IONA 18

As we approach the end of another successful year, the Board of Directors reflect on and celebrate the achievements of our vibrant school community. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and created countless moments of learning, growth, and joy.

To our students, you continue to inspire us with your dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. To our families thank you for your unwavering support and trust. And to our staff, our volunteers, the Parent Engagement Committee and the Alumnae Association, your tireless efforts and commitment make our College a place where everyone can thrive.

I am also delighted to share some wonderful news. Our Principal, whose first contract was set to conclude this year, has been reappointed to lead our school from 2025 onwards. We are thrilled that Ms Grima will continue her visionary leadership, striving for excellence and embodying the mission and values of our College.

As we step into the holiday season, we encourage everyone to take this time to rest, recharge and connect with friends and loved ones.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a safe holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year. We look forward to all that 2025 will bring for our school community.

Next Year’s Calendar
The key dates for the 2025 College calendar are available from the SEQTA Engage homepage. I would like to highlight for families that the first week of Term Two next year will be a student-free week. Monday 21 April is Easter Monday and Friday 25 April is Anzac Day. The three days between the two public holidays will be staff professional learning days. These days for staff are currently being planned.

Reflection and Gratitude
As we reach the conclusion of another extraordinary year at St Columba’s College, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have shared as a community grounded in the spirit of Mary Aikenhead Ministries. This has been a year of growth, resilience, and celebration, and I am grateful for the many contributions made by our students, staff, and families.

The essence of St Columba’s is deeply centred in our values of love, truth, hope, justice, and compassion. These values have shone through in every aspect of College life this year. Our students have excelled academically, embraced opportunities for leadership, and shown great generosity in their service to others. From justice projects to the simple acts of kindness witnessed daily in our school grounds, it is clear that the spirit of Mary Aikenhead remains alive in their hearts.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge our graduating Year 12 students. As they prepare to step into the world beyond St Columba’s, I am confident that they carry with them the values and lessons that will enable them to lead lives of purpose and service. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to witnessing the difference they will make in the world.

I celebrate our dedicated staff. Their commitment to nurturing and inspiring our students is what allows each student to thrive. They have modelled what it means to lead with compassion and hope, and I thank them for the many ways they have enriched our College this year.

To our parents and families, thank you for walking this journey alongside us. Your trust and support are integral to the success of our mission to educate and empower young women in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity.

Merry Christmas and Safe Holidays
As we look forward to a well-deserved summer break, I hope that this time gives everyone in our community time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones. As we anticipate the birth of Jesus, the one who gives us hope and light, may the Christmas season bring peace, love, and joy to your homes, and may we all return in the new year ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that await.

Thank you for another wonderful year at St Columba’s College. It has been a privilege to lead this extraordinary community, and I look forward to all that we will achieve together in 2025.

As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of our collective efforts in fostering justice, compassion, and community at St Columba’s College. Inspired by the charism of Mary Aikenhead and the legacy of the Sisters of Charity, we have remained steadfast in our mission to serve those on the margins of society and to nurture the spiritual growth of our students.

One of the year’s highlights has been the College’s justice initiatives, which have exemplified our commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. Through Project Compassion, our students rallied as Caritas Ambassadors, raising essential funds for global communities in need. Reconciliation Week brought us together to honour Australia’s First Nations peoples, fostering understanding and solidarity. The St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout offered a humbling experience of solidarity with those facing homelessness, while our longstanding partnership with Bahay Tuluyan in the Philippines continued to support vulnerable youth through fundraising and awareness efforts. These initiatives have not only raised vital support but also cultivated in our students a deeper understanding of justice and advocacy, allowing them to embody the values of Mary Aikenhead Ministries in their daily lives.

Our Reflection Days and Retreats have also been a source of spiritual renewal and personal growth for our students. From the Year 7 Reflection Day, which focused on the journey of community building, to the Year 12 Retreat, which encouraged students to contemplate their journey inward and outward, these experiences have allowed students to deepen their relationships with themselves, their peers, and God. These special days have provided a vital space for students to explore their faith, reflect on their personal growth, and connect with the charism of the Sisters of Charity in profound and meaningful ways.

