Columba - Summer 2022 125 Years

WELCOME

Stories are so important to the histories of people and places. They capture the spirit and essence of the past and often paint a way to the future. Stories have been particularly important this year as we have celebrated the 125-year anniversary of the College.

We have listened again to the story of Mary Aikenhead, responding to God’s calling in her life, and establishing the Sisters of Charity who would go on to have so much positive influence in the world. We have heard about Mother Ursula Bruton’s vision for the education of young women, and we vow to continue her legacy through the faithful, contemporary and innovative College we are today.

We listened again to the many stories of our namesake, St Columba. It is said that he was a man of many gifts, often described as scholar, poet, teacher, leader, guide, innovator and proponent of the Catholic faith.

He is remembered as a man who moved with the times. In St Columba, we have a wonderful role model for what we aspire our school to be – a place where our young people can tap into the vast array of opportunities on offer to find their individual gifts and talents, that they are encouraged to share generously with the world.

A 125-year history affords us a richness of stories that we were keen to share with the broader community. The ‘Heart of Columba’ allows us to put our history on display, to honour the endeavour and commitment of all our forebears, to understand what has shaped us, and to be inspired by that history to make our own positive impact on the world.

In this edition of the ‘Columba’ we share the rhythm and routine of school life that reveals the fruitfulness of the work of this community. Thank you to everyone for your contribution to supporting the joyous thanksgiving that has defined our 125-year celebrations.

Ms Rita Grima St Columba’s College Principal

VENERABLE MARY AIKENHEAD

Strictly BALLROOM

“

Vivir con miedo es como vivir a medias ”

FRAN, STRICTLY BALLROOM

‘A life lived in fear is a life half lived’. Our Performing Arts students have shown our community their fearlessness and persistence, after two years of disappointment, they finally made it back on stage to put on the most spectacular show.

We were hopeful that Grease would make it to the stage in 2020. We came close with Mary Poppins in 2021. But it was Strictly Ballroom that brought the annual musical back to our community.

What a joy it was to be back in the theatre after two years of heartache for the Performing Arts. Not only was this our first show post-Covid, but it marks the momentous 20th combined St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College Musical to reach the stage. I couldn’t think of a better show to celebrate with!

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom is a joyous celebration of Australian culture and identity. An underdog story wrapped in sequins, feathers, and betrayal.

Rarely do we get the opportunity to stage Australian musical theatre and it was a pleasure to have our students play roles which they could identify with, rich in subtext and so open to interpretation. No cheesy American accents or ensemble of beggars on the streets of Europe.

Strictly Ballroom pushes boundaries, breaks rules and questions what it takes to truly hold artistic freedom. Themes that resonated with our cast, as they begin to navigate their way in life, stepping out from the family unit and finding their place in the world.

When staging a much loved and well-known story like Strictly Ballroom, we were mindful to pay homage to the film while exploring how we could translate the iconic imagery to stage.

Ultimately, the decision to strip back the set and lean into the functionality of the theatre allowed us to create a contrast between the grandeur of the competitive dance world and the, at times, suffocating home lives of Scott and Fran. Staging a musical is a huge undertaking and the production would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of St Columba’s and St Bernard’s staff. In particular, I would like to thank the production team Linda Henderson, Ed Chan, Jen Mahony, Pei Sun Lai and alumnae Alannah Hessey, Mikaela Mihocic and Monique Zammit. Without their time, energy and attention to detail, we could not have brought this show to life.

To the backstage crew, who made our production dreams possible. Between moving sets, sound checks, lighting and wrangling cast members, your dedication to our production did not go unnoticed. Last but not least, congratulations to our amazing cast, some of whom have waited years to be on this stage. They worked tirelessly with passion and commitment, giving up weekends and holidays to perfect their Samba, Jive and Waltz. It was a joy to work with such a remarkable and talented group of young people. I admire their willingness, humility, passion and perseverance in creating Strictly Ballroom.

Caitlyn Devlin, Director/Producer

The cast of Strictly Ballroom takes a bow.

Celebrating 125 years of ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

A night of festivities at our Gala Dinner, a celebratory Eucharist and morning tea, and the opening of the Heart of Columba showcased 125 years of St Columba’s College and allowed us to celebrate this significant milestone with staff, students, alumnae and our greater community.

