IONA 8

Pope Leo’s New Encyclical Letter – Magnifica Humanitas

You may be aware of the latest papal encyclical released on 25 May, Magnifica Humanitas, on Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. It is a rich and profound document, drawing on the depth of Catholic Social Teaching in response to the times that we find ourselves in. Ultimately it is a document that challenges us to preserve, uplift, and hold as a central tenet, the dignity of the human person. It challenges us in our relationship with God – to be the love in the world that we understand God to be, individually and collectively as human communities.  It is not hostile to technology, recognising it as a tool of human invention that has the capacity to better the human condition for all. It challenges the bearers of power who control and direct technologies; those who have the potential to undermine the fundamental truth that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

“The power and prevalence of emerging technologies are interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping decision-making processes and deeply affecting the collective imagination: “Never has humanity had such power over itself.” [6] New technologies open up a horizon extending in directions that are imaginable but not yet fully predictable. This complicates the assessment of their potential impact and the long-term effects they may have on both the dignity of individuals and the common good.” (4)

Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si, On The Care of our Common Home, prompted a sustained and passionate dialogue about our relationship with our planet, the home that nurtures, sustains and gives us life. In the same way Magnifica Humanitas ignites our imagination to question our relationship with technology as it serves us to build a fairer, more just and equitable world for all humanity. If you are interested in reading the document it can be accessed here.

Parent Engagement Committee (PEC)

The Parent Engagement Committee (PEC) works to build parent connection to the College community through various activities that bring people together. The recent Father/Male Mentor and Daughter Games Night and the Mother/Daughter Movie Night are both terrific examples of people coming together in the spirit of shared fun, the College and the PEC working together to offer community building and connection initiatives. I would like to thank the members of the PEC who work tirelessly on behalf of the parent community, and our Deputy Principal, Brigitte McDonald who supports their work.

Renewed Learning Structure 2027

Work continues at the College as we prepare for this next stage in our learning journey as a College, remaining true to our call as a Faithful, Contemporary and Innovative community. 

The renewed learning structure is our response to some of the contemporary learning challenges we have been exploring since 2020:

• Developing learners who have the explicit study skills to support learning now and into their futures
• Building adaptable learning skills beyond the classroom doors
• Developing independent and resilient learners, with appropriate reliance on their teachers – developing student understanding that they need to take carriage of their own learning
• Supporting multi—modal approaches to learning
• Creating flexible learning opportunities which address engagement, learnership and accountability
• Increasing independent study time for students
• Increasing contact time as far as possible for connection and learning purposes.

There will be a Parent Information Evening held in early Term 3. In the meantime, you can access further information via the community Hub.

As a community, we pause to remember two important moments in our calendar.

On 6 June, we celebrate the anniversary of Mary Aikenhead’s entrance into the novitiate, the beginning of a journey that would lead her to found the Sisters of Charity and dedicate her life to bringing the love of Christ to those most in need. Her courage, faith, and commitment to justice continue to inspire us to be contemplatives in action and to be extensively useful in our own time.

On 9 June, we celebrate the Feast of St Columba, the great missionary, teacher, and pilgrim whose deep faith helped shape communities through learning, prayer, and service. His example reminds us of the power of wisdom, hospitality, and steadfast trust in God.

Let us pray.

Loving God,

We thank you for the lives of Mary Aikenhead and St Columba, whose faith and generosity transformed the communities they served.

As we remember Mary Aikenhead, may her compassion inspire us to see the dignity of every person, especially those on the margins. May her commitment to justice encourage us to act with courage, kindness, and hope. Help us to trust in your providence and to bring the love of Christ into all that we do.

As we remember St Columba, may his spirit of learning and discipleship guide us in our search for truth. May his wisdom help us to build communities of welcome and respect, and may his faithfulness encourage us to walk with confidence in the path you set before us.

Mary Aikenhead, share with us your compassion, courage, and commitment to justice.

St Columba, share with us your wisdom, faith, and spirit of service.

Together, may their examples help us to grow as people of truth, justice, hope, love, and compassion, so that our lives may bring light to our community and to our world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

TRANSITION SURVEY FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS & PARENTS/CARERS

A reminder that parents or carers and students will have the opportunity to complete an online survey, about their experience of transition, between 8 – 19 June.

