We help every student shine
At St Columba’s, we believe it is important for students to pursue interests to find what they are passionate about. We give them exposure to a range of exciting opportunities to unlock their creative potential, develop a talent or follow a passion.
We help every student shine
Creative and Performing Arts
St Columba's has a strong reputation for the performing arts with many activities and programs in music, drama and dance.
Our student’s achievements are consistently recognised beyond the school. There are opportunities to perform across the school year, including at our annual performing arts showcase.
The Performing Arts Centre boasts music classrooms and performance spaces. We are excited by the ongoing construction of our Creative Arts hub which will feature specialist visual arts studios.
Creative and Performing Arts
School Sport
Sport is a valued part of a school’s curriculum, contributing to the development of the whole child by providing opportunities for social, physical, emotional and moral learning. Participation, enjoyment and skill development are the cornerstones of school sport. Representative pathways are also available through the Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Schools Sports Council.
Extensive opportunities to participate in sports include:
- Touch football
- Netball
- Rugby League
- Soccer
- Cricket
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
School Sport
Social Justice
The heart of St Columba's is expressed by our motto: 'To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with our God.'
St Columba’s students give expression to these values by participating in service to the community through a variety of activities. Students who elect to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme also complete a community service component.
In recent years, our community has participated in outreach and fundraising for the following organisations:
- Project Compassion (Caritas Australia)
- Think Outside the Square Knitting Challenge
- St Vincent de Paul’s Vinnies Van, Winter Appeal and Christmas hampers
- Ignite Food Bank (Jesuit Social Services)
- Edmund Rice Centre camps
- CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains
Social Justice
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Students at St Columba's have a proud tradition of participating in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award scheme. This rigorous framework broadens student's horizons through physical challenges, volunteering activities and personal growth.
In recent years, students have completed their Duke of Edinburgh's Qualifying Adventure Journey with an unforgettable hiking experience in New Zealand.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Developing global citizens
St Columba’s enjoys a sister school relationship with Hokusetsu Senior High in Sanda, Japan. Students from both schools can participate in a six-month cultural exchange program.
Developing global citizens
Excellence in agriculture
Our farm is home to a range of animals, allowing students to learn about proper care, handling and husbandry skills. Horticultural skills are taught through mesh enclosed garden plots and a climate-controlled hot house.
The St Columba’s Catholic College Agricultural Show Team has won numerous individual and team awards, including prizes at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW show, the Penrith Show, and the Hawkesbury Show.
Excellence in agriculture
Excursions, Camps and Retreats
Every student loves to get out of the classroom and explore.
Our students benefit greatly from school trips where they are able to observe new things not available at school such as rare and exotic wildlife and plants, different cultures and the stories of our history. These experiences lead to deeper understanding of learning subjects.
Camps and retreats are also wonderful opportunities for students to develop independence, grow in faith, form strong friendships and make life-long memories.
The following are some other extra-curricular activities that may be offered at St Columba’s.
Lions Club Youth of the Year
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Students Forum
Tournament of Minds
Write-A-Book-In-A-Day
Young Writers Showcase
NSW Rural Fire Service Cadets
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Mini Da Vinci Challenge
Chess Gala Day
Tree planting with Rotary
Australian Army Cadets
Book Week
NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
Debating and public speaking competitions
Blue Mountains Youth Council
NSW Parliament Young Women’s Leadership Seminar
Want an education that’s more than just the basics?
Join St Columba’s today for a holistic approach to schooling.