The College’s House Partnerships have continued to thrive, fostering meaningful connections between our students and our partner organisations. This year, we celebrated the newly established partnership between de Lacy House and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Emergency Department. This collaboration is a beautiful continuation of the legacy of Sr Mary John Baptist de Lacy, the visionary nun who founded St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney to serve the poor and marginalised. Today, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Emergency Department carries forward this mission, offering care and compassion to those most in need. This partnership underscores the enduring relevance of the values of service and advocacy that define our College community.

Throughout all these endeavours, the value of compassion has guided us. In the spirit of Mary Aikenhead, we have sought to respond to the challenges of our time with hearts open to the suffering of others. Whether through advocacy, service, or community-building, our students have demonstrated that compassion is not just a feeling but an active commitment to love, justice, and hope.

As we close this chapter of the year, we celebrate the many ways our community has lived out its mission to serve with courage and compassion. Let us carry forward the lessons of this year, striving always to make a difference in the lives of others.

Prayer

Loving and compassionate God,
We thank You for the blessings of this year—for the opportunities to serve, to grow, and to be a light for others.
Inspired by the example of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity, may we continue to walk in faith and love, advocating for those on the margins of society.
We pray especially for our partners in mission, and for all who work tirelessly to bring hope and healing to our world.
Grant us the courage to face the challenges ahead with open hearts, and may compassion guide us in all that we do.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Venerable Mary Aikenhead, pray for us.

Amen.

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

Wishing our parents, carers and students a wonderful Christmas and a safe and relaxing break. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE EVENING – Wednesday 27 November

It was wonderful to acknowledge and congratulate the 124 students for excellence in their efforts within the Engage, Connect and Learn pillars of our Learning, Teaching, Wellbeing Framework.

Thank you, also, to the College Ambassadors who so ably supported me during rehearsal and on the night: Tiana C, Mary B, Claudia F, Monica B and Sarah F.

PEER SUPPORT LEADERS 2023 – 2024
Congratulations to the twenty-nine Year 9 students who have accepted the responsibility of this student leadership role and participated in the Training Day on Friday 22 November.

• Mya M, Bruton
• Hannah T, Bruton
• Isabel I, Bruton
• Lara S, Cahill
• Monica B, Cahill
• Chantelle N, Cahill
• Priya M, Cahill
• Chloe A, Cater
• Sophie R, Cater
• Lukia M, Cater
• Sarah F, Cater
• Sienna S, Cater
• Leila H, Cunningham
• Sienna N, Cunningham
• Olivia R, Cunningham
• Jorja V, Cunningham
• Claudia F, de Lacy
• Poppy M, de Lacy
• Summer P, de Lacy
• Madelene C, de Lacy
• Scarlett C, O’Brien
• Lara D, O’Brien
• Alice F, O’Brien
• Isabelle M, O’Brien
• Isabella M, O’Brien
• Tahlia C, Williams
• Isabella G, Williams
• Mikayla H, Williams
• Penelope I, Williams

A YEAR OF MILLIE

We have been delighted to welcome Millie this year, and she has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on everyone she has encountered. The number of staff working directly with Millie and involving her in their classes has grown significantly, from 9 to 21 for the start of 2025. This exciting growth means even more opportunities for students to enjoy meaningful interactions with Millie. 

Thank you to the Parent Engagement Committee who worked hard to raise funds to support the ongoing upkeep and wellbeing of Millie. They have managed to set aside close to $12,000 to support our Dogs Connect program.

The following comments are a testament to the positive feelings about Millie’s impact:

“Thank you so much for giving your time to bring Millie to our Yr 7 2025 transition for our identified Learning Diversity students yesterday.

These students immediately relaxed when Millie entered and then when they had an opportunity to pat Millie.

It was a lovely afternoon helped by Millie’s presence.”

“Millie was a great help to me in sickbay when I wasn’t feeling the best. She lightened my mood and distracted me. She was so calm and comforting. I think Millie is an amazing addition to our community.”

“Millie makes everyone happy and excited to come to school.”

“I think that Millie has had a very positive impact on our community. I think that she definitely is a key thing for me to look forward to at school and something to occasionally distract me from some school stress.”