Thank you, in advance, to all the Year 7 students and their parents or carers who take the time to participate in the survey.

COLUMBA’S DAY – Thursday 18 June

The College Community looks forward to celebrating St Columba’s Day on Thursday 18 June, a special day where we come together to celebrate our St Columba’s identity and reflect on the legacy of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity.

The day will begin with Eucharist, followed by House Service activities and a range of carnival activities organised by our Student Executive, House Representatives, students and staff. We thank them for their hard work in creating a meaningful and enjoyable day for all.

St Columba’s Day is a compulsory school day for all students. Students are expected to arrive on time and be seated in the Multi-Purpose Centre by 8.40am for Mass. Students arriving after 9.00am will not be permitted to enter during Eucharist or be involved in the remainder of the day.

Students may wear casual clothes (neat everyday clothing – no pyjamas) and will be dismissed at 2.00pm. A range of food options will be available on the day, with students encouraged to bring $30–$40 for purchases (large notes should be avoided). Food deliveries such as Uber Eats are not permitted.

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful day together as a College community.

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 9 June (online meeting)

Tuesday 28 July

Tuesday 18 August

Tuesday 15 September

Tuesday 20 October

Tuesday 17 November          

College Raffle

As you know the Parent Engagement Committee is in the process of planning for our College raffle for term 3. In consultation with the Student Engagement Team, funds raised through the raffle and other PEC initiatives this year will go towards the purchase of an outdoor, weather proof table tennis table for students to enjoy during breaks and lunchtime. This exciting addition will provide another active and inclusive recreational option, encouraging students to enjoy healthy physical activity in a fun and social environment.               

If you’re able to donate any goods or services, or would like more information, please contact the Parent Engagement Committee at parents@columba.vic.edu.au  

Mother/ Daughter Movie Night

Last Tuesday evening, our Mother Daughter Movie Night was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a special evening of connection. Around 180 mothers and daughters enjoyed watching The Devil Wears Prada 2, complete with popcorn, choc tops and a drink to make the night even more enjoyable.

A heartfelt thank you to our PEC for organising this fantastic event and creating such a warm and memorable experience for our community. Particular thanks to Jen, Diane, Day, Rachel and Rebecca for their attendance on the evening and to Giovanna, our President, for her wonderful oversight of the planning for this activity.

ALUMNAE COMMITTEE

Our Alumnae Committee meets once each term on a Wednesday evening from 7:00–8:30pm, 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 next meeting for is scheduled for Wednesday 12 August.

Students who are required to leave early in Year 7-10 for any reason must be collected and signed out by an adult listed on their approved contact list.

Students in Year 11 and 12 who have signed their year level agreements and have no further scheduled classes for the day may leave independently.

Students in Year 11 and 12 that need to leave early need to have a Parent Notified absence listed on their SEQTA profile and are required to sign out via Student Reception. Confirmation for their early leave may be sought by Student Reception or House Leader if necessary.

Students in Year 11 and 12 who are ill, must present to First Aid in the first instance. The College Nurse will then in consultation with the Student and the parent ascertain if students are well enough to make their way home independently or if they require a parent/carer collection. This is then noted as a Parent Notified Absence on SEQTA.

Athletics Recap

On the 27th of May, we had 63 students across all years represent the college at the CGSAV Athletics competition at Lakeside Stadium. It was a very cold and wet start to the day including a delay to the morning for the rain to pass, however once the weather cleared up the girls were straight into it. We achieved many excellent results, including podium finishes. A special thanks to Mr Wright, Ms Clarke, Ms Cremasco and Ms Norton for all their preparation and work at training each week and their hard work and assistance on the day of the event as well. 

Our Juniors finished up 3rd overall and the Inters and Seniors both took out 1st place!! These amazing results meant STC finished 1st overall and took out the division 2 competition for the first time!

Congratulations to all our students and we look forward to next year. 

The Dante Alighieri poetry competition is an annual cultural event, organised by the Dante Alighieri Society Melbourne, which invites secondary school students to memorise and recite famous Italian poems, ranging from pieces of Dante’s Divine work, to contemporary Italian literature.

