The Coracle - Term 1, Week 4

The school year has begun with a strong sense of community, connection, and enthusiasm. We warmly welcome all new students and their families to the Junior School, and we look forward to supporting you as you become part of our vibrant and caring community.  

Our first weeks at school have been filled with excitement, the chatter of new friendships, and a growing sense of independence as students settle into routines and explore the joys of learning.

As students establish their daily routines, we remind families of the importance of a healthy lunchbox. Providing nutritious food helps students maintain focus, energy, and overall well-being throughout the school day. We encourage parents and caregivers to provide plenty of water and to pack lunch boxes with fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and minimal wrappers. It is also important to remember that we are also a nut-free school, so please keep this is mind when packing food so we can keep everyone safe.

During Week 1, the College community gathered for the R-12 Beginning of Year Liturgy, which was a wonderful opportunity to come together in faith and set a positive tone for the months ahead. A particular highlight was seeing the Year 12 students proudly lead our new Reception students into their first Liturgy. It was moving to hear from Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O'Brien who lead us in a smoking ceremony. Our Junior School choir also made us proud with their performance. 

Our Year 5 students recently participated in a Leadership Day designed to develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and resilience. Through a series of activities and challenges, students learned the value of collaboration and communication. A highlight of the day was the rock-climbing experience, where students supported, encouraged, and assisted one another in reaching new heights—both literally and figuratively. This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance, trust, and lifting others up; qualities that will serve them well as leaders in the Junior School.

In addition to Leadership Day, Year 5 students also took part in Road Crossing Training to prepare for their role as Road Crossing Monitors. This important responsibility allows them to support the school community while developing confidence, leadership, and an awareness of road safety.

I would like to extend a warm invitation to all Junior School families to attend our Open Day on Friday, 27 March, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. This is a wonderful opportunity to see our school in action, meet our staff, and experience the welcoming and dynamic learning environment we offer in the Junior School - and beyond! Please share this event with anyone interested in learning more about our school community.

The year has had a fantastic start, and we look forward to the many experiences, challenges, and achievements ahead.

Mr Craig Bonnett
Head of Junior School

I extend a warm welcome to all our new families and students joining St Columba College this year. It has been wonderful to see our Middle School students settling into their routines and embracing the opportunities that come with a new academic year.

We began the year with our R-12 Beginning of Year Liturgy, a significant tradition that brings our entire school community together in faith and reflection. A highlight of this event is the procession of our eldest and youngest students, symbolising the journey of learning and growth that takes place at St Columba College. This shared experience reinforces our values and the strong sense of community that defines our College.

Our Year 7-9 Student Leaders recently attended the Leadership Camp at Nunyara, where they engaged in activities designed to enhance their leadership skills, teamwork, and ability to support their respective portfolios. The camp provided a valuable opportunity for these students to develop confidence in their roles and understand the impact of effective leadership within the College. I commend each of them for their dedication and enthusiasm in taking on these responsibilities, particularly Gael Dushime and Athok Deng as Head Prefects in the Middle School.

Academic excellence is a core focus at St Columba, and this was celebrated at our recent Academic Assembly for Years 6-12. This event recognised the outstanding academic achievement and effort of students in 2024, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a culture of learning. A special moment of the assembly was hearing from our College Dux, Zahra Yousefi, who inspired students with her message about hard work, dedication, self-care, and the importance of believing in oneself. Her words serve as a reminder that success is built on perseverance and a balanced approach to learning.

Looking ahead, I encourage all families to support our upcoming College Open Day on Friday, 27 March (Week 9) from 9:00am to 10:30am. Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our College to prospective families and highlight the exceptional learning environment we offer. If you know anyone considering joining our community, please invite them to attend and experience what makes St Columba College so special.

I look forward to another year of growth, achievement, and community spirit in the Middle School. Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Rob Peluso
Head of Middle School

It has been wonderful seeing everyone return to school feeling refreshed, energetic and ready to learn. I extend a warm welcome to our new students and their families who have joined us here the College. The Senior School students and staff have already begun their year well, building from a great 2024 and setting themselves up for success in 2025.

From Week 1, all classes have participated in review learning activities at the start of each lesson, focusing on building memory recall skills. These short, 5-minute sessions aim to increase both short and long-term memory and overall academic progression. Staff and students have already reported benefits to their learning. Plus, it has been an enjoyable activity and a positive way to begin each lesson.

Outside of the classroom the Senior School has been busy with activities, too. We held our R-12 Beginning of Year Liturgy, an annual event and a highlight at the College. On this day, our Year 12 students proudly escorted the Reception students into their first whole-school Liturgy which is a longstanding and heart-warming tradition. The Liturgy included a traditional smoking ceremony by Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien, an encouraging speech from our Principal, Mr Pitt, plus musical performances by the Junior School choir. It was a fantastic way to start the year.

Many exiting activities have followed including our Student Leadership retreat days, and the presentation of our Student Leaders with their ties and blazers to recognise their leadership contributions to the College community. Stage 2 students went on a Kayaking excursion, Stage 2 Psychology students visited Adelaide University, rehearsals for the College Musical, Wizard of Oz have begun, and the first phase of the Student Life programs for 2025 were also launched.

Additionally, last week we were able to celebrate the achievements of our Middle and Senior School students at our Academic Assembly. We formally recognised their positive efforts, attitudes and academic success from 2024. It was great to see the large number of students who were presented with awards. At this assembly, we also had the chance to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024. We congratulated students who achieved an ATAR over 90, and presented awards to our College Dux, Zahra Yousefi, and Proxime Accessit to Kevin Hua. Zahra gave a motivational speech, encouraging all students and demonstrated how she persevered in studies to achieve her goals. Kevin, who received an Excellence in SACE award at the assembly, was also asked to speak at the SACE Merits ceremony last week. Three our scholars were present too, Chloe Rollins, Sarah Wells, and Callan Robb, who received Merits for their Year 12 results. We are incredibly proud of all their achievements.

It has been delightful to celebrate such significant achievements this early in the year, and we are just getting started. Thank you for partnering with us.

A friendly reminder that our next College Open Day is coming up on Friday 27 March, from 9am to 10:30am. I look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Andy Harris
Head of Senior School