IONA 11

AI Project

Our work in the AI space continues. The renewed AI Policy will be reviewed by the Board, and we have drafted staff and student AI use Guidelines. These will be made available to the community shortly.

As this technology evolves at an exponential rate, it is important that we continue to be aware of its potential impacts – socially, cognitively, environmentally, ethically. Our role as educators is to ensure that our students are prepared for this new paradigm we are entering as human beings; and this is the key. How do we preserve and lift the dignity of the human person, and the essence of what makes us human, in the face of this rapidly evolving technological landscape? 

I listened to the Mary Aikenhead Ministries Oration this week. The speaker posited that “the awe or anxiety we feel in response to technological change can distract us from what matters” – and what matters is that the technology, inventions, new ideas that we generate as humans created in the image and likeness of God, should be used for the betterment of all humankind, not disadvantage those already on the margins, and not exist to feed the profit of a few. I introduced the Pope’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas a few weeks ago. This quote captures our responsibility to educate for the centrality of the human person in all that we do:

“In reality, every technical tool embodies choices and priorities through what it measures, ignores and optimizes, and how it classifies people and situations. If a system is designed or used in a way that treats some lives as less worthy, or excludes them without the possibility of appeal, then it is not merely a tool “to be used well,” since it has already introduced criteria that contradict the inalienable dignity of the human person. For this reason, ethical discernment cannot be limited to asking whether we are using a system for good or bad purposes; it must also examine how that system is designed and what vision of the human person and society is embedded in the data and models that guide it.” (104)

We need to work with young people in a way that is realistic, yet not alarmist, that builds excitement with proper attention to caution, that encourages curiosity, questioning, and rigor in discernment that is part of our great Catholic intellectual tradition. There is an enormity in the task ahead for educators, but one well worth it as we seek to encourage young people who have a vision for humanity that is inclusive, life-giving, and built on the love that Jesus taught us to be.

I encourage you to listen to the Mary Aikenhead Ministries Oration, presented this year by Professor Victoria Lorrimar from the University of Notre Dame, Australia. The oration materials can be accessed via this page. A salient reminder for who we are as individuals and communities in this brave new world.

Enterprise Bargaining Update

Teachers and support staff make an extraordinary contribution to the success of our students and school communities. Negotiations are currently underway for a new enterprise agreement to recognise this work through improved wages and conditions. 

The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) has been negotiating for a new cooperative agreement on behalf of 34 Catholic education employers, including our school, since early 2025.

While negotiations are ongoing, Catholic schools have committed to matching the total percentage wage increases to be provided by the state government in government schools. 

Based on the state government’s July wage offer, this will be at least 28.3 per cent over 4 years. 

While these changes will be government-funded in state schools, Catholic schools will not receive additional government funding commensurate with the additional cost. The cost will need to be supported through our usual budget and planning processes.  

This is a significant change for school budgets that will take some time to work through.

We are currently undertaking planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and the school community into the future.

As we work through our planning processes, we remain focused on delivering a high quality Catholic education for every student.

We are fortunate to have a team of outstanding teachers and staff at our school. We value their contribution, and recognise the expertise, hard work and care they bring to our school community every day. 

We look forward to providing further information as negotiations progress.  

For me, 8 August will always be “MacKillop Day”.

Long before it became the Feast of Australia’s first saint, it was a day woven into the rhythm of my school life. As both an alumnus and later a staff member of a Josephite school, I came to know this day not simply as a date on the calendar, but as a celebration of a woman whose courage, humility and unwavering trust in God continue to inspire generations.

Saint Mary MacKillop’s famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” remain as relevant today as they were more than 150 years ago. She recognised the dignity of every person, especially those who were poor, vulnerable or overlooked, and she responded not with grand gestures, but with faithful action, day after day.

As someone now privileged to serve in the Mary Aikenhead tradition, I am often struck by the remarkable parallels between these two extraordinary women. Although they lived in different places and were shaped by different experiences, both allowed the love of Christ to be the driving force of their lives. Both were women of profound faith who refused to allow hardship, misunderstanding or opposition to distract them from their mission. They understood that authentic leadership begins with service, and that justice is not simply an ideal but something to be lived through compassion, courage and perhaps most importantly, action.

