The Coracle - Term 2, Week 7

We thank God for blessing us with a vibrant spiritual life throughout Term 2, marked by meaningful celebrations across all campuses.

Whole College Liturgical Celebrations

We began Term 2 with a combined Easter and ANZAC Day liturgy, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and taking time to honour those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. It was a heartwarming reflection of hope, gratitude and faith.

Another significant event was our Reconciliation Assembly, which invited the entire College to reflect on love, respect, understanding, and unity. We were privileged to hear from Uncle Mickey O’Brien, who spoke powerfully about the true meaning of reconciliation and the importance of embracing our differences.

In Week 7, we celebrated the Feast Day of Saint Columba, the patron saint of our College. This special occasion reminded us of the values Columba upheld and how they continue to inspire our community. Junior School students enjoyed art activities in their class groups, while Middle and Senior School students embraced the spirit of friendly competition through House-based events, including a Quiz and a Creative Challenge.

Junior School Spiritual Journey

Earlier this term, we were delighted to welcome the Venerable Rev’d Jo Smith, who led the Eucharist service for our Year 5 students in the Chapel. It was a blessing for our students to experience the Eucharist, one of the most sacred sacraments in the Christian faith.

Another special moment in our spiritual journey was the Mothers’ Day Liturgy, led beautifully by our Year 1 students. This celebration recognised the unconditional love and dedication of mothers and caregivers and was a touching highlight for our community.

We look forward to the Little Columba’s Transition visits and Liturgy at end of this term, where we will warmly welcome our future Mid-Reception students. May God guide our Little Columbans as they begin their new learning journey.

Middle and Senior School Christian Life

A key highlight this term was the Mass celebrated by Fr. Santosh in Week 3. Students had the opportunity to serve during the Mass, receive communion, and reflect on their spiritual identity.

In Week 6, our student leaders took part in the annual Combined Schools Worship and Workship at St. Peter’s Cathedral, alongside students from other Adelaide Anglican schools. This year’s theme, ‘Breath of Hope, Flame of Change,’ was inspiring, with a powerful message of hope delivered by Archbishop Geoffrey Smith, Primate of Anglican Church in Australia.

Looking ahead, our Year 12 students will attend their retreat in Week 10. This time of reflection is an important event that aims to prepare them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for their final exams and life beyond their College years.

Ms Virginia Shek
College Chaplain

The end of Term 2 is always one of the busiest times of the year for students, teachers and families as we reach the end of Semester 1 and finalise reports. Although busy, it is a rewarding time when everyone can reflect on their progress and celebrate the growth achieved throughout the semester. These achievements will be formally recognised at our Academic Assemblies in early Term 3. 

In Week 8, our new Mid-Year Reception students will begin our Little Columban’s Transition Program, which will prepare them for an exciting start to school in Term 3. Following the success of last year's program, this tremendous opportunity provides an additional six months of formal schooling to give students a stronger foundation in literacy, numeracy, and a deeper understanding of the College's values.

Also in Week 8, our Year 10 and 11 students will take part in examinations across selected subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, and Humanities. These assessments play a vital role in preparing students for this type of assessment in Year 12, where exams often account for 30% of the final subject grade and typically run for two hours. While these do not contribute to overall grades, they offer valuable insight into a student's suitability for subjects which include examinations in their final year of schooling. 

Week 9 of this term will provide a fresh start for students and teachers in the Middle and Senior School as we say farewell to Semester 1 and transition to Semester 2. The main benefit of this transition is students can form relationships with new teachers and engage with their subjects before the July holidays. They will then return to a more familiar learning environment for the start of Term 3. Please note there is a Pupil Free Day on Friday 20 June to accommodate the semester change-over.

Early next term, our Middle and Senior students will begin Subject Counselling, which is a key step in mapping out in their future education. We encourage all students to make informed decisions about which subjects they should select for the years ahead. Chosen subjects should align with a student's intended career pathway and academic abilities. Subject Counselling is a process that is done in conjunction with families, and more information will be provided at the end of this term.

Mr Jack Griguol
Head of Curriculum and Learning

Student Life at St Columba College has continued to thrive as a central pillar in our shared commitment to holistic education. Across all campuses, hundreds of students have actively participated in extracurricular programs designed to foster connection, build school pride, and ensure that every young person has the chance to discover their strengths. 

Our sports programs expanded significantly this term, with participation in SACSA (South Australian Christian Schools Association) in the areas of soccer, volleyball, athletics, and netball competitions across multiple year levels. Next term we will also compete in basketball, AFL and touch football. We continued in our Open Girls Soccer League through SACSSGSA playing against schools that included Trinity College, St Paul’s College and Gleeson College. 

In the Performing Arts, rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz are in full swing, supported by a dynamic ensemble of musicians, dancers, and vocalists. We also launched our own Year 6 production of Aladdin, as well as a Dance Club, which will further extend opportunities for creative expression. 

Through this term students across Years 5–9 will attend their school camps and build their resilience, confidence, teamwork skills and leadership while away. The venues they will attend included Woodhouse, Mylor and the Flinders Ranges. Underpinned by both a retreat and service element, the camps are a pillar of the school experience, where students are challenged beyond their comfort zones, can explore the great outdoors and to reflect on their year so far. 

Academic enrichment and clubs remained a vital part of our Student Life program, with strong representation in Debating, the da Vinci Decathlon, and STEM Racing activities. These programs offer opportunities for intellectual challenge and growth beyond the classroom.

Another highlight this term was the Thriving People event that was facilitated by the Catholic Education office, with the theme 'we are living, learning and playing on Kaurna Land'.  It was an opportunity for Aboriginal students to build relationships, celebrate together and learn about their cultures and identities. The day started with a Welcome to Country and students experienced a range of contemporary and emerging artforms such as weaving and tote bag designing. Students played traditional games with contemporary objects and interacted with native plant life by planting seeds.

Reflecting on this term, we are proud of the breadth of involvement in Student Life activities, and the sense of belonging emerging across all year levels. Our goal remains clear: to develop programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and valued by students and staff. We have a lot to look forward to in Term 3!  

Mr Oliver Harms
Director of Student Life