Principal Message 31st October 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the final part of the school year, I’ve been reflecting not only on what we’ve achieved together in 2025, but also on what we’ve built over the last six years.
At the heart of my role as Principal is a simple but powerful purpose: to create the best possible environment for our teachers to thrive. When educators are supported, valued and equipped, they in turn create classrooms where students can flourish. This has always been my guiding focus and it remains the foundation of our work at Columba.
We must never lose sight of our core purpose, striving for excellence in student achievement, especially in English and Mathematics. These are the building blocks for all learning, and every decision we make as a leadership team is centred on how best to support this for our students.
Creating the right environment is complex work, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes great teachers, supported by a strong community of families, to bring it to life. I am truly grateful for the support you have given to our staff and our school as we continue this journey together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that in the coming weeks we will announce a new Vision for Columba. Alongside this, we will introduce a set of teachable values practical, lived behaviours that will become a beacon for growth and development across our school. These values will be woven into the daily life of Columba and enacted by all students, giving us a clear, shared path forward in 2026.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Together, we have achieved much—and together, we will continue to build an environment where both teachers and students can thrive.
Grade Structures 2026
In 2026 we will have the follwoing classes
2 Prep Classes
2 Grade 1 Grades
2 Grade 2 Grades
2 Grade 3 Grades
2 Grade 4 Classes
3 5/6 Classes
Our school-wide Transition Day will be on Tuesday 9th December.
This is the day your child will meet their new teacher.
I’ll also announce all our staff members and their roles toward the end of November.
We’re currently working through teaching and learning support applications, and we’re in the very fortunate position of having many new educators wanting to join Columba in 2026. These positons will be finalised in the next 2-3 weeks.
As we start planning class lists for next year, we’d like to give families the chance to share any specific educational needs that may affect your child’s placement in 2026.
At Columba, school is about more than just academics. It’s also where children learn to:
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Make friends with many, not just a few
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Work alongside different personalities and strengths
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Build respectful relationships
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Adapt to change with confidence
We know that moving classes can bring mixed emotions, but it’s also a chance for children to grow—just like starting a new job. Change helps them learn new skills, make fresh connections, and build independence.
How We Build Classes
When creating class groups, we carefully consider:
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Each child’s academic, social and emotional needs
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Teaching styles and staff strengths
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Peers your child works well with (not just best friends)
We use Class Solver, a tool that helps us create balanced groups across learning and social factors.
Parent Requests
If you’d like to make a request:
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Please complete the 2026 Class Request Form below
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Requests must be in writing each year
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Please note: we cannot accept requests for a specific teacher or to keep best friends together
? Click here to complete the 2026 Class Request Form
Thanks for trusting us to support your child. With your partnership, we’ll make sure every child is set up for success in 2026.