GALA DINNER

On Friday 2 September, the Hyatt ballroom was filled with St Columba’s College (STCC) staff, parents, special guests and many alumnae from the 1950s to now. The Gala Dinner was highly anticipated and as guests arrived in their finery to celebrate our College, they were greeted by the STCC jazz band’s dulcet tones.

The evening was hosted by acclaimed shoe designer and STCC alumnae Lana Wilkinson, who kept us informed and on track throughout the night; while musical performances by alumnae Wendy Stapleton, Alexandra McNaughton, Billie-Marie Stapleton, Angela Stapleton, Shani Kassis and Georga Byrne, had guests dancing the night away. A special appearance by the STCC dance troupe and Miss Linda made the night even more special.

As a reflection of this year’s College theme of ‘Going to the Margins’, a silent auction was held with a huge array of donations from local community organisations and businesses. From a pair of Lana Wilkinson shoes to dinner and wine vouchers, the very successful auction raised $2,840 for the Sisters of Charity Foundation. The night was a great opportunity for old friends to reconnect, reflect on the long history and lasting impact of the College and most importantly to celebrate!

A very big thank you to our Deputy Principal, Brigitte McDonald and her assistant, Donna Kellett for their vision and organisation of the Gala Dinner. Thank you to Eiffel Tower, Alec Epis, Making Media, Bunnings Warehouse, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Lamont Books, Beer Tubes, Noone, Lana Wilkinson, Bev Marks, 400 Gradi, Menz Club, Benny & Me, Winecart, Tedesco Electrics, Golden Poultry, Squires Loft, Hunter and Super Gardens for their generous support of our event and the Sisters of Charity. And one last thank you to all who attended and made the night one to remember.

CELEBRATION EUCHARIST

After several reschedules our celebration Eucharist finally took place on Friday 12 August. With many parents and special guests, as well as many Sisters of Charity in attendance, the celebration of our College began. Led by Bishop Terry Curtin and Fr Tony Doran, parish priest of St Monica’s and St Vincent de Paul, our Eucharist touched on the long-standing history of the Sisters of Charity, their journey to Australia and the impact they have made in communities across the country.

Sr Laureen Dixon RSM, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, spoke about our College as one that has held deeply embedded values across three centuries, as we reflected on the determination of the Sisters to offer young women educational opportunities and how their spirit of generosity and justice continues today.

A celebration is not complete without refreshments. A delicious morning tea was served to our guests along with student leaders and staff. The morning was a wonderful time for many of us to connect with the Sisters and the story of St Columba’s College.

HEART OF COLUMBA

The archives were first established in 1980 by Sr Josephine Cannell, whose interest in archives began in 1977, when gathering the College’s history for the 80th year celebration. She trained as an archivist, before establishing and then maintaining the College’s archives until her retirement in 2002, authoring the College’s first history, The Seed That Grew, during that time. Thanks to Sr Josephine’s passion for preserving the College’s history, the idea of a heritage centre was sparked. The archives are bursting with wonderful photographs, objects and uniform pieces from the past 125 years. They are tucked away in an area of the College that is not accessible to most community members and it felt like 2022 was the perfect year to bring them out for public viewing.

Coinciding with the College’s annual reunion, the Heart of Columba was blessed and officially opened on Saturday 8 October. Filled with our College’s rich history, visitors connected with many pieces and journeyed back to their days at St Columba’s. The opportunity to learn more about our story and to breathe life into our archives made the day a wonderful experience.

It takes a lot of people to create something as special as the Heart of Columba. Thank you to all the staff, students and College Leadership team members who volunteered their time and talents to make the centre, and the official opening, possible.

An extra big thank you to Therese Chapman and Brigid Cooper, current College Archivists, who spent countless hours driving this project and bringing the initial idea to life. And to our Principal, Rita Grima, whose vision for a special place to tell the St Columba’s College story, was the beginning of this wonderful journey.

CongratulationsCLASS OF 2022!

It was wonderful to be able to celebrate our Year 12s without restrictions. The lead-up to graduation was a week of lunchtime activities that gave our students the opportunity to have fun and spend some much-needed time together before exams. Shared lunches, signing graduation bears, dodgeball, a year level kahoot and disco, before a Friday farewell breakfast, ensured that our Year 12s had a week to remember.

On Monday 17 October, our Year 12s and their families gathered at the College for their final acknowledgement as St Columba’s College students. The evening was filled with mixed emotions, as they reflected on the many shared years at the College and looked forward to what was to come.

