Eighteen gold medals marked another outstanding year for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools at the 2026 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships, with students building on the Diocese’s strong tradition of success against the state’s best athletes.
Catherine McAuley Westmead’s Annisha Reader stole the spotlight with triple gold in the Girls 16 Years javelin, discus and hammer throw. It was another impressive step forward for Annisha, who won hammer gold, discus silver and javelin bronze at last year’s championships.
Harkeerat Singh from St Andrews College Marayong also celebrated three gold medals, taking top honours in the Boys 15–16 Years wheelchair 100m, discus and shot put.
James Schofield from St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill added to the gold rush with victories in the Boys 19 Years discus and shot put.
St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood enjoyed a golden double. Keeden Harrison won the Boys 17 Years 1500m, and at just 12 years old, Year 7 student Amelie Andrews was among the youngest CSPD athletes to top the podium after winning a thrilling Girls 12 Years 80m hurdles final in 13.16 seconds, just two-hundredths of a second ahead of the runner-up.
Penola Catholic College Emu Plains student Kai Cullens shone on the track, winning the Boys 17 Years 800m in an impressive 1:51.95 and collecting silver in both the 200m and 400m.
Parramatta Marist High School celebrated two champions, with Alex Spadaro winning the Boys 19 Years 110m hurdles and Aaron Chevalier claiming the Boys 16 Years javelin, an event he also won last year.
Kalisi Aualiitia and Taine Katalinic brought further success for Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, winning the Boys 16 Years hammer throw and Boys 15 Years high jump respectively.
Christopher Nilon from St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas backed up last year’s success with another gold in the 5000m race walk, this time in the Boys 17 Years division.
Isaac Portelli from Marian Catholic College Kenthurst secured the Boys 14 Years javelin title, while Hunter Stewart from Bede Polding College South Windsor claimed victory in the Boys 12 Years javelin. Hunter’s gold was a standout achievement in the championships’ youngest age group.
Simply qualifying to compete at this level is a significant achievement, and all participating students deserve congratulations for representing their schools.
2026 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships
GOLD
- Annisha Reader (Catherine McAuley Westmead) Girls 16 Years javelin - 34.43m
- Annisha Reader (Catherine McAuley Westmead) Girls 16 Years discus - 43.35m
- Annisha Reader (Catherine McAuley Westmead) Girls 16 Years hammer throw - 50.56m
- Harkeerat Singh (St Andrews College Marayong) Boys 15–16 Years wheelchair 100m (T54/F55) - 32.18 seconds
- Harkeerat Singh (St Andrews College Marayong) Boys 15–16 Years wheelchair discus (T54/F55) - 11.66m
- Harkeerat Singh (St Andrews College Marayong) Boys 15–16 Years wheelchair shot put (T54/F55) - 5.50m
- James Schofield (St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill) Boys 19 Years discus - 46.07m
- James Schofield (St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill) Boys 19 Years shot put - 15.72m
- Kai Cullens (Penola Catholic College Emu Plains) Boys 17 Years 800m - 1:51.95
- Alex Spadaro (Parramatta Marist High School) Boys 19 Years 110m hurdles - 15.27 seconds
- Aaron Chevalier (Parramatta Marist High School) Boys 16 Years javelin - 54.20m
- Kalisi Aualiitia (Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown) Boys 16 Years hammer throw - 59.73m
- Taine Katalinic (Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown) Boys 15 Years high jump - 1.92m
- Amelie Andrews (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Girls 12 Years 80m hurdles - 13.16 seconds
- Keeden Harrison (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Boys 17 Years 1500m - 4:00.50
- Christopher Nilon (St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas) Boys 17 Years 5000m race walk - 24:33.10
- Isaac Portelli (Marian Catholic College Kenthurst) Boys 14 Years javelin - 45.01mHunter Stewart (Bede Polding College South Windsor) Boys 12 Years javelin - 32.00m
SILVER
- Marlee Gill (Bede Polding College South Windsor) Girls 17 Years javelin - 44.55m
- Mia Tannous (Catherine McAuley Westmead) Girls 12 Years shot put - 10.29m
- Beau Adams (Marian Catholic College Kenthurst) Boys 15 Years 1500m - 4:04.18
- Beau Adams (Marian Catholic College Kenthurst) Boys 15 Years 3000m - 9:05.83
- Xavier Zahra (Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown) Boys 15 Years 2000m steeplechase - 6:25.62
- Sarah Galea (Xavier College Llandilo) Girls 15 Years javelin - 37.69m
- Sarah Galea (Xavier College Llandilo) Girls 15 Years shot put - 12.40m
- Kael Brown (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Boys 17 Years 400m hurdles - 56.34 seconds
- Alton Freeman (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Boys 17 Years 3000m - 8:56.42
- Douglas Pentecost (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Boys 15 Years shot put - 15.87m
- Jenna Rhodes (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Girls 14 Years triple jump - 10.92m
- Bronte Parkin (St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields) Girls 16 Years high jump - 1.55m
- Ruby Kernaghan (Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill) Girls 16 Years 400m - 57.78 seconds
- Caitlyn Martin (Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill) Girls 17 Years high jump - 1.66m
- Kai Cullens (Penola Catholic College Emu Plains) Boys 17 Years 200m - 22.07 seconds
