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St Columba's Primary School

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$8,023
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 140
Type Co-educational
Opened 1918
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Finnish
Typical class size 23
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School
Introduction

St Columba's Primary School, located at 24 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood, Victoria, is an IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme in parallel with the Australian Curriculum. It provides Catholic primary education for children, with the PYP learning program structured around Units of Inquiry, Literacy, Numeracy and Specialist subjects. In Year 6, students undertake the PYP Exhibition, presenting their inquiry-driven learning to the school community. The school emphasises inquiry and independent thinking within the IB framework. The campus features the Open Learning and Library Hub, offering reading corners and a language section, and the STEAM Discovery Lab with robotics sets and a 3D printer. A decked outdoor area supports environmental science projects. The Adventure Playground, Kitchen Garden run by Eco Warriors, and the sports spaces foster active, collaborative learning. Strong local connections include Elwood Beach visits and a cricket partnership with Elwood Cricket Club at Wattie Watson Oval during cricket season.

24 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood, Victoria 3184, Australia

The Essentials

St Columba's Primary School has 140 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
Address: 24 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood, Victoria 3184, Australia.

Stages
Prep to Year 6.

Type
IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme; Catholic primary education.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from 30+ countries; Mandarin and Finnish language connections; opportunities to engage with visiting international students.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Catholic
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
St Columba's has a school uniform. Summer uniforms include a maroon check dress for girls and navy shorts with a logo polo for boys, with sun hats and black shoes. Winter uniforms include navy tunics or pants, a maroon jumper, and appropriate socks, with a separate sports uniform for PE; uniforms can be ordered from Spartan School World and second-hand uniforms are available through the school.

Food Options
Food options include Friday lunch orders provided by Fun Fresh Foods (FFF) in Brighton; orders are online and delivered to the school on Fridays at 1:15pm. The program offers GF options.

House System
St Columba's uses a three-house system: Ormond (Red), Phillip (Blue) and Elster (Yellow). Students compete in House events during PE and inter-school events, earning points for their team, including on Sports Day.

Governance and Ownership
St Columba's is a Catholic parish school governed in partnership with the Parish Priest and the School Advisory Council. It operates within the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) network and education in faith emphasizes collaboration with the Parish and parents.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Columba's Primary School ranges from AUD 8,023 for 2026/27.

*Tuition fees (annual and per term, by family size)*
- Annual: AUD 3,472 tuition + AUD 795 curriculum levy = AUD 4,267 total for one child. Per term (annual divided across four school terms): AUD 868.00 tuition + AUD 198.75 curriculum levy = AUD 1,066.75 total.
- Annual: AUD 4,674 tuition + AUD 1,590 curriculum levy = AUD 6,264 total for two children. Per term: AUD 1,168.50 tuition + AUD 397.50 curriculum levy = AUD 1,566.00 total.
- Annual: AUD 5,638 tuition + AUD 2,385 curriculum levy = AUD 8,023 total for three or more children. Per term: AUD 1,409.50 tuition + AUD 596.25 curriculum levy = AUD 2,005.75 total.

*Capital levy (per family)*
- Annual capital levy: AUD 150 per family. Per term (annual divided by four): AUD 37.50.

*Additional year-level levies and specific costs*
- School camp levy: Year 3 — AUD 150; Year 4 — AUD 580; Year 5 — AUD 580; Year 6 — AUD 580.
- Sports levy: Year 3 — AUD 130; Year 4 — AUD 190; Year 5 — AUD 190; Year 6 — AUD 190.
- Sacrament levy: Year 3 — AUD 25; Year 4 — AUD 35; Year 6 — AUD 45.
- Graduation levy: no amount is specified.

*Billing schedule and payment terms*
- Fees are stated on an annual basis; families receive clear information regarding payment schedules and options at the commencement of each school year. Direct debit is the primary system used for school fees and levies. Flexible payment plans can be arranged confidentially through the school office.
- Withdrawal and notice: A full term's notice is required to withdraw a child's enrolment. If full term's notice is not provided, the school will charge all outstanding fees and levies for that term and the fees for the following term.

*Boarding fees*
- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a primary day school and does not list boarding or boarding fees.

*Other costs and fees (uniforms, extras, incidental charges)*
- Uniforms: New uniform items are available through Spartan School World (online shop). Second‑hand uniforms are available through the school office and PFA stalls; second‑hand purchases can be made by EFTPOS. Delivery and click & collect options are available from the uniform supplier (home delivery carries a delivery fee through the supplier).
- Incursions, excursions, specialist programs, extracurricular clubs, camps and certain year-level activities are funded through the curriculum levies and the additional levies noted above; some optional extracurricular or external program costs may be billed separately.

*Refunds and withdrawal-related charges*
- The school requires a full term's notice to withdraw a student. Where full term's notice is not provided, the school charges outstanding fees and levies for that term and the fees for the following term. No separate general refund schedule for paid tuition or levies is published here.

*Fee payment methods and administration*
- Direct debit is used for payment of school fees and levies; flexible payment plans are available and must be organised through the school office. Uniform purchases can be made via the Spartan School World online shop (card/online payment) and second‑hand purchases via EFTPOS at the school office. Families should contact the school office for set up of payment arrangements and any additional accepted payment methods.
Academics

St Columba's Primary School teaches IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as an IB World School. The learning program is structured around Units of Inquiry, Literacy, Numeracy and Specialist subjects. It includes Year 6 PYP Exhibition, showcasing students' learning. The IB framework fosters inquiry and independent thinking.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing is at the heart of learning, prioritising positive relationships, belonging, collaboration and student agency. Resilience, growth mindset and emotional regulation are developed through social-emotional lessons, circle times, and units of inquiry, with morning prayers and mindful meditations supporting these practices. The school launched The Resilience Project in 2023 to support the wellbeing of the whole school community, and wellbeing approaches are informed by the Berry St. Model, Be You, Bounce Back resources, the IB learner profile, E-Smart principles, and VIA character strengths.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school hosts a diverse community with over 14 nationalities represented and provides individualized programs for children for whom English is not their mother tongue. It maintains a high teacher-to-child ratio (1:15) to support language development and learning needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is woven into daily school life, with mindful practices, transition programs, and student activities that promote mental wellbeing. The Resilience Project informs whole-school approaches to wellbeing and supports emotional and social development alongside academic learning.

Safeguarding
The school upholds a Child Safety Policy focused on care, safety and wellbeing for all children. Students have the right to feel safe, be respected, and learn, and the community is guided by clear responsibilities to keep everyone safe, along with a no-bullying stance. Ministerial Order 870 requires standards and policies to address child safety, which the school implements to protect students' wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
St Columba's Primary School has been part of the Elwood community for more than 100 years. In 1914, the Parish of Sacred Heart, West St Kilda purchased the land where the school and church now stand, and funds were raised to build the first two brick classrooms. On 28 April 1918, Archbishop Daniel Mannix blessed and opened the Church-School, and the school was led by the Presentation Sisters with Mother Anthony Patterson as the first principal. Additional classrooms were built in 1923, more land was purchased for playground space, and in 1929 the parish built St Columba's Church on the corner of Glen Huntly and Normandy Roads. The Presentation Sisters served the school for 56 years before departing at the end of 1974, after which lay teachers continued the work and refurbishments transformed learning spaces; today it is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme.