Unlike our 2020 and 2021 graduations, this year we were able to reinstate our celebration at the Hyatt. All dressed up and ready to let their hair down, our Year 12s, their parents and staff, had a fantastic and joyous night.

The class of 2022 have proven to be a group of resilient students. They’ve spent the year relearning what life and school are like without restrictions, after two years in and out of lockdown. They’ve jumped on every opportunity, pushed themselves and worked hard, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Congratulations class of 2022, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You are now part of an important group of people, a group of 1000s of extraordinary women, you are now a St Columba’s College alumnae.

Year 12 AWARD RECIPIENTS

(Top left) Sisters of Charity Award for Learning, Zoe De Silva Abeyewickreme (Top right) Mary Aikenhead Ministries Award for Social Justice, Siana Larkin (Bottom left) Sisters of Charity Award for Service, Eloise Sexton (Bottom right) Board of Directors’ Young Woman of Influence Award, Elle Hardwick

COLLEGE REPORTS

ENVIRONMENT

AND SUSTAINABILITY

This year the College signed up to both the Laudato Si Action Platform and Catholic Earthcare Program, as part of our continued commitment to ecological sustainability. The Laudato Si Platform outlines seven goals to help us take decisive action to better our environment and support our most vulnerable community members; while the Catholic Earthcare Program supports parishes, schools and families to achieve the Laudato Si goals.

A new committee was formed to bring together various teams, already doing great work, to develop a holistic approach to achieving the Laudato Si goals. This committee consists of the Head of Faith and Mission, Justice Leader, Youth Minister, STEAM Leader, Deputy Principal and Principal, and with student representation which includes the Justice, Liturgy and Environment Captains.

The committee worked tirelessly throughout the year, making great strides towards achieving the Laudato Si goals. 2022 achievements include the purchase of an Acknowledgment of Country plaque from a Black-owned business; embarking on the Red Earth Cape York Immersion; expansion of the Precious Plastics Program by partnering with community organisations and businesses to collect plastic bottle caps and promoting the program to our Priority Parish Primary Schools; the cessation of selling bottled water at the Benny & Me Foodstore; energy audits of the College buildings and classrooms, allowing us to monitor energy usage and promote better outcomes; and the celebration of the Season of Creation, a two week event bringing together Liturgical, Justice and Environment domains.

The College has worked hard towards achieving the Laudato Si goals and we hope to continue to build on existing programs and look for more ways that the STCC community can become ecologically sustainable.

SEQTA ROLLOUT

In 2021, the Learning Technologies Team was set the task of reviewing the College’s Learning Management System (LMS) and whether it aligned to our current and projected needs.

The College’s LMS had been in for 11 years and so a review was timely. It was determined that a new LMS would better support the College going forward.

The Leadership and Learning Technologies Teams, set out clear guidelines and expectations for a new LMS to meet the needs of the STCC community. The LMS would need to have robust pastoral care module that could be adjusted to the needs of the school; support staff and the community to promote learning visibility and be flexible for future learning needs; and allow for reporting and attendance to be integrated. Of the fourteen LMS that were researched, two systems quickly rose to the top for consideration.

After surveying staff regarding their pros and cons of the existing system and potential new system, consultants were engaged to support the final decision-making process.

SEQTA was determined to be the overall best fit for the College. It provides integration for the various software used, offers excellent data analysis with reporting, attendance and wellbeing a key focus, supports collaboration between staff and promotes visible learning in our community.

While we are still in the midst of implementing SEQTA throughout the College community, the first year with our new LMS has been a positive one and we know the future benefits to staff, students and families will be immense.

Natasha Le Noel, Learning Technologies Leader

Students conduct an energy audit on a classroom air purifier.

Our new LMS, SEQTA has been rolled out this year.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At St Columba’s College, we believe that young people have unique perspectives on learning, teaching and schooling and that our students’ insights warrant not only the attention but also the responses of adults. We strive to afford students opportunities to actively shape their education.

The role of the Peer Support Leader (PSL) was reinstituted this year. Congratulations to the twenty Year 10 students who provided such excellent service to the incoming Year 7 students by supporting their transition into secondary school. For the first time, the PSLs attended the Year 7 Camp and they proved themselves invaluable to the program.

