Our Community

SAVE THE DATE

‘1 REUNION

Our annual group reunion for our graduates of years ending in ‘1 will be held in November. Graduates of ‘1 years are invited to join us on Saturday 6 November 2021 at 3pm at the College for nibbles and drinks. We also extend an invitation to our 2020 graduates to join us on Saturday 30 October 2021 at 10.30am for the One Year On reunion. Catch up with friends and teachers, and enjoy some drinks and nibbles. For more information and to RSVP to any reunions, visit columba.vic.edu.au/alumnae

REUNIONS TAKE TWO

Last year meant the cancellation of a number of our events, but we were pleased to be able to welcome our 2019 graduates back onsite for the One Year On reunion on Wednesday 24 February 2021 and our ‘0 graduates on Saturday 27 March 2021. It was wonderful to have our alumnae back onsite and enjoying the time to catch up with their school friends.

(Above top) 2019 graduates attend the One Year On reunion. (Above bottom) ‘0 graduates at the group reunion.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The year has started with a bang for the Parent Engagement Committee (PEC). In Term 1, the PEC hosted our new families for a meet and greet. It was a wonderful evening, and the warm weather allowed for an outdoor event. Families came away from the evening feeling connected and valued, as new members of the St Columba’s College community. In Term 2, the PEC held their annual Father/Male Mentor and Daughter evening for our Year 7 to 9 families. With a turnout of more than 120 people, the night was filled with fun, food and great times. Keep an eye out for more PEC events later in the year.

INTRODUCING THE EXECUTIVE

Introducing the Parent Engagement Committee Executive for 2021:

PRESIDENT James Williams VICE PRESIDENT Suzette Bayona SECRETARY Angela Whelan TREASURER Natalie Donnelly

The Parent Engagement Committee meets every third Tuesday of the month. All Welcome. For more information visit columba.vic.edu.au/parent-engagementcommittee

(Above) Families attend the PEC meet and greet.

A SPECIAL GIFT FOR SISTER Tess

Earlier this year, we did what we had hoped we wouldn’t have to do, and bid farewell to our dear Sister Tess. Sr Tess was appointed to the Congregational Leadership Team, of the Religious Sisters of Charity, and will head to Sydney to continue the valuable work of the Sisters.

At our mini-farewell, we hope to have a bigger one in future, Principal, Ms Rita Grima, spoke these beautiful words to Sr Tess:

You have been many different things for so many of us. For the students you have modelled what it is to be a committed woman of faith, sacrifice and service, breaking down their misconceptions about what a nun actually is and does. For the staff you have been friend, confidante, mentor, and when things get challenging a truth-telling mirror that helps us to reflect on what God is asking of us at the time. You have been an everpresent reminder of our mission as a Mary Aikenhead Ministries College in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity. You will be missed for your compassion, your kindness, the way you model inclusion and love, your humour – especially so in your lighthearted irreverence. Most importantly, it will be your humanity that we will miss – in your own very special way you remind us that each of our stories is important and valued, and in doing so remind us what it means to be a community in Christ’s name. “ To honour Sr Tess, a special scarf was made. Ms Sandra Boicos and the Visual Arts Team designed and produced a scarf, which features the names of every student and staff member at the College. Sr Tess can keep us all with her, as she takes the next steps in her journey with Christ and the Sisters of Charity.