IONA 7

Laudato Si Week and Reconciliation Week

The College was a buzz of excitement last week with many activities on offer to mark both Reconciliation Week and Laudato Si Week. Thanks to Adele Roeder, our Environment Steward, and our Environment Captain, Tiana Ciavarella, with the support of the Faith and Mission Team for the activities to keep our consciousness trained on our actions to be in right relationship with our planet.

It is World Environment Day on 5 June, a day that encourages awareness of and action towards protection of our environment, a state of being we encourage each day at St Columba’s College, as we work to bring Pope Francis’ vision in Laudato Si to life.

Thanks also to the Faith and Mission Team, and to the Just Act Crew with the support of Ava Petropoulos, our Justice and Youth Leader, Amelia Uberti, our Liturgy Captain and Jacinta Ripa, our Justice Captain, for the focus on Reconciliation Week, and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation at St Columba’s College.

It was great to hear the sounds of the didgeridoo across the College last week; a reminder of the rich culture we should be celebrating and learning from. The first nations people of Australia are dignified, full of grace and respectful in seeking our partnership and cooperation to right the wrongs of the past and create a just future for all Australians.

School Activities

Student attendance and participation in non-classroom-based activities, such as College assemblies and masses, year level reflection days, and sports carnivals is compulsory.

Our data indicates that absence rates on these dates are significantly higher than on regular timetable days. We will be issuing letters to families where there is a pattern of non-attendance for community activities, and this may impact a student’s capacity to be considered for leadership roles at the College.

In our partnership with families, we expect students to be making the most of the opportunities for growth, connection and reflection that are offered through these experiences. Please refrain from booking appointments during school assembly and mass times. Open conversation with your child about the importance of contributing to community, as well as opportunities for personal growth, supports our holistic learning, teaching and wellbeing program at the College.

Parent Engagement Committee

I would like to recognise the hard-working members of our Parent Engagement Committee who work diligently to offer avenues for parents to create genuine connections with the College, and with each other.

Their recent support of the Father/Male Mentor and Daughter Night underpinned a great evening of fun for dads and their daughters. The upcoming Mother and Daughter Movie night provides another opportunity for parents to socialise and meets their child’s friends. You can use this link to purchase tickets.

CGSAV – Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria

We are fortunate to be part of this association offering opportunities for girls to be involved in a variety of sports competitions with other Catholic girls’ colleges across the year. We have seen renewed interest in competition participation.

As a protective factor for mental and physical wellbeing, actively participating in sports offers many benefits for young people (and also those of us who are not so young!). We offer our congratulations to the junior, intermediate and senior teams who recently participated in the CGSAV Athletics Carnival. Our junior team of 30 students placed first within their division.

Last week, we commemorated both Reconciliation Week and Laudato Si’ Week — two significant moments of reflection and action. Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can contribute to reconciliation. Laudato Si’ Week is a call from Pope Francis to care for our common home, reflecting on how we protect creation and stand in solidarity with the poor. At our school, we marked these weeks with activities that celebrated culture, deepened our ecological awareness, and encouraged dialogue around justice, healing, and hope — for both people and planet.

Prayer:

In 1838, the Sisters of Charity brought to this land a crucifix bearing a black Christ — a profound symbol of respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who had long cared for this country. Mary Aikenhead’s vision was clear: to walk humbly upon this ancient land, honouring its peoples and traditions.

Let us now pray:

Loving Creator,
You have been present in this land long before our footsteps arrived.
We thank You for the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation,
for their care of country, their wisdom, and their resilience.
May we walk gently, with open hearts and listening ears.

As Mary Aikenhead’s Sisters once did,
may we learn from the oldest continuing culture on earth,
and respect the deep spiritual connection between people and land.

Guide us, O Lord,
to live out reconciliation not only in words but in actions.
May the lessons of Laudato Si remind us that
care for creation and care for one another are deeply entwined.
Help us to be stewards of justice, healing, and peace —
in this land and for our shared future.

Amen.

We kindly ask for your support in helping us maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

Please refrain from messaging your child on their phone or laptop during school hours. We understand that you may want to check in, but these messages can be disruptive during class time and make it difficult for students to stay engaged in their learning. Students are expected to have their phones in their lockers between 8.30am and 3.00pm.

