Jim Gillespie and Patrick Rosato
Catholic schooling is a work of love and nowhere is the work of love and learning more evident than in the relationship between teacher and student.
Research highlights that teachers’ belief and commitments are the greatest influence on students’ achievements.
In a four-part series, we’ve taken a closer look at the teacher-student relationship and how it makes better learners and teachers. Jim Gillespie teaches Year 12 student Patrick Rosato at St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood
Patrick says Mr Gillespie is a good guy who is more than just a teacher.
‘He is hard working, he helps everyone and he’s fair, honest and helpful,’ says Patrick. ‘Mr Gillespie is really committed to his students as individuals and I respect him because he treats me with respect.’
‘He has really made a difference to my learning and he set up extra classes to help students who want to do more study. He tests us in class to make sure we know what we have to know,’ said Patrick.
Patrick says Mr Gillespie loves his subject and this comes across in his teaching. ‘He expects everyone to work as hard as they can and get the best results they can and he makes the subject accessible and creates a want for learning,’ said Patrick.
Jim Gillespie says he sees the good in all kids and wants to see them flourish.
‘In Pat’s case, I have learned that adversity can make people even stronger,’ said Jim. ‘Even through the hardship of losing his home in the bushfires, Pat’s attitude to his learning has not changed. He is respectful, always cheerful and dedicated to his studies.’
‘I have seen Pat grow from a sound student in Years 7 to 10 to now as a Year 12 student where he works to achieve the best result,’ said Jim. ‘He understands what hard work is and the effort needed to achieve excellent results.’
Jim says he is motivated by seeing students achieve at a high level and the enthusiasm that this instills in them.
‘I have a great love of working with young people and seeing the rapport that is built between teacher and student. I think I have a never-give-up attitude.’
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
“The Feed” has a fresh new look! Our College lunchtime talks have moved from a formal presentation to a relaxed pop-up stand in the Quad and students are loving it! Our first university to trial the new format was Australian Catholic University (ACU). It was great to see so many students stopping by to chat with Student Ambassadors Lauren and Cathy, ask questions, and learn more about studying at ACU. We’re excited to keep the conversations going as more universities join us in the Quad for The Feed in the coming weeks! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last week, our College community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day with a beautiful breakfast and the presentation of the Sr Anne Henson International Women’s Day Award to Dr Naomi Cooper. While we were proud to share moments from the event, we also want to take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who are such an important part of our students’ lives. These photos capture just some of the mums, grandmothers, aunties and other significant women who support, guide and care for our young people each and every day. Your love, strength and encouragement do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for the role you play in shaping our community. Thank you for all that you do. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
“The Feed” has a fresh new look! Our College lunchtime talks have moved from a formal presentation to a relaxed pop-up stand in the Quad and students are loving it! Our first university to trial the new format was Australian Catholic University (ACU). It was great to see so many students stopping by to chat with Student Ambassadors Lauren and Cathy, ask questions, and learn more about studying at ACU. We’re excited to keep the conversations going as more universities join us in the Quad for The Feed in the coming weeks! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last week, our College community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day with a beautiful breakfast and the presentation of the Sr Anne Henson International Women’s Day Award to Dr Naomi Cooper. While we were proud to share moments from the event, we also want to take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who are such an important part of our students’ lives. These photos capture just some of the mums, grandmothers, aunties and other significant women who support, guide and care for our young people each and every day. Your love, strength and encouragement do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for the role you play in shaping our community. Thank you for all that you do. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
18 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 7 and 8 HPGE students were privileged to attend a seminar this morning with Class of 2024 College Dux, Abbey Flanagan. Abbey spoke candidly about her journey through high school and her first year of university, offering valuable insight and encouragement. Students reflected on some powerful takeaways from her talk including, “don’t be ashamed to ask for help”, “do the hard things”, and “it is your responsibility to keep turning up and put in the hard work”. We thank Abbey for sharing her experiences so openly and for giving her time so generously. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
18 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Alumni Spotlight | Congratulations to Will Jones (Class of 2025) on his enlistment into the Royal Australian Air Force. Will was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Sydney yesterday morning before departing for Wagga Wagga, where he will begin his ADF Gap Year in a logistics role. This is an exciting and significant step, and we are incredibly proud to see him take on this opportunity to serve and grow. We wish Will every success as he begins this new chapter and look forward to following his journey. #alumni #ADFGapYear Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
15 Mar 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic weekend for the St Columba’s Show Team at the Castle Hill Show! More than 20 attended, including a very enthusiastic group of Year 7 students who were excited to be part of the day. Our senior students achieved some outstanding results. Maddi L placed 2nd in Junior Judging and has qualified to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in two weeks’ time. In parading, all of our senior competitors made it through to the final, with Jovina M (Year 12) taking out 1st place and also qualifying for the Sydney Royal. Olivia P placed 3rd in the same event. Summer S (Year 8) achieved a terrific 5th place in a very strong 13 Years final. We were also incredibly proud of Eden J and Eliza W who were judging for the first time and did an outstanding job making it through to the speaking final. Eden then went on to place 2nd overall in the Under 15s – a wonderful achievement. Congratulations to every student who represented the College with such enthusiasm and pride, and a special thank you to Mrs Sibbald for her dedication and support of the team.
