Columba - Winter 2023

COLUMBA

MODERN

LEARNING FOR a Modern World

Educating students for a future that is ever-changing.

CLASS OF 2022 RESULTS

WELCOME TO THE 2023 WINTER EDITION OF THE COLUMBA MAGAZINE

For the first time since 2019 the Trustees of Mary Aikenhead Ministries were able to host their conference for representatives working in their education, health and social ministries that were previously under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It was a privilege to attend the conference with members of the Leadership Team and the College Board.

The conference allowed all of us to re-connect and reflect on the story that gives meaning and purpose to our work; the story of a courageous, innovative and entrepreneurial group of women, whose commitment to be the visible presence of God’s love in the world, changed the social fabric of the communities with whom they worked.

At St Columba’s College, we are committed to embodying this story in the faithful, contemporary and innovative education we provide young women in the 21st century. The characteristics revealed and the values lived by the Sisters of Charity across two centuries continue to be as relevant, necessary and inspiring as they were 200 years ago.

The conference also allowed us to connect with those working in the health and social ministries. We are part of a much broader story, and the work we undertake as a Mary Aikenhead Ministries College, is our contribution to God’s love active and present in our world. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for on another” (John 13:35). Our lived expression of the charism of Mary Aikenhead and the deep story of the Sisters of Charity contributes to the emerging story of Mary Aikenhead Ministries and who we are as Christ’s disciples in our world.

The first computer lab opens at St Columba’s College in 1987.

“Just because it has not been done before is no reason why it should not be done now.”

MODERN LE ARNING FOR a Modern World

At St Columba’s College, we recognise that we are educating students for a future that is ever-changing and for careers that may not yet exist.

We’ve risen to this challenge by implementing learning experiences and programs in Years 7 to 10, that are future-focused and 21st-century skills-based, giving our students the foundation they need to build an effective VCE program to support their future success.

INNOVATION AT STCC

Our Years 7 to 10 innovative programs, expose students to a variety of subjects, disciplines and experiences before they begin the process of choosing a VCE program. Our programs are designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving, which not only support successful learning but are also valuable skills for future working environments.

DESIGN CODE CREATE

Offered to Year 7s, this semester long subject is part of our broader digital curriculum. It provides our youngest students with the chance to explore coding in a fun and practical way. Our Year 7s also learn about cyber safety as they build their digital literacy.

FIONTAR

Fiontar is a year-long program that is part of the Year 8 subject offerings at the College. This interdisciplinary subject puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning, as they delve into three major topics throughout the year. From excursions to the city to reflect on the opportunities provided; to exploring STEAM skills by unpacking real-world problems with design thinking; to working on one of the UN’s sustainability goals and how young people might have the key to improving life around the globe, Fiontar gives our students the tools to create, collaborate and innovate in a hands-on environment.

URBAN EXPERIENCE

The Urban Experience program is run in collaboration with St Bernard’s College. Year 9 students take part in a one-week intensive city experience, exploring Melbourne and investigating our College values in action.

During the week students record their learning and reflect on their changing perspectives of the city and its people. The Urban Experience is also a time where our students work through Respectful Relationships practices, as they navigate learning with students from another College.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In Year 9 students participate in Future Directions. This program is the entry point into careers education at the College. As part of the program, our students explore life after secondary school through seminar days and a fortnightly lesson which provide the foundation for building a VCE program. It also provides an introduction to the VTAC process.

Students visit tertiary organisations, learn to write a resume and prepare for a job interview through our mock interview evenings.

The program readies our students for the big life decisions that come with senior schooling and beyond.

EXPLORING PATHWAYS & PBL

The Year 10 Exploring Pathways curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and understanding to recognise and manage what is often implicit in thinking. Students learn and apply techniques to progress, communicate, collaborate, create, and be critical thinkers.

Each year, as part of Exploring Pathways, 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 partners our students with industry leaders, such as Amazon and the Melbourne Zoo, for a real-world and hands-on learning experience.

