jesus isn't so much about learning some external rules; it is to internalise the experience of encountering, knowing, loving and serving Christ,” Bishop Vincent said.
Following the Mass, participants were invited to explore the Mission Agency Expo. The expo highlights the work of the many expressions of faith and service that are already present in our learning communities, including Catechist teaching in local government primary schools, Eucharistic minister training, as well as advocacy and support of church agencies such as Mercy Works, St Vincent de Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services.
“Today’s celebration was a significant moment in the life of our Diocese,” said Andrew Wilson, CSPD’s Head Mission. “Encountering Jesus will provide our students with an opportunity to come to know Jesus and to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. I am excited to work with our teachers and leaders, and to hear how our students are putting their learning into practice in their communities.”
Learn more about the Religious Education Curriculum.
View photos from this event View full gallery
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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15 Jul 2026
From Facebook
From SHAPE nominee to award-winning apprentice! Congratulations to St Columba's Class of 2024 graduate Thomas Daw, whose passion and talent for Industrial Timber—recognised with an HSC SHAPE nomination in 2024—continues to shine. We're so proud to see Thomas recognised with this prestigious apprentice award. Well done, Thomas! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Blue Mountains Gazette
13 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
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From SHAPE nominee to award-winning apprentice! Congratulations to St Columba's Class of 2024 graduate Thomas Daw, whose passion and talent for Industrial Timber—recognised with an HSC SHAPE nomination in 2024—continues to shine. We're so proud to see Thomas recognised with this prestigious apprentice award. Well done, Thomas! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Blue Mountains Gazette
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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
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06 Jul 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic way to wrap up this year’s St Columba’s Art Prize! This morning, students from St Columba’s and visiting schools were inspired by hands-on workshops led by our talented Art Prize finalists: Freedom Wilson (Printmaking), Jane Taverner (Textile Narrative) and Katie Leavey (Abstract Landscape). A huge thank you to our wonderful artists for sharing their skills and creativity, and to every student who embraced the experience with such enthusiasm. The question we heard most often? “How do we sign up again next year?” We think that’s the best feedback of all! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese St Columba's Art Prize
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, 31 students from Years 7-10 represented the College at The National Science and Engineering Challenge held at the Kingswood Campus of Western Sydney University. The students worked in groups of 4 to solve various Engineering problems in competition with other schools from Western Sydney. Our team had a great day and were successful in placing 3rd out of all competing schools. They represented the College with pride and demonstrated great academic comraderie with the competing schools. Special thanks to Mr Born, Mr Kobus and Nicky Alsemgeest for accompanying the students. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Jun 2026
From Facebook
We are delighted to congratulate Mrs Sarah McCauley on being recognised at the 2026 Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Excellence in Education Awards. Sarah is an outstanding educator and leader whose dedication to student learning, excellence in teaching, and commitment to supporting both colleagues and students has made a lasting impact on our College community. Her expertise, generosity, and passion for education are evident in everything she does. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains for hosting this wonderful celebration of education, and to Trish Doyle MP for joining the evening and assisting with the presentations. Congratulations, Sarah, on this well-deserved recognition. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
22 Jun 2026
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Calling all young artists in Years 7–12. Looking for a creative way to spend a day of the July school holidays? THESE WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM ANY SCHOOL - NOT JUST ST COLUMBA'S STUDENTS. Join us on Monday 6 July at the Ngurra Art Studios, St Columba's Catholic College, for a series of hands-on workshops led by talented Blue Mountains artists Freedom Wilson, Jane Taverner and Katie Leavey. Students can explore: • Printmaking (Etching) • Printmaking (Monoprint) • Textile Art • Abstract Landscape Painting These small-group workshops, priced at just $20 each to cover materials cost, offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from practising artists, experiment with new techniques and create your own original artwork in a professional studio environment. Whether you're an experienced art student or simply love to create, there's something for everyone. Workshop numbers are intentionally capped to provide individual support and access to materials, so early registration is recommended. Register now to secure your place and preferred workshop. All links in the images below.
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From Facebook
Have you got your tickets to Under the Spotlight? Hurry - they are selling fast! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
The College's Year 10 students recently visited St Thomas Aquinas Primary School as part of a long-standing partnership between our two school communities. Students planned and delivered lessons for classes across all year groups, tailoring their learning activities to each class's current Religion unit. The visit provided an opportunity for the Year 10 students to apply their learning in a practical setting while developing their communication, leadership and teaching skills. The annual visit continues to strengthen the Catholic learning partnership between our schools and provides a valuable opportunity for students to reconnect with former teachers and buddies, and share faith in action. We thank the staff and students of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School for their ongoing support and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.
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From Facebook
Congratulations to the SCCC Open Boys Football Team on the skill and sportsmanship they displayed at the recent PDSSSC Open Boys Gala Day. The team progressed to the semi-finals, finishing the day with two wins, one draw and one loss. We are incredibly proud of all the team members for the way they represented the College and the high quality of football they played. A special thank you to our Year 12 students, for whom this was their final game representing the College. We appreciate their commitment, leadership and contribution to football throughout their time at St Columba's.
15 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Kate, Ellen, Scarlett and Audrey are at Western Sydney University's Parramatta City Campus today and tomorrow, completing the Introduction to Aviation Operations microcredential. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about working in the aviation industry. Thanks to Rasha Fitzsimons for all the organisation work in giving these experiences to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese students. Western Sydney International Airport