Community
We believe a strong partnership between parents and teachers assists in a student's education. Parents can participate in many ways, including literacy classroom helpers, numeracy support, and contributions to assemblies and events such as Chinese Days. Liturgies, sport, and involvement through the School Board and the Parents and Friends Association are also part of community life. The Running Club and Sustainability Parent Green Team are active in the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parents and Friends Association. Parents are invited to participate in their children's education through a wide range of activities. Parents can contribute as literacy classroom helpers, numeracy supporters, and in assemblies, excursions, library shelving, and other events. Assemblies and other events such as Chinese Days are part of parent involvement. Leadership structures for parent involvement include the School Board and the Parents and Friends Association. The Running Club and the Sustainability Green Team are part of the community activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Open Learning and Library Hub is a flexible space with breakout areas and a language-rich collection. The STEAM Discovery Lab houses robotics and coding equipment (Makedo, Strawbees, LEGO WeDo, BeeBots) and a 3D printer, with a decked outdoor area for environmental science projects. Adventure Playground offers climbing structures, imaginative play zones, and quiet areas for reflection. Kitchen Garden is run by Eco Warriors who grow produce, support sustainability, and connect with the St Kilda Eco Centre, presenting projects at the Port Phillip School Sustainability Festival each year. Sports & Play Spaces feature renovated basketball courts with a multi-sport surface for basketball, netball, soccer, AFL, futsal, and handball, a retractable fencing system, an astro-turf athletics track, a cubby house, and a sandpit. Local Area Connections provide real-world learning through visits to Elwood Beach, Elwood Canal, and Elsternwick Park, and a partnership with Elwood Cricket Club at Wattie Watson Oval during cricket season.

Sports Facilities
Renovated basketball courts with a multi-sport surface support basketball, netball, soccer, AFL, futsal, and handball, with retractable fencing to run multiple games simultaneously. An astro-turf athletics track supports sprinting and fitness activities. A cubby house and sandpit provide outdoor play for younger students. A partnership with Elwood Cricket Club at Wattie Watson Oval allows access to cricket facilities during cricket season.

Academic Facilities
Open Learning and Library Hub is a flexible space with reading corners and a language section. The STEAM Discovery Lab houses robotics and coding equipment (Makedo, Strawbees, LEGO WeDo, BeeBots) and a 3D printer. A decked outdoor area connected to the Lab supports environmental science projects.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular Clubs and Student Action are offered. The STEAM Discovery Lab hosts a mindful drawing club and a STEAM lunchtime club. The library runs a lunchtime Library Club. Running Club is part of the Our Community offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers STEAM Club with hands-on STEAM challenges that extend learning beyond the classroom. Library Club provides lunchtime reading and literacy activities. Before School Clubs include Karate Club and Running Club, supporting physical activity before the day begins. After School Clubs include STEAM Clubs, extending science, technology, engineering and math exploration after class.

Social & Hobbies
Before School Clubs include Karate Club and Running Club, offering active engagement before school. Lunchtime Clubs include Library Club, STEAM Club, and Mindfulness Club, enabling student-led exploration and relaxation. After School Clubs include STEAM Clubs and Basketball Club, providing opportunities for teamwork and creative problem solving.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness Club is offered at lunchtime. Basketball Club is offered after school. Running Club is offered before school.
Languages

Language Provision
Mandarin and Finnish language connections are offered, with opportunities to engage with visiting international students.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
null
Admissions

Admissions
1) Submit an Application for Enrolment with copies of the child's birth certificate, baptism certificate (if applicable), and immunisation forms; include previous school reports (for year levels other than Prep) and any other relevant academic, developmental or medical assessments. 2) By law, children must turn five by April 30 of their first year of school. 3) It is not compulsory to be Catholic to join. 4) Upon receipt of the completed Application for Enrolment, the child will be placed on the waitlist for entry into the year level requested. 5) An appointment will be made with the Principal and Deputy Principal for an interview to identify the child's interests and strengths and any areas where extra challenge or support may be required. 6) If successful, a formal offer of enrolment will be sent, together with a Confirmation of Enrolment for completion. 7) The Confirmation of Enrolment documentation together with the non-refundable enrolment fee should be returned to the school administration officer. The enrolment fee is due when a place is formally accepted. 8) The school will then confirm a place.

Waitlist
Upon receipt of the completed Application for Enrolment form your child will be placed on the waitlist for entry into the year level requested.
School Events
The school has not added events
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