Strategic Directions 2023-2026

Vision

At St Columba’s College we seek to guide faith-filled discernment, and empower learners who are called to action, in our hope for a just world.

We are an inclusive Catholic school for young women, guided by the educational mission of Mary Aikenhead ministries. Our evolving story is bound by the ties of the enduring tradition of the past, the rich work of the present and our hope for the future. With God at the centre in our call to love one another, we are committed to developing:

MissionFaith, justice and compassion; Curiosity and educational endeavour; The dignity of the human person; Stewardship of creation.

IntroductionOur Catholic Identity is integral to everything we do at the College – who we are as a Catholic community should be experienced in every facet of school life. This has been reflected in the development of these Strategic Directions – our aspirations for Faith, Mission and Identity will be realised through our work across each of the remaining pillars, Learning Teaching Wellbeing, Leadership for Mission, Environment and Resources, and Community Relations. With Faith in the enduring story of Jesus, his life, ministry and the values of the Gospel and Fidelity to the expressive story of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity, we commit to our evolving story that carries our faith, spirituality and tradition purposefully forward.

You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit.

This new Strategic Directions Statement captures St Columba’s College commitment to growth and development to support the full flourishing of each person, giving impetus and inspiration to take forth the mission of the Sisters of Charity to live the Gospel and serve the poor.

Learning Teaching Wellbeing

Purpose

To be a community enacting Christ’s radical and inclusive love, ensuring each person’s access to exemplary learning, teaching and wellbeing programs allows them to pursue excellence and their pathway to fulfillment.

We are committed to

Strengthen the nexus between learning for wellbeing and wellbeing for learning. Foster a culture that engages, excites and challenges students and staff to pursue excellence and achieve their personal best.

Support the development of positive, courageous, resilient and hope-filled learners. Nurture student voice and agency through authentic and inclusive relationships that enable students to contribute to the design of learning and wellbeing programs.

Pursue creative curriculum design that fosters curiosity and innovation. Respond to our times by proactively supporting the health and wellbeing of all community members – students, staff and families.

Outcomes

Community members will be hopeful and have a positive outlook on life and develop skills, characteristics and behaviours that enable them to be resilient, compassionate people with the capacity and desire to effect positive change in their world.

Teachers and students are learners together. Students are agents of their learning through developing increasing autonomy, resilience, and confidence and a desire to excel.

Success will be gauged from the impact of teaching on our students’ growth.

Environment and Resources

Purpose

To provide state of the art facilities that are flexible in use, and adaptable to the changing nature of curriculum and learning in a way that supports faithful and responsible stewardship of our common home, and our commitment to sustainability and regeneration.

Faith, Mission and Identity

To be a synodal where scriptual values lived and experienced bringing the vision Mary Aikenhead Ministries as we strive towards

We are committed to Seek and implement community projects that respect our fragile environment and the traditional owners of our land. Manage our financial and physical resources for long term sustainability and affordability. Implement all stages of the current educational facilities master plan. Renew current learning spaces to align with emerging aspirations. Consider the implementation of cutting-edge environmentally mindful strategies.

Outcomes

Environmental responsibility is embedded in all aspects of school activity. Our learning community is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Leadership for Mission

Purpose

To embrace the challenge to be a prophetic community, creators of new cultures and renewed ways of seeing, being and doing. Impelled by the love of Christ, our College is a place of courage and fearlessness, as we engage in decisive actions that transform the world.

We are committed to

Give expression to God’s love through Ignatian discernment in our praying, teaching, learning, wellbeing and service.

Nurture leadership which is synonymous with transparency, approachability and empathy, enacted by all. Equip students for future leadership roles through rich and diverse experiences during their College years. Implement professional learning opportunities for all staff that support and align with the school’s priorities, individual learning needs and career advancement.

Ensure Board processes give witness to the College’s mission, and to exemplary governance practices. Be audacious and courageous in our witness, responding to the needs of our time in a just and compassionate way.

Outcomes

School leaders have the capacity to enact inclusive, participative, empowering, relational leadership.

Mission Identity

community, values are authentically experienced by all, and mission of Ministries to life, the reign of God.

Sound governance practices are a feature of all decision-making forums to achieve our strategic priorities. Dialogue, collaboration, co-responsibility and mutual listening are characteristic of school life.

Community Relationships

Purpose

To seek out and build partnerships and relationships within and across the community that recognise, respect and affirm the dignity of all recognising the presence of the Divine in each person.

We are committed to

Engender an inclusive culture where staff, students and families are acknowledged and celebrated. Foster supportive partnerships with families to build community capacity which supports the holistic development and wellbeing of all students.

Expand and broaden opportunities for the authentic engagement of Alumnae in the life of the College. Pursue local, regional and international partnerships and networks to build social capital and enhance community learning.

Build a philanthropic culture to support community development and future aspirations.

Outcomes

A breadth of partnerships enhances student faith, learning and wellbeing outcomes. Diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

Strong relationships and engagement with families, Alumnae, and community groups. A philanthropic culture exists to provide financial support to the scholarship and building funds.