IONA 2

30, 60, 90 MODEL

Recently, our Principal, Rita Grima, introduced plans to transition from our current timetable, where students experience four 75-minute lessons each day, to a 30-60-90 timetable model. Importantly, this forward-facing model is designed to better reflect the demands of contemporary learning environments, university and workplaces equipping students with the independence, adaptability and time-management skills needed for life beyond the classroom.

For more than a year, a dedicated committee of staff has explored this model alongside other approaches, researching practices in a range of schools to determine the best fit for St Columba’s. This decision has been made thoughtfully and carefully, and we are excited to use 2026 as a preparation year to support the implementation of the new model.

Over the coming months, further information will be shared with our community and opportunities for feedback will be provided. Some feedback has already been received following Rita’s initial announcement, and I would like to address several key points here.

Importantly, there will be no loss of instructional time for senior subjects. In preliminary drafts of a Years 10 – 12 timetable, most days across a 10-day cycle continue to include four lessons, with a small number of days including five lessons.  Additionally, under this model students will experience increased teacher contact across each cycle (from 6 to 7 times), supporting stronger continuity of learning and more regular connection with their teachers.  

Shortly, we will begin developing a draft Years 7–9 timetable to further explore what the structure of each day will look like for younger students.

Currently, Year 12 students benefit from dedicated independent study time. This will remain an important feature of the senior program, although there may be some adjustment to how these study periods are distributed across the timetable.

We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with staff, students and families as we refine this model and prepare for its introduction.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP DAY – Friday 20 February

Last Friday, the St Columba’s leading representatives had the privilege to go off campus to the Flemington Community Hub Centre for an eye-opening leadership day that challenged our aspirations as leaders but also promoted self-reflection. This day provided us an opportunity to connect with the House Representatives from years 7 – 11 with the encouragement of the Student Executive team. We were reminded about the importance of leading by example, but also of the qualities that we demonstrate, challenging how we embody St Columba’s 5 catholic values of love, compassion, hope, truth and our focus value, Justice. 

At St Columba’s we often use the term ‘servant leadership’ to describe the way in which we serve and strive in the community, however we were reminded of the importance of nurturing your fellow team members and also yourself by slowing down to do self reflection making yourself vulnerable to each other. This created plenty of opportunities for our teams to support each other and get to understand each other on a deeper level. 

It’s not a leadership day without any fun and heart-racing games! Of course, ones that challenge our collaborative skills like puzzles but also the famous group games that certainly bring out the competitive nature of St Columba’s college girls.

The leadership day encouraged every voice to be heard and it was great to hear some of the bright ideas from students in the junior school which were so thoughtful and empowering. I know the future of St Columba’s College is very bright – Charlize (College Co-Captain)

Some additional feedback from a few of our House Representatives:

We had a great time connecting with other student leaders on Friday’s Student Leadership Day and exchanging ideas about how we can improve our school. Working in groups to talk about what strong leadership looks like and how we can better support our peers was one of my favourite experiences. One of the key lessons we took away from the day was that listening, respect, and setting an example are more important components of effective leadership than being the loudest person in the room. Additionally, we discovered how crucial cooperation and communication are to bringing about significant change in our school community. – Claudia F & Lukia M (Year 11)

As I stepped off the tram on Friday I was amazed to see Djerring Flemington Community Hub, the beautiful space that would host our Leadership training day for 2026. The leadership day was jam packed with fun, exciting, and meaningful activities. Myself and the rest of the St Columba’s College student leadership partook in various activities including “pick up sticks” and “follow the leader”. “Pick up sticks” was a game where a handful of students were selected, and then given a secret rule that would prevent them from doing something in the game e.g. hop on one leg. This activity not only helped us to bond as a team, but also learn the struggles of people with visible or invisible disabilities, as well as an insightful discussion on equality vs. equity. Overall, I believe that myself and the rest of the leadership team at St Columba’s had an amazing day, and now feel prepped and ready to serve as leaders for the year ahead! – Sapphira R (Year 10)

During the leadership day, I really enjoyed getting to know the other leaders, especially those in my house and year level. It was a great opportunity to build positive relationships and create a supportive environment. One of the highlights of the day was being able to share my ideas and give my insight on how to improve the school. Another major highlight was participating in the games that taught us about leadership, they were really fun and helped everyone feel more connected. This day taught me to be more confident in voicing my opinions and to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a good leader and role model for others. – Maya F (Year 9)

During the Leadership training day, Giordana and I enjoyed getting to know the other leaders, spending time with new people, and we learnt valuable skills that will help us on our journey as leaders. Our highlight of the day was all the quality time we spent with our houses and all the other leaders. We enjoyed all the fun games and learning throughout the day, and we felt very welcome as year 7. This day taught us how to become great leaders for 2026. – Stella G & Giordana C (Year 7)

Congratulations to the following House Reps who were elected to the Student Engagement 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 17 March

Tuesday 28 April

Tuesday 9 June

Tuesday 28 July

Tuesday 18 August

Tuesday 15 September

Tuesday 20 October

Tuesday 17 November                         

If you have any questions or feedback for the PEC, please contact us at parents@columba.vic.edu.au

ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

Our Alumnae Committee meets once each term on a Wednesday evening from 7:00–8:00pm, 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 first meeting for the 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday 11 March.

Urban Experience 2026 was truly one of the most memorable weeks I have experienced. Over five days in the city, we shared laughter, growth and friendships that will stay with us well beyond the program itself. Organised so thoughtfully by Mr Saade and Ms Cavedon, the experience brought St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College together in a way that felt both meaningful and genuinely joyful.

There was something special about walking through places like 333 Collins Street and St Patrick’s Cathedral, standing quietly beneath stained glass and grand arches, and realising how much history surrounds us every day. At the National Gallery of Victoria and along the Yarra River, we experienced a different side of Melbourne, one that felt thoughtful and reflective. Listening to Melbourne City Mission opened our eyes to justice and compassion in action, reminding us that truth, hope and love are not just words in our College values but things we are called to live out.

But beyond the planned activities, it was the spontaneous moments that made the week so special. Laughing endlessly with the girls, trying new food places and building stronger friendships created memories that feel impossible to recreate. I woke up every single day feeling genuinely happy and excited to see what was planned. One of my biggest highlights was becoming especially close with two incredible girls, friendships that grew so naturally over just a few days. Getting to know the St Bernard’s boys better throughout the week also made the experience even more enjoyable.

Urban Experience reminded us how powerful connection can be. It strengthened our independence and teamwork while showing us the importance of compassion and responsibility within our community. I am deeply grateful to Mr Saade and Ms Cavedon for creating an experience that was not only enriching but genuinely unforgettable.

CGSAV Tennis Tournament in Geelong 🎾

Nunan Cup Tournament 🎾

Thank you to all who joined us for the Nunan Cup Tennis Tournament. It was a wonderful evening of tennis, marked by determination and competitive spirit. Congratulations to our winners and runners-up, who competed with great skill and composure throughout the tournament.

🥇 Intermediate Winner:  Amy C

🥈 Intermediate Runner Up:  Icie G

🥇 Senior Winner:  Carla P

🥈 Senior Runner Up:  Isabella G

On Friday 13 February, our Year 8 LEAP students visited the Medical History Museum at The University of Melbourne. This was an exciting and inspiring look into the history of modern medicine in Australia and the important role that Indigenous medicine and healing has played in so many of the modern medicines we use today. 

Our LEAP students enjoyed a stunning exhibition of Indigenous art and artefacts which depicted Indigenous medicine and healing. They also explored a late 19th century pharmacy where they enjoyed an absorbing talk about how medicine and medical research has evolved and developed since the late 1800s.

Students then enjoyed a walking tour of the beautiful University of Melbourne, Parkville campus and spent some time exploring the resources and historic books on display at the Baillieu library.

Students were able to explore how academic disciplines such as Anthropology, Science, History and Art can combine to provide a fascinating and insightful look back into our past and towards our future.

It was a fun, insightful and engaging experience for all.

The timetable below indicates the date and lessons your child will participate in the NAPLAN Online Tests. 

Year 7 Testing Timetable

Year 9 Testing Timetable

The NAPLAN Online Test will be administered by your child’s subject teacher. Please remind your child to bring headphones to these sessions and ensure their laptop is fully charged.

Further information for parents can be found here.

Welcome to the 2026 school year! 

The beginning of the school year is a great opportunity to establish positive habits that support students’ wellbeing and learning. Encouraging simple routines can help young people feel calm, confident and ready to learn. Here are some practical strategies to support your child in starting 2026 strong!

Looking after the body:

Regular sleep, healthy meals, staying active, drinking water and spending time outdoors all help students stay focused, energised and better able to manage stress. These habits can be supported by setting a consistent sleep schedule, encouraging students to bring a water bottle to school, and allocating time each day for movement.

Looking after the mind:

Taking time to pause, breathe and reflect can help students manage emotions and build resilience. Encouraging self-kindness, positive self-talk and gratitude supports a healthy mindset, especially when things feel challenging. It is also important to support your young person to take a break from technology. This can include: having technology free zones at dinner time or during family time and putting limits on screen time. Show an interest in what your young person is doing online, their interests and hobbies, and look out for ways they can pursue these interests offline – such as gaming groups at school or in the community, reading and writing clubs.

Managing time:

Managing time well helps students feel more organised and less overwhelmed. Using a planner, breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic goals and having a clear study space can make a big difference. It is also important for students to balance schoolwork with rest and downtime. These skills can be developed by setting SMART goals, prioritising tasks, creating a study schedule and trying different study strategies (such as flashcards, summarising notes, attending homework club to ask teachers clarifying questions).

Staying connected:

Strong relationships with friends, family and teachers support confidence and a sense of belonging. Encouraging students to reach out to others, join activities or clubs, and be open to new friendships can strengthen their sense of community and overall connection. This can be supported through setting up study groups or joining school-based/ external clubs and activities.

By focusing on these small, practical habits, students can start the year feeling supported, balanced and ready.

Term 1: CAREER NEWS – Newsletter 5, Monday 2 – 13 March

Please find the link to this week’s Career News. The link will now be published in the IONA newsletter every fortnight:

Careers Newsletter 5

In this edition:

What Schools and Families Need to Know About the Social Media Age Ban

Australia’s new social media minimum-age legislation has prompted strong reactions from parents and schools alike. Some families feel relieved; others are frustrated or unsure whether anything has really changed. For parents of children aged 5–18, this moment matters. Here’s a clear, practical overview of what the ban means — and what families can do now.

Read the full article here via the link.

The Learning Zone

Emotions can be described in two dimensions. There’s the energetic dimension (from high to low), and there’s the level of pleasantness an emotion carries. When our kids are struggling with something – learning maths, mastering a tricky piece on the piano, figuring out a new skill – their energy often spikes due to frustration. And it veers toward the left side of the pleasantness dimension. Trying to learn hard things doesn’t feel good. But here’s the reframe: that unpleasant, high-energy zone isn’t the enemy. It’s where powerful, real learning happens.

Read the full article here via the link.

During the Term 1 holiday break, the Sophia Library will be open from Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April, operating daily between 10:00am and 3:00pm.

Students are warmly invited to make use of the space for reading, study and quiet reflection throughout this period.

6 March – International Women’s Day Assembly

9 March – Labour Day Public Holiday

10 March – Cross Country

11 March – NAPLAN Testing

19 March – O’Brien Celebration Day

23 March – Year 7 Immunisations

24 March – Athletics Carnival

27 March – Stations of The Cross