On the 2nd of June, a group of girls from year 9-12 attended the Dante Alighieri poetry competition. These students each memorised one of these poems, in Italian, to then recite it in front of one judge at the University of Melbourne. We all practised for weeks leading up to the competition, reciting our poems until they were stuck in our head. 

Arriving at the Melbourne Uni campus, despite the cool weather, our STCC team was excited to recite their poem, performing weeks of hard work. 

Then came the moment we had all been waiting for. One by one, we were called into small classrooms to recite our poems in front of a distinguished Italian judge. While waiting outside, students gathered in their year levels, encouraging and cheering one another on. It was reassuring to know that our teammates were supporting us every step of the way, helping to calm our nerves and boost our confidence. Although there were certainly some anxious moments, everyone gave their best performance and was proud to represent the College at such a prestigious competition.

Following our recitation, we were further rewarded for our hard work with a meal at Italian restaurant Brunetti.

It was an exciting day that allowed us students the opportunity to recite an Italian poem that helped us improve our vocabulary, pronunciation when speaking Italian, while also celebrating Italian culture in a fun and interactive way. It also allowed students from different year levels to get to know one another better, and of course, we enjoyed a delicious Brunetti’s lunch and dessert, making the day both full of Italian culture and enjoyment.

During our Urban Experience week, 9.2 explored a variety of locations across the city of Melbourne and developed skills in independence, teamwork, navigation, and reflection.

We participated in an Amazing Race-style activity around the city with St Bernard’s students, which involved completing various challenges and navigating between different locations. Throughout the week, we visited a range of important sites around Melbourne. These included St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Vincent’s Hospital, and Frontyard Youth Services, which gave us greater insight into community services and support. We also explored cultural and public spaces such as Fitzroy Gardens, the State Library of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, Queen Victoria Gardens, Chinatown, and many other destinations, which helped us better understand the city’s history, culture, and everyday life.

Furthermore, we also had access to a range of public transport, including trams and trains, to travel around the city, helping us to build confidence in navigating urban environments. In addition, food stops and time spent in areas such as Southbank and Centreway Arcade added to our understanding of how the city is used in everyday life.

At the end of each day, we returned to Catholic Theological College to reflect on our experiences, and we completed a final reflection and assessment task at the end of the week, after giving our farewells to the St Bernard’s students.

Ultimately, the Urban Experience was plenty of fun, helping us gain a deeper understanding of Melbourne as a city while building practical skills like independence, organisation, and teamwork. This has certainly shaped us as stronger individuals and more confident learners for future experiences in and beyond the classroom.

O’Brien House is proud to partner with McAuley Community Services for Women.

For over 35 years, McAuley has supported women, children, and young people who have experienced family violence and homelessness, helping them regain control and rebuild their lives.

As a Mary Aikenhead community inspired by compassion, justice and service, we are grateful for the opportunity to support an organisation that provides safe accommodation, care and practical assistance to women and children during incredibly challenging times.

Throughout the term, we will be collecting essential care and household items to support families assisted by McAuley as they work towards safety, stability and independence.

We invite students, staff and families to contribute the following items:

• Year 7: Shampoo and conditioner
• Year 8: Body wash and deodorant
• Year 9: Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Year 10: Kids’ toiletries and sanitary products
• Year 11 & 12: Financial contributions and/or new bed linen

We are also seeking donations of chocolate blocks, chocolate bars or lollies to use as prizes for our carnival game, Splat the Rat.

Alternatively we will happily accept financial donations using the following donation link: https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/obrienhouse

All donations will go directly towards supporting women and children in emergency crisis accommodation, offering safety, dignity, and hope when it’s needed most. Donation baskets will be located outside O’Brien House Leaders Office.

All donations will be accepted until Wednesday 17 June.

Thank you to our O’Brien House community for your generosity and compassion. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children in need.

At St Columba’s College, we are committed to building strong partnerships between families and teachers to support every student’s growth. One of the ways we foster this connection is through our online Parent Teacher interview process. These virtual meetings offer convenience and accessibility, making it easier for parents and guardians to engage with teachers and stay informed about their child’s progress.

As we continue to refine and improve this experience, your feedback is essential. 

