Ben Tracey from Springwood and Ryley Smith from Glenbrook travelled to Queensland on Saturday to spend eight days competing in the School Sport Australia National Championships.
It follows a rigorous selection process which began in September. The boys made the NSW Combined Catholic College Cricket Team, then competed against the state’s best cricketers from public and private schools at trials in December and January, to make the final cut.
The boys are part of the 26-player squad, making up the teams NSW Green and NSW Magenta.
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
-
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.
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
Latest News More news
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.
18 Dec 2025
Catholic schools across Western Sydney celebrate HSC success
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is celebrating another outstanding year of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results as students from 22 secondary schools receive their results.
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our Class of 2025 HSC Results! Today we proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Class of 2025. We are enormously proud of each and every student for their dedication, resilience, and commitment throughout their HSC journey. A heartfelt congratulations to our graduates on this fantastic milestone, and a sincere thank you to our incredible staff whose expertise, care, and tireless support made these achievements possible. Well done to all - we couldn’t be prouder! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Olivia Hanlon who has been recognised by Zonta Club of The Blue Mountains and awarded the Deadly Futures scholarship for Year 12. Well done Liv! And thanks to the wonderful Sandra McMurtrie and all of the Zonta Club who support our women and girls. You can find out more about the work of Zonta by heading over to their Facebook page. Be sure to give them a 'like' and support their work where you can! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
This morning Year 9 were treated to a presentation by Australian Olympian, Joshua Katz. Josh spoke of his journey with Judo, about setting goals and rising up to overcome disappointment. His presentation, part of the fantastic #OlympicsUnleashed program, inspired us all to set some goals and give them our best shot. Thanks Josh for sharing your story with us! Australian Olympic Team Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Judo Australia
10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our outstanding students who have been recognised with NSW CCC Blue Awards for their exceptional achievements in sport. Keeden Harrison (Cross Country) and Nikolas Selby (Water Polo) have each demonstrated remarkable skill, leadership, determination, and sportsmanship throughout 2025. Their success at state and national levels, along with the integrity and commitment they show in representing our College and NSW Catholic Schools, is truly inspiring. Congratulations to both Keeden and Nikolas on this prestigious honour - a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and excellence in their respective sports. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Fifteen of our students headed to Bucklands Nursing Home this morning with Mr Badman, Mr Silvestrini and Nicky to share some Christmas cheer through song. Our Japanese exchange student, Ryoka, brought an extra touch of magic by gifting residents beautiful origami Christmas decorations - she hand-made more than 100! - along with crocheted stars lovingly created by staff and students. This is our third year visiting Bucklands to sing carols, and it’s a tradition that continues to bring so much joy to the residents. Our students absolutely love the experience too and always come away feeling uplifted and inspired. A heart-warming morning all round. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Did you catch this story in the Blue Mountains Gazette a couple of weeks ago? Since then, two of our incredible Year 7 students, Elsie Watson and Lucy Roberts (along with another friend), have powered through their goal of swimming 82 kilometres, twice the length of the Gaza Strip, in a remarkable act of solidarity and compassion. We are so proud to share that the girls have now completed every one of their kilometres and have raised an extraordinary $4,720 to support children in Gaza through UNICEF. Their determination, empathy and quiet leadership are truly inspiring. Congratulations to these young women for showing what can be achieved when courage meets kindness. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese