Special Edition Coracle

The College united for the annual celebration of Saint Columba Day on Wednesday 9 June. Saint Columba, an Irish priest who lived between 521-597, founded the Christian community on the Isle of Iona in Scotland. He is known for his love of God, his missionary work across Scotland and was a person of humility and deep charity. 

It was a wonderful time of festivity and excitement. The day commenced formally with an R-12 College Liturgy; an opportunity for students and staff to learn, remember and reflect about who Saint Columba was and his achievements. A Fete followed, with Kinship classes setting up and operating a variety of stalls in the Gymnasium for students to purchase food, drinks and participate in a range of different activities. The pride in the Middle and Senior School students was evident as they helped the younger students. The Junior School students loved being able to buy food, test their skills and have their face painted. 

In the afternoon, due to inclement weather in the previous days, the much-anticipated Coracle race was replaced with a quiz for the student during Kinship. The quiz covered a range of topics, movies, general knowledge, sport, and significant events. Significantly, throughout the day we raised $6000 for Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul charities, to support the wonderful work that they do in our community. 

Saint Columba Day 2021 was a spectacular occasion; one that showcased pride, teamwork, kindness and fellowship across all students, as they relished in the fun of all that the day offered. 

Mr Craig Bonnett  | Assistant Principal Wellbeing R-12 

The Alumni Tutoring Study Support program started in Term 1 of 2021. It was implemented to assist our current students in Years 6 to 12 with homework and assessments. St Columba College employs 11 Alumni tutors on a casual basis. These tutors are all currently attending university in various degrees. As old scholars they understand what it is like for our current students to move through their high school years.  

We have approximately 120 students that have accessed the program, with most days having 45 students attend. Students can attend once or on a more permanent basis. The program is run in our Middle School Resource Centre (Library) from 3:30pm - 5:00pm, every Monday to Thursday during school terms. Tutors have access to SEQTA to see what assessments students have and can access the curriculum in order to better support their learning. All subjects from Year 6 -12 are supported in the program.

If you are interested in employment as a Alumni tutor, please visit our website for more information: http://bit.ly/St_Columba_Alumni

Mrs Shelley Enders  | Former Community Development Officer / Defence School Mentor

We are so grateful that St Columba graduate, Kathryn McAllister (Class of 2009), agreed to share her story with our community!

Your Name and graduating year: 
Kathryn McAllister
Graduating Class of 2009.

Could you please tell us about your current role?
Currently I work as a Civil and Project Engineer for a dairy production company. My work focuses on delivering capital works projects for the company. Prior to this, I worked as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager, mostly working in residential developments. My work involved preliminary investigations, design and construction superintendence on behalf of both the private sector and government (state and councils). I had been working for this company for the past 6 years, where I started as a Graduate Engineer.

What has your journey been to the career you are in today? 
I went to the University of South Australia and completed a four-year Bachelors Degree of Engineering (Civil & Structural). Unfortunately, when I completed my course there was a shortage of graduate jobs available, so I continued to work in retail. After a 12 month break from studying, I began a Masters of Engineering (Engineering Management), online via Open Universities Australia.  After 1 semester of study, I was fortunate to find a graduate position at compnay where I was able to complete my Masters Degree while working due to the flexibility of online study.

What do you enjoy most about your role? 
My role is a combination of office and site work, which means that I am not doing the same thing every day.  I also work with a great team of people who make being at work really enjoyable. 

How did your education at St Columba College help you along the way? 
I had teachers that inspired me to learn, and for me that was in STEM.  I was very fortunate that I had Science and Mathematics teachers who made the subjects interesting and applicable. I probably would not have pursued this career path if it hadn’t been for those teachers who encouraged and inspired me.

What aspects of St Columba College did you enjoy the most? 
I was fortunate to go through the Junior, Middle and Senior School when the College was very new, so I witnessed the addition of campuses, new technologies and a broader range of subjects. It is encouraging to see a school continuously growing and remaining relevant to the community. I also met some wonderful people who I am still friends with today. 

What advice would you give to Senior Students deciding on a career path? 
Don't narrow your focus too much. Having a wide range of adaptable skills and knowledge is a positive thing that will help you transition into employment.  While it is helpful to have a career path in mind, just remember if things don't go exactly as you planned - don't give up! Sometimes there are other ways that you haven't considered which can result in achieving the same goal, or you may even find something better that you didn't know existed.

What are your future career aspirations? 
My current career goal is to become a Chartered Engineer through Engineers Australia. While I haven't clarified my long-term career aspirations yet, I’m open to further study to advance my knowledge and skill set for the future.

At St Columba College, we are fortunate to have some Old Scholars return to the school as teachers! Miss Xerri, Mrs Place and Mr Barbaro have been kind enough to share their experiences with our community.

MISS VICTORIA XERRI 
Year 3 Teacher

Miss Xerri, what year did you graduate from St Columba College? 
I graduated from Year 12 in 2012. 

Can you please describe your journey from graduation to employment at the College?
After graduating from St Columba College I immediately went on to begin my studies in education at the University of South Australia. Whilst studying, I worked as a Support Worker with vulnerable children. Being able to work with these children allowed me to develop a deep understanding about trauma and its effect on children’s behaviour. My experience in support work influenced my studies to have a strong focus in children’s mental health and wellbeing. 

Prior to teaching at St Columba College, I was teaching at St Brigid’s Catholic School in Evanston. I had the pleasure of teaching years one to five at the school and have many beautiful memories and deep connections because of my time there. 

One of the greatest gifts I gained from the College is my fiancé, Michael Knightly. Michael and I both attended St Columba College as students and began dating in our last couple of years at the College. After graduating from school together, we found a love for travel and ventured off on several memorable trips across the world. We are not finished with our travels and are both very eager to get some more stamps into our passports when it is possible again. One of our favourite places in the world would have to be Japan, I would recommend it to anyone, there is no other place quite like it.

Could you please describe your connection with the College or share some positive memories from your time as a student? 
When I think back to my time spent at St Columba College, I remember belonging to a cohort of students that spent their time laughing together and loving one another. Whenever I hear 'Shine Jesus Shine' or 'Shout to the Lord', I can so vividly remember sitting in the auditorium for Mass. Singing along as a whole school was such a happy time for me, in particular a very special moment was at our Year 12 retreat where we had a talent show. Emmanuel Kuol and Justin Mamys were singing 'Let me Love You' and the whole cohort joined in, it was a spectacular moment. When we moved over to the Senior School, we were blessed with the two most beautiful canteen ladies, Mrs Calleja and Mrs Fioretti. I remember whenever I would make a purchase at the canteen (usually a sweet chilli chicken sub and a mineral water with side of clouds) I would leave with a smile on my face thanks to their compassionate approach. When I returned to the College this year, I was sad to see the fountain under the stairs was no longer there. However, when I recalled the many times students had put detergent in it and left the foyer covered in bubbles I soon understood why it was missing. 

My memories of my time at the College are exceedingly positive thanks to the many brilliant teachers who taught me. When I began in Year 8 I immediately felt I was at home and still do to this day. I made deep connections with teachers that will remain with me for life. I will never forget Mr Bendikov who taught me in Year 12 Mathematics. He would so generously give up his lunch breaks to assist students with their projects. He had such a patient manner and a way of helping students to develop a love for Mathematics. I set a goal to obtain the Academic Excellence award for Mathematics at the end of that year and with his assistance I succeeded. Mrs Forbes also made a huge impact on the person I am today. She had a way of making her students feel valued and regarded as young adults. She would push me to do my best when she knew I could do better and cheer me on when I was succeeding. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to now teach alongside Mrs Forbes and her Year 11 and 12 students when they work with my Year 3 students. I aspire to ensure my students feel just as valued and appreciated by me as I did around these inspirational teachers. 

To this day I remain close to the friends I connected with at the College. I sometimes wonder how different my life would be if I had of chosen a different school for my secondary education. I’m so grateful it worked out the way it did. 

MRS BROOKE PLACE
Year 6 and Innovation Lead Teacher

Mrs Place, what year did you graduate from St Columba College?
I graduated St Columba College in 2010 when I was in Year 12. 

Can you please describe your journey from graduation to employment at the College?
St Columba supported me with careers councilling to help me understand my options for pathways after Year 12 completed. I graduated from TAFE with a Certificate III in Children Services in my first year out of school, as well as securing a job at St Columba OSHC. I then went to Flinders University and completed a double Bachelors Degree in Education and The Arts in 2015. In 2016 I began my teaching journey at a range of schools and in 2017 completed my final days at St Columba OSHC. In January 2021 I began my first days as a Year 6 Teacher at St Columba.

My goal has always been to work my way back to St Columba College and pay it forward. I wanted to support the students of St Columba now, in the ways I was supported when I was a Student. 

Can you please describe your connection with the College or share some positive memories from your time as a student?
St Columba College has shaped me into the person  I am today. Through amazing experiences such as interschool sports competitions, being a member of the school band, a participant in the Easter play, to being a part of group gatherings, I discovered what it meant to be a part of a community, and how to explore and appreciate many different opportunities. 

The Year 12 Retreat is one of my favourite memories. It brought all the students and teachers together, reminded me to be thankful of the people who support you through life and taught me how to become a reflective person. We had great fun singing, performing, showing thanks to others and sharing our gratefulness for the experience we all got to share together.

MR GERRY BARBARO
Drama Teacher

Mr Barbaro, when did you graduate from St Columba College?
I graduated in 2015.

Can you please describe your journey from student to employment at the College?
I began studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Performing Arts at UniSA in 2016. I was involved in several performances and arts showcases over the three years, extending my abilities in both drama and music. I graduated from my arts degree and began my Masters of Teaching in 2019. During this degree I had valuable teaching experiences and my passion for teaching was realised. I graduated from my Masters mid-way through 2020 and spent the remainder of the year relief teaching before accepting my current role at the College. 

Can you please describe your connection to the College or share any positive memories you have from your time as a student?
I have many positive memories when reflecting on my time as a student at St Columba. Some key highlights were sports days, music lessons and drama performances. Having the opportunity to perform two shows each year as a senior drama student was a real highlight. These experiences allowed me to develop my performance skills while strengthening relationships with my peers and teachers. Looking back, I believe my interest in teaching sparked during Year 12 Music. For my individual study, I chose to teach the drums to a small group of Year 6 students over 10 weeks. This experience was both challenging and rewarding as I put my music skills to the test and helped my students develop an interest in music.