St. Columban's College, Caboolture

Infobox Aust school private
name = St. Columban's College


motto = "For God and Australia"
established = 1928
type = Independent, Co-educational, Day school
denomination = Roman Catholic
slogan = "Spirit, Tradition, Community"
key_people = Mr. Alain Sauvage (Principal)
Mr. Robert Keating (Chairman)
Ms. Elizabeth Palmer (Chaplain)
fees =
city = Caboolture
state = Queensland
country = Australia
enrolment = 880 (8-12) [http://members.iinet.net.au/~columban/html/aboutus/mandatoryreporting.htm St Columban's College Annual Report 2006] (accessed:11-05-2007)]
num_employ = 54 [http://members.iinet.net.au/~columban/html/employment/Generaldocuments/stcprofile07.pdf St Columban's College Profile] (accessed:20-08-2007)]
revenue =
products =
colours = Blue & Gold
homepage = [http://www.stcolumbanscollege.qld.edu.au/ www.stcolumbanscollege.qld.edu.au]

St Columban’s College is a Catholic, co-educational day school, catering for approximately 832 students from years 8 to 12.

The College was established in 1928, and is situated on a 12 hectare site at Caboolture, Queensland, Australia.

History

St. Columban's College was established in 1928, at Albion, as a boys college by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. [http://www.stcolumbanscollege.qld.edu.au/html/aboutus/history.htm St Columban's College: History] (accessed:11-05-2007)]

1985 was the last year of the Brothers presence following the decsion to hand the administration of the College to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane. Three brothers stayed on teaching during this year. The first lay principal, Mr Peter Crombie, took up his appointment in 1985.

In 1988 and 1989 the intake for Year 8 slowly dropped. Great efforts were made to attract more students but despite these efforts the drop in numbers became steady and continuous. In 1989 number had dropped to 425 students when only 15 years earlier, numbers were at 800. Subsequently, a decision was made some 10 years later to relocate the College to Caboolture and to become a co-educational college.

Detailed History

Founded in 1928 on an Albion hilltop site overlooking the city of Brisbane, St Columban’s College commenced as another practical outreach by the Congregation of the Christian Brothers, in providing readily accessible education for young boys. The College developed a working class identity with strong patronage from the racing fraternity, reaching a maximum enrolment of some 850 boys from Years 5 to 12 during the 1980s. Always supported by an active parental group, the College thrived through the 60s and 70s being associated with some well known Brisbane events including the Colana Carnival. Parents built by hand the College Swimming Pool and worked tirelessly to raise funds for construction of many buildings to add to the opportunities offered to its students.

Throughout its history the College gained a reputation for having a strong identity in sport, with its students being called upon to ‘have a go’. St Columban’s College was a founding member of the TAS sporting association, established in 1947. In 1985 the Congregation of the Christian Brothers formally handed the College over to the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Shortly after, the primary school was phased out with the College offering secondary education focused between Years 8 to 12.

The work of the second lay Principal, Mr Michael Harkin, was well known for his efforts to stem the loss of enrolments that followed during these ensuing years. Despite his best attempts to maintain adequate student numbers, a decision was made in 1995 to relocate a financially unviable college campus to Caboolture. Preparation commenced for a new co-educational campus with an inventory created of how and what to move from a College in order to preserve its best qualities.

Caboolture Bound

Introducing girls into Year 8 on the Albion site in 1996 laid the foundation for the opening of fully co-educational College in Caboolture in 1997. The grief expressed by the Albion community was met with equal joy by the new community of Caboolture, as St Columban’s was warmly welcomed into its new locality. Many challenges faced the developing College including the notion of remaining true to its roots and yet, being able to be responsive and adaptive to the needs of its new community of learners.

The celebration of the College’s 75th Anniversary in 2003 marked a coming of age and defining moment for St Columban’s of Caboolture, truly recognised and affirmed by its local community. There was a merging of identities, as students who commenced their studies at Albion completed their education at Caboolture. Similarly, students who had never been to Albion absorbed and developed the ever present Columban spirit.

Building New Foundations

In the following years, the College concentrated on developing routines, writing policies, protocols, procedures and attending to establishing all the important functions of a new College with an enhanced curriculum due to a larger student population. With increasing numbers of staff and students, telling the story of the College repeatedly and continuously giving it new meaning, became an important focus. The College also focused on building local identity, reputation and strong linkage into the community that would sustain it into the future. It became important to reconnect with our Albion ‘Old Boys’ so our significant history would not be lost. Thus, St Columban’s is fortunate in having alumni from both Albion and Caboolture as members of a vibrant past student association.

In linking with the parish community and the primary school of St Peters, the College entered into a dialogue about the concept of a local Catholic precinct that might serve all age groups in the local community, providing a place for life long, and life giving education, worship and community. This consultative process has been underway for some two years now and while a physical co-location is still some way off, numerous ways to grow and partner have been developed and made a reality.

