ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

St Columba’s was founded in 1897 by Mother Ursula Bruton. The school community is guided by the charisma of the Sisters of Charity and the five values espoused in the mission statement of the college: learning, community, justice, hope and faith. St Columba’s offers a broad range of educational opportunities through its extensive curriculum and co-curricular activities. It services the educational needs of the Catholic community of the area and, as such, gives first preference for places to Catholic students from partner parish schools, sisters of current students and daughters of past students.

Facilities: State-of-the-art facilities include a performing arts centre, information services centre, art wing, physical education centre, a three-storey VCE wing, new collaborative learning spaces for junior students and a new learning courtyard.

Curriculum: St Columba’s College offers a wide range of VCE subjects at Units 1–4 from all VCE learning areas including Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Sciences, LOTE, Humanities, the Performing Arts, the Visual Arts and Health & Physical Education. In total, 31 VCE subjects are currently offered. In addition, VCE students can access VCE VET programs in Business Administration, Hospitality and Childcare. VCAL is also offered to senior students as an alternative to the VCE. The Years 7 to 10 curriculum follows the Essential Learning framework and incorporates practices that use learning technologies and Thinking Curriculum principles to facilitate deep learning. The college aims to engage girls in broad educational programs which provide experiences that they will take them well beyond their time at St Columba’s.

Sport: Athletics, Australian Rules football, basketball, charity run, cricket, cross-country, hockey, netball, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

Extra-curricular activities: These include activities from many areas of the performing arts (choir, band, dance and drama), public speaking, social justice and student leadership.

Student wellbeing programs: At the core of the student wellbeing program at St Columba’s is the Vertical House Structure. There are seven Houses and each House is split into three Junior (Year 7 to 9) and three Senior (Year 10 to 12) House Groups. These House Groups each consist of approximately 24 students, led by a House Teacher. Students remain in the one House throughout their time at St. Columba’s. Students also have access to the professional services of two full time psychologists and a number of other specialist support staff.

School Information

  • Type: Independent
  • Coeducational or single-sex: Single-sex, Girls

  • Faith-based: Catholic
  • Year: Year 7 - Year 12
  • Day/Boarding: Day and Boarding
  • Enrolment: 1000 students
  • Interview Required Upon Enrolment: No
  • International Baccalaureate Programs offered:
  • ESL Support: N/A
  • Scholarships Available: No
  • Gifted and Talented Program: N/A
  • Preschool or Early Learning Centre:
  • After School Care/ OOSH Options:
  • Fees: 4k - 8k $7140 to $7840 per annum (inclusive of levies and camps)
  • Address:2 Leslie Road, Essendon 3040
  • Phone:03 9337 5311
  • Fax:03 9337 5944

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