Photo Gallery
our community in action
(Covid Safe)
Ash Wednesday celebration at St Columba Primary School
Celebrating the Beginning of the School Year
Fr John and the school community celebrated the beginning of the school year with a beautiful paraliturgy on Friday 4 February. Fr John read a lovely story 'Don't Forget' which encouraged the children to not forget 'to share', 'to care' and 'to play'. The Year 6 children we given a special blessing and the Preps were warmly welcomed to our school.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year
Our school's Mandarin teacher (& Gr 3/4 teacher) Yang Song, organised a special celebration for Chinese New Year. Each class learnt about the significance of the Year of the Water Tiger and were able to dance with a traditional Chinese Dragon.
Wishing everyone a xīn nián kuà i lè.
Sacred Heart Mission's Christmas Celebration
The Gift of Joy
Karen Englebretsen (the new Spirituality Care Worker) and the Business Services Team from the Mission prepared a beautiful celebration, held in Sacred Heart Church, on Friday morning. Karen’s inspirational reflection on the theme ‘Joy’ in included here.
St Columba's Primary School End of Year Mass and Graduation
On Tuesday evening, Fr John celebrated the End of Year Mass and Graduation for our Grade Six children. It was extra special after such a disruptive last few years for the children and our ability to gather and celebrate together.Â
Touching moments included the Grade Sixers being enthusiastically farewelled by their Prep buddies and bringing up and speaking about special symbols representing their time at St Columba's.
Musically gifted staff, Ange, Bec and Daniella played and sang beautifully, including a special rendition of 'An Irish Blessing' sung by Principal Daniella.
We wish the Grade Six children all the very best as they head off to start their secondary school journey.
Congratulations and thank you to all our children, staff and families for a wonderful year and all the very best for a safe and peaceful Christmas.
St Columba Primary School farewells their Grade Sixers
On Friday, our wonderful school held their last assembly for the year and bade a special farewell to the Grade Six children.
In a beautiful tradition, the Grade Five children introduced and spoke about a Grade Six child. Each Grade Six child then spoke about their memories of St Columba and gave thanks to the special people they have encountered.Â
A number of special awards were also presented to the Grade Six children including the Dame Jean McNamara award presented by The Honourable Josh Burns. Congratulations to Bianca Tan who received the award this year for her achievements. Congratulations to Bianca and all the Grade Six children on their wonderful year. We wish them all the very best as they head off on their secondary school adventures.
Christmas Cook-along
Our last session in our online social activities series was Christmas Cook-along with parish chefs Adrian and Toni who cooked up quite a storm. We watched or cooked with first, Toni as she made mince tarts look so easy to prepare. While they were in the oven, Adrian stepped in to pull together an entrée of pea and haloumi fritters. Both dishes were ready within the hour and our seasoned chefs provided some great tips on short-cuts, plus adaptations to their recipes. It was a great evening and such a grand finale to a wonderful series of parish connection. Thank you to Toni and Adrian.
November: Remembrance Month
Fr John live streaming mass
Thank you to Fr John and our wonderful live streaming team for their ongoing support and dedication to our live streamed masses.
Celebrating ANZAC Day
Friends of Elwood RSL held a beautiful dawn ceremony which included representatives from local schools including our own St Columba's.
Easter Vigil Sacred Heart Church 3 April 2021
RCIA at our Easter Vigil
Fr Barry, Mahtab, Fr John and Christine
Isabella being baptised
Yong being baptised
Mahtab, Yong, Sing, Isabella & Alex
Easter Celebration with Sacred Heart Mission  30 March 2021
A Time to See
AÂ Time to Choose
A Time to Act... In Hope
St Columba Primary School's Inaguaral Community Marqt 28 March 2021
Thank you to everyone involved, particularly Saskia and Corinne for their tireless work.
Confirmation December 2020
Confirmation was delayed in 2020 due to Covid but the children rose to the occasion when Fr John was given delegation to confirm them later in the year.
Celebrating Paula's retirement November 2020
Paula Ryan, the office manager at St Columba Primary School for longer than she cares to remember, celebrated her retirement with the school community. Paula will be greatly missed.
Beginning of the Year School Mass 2020
Fr John processing with children and staff
Christmas 2019
Last Sunday, 20 December, we welcomed Alison and Allie into our faith tradition through our parish, of which they have been a part for well over a year. We asked them to write about what brought them to our door and how they have found the journey of faith exploration. Their responses are inspiring to all of us ‘cradle’ Catholics and we are all invited to continue to support them in prayer, welcome, hospitality and friendship.
Christmas 2019
Gathering as a parish in various celebrations
John Giving Sermon at Sacred Heart
John in front of nativity at Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Evening Mass 2019 - Video
Welcome Mass
2019 Prep & 2020 Prep
Children listening to Fr John's Reflection
Together, let us walk with Jesus
2020 Preps receiving their school candles
Parish Retreat
October 26 2019
A day of reflection and positive intent of what it means to be a parish community
Feast of St Columba Mass and blessing of St Columba mosaic
2019
Volunteer afternoon tea
2019
Dine with Heart - Soup evening
May 2019
Christmas
2018
Sacrament of Eucharist
2018
Dedication of Mary MacKillop
August 2018
Parish BBQ
2019
Christmas
2017
Confirmation 2017
Remembering & Christmas
November / December 2016
30th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Mission Mass
2014
Children's Eucharist
2014
Parish farewell to Judith
2012
Parish Retreat
2012
Christmas Eve Family Mass 2011
Children sitting on altar in nativity clothes
Children sitting on altar in nativity clothes
Lynne & Joseph being welcomed into our Catholic Community at the Easter Vigil.
2011
Parish BBQ
2010
Concert in St Columba’s Church
2009
Lorin Nicholson, a talented guitarist and performer who is legally blind, performed for the children of St Columba’s and other guests on Wednesday 3rd February. Lorin is an inspirational person who shared his stories and his talents with the children.
RCIA Dinner
2009
We recently enjoyed a dinner at the Parish House to celebrate the year long RCIA journey
Blessing & Opening of new building at St Columba’s Primary School
2010
St Columba Christmas Fair
2015
Christmas Lunch
2009
Our Christmas Lunch was a wonderful celebration of a great year at Elwood St Kilda West Parish. It was lovely to see so many enjoying catching up with old and new friends.