It is in this climate that the current time is appropriate for the College to engage in planning for the next stage of visioning and planning, with the reality that it is being called to serve a larger proportion of the community than originally planned for, both in terms of size and outreach beyond the Catholic community. This meshes well with the numerous initiatives underway in terms of the mission and outreach programs, renewed focus on teaching and learning, identification of educational pathways and investigations into wider partnerships that are integrated into the College that we call Columban’s.

Celebrating Past, Present and Future

With the recent launch of the Northern Line Catholic Schools, St Columban's College in partnership with six fellow Catholic schools and colleges along the northern corridor of Brisbane, collaboratively provide a strong foundation for the continuance of quality Catholic education within the wider region.

In 2008, our College celebrates 11 years at the Caboolture campus site and 81 years of history. And so, with a proud history and tradition, our College continues to grow, embracing our ever present values and the founding vision, providing a positive, supportive and Catholic educational environment to our students, staff and the greater College community.

Houses

St Columban's College has four houses that compete for the Inter-house Cup.

DUHIG HOUSE (Red)

Duhig House was named after Archbishop James Duhig who is recognised as the founder of St Columban’s College, Albion. He bought the site at Albion, paid for the building and invited the Christian Brothers to run the College. Archbishop Duhig always regarded the school as something very dear to him. He was a great diplomat and was proud of his association with the College.

James Duhig was Archbishop of Brisbane from 1917 – 1965. Including his time as Bishop of Rockhampton he was a Bishop for 60 years. He was one of the youngest Bishops in the world when he was appointed and one of the oldest when he died.

Throughout his career Duhig also developed his well-known passion for building and the acquisition of properties. He was responsible for the building of many churches on top of the many hills that characterise the Brisbane landscape. As Archbishop of Brisbane, "Duhig the builder" added more than 400 major buildings to the Brisbane landscape, including hospitals and educational, charitable and religious institutions.

In keeping with the generous nature of Archbishop James Duhig, Duhig House supports two local charity groups annually. Each Pastoral Care Group gathers canned and non – perishable items that ultimately form the basis of our Parish Pantry fundraiser. These goods are, in turn, passed on to the needy members of our community.

Duhig House also supports Camp Quality. With the profits of chocolate drives and our annual Red Food Stall, the House is able to make a notable donation, in order to assist those local kids within the community with cancer.

The colour of Duhig House is Red and the symbol is the Redback Spider. The House motto is “Watch your back, here come the reds”. This motto encapsulates the Duhig House spirit. As a House, there is a strong focus on involvement by all. This can be seen in the large amounts of students willingly participating in the College Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, Cross Country, Rock Rally, Heritage Day and other Sport and Fundraising Challenges.

Duhig House has also laid claim to a small piece of real estate within the College. The eastern side of the college main ovals is now recognized as Duhig Hill. During prominent college events, namely the Athletics Carnival, the hill is painted with the renowned Duhig colours of red and black. The hill inspires the entire House to participate and be proud of the traditions of the mighty Duhig House.

Within the House there is also an eager group of students that gather monthly to discuss House issues. This group of students forms the Duhig Student Representative Council. This motivated troop assist in House preparation for all events with banner painting, fundraising, brainstorming and all other aspects of organisation.

"House Captains"

Ashleigh Chapple and Mitchell Buckett

"House Vice Captains"

Rochelle Kerr and Theo Wray

ENGLISH HOUSE (Blue)

English House is named after the late Monsignor John English. For those not already familiar with the man, he achieved a great deal during his years in the priesthood and had a significant impact on the College during the early days at Albion. The Library at Albion was named in his honour and this tradition carried over to the current Caboolture site.

Monsignor John was born on 24 June 1897 in Tipperary, Ireland. He emigrated to Australia, arriving in sunny Brisbane in April 1925. It was during his time as parish priest of St Agatha’s at Clayfield that he became closely associated with St Columban’s.

Monsignor John frequently visited the College at Albion to run retreats, speak at major functions, provide advice and donate funds. Speaking of funds, he contributed at least $60,000 to the College over five years from 1963 and left half of his estate to the College on his death.

Like most, Monsignor John enjoyed his downtime. He became very good friends with the Christian Brothers and would often join them on Christmas holidays at Tugan.

Not only did Monsignor John make a name for himself throughout Brisbane, he was recognised throughout Australia as a skilled orator, preacher, lecturer, scholar, educator and conversationalist. He was in high demand as a speaker at Catholic functions and throughout the Diocese.

Monsignor John passed away on Easter Sunday 14 April 1969 in the presbytery at Clayfield. The Catholic leader described him as “one of the most distinguished, respected and affectionately regarded priests in Australia, and an eminent member of a group of Irish-born clergy who have laboured outstandingly and rewardingly in the Australian church”.

At every English House assembly, House Captains and Vice-Captains lead students in a brief reflection on one of the many special qualities of Monsignor John. His legacy is far from forgotten and is used as a source of inspiration for the members of the mighty Blue English House.