I recently asked students two quick questions and the results are below:

Millie’s Core Group will continue to work with her, the students and staff to build greater connections in 2025.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE (PEC)

On behalf of the College, I take this opportunity to thank firstly, our dedicated, regular attendees of the PEC and to also thank any other parents who participated in the meetings and the PEC run-events. Thank you to:

• Co-Presidents: Tracey Cotroneo and Karen Bell (also Treasurer)
• Secretary: Miralem Mehmedbogevic
• Maria Vella
• Rachele Ciavarella
• Jennifer Polakovic
• Jayne Carfi
• Diane Tabbagh
• Yasmine Pateras
• Anna Ciavarella
• Rebecca Anselmi

A message from our Co-Presidents:

“Dear St. Columba’s College Parents,

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As we bid farewell to this incredible year, we’re deeply grateful for your continuous support and involvement.

May the upcoming year be filled with joy, success, and countless memorable moments with your loved ones.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead. We look forward to seeing you at our events throughout the year.

Kind regards

The Parent Engagement Committee”

Every parent in our community is a member of the PEC and we welcome your involvement. Here are the PEC meeting dates and events planned for 2025:

• Tuesday 11 March
• Friday 21 March Year 7 Meet & Greet (7:00pm – 9:00pm) 
• Tuesday 13 May  
• Tuesday 20 May PEC Father/Male Mentor Evening  
• Tuesday 10 June
• Wednesday 18 June Mother/Daughter Movie Night
• Tuesday 15 July
• Monday 4 August PEC Rep for 2026 Year 7 Parent Information Night
• Tuesday 19 August
• Saturday 30 August Trivia Night (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
• Tuesday 16 September
• Tuesday 14 October
• Tuesday 11 November
• Friday 14 November Year 7 2026 Parents Welcome
• December (date tbc) PEC Rep for 2026 Year 7 Orientation Day

If you wish to contact the PEC, the email address is parents@columba.vic.edu.au.

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of the College, the alumnae who generously dedicate their time and energy to keeping the connections with our former students alive. These connections play an invaluable role in fostering a sense of community and continuity that extends beyond graduation. They allow our alumnae to remain part of the College family, sharing their stories, achievements, and experiences, which in turn inspire and guide our current students. This ongoing relationship strengthens the rich history and legacy of the College, ensuring that the spirit of our community continues to thrive for generations to come. We deeply value and appreciate the alumnae’s commitment to preserving these bonds, as they are integral to the fabric of our College.

Ellen presenting the ‘Spirit of Alumnae’ Award to Alessia in Year 7

We thank the following committee members for their time and energy throughout this year:

• Mrs Ellen Kennedy, President
• Ms Rosemary Caruso
• Ms Siobhan Browne
• Ms Helen Kavanagh
• Ms Gabrielle McMahon
• Ms Ashlee Bye
• Ms Joan Dillon – Alumnae Coordinator

We welcome new alumnae to this group. If you would like to participate, please reach out via email to alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au. 

We are thrilled to announce our St Columba’s online art gallery will go live on Thursday, showcasing the incredible work of St Columba’s College students from Years 7–12 in Art, Media, and Visual Communication Design.

Our diverse Visual Arts program nurtures creativity in a supportive environment, where students explore various art forms, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, photography, sculpture, media production, and digital design.

Throughout the year, senior students have had the opportunity to participate in enriching incursions and excursions, as well as Life Drawing classes and artist residencies, all contributing to the inspiration and skill behind their stunning artworks.

Visit https://www.scconlinegallery.com/ on Thursday 5th December, to see the talent and hard work of our students!

In the Year 10 “Goddesses, Queens, and Slaves” class this semester, we immersed ourselves in the captivating history of ancient Egypt, focusing on the remarkable reign of Hatshepsut, one of history’s most influential female pharaohs. Hatshepsut is celebrated for her visionary achievements, bold leadership, and the prosperity she brought to Egypt. She defied convention by declaring herself Pharaoh and skillfully overcoming political and cultural obstacles, commissioning monumental architectural projects, and expanding Egypt’s trade networks. Her reign not only marked a golden era in Egyptian history but also redefined the possibilities for women in power.

To bring our study of Hatshepsut to life, we partnered with Ms. Boicos in Ceramics to create symbolic pieces for an altar dedicated to the legendary pharaoh. Ms. Boicos guided us in a reflective discussion on Hatshepsut’s legacy, encouraging us to share our insights and understanding. Inspired by her story, we explored Egyptian symbolism and selected imagery that represented her strength, achievements, and enduring legacy. This blend of historical study and creative expression allowed us to deepen our understanding of the past while developing our artistic skills, culminating in a collaborative artwork that honors Hatshepsut’s remarkable life and reign.

