IONA 9

St Columba’s Day Celebrations

What a wonderful spirit of community and fun I experienced as I wandered around and spoke to staff and students. Our day is intentionally structured:

• • We begin with Eucharist to celebrate our faith, heritage, and identity; 
  • the House Partner service activity invites us to recognise and respond to the most vulnerable, looking outwards not inwards; and 
  • then an afternoon of fun to celebrate what each of us contributes to this wonderful College community. 

An army of people make this day a success. Special thanks go to Ms McDonald who works with the Senior Student Executive and the House Leaders to ensure that there is something for everyone in our celebrations.

This year we dedicated our Eucharist to Trish Crossin, alumna and past College Board Director, who died suddenly in April this year. Members of Trish’s family joined us for the commemoration. Trish was a trail blazer, and embodied so many of the characteristics and values we aim to instil in our students – courageous, passionate, compassionate, just. Someone who responded to need – an embodiment of justice in action. 

At the end of the Eucharist, it was my honour to announce a new scholarship named in honour of Trish Crossin AM, a scholarship which recognises a life dedicated to education, opportunity, justice and service.

The Trish Crossin Memorial Scholarship has been established to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students seeking a Catholic education in the tradition of Mary Aikenhead Ministries and the Sisters of Charity.

Trish Crossin used her fierce intellect, her spirited passion and her commitment to justice to make a practical and sustained difference to the lives of the indigenous people she chose to work with and whom she represented in the Senate. She moved from her place of comfort and security to live her values in action.

Through her work as a teacher, union leader, community advocate and Senator, Trish championed equity, opportunity and social justice. She believed deeply in the transformative power of education and in the potential of every young person to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

While teaching in remote Aboriginal communities, Trish developed a profound respect for First Nations culture, heritage, language and connection to Country. Inspired by communities working to preserve their culture and language for future generations, she became a lifelong advocate for educational access and opportunity. Her commitment to reconciliation and First Nations peoples remained a defining feature of her public life; Trish was the first person to speak an Indigenous Australian language in Federal Parliament and, in her first speech to the Senate, offered an apology to members of the Stolen Generation ten years before the Australian Government’s national apology. “Just because it has never been done before, there is no reason it should not be done now” – in the footsteps of Mary Aikenhead Trish brought the legacy of the Sisters with whom she worked with and on behalf of.

Through this scholarship, St Columba’s College proudly honours Trish’s enduring belief in the potential of young people. It continues her legacy of encouragement, opportunity and service, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their aspirations, embrace their strengths and create positive change within their communities.

If you are interested in making a donation to this scholarship fund, visit the scholarships page on our website.

Semester One Exams

Another exam period has successfully concluded at the College. Of particular note is the way our students conducted themselves throughout their exams. Words shared with me included focussed, serious, and prepared. Speaking with both students and staff, I was pleased to hear the language of the Learning Toolkit being used to describe exam and assessment preparation methods. Students abided by our uniform and behaviour expectations to ensure that a consistent approach to exams was experienced by all students. Thank you to our families for supporting our expectations as we prepare students for the various forms of assessment they will encounter in their learning journeys.

Last week we celebrated St Columba’s Day and reflected on 129 years of St Columba’s College, giving thanks for the people whose faith, courage, and commitment to justice continue to shape our community. Inspired by the missionary zeal of St Columba, the compassionate service of Mary Aikenhead, and the witness of esteemed alumna Trish Crossin, we are reminded that faith is not simply something we believe, but something we live. Together, as a community called to be people of Justice in action, let us pray the Collect from our St Columba’s Day Mass.

Loving God,

you called St Columba to carry the light of the Gospel to new lands,
and you inspired Mary Aikenhead to serve those most in need.
Open our hearts to the call of justice.
Give us the courage to stand with those who are vulnerable,
the wisdom to act with integrity,
and the compassion to see Christ in every person we meet.
May we be people of faith in action,
committed to building a world shaped by dignity, mercy, and peace.
Through our words and our deeds,
help us to be faithful witnesses to your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

ST COLUMBA’S DAY

St Columba’s Day was a wonderful success, made possible through the dedication and hard work of our Student Executive, House Leaders, House Representatives, and the many staff and students who contributed to planning and running the day.

