St Columba’s student balances work and play for HSC
Luke Brame, a recent graduate of St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood, spent the last two years of his schooling balancing his HSC studies with his much loved hobby of mountain biking.
Luke spent 16 weeks travelling around Australia (to Perth, Victoria and Brisbane) and around the world (Germany, Czech Republic, Andorra, Switzerland and France) while studying to complete his HSC.
Luke said the HSC exams started just seven weeks after the world championships where he placed 61st in the men’s juniors.
‘It took a lot of organising with the teachers and a lot of out of hours communications via email and Edmodo,’ Luke said. ‘I would also have morning classes and lunchtime classes to make up the time I missed.’
‘The teachers at St Columba’s are so helpful and I have now completed the HSC and I feel like I did a good job,’ he said.
Luke hopes to pursue a career in mountain biking but has also applied to study Business at the University of Technology Sydney in 2016.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
27 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 9 students spent the morning immersed in a STEM based science show and an environment sustainability panel. They enjoyed a dynamic STEM show featuring exciting demonstrations (including a crowd-favourite robotic dog) before taking part in a Sustainability Q&A panel. The panel included Lis Bastian from the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative, Roger Attwater from Western Sydney University, Michael Laws from Teaching Tech, and our own Earth and Environmental Science teacher, Mrs Vicki Dodson. Students prepared thoughtful questions, engaged with experts, and deepened their understanding of human impacts on the environment, climate change, and sustainable futures. Thanks to Mrs Stephanie Wilkie for organising this fantastic morning of learning! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
After a highly successful debut in 2025, St Columba's Catholic College is proud to announce the return of the St Columba's Art Prize for 2026. This year's event offers a prize pool of more than $14,000, including a $10,000 Open Prize and $2,000 worth of Youth Prizes. Submissions open 1 December 2025. For all the details visit the St Columba's Art Prize website: https://columbasartprize.com.au/
Latest News More news
27 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 9 students spent the morning immersed in a STEM based science show and an environment sustainability panel. They enjoyed a dynamic STEM show featuring exciting demonstrations (including a crowd-favourite robotic dog) before taking part in a Sustainability Q&A panel. The panel included Lis Bastian from the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative, Roger Attwater from Western Sydney University, Michael Laws from Teaching Tech, and our own Earth and Environmental Science teacher, Mrs Vicki Dodson. Students prepared thoughtful questions, engaged with experts, and deepened their understanding of human impacts on the environment, climate change, and sustainable futures. Thanks to Mrs Stephanie Wilkie for organising this fantastic morning of learning! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
After a highly successful debut in 2025, St Columba's Catholic College is proud to announce the return of the St Columba's Art Prize for 2026. This year's event offers a prize pool of more than $14,000, including a $10,000 Open Prize and $2,000 worth of Youth Prizes. Submissions open 1 December 2025. For all the details visit the St Columba's Art Prize website: https://columbasartprize.com.au/
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Today, our Year 10 students had the profound honour of spending time with three Kinchella Boys Home survivors; Uncle Bobby, Uncle Will and Uncle Terry, who generously shared their stories in a powerful truth-telling session. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to the Uncles for their courage, wisdom and strength. Their voices are vital in helping our young people understand the truth of our shared history and the importance of walking together towards healing and justice. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Gloria, Lesley and DJ for their support and guidance throughout the visit. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud to have two students representing our College at the 2025 Australian Athletics All-School Championships 4-7 December in Melbourne. Douglas Penecost (Year 9) in Discus and Tyson Verriere (Year 10) in Triple Jump To qualify, Douglas and Tyson achieved the following wonderful results; NSW Athletics All-Schools Championships Douglas - 3rd in Discuss (48.93m) and 6th in Shot Put (13.25m) Tyson - 2nd in Triple Jump (12.74m) and 6th in Long Jump (5.89m) NSWCCC Athletics Championships Douglas - 1st in Shot Put, Discus and Hurdles. He was awarded NSWCCC Age Champion for the second year in a row. Tyron - 1st in Triple Jump Good luck to both of you - we will be cheering you on from Springwood! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
21 Nov 2025
From Facebook
The weather may have been cool this morning, but the welcome was warm for the St Columba’s Class of 2031! We’re delighted to host 250 Year 6 students from 38 primary schools - from Blackheath to Oxley Park and everywhere in between - as they join us for Orientation Day. Welcome to St Columba’s! #year6orientation #classof2031 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Earlier this month four of our dedicated Year 9 students attend the Walk the Talk Awards night at Parliament House NSW. Women's Community Shelters addresses domestic and family violence, and our Year 9 students have learned that it takes a whole-of-community effort! Our students got to hear Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, and Professor Steve Roberts from Monash University. A special thank you to Mr Born for taking the students to the awards night.
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Student Leaders spent a wonderful morning with our local Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP. Susan spoke with the group about leadership, life in the public eye, and the importance of remaining open to new opportunities throughout their career journeys. We are so grateful for the generous time she gave—answering all of their questions and offering thoughtful insights. She also met one-on-one with Tim, who this week was presented with the Susan Templeman Leadership in Action Award. We sincerely thank Susan for her ongoing support of St Columba’s and for investing in the leadership of our young people. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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.
18 Nov 2025
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!
12 Nov 2025
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.