AN INCLUSIVE CATHOLIC GIRLS’ SCHOOL | YEARS 7-12

PROSPECTUS

St Columba’s College is a welcoming and vibrant Catholic learning community with a rich history in the Essendon area. Since 1897, the College has provided a quality secondary education for young women that is contemporary and innovative, recognising that we educate girls for futures we can only begin to imagine.

Our history contributes to the rich tapestry of the Sisters of Charity story; a story that is characterised by an unbroken chain of women of vision, courage, strength, tenacity and faithfulness. Students are welcomed into a family of women who sought creative and compassionate solutions to the complex challenges of their times. Our girls are encouraged to recognise and develop their own gifts as contributing community members, who will have a voice to challenge the new issues of our contemporary lives. Our girls are taught to think, create, contribute and agitate as we seek to build societies where justice, hope, compassion and love are the hallmarks.

This prospectus is your introduction to the St Columba’s community. Along with the College website, it provides a snapshot of who we are and what we can offer your daughter. I encourage you to use the website to book a College tour to experience firsthand the education we proudly proclaim as exemplary for young women in the Essendon area. I look forward to welcoming you on one of our tours.

W E L C O M E

Rita Grima PRINCIPAL

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V I S I O N

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

M I S S I O N

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:

Faith, justice and compassion;

curiosity and educational endeavour;

the dignity of the human person;

stewardship of creation.

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FIDEL IS E T FOR T I SFaithful and Strong

One of the oldest schools in Melbourne, the rich heritage of St Columba’s College reflects an unwavering commitment to educating strong, purposeful and compassionate young women, ready to make a meaningful contribution in a rapidly changing world.

Founded in 1897 by Mother Ursula Bruton, a Sister of Charity, the College takes its name from the Irish saint and scholar, Saint Columba. Characterised by generosity, vision and initiative, the Sisters of Charity were the first congregation of religious women in Australia and their vibrant, courageous spirit endures.

H E R I TA G E Students at St Columba’s College are encouraged to find inspiration in the College’s rich history. Mary Aikenhead founded the Sisters of Charity in 1815 and led by example. Taking to the streets of Ireland to serve to the poor, the Sisters drew on ingenuity and resourcefulness to address the social challenges of their era.

This was an innovative, and courageous approach, testing the boundaries of what was expected of religious women. It is these firm values of generosity, creative problem solving and ‘breaking the mould’ that travelled with the Sisters of Charity to Melbourne, and which are evident today in both the culture and community at St Columba’s College.

Located on its original site in Essendon, St Columba’s offers a broad and liberal education characterised by a culture of empowerment, resilience, determination and strong academic achievement. Supported to thrive and succeed, today’s St Columba’s girl draws on the traditions of the Sisters to find solutions to the challenges of contemporary life while fulfilling her own individual potential.

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Developing and inspiring our students to become confident and motivated learners is at the heart of the St Columba’s College approach.

A stimulating learning environment and seamless integration of individual support imbues students with a sense of courage and resilience as they approach their academic endeavours. St Columba’s girls are supported and guided by inspirational, committed educators who combine subject matter expertise with innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVOUR

The College’s learning framework is informed by three core principles: to engage our students, to have our students connect with the world around them, and to encourage our students to be critical and curious in their learning.

Each principle helps foster our students’ educational aspirations, empowering them to thrive in an inclusive learning environment.

Celebrating student achievement is an essential feature of College life, contributing to a positive educational context in which every student feels motivated to strive towards her personal best.

AN INDIVIDUAL FOCUS

We recognise, celebrate and encourage every student as an individual who brings unique talents and potential to our learning community. While fostering independence and resilience, the College actively partners with students and families to tailor learning to each girl’s needs. Our contemporary teaching methods help every St Columba’s girl to discover, develop and embrace her talents, while regular assessment and feedback enable teachers to identify individual opportunities for acceleration or support.

SUPPORT

Student support is facilitated by the College’s Learning Diversity Team. Our qualified staff work alongside teachers, parents and students to maximise student participation and inclusion within the mainstream curriculum, supporting achievement, monitoring progress and providing additional support as required.

ACCELERATION

Where appropriate, students from Year 9 onwards may have the opportunity to undertake accelerated streams, helping them progress in a more challenging environment.

AN EYE TO THE FUTURE

In keeping with our 21st century approach to learning, St Columba’s College has built a community-focused, outward-looking culture that prepares our students to critically reflect on their world and take positive action in their lives beyond the school gates. This includes:

Collaborative partnerships beyond the College that challenge students to experience the wider world

A learning and teaching environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, with contemporary open spaces complementing an innovative curriculum

Specialist facilities in areas such as Physical Education, Visual and Performing Arts and our contemporary Library, that inspire students to actively engage in learning and to seize opportunities

An international focus, expressed through language and cultural studies that encourages the exploration of ethical and social justice concepts

L E A R N I N G

A P P R O A C H

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Supported by dedicated, passionate teachers, students flourish at St Columba’s College through their experience of an innovative, contemporary curriculum that allows every girl to explore her individual passions while embracing rich learning opportunities that help build the ‘whole’ student.

