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
-
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐ Cross Country Success for St Columba's ⭐ In late June, 17 students from St Columba's Catholic College competed at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships. We were thrilled to send such a large team to the event, with the College having the highest number of representatives of any PDSSSC Secondary School. At these championships, the following eight students qualified for the NSW All-Schools Cross Country Championships: Alexis Garroway-Smith Tasman Harrison Darcy Waring Odin Brennan Alton Freeman Keeden Harrison Benjamin Merrick Joshua Simone NSWCCC Cross Country Results 12 Years Girls Elizabeth White (46th/58) 13 Years Girls Alexis Garroway-Smith (9th/70) Ruby Ross (38th/70) Eva Hetherington (39th/70) 16 Years Girls Lulu Green (13th/53) Ava Lorking (22nd/53) 17 Years Girls Madeline Southers (19th/44) 18 Years Girls Annalise Blattman (15th/45) Annika Vasilev (29th/45) 14 Years Boys Tasman Harrison (6th/53) 15 Years Boys Darcy Waring (6th/54) 16 Years Boys Odin Brennan (3rd/50) 17 Years Boys Alton Freeman (1st/44) Keeden Harrison (3rd/44) River Rodemark (14th/44) 18 Years Boys Benjamin Merrick (4th/40) Joshua Simone (7th/40)
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Over the recent holiday break, Year 12 student Nik represented New Zealand at the U18 Water Polo World Championships in Portugal. Nik made his mark on the world stage, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. The New Zealand team achieved a ninth-place finish – the highest ever placing by a New Zealand men's team at a Water Polo World Championships. What an incredible achievement! Congratulations, Nik, on your outstanding performance.
Latest News More news
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐ Cross Country Success for St Columba's ⭐ In late June, 17 students from St Columba's Catholic College competed at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships. We were thrilled to send such a large team to the event, with the College having the highest number of representatives of any PDSSSC Secondary School. At these championships, the following eight students qualified for the NSW All-Schools Cross Country Championships: Alexis Garroway-Smith Tasman Harrison Darcy Waring Odin Brennan Alton Freeman Keeden Harrison Benjamin Merrick Joshua Simone NSWCCC Cross Country Results 12 Years Girls Elizabeth White (46th/58) 13 Years Girls Alexis Garroway-Smith (9th/70) Ruby Ross (38th/70) Eva Hetherington (39th/70) 16 Years Girls Lulu Green (13th/53) Ava Lorking (22nd/53) 17 Years Girls Madeline Southers (19th/44) 18 Years Girls Annalise Blattman (15th/45) Annika Vasilev (29th/45) 14 Years Boys Tasman Harrison (6th/53) 15 Years Boys Darcy Waring (6th/54) 16 Years Boys Odin Brennan (3rd/50) 17 Years Boys Alton Freeman (1st/44) Keeden Harrison (3rd/44) River Rodemark (14th/44) 18 Years Boys Benjamin Merrick (4th/40) Joshua Simone (7th/40)
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Over the recent holiday break, Year 12 student Nik represented New Zealand at the U18 Water Polo World Championships in Portugal. Nik made his mark on the world stage, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. The New Zealand team achieved a ninth-place finish – the highest ever placing by a New Zealand men's team at a Water Polo World Championships. What an incredible achievement! Congratulations, Nik, on your outstanding performance.
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Year 11 students Ava, Hailey, Trinity, Annabella and Isobel who completed their first university subject during the recent school holidays. These five students are getting a head-start on their university study through the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Coming to a classroom near you in 2032! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT 2026 Late last term our St Columba's Community was once again treated to the wonderful event that is 'Under the Spotlight'. It is hard to believe that so much talent exists in just one school! Congratulations to the talented and dedicated cast of performers and crew. It was an excellent showcase of the Performing Arts at SCCC. Special thanks to all of the staff who worked so hard to bring this annual spectacular together. #performingarts #music #drama Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
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
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
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
From Facebook
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.