If your child is feeling unwell during the day, they are required to report to First Aid, where they will be assessed. Should they be deemed unfit to remain at school, our College Nurse will contact you directly to arrange for collection. This process ensures that students receive appropriate care while also minimising unnecessary classroom disruptions.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support your child’s wellbeing and educational success.

As end of semester examinations and assessments approach, it’s normal for students and parents to feel a bit stressed or anxious. The college sees assessment and examinations, as a learning opportunity and a way of practicing for Year 12 VCAA examinations. The way we respond to students’ stress as teachers and parents can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel more at ease and confident.

Children are sensitive to the emotions of those around them. If we’re feeling anxious, even small signs, like a sigh or a worried tone, can signal to them that something is wrong. This is completely human and happens to all of us. But by being aware of this, we can gently shift the tone and create a more relaxed atmosphere during testing periods.

Education Today has published a great article with advice to parents on managing anxiety related to examinations. Please see link here.

This week, we showcase our music specialists, Mr Aaron Syrjanen (Guitar) and Ms Lindsay Hicks (Flute).

Mr Aaron Syrjanen

Mr Syrjanen is a musician/guitarist around Melbourne, working heavily in professional musical theatre and as a touring/session guitarist. He has performed on the commercial productions of Bring It On, The Wedding Singer (Melbourne & Sydney), Hairspray, 9 to 5, The Girl From North Country (Melbourne & Canberra), Cruel Intentions, Bloom, Elvis: The Musical Revolution and most recently Sister Act. Mr Syrjanen has also toured and recorded with artists such as The Chantoozies, Kate Ceberano, Carla Troiano, Erin Cornell, Ryan Ritchie, Drew Downing among many others. With extensive work in the music industry, his teaching often relates to real world performance scenarios which benefit his students’ learning experience.

Ms Lindsay Hicks

Ms Hicks is an experienced flutist and teacher, currently studying a Masters of Orchestral Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, having completed a Bachelor of Music Performance in 2020. Originally from Sydney, Lindsay moved to Melbourne in 2017 to pursue further study on the flute, and regularly performs with university ensembles and community orchestras. She has taught flute and piano in schools and private music studios in Sydney and Melbourne, and enjoys working with both beginners and more experienced players of all ages. Ms Hicks is excited to be teaching Year 7 flute, private lessons and leading the Flute Ensemble at St Columba’s College. She is looking forward to preparing students for several performances throughout the year.

Want to take your skills to the next level? Sign up now for Term 3 private lessons. Fill in a Enrolment Form and Direct Debit Form today and return them to performingarts@columba.vic.edu.au

On Tuesday 13th of May, the Year 11 VM students caught the train into the city to visit The Big Issue. The Big Issue is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and creating work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage. Simply put, they help people help themselves.

People come to The Big Issue from a wide range of circumstances, including homelessness, long-term unemployment, intellectual and physical disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency and family breakdown. We listened to a guest speaker named Shane who shared his story with us. He spoke about his circumstances and how he lost the majority of his family and left school at a very young age. He then spoke about how he was homeless and was forced to live in Boarding homes. Shane was forced to move around from boarding house to boarding house, leaving him abused emotionally and physically. Sadly, Shane’s story is so common for too many disadvantaged people in our society.  

Listening to Shane’s story, helped us to realise how lucky and grateful we are to be able to live in a home and not have to worry about where to sleep each night, whether we will be safe, or wondering how we will stay warm and dry each night. Luckily, for most of us, we don’t have to constantly search for food, shelter, or a place to rest. We have the comfort of privacy, the ability to lock my door, and a space to call my own. Shane’s experience reminded us that we should never take for granted how blessed we are to have a stable home. These simple blessings are a daily struggle for too many. Our day at The Big Issue taught us the importance of appreciating what we too often take for granted and that we should always look at people with compassion, kindness and never judgement because we never really know what someone is going through.

We had a blast celebrating Humanities Week at St Columba’s College – a vibrant showcase of creativity, culture, and just the right amount of chaos. The College came alive with a wide variety of activities, from a fashion parade that could rival the Met Gala, to thought-provoking trivia, movie screenings, and even a toilet paper challenge that had everyone in stitches. Students and staff alike embraced the spirit of the Humanities through friendly competition and fun. It was a week dedicated to the stories, people, and ideas that shape our world—and a wonderful reminder of the richness and diversity that the Humanities bring to our lives.

