Pencils down - the last HSC written exams have just wrapped up, and students across NSW have a moment to breath as they wait for results to roll in.
At St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood, students finished their physics exam on Thursday, November 7, one of the last tests left on the timetable.
Students shared different thoughts and feelings as they left the exam room, but one sentiment was universal - relief.
"I thought [the exam] was good. It could've been better, I feel, but it could have been a lot worse," said physics student Marlowe Carey.
I feel very relieved, a lot of stress has just left now, so it's quite nice.
For student Jessica Nguyen the exam marks the start of a holiday, as she prepares for a trip to Japan to be followed by Schoolies with her friends.
"I feel very free, I can do whatever I want, and also excited," Jessica said.
Others are already starting their next challenge, such as student Lucy Hall who said: "I'm going overseas, I've got an internship... in preparation for uni."
The last written exam (for geography) was held on Friday, November 8. The next step will be the release of HSC Assessment Ranks, which will be available to students on Students Online for four weeks.
Each year more than 700,000 exam papers are printed for the HSC. Last year, more than 68,000 students completed their HSC.
Results for the 2024 HSC will be released on Wednesday, December 18.
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
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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
Latest News More news
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.
12 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Year 9 camp is off to a fabulous start! Our students are having a wonderful time challenging themselves with fun activities and spending time with their friends and teachers.
10 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Have a look at our Year 9 Elective Japanese students doing a wonderful job cooking yakisoba! This fun activity was the culmination of their unit of work on healthy eating and food habits in Japan.
10 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are thrilled to celebrate the spectacular water polo achievements of Nikolas (Y11) throughout 2025. This year Nikolas played five games for the Opens New Zealand Water Polo team and was named on the 2025 New Zealand U/18 National Water Polo team. He was selected in the Opens NSWCCC Water Polo Team (for the fourth year in a row!) and competed in the Australian Schools Water Polo Championships in Brisbane in August. These impressive achievements are no doubt the result of determination and hard work over many years. The St Columba's community is incredibly proud of Nikolas and we all look forward to supporting him as he continues his water polo success.
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, eight Year 9 students attended Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta where they received an award for their service throughout the year as Special Religious Education Catechists in two of our local public primary schools, Ellison Public School and Winmalee Public School. Their commitment to this important ministry has been evident throughout the year. Every week they turned up with enthusiasm and interest to share the Gospel in Scripture classes. They have been exceptional role models and are much loved by the primary school students. Mrs Anne Ellis has driven this program for many, many years. The students’ humble work is a testament to her tireless leadership and service. Thank you to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, for the support it has provided. Congratulations to all involved in this vital ministry!
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
👮♂️🤝🎓 Great things happen when community comes together! Today, Blue Mountains PAC, NSW Police Force Youth Command & Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese joined forces at a productive forum hosted by St Columba's College. 💬✨ Following our September Principal's Forum, this is another step in building strong partnerships for safer, more connected communities. 💙
03 Nov 2025
From Facebook
⭐TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY ⭐ To thank our teachers for their incredible care, enthusiasm, and commitment, the student leaders and Hospitality team at St Columba’s organised a magnificent morning tea in Columba Café to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on Friday 31 October. We are truly grateful for all the dedicated and hard working staff at the College.