Students work in small groups to develop solutions to the briefs provided to them by their industry partners. The week culminates in a series of presentations, where each group discusses and showcases their learnings, designs and ideas to their peers and industry partners.

Introducing the FOXFORD INNOVATION CENTRE

The College is proud to announce the commencement of construction of the Foxford Innovation Centre.

On the corner of Buckley and Lorraine Streets, the new building’s design is inspired by our mansion and original school building. With arches and curves that reflect the heritage façade of Bruton House, the new building will seamlessly integrate with the College’s existing buildings.

The Foxford Innovation Centre has been designed around agile and dynamic breakout areas that offer IT connectivity, flexible furniture and connection to the outdoors, providing the opportunity to adapt their use to meet the curriculum’s evolving needs. The spaces also allow staff and students from various learning areas to come together, collaborate and learn from one another.

The Foxford Innovation Centre reflects a significant investment in the future of educational opportunities for St Columba’s College students and is an essential part of the College’s vision of providing a modern and dynamic learning environment. The building’s design, facilities, and technology infrastructure reflect the best practices in STEAM education, providing a world-class education to our students.

The Foxford Innovation Centre brings together the College’s vision, with the design expertise of CHT Architects, the planning experience of Fontic and the building knowledge of Building Engineering. We will continue to update the community on building progress.

Visit www.columba.vic.edu.au

WHY FOXFORD?

The Foxford Innovation Centre has been named for the Foxford Woollen Mills in Ireland. The Mills were established in 1892 by a Sister of Charity, Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, in the village of Foxford, County Mayo, on the river Moy. Mother Agnes arrived in Foxford to find a community in dire need. Inspired by the village, its people and the river it sat on, Mother Agnes decided to open a mill as a means of improving people’s livelihood, and prospects for the area.

To achieve her vision, Mother Agnes knew that the Foxford community needed to be both brave and inclusive. Breaking with convention, she partnered with John Smith, a Tyrone Protestant, to build the mill, a connection facilitated by the well-known Irish political leader Michael Davitt. A Protestant and Freemason working with a Catholic nun in 19th-century Ireland was a rare thing. The business, and in turn, the village, prospered employing 220 people in the first 90 years. The Foxford Woollen Mills are still open today and have become a place of pilgrimage for many Sisters of Charity and Mary Aikenhead Ministries members.

It is Mother Agnes’s spirit of innovation and tenacity, that inspired the name of our new building. A place where our students will follow in her footsteps, to design, create, collaborate and innovate.

Adapted from The Story of Foxford Woollen Mills at www.foxford.com

CLASS OF 2022 results

St Columba’s College ranked in the top 10 Catholic Schools in Victoria for VCE results.

25% Society & Culture

21.6% Health

15.7% Management & Commerce

14.2% Natural & Physical Sciences

10.3% Creative Arts

UNIVERSITY COURSES

3.9% Education

2.9% Architecture & Building

2.9% Agriculture, Environment & Related Studies

2% Engineering & Related Technologies

1% Information Technology

0.5% Food, Hospitality & Personal Services

FURTHER RESULTS

College Dux, Lillian Nguyen, achieved an ATAR of 99.70

Median ATAR of 79.05

19.85% of students achieved an ATAR over 90

46.32% of students achieved an ATAR over 80

Two perfect study scores in Psychology and English Language

Median Study Score of 32

10.4% study scores over 40

TOP 5 INSTITUTION DESTINATIONS

1 RMIT University

2 La Trobe University

3 Australian Catholic University

4 Swinburne University of Technology

5 Monash University

STORIES FROM OUR students

LILLIAN NGUYEN VCE DUX

What are you currently studying and where? I am currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at Monash University.

What has your first semester been like? My first semester has been so new and exciting, I have met a lot of new friends and I am really enjoying the content in my degree. I’ve been able to try a lot of different things like coding and building electrical circuits.

My timetable is super flexible which leaves me plenty of time to study, relax and explore campus. It is very different to high school but I am enjoying it so much.