In the early secondary school years, all students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of core subjects, covering all major educational domains. From Year 9, students may choose from a range of elective subjects, assisting them to forge a personalised study pathway that will continue into further education or employment.

C U R R I C U L U M

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As an inclusive Catholic school, the Religious Education curriculum encourages students to ask and explore essential questions, examining the faith challenges of our time from a range of perspectives. An openness to authentic encounter and dialogue is encouraged as students come to know, understand, reason, respond and engage more deeply and fully with all aspects of faith.

ENGLISH In junior levels, students study foundational elements of communication, such as text, film and imagery, while developing their writing skills through analysis, opinion and discussion. In senior levels, students expand on this knowledge, evolving their communication skills to include public speaking, persuasive pieces and essays.

MATHEMATICS In the junior years, students develop their confidence and mathematical skill set as they learn to master increasingly challenging problems and concepts. From Year 9, students may undertake an accelerated mathematics subject, with students in senior levels able to choose Mathematics subjects that are suited to their individual ability and preferred post-school pathway.

LANGUAGES Students may choose from three languages at St Columba’s: French, Italian and Japanese. Junior levels learn the basics of the language, while immersing themselves in each country’s culture and history. Senior language studies continue to expand and improve both written and oral skills. Language students have the opportunity to undertake an overseas study tour.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The development of both mind and body at St Columba’s means junior and senior students have the opportunity to participate in our Health and Physical Education program. While providing opportunities to develop healthy habits, students also build self-confidence, mutual respect and teamwork skills. Co-curricular sport programs through St Columba’s SCSA membership means girls are also able to participate and compete in a range of co-curricular sporting activities outside of the classroom.

PATHWAYS Recognising that the careers landscape is constantly evolving, the Pathways domain supports and equips students in their career development journey, providing relevant information, skills and knowledge. From Year 9 this program prepares students for further education and employment, to help each girl define and pursue her preferred future path.

SCIENCE In junior levels, students study a range of scientific areas including Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Geology, taking part in scientific experiments and learning how to write scientific research reports. Students are able to expand on these areas in senior levels, with Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Psychology all offered within the Science domain.

HUMANITIES From Year 7, students explore the wide scope of the Humanities domain, including Geography, Politics, History and Economics. This continues to the senior levels, where students can choose to focus on a specific area within the Humanities, through the many electives on offer at the College.

PERFORMING ARTS

Our wide range of Performing Arts subjects includes Music, Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies. Year 7 students experience Music, Dance and Drama in their first year at St Columba’s. Students have the option to pursue these subjects through their senior years, where they combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge.

VISUAL ARTS Fostering creativity and talent, the Visual Arts curriculum enables students to work with a wide range of media. From painting, drawing, graphic design and sculpting in junior levels through to specific techniques such as photography and textiles in senior levels, there is an overarching emphasis on fostering imagination, confidence and creative flair.

VCE & VCAL Committed to offering innovative and stimulating educational opportunities that meet the diverse needs of today’s young women, students at St Columba’s have access to flexible and tailored pathways in Years 11 and 12. While the majority of our students choose to complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the College also offers the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) at these year levels, as a pathway which may be individually tailored to meet specific aspirations and vocational interests.

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Educating young women so that they may thrive in today’s complex world requires a holistic approach, with a focus on developing social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

St Columba’s school-wide wellbeing program is underpinned by our core values: learning, community, hope, justice and faith. Our wellbeing program is delivered through:

A WELCOMING TRANSITION

A structured and carefully-planned approach to the transition process means every new student feels a welcome member of the St Columba’s community from her very first day.

For students commencing in Year 7, the transition process begins in Year 6, with key information and events communicated to families throughout the year. Orientation Day at the end of Year 6 involves meeting teachers and fellow new students, and becoming familiar with College facilities and classrooms. Supported throughout the process, our programs ensure every girl experiences a seamless transition to her secondary education. We actively support each student to develop positive relationships with her peers, our teaching staff and the wider community.

AN INCLUSIVE HOUSE SYSTEM

Our vertical House structure plays a vital role in College life. There are seven Houses, each named after an inspirational Sister of Charity with a strong link to the heritage of the College and our motto: ‘faithful and strong’.

Each House is split into three junior (Years 7 – 9) and three senior (Years 10 - 12) House Groups. House Groups meet every morning and provide students with a ‘home’ within the College, both in a physical and a communal sense.

Our House structure creates the optimum environment for students, staff and parents to foster strong relationships with one another. The continuity of remaining in a House Group provides parents with one key point of contact for the wellbeing of their daughter over a sustained, three-year period.

COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT SUPPORT

The College offers holistic wellbeing support for our students across all year levels.

Student Counsellors are available throughout the week, providing guidance, individual support and counselling to students and also parents. Additionally, our Counsellors have developed an annual calendar of programs designed to enhance the personal development of students through education, mindfulness and social interaction.

A qualified First Aid Officer is available every day and is responsible for ensuring that students’ health management plans and personal medications are correctly implemented, in addition to providing first aid to students who fall ill while at school.

W E L L B E I N G

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A vibrant and challenging co-curricular program provides every St Columba’s girl with the opportunity to develop beyond the classroom.

Co-curricular participation supports our students to develop perseverance, commitment and self-discipline, while nurturing interactions between students across different year levels, interests and even other schools. St Columba’s offers co-curricular programs in the following areas:

SPORTS

Every student is invited and encouraged to join one of the College’s many sporting teams. With a wide range of sports on offer including swimming, netball, football, cross-country and athletics, students may compete in both internal and external competitions with other Catholic girls’ schools.

ARTS

In addition to curriculum-based classes in Performing and Visual Arts, students may expand their skills in these areas through co-curricular programs such as the College musical, cabaret, bands, choirs and art classes.

CONNECT

Forging connections with the wider community is a cornerstone of the St Columba’s College learning experience for all students. Through our ‘Connect’ program, students enjoy opportunities to be involved in activities outside of school that help build understanding of cultural and environmental diversity. These programs include:

The Just Act social justice group

Indigenous Perspectives

Participation in community events with the College such as:

- Edmund Rice tutoring - Caritas appeals - Individual House charity activities

ADDITIONAL CO-CURRICULAR

OPPORTUNITIES

Students may also develop their skills via additional programs and activities such as debating, LOTE poetry, inter-school Mathematics, Science and Humanities competitions and book club. Students are notified of these opportunities via class teachers and the student bulletin.

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C U R R I C U L A R

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B E Y O N D

S T C O L U M B A’ S

C O L L E G E

N O TA B L E A L U M N A E

“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance.” – C H I N E S E P R O V E R B

Across more than a century, St Columba’s College has welcomed and educated thousands of young women, each of whom has made her own unique mark on the College’s history, and its future. Indeed a St Columba’s education travels with every student throughout her life, forever connecting her to a supportive, welcoming and nurturing community.

As you wander through our classrooms and contemporary learning spaces, you will notice a ‘red thread’, a symbol of this lifelong connection to our College, expressed every day through friendships, reunions and alumnae networks.

Throughout our history, we are proud that so many past students have chosen to send their own daughters to St Columba’s – a tradition that continues today.

ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

The St Columba’s Alumnae Association works in partnership with the College to nurture ongoing relationships with past students. We regularly welcome alumnae to careers seminars and exhibitions, where current students can learn from recent leavers about the pathways they have taken after finishing school.

With St Columba’s alumnae achieving professional success across many diverse professions and industries, our students enter the world of work inspired by the experiences and achievements of those faithful and strong women who have gone before them.

Since 1897, the College has been proud to recognise the notable achievements of past students who have achieved excellence in many fields. We are pleased to have educated:

SPORTS

Annette Woodward Commonwealth Games medallist and Olympian in sport shooting

Emily Rogers Olympic synchronised swimmer

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Catherine Scerri Deputy director, Bahay Tuluyan (charitable organisation)

Dr Kim Power Co-founder, The Sunflower Foundation Australia Inc (charitable organisation)

POLITICS

Trish Crossin Former Federal Senator

STEM

Professor Mary Galea AM Physiotherapist and neuroscientist

Dr Colette Burke AM First female Chief Engineer of Victoria

MEDIA AND THE ARTS

Dr Wilma Tabacco Artist

Mary Kenneally Actress, singer, comedian and Victorian Honour Roll inductee

Tina Arena AM Singer-songwriter, musician and producer

Wendy Stapleton Singer-songwriter and actress

Silvie Paladino Singer

Lana Wilkinson Fashion stylist

Jennifer Keyte Journalist

Catalina Florez Journalist

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Proudly printed on ‘ecoStar uncoated’ paper to uphold the environmental values of St Columba’s College. This paper is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% recycled. Print edition March 2020.

U N D E R T H E S T E WA R D S H I P O F M A RY A I K E N H E A D M I N I S T R I E S I N T H E T R A D I T I O N O F T H E S I S T E R S O F C H A R I T Y

St Columba’s College

2 Leslie Road (PO Box 89)

Essendon VIC 3040

Enrolment Enquiries E registrar@columba.vic.edu.au

General Enquiries E principal@columba.vic.edu.au

T 03 9337 5311

columba.vic.edu.au

C O N TA C T U S

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COLUMBA .VIC.EDU. AU