As part of the Student Leadership Review in 2021, the Student Engagement Team (SET) was established. The SET is comprised of the College Co-Captains and elected House Representatives who speak for each year level, 7 to 12. They have played an important role in the organisation of events, including St Columba’s Day, and have been instrumental in driving a Pastoral Care/House Lesson program review. The SET developed a comprehensive feedback survey for each year level and this data will be used by teachers to make changes to the 2023 program.

SET members and other House Representatives have also developed a student-friendly version of the new Child Safe Standards which is a document that schools are mandated to develop. I thank this team of students for their contributions in the creation of this.

Well-being is an important aspect of our students’ lives, and our Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) has been an active group within the school community. This year saw the creation of a new Executive role, SWAT Captain, with Maya RiquelmeGerbino as our inaugural Captain, bringing well-being into focus at the Student Executive level. The role has proven to be a positive addition to the Executive and we look forward to seeing the future of this captaincy.

Brigitte McDonald, Deputy Principal

STUDENT reflections

Here are some of the things our student leaders have enjoyed about their leadership roles in 2022:

“

Being a part of SET might sound like just an average role, but it is much more than that. It is a fun learning opportunity, you meet new people and get great ideas. You go to meetings with like-minded people and feel like you are making a difference. ”

Arshpreet Kaur, Year 8 de Lacy House Representative and SET Member

It is amazing that STCC has a student voice which allows us to initiate decision making and raise concerns within the College.

Tiana Ciavarella, Year 8 Cahill House Representative and SET Member

I enjoyed building relationships with the younger year levels and assisting them at the beginning of their St Columba’s journey. ”

Tereza Quinn, Year 10 PSL and SET Member

You get to meet new people, create friends and get to strengthen your bond between other students and teachers through activities such as Year 7 Camp. ”

Isabella Page, Year 10 PSL

Our 2022 Peer Support Leaders.

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SEMESTERsnapshot

CAPE YORK IMMERSION

Last month 25 students from St Columba’s College and Catholic Ladies College embarked on the long-awaited Cape York Immersion.

We were all filled with anticipation and excitement for the trip. If we could tell our past selves one thing, it would be to treasure every second of the immersion, because looking back it was the best experience of our lives. The memories that we made were some that we will never forget.

From sitting around the campfire with Indigenous elders and hearing the decades of knowledge and wisdom being passed down to us, to snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and observing the diverse species of marine life, each one of us was impacted in a positive way. The connection to land and country was something truly unique.

It really surprised us that when staying on Indigenous homelands you feel more connected with the land around you than you would if you were not in the country. With new friendships, connections, challenges overcome and so much more, this once in a lifetime experience was such an incredible journey.

Martine Eid and Daisy Lawrie, Immersion Students

(Above) Our Immersion students reach Cape York.

(Right) Students enjoying a dip.

RUOK? DAY

Every year the Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) hold activities to promote RUOK? Day. This year we were able to experience the day together for the first time since 2019. With that in mind, the SWAT offered yellow donuts at the canteen, a dance session in the MPC, a screening of Friends in the drama room, yoga and mindfulness colouring in. Students were encouraged to wear yellow socks and to ask each other “Are you OK?’’ Thank you to the SWAT and counsellors for all the work they did to make the day an impactful one.

(Right) Students wear yellow socks for RUOK? Day.

CELEBRATE YOU

In a St Columba’s first, the SWAT and SWAT Captain developed a week of activities to ‘Celebrate You’. With a movie screening, art project and writing competition, the week promoted self-love and care and encouraged students to remember their personal well-being.

(Left) Students were greeted by pavement art for the first day of Celebrate You Week.

VINNIES SLEEPOUT

In the depths of Winter, 15 staff and students braved the cold and participated in the Vinnies Sleepout. Bunkering down in Gayip Biik for the night, our volunteers aimed to raise funds and awareness for those sleeping rough. With an early start the following morning, spirits were high and so were the funds raised – An incredible effort from our Sleepouters raising $2,193.45.

(Right) Our volunteers on the morning after their sleep out.

SPRING CONCERT

We were very pleased to have the Spring Concert back and in full swing at the Clocktower once again. Performances from all our music ensembles delighted audience members. It was a first for many of our students, who had not experienced performing on such a big stage, but despite any nerves, the evening was a truly wonderful event.