MADELEINE KURAS VCAL DUX

What are you currently studying and where? In February I commenced my Diploma of Community Services at Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn.

What has your first semester been like? Initially, I was extremely overwhelmed and even contemplated dropping out. Although, I was able to quickly adapt and acclimatise myself to the new environment, especially with the support of my new peers and other classmates.

Thus far, Swinburne has given me the opportunity to surround myself with like-minded people, people that come from diverse backgrounds, experiences and have a passion to make a change. Exposure to different people has allowed me to strengthen my knowledge and awareness surrounding a variety of issues in Community Services, and the type of clients I will be working with. I can’t wait to see where this Diploma will take me.

HOUSE NEWS

NEW HOUSE LEADERS

This year we welcomed five new House Leaders to the College. It has been a busy start to the year for them, as they transition into a new school environment and spend time getting to know the students in their care.

Our new House Leaders join Kathy Hicks, O’Brien House Leader and Carmel Anile-Saade, Cunningham House Leader. Welcome to:

HOUSE CAPTAINS

The House system is a big part of College life. Our House Captains work collaboratively with their House Representatives and House Leaders to create a fun, supportive, connected and safe environment for the members of their House and the greater STCC community.

Introducing the House Captains for 2023:

BRUTON Imogen Di Florio

CAHILL Matilda Lawrie

CATER Alanah Eastwood

CUNNINGHAM Charlotte Foster

DE LACY Olivia Russo

O’BRIEN Emma Cihangir

WILLIAMS Genevieve Galea

(Left) (L–R) Charlotte Foster, Olivia Russo, Imogen Di Florio, Matilda Lawrie, Emma Cihangir, Alanah Eastwood and Genevieve Galea.

SHANNON BORG Cater House Leader

KATE MCPHERSON de Lacy House Leader

ALISTAIR BLOOM Williams House Leader

GEORGIA SEYMOUR Cahill House Leader

DAVID ARTHURSON Bruton House Leader

HOUSE WELCOMES

We opened our yearly events with our House Welcomes in February. House Welcomes are an important part of House life that honour our House Patrons and acknowledge our College staff and students. Our House communities came together to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families into the College and to recognise our Year 12s as senior members of the St Columba’s College community.

HOUSE CELEBRATION DAYS

This semester we have celebrated Bruton, Cahill, Cater and O’Brien Houses. Each House gathered to acknowledge the life and legacy of their House patron. Beginning their celebrations with a liturgy and of course sharing a pizza lunch complete with delicious cake.

The House celebrations are a wonderful way for students to connect with other House members and to reflect on the women who made their mark on our College and the greater community.

(Top right) Year 7 Williams House students.

(Bottom right) Year 12 de Lacy House students.

(Top left) Bruton House students gather for their liturgy.

(Bottom left) Cahill House Captain, Matilda Lawrie, cuts the celebration cake.

SEMESTERsnapshot

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our Athletics Carnival took place on Tuesday 2 May. Our students turned out in force to participate in track and field events, finishing the day with a student versus teacher relay race and inter-House tug of war competition.

The weather held out, the sausage sizzle fed the masses and we all had a wonderful time. Congratulations to de Lacy House who took out the top honour on the day!

MULTI SPORTS DAY

In a College first, we held a Multi Sports day in lieu of a Swimming Carnival. Students were split into junior, intermediate and senior competitions. The juniors took to the pool, the intermediate students made their way to MSAC for volleyball and the seniors battled it out in a round robin of soccer, netball, beach volleyball and dodgeball.

Cahill House were the overall victors, in what was a successful day, with a wonderful participation across all events and Year Levels.

COLLEGE CAPTAINS

Introducing our Specialist College Captains for 2023:

LITURGY – Monique Davood

JUSTICE – Alexandra Grima

ARTS – Lauren Ryan-Green

SPORTS – Alessia Mastromauro

SWAT – Alannah Bell

ENVIRONMENT – Eloise Miller

(Right) de Lacy House Captain, Olivia Russo, with principal, Rita Grima, celebrate the de Lacy House victory.