- Kai Cullens (Penola Catholic College Emu Plains) Boys 17 Years 400m - 47.76 seconds
- Lincoln Moore (Penola Catholic College Emu Plains) Boys 14 Years 3000m race walk - 15:30.64
BRONZE
- Keira Gill (Bede Polding College South Windsor) Girls 13 Years javelin - 37.80m
- Isaac Portelli (Marian Catholic College Kenthurst) Boys 14 Years discus - 46.42m
- Xavier Zahra (Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown) Boys 15 Years 1500m - 4:05.54
- Alexander Simpson (St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood) Boys 13 Years triple jump - 11.12m
- Emme Avellino-Laidlaw (St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens) Girls 13 Years shot put - 11.15m
- Sienna Jackson (St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens) Girls 15 Years triple jump - 11.09m
- Alexander Nguyen (St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes) Boys 14 Years triple jump - 12.39m
- Kushal Mariguddi (St Andrews College Marayong) Boys 19 Years triple jump - 13.05m
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
31 Oct 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud of the way our students (and steers!) represented St Columba's at Australia's largest youth livestock event, the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. Thirteen students have just returned from three exciting days in Scone. They took part in competitions and spent valuable time with industry professionals and agriculture students from across the state. Congratulations to the following students who placed in their parader classes: ⭐Summah G (Y8) 5th ⭐Ivy J (Y7) 3rd ⭐Eva B (Y12) 4th The students, whilst working hard, thoroughly enjoyed their time at the event. They competed against the best of the best, networked with leaders in the industry, and had the opportunity to consider future career options. The College sincerely thanks Ms Sibbald and Mr Watson for all their time and work at the event, as well as the parents who travelled to Scone to support their children as they do what they love.30 Oct 2026
From Facebook
The Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award students completed their Qualifying Adventurous Journey from Mt Victoria to Blackheath via the Blue Gum Forest in Week 1 of Term 4. With the support of Mr D'Souza and Mrs McCallum, the students took on 3 rainy days and 2 very rainy nights and lived to tell the tale! Please take the time to read the article written by Bonnie in Year 10 below - it will give you a good insight into the experience. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award From steep mountain descents and muddy creek crossings to rainy nights and unforgettable memories, the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Silver Qualifying Adventurous Journey from the 14th to the 16th of October in the beautiful Upper Blue Mountains. Beginning at the Victoria Falls car park, the group set off towards Asgard Head, Thor’s Head and the abandoned Asgard mine and kiln to explore the area and learn a little bit of local history. At the beginning of their exploration, students explored Victoria Falls and Silver Cascades, navigating slippery rocks and challenging declines while still sharing plenty of laughs. Despite the unpredictable weather, muddy tracks and leeches, the group's energy and enthusiasm remained high. After a demanding first day, with the size of our packs weighing us down, students reached Burra Korain campground, where they set up camp, explored the nearby creek, played cards and held the first Tribal Council of the trip. The following morning, after a long sleep, the group packed up and set off on a 10km walk to Acacia Flat, travelling alongside the Grose River and through the stunning Blue Gum Forest. Battling rain, muddy tracks and even more leeches, the group continued to encourage one another, stopping along the way for lunch, snacks and more moments of fun. After reaching Acacia Flat, the group set up camp for the second night, preparing for what would be a slightly wetter evening. Between cooking dinner, dealing with curious possums and reflecting during another memorable Tribal Council, students made the most of their final night together. Friday morning brought an early start, with students waking up sore and tired before breaking camp in the comfortably gloomy weather. After breakfast and an amazing early morning yoga session, the group set off on their final walk towards Evans Lookout, once again battling creek crossings, helping one another along the way, exploring around the Govetts Leap track and rock hopping over rock pools. Before beginning the final steep climb, everyone gathered to sing “Columba.” The climb tested everyone's determination with exhaustion setting in, though spirits remained strong. Tears were shed, yet big smiles followed as students reached the summit, proud of how far they had come. The journey concluded with one final Tribal Council, where everyone shared their favourite moments and reflected on what this experience had meant to them. It was a reminder that while we all shared the one track, our experience of the trip was uniquely personal. Through the discomfort, exhaustion, and unexpected challenges, students discovered that the journey's true value extended far beyond reaching the finish line, leaving them with lasting memories, a shared sense of pride, and excitement about the potential to pursue the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award next year. A special thank you goes to Mr D’Souza and Mrs McCallum for making the journey possible, providing wonderful guidance and support, and joining in with the group's many jokes throughout the expedition. Congratulations to all the Silver Duke of Edinburgh students on completing their Qualifying Journey!
