On Tuesday 22nd July, ex-St Columba’s pupil Claire Zorn, came to the school to launch her new novel ‘The Protected’.
The successful, published author delivered a captivating and impressive presentation followed by an insightful writing workshop for aspiring authors. Claire’s talk was inspiring and sincere. She moved the audience with her personal experiences from which her writing is heavily influenced. She spoke of her favourite literature, growing up in the Blue Mountains and of the challenges she has faced during her writing.
During the writer’s workshop, Claire provided tips on beginning novels, how to collaborate your ideas and enjoying writing. Claire Zorn had an enthusiastic and lively personality, which encouraged students to embrace and appreciate literature. Her two stories, ‘The Sky So Heavy’ and ‘The Protected’, are award winning, remarkable books.
I thoroughly adored Claire Zorn’s book launch, and I am positive that every student who attended that day found her both engaging and thought provoking.
Jasmine Sharp | Y8
St Columba's Catholic College Springwood
www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au
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04 Feb 2025
From Facebook
During the holidays, our College Captains, Sam and Alana attended a leadership workshop at Macquarie University. Both students agreed that it was a fantastic day and a great learning opportunity. Huge thanks to Macquarie University for providing these experiences for our students. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese![1079941253928892_1109641497625534-1]()
04 Feb 2025
From Facebook
St Columba's Catholic College Class of 2030 has arrived! A huge welcome to the 216 Year 7 students who have joined our school community today. We are so pleased that you are here. Let the adventure begin! #firstdayofhighschool #welcometoStColumbas Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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04 Feb 2025
From Facebook
During the holidays, our College Captains, Sam and Alana attended a leadership workshop at Macquarie University. Both students agreed that it was a fantastic day and a great learning opportunity. Huge thanks to Macquarie University for providing these experiences for our students. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
04 Feb 2025
From Facebook
St Columba's Catholic College Class of 2030 has arrived! A huge welcome to the 216 Year 7 students who have joined our school community today. We are so pleased that you are here. Let the adventure begin! #firstdayofhighschool #welcometoStColumbas Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
31 Jan 2025
From Facebook
We begin the year with some wonderful sporting news! Finn (Y10) recently won a bronze medal in the Boys 15 years 5km swim at the Australian Open Water Championships in Busselton, Western Australia. Finn fractured his femur in late September 2024, but was determined it would not hold him back. He resumed swimming training in December 2024 and only six weeks later he finished third in the Australian Championships! This year's bronze medal makes it back-to-back national medals for Finn! What a fantastic achievement!
30 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Last week, Year 12 student Taylah Cowley spent two days participating in the Western Civilisation Summer School Program at Australian Catholic University (ACU). The program provided an insight into the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) and gave Taylah the opportunity to meet with academics and other prospective Western Civ students. Thanks to ACU for providing these opportunities to our students. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
23 Jan 2025
From Facebook
The second day in Hiroshima began by SCCC students catching a tram, then a train, then a ferry in order to reach Miyajima Island. Here, students saw the famous “floating” Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate. Plenty of exploring time meant experiencing the various delicious treats of the island, including oysters and momiji manju. After another ferry and train ride, students walked to the top of Hiroshima castle, which was restored in the late 1950’s. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
22 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday began by travelling from Kyoto to Hiroshima via Shinkansen. A trip that would take about four and a half hours by car took just over an hour and a half! SCCC students experienced a sombre day visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Park, the flame of peace and Genbaku dome (the only structure still standing within the blast zone). The evening mood was more light-hearted with students learning how to cook their own (Hiroshima style) okonomiyaki! 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
21 Jan 2025
From Facebook
On Monday, SCCC students had a very busy day! After their first night staying in a traditional ryokan, they embarked on a one hour train ride to Nara. Here they saw the inspiring Todai-ji, a Buddhist Temple complex. The best-known relic at Todaiji Temple is its Daibutsu, a colossal statue that, with 15 meters (49 feet) in height, is the world's largest gilded bronze Buddha. It is housed in an all-wood building, the Daibutsu-den, 48 meters (157 feet) in height, the largest wooden building in the world. Outside the complex is Nara Deer Park, where the deer roam freely and can be fed with special food. The students loved this activity! After lunch and another train trip, students took part in a kyo yuzen workshop, where they got to create their own traditional handkerchief with traditional printing methods. Dinner was a fun and busy experience in the Nishiki Market. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
20 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Kyoto! SCCC students were sightseeing titans yesterday, walking about 20000 steps! First stop was the beautiful town of Arashiyama. A walk across the river and a visit to the bamboo grove was followed by a delicious lunch. There were many sweet treats to be tasted including honey bear cakes and strawberry mochi. Next up was a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the golden Buddhist temple and then the magnificent Kyoto Imperial Palace, where both the architecture and the gardens were equally impressive. Last stop was Kiyomizu-dera temple which is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Here students walked the many steps to the wide viewing platform and could drink from the falls to promote longevity, good health and success in studies. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
19 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Saturday was an absolutely glorious day in Osaka for SCCC students. Beautiful sunshine was the order of the day for the visit to USJ. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
18 Jan 2025
From Facebook
The last full day at Hokusan saw SCCC students spend the day in class with their host sibling. At the end of the day Hokusan Tea Club students prepared a special tea and sweet treat as part of the farewell party for SCCC. Students were formally farewelled by the Hokusan Assistant Principal. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
17 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Thursday was the first day SCCC students followed a full Hokusan timetable - seven fifty minute lessons followed by ikebana club! The club activities for our students included card games and flower arranging. 💙💛🤍🇯🇵
16 Jan 2025
From Facebook
Wednesday was a wonderful day of laughter and collaboration at Hokusan for our SCCC students. Students started the day with a Geography lesson from the school Principal (who gifted SCCC students with the Japanese sweet “Koala’s March”), followed by Level 3 (Year 12) students teaching how to make Makizushi! A beautiful Calligraphy lesson was followed by a fun-filled Music lesson on the koto. The day ended with some more presentations from both schools, culminating in the Nutbush and planning for the USJ visit on Saturday 💙💛🤍🇯🇵