Columba Magazine - Summer 2023

COLUMBA S T CO L U M B A’ S CO L L E GE CO M M U NI TY M A GA ZI NE

CLASS OF 2023 PA G E 4

Graduation

Congratulations and farewell to the class of 2023.

A

Winning Y E A R

PA G E 1 0

Sporting success for our students.

Summe r 2 0 23

2023

P R I NCIPAL’S

note

Tradition. Defined by an online dictionary as: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

There are those who would hold that the traditions of any institution could hold them back, limit their progress, and make them resistant to change. We have all heard the mantra “it’s always been done like that around here”.

This is the tradition that we gratefully inherit, and it is a tradition that gives us licence to renew, innovate and create to ensure that the Catholic education we offer remains relevant and responsive to each generation of women who come under our care.

While there are others who would place a very high value on traditions as they offer a way of passing down knowledge, preserving and celebrating history, offering continuity and connection, and providing a sense of identity and heritage.

In the pages of this summer edition of the Columba you will come across a healthy balance:

I would offer that our particular tradition here at St Columba’s College gives us a sense of purpose as a school that pursues creativity and innovation – it is our tradition to continuously adapt to meet the needs of the young people in our care and to recognise the signs of the times. Constancy and Change.

This has been handed down to us by the Sisters of Charity – creative, courageous, innovative women.

Wherever they found themselves, their resolve was to better the conditions of the people who became their responsibility – because they understood they were God’s work active and present in the world.

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– Traditions that have marked who we are for decades, and what our students and families have come to expect, and – Initiatives springing from the tradition of innovation that reflect our response to the signs of the times.

What customs and beliefs are we transmitting from generation to generation? That an education at this Mary Aikenhead Ministries College, in the Tradition of the Sisters of Charity, builds strong, faithful, creative and innovative women who will go out and make a significant difference in the world, as generations of women have done before them.

Ms Rita Grima St Columba’s College Principal

2023

The 1923 St Columba’s College Basketball Team.

“Tr u e

affection

is to rejoice in the

”

happiness of our dear ones.

V E N E R AB LE M ARY AIK EN H EAD

CONTENTS

Farewell to the Class of 2023 Year 12 Award Recipients A Year of Art College Reports A Winning Year

4 5 6 9 10

Semester Snapshot Alumnae Spotlight Our Community A Special Thank you Next Issue

12 16 17 18 19

Cover Art: Mia McKinley, Year 11.

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2023

Farewell TO THE CLASS OF 2023

We bid farewell to the Class of 2023, following a week of activities and events celebrating their time at St Columba’s College. From shared lunches and graduation bears, to discos and dodgeball, breakfast in pyjamas and assemblies, the last week with our Year 12s was one of fun, frivolity and lots of nostalgia.

On Friday 13 October, we closed a chapter in the lives of a cohort of remarkable young women who have brought so much to our College community.

As our newest Alumnae embark on their journeys beyond our gates, they take with them the indelible mark of St Columba’s College, that not only promoted their academic pursuits but also provided a place of inclusion and support.

These young women have proven themselves to be strong, capable and committed to their learning and participation in school life, embodying the College’s values of Truth, Love, Compassion, Hope and Justice.

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As this next stage of life takes shape, we hope our 2023 cohort take with them all that they learned and experienced at the College. May they also take the spirit of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity, whose vision, innovation and tenacity, gave us our school and brought positive change to the lives of countless people around the world.

We know that you will do great things, reach great heights and be people of integrity. We are proud to call you St Columba’s College Alumnae. May your journey be filled with success, fulfilment, and the enduring values you have embraced here.

Good luck on this new adventure!

2023

Year 12 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to our 2023 award recipients, Ava Curran – Sisters of Charity Award (Top left); Lauren Ryan-Green – Board of Directors ‘Young Woman of Influence’ Award (Top right); Alexandra Grima – Mary Aikenhead Ministries Award for Social Justice (Bottom left); and Monique Davood – Sisters of Charity Award for Service (Bottom right).

