Jacob visited lots of sites in Japan
Jacob Peters from Year 10 at St Columba’s High School, Springwood was one of only four students selected from NSW to attend a 10-day study trip to Japan as part of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) funded by the Japanese government.
Participating schools were selected by the Consulate General of Japan based on having very active and successful Japanese language programs. St Columba’s has been selected to participate three times since December 2013 and eight senior students have now visited Japan.
A group of 18 students experienced the Japanese culture through home-stays, site-visits and school exchange programs. Jacob was actively involved in all the events and demonstrated his maturity, responsible attitude and passion in learning Japanese.
Japanese teacher Mrs Shizue Sato said Jacob represented the St Columba’s community and Australia extremely well. ‘We are very proud of his achievement. Congratulations Jacob!’
Jacob says the trip was an experience he will never forget.
‘This trip provided me with very unique experiences that have allowed me to gain a better insight into Japanese lifestyle and culture,’ he said. ‘It has also allowed me to experience personal growth both in my understanding of other cultures and Japanese language skills.’
‘The trip was fantastic and I was struck by the great kindness and generosity shown to all of us from the Japanese people,’ said Jacob. ‘During the trip I travelled to Tokyo and Toyama - two places that are unique in their own way.’
‘Toyama is one of my favorite places in Japan so far as the people were kind, caring and friendly, which made me feel welcome in their community,’ said Jacob. ‘I hope to return to that prefecture one day and experience its beauty once again.’
Throughout the JENESYS program I got to share my knowledge of the Japanese language,’ said Jacob. ‘I learnt a lot during this trip, it was a fantastic opportunity and it has complimented my studies in Japanese.
‘The JENESYS program created a lot of great opportunities for my future but mainly wonderful and happy memories that will stay with me forever.’
‘I would like to thank St Columba’s for the opportunity to study Japanese and increase my understanding of a culture so different to our own,’ said Jacob.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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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!
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.
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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!
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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
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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
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From Facebook
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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
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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