As well as being a special opportunity to celebrate our community, St Columba’s Day also allows us to support the valuable work of our House charity partners and the Sisters of Charity Foundation. We are grateful for the generosity shown by our school community and look forward to sharing details of the funds raised in the next edition of the newsletter.

Most importantly, the day was filled with enthusiasm, school spirit, and plenty of fun for our students.

The following is a brief account from each of our Student Executive Team:

College Captains – Charlize and Tiana

St Columba’s Day is truly the event that everyone looks forward to. The Student Executive team planned well in advance, organising the food trucks, fun activities, praying for no rain and of course the long-anticipated lip sync battle (GO STUDENTS!!!). STC day ran smoothly! Tiana and I had the privilege to spend the day connecting with students from a large variety of year levels. We interviewed girls asking what they’re most looking forward to, their highlights so far and many other quirky questions. It was so rewarding from our perspective to see so many St Columba’s students enjoying the day and with such big smiles on their faces. The Executive’s hard work and dedication to making this day special had really paid off and it was truly a fun, vibrant and successful last St Columba’s Day to remember!

Bruton House Captain – Amelia

During this year’s St Columba’s Day, the Bruton team of House reps, teachers and the wider Bruton community, and I all came together to organise different opportunities to give back to our House partner, the Good Samaritan Inn, an organisation that provides emergency and longer-term accommodation, facilities and services to women and children who are in domestic violence situations. Thank you to Jemma Mead, CEO of the organisation and Nardine K, Head of their new facility, The Haven, for coming out on the day to talk to us about the amazing work they do. During the carnival aspect later that day, we ran the Bruton Chocolate-covered strawberries, which were an absolute success, selling out within an hour! They received lots of love and were overall a great treat. We also had our Giant Games, which were good and something to change it up a bit, with the balloon darts being the most popular. It was amazing to see all the support from the STCC community, and a big thank you to those who donated, including teachers, students and parents. I would also like to thank those who helped us with sourcing everything – Melbourne Chocolate Shop for the chocolate, LaManna and The Happy Apple for the strawberries, and the teachers and students who helped us out leading up to and on the day!

Cahill House Captain – Harper

This St. Columba’s day, the Cahill team and I organised opportunities to support our House partner, Prague House, a specialised aged care facility that supports residents living with a mental health diagnosis and or an acquired brain injury. This year, we held our ‘Cahills’ Cupcakes’ stall with students having the ability to decorate their own cupcake with various toppings and flavours to choose from, which sold out before the end of the day! And it wouldn’t be STC day without the iconic lip sync battle – with the house representatives, house leader, and I working hard to make sure we had some iconic performances like Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Rihanna, and Michal Jackson. It was amazing to see students engage with and support their peers and teachers whilst also supporting such an incredible cause.

Cater House Captain – Jaida

The Cater Team worked hard this year to support our House Partner, St Paul’s College, a specialist school for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. This year, we ran the iconic Cater Sausage Sizzle to raise funds for St Paul’s College’s new library. The Cater House Representatives and I also worked together to build a dunk tank, with five teachers generously agreeing to be soaked with cold water, all for a good cause! It was fantastic to see the Cater community come together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the St. Paul’s students.

Cunningham House Captain – Ruby

On St Columba’s Day, the Cunningham team worked together to organise fitting fundraising activities regarding our house partner, the Sister Francesca Healy Cottage, which is operated by St Vincent’s Hospital. The cottage provides short-term, holistic care for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, supporting both their medical and social needs. We decided to run new activities this year, involving food! The fairy floss machine was a huge hit as was our pizza stall – we sold out of the pizzas in the first 30 minutes! We helped to ensure students were kept satisfied while enjoying this amazing day.

De Lacy House Captain – Alyssa

On St Columba’s Day, the De Lacy House representatives and I worked hard to organise two fundraising activities in support of our house partner, St Vincent’s Emergency Care Centre, which provides urgent medical care to those in need. Once again, we ran the iconic De Lacy Coin Toss, where students donated chocolate blocks and participated in a carnival-style game to win a chocolate block. In addition, we introduced a new professional photo booth experience, giving students the opportunity to capture special memories with their friends while supporting a worthy cause.

O’Brien House Captain – Gabriella

On St Columba’s day, I worked alongside Ms Lang and the O’Brien house representatives to organise our service and carnival-style activities. Throughout the weeks leading up to St Columba’s day, we sought donations for toiletries, children’s toys and linens to create hampers to support our house partner, McAuley, who provides services for women and children who have faced family violence and homelessness. As well as our service activity, we ran our beloved bubble soccer and splat the rat to allow students to engage in fun games while supporting a meaningful cause.

Williams House Captain – Tiffany

On St Columba’s Day Mr Pino, various teachers from the Williams House, representatives and I, all worked together to put together a face/body paint and karaoke station, which contributed to raising funds and donations for St Mary’s House of Welcome, who provide the necessities for the homeless. Throughout the day, students danced and sang, and if they wanted a more relaxing take, got to paint themselves or had a professional (such as Ms Brown, myself or other house reps!) do it for them instead. In the weeks leading up to the event, each Williams student was prompted to bring a donation such as canned food, razors and clothing items to support St Mary’s, and our service activity and the money raised all contributed to connecting with others and supporting a cause that could change someone’s life.

Arts Captain – Arpita

On St Columba’s day, the Arts Team and I worked together to organise a Bedazzle Station to raise money for the Sisters of Charity Foundation. Students had the opportunity to decorate items of their choice with gems and rhinestones, providing a creative and relaxing activity alongside the day’s more energetic events. 

In addition, music students performed throughout the day, showcasing their hard work and talents through a variety of solo and ensemble performances. This provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their musical achievements with the college community while contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebrations. 

Liturgy & Justice Captains – Elizabeth & Alessia

The Justice League worked hard this year to plan activities that students would enjoy and engage in throughout the day, in hopes of raising money for the Sisters of Charity Foundation. The Can Toss, a classic carnival game where girls try to knock down a pyramid of cans for prizes, was a huge hit and stayed busy all day! The Wig Snatching competition, held in the MPC, saw girls squealing as they battled their friends in funny hair-dos for a lollipop prize. Finally, in addition to our activities, we planned and set up a ‘Chill out Zone’ for students who might find the day overwhelming or who had done everything they wanted to do and just wanted to hang out quietly for the rest of the day. The room was comfortably filled with girls colouring in, doing word puzzles, or quietly catching up with friends. Overall, the day was a success, with activities suited for all types of students.

Environment Captain – Gemma

On St Columba’s Day, the Green Team and I organised two hands-on activities to raise money for the Sisters of Charity Foundation. The first involved students decorating and designing their own tote bags, which provided them with a reusable bag they can use in the future, encouraging sustainable practices. Our second activity gave students the opportunity to create their own bath fizzers. These were made from natural ingredients and were packaged using minimal materials and waste, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to commercially produced bath products. 

Sports Captain – Chloe

On St Columba’s Day, the Sports Team and I organised two exciting activities to raise money for the Sisters of Charity Foundation. Students had the opportunity to take part in Sumo Wrestling, which quickly became one of the most popular activities of the day. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved, cheering each other on and enjoying some friendly competition. We also ran a Mini Golf activity, which provided a fun and inclusive challenge for students of all year levels. Both activities created a lively atmosphere throughout the day, and it was wonderful to see the college community come together while supporting an important cause.

SWAT Captain – Sophia

On St Columba’s Day, the SWAT team and I organised two activities related to wellbeing, and the funds raised from these activities would go to the Sisters of Charity Foundation. Our Fidget Tool Making activity allowed students to make their own sensory toy out of pipe cleaners and beads, which can be very helpful for focusing in class. Our second activity, the Wellbeing Escape Room, saw many groups coming together to solve various wellbeing-related puzzles in the fastest time possible, with the chance to win a hamper for being the fastest group.

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 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  

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.

Semester One reports will be released on Friday 17 July at 3:00 pm.

Reports will be made available electronically via SEQTA Engage. Results for assessed Scored Assessment Tasks, along with teacher comments, are available via SEQTA Engage. We encourage you to take the time to review your child’s progress and identify areas for further growth.

On the 17th of June, St Columba’s College took part in a Battle of the Bands competition against St Bernard’s College, Ave Maria College, and Catholic Ladies College. The night was full of incredible talent, energy, and school spirit, with each band showcasing their hard work and passion for music.

Two bands proudly represented St Columba’s College, captivating the audience with their performances of Fighter by Christina Aguilera, Tongue Tied by GROUPLOVE, and Black Sheep by Metric and Brie Larson. Their confidence, musicianship, and stage presence contributed to an unforgettable evening, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant performing arts community across our schools.

The night concluded with Ave Maria’s Senior Band and St Bernard’s Junior Band winning. Furthermore, Elijah C from St Bernard’s was announced as Vocalist of the Night and Arpita S from St Columba’s as Instrumentalist of the Night.

Overall, the event was a fantastic celebration of young musical talent and provided students with an opportunity to connect, perform, and support one another. St Columba’s College is incredibly proud of all students who participated and represented the College with enthusiasm and professionalism!

Football Recap

It was perfect weather for a day of football on the 17th of June. There was some tough competition in Division 2 but the girls fought hard all day. There were many games won and amazing teamwork was displayed in all our teams across the day.

Our Seniors finished up in 3rd place for the day, just missing out on a spot in the grand final. The Junior team played strong all day, winning 2 games and losing 2 – then took out runners up in the grand final. 

A big congratulations to the Intermediate team, who went undefeated all day and then took out the grand final against Ave Maria.  A special congratulations to Chloe D for being named player of the grand final. 

Fantastic way to end the term 2 sports!

On Thursday, 11 June, Ginevra (a Green Team member), Ms McDonald, Adele Roeder (former Environment Steward), and I attended the ResourceSmart Schools Awards Ceremony at the MCG, as St Columba’s College was nominated as a finalist in the Emerging School of the Year category. This year’s theme was Our Sustainable Community, celebrating the collective efforts of schools, students, and educators across Victoria who are working towards a more sustainable future.

We began the day by touring the showcase stalls, where we had the opportunity to learn about the environmental initiatives being implemented by other schools. One of my personal favourites was a snow cone machine that a school had purchased using funds collected through the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). The school now sells snow cones as an alternative to Zooper Doopers, significantly reducing the amount of single-use plastic waste generated by the school. 

We then explored the school storyboards, learning about the innovative programs and initiatives various schools had implemented, including water education programs and cooking classes. It was also exciting to see St Columba’s own storyboard on display. After viewing the photography competition entries, it was time for the awards ceremony, which was hosted by Dirtgirl!

Although we did not take home the award, it was an honour to be recognised as a finalist and to represent St Columba’s College at such a prestigious event. The day provided a valuable opportunity to learn from other schools, connect with like-minded students and educators, and celebrate the positive impact that sustainability initiatives are having within school communities across Victoria.

The wait is over! Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, proudly presented by St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College.

Join us as our talented students bring this timeless tale to life on stage, featuring unforgettable music, spectacular costumes, breathtaking performances and all the magic of a story that has captivated audiences for generations.

📅 23 July – 1 August 2026

📍 Frank FitzGerald Auditorium, St Bernard’s College

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the classic tale or experiencing the magic for the first time, this is a production not to be missed.

Secure your tickets today: trybooking.com/DMLUO

Term 2: CAREER NEWS – Newsletter 13  | Monday 22 – 26 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, Studying Psychology and the undergraduate course links, Double Degrees at Monash University
• Kangan Institute: Open Days & Course Guide
• Australian Catholic University: Early Entry, School Holiday Programs 
• Le Cordon Bleu: Open day
• SAE: Online info sessions
• Swinburne: Study Expo at Hawthorn & Croydon, Design and Fashion Info Session, Screen and Media Info Session, Early Entry Program, Youth Space Innovation Challenge for Year 9-12 Students, and Open Day
• William Angliss: Discovery Day & Course Guides
• VU: Early Entry Program
• RMIT: Holiday Progeam, Early Entry Program, Course Guides, New Course: RMIT UniReady, and Useful Career Guides
• Bond University: 2027 Early Entry
• Federation University: Course Guide & 2027 Early Entry
• Deakin University: Accelerated Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Collarts: Open Day
• University of Melbourne: School Holidays Program Jazz and Improvisation Winter Camp 2026, School Holidays Program for Years 9 – 12, Course prerequisites for entry to Melbourne 
• RSPCA Victoria: various activities
• LCI: Emerge: Future Creators Art & Design Competition
• Guides: Entry to Medicine & Subject Selections 
• Charles Sturt University: Advantage Early Offer Program and Open Day
• Claire Pech Careers: Year 12 & Early Entry with ADHD: Online Webinar
• Zoos Victoria Careers Expo 2026
• Victorian Police: Careers Information Session
• Australian Defence Force Academy Open Day
• Australian Federal Police: Becoming a Protective Service Officer
• La Trobe University: Aspire Early Offer Program, Holiday Programs & Studying Psychology
• Whitehouse Institute of Design: School Holidays Workshop
• ACAP: Open Day
• Overseas Volunteer Programs for High School Students
• National Fashion College Melbourne Campus: Workshop for Ages 16+
• Snapshot of Monash Uni
• Early Entry Guide
• Open Days 2026 
• Careers: with an Arts Degree and as a Biomedical Engineer

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

As we approach the school holidays, I kindly ask all families to take a moment to review their child’s health and management plans.

If your child has an Asthma Action Plan, Anaphylaxis Management Plan, Allergy Plan, Diabetes Management Plan, or any other medical management plan, please check that the information is current and up to date. The school holidays can be a great opportunity to schedule any necessary appointments with your healthcare provider and obtain updated documentation if required.

We also ask families to review the medical information recorded in Consent2Go. If you have listed a medical condition or support need, the school requires current medical documentation from your child’s health practitioner outlining the condition and any support required at school. If a listed medical condition is no longer relevant or does not require support from the school, please consider updating or removing it from Consent2Go.

Please provide any updated management plans or medical documentation to the school before the start of next term to help us continue supporting your child’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

I wish all families a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Please find attached a flyer the current Community Sentiment Survey being conducted by Victoria Police.

Participation in this survey provides our community an opportunity to have their say on their key safety concerns , how they would like to interact with police  and where we can focus our efforts to prevent and deter crime.

Community Sentiment Survey Flyer

At St Columba’s College, Millie plays a special role in supporting the wellbeing of our students and staff. Keeping her happy, healthy and ready for her important work is made possible through the generous support of our friends at Houndz Paradise.

Houndz Paradise in Maribyrnong provides Millie with complimentary grooming and daycare, ensuring she is always looking her best and enjoying plenty of enrichment, exercise and social time with other dogs. Their expert team understands the needs of working dogs and takes wonderful care of Millie, helping her stay calm, confident and full of energy for her days at the College.

As a special offer for St Columba’s families, Houndz Paradise is welcoming dogs new to daycare with a complimentary first session and temperament test, plus your next daycare visit free! Simply use the code STCOLUMBAS when booking online to redeem.

We are incredibly grateful for their support of Millie and our community. Partnerships like this help ensure our wellbeing initiatives continue to flourish, while giving Millie the very best care both on and off campus.

23 June – Year 11 Reflection Day

25 June – Combined Music with St Bernard’s

26 June – End of Term 2