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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06 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud of Ellie (Y11) who recently won three silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Ellie had a phenomenal week of racing, finishing second in the Under 23 lightweight double, second in the Under 23 lightweight quad, and second in the lightweight Open eight. These fantastic achievements are testament to the hard work and determination Ellie has displayed this season. Congratulations!
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
It was a joy to receive the latest edition of the Diocese of Lismore's publication, Catholic Life, featuring a beautiful article on our Foundation Principal, Sr Anne Henson pbvm. The piece reflects on Sr Anne’s remarkable life of faith, service and leadership, including her role in founding St Columba’s and the lasting legacy she continues to leave in our community and beyond. Our sincere thanks to Barry Da Silva for writing this wonderful tribute and for kindly sending us a copy. You can read the whole magazine (March 2026) here: https://www.lismorediocese.org/catholic-life-magazine/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Catholic Schools NSW
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06 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud of Ellie (Y11) who recently won three silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Ellie had a phenomenal week of racing, finishing second in the Under 23 lightweight double, second in the Under 23 lightweight quad, and second in the lightweight Open eight. These fantastic achievements are testament to the hard work and determination Ellie has displayed this season. Congratulations!
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
It was a joy to receive the latest edition of the Diocese of Lismore's publication, Catholic Life, featuring a beautiful article on our Foundation Principal, Sr Anne Henson pbvm. The piece reflects on Sr Anne’s remarkable life of faith, service and leadership, including her role in founding St Columba’s and the lasting legacy she continues to leave in our community and beyond. Our sincere thanks to Barry Da Silva for writing this wonderful tribute and for kindly sending us a copy. You can read the whole magazine (March 2026) here: https://www.lismorediocese.org/catholic-life-magazine/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Catholic Schools NSW
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Our Show Team has had a fantastic start to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. On Wednesday, Olivia and Jovina competed strongly in the paraders classes, with Olivia awarded Highly Commended in a very competitive field. Jovina and Eva also took part in the Young Judges Competition. On Thursday, our students and steers again represented the College proudly, while our display teams achieved outstanding results, placing 1st in Pumpkin and Produce and 3rd in Native Floral Display. Congratulations to Mackenna and Heidi in Year 10, and Lillia and Charlotte in Year 12, on their beautiful displays, and well done to all students involved. A special thank you to Mrs Sibbald for her support of our students throughout the Show. Sydney Royal Easter Show Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are thrilled to share news that 25 students from St Columba's are Youth Prize finalists in the @columbasartprize! The judging of this prize is completely independent of the College, and our students join other student finalists from across Australia. We are looking forward to seeing their work displayed in a professional gallery space alongside our Open Prize finalists. Families, friends and the wider community are very welcome to attend the exhibition. Congratulations to our finalists!
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
So exciting! We can't wait for the St Columba's Art Prize. Congratulations to all the finalists. See the full list here: https://columbasartprize.com.au/2026-finalists/
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
⚽ Congratulations to the SCCC Open Girls Football Team ⚽ The St Columba's Open Girls Football team proudly represented the College at the PDSSSC Gala Day on Friday 27 March. The girls demonstrated skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, finishing the pool games with two draws and one win. Their results earned them a place in the semi-final against Marian Catholic College. After a hard-fought game, Marian emerged victorious with a score of 1–0. The St Columba's team should be incredibly proud of their effort and achievements. Congratulations to all the players on a great day of football.
30 Mar 2026
From YouTube
A short video for students on setting up a Wacom tablet on a Windows laptop.
28 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Students are all ready to compete at next week RAS Easter Show 2026 - we will have our steers in the Munro Pavillion from the 1-5 of April 2026 - be sure to drop by and say "Hello" if you are at the show! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Sydney Royal Easter Show
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
It was fantastic to welcome Lily O’Toole from Charles Sturt University back to the College today. In addition to being our latest pop-up for The Feed in the Quad, Lily also took time to talk with Year 10, 11 and 12 Ag and Primary Industries students, and even got a little lost in the pumpkin patch! Thanks for all you do for our students Lily - you’re welcome at St Columba’s anytime!
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
⭐SAVE THE DATE - the St Columba's Art Prize is back for 2026! 1 - 6 MAY The St Columba's Art Prize is back for 2026, featuring works by established and emerging artists from across Australia. With a prize pool of more than $17,000, including a $10,000 Open Prize, $2,000 Local Artist Prize, and a $1,000 Youth Prize, the event will be an opportunity to see a diverse range of outstanding Australian artworks. We hope you will join us in celebrating the arts at this fantastic community event. For more information visit https://columbasartprize.com.au
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