Principal's Message
Welcome Back
It has been a very positive start to the term. I had the pleasure of hosting an educational consultant working with the Leadership Team for a College tour last week. He commented particularly on the calm nature of the College and the engaged and focused learning we experienced as we visited each area of the school. A great testament to both the students and the staff.
Welcome back to our overseas travellers who have returned with rich experiences from their time spent in Paris, Berlin and Brussels. Thank you to the accompanying staff for their tremendous care of the students on the trip. It is wonderful for the College to be able to proceed with planning these interstate and overseas immersion experiences after the COVID-era disruptions.
We wish our Year 7 Campers all the very best as they head off to camp this week. Thank you to all the staff accompanying the students. This camp particularly is an opportunity for students to get to know other students and teachers who are not a part of a student’s current core group or House Group.
Vale Mrs Mary Joan (Pixie) McNamee
We offer our condolences to the family of Pixie McNamee who was farewelled on 8th April, following her death on 29 March, at the age of 102.
Pixie McNamee was a teacher at the College for 39 years, from 1947 to 1986. From the wonderful tributes shared on our St Columba’s College Alumnae Facebook page, it is clear that Pixie was a much loved, admired and respected teacher, who inspired and encouraged students to explore their own artistic potential and develop a love for Art.
The following excerpt is from the 1986 College Annual:
After 30 years of dedicated service at St Columba’s, Mrs. McNamee leaves us to enjoy a well-earned rest in retirement. She has endeared herself to many hundreds of students who have profited from her teaching in various subjects, as well as from her loving care and guidance as a teacher/advisor. Her proficiency in imparting her great knowledge of Art, and her capacity to encourage outstanding execution, have been clear proof of her expertise in this, her particular field. An ability to make each person feel so special is one of the qualities which will leave all at St. Columba’s poorer for her going, but, at the same time richer for having been privileged to know her as a Teacher, Friend and Colleague. Thank you, Mrs. McNamee.
ANZAC Day Commemorations
On the morning of 23 April, the staff and students at St Columba’s College commemorated ANZAC Day through a memorable service.
Students in each House Group contributed to making a wreath which was placed in Gayip-biik as part of the service.
In this time of great world upheaval, with wars severely impacting the safety of all people, especially children, we pray that we may pay attention to the past, and strive to understand the lessons of history in our pursuit of peace and justice for all.