St Columba’s School celebrates its 110 year birthday this year.
To mark this magnificent milestone, the school recently completed a four-month renovation of their children’s library where Father David of St Patrick’s parish blessed the library in the presence of the principal, teachers, board of governors and parents.
Over the past 109 years the school has gone through a fascinating metamorphosis.
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Reverend Mother Rose Niland’s vision came to fruition when four Dominican Sisters opened the doors to the original school, the Holy Child Convent, in August 1909, with only twenty five learners, some of them boarders.
The original building consisted of a primitive building on a neglected stand.
Later on, the school changed its name to Benoni Dominican Convent.
In 1915, the number of learners and teachers had grown, the foundation stone of the present St Columba’s was laid, and the first Holy Mass was offered.
In 1919, significant expansion took place where a two-storey building of five classrooms, six music rooms and a fully equipped science laboratory were added to the existing blocks.
Further additions were made to the school in 1936.
These included a kindergarten, library and a large hall with a dormitory upstairs.
Four hundred learners, including 80 boarders were at that time taught at the school.
Around that same time, the Hebrew community sold their entire property, bordering on Bunyan Street, to Mother Superior General, Very Revd Mother O’Grady.
With the additional quarters, a further 200 learners were accommodated, half of whom were also boarders.
In the early 60s the high school was closed and the boarding facilities fell away.
In 1983, the school changed its name to St Columba’s, in honour of their patron saint, and reflecting the fine tradition of religious education and the culture of the school.
This marked a new era in meeting the educational requirements of the community.
Now the school functions as a pre-primary and primary school for both genders, and provides a continuity of education from three years of age through to Grade Seven.
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St Columba’s principal, Bronwen Marcon, said although the Catholic school welcomes learners of all religions and cultures, the religious environment provides a high standard of education in a caring and compassionate atmosphere.
“Small classes ensure individual attention for each child and a teacher-pupil relationship that provides greater opportunities for academic and social development,” said Marcon.
“Over a century ago, back in 1911, subjects like fine arts, music, elocution, drill and dancing held an important place in the curriculum.”
Marcon said today the school continues to work hard to maintain a well-rounded curriculum, producing a balance of academic, cultural, sporting and religious education.
“Behind the façade of the old buildings, modern technology is employed inside the classrooms to provide the highest quality of education to the children, she said.
“Smart boards are but one example of the school’s constant commitment to empowering our bright minds of tomorrow.”
Marcon added that St Columba provides further progressive, technological programmes to help children who need extra assistance, offering a truly all-encompassing educational experience.
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