Mary Aikenhead spoke of being “extensively useful,” while Mary MacKillop urged us never to ignore the needs before us. Together, they remind us that holiness is found not in extraordinary moments, but in the faithful response to the ordinary opportunities to love, serve and stand alongside others. Both women challenge us to move beyond comfort, to go to the margins and to place our trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, may we give thanks for her enduring witness and for all those who continue her legacy in our schools and communities. May her example, alongside that of Venerable Mary Aikenhead, encourage each of us to be people of hope, compassion and justice, responding generously wherever we encounter need.

Prayer

Loving God,

We thank you for the gift of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose life reminds us to trust in your providence and to respond with courage and compassion to the needs of others.

Inspired also by the witness of Venerable Mary Aikenhead, may we become contemplatives in action, living the Gospel through justice, kindness and hope.

Help us to see Christ in every person we meet, to act with generous hearts, and to build communities where dignity, love and belonging flourish.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY BREAKFAST – Thursday 30 July

Our College community was delighted to welcome grandparents and students to our annual Grandparents Day Breakfast. This special occasion provided an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable role grandparents play in the lives of our students and the wisdom, love and encouragement they generously share across generations.

The morning offered families the chance to spend quality time together, reconnect within our school community, and create lasting memories. Following breakfast, grandparents and students participated in a reflection activity, sharing some of their favourite family traditions. From treasured, holiday celebrations to simple weekly rituals and stories passed down through generations, these conversations highlighted the importance of family traditions in strengthening relationships and preserving cherished memories. Here are some of the beautiful traditions written about:

• Family holidays in Echuca are special because we get to spend time together with extended family.
• Our Christmas bocce tournament is special because we all untie as a family.
• Our Christmas Eve party is a wonderful time to get together and reconnect as a family.
• At Easter, making marzipan Easter lambs with our nonna and celebrating lunch after mass with our family.
• Our family enjoys getting the generations together to make sauce and sausages.
• Our family celebrates Christmas by participating in Secret Santa each year.
• Coming together as a family to colour eggs for Easter.
• Coming together as a family to each together and play games is a traditional Japanese celebration for New Year’s.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of the grandparents who joined us. It was a privilege to host you and celebrate the significant contribution you make to the lives of our students and our wider community.

A special thank you also goes to our dedicated staff and our VET Events students, whose hard work behind the scenes ensured the morning ran so smoothly. From preparing the venue and serving breakfast to welcoming our guests, your efforts and hospitality helped make the celebration such a warm and memorable occasion.

2027 STUDENT EXECUTIVE APPLICATION PROCESS

Our current Year 10 and 11 students have the opportunity to apply for the following roles for 2027:

• College Co-Captain (Yr 11 only)
• House Captain (Yr 11 only)
• Liturgy Captain
• Justice Captain
• Arts Captain
• Environment Captain
• Sports Captain
• Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) Captain

Applications opened on Monday 10 August and will close promptly at 9:00am Monday 24 August. Late applications will not be accepted.

Student leadership plays a vital role in our school community. It offers young people the chance to:

• build confidence through public speaking and decision-making;
• develop key skills like communication, teamwork, and time management;
• foster responsibility and a strong sense of accountability;
• enable positive impact on school culture and student voice; and
• enhance future opportunities with valuable experience for resumes and applications.

We look forward to receiving many student leader applications to continue to build our College culture with the support of an enthusiastic Student Executive team.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE (PEC)           

Every parent in our community is a member of the PEC and we welcome your involvement. If anyone is interested in joining the PEC or learning more about what we do you can join us in person or online – 7.30pm – meet.google.com/fij-hziu-ymk). 

Our meeting dates are as follows:

Tuesday 18 August

Tuesday 15 September

Tuesday 20 October

Tuesday 17 November          

FUNDRAISING

In consultation with the Student Engagement Team, funds raised through the raffle and other PEC initiatives this year will go towards the purchase of an outdoor, weather proof table tennis table for students to enjoy during breaks and lunchtime. This exciting addition will provide another active and inclusive recreational option, encouraging students to enjoy healthy physical activity in a fun and social environment.          

ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

Our Alumnae Committee meets once each term on a Wednesday evening from 7:00–8:30pm, working to strengthen and celebrate the lifelong connection between the College and our former students. Through their dedication, the Committee supports opportunities for alumnae to stay connected with one another and with the College community, fostering meaningful engagement with current staff and students and nurturing a lasting sense of belonging.

If you are an alumna and would like to become a member of the Alumnae Committee, please contact alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au. Our next meeting for is scheduled for Wednesday 12 August.

ALUMNAE COORDINATOR

Calling all St Columba’s College alumnae from the graduating classes ending in 6! We’d love to welcome you back to the College to reconnect with old friends, revisit familiar places and celebrate the memories you’ve shared.

 Heart of Columba, St Columba’s College
 3.00pm – 5.00pm, Sunday 11 October 2026

Keep an eye out for further details.

RSVP via the link: https://www.trybooking.com/DNMMK

Research consistently shows that one of the greatest influences on a young person’s success at school is positive parent engagement. This article from the Victorian Parents Council encourages families to move beyond simply being involved in school events to becoming active partners in their child’s learning. Parent engagement is about having regular conversations about learning, working collaboratively with teachers, and supporting learning at home in ways that build confidence, motivation and resilience.

Simple actions can make a significant difference—asking your child what they are learning, celebrating effort, setting high but realistic expectations, and maintaining open communication with the school. When families and schools work together in genuine partnership, students are more likely to achieve stronger academic outcomes, attend school regularly, develop positive wellbeing, and feel connected to their learning. (vicparentscouncil.vic.edu.au)

Term 3: CAREER NEWS – Newsletter 167 | Monday 10 – 14 August

Please find below the link and summary of all the information in the Career Newsletter:

Careers Newsletter

In this edition:

– Monash University: Discover Monash, Access Scheme and Scholarship Webinars, New Courses in 2027, Updates regarding Engineering at Monash
– School Leaver Program 2027
– Kangan Institute: Open nights & course guides
– Australian Catholic University: Early Offer, Year 12 VCE Revision Webinars, Missing Prerequisites for Allied Health or Education?
– Vic Uni: Early Entry Program
– Australian Defence Force Academy Open Day 2026
– Swinburne: Open Day, Early Entry, August Information Sessions and Launching Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
– William Angliss: 2027 Course Guide
– RMIT: 2027 Course Guides & New Course: RMIT UniReady, Aviation at RMIT Open Day
– Bond Uni: Entry. Exercise and Sports Science Course Change
– AIM: Music Theatre Audition Workshop
– Federation Uni: Course Guide & Early Entry, Engineering Prerequisite Changes, Diploma of Business and Sports Management: VTAC, VCE PE Study Session: Year 12s
– Deakin: Deakin Uni Ready Courses, Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, Revised Business and Commerce Degrees
– Collarts: Open Day
– Melbourne Uni: Course prerequisites for entry to Melbourne, Applying to Melb Uni Webinar, ATAR Guarantees, Graduate Degree Packages, Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers, Domestic Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars (Class of 2026) and Entry to the Diploma in General Studies paused for 2027
– SAE: Open Day & Create for a Day
– LCI: Open Day & Diplomas 
– ACAP: Open Day
– Torrens: Early Entry
– La Trobe University: Aspire Early Entry
– Whitehouse Institute of Design: September School Holidays Workshops
– University of Tasmania: Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
– Are you interested in Aviation?
– Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership
– Future Doctors Australia Program
– The Australian Taxation Office School Leaver Program
– Early Entry Guide
– OPEN DAYS 2026

Happy reading! If you require any further assistance, please DM a member of the Pathways team at  pathways@columba.vic.edu.au

CGSAV Volleyball competition 

It was an amazing day for volleyball on the 4th of August. There was some tough new competition in Division 1 but the girls fought hard all day. There were many challenging games and all the girls showed amazing teamwork across the day. The girls showed excellent skills which improved after every training session and we look forward to seeing their skills continue to improve next year.  Congratulations to all 68 students who went and represented the college. 