GAT – 17 June 2025

The GAT will be run at the College for all unit 3 and 4 students, Year 2 VCE VET students and VCE VM students. The GAT is held over 2 sessions.

Part A begins at 9:00 and runs to 11:15. This is compulsory for all Unit 3 and 4 students, VCE VET students and VCE VM students.

Part B begins at 1:15pm and runs to 3pm. This is for all unit 3 and 4 and Year 2 VCE VET students.

Students will receive an email with their seating and their HUB assignment. Students are required to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the GAT into their HUB and have their materials checked. The list of allowable materials for the GAT can be found on the following link.

GAT practice materials can be found on the VCE Student Portal on SEQTA. 

Students who are ill and are unable to attend the GAT will need to provide medical evidence. As this is an external assessment, the VCE leader will send out the VCAA medical form on the day of the GAT, to be completed by a GP or specialist as necessary within 7 days of the GAT.

No VCE classes will be run on this day.

GAT Assembly – 6 June

The GAT Assembly is a compulsory assembly that is being held in the Theatrette on the 6th of June 2025 at 8:35 am. All students who are required to sit the GAT in 2025 are required to attend the assembly. The only exemption are the VCE VM students who are on work placement.

The GAT assembly will also cover the rules and expectations of the VCAA end of year exams. GAT Advice slips and the GAT brochure have been made available to all students who are to sit the GAT. The advice slips were handed out in House Group.

Student with Special Exam Arrangements have been contacted by the VCE Leader and asked to come and collect their SEA Advice slip.

Trial Exams

The Trial exams will run from Friday 19th of September to Thursday 25th of September. It is expected that all unit 3 and 4 students and scored VCE VET students will attend their trial examination. This is an excellent opportunity to get valuable feedback from VCE teachers about where your student currently stands in their preparation for the VCAA examinations. The expectation is that all students follow the same rules for the trial examinations as they follow for the VCAA examinations. Students should be aware of what materials are allowable for their examination by either reading the information in the exam navigator or speaking to their teacher.

Special Provisions

VCE Special provisions do not roll over to the following year. If your student has special provisions this year, and will be completing a VCE unit next year (2026), then they will need to reapply for those provisions.  Applications for special provisions in 2026 will open in term 4.

Special provisions are provided to ensure that all students, regardless of challenges, are able to access the VCE as equitably as possible. If you are unsure whether your student would be eligible for special provisions, please reach out to the VCE Leader or House Leader.

Rescheduling SACs

If your student has missed a SAC due to illness, they are required to provide a medical certificate that covers the date of the SAC. 

The teacher will complete a reschedule application as soon as the assessment is missed and the student will be placed in the next available rescheduled time.

The student will sit the missed reschedule and can receive feedback for the assessment, but no score will be provided until appropriate evidence has been given.  The evidence needs to be uploaded by the student to the google form which can currently be found in the notices on SEQTA.

If your student has 3 SACs in a day, they may seek permission to reschedule one of them. This is not a choice by the student. The VCE leader will liaise with the teachers to find the least disruptive assessment to reschedule. This should be done as soon as the student is aware of the SACs.

If your student has special provisions and the ability to reschedule based on those provisions, your student will need to have a conversation with the VCE Leader as a check in to see if there is anything else that can be done to support.

VTAC reminder

A reminder to all Year 12 students: Please ensure that you have a USI number. This is required in order to open up the VTAC Account.

As part of our Refugee Week celebrations, we are looking for guest speakers who would be willing to share their experiences or insights with our students. If you are a teacher, parent, or know someone, such as a friend or family member, who has a refugee background or works with refugee communities, we would love to hear from you.

This is a meaningful opportunity to help our students build empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of diverse life experiences.

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me, Ava Petropoulos.

Email: petropoulosa@columba.vic.edu.au

We are pleased to advise that the Sophia Library will be open during the second week of the July school holidays, providing students with a quiet and welcoming space for study, research or reading.

Opening Hours:
Monday 14 July – Friday 18 July
10.00am – 3.00pm daily

Whether you’re preparing for Term 3, catching up on reading, or simply seeking a calm environment, the Library team looks forward to welcoming you.

Do you have a daughter currently in Grade 5 and wish to enrol her at St Columba’s College? If so, please take note of the following important enrolment dates for Year 7, 2027:

• Applications for Enrolment close on Friday, 15 August 2025
• Offers of Enrolment will be mailed on Friday, 17 October 2025
• Offers of Enrolment must be accepted or declined by Friday, 7 November 2025

Online applications for Year 7 2027, are now open and can be accessed via the College website. Please ensure you submit an application for your daughter, even if you already have another child at the College.