Congratulations to Isabella Vigilante and Mia McKinley, recipients of the Eileen Stainkamph Music Award, and Dionne Doheny, recipient of the Cronin Music Encouragement Award.

(Right) The College Rock Band performing at the Spring Concert.

CHARITY RUN

Without the concerns of lockdowns or restrictions, this year’s Charity Run returned to the community event we have grown used to. Starting at 4am St Columba’s College (STCC) and St Bernard’s College (SBC) runners met at Maribyrnong River and began the task of running 150kms. Despite the daunting task of running all day, the spirits of staff and students were high, and the excitement of participating in the Charity Run overshadowed tired feet.

This year also marked the return of the Charity Run netball match. The competition was fierce, and STCC dominated the first half but the win ultimately went to SBC, with a final score of 9 to 7. It was fantastic to have Charity Run back as it should be, and all involved put in a tremendous effort with more than $7,700 being raised for the Sisters of Charity Foundation.

(Above) The STCC and SBC Charity Run participants.

PBL

Each year our Year 10 students participate in Project Based Learning (PBL) Week, in place of work experience. The week aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving, and partner our students with industry leaders, for a real-world and hands-on experience. The week culminated in a series of presentations, where students discussed and showcased their designs and ideas to their industry partners.

From designing a field pack for scientists studying gorillas to developing a virtual emergency management portal, our students’ innovative and creative thinking shone brightly. Our students also recorded a PBL podcast, Columba Live, where they interviewed each other regarding their week of learning. Thank you to Caitlyn Devlin, Innovative Programs Leader, and Melissa D’Amico, STEAM Leader, for making the week possible for our students.

(Top Right) Students record the Columba Live podcast. (Right) Students present their PBL work.

ST JOSEPH’S VISIT

In September, Environment Captain, Julianne Cabanayan, STEAM Leader, Melissa D’Amico, and STEAM Lab Assistant, Jenn Tran, welcomed VCAL students from St Joseph’s College Geelong into the STEAM Lab. The students were given a tour of our Lab, shown all the equipment and introduced to our Precious Plastics Program.

They were able to get hands-on sorting bottle caps and then making their own coasters from the pre-made plastic sheets. It was a great opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences with another school and to learn about their practices too.

(Left) Students from St Joseph’s College with Environment Captain, Julianne Cabanayan.

SEASON OF CREATION

We celebrated the Season of Creation from Thursday 1 September to Friday 16 September, with a variety of activities and experiences for staff and students. We launched ‘A Year in a Day’ initiative, planted an Indigenous Garden and held environmental lunchtime activities, such as terrarium making and chip packet recycling. Each morning our House Groups prayed and each week a liturgy was held in the College Chapel. We also started a ‘Keep Cup Drive’ which encouraged community members to donate their used keep cups for repurposing. Overall, the fortnight promoted the College’s commitment to continuous improvement of our environmental and social impact, as part of the Laudato Si Action Platform and Catholic Earthcare Program.

(Left) In the Chapel for a Season of Creation liturgy. (Left below) making plaques for the Indigenous garden.

FATHER’S DAY

It was wonderful to welcome our fathers and father figures on-site for the much anticipated and yearned for Father’s Day Breakfast, on Thursday 1 September. With an incredible turnout, fathers accompanied their daughters for a morning together to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible men in our community. A delicious breakfast and a few door prizes made the morning fantastic for all involved.

(Right) Enjoying a morning together at the Father’s Day breakfast.

CR UDE DRIVING SCHOOL

Our VCAL students were lucky to participate in the Crude Driving School, getting a deep dive into road rules and safety, understanding infringements and road etiquette. The students had the opportunity to learn about car maintenance and operation. A driving simulator finished off the course and has given our students the confidence and knowledge to safely get behind the wheel.

(Left) Students learn how to check their car’s oil.

THE END OF VCAL AS WE KNOW IT

On Thursday 28 October we officially bid farewell to our Year 12 VCAL students. The day was marked by a lunch for our students and key staff members who had supported during their VCAL years. Beautifully laid table, delicious lunch and home-made desserts, marked the end of our students’ secondary schooling journey.

Many stories were shared and many tears shed, as we reflected on the years spent together. The day also brought the end of the VCAL program as we know it, having been offered at the College for 20 years. From 2023, the program will be adapted as part of state-wide senior program changes. To mark this major milestone our students turned off the iconic VCAL sign, it was the end of one chapter, but we look forward to the new program in 2023.

