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
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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
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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.
19 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Have you got your tickets to Under the Spotlight? Hurry - they are selling fast! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
The College's Year 10 students recently visited St Thomas Aquinas Primary School as part of a long-standing partnership between our two school communities. Students planned and delivered lessons for classes across all year groups, tailoring their learning activities to each class's current Religion unit. The visit provided an opportunity for the Year 10 students to apply their learning in a practical setting while developing their communication, leadership and teaching skills. The annual visit continues to strengthen the Catholic learning partnership between our schools and provides a valuable opportunity for students to reconnect with former teachers and buddies, and share faith in action. We thank the staff and students of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School for their ongoing support and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the SCCC Open Boys Football Team on the skill and sportsmanship they displayed at the recent PDSSSC Open Boys Gala Day. The team progressed to the semi-finals, finishing the day with two wins, one draw and one loss. We are incredibly proud of all the team members for the way they represented the College and the high quality of football they played. A special thank you to our Year 12 students, for whom this was their final game representing the College. We appreciate their commitment, leadership and contribution to football throughout their time at St Columba's.
15 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Kate, Ellen, Scarlett and Audrey are at Western Sydney University's Parramatta City Campus today and tomorrow, completing the Introduction to Aviation Operations microcredential. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about working in the aviation industry. Thanks to Rasha Fitzsimons for all the organisation work in giving these experiences to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese students. Western Sydney International Airport
13 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, St Columba's Catholic College was delighted to welcome students and staff from 11 schools for the Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition Training Day. The day provided valuable hands on learning opportunities focused on steer growth and development, with students learning from our Agriculture teachers and industry experts. It was wonderful to see so many young people sharing their enthusiasm for agriculture, asking thoughtful questions and developing practical skills together. It was a fantastic day filled with learning, collaboration and plenty of enjoyment. Thank you to everyone who travelled to St Columba's to be part of the day, and to all of the teachers, industry experts and volunteers who generously shared their knowledge and experience. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition Awards Night. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
This week's Blue Mountains Gazette features an article on 'Nurturing Breath', the beautiful sculpture by Terrance Plowright that has become a landmark within our College grounds. Positioned at the heart of our campus, it contributes so much to the visual landscape of the College and serves as a daily reminder of the values we seek to nurture in our community. At the very core of the Christian world view is the belief in a God of Love who is revealed in an ongoing way through the beauty and majesty all of creation. In the ancient scriptures of Judaism and Christianity, God’s Spirit is often experienced as a gentle breeze or a wind, a great creative force - the Breath of God. Terrance Plowright’s sculpture, ‘Nurturing Breath’ reminds us that God is present in each and every one of us and that our responsibility, our mission, is to nurture that presence of God and to allow the Holy Spirit to take hold of us, and to form and shape us. We encourage our community to take a moment to read the article and discover the story and symbolism behind this remarkable piece of public art. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Blue Mountains Gazette
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
A huge lunchtime crowd gathered in the Quad today for the latest edition of The Feed, our popular careers and pathways series. We were delighted to welcome representatives from Macquarie University and University of Sydney who spent the lunch break chatting with students about university life, study options, pathways, and future career opportunities. Both stalls were absolutely swamped, with students asking thoughtful questions and taking away plenty of valuable information about what life at Macquarie and USYD has to offer. It was also especially wonderful to welcome back Emma Hyslop (St Columba’s Class of 2023), who returned to the College as a Student Ambassador for the University of Sydney. It is always rewarding to see our graduates sharing their experiences and helping inspire the next generation of students. A sincere thank you to all of our university representatives for generously giving their time and providing our students with such informative and engaging conversations. Your support helps our young people make informed decisions about their futures, and we are incredibly grateful. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
08 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Tickets for Under the Spotlight are now on sale! Don't miss out on a fantastic night of music, dance, drama and song. Running for two nights only, the production will showcase the talent and creativity of students in Years 7 to 12. Purchase tickets online: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2026/st-columbas/