ACC Mixed Netball Competition (Inters)

On Wednesday 5th of August we had 12 of our year 9 and 10 girls head to the ACC Mixed netball competition with St Bernard’s College. This made up two combined teams of students from both schools playing for the first time together. All students showed amazing teamwork and quickly picked up how to play with one another. The girls taking charge and showing amazing sportsmanship in assisting the boys was especially great to see.  Our Intermediate A team finished up in fourth place but should be extremely proud as they all played excellent across all their games keeping the scores close in every game. The Inters B team finished up in 3rd also showing amazing sportsmanship and very quickly picked up on each other’s playing styles after just the first game. Congratulations to all the students who participated on the day. 

Recently, the NAPLAN Results were released. The reports allow us to monitor student academic achievement and provides the College with information on how we can further develop our curriculum planning. 

We are pleased to announce that 99% of our students in year 7, and 99% of our students in year 9, are meeting the national standard for literacy and numeracy. Furthermore, approximately 20-30% of our students in year 7 are in the Exceeding range, which indicates that they are working at ‘above standard’ for their literacy and numeracy skills. In addition, 15-25% of our year 9 students are also in the Exceeding range. Another report provided for schools is the strand group report, which provides an estimate of literacy and numeracy based on previous achievement. In both year 7 and year 9, all literacy and numeracy reports were ‘as expected.’

The following table provides some information regarding how the performance level at St Columba’s College has changed over the last four years. 

Additionally, this year NAPLAN has provided schools with a relative growth report which compares a student’s 2026 results with the test they completed in 2024. The following table is a breakdown of the data. 

Both tables clearly show that literacy and numeracy data is increasing at the college and that the majority of our students show either medium or high growth for each of the five NAPLAN tests. It is a credit to each student who has shown dedication to their studies. We also would like to acknowledge the teachers who have helped the students with their literacy and numeracy skills. 

All parents and guardians should now have received their NAPLAN results through the mail for the testing that was held in March earlier this year. If you have not received your child’s results, require support in understanding the results, or would like to have a conversation about NAPLAN, please contact our Performance and Growth Leader, Brad Taylor.

A huge congratulations to the talented students from St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College who took part in the spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast from July 23rd to August 1st. The cast captivated the audience through their acting, singing and dancing, with every performer bringing wonderful energy and confidence to the stage.We also congratulate the orchestra, backstage crew, production team and staff whose dedication helped bring the magical story to life. The final performance was a proud and memorable moment for both school communities. Well done to the entire cast and crew on an outstanding production—you represented St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College beautifully!

Inspired by the work and TED Talk of paediatric psychologist Kathryn Hecht, I’ve been reflecting on how we can nurture confidence and resilience in our young people. As parents, our instinct is often to step in when our children feel overwhelmed—an instinct born from love. Yet when we rush to remove every challenge, we may unintentionally send the message that difficult feelings are something they can’t manage on their own. One of the greatest gifts we can offer children is the opportunity to discover that they are capable, even when they feel nervous, disappointed or uncertain.

Kathryn Hecht captures this idea with a simple phrase: Brave Action + Experience = Confidence. Confidence rarely comes before a challenge. More often, it grows afterwards, when young people realise they were capable all along. Parents don’t need to become therapists or create difficult situations. Everyday life already provides plenty of opportunities for courage: sitting an exam, speaking up in class, trying out for a team, navigating friendship challenges or asking for help. When caring adults walk alongside rather than rescue, these everyday experiences gradually build resilience, independence and genuine self-belief. Taking time to reflect on a child’s courage, effort and strengths—and letting them know how proud you are of the way they have faced challenges—helps reinforce the belief that they are capable of doing hard things, even when those moments feel uncomfortable.

Feeling nervous before exams, performances or other important events is a normal part of growing up. Sometimes, however, anxiety becomes more than everyday nerves. If your child is experiencing persistent distress or anxiety that is significantly affecting their learning, relationships or wellbeing, please reach out to your GP, a registered psychologist, or the school’s wellbeing team. Sometimes students simply need a few more people in their corner while they continue building confidence and resilience.

