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
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27 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 12 College Leadership Team recently joined student leaders from across the Parramatta Diocese at LIFTED Leaders 2026. The LIFTED Leaders program provides an opportunity for young leaders to connect, strategise and lead change in their communities. During the day the students heard from Bishop Vincent Long, who encouraged them to lead with courage and compassion, just as Jesus did. They shared their leadership goals for 2026 and discussed social justice and spirituality initiatives. This was a wonderful opportunity for our College leaders to reflect, learn and grow alongside other leaders within our Catholic schools.
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27 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 12 College Leadership Team recently joined student leaders from across the Parramatta Diocese at LIFTED Leaders 2026. The LIFTED Leaders program provides an opportunity for young leaders to connect, strategise and lead change in their communities. During the day the students heard from Bishop Vincent Long, who encouraged them to lead with courage and compassion, just as Jesus did. They shared their leadership goals for 2026 and discussed social justice and spirituality initiatives. This was a wonderful opportunity for our College leaders to reflect, learn and grow alongside other leaders within our Catholic schools.
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
OPEN AFTERNOON FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES We warmly invite families to visit St Columba's Catholic College for our Year 7, 2027 Open Afternoon on Tuesday 3 March 2026 from 4-6pm. Find out more and register your attendance here: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/stcolumbasspringwood#form-section We look forward to meeting you!
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are so pleased to share some of the wonderful success stories from the College's Class of 2025 in our HSC Achievements publication. You can find a copy in this week's @bmgazette.
17 Feb 2026
From Facebook
🥇NSW Champion! Congratulations James (Y8) on recently winning gold at the Athletics NSW State Combined Event Championships in the 14 boys heptathlon. James has qualified for the Australian Athletics Championships in Brisbane in April, where he will represent NSW in the heptathlon, 100m hurdles and 200m hurdles.
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We are incredibly proud of Year 12 (Class of 2025) student Noah Osbourne, who took on an unforgettable challenge after completing his HSC - sailing on a voyage with STS Young Endeavour. Following his exams, Noah stepped well outside his comfort zone, joining a crew of young people from across Australia to learn the skills of tall ship sailing, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Programs such as Young Endeavour offer our students a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and discover what they’re capable of beyond the classroom. Noah’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the value of saying 'yes' to new adventures after school. Well done, Noah — we can’t wait to see where your next voyage takes you! Interested in learning more about sailing with Young Endeavour? Visit: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
13 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Members of the Ag Show Team enjoyed the (literal) fruits of the labour yesterday, finally getting to eat the watermelon they planted last year! 🍉 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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