| St. Columba's College | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Essendon, VIC, Australia | |
| Information | |
| Type | Catholic all-female secondary |
| Motto | Fidelis et Fortis 'Faithful and Strong' |
| Established | 1897 |
| Founder | Mother Ursula Bruton |
| Grades | 7–12 |
| Enrolment | ~970 |
| Colour(s) | Green, Navy Blue and Gold |
| Affiliations | Roman Catholic, Sisters of Charity |
| Website | www.columba.vic.edu.au/ |
St. Columba's College is a private, all-female Roman Catholic secondary school in the Melbourne suburb of Essendon.
Contents |
After taking responsibility for St Monica's School in Moonee Ponds in 1896, Mother Ursula Bruton purchased the property at 139 Buckley Street to provide secondary education for the girls from St Monica's.
Mother Ursula was the first Principal and named the school St Columba's. Columba was an Irish saint and a great scholar, who lived in the sixth century. The College motto chosen was Fidelis et Fortis meaning “faithful and strong,” and the shield with its crown and dove reflected the Sisters of Charity's own crest and Columba (Columcille meaning dove). The first classes were held on 13 July 1897 for 47 students.
The initial educational program provided a broad and liberal education for young women and in 1900 presented its first candidates for Matriculation . The school has a history of excellence in education and the history books indicate that music, languages and the visual arts have always been central in the curriculum.
The seven Houses and their associated colours are:
The College enjoys an excellent reputation for its Performing Arts program. Music, Dance and Drama are offered through to the VCE level.
There are many opportunities for student performance in all areas within the College and in the wider community. The College has had significant success in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. St Bernard's College and St Columba's combine to put on a very successful Drama and Music performance and there are three choirs and two bands as well as a number of ensembles for students to join .
The School is part of the Secondary Catholic Girls Schools Association and Catholic All Schools Sports Competition and enters a wide range of inter-school sports competitions throughout the school year .
The Interhouse Athletics and Swimming Sports Days are an integral part of the school calendar. There is an annual bike ride and run for social justice initiatives .
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is an important group in the school and provides a formal opportunity for student leadership. The SRC members work enthusiastically to represent their peers and organise school activities such as St Columba's Day.