St Columba's College Essendon

Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome our 2027 Year 7 students on campus as they took part in our intake testing day.

While the day provides valuable insights that help us support each student's transition and learning journey, it also marks an exciting milestone as our future Year 7 students take one of their first steps towards becoming part of the St Columba’s College community.

It’s hard to believe that in a matter of months, these students will be walking through our gates, meeting new friends, embracing new opportunities and beginning their own St Columba’s story!

This morning at our St Columba’s Day Mass, Principal Rita Grima announced the establishment of the Trish Crossin Memorial Scholarship, a lasting tribute to an extraordinary alumna whose legacy of service, advocacy and educational opportunity continues to inspire.

Named in honour of St Columba’s College alumna, former College board member, educator, advocate and Senator Trish Crossin AM, this scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in achieving their academic and personal goals within a nurturing, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Through her work as a teacher, union leader, community advocate and Senator, Trish championed equity, opportunity and social justice. She believed in the transformative power of education and in the potential of every young person to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

While teaching in remote Aboriginal communities, Trish developed a profound respect for First Nations culture, heritage, language and connection to Country. Inspired by communities working to preserve their culture and language for future generations, she became a lifelong advocate for educational access and opportunity.

Through this scholarship, St Columba’s College proudly honours Trish’s enduring belief in the potential of young people. It continues her legacy of encouragement, opportunity and service, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their aspirations, embrace their strengths and create positive change within their communities.

Today, as we celebrated St Columba’s Day and reflected on the values that shape our College community, it was especially fitting to announce a scholarship that embodies service, compassion, justice and hope.

We thank Trish’s family for joining us this morning and for helping us celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire St Columba’s students for years to come.

Today marks one of the most special and cherished days in the St Columba’s College calendar – St Columba’s Day.

A longstanding tradition within our College community, St Columba’s Day is an opportunity for students and staff to come together in celebration, reflection and connection.

The day begins with Mass, before turning our attention to service activities that support our House Partners and the important work they do within the wider community. From there, the celebrations continue with food trucks, activities and plenty of House spirit, creating a day filled with fun, laughter and memorable moments.

St Columba’s Day is a wonderful reminder of what makes our College community so special; coming together, giving back and celebrating the values that unite us.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the day, and to all members of our community, Happy St Columba’s Day!

Behind every great school community are dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, energy and ideas to bring people together.

We are incredibly grateful for our wonderful 2026 Parent Engagement Committee (PEC), whose commitment and enthusiasm help make St Columba’s College such a vibrant and welcoming community.

From bringing families together through events such as the Mother/Daughter Movie Night, Father/Daughter Activity Night, Year 12 Student Cupcake Celebration, and Year 7 Parents' Welcome Night, to championing annual fundraising initiatives that enrich the student experience, our PEC members make a lasting and meaningful contribution to the life of the College.

The PEC plays an important role in strengthening the connection between families and the College, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring parents and carers have opportunities to engage meaningfully in College life. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, and we thank each member for the time, care and dedication they so generously give.

Battle of the Bands is almost here! 🎸🎤

This Wednesday evening, students from STC as well as Catholic Ladies College, St Bernard's College and Ave Maria College will come together for an inspiring night of music, creativity and community.

Led entirely by students, this event is a celebration of young people using their talents to make a difference. After months of rehearsals and preparation, our musicians are ready to take to the stage and share what they love with the wider community.

More than a competition, Battle of the Bands is an opportunity for students across our local Catholic schools to connect through a shared passion for music while raising funds for Wild at Heart, an organisation that champions access, equity and inclusion for artists living with disability.

Join us for an evening of outstanding performances, school spirit and community connection as we come together in support of an important cause.

We can't wait to see our communities come together for what promises to be an incredible night.

For tickets, head to: https://www.trybooking.com/DNAEX

What’s on this week at StCC:

Mon 15 Jun: Year 9 Exams Commence, Senior Concert Band Rehearsals, Intergenerational Project Visit, CGSAV Futsal Training, Intermediate Concert Band Rehearsals

Tue 16 Jun: G*T, Jazz Band Rehearsals, Musical Rehearsals, PEC Meeting

Wed 17Jun: CGSAV AFL Competition, Senior String Orchestra Rehearsals, Senior Choir Rehearsals, Dungeons and Dragons, Unit 3 & 4 Dance Solo Rehearsals, Edmund Rice Tutoring, Battle of The Bands

Thu 18 Jun: St Columba's Day, Rock Band Rehearsals, Musical Rehearsals

Fri 19 Jun: Assessment & Reporting Day

Have a great week!

Who remembers the delightfully dark and hilarious Addams Family in 2018? The magic of The Wiz in 2010? Or perhaps the glitz and glamour of Cabaret in 2006?

For generations, College musicals have been one of the most cherished traditions in our community, bringing together students, staff, families and audiences for unforgettable performances.

The countdown is on until tickets go on sale for our 2026 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, presented in partnership with St Bernard's College Essendon . Behind the scenes, our talented cast, crew, orchestra and production teams have been working tirelessly to bring this beloved tale to life, and it is shaping up to be something truly special.

📅 23 July – 1 August 2026
📍 Frank FitzGerald Auditorium, St Bernard’s College

Keep an eye on our social media channels for ticket release information and exclusive behind-the-scenes updates. We can't wait to welcome you back to another spectacular season of musical theatre.

At St Columba’s College, our House Partnerships are a powerful expression of who we are as a community.

Rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity and inspired by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, each House is connected to a charitable organisation that works alongside people experiencing homelessness, family violence, disability, social isolation, mental health challenges and other forms of disadvantage. These partnerships remind us that social justice is not simply something we learn about; it is something we live.

Since the establishment of our House system, these relationships have provided students with meaningful opportunities to develop empathy, deepen their understanding of the world around them and advocate for those whose voices are too often unheard. Through learning, service and action, our students are encouraged to look beyond themselves and make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

As we prepare to celebrate St Columba’s Day, one of the most important traditions of the day is raising funds for our House Partners. Every donation helps support the vital work of these organisations and strengthens our collective commitment to justice, compassion and service.

To learn more about your House Partner and make a donation, please visit:

❤️ Bruton – Good Samaritan Inn
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/brutonhouse

💛 Cahill – Prague House
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/cahillhouse

💜 Cater – St Paul's College
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/caterhouse

💚 Cunningham – Sister Francesca Healy Cottage
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/cunninghamhouse

🩷 de Lacy – St Vincent’s Melbourne Emergency Department
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/delacyhouse

🧡 O’Brien – McAuley Community Services for Women
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/obrienhouse

💙 Williams – St Mary’s House of Welcome
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/williamshouse

Together, we can continue to be extensively useful, supporting those in our wider community while living out the values that define St Columba’s College.