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2023

A YEAR OF Art

(Top) Flower tiles Year 11 students (Bottom left) Sienna Miles, Year 7 (Bottom right) Layla Cuzilla, Year 9.

From Year 7 our students explore various methods of art-making, using different techniques, equipment and materials to produce their work. During art lessons their skills are tried, tested and refined, and with the support of the passionate and dedicated staff in the Art Department, incredible works are produced each year.

To explore the extensive range of artwork developed at the College throughout 2023, visit our online gallery at www.scconlinegallery.com 06

2023

(Top left) Millie Moody, Year 9 (Top right) Holly Barichello, Year 12 (Middle right) Imogen Rawley, Year 7 (Bottom left) Bridie Synan, Year 12 (Bottom right) Corset Couture, Year 10 students.

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2023

COLLEGE REPORTS

Guests gather for the Turning of the Sod.

Students hold the College’s original House emblems.

F O X F O R D I N N O VAT I O N C E N T R E

HOUSE REVIEW

It is our pleasure to provide a progress update on the construction of the Foxford Innovation Centre, a project that signifies our dedication to fostering an innovative and inspiring educational environment.

This year the College undertook a review of the current vertical House system. Having first been implemented in 2010, it was time to look closely at the system and determine its relevancy to our students and staff.

The building site was established on Friday 28 July, with initial demolition and earthwork phases successfully completed shortly after.

The review was undertaken by Educational Consultant, Lucy Carroll, utilising surveys and interviews of staff, current students, Alumnae and parents/carers. The results showed clear support for the maintenance and enhancement of the St Columba’s College vertical House System.

On Thursday 28 September our building partners, Building Engineering, CHT Architects and Fontic; along with College Board Directors, Paul Ould and Tania Briganti; Peter Kelly, Marie Emmitt and Wendy Pollock from Mary Aikenhead Education Limited; Yvonne Karniej from MACS and Aaron Gupta from CDF; Cr Pierce Tyson, Mayor of Moonee Valley City Council, and Ava Buckley, Ward Counsillor; Principal, Rita Grima and Business Manager, Malcolm Finger; students, Camilla Morison-Mehmedbegovic and Ava Scalpello, and College parents, Jo Ann and Hylven Andres, Kim Morison and Rita Scalpello, gathered for the official Turning of the Sod, ceremonially making the commencement of this long-awaited project.

Recommendations that came from the review were framed around people, connection and relationships, and included: – Increasing contact time between students and their House Group teachers – Enhance support for the role of House Leaders and House Group Teachers – Initiate formal and informal mentoring of students between Junior and Senior Houses – Address the student experience of the delivery of the current Pastoral Care Program

We are now preparing for the crucial lower ground slab to be poured, which should take place before the end of this year. It is wonderful to see the transformation of the once empty space into the foundation of our community’s educational future.

Moving forward the College will:

Follow the progress of the Foxford Innovation Centre at www.columba.vic.edu.au/foxford-innovation-centre

– Explore how to better utilise the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders

– Look at the separation of House Group and the Pastoral Program – Alter the current timetable to accommodate more time in House Group

– Introduce the new role of Director of Students, who will support House Leaders and House Group Teachers – Seek feedback from students regarding their experience of the Pastoral Program The College will monitor these changes in 2024, with the focus on our students feeling a genuine connection with their teachers and one another. We now have a solid foundation from which to continue this work.

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2023

Year 9 students on the Urban Experience.

The new Precious Plastics collection point.

URBAN EXPERIENCE

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

This year we introduced the Year 9 Urban Experience program. Each Year 9 core group worked in collaboration with Year 9 students from St Bernard’s College, in a one-week intensive city experience, exploring Melbourne and investigating the St Columba’s College values in action.