Parent Teacher interviews play a vital role in student success. They provide an opportunity to:

• Discuss academic progress and wellbeing
• Strengthen communication between school and home
• Identify strategies to better support each student

The move to an online format has brought many advantages, including flexibility and reduced travel time. However, we recognise that there may also be challenges or areas for improvement. Your insights help us understand what is working well and where adjustments can be made. Parents are encouraged to share their feedback by completing this feedback form by 4 pm Friday 12 June. 

We thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

For generations of St Columba’s students, College musicals have been far more than performances. They have been milestones. Moments of nervous excitement waiting in the wings, friendships formed during long rehearsals, standing ovations, backstage laughter, and memories that have remained vivid long after the final curtain call.

Across the decades, thousands of students have contributed to this proud tradition, not only as performers, but as musicians, dancers, stage crew, costume makers, set builders and production team members. These productions have become woven into the story of the College itself, connecting generations through a shared love of creativity, collaboration and the performing arts.

Many college alumnae still fondly recall their time on stage, while others remember sitting in the audience, watching siblings, friends and classmates bring beloved stories to life. Every production leaves its mark, becoming part of the collective memory of the St Columba’s community.

This year, another chapter is about to be written.

St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College are proud to present the production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, continuing a performing arts tradition that has enriched College life for decades.

Behind the scenes, the excitement is already building. Rehearsal rooms are filled with music, choreography is taking shape, costumes are coming together, and students are dedicating countless hours to perfecting every scene, song and moment. From the cast and orchestra to the backstage crew and production team, the level of commitment has been extraordinary. The talent, enthusiasm and professionalism on display have been nothing short of inspiring.

Ticket information will be released very soon, so keep an eye on our communications channels. We look forward to welcoming our community to what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the rich history of performing arts at St Columba’s College.

Dear Parents/Carers of Year 8 Students,

In 2027, St Columba’s College will once again be offering current Year 8 students the opportunity to be a part of the Mathematics Accelerated Pathway (MAPs) Program.

This program is a two-year course designed for students who are seeking a greater challenge in Mathematics and are interested in studying Maths Methods and Specialist Maths in Years 11 and 12.

Through this enhanced curriculum, our most talented mathematicians will work on more complex tasks and learn topics to a greater depth and breadth to best prepare them for the challenge of VCE mathematics.

To qualify for this course, students must demonstrate outstanding knowledge in Mathematics through their assessment results in Year 8 and will be required to sit an entrance test upon application to the program. The application for the entrance test will be sent early Term 3. Only students who submit the application form will be allowed to sit the entrance test, and be able to qualify for the program.

Please see the flowchart for the possible Mathematics pathways for Year 9 students in 2027 onwards: Mathematics Pathways

Term 2: CAREER NEWS – Newsletter 12  | Monday 8 – 19 June

Please find below the link and summary of all the information in the Career Newsletter:

Careers Newsletter

Career Newsletter summary:

• St Columba’s senior Expo
• Melbourne Career Expo: 17 – 19 July
• Geelong Careers Expo 2026
• Monash Uni: Monash Fine Art, Design and Architecture Experience Days, Science Tours, The Monash Design Prize, Make Music with Us
• Kangan Institute: Open Days & Course Guide
• Australian Catholic University: Early Entry, Sessions about a variety of courses in the school holiday
• Deakin Uni: Studying Health Sciences, Difference between Financial Planning, Finance, and Accounting, Construction Management at Burwood Campus, Bachelor of Engineering (Industry)
• SAE: Create for a Day & Open Day
• Swinburne: Study Expo at Hawthorn & Croydon, Design and Fashion Info Session, Screen and Media Info Session Early Entry Program and Open Day
• William Angliss: Discovery Day & Course Guides
• VU: Early Entry Program. Explanation of the Block Model
• RMIT: Holiday Progeam, Early Entry Program & Course Guides and New Course: RMIT UniReady, Useful Career Guides
• Bond University: 2027 Early Entry, Parent Information Webinar & Bachelor of Enterprise Artificial Intelligence
• Federation University: Course Guide & 2027 Early Entry
• University Of Melbourne: School Holidays Program Jazz and Improvisation Winter Camp 2026, School Holidays Program for Years 9 – 12   
• Box Hill Institute: Health Services Assistance (Operating Theatre Technician)
• Guides: Entry to Medicine & Subject Selections 
• Charles Sturt University: Advantage Early Offer Program and Open Day
• Screen Careers: Entry Level Roles
• Claire Pech Careers: Year 12 & Early Entry with ADHD: Online Webinar
• Zoos Victoria Careers Expo 2026
• Australian federal Police: Becoming a Protective Service Officer
• La Trobe University: Aspire Early Offer Program, Holiday Programs & Studying Occupational Therapy
• Whitehouse Institute of design: School Holidays Workshop
• AIE: Online Open Day
• National Fashion College Melbourne Campus: Workshop
• CDW Studios: Open Day
• National Fashion College Melbourne Campus: National Fashion College Styling Workshop for Ages 16+
• ACAP Open Day 2026
• Australian Defence Force Academy Open Day
• Collarts: Open Day
• Early Entry Guide
• Open Days 2026
• How to become a Environmental Health Officer
• Eye Specialists: differences are between Optometrists, Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists
• Career as a Podiatrist