Every interaction with your child is either building connection or creating distance. Most parents are unknowingly choosing distance without realising the long-term emotional consequences.

In the daily grind of managing the household, getting children to and from school (and other commitments), regulating their emotions and our emotions, and navigating the everyday realities of life: it wears us out. We’re flustered. Exhausted. And… let’s be honest; sometimes we are impatient.

We want to be great parents. We know that connection is key. But now it’s 5pm, and our children are done for the day. The energy is shifting. Tempers are fraying. They’re bickering. You’ve asked and asked, but their school bag is still in the doorway.

When our willpower is at its lowest, our children are likely to be most challenging. At this point, us trying to get things right is like trying to start a campfire with wet matches—frustrating, energy-draining, and seemingly impossible. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of correction and direction that misses the most important aspect of raising children: connection.

Compassion is the answer. I know… It feels like a sharp command, a clear consequence, and a stern face will get you where you want to go faster: maybe it will. But you’re playing a longer game.

What is Compassion?

Let’s get clear on definitions. Compassion comes from two Latin words. In our English translation we’ll say that:

Com means together, with others. (Think community, communicate, combat, common.)

Passion doesn’t mean what you think. It’s Tony Robbins saying, “Believe in yourself! You can do it!” The word literally means to suffer.

So compassion, at its core, means to suffer together.

In Real Life

Consider a typical scenario: Your child is upset because a friend has moved away over the Christmas break. The natural response might be to minimise their feelings by saying things like, “You’ll make new friends” or “Stop moping around.” There’s the classic Aussie response: “You’ll be right.” But these responses tell children that their emotions are inconvenient or invalid. It feels dismissive.

Instead, true compassion means sitting with their pain. It means saying things like:

– “It must be really hard to miss your friend.”
– “Being apart from someone you care about is tough.”
– “I can see how much this is affecting you.”

The Power of Validation

Validation doesn’t mean agreeing with everything or solving every problem. It means acknowledging the emotional experience. When children feel heard, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they’re more likely to communicate openly and work collaboratively with parents.

This approach transforms discipline from a power struggle into a collaborative process. Instead of creating resistance, compassion builds connection.

5 Practical Ways to Practice Compassionate Parenting

1. Listen Without Judgement: Create a safe space for your children to express their feelings. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and hear what they’re saying. Avoid immediate advice or correction. Sometimes, feeling heard is the most powerful intervention.
2. Name the Emotion: Help children develop emotional intelligence by naming their feelings. “It seems like you’re feeling frustrated” or “I can see you’re feeling disappointed” gives children language for their internal experiences. This helps them understand and manage their emotions more effectively.
3. Set Boundaries with Empathy: Compassionate parenting isn’t about eliminating boundaries. It’s about setting those boundaries with understanding and respect. Instead of “Because I said so,” try “I understand you want to do this, and right now, we need to do something different. Here’s why…”
4. Model Emotional Regulation: Children learn emotional management by watching their parents. When you handle your own stress, disappointment, or anger with calm and reflection, you’re teaching them a powerful life skill. Show them how to process emotions constructively.
5. Repair and Reconnect: No parent is perfect. When you make mistakes—and you will—take responsibility. Apologise sincerely. Show your children that it’s okay to be imperfect and that relationships can be healed through honest communication and genuine care.

The Long-Term Impact

Compassionate parenting isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term investment in your child’s emotional development. Children raised with this approach are more likely to:

– Develop strong emotional intelligence
– Build healthier relationships
– Communicate more openly
– Handle stress more effectively
– Show empathy to others

Discipline will always be part of parenting. But when discipline is rooted in compassion, it becomes a tool for teaching and connection rather than a weapon of control.

Remember, you’re not just raising children. You’re nurturing future adults who will carry the emotional skills you’ve taught them into every relationship and challenge they’ll face.

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Monday 9 June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 10 June – Year 10 and Year 11 Exams Commence

Monday 16 June – Year 9 Exams Commence

Tuesday 17 June –  PEC Mother/Daughter Movie Night

Thursday 19 June – St Columba’s Day

Monday 23 June – Semester 2 Timetable Commences