The College is continuing its efforts to become a more sustainable institution. We have been working through both the Laudato Si Action Platform and Earthcare Program, having reached a Level 2 Earthcare accreditation.

During the week students recorded their observations and reflected 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.

The week long experience also saw our students explore the enduring legacy of the Religious Sisters of Charity at St Vincent’s Hospital. These visits offered profound insights into the Sisters’ impactful work. The students’ journey extended to a mini-pilgrimage encompassing St Patrick’s Cathedral, ultimately leading to an enlightening presentation

by Front Yard, a youth homelessness crisis centre.

The week culminates with students reflecting on their experiences during the program and presenting their learnings and ideas, in digital poster form, which is shared with staff and students.

The program has been a success for both Colleges with high engagement from students involved. We look forward to continuing and building on this program in years to come.

The Laudato Si Committee noticed the significant paper waste throughout the College. During Term 4 the committee provided tips and reminders about reducing paper usage and waste, staff and students were encouraged to think before printing and collection boxes were placed for one-sided used paper to be re-used.

The community’s participation in this endeavour has made a positive impact on the College’s sustainability efforts and has pushed us closer to a Level 3 accreditation.

The committee also re-launched the Precious Plastics Program. Establishing a new and convenient collection point in the Kernan Building stairwell foyer and producing an informative ‘how to’ video to support staff and students to identify and sort plastic lids.

Inspired by the principles of Laudato Si and its call to care for our common home, the College is committed to the continued development and promotion of sustainable practices.

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2023

A Winning YEAR

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2023

In a year characterised by determination, teamwork, and unwavering spirit, St Columba’s College has witnessed extraordinary sporting success. Students participated in various sports within College competitions and as part of the Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria (CGSAV).

From the netball courts to the soccer fields and beyond, 2023 will be a year to remember for our sporting teams.

CGSAV AFL Our Senior AFL team won three of their four qualifying matches before taking out our first place in the grand final. To add to the success, St Columba’s College student, Charlotte Rayner, was awarded Player of the Match.

CGSAV SWIMMING The Junior swimming team spent countless hours training and hit the Division 3 CGSAV Competition ready to make a splash. They swam like never before, showcasing their skills and competitive spirit and finishing the day as winners.

CGSAV VOLLEYBALL Our volleyballers came next, with seven teams heading to the competition (three junior, two intermediate and two senior teams). Junior A and Junior C teams were fierce competitors making it through to the grand final and placing first, with Ruby Nguyen, Junior C, winning Player of the Match.

CGSAV SOCCER As the weather turned, our soccer players stepped onto the field to compete. Three teams (junior, intermediate and senior) represented St Columba’s College. Our Junior and Intermediate teams fought valiantly, but did not quite make it to the end. While our senior team took inspiration from the Matildas, winning the grand final in an overtime penalty shootout.

Karina Todorova, St Columba’s College student, was awarded Player of the Match.

CGSAV NETBALL St Columba’s has many talented netball players and this year we were able to send seven teams to the Division 1 CGSAV Competition. The teams consisted of three junior, two intermediate and two senior teams. All teams put in a tremendous effort with four teams moving onto grand final matches and winning. Junior A and B, Intermediate A and Senior A teams were all successful on the day. Natalie McDonald of Junior A and Chiara Rayner of Intermediate A, both won Player of the Match.

CGSAV CROSS COUNTRY Our cross-country runners hit their stride in 2023.

Alessia Mastromauro and Tessa Coleman placing in the top 10. While our Junior runners took out first place in Division 1, with Maddison Crotty placing second, Saana Jayasinge was fifth, Amelia Baker in 11th place and Mia Hale coming in at 14th.

