Welcome to Term 1, 2023. It is gives me great pleasure to welcome back our current families and extend a warm welcome to all new families to the St Columba community.
We are excited and looking forward to a fresh, new school year; especially as we endured many disruptions last year due to the pandemic. The start of 2023 brings the opportunity to reset our expectations and our routines for all students so they may thrive in their learning.
A lot of planning has taken place by our staff since the end of last year to be ready for this week, to ensure that students know what to expect and how to conduct themselves. I am pleased to say this week has been an exceptional start across the College.
In classes we have focused our attention on what it means to be a student at St Columba College and how each of us, staff included, have an obligation to contribute in a positive way to the school community. We can achieve this by considering:
Our Culture
We base our ethos and culture on the teachings of Jesus Christ, where each person experiences inclusion, respect, and belonging. We are a proud, diverse community.
Our Key Values
- Respect for Self
- Respect for Others
- Respect for Learning
- Respect for the Environment.
Our College Rules
- Be prepared and on time
- Allow yourself and others to learn
- Care for personal and school property
- Act in a safe and caring manner
- Wear the uniform correctly.
Our Routines
These routines are to be consistent across R-12 to create a respectful, safe and calm environment:
- Students to walk in hallways and under verandas silently
- Students to line up silently at the classroom door in two lines
- Teacher will greet students at the classroom door
- Students will enter the classroom, go to their set seats, stand behind their desk and await teacher instruction
- When students arrive late, they wait at the door until the teacher acknowledges them to come in
- Students and teachers enter classrooms, the Auditorium and the Gym in silence
- Students will clean the room and then stand behind their desk at the end of the day.
We say yes to
- Everyone’s right to be included
- Everyone’s right to learn and teach
- Everyone’s right to feel safe
- Everyone’s right to be respected.
Our Responsibilities
- We are committed to supporting each student to develop and excel
- Each person in our community (student, staff and caregivers) has the responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone
- This means a commitment and effort by everyone!
As parents and caregivers, I know you have high hopes for your children’s education and want the best for them. We believe that following the above expectations will bring out the best in each child.
In other good news to share with you, the new Middle School building is progressing well. The Indonesian rooms, PE Room, and undercover Sports Courts are now ready for use. This week we began auditions for 'The Lion King' Musical, which will be performed during Term 3, Week 10 at The Shedley Theatre. I was also thrilled to learn that a St Columba Alumni Student, Awer Mabil (Class of 2013), won the 'Young Australian of the Year Award' last week.
With the commencement of a new school year, we seek your support and partnership so that together we can maximise the opportunities the College can provide your child. It promises to be an exciting year.
Ms Leanne Carr | Principal
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