As we draw 2024 to a close, I am delighted to share with you some of the remarkable ways our students continue to shape and strengthen our school community. Today, our Year 10 students participated in a powerful leadership retreat that exemplifies our approach to cultivating leadership at all levels.
Rather than focusing solely on formal positions of authority, we are nurturing a broader understanding of leadership—one where every student can contribute to building a positive school culture. Through interactive workshops and role-playing exercises, students explored how small acts of courage, whether initiating positive change or being the first to support someone else’s initiative, can transform our school community.
Our students practised responding to challenging scenarios, from addressing discriminatory behaviour to supporting isolated peers. They learned that leadership isn’t just about being the first to act—it’s equally about being the first to support positive change, making it easier for others to follow suit. This approach to student leadership aligns perfectly with our vision for a school community where every student feels empowered to contribute to our positive culture.
Academic Excellence
Our commitment to academic excellence continues to bear fruit. As we anticipate the release of our Year 12 HSC results on 18 December, the recent Year 8 Allwell results demonstrate the strength of our teaching and learning programmes across the full school. The data from this test provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of our teaching and learning programs over the past two years. It has been particularly gratifying to see the positive results reflecting the dedication of both students and teachers, as well as the significant progress made by the cohort in key areas. The following graphs highlight this growth, comparing initial Year 7 testing (Blue) with the most recent Year 8 results (Maroon), showcasing progress across the spectrum from Low to High achievement levels.
End of Year Celebration
We invite you to join us for our End of Year Achievement Awards on Wednesday, 11 December, at 11:30 am in the Iona Stadium. The ceremony will be preceded by an art show showcasing our students’ creative works and a morning tea, providing an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the year’s achievements.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with optimism about the continued growth of our student leadership programme and the positive impact it will have on our school culture. Our students’ commitment to supporting one another and fostering an inclusive environment gives us great confidence in the future of our school community.
Thank you for your unwavering support throughout 2024. Your partnership in your children’s education has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the new year.
On behalf of the entire St Columba community, I wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
Mr Paul Rikmanis
Head of Secondary School