St Columba's students Ryan and Simone receiving awards for their outstanding essays
St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood enjoyed two Japanese events in March with students receiving awards from the Consulate-General of Japan and the school hosting Japanese delegates who were completing research to review the Japanese National School Curriculum.
In November last year, students at St Columba’s entered the first Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT secondary school students. The contest was conducted by the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney with the co-operation of the Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The aim of the contest is to encourage and develop a better understanding of Australia-Japan relations among Australian secondary school students.
Two Year 9 students Simone Cooper and Ryan Nightingale submitted outstanding essays and were awarded prizes by the Consulate-General of Japan at his official residence on 11 March.
Simone said she had learnt a lot of about Japan and it was an honour to have won the prize.
‘Through participating in this project, I have gained invaluable insight into the ways in which Australia views Japan and how we can bring out many strengths together in order to benefit and enrich both nations immensely,’ Simone said.
Simone won the Junior Division for the students in Years in 7 and 8 and Ryan’s essay was selected as ‘Highly Commended Essay’ by the judges.
On Thursday 12 March, three Japanese delegates Director National Institute for Educational Policy Research Akihide Osugi, Professor & President of Japanese Educational Research Association for the Social Studies Tomohito Harada, Associate Professor Gifu University Noboru Tanaka and Consul, Consulate-General of Japan, Sydney Tomoko Hashizume visited St Columba’s to complete research to review Japan’s National School Curriculum.
The delegates met with Principal, Paul Ryan, Assistant Principal, Peta Sparkes, Head of Learning, Jaie Skinner, Leader of Learning HSIE, Leon Wright and Japanese teacher, Shizue Sato.
The Japanese delegates said the visit was an invaluable opportunity for them to visit the beautiful school in the Blue Mountains and learn about the new Australian National curriculum and the curriculum St Columba’s offers for its students.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our St Columba’s community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Redman, who taught History at St Columba’s Catholic College from 1981–2012. Helen was a gifted teacher, a generous colleague, and a dearly loved member of our community. Her warmth, wisdom, and enduring commitment to her students touched the lives of so many over more than three decades of service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Helen’s family and all who knew and loved her, during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
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We are celebrating yet another OnSTAGE nomination for Audrey (who was also part of a group performance nomination), this time for her individual major work in Scriptwriting. This is a fantastic achievement - congratulations Audrey!
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19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our St Columba’s community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Redman, who taught History at St Columba’s Catholic College from 1981–2012. Helen was a gifted teacher, a generous colleague, and a dearly loved member of our community. Her warmth, wisdom, and enduring commitment to her students touched the lives of so many over more than three decades of service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Helen’s family and all who knew and loved her, during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
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Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
16 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are celebrating yet another OnSTAGE nomination for Audrey (who was also part of a group performance nomination), this time for her individual major work in Scriptwriting. This is a fantastic achievement - congratulations Audrey!
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From Facebook
St Columba's students Luciana and Rohan gathered with the local community at Springwood War Memorial on Tuesday to commemorate Remembrance Day. The students laid a wreath on behalf of the College to honour those who have given their lives in service. Lest we forget.
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From Facebook
Year 9 camp is off to a fabulous start! Our students are having a wonderful time challenging themselves with fun activities and spending time with their friends and teachers.
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From Facebook
Have a look at our Year 9 Elective Japanese students doing a wonderful job cooking yakisoba! This fun activity was the culmination of their unit of work on healthy eating and food habits in Japan.
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From Facebook
We are thrilled to celebrate the spectacular water polo achievements of Nikolas (Y11) throughout 2025. This year Nikolas played five games for the Opens New Zealand Water Polo team and was named on the 2025 New Zealand U/18 National Water Polo team. He was selected in the Opens NSWCCC Water Polo Team (for the fourth year in a row!) and competed in the Australian Schools Water Polo Championships in Brisbane in August. These impressive achievements are no doubt the result of determination and hard work over many years. The St Columba's community is incredibly proud of Nikolas and we all look forward to supporting him as he continues his water polo success.
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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!
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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. 💙
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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.
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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!
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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.