Latest News More news
05 Nov 2026
CSPD students strike gold at NSW All Schools
Eighteen gold medals marked another outstanding year for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools at the 2026 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships, with students building on the Diocese’s strong tradition of success against the state’s best athletes.
31 Oct 2026
From Facebook
We are so proud of the way our students (and steers!) represented St Columba's at Australia's largest youth livestock event, the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. Thirteen students have just returned from three exciting days in Scone. They took part in competitions and spent valuable time with industry professionals and agriculture students from across the state. Congratulations to the following students who placed in their parader classes: ⭐Summah G (Y8) 5th ⭐Ivy J (Y7) 3rd ⭐Eva B (Y12) 4th The students, whilst working hard, thoroughly enjoyed their time at the event. They competed against the best of the best, networked with leaders in the industry, and had the opportunity to consider future career options. The College sincerely thanks Ms Sibbald and Mr Watson for all their time and work at the event, as well as the parents who travelled to Scone to support their children as they do what they love.
30 Oct 2026
From Facebook
The Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award students completed their Qualifying Adventurous Journey from Mt Victoria to Blackheath via the Blue Gum Forest in Week 1 of Term 4. With the support of Mr D'Souza and Mrs McCallum, the students took on 3 rainy days and 2 very rainy nights and lived to tell the tale! Please take the time to read the article written by Bonnie in Year 10 below - it will give you a good insight into the experience. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award From steep mountain descents and muddy creek crossings to rainy nights and unforgettable memories, the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Silver Qualifying Adventurous Journey from the 14th to the 16th of October in the beautiful Upper Blue Mountains. Beginning at the Victoria Falls car park, the group set off towards Asgard Head, Thor’s Head and the abandoned Asgard mine and kiln to explore the area and learn a little bit of local history. At the beginning of their exploration, students explored Victoria Falls and Silver Cascades, navigating slippery rocks and challenging declines while still sharing plenty of laughs. Despite the unpredictable weather, muddy tracks and leeches, the group's energy and enthusiasm remained high. After a demanding first day, with the size of our packs weighing us down, students reached Burra Korain campground, where they set up camp, explored the nearby creek, played cards and held the first Tribal Council of the trip. The following morning, after a long sleep, the group packed up and set off on a 10km walk to Acacia Flat, travelling alongside the Grose River and through the stunning Blue Gum Forest. Battling rain, muddy tracks and even more leeches, the group continued to encourage one another, stopping along the way for lunch, snacks and more moments of fun. After reaching Acacia Flat, the group set up camp for the second night, preparing for what would be a slightly wetter evening. Between cooking dinner, dealing with curious possums and reflecting during another memorable Tribal Council, students made the most of their final night together. Friday morning brought an early start, with students waking up sore and tired before breaking camp in the comfortably gloomy weather. After breakfast and an amazing early morning yoga session, the group set off on their final walk towards Evans Lookout, once again battling creek crossings, helping one another along the way, exploring around the Govetts Leap track and rock hopping over rock pools. Before beginning the final steep climb, everyone gathered to sing “Columba.” The climb tested everyone's determination with exhaustion setting in, though spirits remained strong. Tears were shed, yet big smiles followed as students reached the summit, proud of how far they had come. The journey concluded with one final Tribal Council, where everyone shared their favourite moments and reflected on what this experience had meant to them. It was a reminder that while we all shared the one track, our experience of the trip was uniquely personal. Through the discomfort, exhaustion, and unexpected challenges, students discovered that the journey's true value extended far beyond reaching the finish line, leaving them with lasting memories, a shared sense of pride, and excitement about the potential to pursue the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award next year. A special thank you goes to Mr D’Souza and Mrs McCallum for making the journey possible, providing wonderful guidance and support, and joining in with the group's many jokes throughout the expedition. Congratulations to all the Silver Duke of Edinburgh students on completing their Qualifying Journey!
24 Oct 2026
From Facebook
The 2026 Australian Short Course Swimming Championship was held 29 September to 3 October at Sydney Olympic Park. This event served as the official selection trials for the Australian team. Huge congratulations to Year 11 student Finn Kelly won a silver medal in the 1500m and made the finals in the 800m. *Published with permission Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP read a speech from our very own Abby R. (Year 12) in Parliament as part of the Raise Our Voice initiative. Congratulations Abby, for having your speech selected and having your voice amplified! You can watch Susan reading Abby's speech here: https://youtu.be/1NL9BmxvRD8?si=PQmpLK__dCHXCI9F #raiseourvoice #CostOfLiving
13 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Our thoughts are with our Year 12 students begin their Higher School Certificate examinations today. We hope they are confident and calm, and know they have the support of the entire College community.