(Left) Year 7 and 8 students watching the swimming races.

(Right) Monique Davood, Alannah Bell, Alexandra Grima, Eloise Miller, Lauren Ryan-Green and Alessia Mastromauro.

FATHER/MALE MENTOR DAUGHTER NIGHT

Despite the chilly evening weather fathers/male mentors and their daughters made their way to the College to participate in a night of fun. Various activities were set up across the College grounds to cater to all abilities and interests, and a BBQ meant that all our attendees were well fed. Always a much-anticipated College event, this year’s night was a huge success.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

Each year the College celebrates mothers and mother figures in our school community with an afternoon of high tea. Delicious food, gifts prepared by our STEAM team and time together in conversation, is always a great way to spend an afternoon.

ANZAC DAY ASSEMBLY

This year we marked Anzac Day with a whole school assembly. Our House Captains laid wreaths at our flag posts while The Last Post was played by one of our student musicians, Julia Speranza.

We were also joined by College Alumnae, Jacqueline Dinan, class of 1987, who shared some of the 300 stories of women and their experiences of World War 2, that are documented in her book Between the Dances.

(Left) Fathers and daughters get ready for a table tennis battle.

(Right) Year 12 students and their mothers at the Mother’s Day High Tea.

(Top left) House Captains prepare to lay their wreaths at the College flag poles.

(Bottom left) Jacqueline Dinan shares stories at the Anzac Day assembly.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

This 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme was Embrace Equity. The Student Executive team organised various fun activities for our staff and students to ‘Embrace Equity’ and reflect on the importance of a day such as IWD.

The day started with a morning assembly, followed by a House chain making competition, the chance to take a selfie with College mascot Lily the Lion and, the always popular, window writing.

ST COLUMBA’S DAY

HIGH ACHIEVERS

On February 14, we celebrated our Year 11 and 12 2022 High Achievers with a morning assembly where they received their awards and accolades, and where our 2023 Student Executive Team were presented with their Leadership badges. Following the assembly our award recipients, College Captains, families and friends celebrated with a delicious morning tea. It was the ideal occasion for our High Achievers to catch up with the staff and students who supported them through 2022.

St Columba’s Day is always the most anticipated day in the College calendar. Starting with a liturgy led by Fr John Hannon, we reflected on the 2023 College values of truth and love. Students then spent time participating in service activities for their House partner organisations, before heading to an afternoon of carnival style fun. The amazing weather helped set the scene for what was an incredible day of celebrations.

(Top right) Students contribute their thoughts to the Learning Courtyard window.

(Bottom right) Students pose with Lily the Lion.

(Right) SWAT Captain, Alannah Bell with Lily the Lion.

(Left) Our Year 12 2022 High Achievers.

INDUCTION DAY

With a mix of emotions our new Year 7s arrived for their first day at the College on Thursday 2 February. After many photos were taken and good-byes said, our students headed into the College. The day was filled with many firsts. First combination lock (and many attempts to open it), first locker, first school laptop, first new friend and finishing the first day with smiles on their faces.

CAMP

Year 7 camp is always a great way for our students to connect and cement new friendships. Taking the trip to Marysville and participating in lots of fantastic outdoor activities and experiences, our Year 7s ended Term 1 on a tired but very positive note.

REFLECTION DAY

The College holds reflection days for each year level as an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, the College’s mission and values, to delve into the story of the Sisters of Charity and to have a day off from the busyness of school life with a quiet day of reflection.

YEAR 7 experience

Our Year 7 students are half way through their first year of secondary school, here are their favourite moments of semester one at St Columba’s College.

My favourite moment was Camp!

Meeting new people and the Multi Sports day

(Left) Year 7s pose for a photo on their first day.

(Left) Year 7 students on the bus ready for camp.

(Left) Year 7 students working together on their Reflection Day.

I love coming to school and learning new things every day, I cannot wait to see what will happen in the future!

