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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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.
Latest News More news
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.
31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday St Columba’s had a team of Year 8 students compete in the WeSSSTA Geography Competition. There was some fierce competition and our team came 6th out of 24 teams - only 2 points from the top 4 teams!
25 Oct 2025
From Facebook
The College has had some excellent results at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza! Our lightweight steer placed 5th in his class and our midweight steer placed 4th in his class, and we still have paraders classes to come on Sunday. Congratulations to the students, who have been working hard and have done a great job presenting the College's animals, and an enormous thank you to the staff for all their work and support.
21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
🏆 Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day Champions! ⚽ St Columba's won championship titles in every age group at the Mountain Majik Futsal Gala Day in Katoomba on Monday. It was an incredible clean sweep for the College, with teams from Years 7, 8 and 9 dominating the competition and displaying outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork both on and off the court. The following teams won their grand final games to become Champions: ⚽ Year 7 Boys Team – Champions of the Year 7 Boys Pool. ⚽ Mixed Years 7 Team – Champions of the Mixed Years 7, 8 and 9 Pool. ⚽ Year 8 Boys Team – Futsal Champions for the Year 8 Boys Pool. ⚽ Year 9 Boys Team – Champions for the Year 9 Boys Pool after an exciting penalty shootout victory! ⚽ Year 9 Girls Team – Undefeated Champions of the Year 7/8/9 Girls Pool. Special congratulations to Archer (Y7) and Isla (Y7) who were awarded MVPs of the tournament and well done to all players for their fantastic effort, enthusiasm, and success throughout the day. 💪🎉
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC examinations today, they have the support and encouragement of the entire St Columba's community. We are tremendously proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Over the coming weeks we hold these students, as well as the families who love and care for them, in our hearts and prayers.
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Celebrating Our NAIDOC Cup Representatives! Over the holidays, Year 7 student Hunter and Year 8 student Henry proudly represented Football NSW in the NAIDOC Cup. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved - a true reflection of the school spirit and values we celebrate every day. Well done, Hunter and Henry! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
14 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We are so proud of Year 10 student and swimming superstar, Finn, who brought home multiple medals, and two national champion titles, from the New Zealand National Swimming Championships. Over an exhausting four days, Finn won two gold medals (1500m free 15 years, 400m free 15 years), one silver (800m free 15 years), and one bronze (200m free 15 years). What a stellar achievement!
11 Oct 2025
From Facebook
We’re so happy to see familiar faces on the Blue Mountains Youth Council and would encourage any of our students who are interested to have a go and apply! Blue Mountains City Council