Georgia Hammond, Year 12 student at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood, playing the French horn.
As early entry offers for universities reach schools across the state, St Columba's student Georgia Hammond has received a "dream come true" with an invitation to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Known colloquially as "The Con", the conservatorium of the University of Sydney is one of the most prestigious and acclaimed music schools in the country.
Ms Hammond, a talented French horn player, had listed The Con as her first choice for further study - but it had been her goal long before any application process.
"I remember from an early age I knew that I wanted to do something with music, and when I found out about the conservatorium I thought that was the place for me. So definitely a dream come true," she told the Gazette.
[Receiving the offer] was crazy, I couldn't believe it to be honest. Relief, excitement, just crazy.
Georgia Hammond standing by the quadrangle at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood.
Ms Hammond picked up the French horn in her primary school band at St Thomas Aquinas in Springwood.
Discovering her love for the instrument, she continued playing it through high school at St Columba's Catholic College.
Driven by her passion Ms Hammond also took up daily practice, tutor sessions, and extracurricular roles in Mountains Youth Band and some select Sydney orchestras.
A proud school
Her music teacher, Rob Badman, said the news of her early entry offer was "exciting, but not entirely surprising", given her effort and determination to improve.
"[Seeing] over a number of years of Georgia's enthusiasm, willingness to stretch outside of what she might be used to musically, and all those sorts of things, has just made her a much more versatile musician," Mr Badman said.
The school's Partnership and Pathways Coach Nicky Alsemgeest said: "Music here at St Columba's is second to none. All of our staff, including Rob, are just pure gold. If you see the kids who do music here, they flourish."
Ms Hammond will study a Bachelor of Music (Performance), and hopes to climb the ranks of professional orchestras throughout Australia after graduating.
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music opened in 1915 and is one of the oldest music schools in Australia.
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
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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.
Latest News More news
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!
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
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
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