13 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning our community at St Columba’s came together to celebrate International Women’s Day with a wonderful breakfast in the College quad. Students, staff and guests enjoyed a delicious start to the day, accompanied by beautiful background music performed by our talented students. Following breakfast, the community gathered for our International Women’s Day Assembly and the presentation of the 2026 Sr Anne Henson International Women’s Day Award. This year’s recipient was Dr Naomi Cooper (College Captain 2007), whose achievements and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of young women at St Columba’s. In her acceptance speech, Dr Cooper reminded us all that progress towards equality is a shared responsibility, telling the College community: “While some days it feels like we are getting nowhere fast in achieving gender parity, I take heart that it is small changes from individuals like you and me that edge us closer to equality. People of all genders have a role to play.” Thank you to everyone who helped make this morning’s celebration so special. Thank you especially to staff and students from Xavier College, Penola, St Finbar's and St Canice's who joined us at the event. Together we continue to honour the women who have shaped our community and encourage the leaders of tomorrow. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today’s Pathways to Possibility event was a wonderful success! Our First Nations students had the opportunity to hear from a panel of representatives from Macquarie University, University of Wollongong, Australian Catholic University, UNSW, UTS, Western Sydney University, The University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University. After the panel discussion, students enjoyed lunch together before attending an expo where they were able to have one-on-one conversations with university representatives about pathways, opportunities and life after school. Our students were outstanding throughout the day. They embraced the opportunity with curiosity, confidence and respect, asking thoughtful questions and engaging so positively with the universities. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves and our school. A heartfelt thank you to the university representatives who generously gave their time to share their experiences, insights and encouragement. Your presence made the day meaningful and inspiring for our students. It was also a privilege to welcome Aunty Julie Waddell from Jarara Cultural Centre - thank you for joining us. Finally, thank you to the parents who came along in the afternoon to support their young people and be part of the conversations about future possibilities. Your support means so much. Events like this truly highlight what is possible when schools, families, community and universities come together to support our young people. The future is full of possibility! Macquarie University Australian Catholic University (ACU) University of Sydney UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia Western Sydney University UNSW Charles Sturt University UTS: University of Technology Sydney Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Year 8 da Vinci Decathlon team for taking out third place in their competition on 25 February. What a fantastic achievement! We are so proud of the way our teams from Years 7 to 10 represented the College. The students worked incredibly hard across all disciplines, showcasing their ingenuity, knowledge and creativity. Well done!
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Rhianna Jackson (Class of 2025) whose HSC Textiles and Design major work, “Eternal Aureate,” is currently on exhibition at Gallery 76 in Concord West. This prestigious exhibition features just 37 works selected from the 1,488 students across NSW who completed the course in 2025. Being chosen is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Rhianna’s creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship. “Eternal Aureate” showcases intricate textile techniques and striking colour transitions that evoke warmth, movement, and transformation. It is wonderful to see Rhianna’s talent recognised at this level. We are incredibly proud of you, Rhianna! The exhibition is open until 24 April 2026 and is well worth the visit. Entry to the general public is free during regular gallery hours. All details here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/awards-and-events/showcases-courses-events/texstyle Embroiderers' Guild NSW Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese NSW Department of Education
27 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 12 College Leadership Team recently joined student leaders from across the Parramatta Diocese at LIFTED Leaders 2026. The LIFTED Leaders program provides an opportunity for young leaders to connect, strategise and lead change in their communities. During the day the students heard from Bishop Vincent Long, who encouraged them to lead with courage and compassion, just as Jesus did. They shared their leadership goals for 2026 and discussed social justice and spirituality initiatives. This was a wonderful opportunity for our College leaders to reflect, learn and grow alongside other leaders within our Catholic schools.
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
OPEN AFTERNOON FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES We warmly invite families to visit St Columba's Catholic College for our Year 7, 2027 Open Afternoon on Tuesday 3 March 2026 from 4-6pm. Find out more and register your attendance here: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/stcolumbasspringwood#form-section We look forward to meeting you!