During this final week of term, we held two Prayer and Presentation Assemblies, one for our Junior School on Wednesday 6 December and the second for our Middle and Senior School on Thursday 7 December. These were special events for everyone. Students across the College met for prayer and thanksgiving for the school year, and the awards that were given focused on our students; their learning and how they have positively contributed to our community. It was wonderful to have many families join us on both occasions.
As Principal, I am proud of what we have offered this year and all we aspire to be; a strong and inclusive school, working to ensure we can enrich the life of every individual in this community. We believe it is equally important to develop the whole person - to help our students find meaning in their lives, to understand their place in the world, to develop mindsets that they can achieve, and that they feel equipped with self-confidence and resilience. All within a culture that promotes and nurtures the messages of the Gospel through the example of Jesus.
There are many noteworthy activities and events that have taken place this year. Each year is different and 2023 returned to some regularity for our programs:
- Numerous excursions to the city and in the local community to visit industry, museums, galleries, and theatre performances
- Various guest speakers and presentations provided valuable information to support the wellbeing of our students across the various year levels
- Year level retreats and Liturgies, regular House events and the successful Saint Columba Day Fete where our students raised funds for Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul
- Our co-curricular sports, Children’s University, choirs, bands, Columba Rumba, and dance activities gave the children opportunities to develop their strengths and share their talents
- F1 in Schools participated in the SA State Finals and secured a place in next year's National Finals. Our focus on STEM for Girls in the middle years was a collaborative partnership with the University of South Australia and other schools
- The St Columba Annual Arts Competition attracted 757 entries that were submitted across Reception - Year 12
- We welcomed back old scholar Dr Fiona Bright to the College to award her the Alumni Award for 2023
- Our senior Debating Team finished second in the State after the first round of debates
- The College musical, ‘The Lion King Jr’, was an extremely successful live production with over 100 students from Years 6-12 as cast and crew at the Shedley Theatre
- Our sporting exchange with Xavier College and our the Knights of the Southern Cross competition with Thomas More and Xavier
- Our Futures and Careers Expo provided information about prospective pathways. We were delighted to see so many students from Years 9-12 and their families participate in this event
- Our students sang at the Catholic Schools Music Festival at the Festival Theatre
- The student voice became stronger with action teams led by our Prefects and Junior School Leaders.
All that we have accomplished takes a dedicated staff team. Our staff are deeply invested in nurturing the immense potential of all our student. This takes determination, hard work, and a love for what they do, which is something I witness every day. The teaching and support staff give so much of themselves to ensure we provide the best environment for students to thrive in.
At the end of this term, we farewell the following staff members. From the Junior School we farewell Mrs Julie Hancock, Mrs Michelle Arthur, Ms Emily Howe, Ms Megan Peters, Ms Megan Akeroyd, Ms Kayla Russell, Mr Stephen Sochacki, Mrs Lisa Russell, Ms Sarah Allen, Ms Nicola Hall, Mrs Susan Selwood, Ms Aaliyah Edwards, Mrs Shelley Malivindi, Mrs Pauline Kuol and Mrs Apiel Mac. The following staff are moving to new schools form the Middle and Senior Schools next year; Ms Gemma Zaknic, Mr Alex Corletto, Mr Phil Johnson Mr Scott Hoban, Mr Peter Georg, Dr Ian Thomson, Ms Anika Harvey, Ms Jaz McShane, Ms Ramanjeet Arkan and Ms Alana Durka. We wish them all well.
I thank all our families for your support this year. It has been wonderful to see parents back in the school (after the last few years post pandemic). We very much appreciate the partnership we have with you. Please know that working together immensely benefits your child and their development.
Finally, I thank all our students for giving their best this year, for being kind, thoughtful and making our College a special place.
As I conclude my time as Principal, I thank the whole community for your support. It has been an honour and privilege to lead St Columba College for the past eight years and I have greatly enjoyed my time working with our students, staff, and families.
I wish you every blessing this Christmas and hope this time brings much peace, love, joy and hope to you and your family.
Best wishes,
Ms Leanne Carr | Principal
Social