Leadership Structure

The old Student Representative Council (SRC) has been replaced in English House by the new and improved ‘Blue Brigade’ leadership committee. This is comprised of students who volunteer from any age group to play an active role in making decisions regarding current happenings and the future direction of the House. There are a seven sub-committees within the Blue Brigade who take care of activities including fundraising, House activities, interhouse events, House celebrations, House spirit and promotion, achievement awards (English Eels) and the House notice board. The Blue Brigade had a productive first year and looks to be even more promising this year.

Fundraising

Our major fundraisers are the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day raffles, and of course, the famous ‘Slave Day’, whereat staff and Year 12 volunteers are auctioned off to student bidders. Auctioned slaves sometimes face a little embarrassment but all in the name of a good cause. Unfortunately current water restrictions have made it impossible for us to conduct our busy and profitable car washathon. English House commits itself every year to donating funds raised to the Rural Fire Brigade.

House Mass

The English House Mass held recently was well attended and it was good to see lots of involvement from the student body within the House. It was organised by the students themselves, in partnership with our Campus Minister (and also a proud English Eel) Ms Liz Palmer. We look forward to seeing even more parents, students and friends at our 2009 House Mass.

Fr O’Connell Shield

Last year was a highly successful year for the Electric Eels as we held aloft the highly coveted Fr O’Connell Shield. We faced tough competition from the other three Houses, but well done to the boys and girls in Blue. Placings for the events contributing to the shield are below:

Swimming 3rdCross-Country 1stBasketball 1stSilver Slipper 1stAthletics 1stSoccer 3rd

"House Captains"

Sara Andrew and Luke Goodwin

"House Vice Captains"

Samantha Childs and Ben Elliot

MOLLOY HOUSE (Green)

Brother John Molloy was the fourth Principal of St. Columban’s College.

When war broke out in 1939, Brother Molloy was already Principal of the College. Many old boys had joined up, and the College as well as the entire country was placed on a war footing and shared shortages of goods, the fear of invasion, the anguish of loss when a relative or friend was killed, wounded or reported missing in action.

Along with the rest of the nation, the casualty lists were eagerly scanned by Brother Molloy to see how his boys were doing. During the war, Brother spent many hours writing to his students in all theatres of war and it has been reported by one soldier how much he looked forward to receiving those letters.

Brother Molloy also visited parents of servicemen, comforting them and rallying their spirits when the news was bad. His caring and compassionate nature is something we aspire to and these qualities are encouraged and nurtured within our current Molloy community.

Brother Molloy gave his name to one of the buildings on the Albion site and the Molloy name now graces one of general classroom blocks. Brother Molloy led the College from 1938 to 1943.

"House Captains"

J.D. Eru and Liam Montgomery

"House Vice Captains"

Laura Josey and Jason Christodoulou

O'DRISCOLL HOUSE (Gold)

The House was named after Brother Francis Pius O’Driscoll. He was the first Principal of St Columban's College from 1928 to 1933. Br O’Driscoll, born in 1897, entered the Christian Brothers Juniorate at Strathfield in 1912. Br O’Driscoll’s training was to the standard of the day that distinguished clearly between right and wrong and justice and injustice. His discipline was strict and his rules were clear.

Br O’Driscoll is described by W.G.Hall in the Christian Brothers Educational Record as being “a vital, committed, and controversial Christian Brother”. (P.229) After receiving a teaching position within Victoria he became founder, Headmaster and Superior of the new Christian Brothers’ Technical School in South Melbourne. At the age of 30 he was sent to Albion as founder, builder and Headmaster of the new school and Superior of the Monastery.

Br O’Driscoll was highly regarded within the general community. His tremendous work ethic and organisation has seen him depicted as a pioneer of St Columban's College. In keeping with the spirit of Br O’Driscoll, O’Driscoll House has continued in its efforts to support the community. The House, consisting of enthusiastic students and staff, has vigorously supported the Guide Dogs Association Qld. Through many fundraising efforts, O’Driscoll House has donated their time and effort in order to support this worthwhile cause.

With its mascot, the Bulldog and the motivation of its founder, O’Driscoll House strives to do its best in all sporting and cultural pursuits. The eagerness of the House Captains and Vice Captains together with the O’Driscoll Action Group, has led the House to many great achievements.

"House Captains"

Kirsten Hunt and Alex Odorico

"House Vice Captains"

Helaina Gardiner and Alex Bray

Notable Alumni

Religion

Most Reverend Michael E Putney (Bishop of Townsville)

Business

Cameron McLune (Greyhound Racing Authority)

Sport

Rod McCall (Australian and Queensland Rugby Union representative)

Anthony Sauer (Australian Rugby 7's Captain)

References

ee also

*List of schools in Queensland

External links

* [http://www.stcolumbanscollege.qld.edu.au/ St. Columban's College website]