TEAGAN, BRUTON HOUSE

BRIDGET, CUNNINGHAM HOUSE

AOIFE, CAHILL HOUSE

Alumnae SPOTLIGHT

Mary O’Hanlon class of 1977

I moved to Canberra in 1981 as one of the inaugural scholarship holders to the Australian Institute of Sport. After two years there, I spent some time in the Sporting industry and then applied to the Australian Public Service. I enjoyed a long Public Sector career focusing on the service delivery aspects of national government particularly in the Social Services and Health Sectors. Now I am mostly retired, but still do some occasional consulting and pro bono work.

Over the past few years I have taken up studying Japanese. The last time I studied a language was years ago at St Columba’s! It certainly keeps my brain active. Retirement also allows me to enjoy more free time with my husband and our adult children and regularly visit our extended families in Melbourne and Perth.

St Columba’s provided me with an early opportunity to experience many aspects of leadership. In 1977 the vast majority of staff were female and I found it interesting to see how these women went about achieving excellence in their work and non-work lives. As I moved through the College I remember learning about different leadership styles from observing the senior students in action. From working and studying with my peers I absorbed a lot about the dynamics of teamwork and mutual respect. I discovered at a young age that everyone has opportunities to influence and create a positive community. I am grateful for the values shown to me by my family and education at St Columba’s.

Sr Joan Stapleton class of 1962

Sr Joan Stapleton not only attended the College from 1950 until 1962 but was Head prefect in 1962. She also taught at St Columba’s during her teaching career. Since leaving her ministry of teaching Joan’s present ministry is in pastoral care at Prague house, a home to 45 men and women who are socially and financially disadvantaged, many suffering from psychiatric illness, intellectual disability or drug and alcohol addiction.

Sr Joan also visits residents in hospital, assists them with shopping, plays bingo, organises the football tipping competition and visits to the library. Recently she has been a member of Sisters’ of Charity College boards and has worked as a pastoral staff member at Catholic Ladies College.

COMMUNITY Our REUNIONS

Our annual general reunion for our graduates of years ending in ‘3 will be held in October. Graduates of ‘3 years are invited to join on us on Sunday 8 October at the College for nibbles and drinks.

We also extend an invitation to our 2022 graduates to join us on Tuesday 17 October 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

APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT

Applications for Enrolment for Year 7 2025 are now open.

Applications close Friday 18 August 2023 and can be made via the College website.

If you require enrolment information or assistance, please contact our College registrar Mrs Tammy Colson at registrar@columba.vic.edu.au.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The year has started with a bang for the Parent Engagement Committee (PEC). In Term 1, the PEC hosted our new Year 7 families for a meet and greet. It was a wonderful evening to get to know one another. 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 or Male Mentor/ Daughter evening. With a turnout of more than 100 people, the night was filled with fun, food and great times.

INTRODUCING THE EXECUTIVE

The Parent Engagement Committee acts as a bridge between the College and wider community, through participation, communication and connection. Introducing the Parent Engagement Committee Executive for 2023:

CO-PRESIDENTS Karen Bell & Tracey Cotroneo

SECRETARY Miralem Mehmedbegovic

TREASURER Karen Bell

The Parent Engagement Committee meets every third Tuesday of the month. All Welcome. Visit our website for further information about meeting dates and times

Alumnae at the 2022 General reunion.

PEC volunteers prepare a sausage sizzle for the Father/Male Mentor and Daughter evening.

Photo

A WHOLE SCHOOL

As part of our 125 year celebrations last year, it was decided that a whole school photo would be commissioned to honour our momentous milestone.

After a whole day of photo taking using green screen technology and weeks of compiling each College members’ photo, we now have this magnificent memento of the staff and students who attended the College in its 125th year.

The framed photo can be found in the Sophia Library, where many staff and students have already spent time trying to find their own faces amongst the group.

STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE:

COLLEGE MUSICAL GRADUATION

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(Left) The 2022 St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College musical, Strictly Ballroom.

UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF MARY AIKENHEAD MINISTRIES