Established in 1979, St Columba’s encourages the pursuit of personal excellence and the development of potential within traditions of Catholicism and the Gospel. Set in 365 hectares of bushland, the students not only receive quality education, but also learn to appreciate the history and heritage of the St Columba’s site.
Facilities: Library, laptop program, electronic media laboratories, chapel, learning centre, specialist rooms for practical subjects, two small halls, Senior study room, sports fields, courts, school farm.
Electives Years 7 to 10: In addition to the core subjects, St Columba’s also offers Geography, Commerce, History, Agriculture, Information and Software Technology, Drama, Food Technology, Music, PD/Health/PE, Physical and Sports Studies, Industrial Technology Metalwork and Woodwork, Graphics Technology, Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Visual Design and Japanese. As a Catholic school community committed to an education in faith, Religious Education at St Columba’s follows the requirements of the Parramatta Diocesan curriculum.
Electives Years 11 and 12: A traditional range of subjects is offered, as well as vocational subjects such as Construction, Electronics, Hospitality, Metals and Engineering, Photography, Retail, Primary Industries, Visual Design and Entertainment. Studies of Religion and Religion Catholic Studies are also offered.
Sport: The sports program aims to allow students to experience a variety of sports and recreational activities. Students compete in a range of sports including graded sports against other schools in the area. Swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals form an integral part of the sporting program. Recreational activities are offered as part of the Wednesday afternoon program to encourage students to pursue more individual interests.
Extracurricular activities: St Columba’s High School realises the importance of recognising and developing the individual talents and strengths of each student. Many opportunities are provided for involvement in a variety of activities. These include debating, creative arts nights, sporting competitions, drama/dance/music performances, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, exchange program with St Columba’s sister school in Japan, fundraising, community projects, national competitions in many subjects, and social justice initiatives.
Welfare and personal development: There is an extensive student care program in keeping with the school motto, “Act Justly”. The program incorporates a student care co-ordinator, a guidance co-ordinator for each Year group, a school counsellor, a careers adviser, special education teachers, home-room teachers, and a student council. St Columba’s offers parents strong support in the education of their children, and encourages parental involvement in all areas of school life.