If you’re interested in learning more, Kathryn Hecht’s TED Talk provides a thoughtful and accessible introduction to these ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRXkSn4pUyU

As parents and educators, we all play an important role in helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to build respectful, healthy relationships. Sadly, violence against women and children remains a significant issue in Australia, with many harmful attitudes and behaviours beginning to emerge during adolescence. By talking openly with young people about respect, consent, communication and healthy boundaries, we can help them recognise the difference between positive and unhealthy relationship behaviours before patterns become established. It is equally important that young people know where to seek support if they ever feel worried about their own relationship or are concerned about a friend. Creating safe opportunities for these conversations at home and at school empowers our students to make informed choices, support one another and contribute to a culture of respect. For further information on how to support your young person, ReachOut provides valuable resources that provide practical information and conversation starters to support families in discussing respectful relationships with their teenagers and identifying where help is available if needed.

Help your teenagers have respectful relationships:

https://parents.au.reachout.com/friendships-and-dating/romantic-relationships/help-teenagers-have-respectful-relationships

Signs of an unhealthy relationship:

https://au.reachout.com/challenges-and-coping/abuse-and-violence/signs-of-an-abusive-relationship

Girls: Trading Anxiety & Perfectionism for Authentic Growth

Wednesday 19 August, 7pm AEST

It’s a heartbreaking reality: mental health disorders in teenagers are on the rise. Girls are the most affected, and while there are several contributors to this trend, social media is unquestionably a major factor for many of our daughters.

Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have changed the way girls relate. Social media has changed girls’ expectations for themselves and each other. Anxiety, perfectionism, bullying, and self-loathing are just some of the devastating side effects.

In short, new and impossible standards are leaving many of our daughters feeling like they’re simply… not enough. But there’s hope.

Join Dr Justin Coulson for Girls, where he’ll unpack:

• Why so many of our girls don’t feel they are enough.
• How our best-intentioned efforts to help them feel enough backfire.
• Solutions that shift your daughter’s focus from worrying if she’ll ever be enough to no longer even thinking about it.
• How to establish a relationship that leaves no doubt that she really is enough.

Sign up here: https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/awj-girls-hfs-register

Your Kids Don’t Trust You

The most important line in this article is this one: Trust is the belief that the other person has your best interests at heart. In parenting, nothing matters more than that your child trusts you. Your child must believe that you want the very best for them. No matter what. But… most of our children don’t believe that. Picture this: you walk into your child’s bedroom and find them doing something that they’re not supposed to be doing. A younger child might be drawing on the wall. Or tearing pages out of your favourite book. An older child might be on their device and looking at inappropriate content online. Or talking to a friend and using coarse language. What’s the typical response? We react. Large. Now they’re in trouble. We’re removing privileges or delivering a lecture. Perhaps we are asking them what in the world they are thinking, or imposing sanctions.

Read the full article.

What Doping Athletes Can Teach Your Kids About Success

On May 24, 2026, the first Enhanced Games took place in Las Vegas. The media controversy surrounding the games was enormous – as was the hype. According to organisers, the games are ushering in “a new era in athletic competition that embraces scientific advancements to push the boundaries of human performance.” That’s PR-speak for “our athletes are doping to the extreme – and we’re encouraging it.” It’s the Olympics for cheats. The promise: world records, astonishing performances, and a whole new world of limitless potential. The reality: a whole lot of drugs. A woeful competitive spectacle. And essentially zero enhancement of anything. Athletes filled their systems with steroids, sold their souls for scraps, and walked away with their reputations in ruins and no records to celebrate. What does this have to do with parenting?

Read the full article. 

How to quickly check assessments and reports on SEQTA

• On browser, look for Assessments on the Navigation Bar on left
• See upcoming assessments, along with past assessments.
• Key words:
  • Pending– teacher has received work, or the due date has past.
  • Feedback released– assessment has been marked, but the comment has been released first.
  • Feedback and results have been released– all marks and comments have been released
  • If you select upcoming at the top- all tasks from all subject that are coming up can be found her. Click on each one for more detail
  • Choose individual subjects for feedback and click on each task to review comments where relevant.

13 August – Year 12 Ministry Retreat

18 August – Feast of the Assumption Mass

21 August – Kick Arts

25 August – Cater House Celebration Day

3 September – Fathers’ Day Breakfast

4 September – Winter Sleep Out