TENNIS At the beginning of the year, our tennis players took part in the annual St Columba’s College Nunan Cup Tennis Competition. Always a highlight on the sporting calendar this year was no different. We congratulate all the tennis players who took part, with an extra big congratulations to Carla Potenza, winner of the Junior Goodman Cup; Caitlin Galliott, winner of the intermediate Wade Cup; and Minuki Hewa Thondilayge, winner of the senior Nunan Cup. 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 wonderful participation across events and year levels.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL With both track and field events on offer, our students turned out in force to compete for their Houses. de Lacy House were the overall winners, with Bruton House taking out top spot in the cross-country event.

It has been wonderful to watch our students thrive in their sports, whether they were winners or just missed out on the top spot.

Their drive, passion and dedication to training and competitions did not go unnoticed. We congratulate all our students who put their hand up to represent our College and thank all the staff who supported and promoted their efforts.

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2023

S E M E S T ER snapshot

KIDS IN SPACE EXPO

The Kids in Space Expo was held on Thursday 22 June. During Semester 1 Science, our Year 7 students used the design thinking process to develop a concept or prototype that could support astronauts in space or help solve a problem on Earth, by using space technologies. Each group set up a stall showcasing their designs and answering questions relating to the design process. It was a wonderful event that gave our students the opportunity to share their ideas with staff, their parents and wider St Columba’s community.

(Top right) Year 7 students discuss their ideas with parents.

(Bottom right) Year 7 students with their prototype.

SPRING CONCERT The annual St Columba’s College Spring Music Concert was held on Monday 16 October at The Clocktower. Ensembles and bands from all year levels, showcased their efforts and talents in musical performances that delighted the audience. The evening culminated in a rendition of Toto’s Africa, where all musicians and singers performed together. Congratulations to the staff and students who made the night a memorable one and to Hannah Tranter, Annie Jones, Charlotte Mollica and Lucia Ragnanese on winning the evening’s awards.

(Left) Musicians and Singers perform Africa at The Clocktower.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Students from St Columba’s and St Bernard’s, came together once again for the annual combined musical. This year they performed Little Shop of Horrors, which entertained (and terrified) audience members in seven performances across two weeks.

The dedication, passion and talent of staff and students was evident in what was another hugely successful musical season.

(Right) The Little Shop of Horrors cast members.

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2023

G I R L S’ D A Y O U T Each school holidays, students in Grades 4 and 5 from local primary schools, are invited to spend one day at St Columba’s College exploring Science, Visual Arts and STEAM, through fun and engaging activities. The students have the opportunity to meet some of the StCC staff, teachers and students, while making new friends and experiencing a small part of secondary school life.

Follow St Columba’s on Instagram and Facebook to discover our 2024 Girls’ Day Out events.

(Top left) Girls’ Day Out attendees get ready to make Kazoos in the STEAM Lab. (Bottom left) Attendees learn to fly drones.

HOUSE CELEBRATIONS Semester 2, saw the celebration of Cunningham, de Lacy and Williams Houses through our annual House Celebration Days. The day consists of a liturgy, followed by a shared lunch, complete with celebration cake. These days, are a great opportunity for Houses to come together in community and reflect of the life and influence of their House Patron.

(Top right) Year 12 de Lacy students enjoy a shared lunch.

(Bottom right) Williams House staff and students gather for a liturgy.

CHARITY RUN For 42 years, students from St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College have teamed up and trained tirelessly, for the annual Maribyrnong 150 Charity Run event. On Friday 8 September at 3.30am, staff and students arrived at the Essendon Rowing club to begin the run. The day consisted of a continuous relay between year levels that aimed to achieve a total of 150 km around the Maribyrnong River. It was another successful run, with the StCC and SBC communities raising $11,000 for the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia.

(Left) The 2023 Charity Run participants.

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2023

SNOW TRIP This year a group of adventurous students from Year 9 to 12, took the trip to Falls Creek for the first St Columba’s Snow Trip. Our skiers spent a weekend honing their skills, taking on various runs and learning some new tricks. They indulged in delicious meals, formed new friendships and had an overall amazing time. We are hopeful that the snow trip will become an annual experience for our students.

