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
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud of Year 12 (Class of 2025) student Noah Osbourne, who took on an unforgettable challenge after completing his HSC - sailing on a voyage with STS Young Endeavour. Following his exams, Noah stepped well outside his comfort zone, joining a crew of young people from across Australia to learn the skills of tall ship sailing, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Programs such as Young Endeavour offer our students a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and discover what they’re capable of beyond the classroom. Noah’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the value of saying 'yes' to new adventures after school. Well done, Noah — we can’t wait to see where your next voyage takes you! Interested in learning more about sailing with Young Endeavour? Visit: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Members of the Ag Show Team enjoyed the (literal) fruits of the labour yesterday, finally getting to eat the watermelon they planted last year! 🍉 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
Latest News More news
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud of Year 12 (Class of 2025) student Noah Osbourne, who took on an unforgettable challenge after completing his HSC - sailing on a voyage with STS Young Endeavour. Following his exams, Noah stepped well outside his comfort zone, joining a crew of young people from across Australia to learn the skills of tall ship sailing, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Programs such as Young Endeavour offer our students a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and discover what they’re capable of beyond the classroom. Noah’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the value of saying 'yes' to new adventures after school. Well done, Noah — we can’t wait to see where your next voyage takes you! Interested in learning more about sailing with Young Endeavour? Visit: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Members of the Ag Show Team enjoyed the (literal) fruits of the labour yesterday, finally getting to eat the watermelon they planted last year! 🍉 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Julian (Y12) and Finn (Y10) on their fantastic results at the 2026 Australian Open Water Championships in Bunbury, Western Australia. Julian placed 5th in the 17 years boys 7.5km swim and 4th in the 17 years boys 5km swim. Finn placed 4th in the 16 years boys 5km swim and 5th in the 16 years boys 7.5km swim. Both Julian and Finn were part of a relay team that competed in the Opens relay and placed 6th in Australia. Well done, Julian and Finn, on these incredible achievements!
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
09 Feb 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, we came together as a College community for our High Achievers Assembly, proudly recognising the outstanding achievements of our HSC Class of 2025. It was a special opportunity to celebrate not only exceptional results, but also the dedication, perseverance and growth shown by our students throughout their senior years. Our College Dux, Lachlan Steadman, captured the spirit of the occasion beautifully in his address, reminding students that success is built through both support and effort: “Everybody I spent time with here at St Columba's wanted me to succeed. Without the support of my teachers, friends and family, I wouldn't have been able to achieve anything that I did. Anything you dream about here, you can do. It's the people that you surround yourself with that will get you there. Even with this support network, I had to be prepared to put in the effort to get it done. The reward for pushing through the struggle is worth the effort you put in to get there.” College Principal Mr Phillip Scollard also reflected on the collective nature of success, saying: “We are extremely proud of all of our high achievers. Their ability to identify and use their gifts to reach their potential is a true inspiration. As Lachlan Steadman, our Dux, pointed out when he spoke to the College community, it is a team effort - all students working together, supported by and supporting one another, with outstanding staff and caring families helping each of our students to do their very best.” Congratulations to all of our high achievers - we are incredibly proud of you and the example you set for our College community.
07 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Have you seen it yet? Keep an eye out next time you’re travelling along the Great Western Highway between Blaxland and Warrimoo - our brand new St Columba’s Catholic College billboard is officially up! Featuring Luciana and Rohan, the billboard invites our wider community to reflect with the question: “What is your dream?” If you’ve spotted it, let us know in the comments and if you haven’t yet… you might just see it on your next drive! #WhatIsYourDream? Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
04 Feb 2026
From Facebook
It was fantastic to see Lucas and Abbey smiling out at us from the pages of the Blue Mountains Gazette this morning. These are just two of the 248 new Year 7 students who started at St Columba's Catholic College on Monday - our largest ever cohort, coming from 37 Catholic, State and Independent primary schools, from Colyton to Mt Victoria. Welcome to St Columba's! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
31 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Alumni Spotlight | Sebastian Andrews (Class of 2023) We are incredibly proud of our alumni, Sebastian Andrews, our 2023 College Captain, who is now serving as a police officer in Coonamble. Featured recently in the Coonamble Times, Sebastian has been warmly welcomed as the town’s newest constable, already making a positive impression through his commitment, humility and belief in the power of communication and community connection. From his leadership at St Columba’s to his service in regional NSW, Sebastian continues to embody the values of compassion, courage and service to others. We have no doubt he will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves. We would love to know about other St Columba's alumni who are serving in the police force (NSW or other states). Please message us here on Facebook to update us on our alumni in blue.
12 Jan 2026
Is your child starting Year 7 this year? Read our practical tips
Starting Year 7 is an exciting milestone and a big change. Moving from primary to secondary school brings new routines, more classrooms, new friendships and greater independence. With the right preparation, students can begin this next chapter feeling confident, organised and ready to thrive.
31 Dec 2025
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to our 2025 College Dux, Lachlan Steadman, who appeared on the front page of the Blue Mountains Gazette today, 31 December 2025, in recognition of his outstanding HSC achievements. Lachlan’s academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. By accelerating his mathematics studies from an early age, he completed Advanced Mathematics and Extension courses well ahead of schedule, culminating in an exceptional HSC result. His curiosity, discipline and genuine love of learning are a wonderful reflection of the values we strive to nurture at St Columba’s Catholic College. Adding to this celebration is an extraordinary coincidence. Lachlan’s younger sister, Amelia, featured on the front page of the Blue Mountains Gazette on 1 January 2025. From the very first day to the very last day of 2025, the Steadman siblings have quite literally bookended the year on the Gazette’s front page. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Dec 2025
From Facebook
As the Christmas season arrives, we are reminded of the joy, hope and goodwill that this time of year brings to our community. We wish our students, families, staff and wider community a blessed and safe Christmas, filled with peace and happiness, and every blessing for the year ahead. “Glory to God in the highest, And peace to His people on earth!” Luke 2:14 Finally, even Santa couldn’t miss a visit to St Columba’s Catholic College this year (we know that secretly, we are his favourites!).
19 Dec 2025
From Facebook
🎓Congratulations to our Dux of the Class of 2025, Lachlan Steadman 🎓 With an outstanding ATAR of 98.4, Lachlan's achievement is the result of his determination and commitment to excellence over many years. Lachlan's HSC journey has been remarkable. He sat his first HSC examination, Advanced Mathematics, when he was in Year 9. He completed Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 in Year 11. This year he studied Chemistry, English Advanced, Physics, Science Extension 1, and Studies in Catholic Thought. Next year Lachlan will commence a Bachelor of Mathematical Science at the Australian National University. We wish him every success and happiness as he embarks on this exciting next chapter.