| St Columba's High School168 Hawkesbury Rd Springwood NSW2777 Tel: 02 4754 1022 Fax: 02 4754 3558 Email: stcolumbas@parra. catholic.edu.au Website: www.stcolumbasspringwood. catholic.edu.au/ Key Details Type: Catholic Level: Secondary Gender: Coed Religious Affiliation: Catholic Profile: Located on 600 hectares in bushland surroundings at the base of the Blue Mountains st Columba’s High School has an interesting history. It first operated as a seminary for candidates of the priesthood. In 1978 the Archbishop of Sydney approved the establishment of a Catholic regional high school in the seminary buildings. After some modifications the school opened in 1979. The school’s philosophy is equity and excellence with emphasis on Catholic principles and Christian values. The school’s heritage buildings and more recently constructed facilities are situated in a unique and extensive bushland setting. Facilities and resources have been developed to support a full range of subjects within all Key Learning Areas. Our Learning Context: Years 7 and 8: The academic program in Years 7 and 8 is determined by the Board of Studies. Subjects include: Religious Education english mathematics science australian History australian Geography design & Technology (this includes components of Computer Studies agriculture food Technology woodwork metalwork) music visual Arts japanese (Yr 8 only) personal Development Health physical EducationElective Subjects: Years 9 and 10: Agricultural Technology commerce drama food Technology geography graphics Technology History information and Software Technology industrial Technology – metal or Wood japanese music physical and Sports Studies textiles and Design visual Arts visual Design. Years 11 and 12: Board Developed Courses include: Agriculture ancient History biology business Studies chemistry dance drama earth and Environmental Science economics engineering Studies english Extension food Technology geography information Processes & Technology industrial Technology japanese Continuers japanese Beginners legal Studies different Mathematics and English levels modern History music 1 & 2 pDHPE physics senior Science society & Culture software Design & Development visual Arts studies of ReligionBoard Endorsed Courses include: Exploring Early Childhood photography religion: Catholic Studies visual Design. Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) include: Construction Hospitality Operations entertainment primary Industries. Sports: Rugby cricket volleyball soccer tennis swimming basketball netball Handball softball Hockey gymnastics athletics touch Football cross-Country squash aerobics golf Karate rock Climbing table tennis austag ice Skating indoor Sports dance aqua Golf weights. Co-curricular activities: Tournament of Minds music debating voice of Youth school Spectacular choir band dancing duke of Edinburgh exchange student program social Justice program work placement. Technology: Students have access to a wide range of technological tools to support learning including iPads data projectors laptops and computers. The school is wireless. Fees: Students in systemic Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta pay three different fees: an annual tuition fee (which is set by the Parramatta Diocesan Schools Board and varies according to the year the student is in and siblings attending Catholic schools); an annual building levy (also set by the Board); and individual school service charges. Details on diocesan tuition fees are available at: http: //www.parra. catholic.edu.au/parents/school-fees/school-fees. aspx HSC Achievements: In the 2012 HSC in 5 candidates achieved an ATAR over 90. Our students achieved 72 Band Sixes and 253 Band Fives. 78% of subjects studied scored above State average. Catholicity As a Catholic school st Columba’s continues to articulate and to live the values of the Gospel and to take the life of Jesus Christ as a model. In educating young people st Columba’s continues to challenge students to be people of peace and to help create a school community that is characterised by relationships of care trust respect and forgiveness. Mrs Delma Horan principal Delma Horan has been working with the St Columba school community for over eight years. “St Columba’s High School is a wonderful school. Its students are known for their friendliness the staff is both talented and dedicated and our parents are generous in their support of the school. The school is set in the stunning Blue Mountains National Park ” said Delma. “We want all members of the school community to engage fully in learning and achieve beyond their expectations. ”The strong academic focus of the school is reflected in the results achieved in both external examinations and engaging learning programmes offered at the school. Students are offered a rich co-curricular programme: sport cultural pursuits debating public speaking tournament of the Minds lions’ Club Youth of the Year social justice activities duke Of Edinburgh drama and musical performances. A significant number of students are preparing for the Gold award Duke of Edinburgh awards in 2012 and looks forward to further awards later in the year. The outstanding performances of the students at the school have been recognised at regional state and National levels. From sporting teams winning state competitions to student selection for HSC exhibitions st Columba’s offers opportunities for all gifts and talents to be recognized. The school has established a concert band aschool choir and offers music tuition during the school day. St Columba’s enjoys a Sister School relationship with Hokusetsu Senior High in Sanda japan. Students also have the opportunity to visit Japan on a cultural tour or through application for a six- month exchange. In 2013 an extensive building programme will be completed giving St Columba’s contemporary and attractive facilitiesSt Columba’s values the parent- school partnership. St Columba’s cares for its students holistically. Delma added “This year students will be asked how they can be more Christ centred and less self centred in both word and deed. ’ This focus will help us to find ways for us to serve others. I also want our students to take pride in personal presentation respect others be committed to learning and to achieve personal best in all that they do. ” More Information: | ||||||||||||||||||