If you require any further assistance, please DM a member of the Pathways team at  pathways@columba.vic.edu.au

St Columba’s College is seeking parents, friends of the College, and alumnae professionals to support our Year 9 students by volunteering as interviewers for our annual Mock Interviews, held as part of the College Pathways Program.

Across three evenings in September, students will take part in face-to-face mock interviews designed to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and prepare them for future employment and pathway opportunities.

Volunteer interviewers will conduct interviews on-site and provide valuable feedback and encouragement to our students as they begin developing these important life skills.

📍 St Columba’s College, Essendon
📅 Monday 14 September, Tuesday 15 September & Wednesday 16 September
⏰ 5.30pm – 8.30pm

This is always a meaningful opportunity to give back to the next generation while sharing your professional insight and experience. If you are interested in being involved, we kindly invite you to complete the following form by Monday 20 July: https://forms.gle/K7tw5Qjuun3YQgn6A

Please note, a current Working with Children Check is compulsory for all participants. Those without a Volunteer WWCC can apply free of charge via the link: service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children

Should you have any questions, please contact Ms Rosalba D’Astoli, Pathways Leader on 9337 5311 or email dastoliiannuzzir@columba.vic.edu.au

Sleep plays a vital role in teenagers’ learning, mental health, emotional wellbeing, and ability to cope with everyday stress. The Black Dog Institute highlights that many adolescents are not getting the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep each night, which can impact concentration, mood, relationships, and school performance.

The article encourages parents to help establish healthy sleep habits by supporting regular bedtimes and wake times, reducing screen use before bed, encouraging physical activity, and creating calm, comfortable sleep environments. Modelling positive sleep routines as a family can also help teenagers develop lifelong healthy habits.

The Black Dog Institute also recommends open conversations about sleep and wellbeing, noting that sleep difficulties can sometimes be linked to stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

For further reading:
Tips for Supporting Better Sleep – Black Dog Institute

What do you do with your empty drink containers?

While tossing them into the yellow co-mingled recycling bin is a good start, they’ll be recycled into new products, there is a way to make an even bigger impact! 

When you use a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Depot or Reverse Vending Machine, your containers are recycled directly back into new drink bottles. Plus, each container earns a 10c refund!

St Columba’s College is registered as an official donation partner with CDSVic. You can easily donate your loose change to us by downloading the TOMRA CDSVic app and selecting St Columba’s College as your preferred charity whenever you return your containers.

Don’t have time to visit a CDS depot? 

Skip the yellow bin at home and bring them to school instead! St Columba’s College has three dedicated blue bins on campus just for container collection.

Every cent raised goes directly to the St Columba’s Green Team, empowering our students to lead environmental initiatives and learn more about protecting our planet.

For more information or to get involved email Debbie Rovere, Environment Steward Rovered@columba.vic.edu.au

In May, St Columba’s College came alive with the spirit of Humanities Week, a celebration of the people, places, cultures and events that have shaped our world and continue to influence our future.

Across the week, students embraced a range of activities designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking and bring Humanities learning to life beyond the classroom. From an engaging keynote presentation and Q&A with Jo Briskey MP, to the ever-popular Amazing Race challenges, Timeline Challenge and Famous Faces activities, students enthusiastically immersed themselves in exploring history, geography, civics and culture in new and exciting ways.

Humanities Week provided a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the world around them while celebrating the diversity of perspectives, stories and experiences that make our global community so rich.

Thank you to our Humanities staff for their creativity and dedication in organising such an engaging and memorable week for our students.

What can parents and other family members say to help – and not further increase stress on young people at this time?

Rather than focusing on why they have not decided yet, families can talk about what information would make the decision feel less overwhelming. Generation Next has provided a helpful guide for families to support positive conversations and encourage thinking and exploration. To read this guide please click on the link below:

https://www.generationnext.com.au/2026/05/so-your-year-12-student-hasnt-decided-whats-next-heres-what-to-say-and-what-not-to-about-career-planning/

As parents and carers, it is natural to want to protect our children from stress, coming from our association with stress as something harmful that needs to be avoided. However, some stress can help our children grow, build resilience and develop confidence. This type of stress is known as “healthy stress”-  a healthy, short-term stress that motivates you, enhances your performance, and builds resilience. Examples may include: sitting a test, studying for exams, public speaking, trying a new activity, navigating small setbacks or challenges or learning a new skill that feels out of our comfort zone.

Although these experiences can feel uncomfortable in the moment, they teach very important life skills that are important throughout adulthood. When children work through manageable stress and challenges, they learn effort and persistence matter, mistakes are part of learning, challenges often become easier with practice and some nervousness and some anxiety are normal. By sitting with their feelings and discomfort, children learn to manage their feelings and develop strategies (what works vs doesn’t work), rather than be overwhelmed by their feelings. Healthy stress is usually short-term, manageable, supported by trusted adults and balanced with rest and connection. The goal is not to eliminate all stress, but to support children to experience challenges in safe and supportive ways. A powerful message for our children is “you can do hard things, and I am here to support you through it”.

A moderate level of stress can motivate students to stay organised, meet deadlines, prepare for exams, attempt various study techniques and remain focused on their goals. When it comes to exams, students may experience stress around future pathways and career decisions, balancing study with extracurricular activities and rest, comparisons with peers and fear of failure. Healthy stress can improve motivation and time management, build resilience and independence, develop coping strategies for adulthood and create a sense of achievement for overcoming challenges. Sometimes students need reassurance around exam stress, that feeling stressed does not mean they can’t do it, it often means they care.

While some stress is normal, ongoing overwhelm, withdrawal, panic, changes in sleep or appetite, persistent low mood or inability to cope may signal that additional support is needed. It is important to encourage our children to speak with trusted adults, teachers, wellbeing staff or health professionals to access support. Parents, carers and family can provide vital support for young people when they are facing challenges. Headspace is available to support you through these challenges and transitions: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/school-stress/

Friendship is a Skill

Speak to any school leader, psychologist, teacher, or person involved with children in a kindergarten or school and ask them what the most common challenge they confront is when dealing with students – and the answer will almost always be the same: Friendships. Friendships are at the very heart of our wellbeing – or our distress. The quality of our relationships is core to our happiness. Researchers have found that “school belonging” is a predictor of everything from grades to life satisfaction – even a decade after school has ended. Academic achievement, self-concept, behaviour, and thinking all improve when kids feel they “belong”. And they’re less likely to drop out of school (or have sick days). Friendships are core to that sense of belonging. If friendship and belonging matter so much, why are they such ongoing sources of challenge for children and the adults who try to support them?

Read the full article here via the link.

Scholarship Testing Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026
Registration Closing Date: Friday, 17 July 2026

Please note that practice papers are not available, as testing is conducted by an external provider, Academic Assessment Services.

As we move into the winter months and flu season approaches, we would like to send a friendly reminder about the importance of keeping students home when they are unwell.

To help reduce the spread of illness within our school community, we ask that students do not attend school if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. This includes days when they may have assessments, SACs, or exams scheduled.

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school for an assessment or exam, please ensure they email their teacher to arrange a follow-up or alternative time to complete the task.

We have recently seen a number of students attend school to complete a single class or assessment and then present to First Aid requesting to go home. Unfortunately, this does not help prevent the spread of illness within the school.

If your child is unwell, we kindly ask that you keep them at home for the day rather than sending them in for a short period of time.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a healthy school environment.

18 June – St Columba’s Day Celebration

19 June – Assessment and Reporting Day

23 June – Year 11 Reflection Day

25 June – Combined Music with St Bernard’s

26 June – End of Term 2