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to Year 12 student Sam, who has received a NESA Showcase nomination for SHAPE 2026 for his outstanding Design and Technology Major Project! Drawing on his passion for snow skiing, Sam identified an opportunity to develop an innovative new product for snow skiers, taking his idea through the design and development process to create an impressive Major Project worthy of recognition at state level. SHAPE showcases a selection of outstanding HSC Design and Technology projects from across NSW, making this nomination a fantastic recognition of Sam’s creativity, innovation, problem-solving and many hours of hard work. A massive shout-out also to Sam’s teacher, Ms Jodie Cusack, whose expertise, encouragement and dedication have supported Sam throughout the development of his project. Guiding a student from an initial idea all the way through to a SHAPE-nominated Major Project is an achievement well worth celebrating! We are incredibly proud of you, Sam. What a fantastic way to turn something you love into something innovative! ⛷️ *Image published with permission. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and farewell the Class of 2026. We thank them for their leadership, friendship and service to the St Columba's Catholic College community. It is with great excitement we watch them prepare to spread their wings beyond the College and share their light with the world. Graduates, as you explore, discover and learn in the years ahead, know you will always be cherished members of the St Columba's family. We wish you tremendous happiness and peace.
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
On 1st September 2026, our school community welcomed Miles Merrill, a dynamic and professional spoken word artist from Word Travels, to deliver a unique poetry workshop at St Columba’s Catholic College. This special session brought together a group of selected Year 9 students to collaborate with one of Australia’s leading voices in performance poetry. Our students participated in the " Slam Poetry Wordshop" which is far from your average writing class. The session kicked off with captivating live performances from Miles Merrill, which immediately sparked our students' creative energy. With a unique focus on writing specifically for live performance, the workshop provided our Year 9s with exciting new techniques to plan, structure, and truly engage with the writing and performance process. During the interactive session, each student drew inspiration from their own personal experiences, community, and identity to create and confidently perform a brand-new piece of poetry. The workshop successfully taught students powerful new ways to express their creative ideas by utilising: • Volume • Movement • Pacing • Sound effects • Sensory imagery and a range of other engaging devices We are proud of the immense creativity, vulnerability, and courage our Year 9 students showed throughout the day. We look forward to seeing how they continue to use their voices to share their stories with the world! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
23 Sep 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday 14th September, Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Practice Adventurous Journey in Glenbrook. The students plotted their route, shouldered their hiking packs full of food, water, tents and poles, and were all smiles setting off on their adventure. The Practice trip took them into Glenbrook Gorge, where rock-hopping met creek-crossing and soggy shoes, to Red Hands Cave, learning about the history of the Darug people, camping at the beautiful Apple Tree Flat to the distant sounds of “Columba” by the campfire, and finally to Tunnel View Lookout, watching the sun rise over a sleepy Western Sydney. The students progressed well as individuals and as a group, and are prepared for their upcoming Qualifying Journey in Term 4. A special thank you to Mrs Brough and Mr D'Souza for giving up their time to join the group on their expedition. Good luck Year 10 Silvers for your upcoming Qualifying Journey! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
20 Sep 2026
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to Year 12 students Emily and Reni, who last night graduated from the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District VET in Schools program! Over the past two years, alongside their HSC studies, Emily and Reni have worked incredibly hard to achieve their qualifications: 🌟 Emily: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance 🌟 Reni: Certificate III in Assistant in Nursing These qualifications represent so much more than classroom learning. Both students have spent long hours in hospitals, undertaken practical placements, embraced new challenges and pushed themselves well beyond their comfort zones. Their dedication and determination have certainly paid off! With their qualifications now complete and university early entry offers already in hand, both young women are well on their way to exciting careers in healthcare. We couldn't be prouder of Emily and Reni for the initiative, commitment and courage they have shown in pursuing their career aspirations while still at school. What an incredible way to finish Year 12! Congratulations, girls! *Published with permission. Nepean Blue Mountains Health Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Drama Stars who have received nominations in the ONSTAGE HSC Showcase! Zahara, Koby, Hakopa and Gabriel who received a group nomination for their Group Performance, 'The Mysterious Case of the Missing Mutt' and Jemima, Koby and Zahara who all received nominations for their Individual Performances. Outstanding effort from everyone! A very special congratulations also to Mrs Carmen Noonan, whose expertise, passion and dedication have supported and inspired our Drama students throughout their HSC journey. To have five students receive ONSTAGE nominations is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful reflection of Carmen’s commitment to nurturing the talent, creativity and confidence of her students. *Photos published with permission of the families. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese