IONA 3

March 6, 2020

< All Issues

IONA 3

Principal's Message

Prayer

Cars in College Driveway

Uniform and Grooming Requirements

Building Project Update

Mother's Day High Tea - Save the Date

Swimming Carnival

Ash Wednesday Ceremony

Project Compassion and Shrove Tuesday

SCSA Swimming & Diving Competition

Bushfires

Alumnae Committee

Reunions

Careers News

Parents' Association Meet and Greet

Birdman Rally - This Sunday

Principal's Message

Lent

The start of Lent was marked by a very moving community liturgy, inviting us all into this period of prayer and sacrifice. Thanks to Mr Shane Taylor, Ms Renee Fleeton and the Student Executive for their preparation and leadership of our shared prayer. This link will take you to Pope Francis’ 2020 Message for Lent. In it, he expresses his ongoing teaching about mercy and its expression in our face to face interactions with the other, and through this encounter, with God.

I came across this on social media, also attributed to Pope Francis. It’s a great spin on what it means to fast this Lent, abstaining from those human actions that have the potential to distance us from God, and from each other.

 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the world. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality, and ensuring women’s voices are given the worth and credibility that they deserve at all levels of family, society, community and government.

Within our own Church, we have incredible role models of female leaders and protagonists throughout history, who have upheld and proclaimed God’s word, showing courage, daring, integrity and moral fortitude. Our patriarchal heritage has meant that the stories of women are not always the ones that are known well and celebrated. However, there is movement within the Church for the recognition of women’s roles more formally and to more fully integrate women’s voices into the leadership of the Church. The excerpt below is taken from the final document that resulted from the Amazonian Synod held in October 2019.

Seeing the concrete suffering of women who are victors of physical, moral and religious violence, including femicide, the Church commits to defend their rights and recognises them as protagonists and guardians of creation and of our common home. We recognise the ministry that Jesus reserved for women. It is necessary to promote the formation of women in biblical theology, systematic theology and canon law, valuing their presence in organisations and leadership within the Church environment and beyond. We want to strengthen family ties, especially for migrant women. We assure women’s place in leadership and formation.

While the wheels of change operate slowly within formal organisations, including the Church, these words offer recognition and hope for women seeking to have a place and make a contribution at the table.

 

Parent Conversations

It was a pleasure to welcome parents to our “Coffee Morning with the Leadership Team” on Tuesday, 3 March. The morning provided an opportunity to meet over a light breakfast, share some of the projects currently active at the College which are supporting continuous school improvement, and to hear from parents, who were able to provide feedback and ask questions. It is important that we continue to seek ways that build partnership with our families to provide the best possible learning environment and experiences for our students. I would like to thank Mrs Brigitte McDonald and Ms Donna Kellett for their work in organising this gathering. It is our plan to host further gatherings in Term 2 and Term 3.

 

Staff changes

Last week we farewelled Ms Carolyn Slattery as she moves onto her new role at another local school. We wish her well. In her place we welcome Mr David Lovatt who will be replacing Carolyn in her classes for the remainder of the year. 

Prayer

Creator of our Life,
renew us: bring us to new life in you.
Touch us and make us feel whole again.
Help us to see your love
in the passion, death and resurrection of your son.
Help us to observe Lent
in a way that allows us to celebrate that love.
Prepare us for these weeks of Lent
as we acknowledge when we fail
and strengthen us to be your people,
a people of compassion, love, justice and peace.
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cars in College Driveway

We ask that parents who are dropping off, or collecting students, to not stop in the middle of the College’s driveway. Not only is this a safety concern for our students arriving at or exiting the campus, it also impacts on staff or services who are attempting to exit or enter the car park. Parents should not be entering the car park before school or after school to collect students as these are peak times for student movement.

Uniform and Grooming Requirements

Last year, after much deliberation with students, staff and parents, the College moved towards an Academic Uniform and a Sports Uniform. Thank you for ensuring that your daughters were wearing the blue socks at the commencement of this new year.

 

Uniform is a way in which we as a community can be identified and offers a sense of belonging and pride. As a community, we want each young woman to be proud of who they are and be able to recognise their own innate human dignity and respect both themselves and others.

 

The new uniform arrangements now provide a greater choice for students in terms of what they wish to wear. In providing this choice, the College asks that students wear the items appropriately and that they adhere to the grooming requirements. As part of the Academic Uniform students are expected to wear their dresses and skirts at knee length. As a College we ask that all hems be corrected by the morning of Monday March 9. After this date, skirt and dress lengths that do not comply with this expectation will result in a Uniform infringement.

 

For further clarification on all uniform expectations, the 2020 Uniform and Grooming Requirements document can be found on PAM – Student Wellbeing – Policies.

 

Thank-you for your support of the College.

 

Building Project Update

The College’s exciting new building project is in its final stage of the town planning process with the City of Moonee Valley. The project includes:

  • new food technology facilities (junior and senior years),
  • new general purpose classrooms with contemporary furniture,
  • roof top multi experience space,
  • new sports court, and
  • rear car parking,

Due to the longer than expected time with the City of Moonee Valley, construction is expected to commence mid-year, with an anticipated completion date in early to mid 2021.

In the meantime, the required new substation for this project will be installed (to the side of the front carpark) and be operational by May.

Complimenting this project is a very recent development. On 17 February 2020, the Contract of Sale was signed for the purchase of the residential property at 145 Buckley Street, Essendon. This will enable this property to be developed into additional open space towards the end of this year and thereby opening up the site for easy access from the central courtyards through to the new sports court.

A further building project is the replacement of most of the external aluminium cladding on the College buildings. The College has a scheduled hearing with the Building Appeals Board on Tuesday 14 April that will determine the scope of works required to be undertaken. The College expects this project to also commence mid-year but only for a period of 3 months. After these works have been completed, the current restriction of 150 people in the Nicholson Hall and Theatrette will be removed.

So, 2020 will be a big year for St Columba’s College as these building projects are undertaken with the anticipation of exciting new facilities being completed for the College community.

 

Mother's Day High Tea - Save the Date

We are holding our High Tea again this year, to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our lives. It will be held on Saturday 9 May and will commence at 12.30pm. Invites will be sent to families in the near future.

Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 25th of February, St Columba’s held its annual House Swimming Carnival. The anticipation of introducing a new event this year Water polo, was a huge hit with the students getting into the spirit of the carnival.  

We were excited to implement the start of a 2 year plan to provide the opportunity for students to assist in the running of the swimming carnival.  This was a great success with student learning new skills and leadership qualities throughout the day.

 The individual year level champions were;

  • Yr 7 Ashleigh Nguyen
  • Yr 8 Jaz Davis
  • Yr 9 Vasiliki Simos
  • Yr 10 Eliza Pitman
  • Yr 11   Alexandra Dent
  • Yr 12   Kiara Evans

 At the end of the day the overall points were tallied and the results were as followed;

1st    Cahill
2nd    O’Brien
3rd    de Lacy
4th    Bruton
5th    Williams
6th    Cunningham  
7th    Cater 

Congratulations to all the girls on their participation throughout the day. Regardless of whether you came first, second, or third in an event, finished an event with a personal best, cheered the loudest for your House or students that helped out running the day, every small detail added to your House points and created a successful carnival.

Ash Wednesday Ceremony

On Wednesday 26th of March, St Columba’s College gathered together for the beginning of the Lenten season. The ashes, burned from last year’s Palm Sunday palms, water and chrism oil, were marked on the foreheads of students and teachers by the student executive as a symbol of penance, humility and sacrifice. The use of ashes stem from the ancient Jewish tradition of the Old Testament where it was a sign of humility, sorrow and repentance. While Ash Wednesday reminds us of the suffering journey of Jesus, it also encourages us to reflect on how we as a community can care for the vulnerable and acknowledge the dignity of the human person through advocacy, sacrifice and action. It is in self-sacrifice that we look beyond our own needs to help those who are suffering through acts of love and mercy. 

 

As a part of the ceremony, we also recognised this year’s Caritas Ambassadors. They have volunteered to promote the works of Project Compassion and be leaders by encouraging our support for communities from around the world that are working towards an educated, sustainable future.

 

Thank you to the work of Ms Fleeton and the Year 12 Student Executive in preparing us for the Lenten season through the service.

 

 

Project Compassion and Shrove Tuesday

During our annual Ash Wednesday liturgy, we launched our Project Compassion campaign for 2020: 

 

Project compassion is run by the charitable organisation, Caritas. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, Project Compassion acts as an ongoing representation of love, faith, and hope through advocating and donating to support those in need. Without the vital support of Project Compassion, Caritas could not do the work they do today to support people in our own country and others such as India, Cambodia and the Philippines.

 

Project Compassion’s theme for 2020 is ‘Let’s go further together’.

 

We aim to raise awareness and money to support Project Compassion sharing stories of those who have been supported by Caritas. We have donation boxes in homerooms, student reception and the canteen. This year we have challenged girls to skip their morning coffee or hot chocolates once a week and instead, donate this money to Caritas. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

 

This money and advocacy goes towards tackling world issues such as poverty and injustice in marginalised communities. This is achieved by providing access to clean water, food security, healthcare, education and sanitation for communities as well as sharing knowledge and best practice about  sustaining their resources. 

 

This year, we have over 50 student Caritas ambassadors, who will work throughout Lent, to advocate for Project Compassion and the work of Caritas. These ambassadors regularly support  homeroom groups, share information and fundraise. This year, in particular, we had many girls show interest in this program.

 

Our efforts began last Friday, when we celebrated a belated Shrove Tuesday event. The student executive team prepared, cooked and served pancakes to students during recess. This event was one of many upcoming fundraisers running during Lent, with all proceeds going towards Project Compassion. The morning was extremely successful and offered the first major opportunity for students to support our Caritas Campaign. We would like to thank Ms Fleeton and Mr Taylor for their support and help with this event. 

 

If you would like to learn more about Caritas and Project compassion, you can visit their website here.

SCSA Swimming & Diving Competition

On Thursday 4th March, St Columba’s swimmers and divers competed in the SCSA Division 2 Swimming & Diving competition at MSAC. The night was filled with excitement and anticipation, being only our second year participating in the diving competition. Overall a great night for St Columba’s College with the diving team coming in second and the senior swimmers taking out second in their category. Congratulations to all swimmers & divers for their hard work and dedication. 

 

A special mention to Laura Overman for finishing first in the intermediate 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50 freestyle events. Also to Charlotte Weir on taking out the Intermediate C diving category.  Well done to all competitors for their efforts on the night.

 

The team would like to say a special thank you to the coaches Mrs Robinson, Mrs Krajcer and Mr Mercieca for their commitment to the team.

 

 

Bushfires

In the past couple of months, Australia has faced a devastating catastrophe of one of the bushfires in our history. These fires started September last year sadly they continued throughout the opening of the new decade. It was only recently where the bushfires has been nullified. The fires not only left thousands of families homeless and in need of help, but it also left millions of our Australian wildlife in need of aid. 

 

According to The New York Times, the area burnt is six times the size of the 2019 Amazon fires. Australia’s annual industrial emissions budget in 2018-19 was 532 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. The fires have burnt through more than 5 million hectares of the country bush lands, due to this it is estimated to have released two- thirds of our carbon dioxide emission budget, which is about 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere will lead to the increase effect of greenhouse gas, hence increasing the effect of global warming.

 

Even though it isn’t within our power to help the carbon dioxide emitted from the fires, what we can do to help out is to donate to reputable charities such as:

 

    The Red Cross 

    The Salvation Army

    Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

 

Another way we as a community can help without donating a single cent is to donate goods and services. An example of this is for those who love to craft and create, you can get involved with organisations such as the Animal rescue craft guild, the Agile project, cairns create it and other groups to make pouches for joeys, blankets for animals, mittens for koalas and wraps for bats.

There are many ways you can help out with this tragedy. Even though the bushfires are slowly dying out, it is the recovery of the people, the community and the animals which will be the hardest of them all. To get involved you can contact the groups through their facebook page.

 

Alumnae Committee

The St Columba’s Alumnae Committee is looking for new members. The Committee would like to invite at least 2 new members each year. The Committee meets once a term at the College and with the Alumnae Coordinator, helps to organise 2 reunions a year. The Committee would like to increase their profile in the school community and would like to hear of new and innovative ways to achieve this. 

 

If you are interested please contact alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au.

Reunions

The College is once again holding reunions for the Graduating class of 2019 (27th October) and the Graduating classes ending in 0’s, ie 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 (7th November). Watch this space for more information. 

 

The College would also like to offer assistance to anyone who is organising a Reunion for their Graduating year. We can assist with finding a venue, sending invites, creating posts on our Facebook page, Try booking event setup, photos (if we have some) and many other things. 

 

If you are thinking of organising a Reunion and would help from the College please contact alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au.

Careers News

Welcome to the Careers Newsletter! Our current edition includes information on the following topics:

 

  • Journalism opportunity
  • Passionate about photography?
  • How about business and economics?
  • Careers in insurance – it’s more exciting than you make think!
  • Artificial intelligence and apprenticeships
  • Forensic science – careers and courses
  • Year 12 – university pathway planner
  • Focus on the Bachelor of Arts
  • Federation University – employability of grads and cyber security internships
  • Elite sport programs (rugby and football/soccer)
  • Three unique sport partnership programs – Carlton College, Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership and St Kilda Football Club
  • Sport at Box Hill Institute – partnership with Melbourne United Basketball
  • 2021 Applications now open for University of New England and Australia National University
  • University of Melbourne and Australia National University – high achievers scholarships open
  • Use Virtual Reality to explore careers
  • Four career websites to explore
  • ADF Gap Year – now open. Some roles are closing within the next few days!
  • Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Canberra
  • Australian Defence Force – upcoming career events
  • Dates for your diary
  • Focus on Data Science courses
  • Hair, Beauty, Make-up and Fashion courses
  • Trades tours – Victoria Polytechnic
  • Interested in being a flight attendant?
  • University mentoring programs for first year students
  • Study at the Australian Maritime College and explore your love of the ocean

View this week’s newsletter here.

A heads up the Victoria Careers Show and the VCE and Careers Expo are fast approaching, visit the websites for more information and a program and exhibitor list.

Parents' Association Meet and Greet

Year 7 parents, if you haven’t already, don’t forget to RSVP for our Meet and Greet event on Friday 13 March.

 

Birdman Rally - This Sunday

This Sunday our girls will be putting their skills to the test with the Birdman Rally, which kicks off from 11am at the Yarra.

 

There’s also still time to donate, click here.