(Top right) Our skiers gather at Falls Creek.

(Bottom right) Making snow angels.

WIRED IN WONDERLAND We took a trip down the rabbit hole with a dance extravaganza from LHD Dance. Our creative and imaginative Miss Linda, took the story of Alice in Wonderland, and adapted it to a modern theme – the rabbit hole that is technology in our lives.

A brilliant concept, artfully executed by our dancers.

Thank you to the staff who supported throughout rehearsals and on the night, and to the back stage crew who enhance the performance through light, sound, and by keeping things on track. Congratulations especially to Miss Linda Henderson, for her commitment to the Dance Program at the College.

(Left) The LHD dancers performing Wired in Wonderland.

M CUBED On Wednesday 16 August, St Columba’s hosted the inaugural M Cubed Conference. It was a day tailored to the support and extension of gifted students from various Catholic schools.

Students engaged in activities that challenged their thinking and promoted collaboration and ended with a series of presentations, where students shared their learnings for the day. We look forward to seeing the continuation of the M Cubed Conference in the coming years.

(Right) Students gather for the inaugural M Cubed conference.

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2023

BAHAY TULUYAN BIKE RIDE On Friday 27 October, our community came together for the annual Bahay Tuluyan Bike Ride. A total of 21 students, accompanied by staff members and even a Victoria Police escort, embarked on the long journey to Williamstown and back. This memorable ride was not just an impressive physical achievement, but also a great fundraising effort for Bahay Tuluyan, enabling us to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in the ride and thank you to the StCC community for their generosity and support, which allowed us to raise more than $2,000.

(Left) The StCC riders with their Victoria Police escort.

FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST On Thursday 31 August, fathers and father figures joined us for a morning of connection, celebration and a delicious breakfast buffet. With a huge turnout, it was a wonderful morning for our students to acknowledge the special men in their lives.

(Top right) Carla and Celeste with their father Greg.

(Bottom right) Charlotte with her father Matthew.

FUSE CUP In late October, Charlotte, Mariana and Deborah, Year 8 StCC students, headed to the Gold Coast to attend the State and National finals of the Just Dance eSports Fuse Cup. Their dedication saw them crowned Victorian State Fuse Cup champions. The following day, with fierce competition from South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, our students took out third place in the Nationals. Congratulations to our competitors and thank you to their families and the staff who supported them along the way.

(Left) Charlotte, Mariana and Deborah win the Victorian State Fuse Cup Final.

STEAM SIGN Our Year 10 STEAM students were tasked with designing and building a new sign for the STEAM lab. After receiving the design brief from Sandra Boicos, STEAM Leader, and a visit to Bunnings, our students took to the challenge with fervour.

The end result, was a light up sign with each letter etched with symbols from their discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths); and on Wednesday 6 September, the sign was officially unveiled with Cr Pierce Tyson, Mayor of Moonee Valley City Council, Principal, Rita Grima and other College leaders in attendance.

(Left) Staff and students with the new STEAM sign.

(Right) Sandra Boicos, STEAM Leader, Cr Pierce Tyson and Rita Grima, Principal.

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Alumnae

2023

S P O T LIGHT

S R PAT R I C I A NUNAN

LINDA KERR (BERMINGHAM)

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

1953

Sr Patricia Nunan was a student at the College from 1941 to 1953. Her enthusiasm for sport, saw her elected the Sports Captain in 1953.

Sr Patricia entered the Sisters of Charity in 1957 and became a dedicated educator in both primary and secondary schools. She taught English at the College from 1966-72, and in 1980, she brought together her passion for education and her strong leadership skills to become Principal at Catholic Ladies College. Sr Patricia later became acting Principal at the College in 1992, before becoming our College Principal from 1994 to 1999, where she oversaw the Centenary Celebrations of the College in 1997.

After leaving the College Sr Patricia continued to be involved pastorally in the community and was especially involved with the Sisters of Charity Community Care.

