The Coracle - Term 4, Week 5

This term, the Junior School celebrated Remembrance Day with a Liturgy in the PAC on Friday 10 November. We were so fortunate to have Captain Darrian Williams from the army take part in our service. He spoke to the students about the origins of Remembrance Day and how we continue to honour members of the Defence Force who have given their lives in theatres of war since then. The Rev Simon Baily played Last Post and Reveille to accompany the Ode to Remembrance and observation of a minute’s silence.

On Wednesday 8 November, the Middle and Senior School gathered in a Remembrance Day assembly, led by our Defence students.

Year 5 students have attended the Year 5 retreat at Para Wirra Conservation Park. They spent the day immersed in natural surroundings and enjoyed a walk around the Lizard Rock loop. They also engaged in stone painting, free time in the nature play space and prayer. Students enjoyed the day and felt a sense of calm and connectedness.

Mrs Jane Bailey | Director of Spirituality R-5

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is with a deep sense of thankfulness and pride that I write my final Coracle article, as I conclude my time at St Columba College this term.

There have been many highlights in our ever-busy final term, in particular we have had a number of presentations, sporting events, liturgical celebrations and excursions, including;

• Year 4 Pen Pal Excursion
• Year 3-4 Catholic School Tennis and Athletics Competition
• Reception Marine Discovery Excursion
• Year 5 Carly Ryan Foundation Presentation
• Year 1 Zoo Excursion
• 2024 Reception Transition
• Year 5-6 Transition Visits
• Remembrance Day Liturgy
• CyberSafe Families Workshop
• Year 5 Retreat
• Advent Day
• Children's University Graduation

The many opportunities for our students to engage in quality learning and pursue their passions, strengths and interests has been a highlight. This all happens with the organisation and commitment of our deeply dedicated staff.

As I conclude my time as the Head of Junior School, I would like to acknowledge the incredible staff that give their all to their work, ensuring every child is cared for, has excellent quality teaching and learning, and is given every opportunity to flourish and grow into the best version of themselves. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented educators and support staff. As Junior School staff, we don’t always get to see or hear about the fruits of our labour in the future, as students grow up and make their own way in the world, but I do know that the staff here make an extraordinary difference in the lives of every child, every day.

I would especially like to thank our parents and caregivers who make the community of St Columba College an extraordinary place to work, teach and lead. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” and there is no better example of this than at our school. Together in partnership, underpinned by our Christian values, it has been an honour to lead an inclusive, caring and welcoming Junior School community. One that shows respect, compassion, forgiveness, understanding and love in all we do for the benefit of every child to grow and become their best. Thank you for your support over the past seven years.

I will deeply miss our students, the daily chats, celebrating their achievements, watching them grow, appreciating their diversity and strengths, their happy smiles, the fun!! They will always hold a special place in my heart.

I wish every member of our community continued blessings for the future.

Mrs Julie Hancock | Head of Junior School

The Rite Journey Camp

In Week 2 of this term, our Year 9 students embarked on The Rite Journey camp at Little Eagle Campsite on Hindmarsh Island. This camp provided an opportunity to participate in a number of aquatic activities and challenges to build their independent and team work skills. As part of The Rite Journey program, students also experienced a 'solo night', where students completed a 12-hour challenge to camp in a tent by themselves. During this time, students reflected on their personal growth, their journey through adolescence and tested their comfort zones. It was great to see the students embrace these challenges and work collaboratively.

Middle School Prefects for 2024

This term, we reviewed applications and held interviews for our 2024 leadership positions. This process was conducted by Mrs Spiniello (Coordinator of Student Leadership 6-12) and myself. What a privilege it was to hear from our young adults about their aspirations to help the College. We are extremely lucky to have a cohort of students who have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference in their community. Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for a leadership role next year.

• Calvin Kee-Tui
• Eli Scherer
• Emily Apostolides
• Gael Dushime
• Hanyeh Kazimi
• Kristov Cuenca
• Makayla Stevens
• Nathan Alberton
• Nyiel Leek
• Theaudaura - Faith Timms

We look forward to working with this group into the future and presenting the Middle School Captains at the MSS Prayer and Presentation in Week 8.

Transition Visits

This term, we also conducted transition visits for students in Year 5 who are moving into Year 6. On Monday 27 November, we will have an Orientation Day for new students across Years 7 to 9. The purpose of these sessions is to provide an opportunity for students and their families to acquaint themselves with the Middle School campus and to welcome everyone into our community. We reinforce our high expectations for both academic and personal growth. During the Middle School years, we want to foster and encourage our young people to be become self-directed, independent, and compassionate global citizens.

Mr Shane Dowling | Head of Middle School

It would be remiss of me to write this article without first paying homage to our Year 12 students who, this term, concluded their formal education at St Columba College. We are proud to be a part of their journey, and the first weeks of Term 4 were an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments as a community.

In Week 3, we held the R-12 Farewell to Year 12s Assembly. Watching the Reception students walk the Year 12s out to begin their next chapter was a fantastic tradition to behold and a powerful rite of passage for the participants. The following day concluded the in-school celebrations with the traditional Year 12 Breakfast served by our staff and Eucharist, led by Miss Eugenia Stopyra and our guest, Rev Tracey Gracey.

The Year 12 celebrations were shortly followed by SACE Exams, held over Weeks 4 and 5. Whilst this is often a nervous time for students, those completing exams demonstrated a mature approach throughout. The cohort can now look ahead to the Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

It continues to astound me how talented our students are and this term, they have highlighted their abilities in a range of learning opportunities. The Year 10 Catering Function allowed students to promote skills in both food preparation and event management, much to the delight of those fortunate enough to attend. The Year 10 and 11 Drama Production, called ‘Shorts’, highlighted the quality of our student performers, whilst the Art & Tech Show showcased the brilliant practical work our Year 12 students have produced throughout the year. The Year 10 Outdoor Education Aquatic Camp was a further example of students demonstrating learning outcomes through an exciting opportunity on the Yorke Peninsula, where they participated in a range of activities including surfing and kayaking. We thank the staff involved in organising these exciting events.

As we enter the final weeks of Term 4, I encourage the Year 10 and 11 students to reflect on their achievements throughout the year and maintain high standards as they transition into their roles as leaders of the College.

Mr Alexander Corletto | Acting Head of Senior School