It has been another bustling week here in Secondary School. The swimming carnival on Monday was a resounding success, continuing the wave of House spirit generated last week. Students of all skill levels dove into the pool to compete and represent their Houses. It’s always heartening to witness elite athletes showcasing their talents and to see the school community rallying behind them, as well as supporting and cheering on those simply giving it their all. This day serves as a fantastic opportunity for all students to come together as a community, forge bonds with friends, and depart with a sense of contributing to their team or House. The day’s climax, the staff-student relay, saw an exciting showdown, with the valiant staff team achieving a controversial triumph right at the finish line. A fitting end to a fantastic day.
I’ve often spoken about the strong sense of community we’ve fostered here at St Columba, encompassing students, staff, and parents alike. This communal bond nurtures a sense of belonging that greatly benefits our collective well-being. This was evident on Tuesday night during our Year 7 Meet the Teacher event, where parents and teachers took the time to connect and get to know each other better. I firmly believe that these opportunities to forge connections and build relationships greatly enrich our children’s journeys through school. I look forward to seeing parents at our upcoming events, including the Year 11 and 12 parent-teacher interviews on Tuesday, 19 March. Please mark that date in your calendar if you haven’t already done so.
While significant events like these offer opportunities to connect and showcase our school, it’s often the day-to-day activities within the school that truly make this place exceptional. This week, I had the pleasure of giving a tour of the school to a prospective new family. As we walked around, students engaged with us, whether by simply saying hello or taking the time to explain aspects of the school. The positive nature of interactions between staff and students was notable and upon the tour’s conclusion, the parent remarked on the impressive facilities, but was even more struck by the respectful environment of the school. Despite having seen many exceptional schools, they noted that they had never encountered such a positive atmosphere as we have at St Columba.
This positive environment is a central focus of our work here, preparing our young people to thrive in their futures. We set challenges and provide the necessary support for our students to overcome them. Our academic culture, rooted in Deep Learning, is complemented by our emphasis on wellbeing and the importance of spirituality in our lives. I am truly grateful to work in such an environment and thank parents for their trust in us and their willingness to contribute to this already thriving community.
Paul Rikmanis
Head of Secondary