During this interdisciplinary activity, we had the opportunity to further explore Hatshepsut’s legacy through individual sculptures in clay, crafted to reflect our personal interpretations of her strength and influence. We continued to learn about her architectural achievements, such as her magnificent mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, and her bold trade expeditions, and military campaigns. Our studies were enriched by excursions, including a visit to the NGV Pharaoh exhibition, where we viewed and analysed sculptures of Hatshepsut herself. Observing these ancient artworks in person allowed us to connect with her story on a deeper level and bring our insights back to the classroom.

This unit has been an incredibly enriching experience, and we are deeply grateful to have chosen this class. Hatshepsut’s journey to power demonstrates the resilience and capability of women in leadership, despite societal stereotypes. She earned her role as Pharaoh and remains a celebrated female figure in history, an example of determination and vision. Our clay sculptures serve as a tribute to her legacy, symbolising how she built herself up to become a defining figure of ancient Egypt. Through this project, we honour her lasting impact and remember her as a powerful and enduring role model.

Thank you to Ms Boicos for sharing her expertise with us during this process.

The College is installing 3 evacuation chairs to assist those who are unable to use the stairs during an emergency.

Students who have a personalised evacuation plan will be instructed on the use of the chair and teachers of these students will also be made aware.

A communication to all students has been sent about the installation and reminder that these are to be used in an emergency only, and that students found tampering with this equipment will have significant consequences.

As we move to further streamline the College’s absentee process the College will be removing the Absentee Line from Term 1 2025.

Parent Notified Absences are to be made via the SEQTA Engage Absence tab before 9:30 am on the day of the absence. Absence notifications after 9:30 am must be done by Direqt Message (DM) to Student Reception. This includes late arrivals and early departures.

A reminder that if your child/ren is going to be absent for 3 days or more, please advise your child/ren’s House Leader and Student Reception via DM.

We are excited to unveil the Summer 2024 edition of Columba Magazine!

In this edition, we farewell the remarkable Class of 2024, celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of our students, and highlight the innovative programs and initiatives introduced at St Columba’s College this year.

We also take a look back at the second semester, showcasing the many unforgettable experiences and events that have defined this year.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Columba Magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to you.

Happy reading!

Thursday 5 December – Advent Eucharist

Friday 6 December – Last Day for all Students, Assembly

Friday 20 December – School Office Closes at 1:30PM

On the 11th of November, Year 10 and 11 French students set out on a special excursion to the Shrine of Remembrance. On arrival we were all in awe of how beautiful the building was! To begin, we recited a Remembrance Day prayer in front of the Anzac flame in both French and English. When we went inside our tour guide taught us about the history of the Shrine and how all the funds to build it were donated from the people of Melbourne- amazing! We then walked up a lot of stairs and reached the top balcony of the Shrine. We had a 360 degree view of the city which was stunning and to make things even better the weather was perfect! It was so special to go to the Shrine of Remembrance on Remembrance Day, although we were only there for a short time as the excursion was so close to exams, we learnt so much and had so much fun. Thank you to Mr Le for making it happen and thank you to Ms Camille-Saade for helping out at the excursion!

Le 11 novembre, les élèves des classes de français de 1ere et de 2de et 11 ont participé à une excursion spéciale au Mémorial du Souvenir de Melbourne. 

A notre arrivée, nous avons tous été impressionnés par la beauté du bâtiment ! 

Pour commencer, nous avons récité une prière devant la flamme éternelle de l’Anzac, en français et en anglais. À l’intérieur, notre guide nous a expliqué l’histoire du sanctuaire et que tous les fonds nécessaires à sa construction ont été donnés par les habitants de Melbourne – c’est incroyable ! 

Nous avons ensuite monté de nombreuses marches pour atteindre le balcon supérieur du sanctuaire. Nous avions une vue à 360 degrés sur la ville, ce qui était époustouflant et, la cerise sur le gâteau, le temps était parfait ! 

C’était tellement spécial d’aller au Mémorial du Souvenir pour le jour du Souvenir / l’Armistice du 11 Novembre, même si nous n’y sommes restés que peu de temps car l’excursion était très proche des examens, nous avons appris beaucoup de choses et nous nous sommes beaucoup amusés. Merci à M. Le d’avoir organisé cette excursion et merci à Mme Camille-Saade de nous avoir aidés !

Ecrit by Sophia D