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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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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05 May 2026
From Facebook
We were delighted to welcome the Year 6 students and teachers from St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood yesterday to visit the St Columba's Art Prize exhibition. Our visitors engaged thoughtfully with the artworks, showing great respect and curiosity throughout. It was wonderful to hear the insightful questions being asked as students explored the exhibition. A special mention to Francesca, who shared a particularly perceptive observation about 'Mano Po', an artwork by a Year 11 student from Nagle College, Blacktown South . It is fantastic seeing students from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese connecting through art. Thank you to staff and students from Tommies for visiting - we loved having you!
04 May 2026
From Facebook
Thanks and thanks and ever thanks to the amazing crew at Belle Property Lower Blue Mountains - We LOVE having you as our Youth Prize Major Sponsor. Thank you for your generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the St Columba's Art Prize. We could not be more grateful!
Latest News More news
05 May 2026
From Facebook
We were delighted to welcome the Year 6 students and teachers from St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood yesterday to visit the St Columba's Art Prize exhibition. Our visitors engaged thoughtfully with the artworks, showing great respect and curiosity throughout. It was wonderful to hear the insightful questions being asked as students explored the exhibition. A special mention to Francesca, who shared a particularly perceptive observation about 'Mano Po', an artwork by a Year 11 student from Nagle College, Blacktown South . It is fantastic seeing students from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese connecting through art. Thank you to staff and students from Tommies for visiting - we loved having you!
04 May 2026
From Facebook
Thanks and thanks and ever thanks to the amazing crew at Belle Property Lower Blue Mountains - We LOVE having you as our Youth Prize Major Sponsor. Thank you for your generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the St Columba's Art Prize. We could not be more grateful!
02 May 2026
From Facebook
Be like Susan Templeman MP - Visit the St Columba's Art Prize this weekend - open Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm. We can't wait to welcome you - straight up the driveway and through the arch into the quad.
26 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We have had a great start in Agriculture in Term 2. Our dairy cross calves for Penrith show have arrived. Students will be caring for them and preparing them for the show ring in August. On Friday we took a team of 13 students to the Hawkesbury show for the Cattle judging competition. Three year 8 students made it into the speaking final, with some great results: Frank coming 1st, Emily 3rd and Seth 5th in the 11-14 years final.
26 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We have had a great start in Agriculture in Term 2. Our dairy cross calves for Penrith show have arrived. Students will be caring for them and preparing them for the show ring in August. On Friday we took a team of 13 students to the Hawkesbury Show for the cattle judging competition. Three Year 8 students made it into the speaking final, with some great results: Frank coming 1st, Emily 3rd and Seth 5th in the 11-14 years final. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This time next week! We can’t wait until the St Columba's Art Prize opens - what about you?
21 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Alexander (Y12) on his selection in the NSW All Schools Cricket team. We wish him all the best as he competes in the Australian All Schools Cricket Championships next week in Maroochydore, Queensland.
15 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Amelie (Y7) on winning a silver medal at the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane! Amelie competed against the best young athletes in Australia, finishing in second place in the under 12 girls 80m hurdles and fourth place in the under 12 girls long jump. What a fantastic achievement!
14 Apr 2026
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06 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud of Ellie (Y11) who recently won three silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Ellie had a phenomenal week of racing, finishing second in the Under 23 lightweight double, second in the Under 23 lightweight quad, and second in the lightweight Open eight. These fantastic achievements are testament to the hard work and determination Ellie has displayed this season. Congratulations!
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
It was a joy to receive the latest edition of the Diocese of Lismore's publication, Catholic Life, featuring a beautiful article on our Foundation Principal, Sr Anne Henson pbvm. The piece reflects on Sr Anne’s remarkable life of faith, service and leadership, including her role in founding St Columba’s and the lasting legacy she continues to leave in our community and beyond. Our sincere thanks to Barry Da Silva for writing this wonderful tribute and for kindly sending us a copy. You can read the whole magazine (March 2026) here: https://www.lismorediocese.org/catholic-life-magazine/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Catholic Schools NSW
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Our Show Team has had a fantastic start to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. On Wednesday, Olivia and Jovina competed strongly in the paraders classes, with Olivia awarded Highly Commended in a very competitive field. Jovina and Eva also took part in the Young Judges Competition. On Thursday, our students and steers again represented the College proudly, while our display teams achieved outstanding results, placing 1st in Pumpkin and Produce and 3rd in Native Floral Display. Congratulations to Mackenna and Heidi in Year 10, and Lillia and Charlotte in Year 12, on their beautiful displays, and well done to all students involved. A special thank you to Mrs Sibbald for her support of our students throughout the Show. Sydney Royal Easter Show Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese