Columba - Winter 2022 125 Years

COLUMBA S T C O L U M B A’ S C O L L E G E C OMMUN ITY MAG AZI N E

125years

OF S T C O L U M B A’ S C O L L E G E PA G E 6

Take a walk through 125 years of St Columba’s College.

CLASS OF PA G E 1 2

2021

Congratulations to the class of 2021.

R E S U LT S

Winte r

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2022

P R I NCIPAL’S

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WELCOME It is an absolute privilege to be leading the St Columba’s community as we celebrate our 125-year anniversary.

We have inherited a rich tradition of high-quality education, female empowerment and commitment to working with the margins – all of which continue to inspire and challenge us as we live and promote the legacy of the Sisters of Charity and our renewed call as a Mary Aikenhead Ministries College. I have heard so much this year about what the College has meant to so many women over time.

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I was taught to believe in my self

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I was given so many opportunities

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I felt seen and heard

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The teachers treated me with respect

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I was taught to follow my dreams

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I knew that I could take any path I wanted to

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I never thought there were any limits to what I could do

The themes clearly emerging are ones about confidence, empowerment and opportunity.

Themes you will certainly read about in this edition of the Columba.

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Our theme this year, Going to the Margins, seeks to ensure that as we celebrate our wonderful history, our energy and focus clearly remain on the heart of who we are as a community – one that is other-focussed, especially the poor and the marginalised. Our curriculum programs have sought to create connections that allow our students to explore the injustices that relegate people to the margins, and how we might work to address these at an individual and systemic level.

Pope Francis often speaks about accompaniment as the way of God. “God trusts us and accompanies us with patience. He does not get discouraged, but always instills hope in us…

He does not keep track of your shortcomings but encourages your potential… In this way God accompanies us: with closeness, mercy, and tenderness.”

In our going to the margins, and in our work with young people, this is what we are called to do – to accompany the other with closeness, mercy and tenderness.

Ms Rita Grima St Columba’s College Principal

2022

Ida Abrahams, Nora Austin, Ida Buchanan, Anna Byrne, Maude Cleary, Queenie Coleman, Alice Dalton, Adelaide Kelly, Kate Kelly, Mamie Kernan, Betty Kerr, Annie McFarlane, Irene McFarlane, Mary McFarlane, Nora Quilter, Dorothea Reidy, Lizzie Slater, Daisy Whitty, Ruby Whitty, Ethel Woods and Maie Woods. Some of our first students in 1897.

CONTENTS

Sisters of Charity Our Timeline A Look into the Archives The Changing Face of Year 12 Class of 2021 Semester Snapshot

4 6 8 10 12 14

Going to the Margins In the Spotlight Alumnae Our Community Next Issue

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW Cover art by the St Columba’s College (STCC) staff. Collaboratively produced during the staff Faith Retreat in May, as part of the College’s 125 year celebrations.

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FAITHFUL contemporary INNOVATIVE

Mother Ursula Bruton (Top left), Original front entrance of the College (Top right), Junior students in the converted stable classroom (Bottom).

This year we remember the Sisters of Charity who came to Essendon and saw a need to provide educational opportunities for young women, at a time when educating women was not seen as necessary. Their pioneering spirit has continued at St Columba’s College for 125 years, where we still hold true to the vision of being a community that is Faithful, Contemporary and Innovative.

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Maria and Ursula

Maria and Ursula, two names of one woman, whose determination gave us St Columba’s, and whose spirit lives on in our College.

Maria Bruton Maria Bruton was born in 1842 in Ireland, she emigrated with her parents and siblings to Australia in 1863. Maria trained as a teacher in Wollongong and taught in public schools until 1876, when she took a position at St Mary’s Cathedral School and was quickly promoted to Headmistress in 1879.

Sister Ursula On 4 May 1882, Maria and her sister Ellen entered the Sisters of Charity Novitiate (later four of their nieces would also enter the Sisters of Charity Novitiate), receiving their religious habits on 8 July 1882 and from then on, were known as Sister Ursula and Sister Cecilia.

The choice of patron, Saint Ursula, was apt, as she was regarded as the patroness of the education of young girls.

As a skilled teacher, Sister Ursula was a godsend. It was a time where state aid was being removed from denominational schools and religious people were required to fill places left vacant. Sister Ursula was placed in charge of the existing primary school, St Vincent’s Potts Point. She instantly saw a need, and within four years established a secondary school, erected a new building and began accepting boarders. Under her leadership, St Vincent’s College was recognised as one of the greatest educational centres in Australia.

Mother Ursula Meanwhile in Essendon, St Monica’s Church School was blessed and opened by Archbishop Goold on 25th April 1880. In 1895, Father Nelan expressed an interest in introducing teaching nuns into the parish. After negotiating with the Sisters of Charity, three Sisters took charge of St Monica’s in 1896 and would travel each day from St Vincent’s Hospital in Fitzroy.

Educating Essendon The Sisters, being now in close proximity to St Monica’s, were able to devote more time and energy to the school and their students. Just like in Potts Point, Mother Ursula saw the need for a secondary school to support the on-going education of girls in the parish.

With the support of parents and the wider parish, the idea of a Catholic Girls’ school began to grow.

In April of 1897, Mother Ursula secured the purchase of the Gillespie mansion (now Bruton Building) for 4,150 pounds. The Sisters relocated to the mansion and on Tuesday 13th July 1897, the doors were thrown open and the first St Columba’s College students were welcomed by Mother Ursula, as the founding Principal.

Legacy Sadly, Mother Ursula would not see St Columba’s flourish. She died suddenly on 4th November 1899, at the age of 54. She was the first Sister of Charity to be interred in the Melbourne Cemetery.

Mother Ursula Bruton was a highly educated woman of deep faith with a spirit for innovation. Her vision for girls’ education lives on in the two secondary schools that she pioneered, St Vincent’s College Potts Point and St Columba’s College Essendon. Her determination to provide educational opportunities paved the way for future St Columba’s College Principals and teachers to build a community of strong, future-focused, faithful and just women.

A Seed that Grew, the story of St Columba’s College by Sr Josephine Cannell RSC and History of St Columba’s College 1897-2012 by Sr Angela Burke RSC.

In 1897, a more conveniently located temporary convent was set up in a house on Mt Alexander Road, known as Garryowen, and Sister Ursula Bruton travelled from Potts Point to be the superior, taking on the title Mother Ursula Bruton.

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125 years O F S T C O L U M B A’S C O LL E G E

1985 The Dance Program was introduced

1897 St Columba’s College opens to primary school aged boys and girls, and secondary school girls

1982 The first Charity Run takes place

1979 The SRC was introduced

1939 The Tuck Shop opens

1937 The Chapel is opened

1907

1930

1953

Formal registration of St Columba’s

Introduction of a blazer

First science laboratory

1918 Past Pupils’ Association inaugurated

1960 Boys’ names appear on class list for the last time

1964 The Mothers’ Auxiliary was formed

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1974 End of Primary school

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1988

2010

First Computer Laboratory opens

The vertical House System begins and the current seven Houses were created

1987 Four school terms were introduced

2008 The College address is changed from 139 Buckley Street to 2 Leslie Road

1986 The Sisters move out of the Convent

2005 Four-lesson day introduced

2022 The College celebrates 125 years

2021 Sister Teresita Marcelo, the last of the Sisters of Charity at the College, leaves

1992

2003

2019

The internet arrives

The first Nunan Cup Tennis Competition and inaugural Bahay Tuluyan Bike Ride are held

A new Academic uniform, including pants is introduced

1997 The ten-day timetable is introduced

2000 Julie Ryan became the first lay Principal

2004

2023 The story continues…

2020 Covid–19 and remote learning begins

The new uniform, including a new blazer, is introduced

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A LO O K IN T O T H E Archives

The St Columba’s College archives hold a treasure trove of photos, uniforms, badges and other objects. Here’s a look at some of the items that make up our collection.

1970’s Pennant (Top left), 1960’s Felt Hat (Top right), 1969-76 Navy Tunic (Bottom left), 1984-2009 House Badges (Middle right), 1971 Head Prefect Badge (Bottom right).

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1950s Pinafore (Top left), 1950s Straw Hat (Top right), 1989 Green Jumper (Bottom left), 1938-40 Blazer Pocket Tennis Captain & 1947 Blazer Pocket Prefect (Middle right), 1988 - 2004 Summer dress (Bottom right).

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TH E changing FA CE O F Y E A R 12

The Matriculation (Year 12) class of 1947.

The Year 12 class of 2021.

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Mother Ursula Bruton’s vision for providing secondary schooling for young women was innovative for the time. St Columba’s College has continued this spirit of innovation though the various programs and pathways offered, which support the future success of our students.

The Sisters had a great understanding of their community and their students. The College offered two learning streams, the Commercial Stream and the Academic Stream. These streams reflected the differing interests, skills and needs of students, and ran until the introduction of the Higher School Certificate (HSC). The Commercial stream was tailored to practical skills, such as typing, clerical and secretarial programs. The Academic stream, supported students who were interested in attending university and included Matriculation.

Matriculation (now Year 12) was offered to students from the beginning, with our first matriculants sitting exams in 1900 and our final Matriculant students in 1969. The Matriculant year was spent learning about and preparing for the Matriculant exams, which were necessary to enter into certain universities.

In 1931, additional certificates were introduced at earlier years. The Intermediate Certificate was offered at what is now Year 10, and the Leaving Certificate was offered at what is now Year 11.

The Intermediate Certificate acknowledged the completion of four years of secondary school and allowed students to leave after this point. Students who were interested in pursuing tertiary studies would stay on to complete their Leaving Certificate, and some would go on to their Matriculant year.

Examinations during this time, for the Intermediate, Leaving and Matriculation were held centrally. Students made their way to the Royal Exhibition Building to sit exams. The idea was to create a level playing field for all students, although many found the experience intimidating. The senior schooling years remained relatively unchanged, until 1970 when the Higher School Certificate (HSC) was introduced. The HSC replaced all previous Secondary School certificates, but was only offered to Year 12s. It also came with the introduction of school-based assessments, with the eventual move to school-based examinations in the early 1980s.

By 1987, the new Victorian Certificate of Education was being trialled for Year 12s. By 1991 the certificate was expanded to include both Year 11 and 12, and subjects began to be offered as four Units taught over two years. At this stage all examinations and assessments were school-based, and in 2002 the General Achievement Test (GAT) began for Unit 3 and 4 students. The GAT, a three hour general knowledge and skills test, was introduced as a check to ensure that each school’s assessments and examinations had been accurately assessed. From 2022, the GAT will be split into two sections. The first section will assess literacy and numeracy skills, and will be completed by all Year 12 students. The second section will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities and will be completed by those Year 12 students sitting VCAA exams at the end of the year.

2002 was also the year that the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) first began. As a ‘hands-on’ pathway for Year 11 and 12 students, providing work-related experiences and placements, it was reminiscent of the original two stream approach that the Sisters introduced to St Columba’s College 100 years earlier.

The changes for our senior students will continue.

From 2023, we will begin moving toward a new integrated senior secondary certificate. The new certificate will bring together VCE and VCAL and will give students the opportunity to build a program that is relevant to their skills, interests and future career aspirations.

Over 125 years, we’ve seen a great deal of change to secondary schooling and in particular the senior years.

Through all this change the legacy of Mother Ursula and the Sisters of Charity to provide exceptional educational opportunities for young women continues through our dedicated team of teachers.

Our future-focused and innovative spirit will keep us ahead of the curve, as we provide programs and learning experiences that will give our students the skills and support they need to be successful.

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CLASS O F 2 0 2 1 results St Columba’s College ranked in the top 10 Catholic Schools in Victoria for VCE results.

23.4% Society & Culture 20.4% Health 14.4% Management & Commerce 10.7% Natural & Physical Sciences

UNIVERSITY COURSES

F U R T H E R R E S U LT S College Dux, Therese Hockey, achieved an ATAR of 99.05

Creative Arts

6%

Education

4.7%

Architecture & Building

4.2%

Engineering & Related Technologies

4.2%

Food, Hospitality & Personal Services

2%

Information Technology

1.5%

Agriculture, Environment & Related Studies

TOP 5 INSTITUTION D E S T I N AT I O N S

9% of students received an ATAR over 95

1 La Trobe University

21% received an ATAR over 90

2 RMIT University

44% received an ATAR over 80

3 Australian Catholic University

Median Study Score 32

4 University of Melbourne

13% study scores over 40

5 Victoria University

98% of students have commenced tertiary education

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8.2%

2022

STORIES FROM OUR students

THERESE HOCKEY

ALESSIA CREMASCO

VCE DUX

VCAL DUX

What are you currently studying and where? I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. At this stage, it is likely that my major will be in Politics and International Studies.

What are you currently studying and where? I am currently studying my Diploma of Beauty Therapy at Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College.

What has your first semester been like? My first semester of university has been exciting and a major learning experience. While it involves a lot of new systems and structures to get used to, it has been so much fun being able to take subjects in areas that I am passionate about and interested in, such as examining the work of the UN and comparing liberalism and realism in International Politics. It has also been exciting to meet lots of new people in my course who are from many different parts of Australia and the world. I have already learnt so much so far and cannot wait to continue to learn more as my course progresses and my subjects become increasingly specific and focused on my areas of interest over time.

What has your first semester been like? My first semester has been a lot to get used to, to say the least. I started off the year with a few massage subjects. The theory was a lot more in depth than I imagined but I loved learning all about the body systems and about each bone and muscle in the body. My first term was full time and it made it difficult for me to adjust, but getting out of my comfort zone quickly made me get into a rhythm and going into my second term I was even more excited and motivated to work harder. My new units are focused on facials and skin biology, which I am passionate about. Being able to put the information I am learning into practical treatments at my work has also been amazing, and I am excited to get the chance to start treating clients soon. I‘ve also been given the opportunity to focus and lead the social media and content creation at my work place and I cannot wait to begin this role.

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S E M E S T ER snapshot

INTRODUCING THE STUDENT EXECUTIVE FOR 2022

Toward the end of 2021, the annual student elections were held. After written applications were submitted, interviews conducted, speeches written and delivered, and votes cast and counted, we elected our captains. Introducing the Student Executive for 2022: College Co-Captains: Adriana Cilia and Annalise Ferbrache House Captains: Bruton: Amelia Glenk Cahill: Elle Hardwick Cater: Claudia Santoro Cunningham: Macey Boyle de Lacy: Isabella Rumoro O’Brien: Ruby Pound Williams: Keely Forbes Specialist Captains: Arts: Imogen Rawlings Environment: Julianne Cabanayan Liturgy: Giada Fernandes

(Above) Claudia, Imogen, Ruby, Macey, Annalise, Isabella, Julianne, Maya, Alexandra, Elle, Keely, Giada, Amelia, Adriana and Joyce.

Social Justice: Joyce Fogarty Sports: Alexandra Arrowsmith Student Wellbeing Action Team: Maya Riquelme-Gerbino

CLC DAY On the 22nd of March, our Student Executive made their way to the Mary Mackillop Heritage Centre to engage in a joint Leadership Day with our sister school, Catholic Ladies’ College. The day started with some ‘ice-breaker’ activities and opportunities for both schools to connect.

The first Formation session was facilitated by Linda di Sipio, who shared her involvement in the Health Care and Prison Ministry sector, under the care of Mary Aikenhead Ministries.

The next session was led by Margaret McKenna and Peter Kelly who supported the students with Personal Formation and Education Ministry. The students learnt more about what it means to belong to a Mary Aikenhead Ministries school and were inspired by the many ways in which they can carry on the legacy as student leaders.

(Left) Student leaders from St Columba’s College and Catholic Ladies’ College.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PANEL

As a community that is focussed on the futures of young women, International Women’s Day is a key day in our calendar.

This year was no exception, and with the added excitement of celebrating 125 years, we decided to make the day special. Six alumnae were invited back to the College to form a panel, as part of our whole school assembly, they were: Christina Polatajko, Maree Mendola, Catherine Scerri, Roxan Fabiano, Sharon Gauci and Stephanie Corsetti.

They shared their experiences of attending St Columba’s College (STCC), and how the College fostered their interests and opened up opportunities for future success. The assembly was facilitated by our current College student leaders and provided our students with a chance to connect with alumnae and to see the possibilities of their own futures. We also put our technology to the test, with one of our panelists, Sharon Gauci, joining us online all the way from Michigan, USA.

(Above) Panellists at the International Women’s Day assembly.

(Above) Julia Mendola, Amelia Glenk, Rita Grima (Principal) and Maree Mendola (IWD panellist).

BAHAY TULUYAN This year we marked 19 years of the Bahay Tuluyan bike ride, which took place on Thursday 26 May. As always, staff and students were excited to be part of such an iconic St Columba’s College activity, and with the added bonus of two local police officers joining the ride, we knew it would be one to remember. The ride to Williamstown and back to the College is not an easy one, but it has never stopped our community from embracing the challenge each year, and despite the damp weather our riders had a great time.

Congratulations to all involved.

(Right) Bahay Tuluyan bike riders before the big ride.

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YEAR 7 CAMP Is there any better way to end your first term of secondary school than with camp! The Year 7s were lucky enough to spend the last three days of Term 1 in Marysville being adventurous and getting to know each other a little better. Spending three days in the mountains and stepping out of their comfort zone, they had a fabulous time and arrived back with big smiles on their faces, despite how tired they were.

(Left) Year 7s getting ready for a biking adventure.

YEAR 9 CAMP Our Year 9s missed out on camp in Year 7 due to Covid lockdowns, so this year’s camp was a little special. The excitement was palpable, as student’s prepared to board the buses for their first school camp in years. They slept in tents, prepared their own meals, climbed towers, hiked, shot arrows and had an incredible time. We know it will be a camp they will remember for years to come.

(Right) Year 9s enjoying a hike.

VCAL CAMP Unlike other College camps, the VCAL camp is planned and organised by the students. This year our students decided to include an element of justice in their camp, and agreed to head to Rye and contribute to improving the environment. While paddle boarding, delicious dinners and late-night Uno were part of the camp, donning hi-vis vests and clearing rubbish from the Rye foreshore was the main objective. Overall, a successful camp for our VCAL students.

(Left) VCAL students cleaning up at the Rye Foreshore.

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GIRLS’ DAY OUT During the Term 1 School Holidays, the College held its first Girls’ Day Out. Girls in grades 4 to 6 from our Priority Parish Primary Schools were invited to join us for a day of STEAM fun. Melissa D’Amico (STEAM Leader), Jennifer Tran (STEAM Lab Assistant) and Nathan Farrugia (eLearning Assistant) took the girls through various activities including 3D model building, drone flying, plastic sorting, jewellery making and wood work. A tour of the College finished off what was a very successful day. The feedback from the girls and their parents was outstanding, and we look forward to hosting our next Girls’ Day Out. (Left) Participating students received their drone licence.

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION On the 18th of March, the St Columba’s College community joined together in celebrating the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. The theme this year was ‘Kindness Culture’, endorsing behaviours which are caring and attentive to the needs of others. The Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) planned various activities on the day, such as orange donuts sold at the canteen, creating a canvas with positive messages, asking students to share strategies on the Learning Courtyard windows, as well as roving interviews with teachers and students.

(Right) Students wearing orange to support the cause.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA On Saturday 7 May, more than 150 guests arrived at the College for a lovely high tea. The afternoon began with a prayer and words from our principal, Rita Grima, before tiers of sweets and savouries were served. Our students joined a posy making workshop, before the serious business of Mother’s Day trivia. Prizes given, photos taken and many laughs shared. It was a wonderful way to honour Mother’s Day. (Left) Table 13, winners of Mother’s Day Trivia.

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NUNAN CUP The Nunan Cup was held in February, over two sunny afternoons with a great turn out of students. Our winners were: Madeleine Thompson, Goodman Cup for Juniors; Minuki Hewa, Wade Cup for Intermediates; and Olivia Bourke, Nunan Cup. A team then headed to the SCSA Inter-School Tennis Competition. Our Junior and Intermediate division players took out second place, with first place going to our seniors. Olivia Bourke and Madeleine Thompson were awarded players of the day.

A job very well done by our tennis players.

(Left) Nunan Cup winner, Olivia Bourke with Shellie Murton, Sports Administrator.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL The sun didn’t shine and the rain persisted but that didn’t stop us from having a fantastic Swimming Carnival. Our students turned out to compete in swimming races, water polo and novelty events, vying for the top honour for their House of Swimming Carnival champions.

The overall winner….Cunningham House!

(Right) Cunningham House cheerleaders.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL The College has not held an Athletics Carnival since 2019, so this year’s event was extra special. With a full day of competition, and the sun shining, the day was set to be fantastic. From hurdles to cross country, high jump to shot put, our student participation was very high.

While everyone did a tremendous job, there can only be one overall winner, congratulations to Bruton House!

(Left) Amelia Glenk, Bruton House Captain with Rita Grima, Principal.

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INTERFAITH DIALOGUE DAY

Always a popular day, our Interfaith dialogue day was held on May 13.

Staff and students from Ilim College arrived on site to spend the day with our Year 10 and 11 students delving into each other’s faith and values, finding the similarities over the differences and just enjoying great company. The day left a big impression on all the staff and students who participated, and arrangements have been quickly put in place to catch up again.

(Top right) Students working together on an art project.

(Bottom right) St Columba’s College and Ilim College staff and students.

S T C O L U M B A’ S D AY After 2 years of disruptions and fruitless planning, it was wonderful to celebrate St Columba’s Day on Thursday 16th June. The day began with a Walk for the Margins where staff and students walked from Maribyrnong River to the College. The community rallied behind our walkers, by raising funds for the Sisters of Charity. On returning to the College our staff and students sang happy birthday to St Columba’s, complete with birthday cake and then were treated to a carnival. Food trucks, petting zoo, sumo suit wrestling, second hand stall, crafts, treats, live music, disco, staff lip sync battles and the always popular sausage sizzle, made the day one to remember. While the rain rolled in, it did not dampen the spirits of our staff and students, who happily participated in all that was on offer and over the course of the day, raised over $8000 for the Sisters of Charity Foundation and House charity partners.

(Top left) Students and Staff Walking for the Margins (Far left) Students enjoying the petting zoo (Left) Principal, Rita Grima, in 1960s St Columba’s College uniform.

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GO I N G T O T H E Margins In this our 125th year, we have chosen the theme ‘Going to the Margins’.

Students and staff have been challenged to explore our theme throughout the curriculum, by looking for opportunities to learn about, experience or get out and about and support people in need. Here is how some of our Learning Areas showcased Going to the Margins.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS In Year 8 English, students studied the film Edward Scissorhands and discussed the idea of the Gothic outsider. We have all imagined what it would be like to be an outsider in a society that judges you for your appearance. Students were tasked with turning themselves into Edward to experience the feeling of judgement. It gave them a glimpse into the world of the outsider, alienating and confronting which was illuminating.

(Bottom) Students with their Edward Scissorhand costumes.

VCAL VISITS TO EMBRACIA VCAL students have begun a partnership with Embracia Aged Care. They meet with the residents and interact with them and learn about their lives. The students have begun to develop friendships with the residents, they’ve been making friendship bracelets, playing bingo and cards and sharing afternoon tea. As the residents have experienced a great deal of isolation over the past two years, the visits are very much appreciated and residents are happy to have such great company. Our VCAL students have seen the impact of isolation and strive to make the lives of the residents a little cheerier.

(Above) VCAL students getting to know the residents.

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We would like to extend an invitation to past Visual Arts students to exhibit current work in our end of year Art Exhibition.

For details please make contact with Ms Sandra Boicos at boicoss@columba.vic.edu.au or 9331 9480.

VISUAL ARTS AND THE HOMELESS This project is inspired by street artist, Michael Aaron Williams, who tapes his drawings of homeless people to walls so that anyone who passes by might want to stop, take them off the wall, and bring them home. And if no one does? “They will cease to exist,” Williams says. “They will be destroyed and blown away in the wind or other forces that will rip them down and throw them away”. The Visual Arts team put up artworks on cardboard around the College, with the intention to bring awareness to the plight of those experiencing homelessness. The College community were asked to determine the fate of the artworks. Like Williams’ project, staff and students could take home the artworks to provide them shelter for a night or more. Gold coin donations were collected with proceeds going to organisations helping the homeless.

(Right) One of the many ‘homeless’ artworks scattered throughout the College.

SPEAKING ITALIAN Our Year 11 and 12 Italian students were invited by the VCAL students to attend Embracia Aged Care and communicate with and engage in activities in Italian with the residents. The Year 12 students had just completed their first unit on Italian Migration to Australia post World War 2. During their visit, they asked the residents questions about when they migrated, why they migrated, what they missed most about their homeland and what opportunities Australia had given them. It was an eye-opening experience for students to hear these stories first hand. As part of the Year 11 unit on Passatempi students engaged in traditional Italian games such as Scopa and Tombola, as well as just spending time chatting in Italian. It was rewarding for the students, who not only had the chance to put their Italian language skills into practice, but to connect with the residents in a meaningful way.

(Left) Italian students talking to residents about their migration to Australia.

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In the S P O T L IG H T

WHO AM I Fiona Hili Class of

1984

WHO AM I Therese Chapman Class of

1969

St Columba’s College Instructional Leader and Teacher

St Columba’s College Archivist and Year 12 English Teacher

Walking through the gates on the corner of Buckley St through the gardens, past the very secret and sacred world of the convent, there was initially a boggle eyed sense that I was now part of a long line of grandmothers, mother, an uncle, aunts, cousins and my older sister, Anne, who had come before me. There was never any shopping around for schools - this is where we were always going.

My current name is Therese Chapman, and I attended St Columba’s from 1966 to 1969 under the surname Allen.

I have also taught here under the name Mrs O’Haire.

First and foremost, St Columba’s fostered my love of learning. Relationships with and influence of students from many other year levels from my time in musicals were profound and pivotal.

Mostly I think, I took the knowledge that there were a few teachers who I knew ‘had my back’; who let me try and trusted me in my naivete, from this I knew I’d be all right in the world. Tim Corcoran - my English teacher and Athletics coach, Jude Martin - English teacher and director of all our musicals, Geoff Matthews - my History teacher, Glen Wehrman my Geography teacher, Pauline Webster, my French teacher, and Maria DeLorenzo, my Italian teacher. They interrogated and patiently endured my musings and vague attempts. They laughed with and respected me. They noticed and knew me. It is now as a

I’m still teaching at STCC and in 2022, my 29th year here (I think), I have two Year 12 English classes. I am the VIT Mentor for Provisionally Registered Teachers, helping them to complete their research project in order to qualify for full registration with the VIT, and I also look after the Archives. I have four children, one of whom – Sophie – was a member of the class of 1997, our Centenary year.

I have six gorgeous grandchildren.

For me, St Columba’s provided a sense of security, predictability and belonging in a changing world. It also gave me an experience of leadership. The nuns made it clear that they believed in us and everything that we could be. They had really high expectations and just wanted us to see how far we could go.

St Columba’s saw me, knew me and cared about me and, as a teacher, that’s what I want for every student I teach – that she feels seen, known and cared for. This school gave me confidence, friends and a direction for my future.

You can’t ask for much more than that.

teacher, I remember this.

(Left) Fiona and her sister Clare in 1984. (Right) Therese and her sisters Barbara and Susan, in 1969.

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S TA F F Alumnae

We are fortunate to have 15 staff members who can boast the title of Alumnae. From 1969 until 2017 our Alumnae staff have a keen knowledge and a close connection to St Columba’s College.

Back row L-R: Caitlyn Devlin, class of 2007, Fiona Hili, class of 1984, Lauren Tribe, class of 2015, Loretta Joyce, class of 1988 and Shellie Murton, class of 1990. Middle row L-R: Therese Chapman, class of 1969, Michelle Grant, class of 1979, Greta Bajada, class of 1992, Reanna Timoney, class of 2001and Clare Fogarty, class of 2012. Front row L-R: Janet McGuire, class of 1979, Louisa Rae, class of 2013 and Sandra Taylor, class of 1991. Not pictured: Jennifer Tran, class of 2017 and Adele Trigona, class of 2013.

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I N T E R G ENER ATI ONA L On Wednesday 16th March, current students accompanied by grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousins and sisters, participated in our 125 Year Intergenerational Photography session.

It was a fantastic turn out with 32 family groups joining in the session. It was a wonderful showcase of the wide and deep connection that many families have with our College. Thank you to all those who participated on the evening.

Alicia Bellette (nee Missen) class of 1996, Lynne Missen (nee Maher) class of 1964 and Charlize Bellette, Year 8.

Jennifer Ostrowski (nee Grima) class of 1984, Madison Ostrowski, Year 12, Sarah Ostrowski, class of 2020 and Claire Ostrowski, Year 10.

Back Row L-R: Meg Carmichael, Year 10, Michelle Lynch (nee Saundry) class of 1984, Julia Sheedy, class of 2016, Mairead Lynch, class of 2020 and Annie Saundry, Year 11.

Back Row L-R: Alice Hockey, Year 7, Anne Edmonds, class of 1996 with baby Gwen, Liz Hockey (nee Healy) class of 1987, Therese Hockey, class of 2021, Brigid Stapleton, class of 1994 and May Edmonds, class of 1994.

Front Row L-R: Kate Morrall (nee Saundry) class of 2008, Annmaree Carmichael (nee Saundry) class of 1988 and Libby Sheedy (nee Saundry) class of 1981. Not pictured: Madeleine Sheedy, class of 2012.

Front Row L-R: Sr Joan Stapleton, class of 1962 and Sister of Charity, Margaret Healy (nee Stapleton) class of 1958 and Catherine Edmonds (nee Stapleton) class of 1960 and teacher at the College 1971/2.

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2022

OU R Community The Parent Engagement Committee (PEC) have had a wonderful start to the year, with two successful events under their belt.

INTRODUCING

In Term 1, the PEC invited Year 7 parents and guardians to a Meet and Greet on-site at the College. It was a great opportunity for our new STCC families to make connections with one another.

Committee Executive for 2022:

In Term 2, the Father/Male Mentor Daughter Activity Night was a huge success with a great turnout, fun activities and chance to form new friendships, that left everyone in attendance with smiles on their faces.

THE EXECUTIVE Introducing the Parent Engagement

President – Suzette Bayona Secretary – Maria Vella Treasurer – Karen Bell

The Parent Engagement Committee meets every third Tuesday of the month.

All Welcome.

For more information visit: columba.vic.edu.au/parent-engagement-committee We would love to hear from you.

SAVE THE DATES 2nd September Gala Dinner

8th October Heritage Centre Opening and Alumnae Reunions

24th November Art Exhibition

Parents and guardians at the Meet and Greet.

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A prayer F O R S T CO L UM B A’ S COLLEGE. As part of our 125 year celebrations, a group of students led by Ms Renee Fleeton, Head of Faith and Mission, met together over several sessions, to write a College prayer. It is a prayer that helps us reflect on who we are and our hopes for each other and our wider community.

We hope the prayer will be one shared for years to come.

God of Love, We give thanks for the gift of each other and the joy that comes from being in our community.

Give us the courage to engage in our world with curiosity and open hearts.

We are committed to learn from our mistakes, in walking the path of justice, towards a future that brings hope to all.

Help us connect compassionately where truth and love are our foundation for action.

Amen.

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Next

IS SU E STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE: GOING TO THE MARGINS 125 YEAR WRAP UP

C O N TA C T U S St Columba’s College

T 03 9337 5311

2 Leslie Road (PO Box 89)

columba.vic.edu.au

Essendon VIC 3040 Enrolment Enquiries General Enquiries Community News

E registrar@columba.vic.edu.au E principal@columba.vic.edu.au E alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au

UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF MARY AIKENHEAD MINISTRIES IN THE TRADITION OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY Proudly printed on post-consumer recycled paper to uphold the environmental values of St Columba’s College. Print edition winter 2022.

(Top) Mary Aikenhead Statue Picture.

ST COL UMB A’S COL L E G E COMMUN ITY MAG AZI N E

C O L U M B A .V I C . E D U. A U

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