(Right) Staff and students joined together for a celebratory lunch.

(Right) The VCAL sign is turned off for the last time.

Alumnae SPOTLIGHT

JACKIE HORSBURGH JAYNE O’CALLAGHAN MARGHERITA SAGARIA

CLASS OF CLASS OF CLASS OF 1960 1970 1997

I am the youngest of the four Cass girls who attended St Columba’s, namely Barbara, Jennifer and Virginia. I started in what was called “bubs” in 1948 and went through to Matric in 1960. St Columba’s today would be quite different from when I attended but what it gave were lasting friendships and many happy memories.

Sister Berchman prepared us for First Communion held in the school chapel. Grades 3 and 4 were taught together in a small wooden building, with no carpet or air conditioning. We wrote with pen and ink; the inkwells were filled each Monday. Timetables were learnt by rote each morning. The school concerts and balls at the Melbourne Town Hall were great occasions where we all dressed up in evening dresses and performed for our parents. Miss Downs had prepared many routines, a precursor to Rock Eisteddfods of recent years.

I still have friends from those school days, and I hope that today’s students will be able to take with them when leaving school, the same friendship we formed while at St Columba’s.

I have very fond memories of my time at St Columba’s. I excelled in the sporting field, especially athletics and netball and I was a school prefect. I made life-long friends in my days at the school. After completing my Matriculation, I went on to study Primary Teaching at the Melbourne College of Advanced Education (now Melbourne University). I worked at Essendon Primary and Ascot Vale Primary before adopting the role of a full-time mother, having 6 children from 1977-86.

In 1989, I returned to teaching, working at St Anne’s Sunbury and then St Ambrose, Woodend, for a total of 30 years. I not only loved teaching young children but also enjoyed and excelled in the many roles I held over those years. I retired earlier this year and now enjoy having time with my family, which includes 14 grandchildren, soon to be 15. I’ve also had a life-long interest in netball, playing until recently and still umpiring. I’m a passionate walker and cyclist. Two of my memorable walks were the Overland Track in 2003 and the Coast to Coast in England in 2006.

I attended St Columba’s College from 1992-1997. I was College Captain in 1997 which was the centenary year of the school. To be in a leadership position in such an important year in the College’s history was a great honour. To have been elected by my peers and teachers and to know that I had their respect, support and trust was such a privilege and gave me a great sense of responsibility and duty. The experiences and opportunities given to me by St Columba’s are memories that I will always hold dear and I believe they helped me develop the resilience, strength and perseverance which I have needed in my adult life.

After finishing Year 12, I went on to study law at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 2003. Today I am a wife and mother of 4 children. The 6 years I spent at St Columba’s were probably the most rewarding and happy years of my life and I can only hope that my children are able to share the same sentiments of their education in the uncertain future we now face.

RYAN

I loved my time at St Columba’s, it taught me the value of what you put in, is what you get back in return. I really enjoyed being involved in the leadership group, sporting teams and community engagement programs. The biggest impact on my life has been the relationships formed and the importance of surrounding yourself with strong, brilliant women.

I now run a commercial media and events company connecting consumers and brands. We run sports and entertainment events throughout Australia and Regional Victoria and have done so since 2015. My husband and I are also expecting our second baby mid-August, following the birth of our daughter Rya in 2018.

St Columba’s College not only provided me with my friendship group of 14 girls but also gave me the tools to study independently at University and fuelled my love for science having studied Chemistry, Biology and Psychology in VCE.

I am currently living in Geelong with my boyfriend and working a casual receptionist role while I study. I just finished my Bachelor’s Degree of Science at the University of Melbourne (major in Geography) and I am about to commence my Master of Environment (specialising in sustainability) at the University of Melbourne.

PAIGE SAMUEL

I am currently studying full-time at Melbourne University completing my Bachelor in Biomedicine and working towards a Post Graduate Doctor of Medicine. I’m also working at the Epworth Freemasons hospital.

I moved schools after Year 8 and commenced my studies at St Columba’s in Year 9. It was at this time in my life that I began to reflect on the person I wanted to be once I left high school, and the impact I wanted to have whilst I was there. St Columba’s fostered an environment for me where I could push myself academically, mentally and emotionally and ultimately mould myself into the person I am today. I grew to be independent, outspoken about topics I was passionate about, and proud of my uniqueness. Being the College Co-Captain in Year 12 (even though it was during the first COVID lockdown) was one of the most amazing experiences of my life which I will carry with me forever. The College gave me memories and experiences which guide me through my life today, and lifelong friends I’ve kept with me along the way.

