Principal's Message

Week 2 - Term 1

Dear St Columba’s Families,

Welcome to the 2025 school year! As we begin this year together, I’ve been reflecting on what truly defines us as a staff and a school community. At St Columba’s, we hold the child at the heart of everything we do, and our shared values shape the way we teach, lead, and support one another.

This year, we are guided by a special theme: HOPE. In this Jubilee Year, we embrace the theme of Pilgrims of Hope, reflecting on how this idea is woven into the fabric of our school vision. As Pope Francis beautifully reminds us, "Hope is the virtue of a heart that does not close itself in darkness, does not dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow." This sentiment resonates deeply with our mission at St Columba’s, inspiring us to nurture hearts and minds that look forward with optimism, resilience, and purpose.

In considering how to articulate our core values, I reflected on our mission, vision, and the essence of our school community. Four key values emerged that capture who we are and what we strive to achieve:

Compassion – Our commitment to empathy, care, and respect for diversity.
Inclusion – A nurturing environment where every individual is valued.
Sustainability – Leading the way in sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
Inquiry – Fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a dynamic, student-centred learning journey.

Then, I was reminded of a post I read last year by George Couros, an innovative educator, author, and speaker known for his work in leadership and modern learning environments. In his book The Innovator’s Mindset, he synthesises 21st-century skills into three core concepts: Connection, Curiosity, and Creation. These 3Cs highlight the essential skills students need to thrive in our rapidly changing world—the ability to build meaningful relationships, nurture a love of learning, and engage in creative problem-solving.

I really connected with this framework, which led me to reflect on how these ideas align with St Columba's values. Here’s how they beautifully intersect:

Compassion → Connection: We cultivate compassion through meaningful relationships within and beyond our school. Valuing empathy and respect helps our children develop strong interpersonal skills and a deep sense of community.
Inquiry → Curiosity: Our commitment to learning and teaching nurtures curiosity. We encourage children to ask questions, explore ideas, and seek deeper understanding through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sustainability → Creation: Sustainability at St Columba's is about more than environmental stewardship; it's about fostering innovation, responsibility, and action. Through real-world learning experiences, our children are empowered to think globally and act locally.
Inclusion → Connection & Creation: Inclusion is at the heart of our identity. We celebrate the diversity within our community, helping children appreciate different perspectives, develop empathy, and collaborate effectively—skills that prepare them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Ultimately, our role as educators is to nurture compassionate, responsible individuals who believe in their power to make a difference. This guiding principle shapes every decision we make, every lesson we teach, and every connection we foster. Through the lens of HOPE, we aim to inspire our students to envision a future filled with possibility and to become active participants in shaping a brighter tomorrow.

As I step into my 10th year at St Columba’s in 2025, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. Together, let’s embrace another year of learning, growth, and shared purpose, walking as Pilgrims of Hope.

Warm regards

Daniella

Principal St Columba’s Primary School