Sr Patricia passed away in May of 2018. She was a kind, strong and faith-filled woman, who was always welcoming and caring to all in our community. Sr Patricia’s legacy will live on at the College both in our memories and through her sporting legacy, our annual tennis competition, the Nunan Cup.

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1972

I started at St Columba’s when I was four and it was the only school I ever knew. I got a great education, loved my sport and made some great friends. Sport was a major focus all through my time at St Columba’s and I still consider being named school Sports Captain in 1972 as one of my proudest moments.

I went on to higher education for a year and while I loved the course, I needed a break away from study and a bit of adventure. So, in 1974 I drove to Perth with a mate for a working holiday. I was encouraged to sit the Commonwealth Public Service exams and was then offered a choice of agency to work in. I was drawn to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as there was the option to study business or law part time.

I undertook a Business Degree majoring in Accounting and then decided to do a Graduate Diploma in Marketing.

This led to several years working in reputation management which was both challenging and rewarding.

I am now retired after spending 30 years in the Australian Public Service. Whilst this was not the career I envisaged for myself when I graduated from St Columba’s, I couldn’t have asked for a better working life.

2023

Our COMMUNITY PARENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE Thank you to the Parent Engagement Committee (PEC) for their continued support of the St Columba’s College community. We have had a wonderful year of engaging events that allowed us to build connections with families and community members. We look forward to another great year in 2024.

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

YEAR 7 2026

REUNIONS On Sunday 8 October we welcomed Alumnae from years ending in 3, back to the College for a General Reunion.

It was wonderful to have so many women from the last 50 years come back to share their stories of their time at the College, reminisce with old friends and see the changes that have taken place since they were students.

We also welcomed back the class of 2022 for a One Year On reunion. It was lovely to catch up with some of our newest Alumnae and to see what they have been up to in the past year.

We will be hosting our 4s General Reunion next year.

Be sure to update your contact information with us at www.columba.vic.edu.au/alumnae and follow us on Facebook at St Columba’s College Alumnae.

Did you know that enrolment applications from College Alumnae are a priority 2 ranking according to our Enrolment Policy Criteria?

Applications for Enrolment for Year 7 2026 are now open and will close on Friday 16 August 2024.

Our 2024 tour dates have been released, visit www.columba.vic.edu.au/college-tours to book your onsite tour and meet our College Principal, Rita Grima.

Alumnae from 1993 with teachers, Katy Marriner and Leo Twomey.

The annual PEC English Exam cupcake celebration.

Alumnae with their Year 12 House banners.

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2023

A Special T H A N K Y O U

This scarf was created for Linda Di Sipio, our guide and Formation and Mission Education Lead at St Vincent’s Health.

Linda is a former staff member of St Columba’s College and joyfully embraced the invitation to be a part of our new Urban Experience program by taking our students on a tour of St Vincent’s Hospital, exploring the history and foundations of healthcare in Australia by the Sisters of Charity, who saw the needs of the community and were of amazing service.

As part of the Urban Experience program, students participate in an Ignation Spirituality Examen and art activity. The artwork they create is of concentric circles in pastels that represent themselves at the centre and then the layers of supports around them, including their family, their friends and their community.

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The students then cut their circle in quarters and trade three of them to others to symbolise the connections we have with each other in these circles of community.

These circles are then pasted together to make a new circle in collage with the others.

After receiving all the students’ circles back at school, our brilliantly creative staff, scanned them together and created fabric to make the beautiful scarf that we presented to Linda for her contribution to our Urban Experience Program.

2023

Next

IS SU E

STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE: CLASS OF 2023 RESULTS SPORTS CARNIVALS

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T 03 9337 5311

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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 summer 2023.

(Top) The class of 2023 with Principal, Rita Grima.

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

S T COL UMB A’S COL L E G E COMMUN ITY MAG AZIN E

2023