ISABELLE

Alumnae

CAREERS TALK

This year we have been fortunate to have alumnae from various industries join us for a lunchtime Careers Talk. Our wonderful volunteers share their learning and working journeys with students, opening their eyes to the many possibilities and the varied paths they can take after completing secondary school. The Careers Talks have been a popular lunchtime activity, and we hope to continue them in 2023.

(Left) Sharing the benefits of working in the Building and Construction industry.

SENIOR PATHWAYS EXPO

We are lucky to have such engaged and connected alumnae, who are always ready to help and support the next generation of STCC students. Back in July, we held our Senior Pathways Expo. Our expo gives our students from Years 8 to 12, the chance to not only chat with current teachers and Learning Area Leaders to determine subject selections and future pathways but to engage with Tertiary Education providers and Alumnae as part of the decision-making process. From a Police Officer to Real Estate Agent and everything in between, our alumnae spent the evening helping our current students to get a clearer vision of what their futures could be.

(Right) Alumnae at our Senior Pathways Expo.

REUNION

On Saturday 8 October, coinciding with the opening of our heritage centre the Heart of Columba, we held a general reunion. It was wonderful to see so many alumnae from across the decades, come back on-site, connect with old friends and re-visit their STCC days. Thank you to all who attended.

(Left) Old friends catch up at the General Reunion.

ATTENTION ALUMNAE

Do you have a spare 90 minutes once a term?

you please email alumnae@columba.vic.edu.au

The Alumnae Committee is looking for volunteers to help create meaningful connections between alumnae and current students attending the College. If this is

COMMUNITY Our

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM

PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Thank you to the Parent Engagement Committee (PEC) for their continued support of the St Columba’s College community. We were all so pleased to have the year return to pre-Covid normalcy and have the usual PEC events take place throughout 2023. It was wonderful to be able to build connections with families and community members.

This year also saw the introduction of a new PEC event in November. Current and in-coming Year 7 parents were invited to an evening get together at Benny & Me, as an opportunity to get to know and connect with one another.

If you are interested in joining or working with the PEC, please email parents@columba.vic.edu.au

Ms Rita Grima Principal

Ms Renee Fleeton Head of Faith and Mission

Ms Rebecca Spiteri Acting Head of Students

Ms Loretta Joyce Human Resources Manager

Ms Brigitte McDonald Deputy Principal

Ms Greta Bajada Head of Teaching and Learning

Mr Frank Bonavia Head of Operations and Compliance

Mr Malcolm Finger Business Manager

PEC members gifting our Year 12 students cupcakes to celebrate the completion of their English exam.

A Special PIECE

125 years is a remarkable milestone and we felt it necessary to mark the occasion in a permanent way.

The idea of a piece of art had been bubbling for some time, but it was a visit to St Vincent’s Hospital which cemented the idea, when staff and students viewed a beautiful commemorative piece on display.

It felt right to connect our present-day College with its rich and long connection to the Sisters of Charity and of course, Mary Aikenhead. The piece brings together the faces of those of us at the College in its 125th year and the portrait of the woman whose vision more than 200 years ago would inevitably lead to the opening of the school we hold dear – St Columba’s College.

We thank Keira Hudson, Art Technician at St Columba’s College, for creating this beautiful piece, which is displayed in our Front Reception.

INTRODUCING OUR COLLEGE CO-CAPTAINS

It is never an easy journey to undertake when you are a hopeful College Co-Captain.

After an extensive and rigorous application and interview process, we were left with four candidates, whose passion for our College, commitment to leadership and positive outlook shone through their speeches. The decision was a difficult one, as the community took to voting and awaited the announcement, which came at the end of Term 3.

We are proud to introduce you to our 2023 College Co-Captains, Piashay Soler and Sarah Truccolo.

Piashay Soler and Sarah Truccolo, 2023 College Co-Captains, with our 125th Year commemorative artwork.

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UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF MARY AIKENHEAD MINISTRIES IN THE TRADITION OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY US

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Proudly printed on post-consumer recycled paper to uphold the environmental values of St Columba’s College. Print edition summer 2022.