Headquarters:
2 Leslie Road, Essendon
Year founded:
1897
Number of employees:
130 staff
Phone:
9337 5311
Email:
principal@columba.vic.edu.au
Website:
columba.vic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/school/st-columba's-college-essendon
“Ambition is a positive thing”
Rebecca Hodges,
Westbourne Grammar School
Rita Grima
Principal
Brigitte McDonald
Deputy Principal
Malcolm Finger
Business Manager
Leadership
Rita Grima has worked in education for over 30 years and has held the principalship at St Columba’s College since 2018. Her immense leadership experience has made her a great asset to the St Columba’s College community, and the programs and processes introduced over the last five years have pushed the College forward and continued the legacy of innovation.
As a mother of three daughters, Rita’s commitment to girls’ education runs deep. Her belief in challenging students to think big and to be women of change is imbued throughout the College.
When asked what makes St Columba’s College special, Rita says, “Our students and their commitment, positive attitude and appreciation of being challenged to be their best and using their voices in standing up against injustices; our Sisters of Charity heritage that challenges us to always put the other at the centre; the staff who are committed, generous, creative and are focused on delivering the best learning and wellbeing outcomes for our students; and the special connection that successive generations of women within a family have to the College. They are proud that St Columba’s is a part of their family’s history.”
Principal
Rita Grima
Brigitte McDonald brings to her role as deputy principal skills in strategic visioning, coaching and mentoring, organisation and decision-making. Her deep understanding of the student experience has helped her take a leading role in the development of student programs including student leadership and the college’s awards and recognition programs.
Brigitte has a bachelor of secondary education (science) from Melbourne University and a master’s degree in leadership and management from Melbourne University. She was also one of the inaugural fellows in the Mercy Integral Ecology Fellowship Program in 2022. She has a deep interest in building the leadership capacity of staff and students, as well as in promoting ecological stewardship, sustainability and regeneration.
Deputy Principal
Brigitte McDonald
Malcolm Finger has been with St Columba’s College since 2013 and has been actively involved in all the various finance, facilities and governance aspects of the College. With a strong financial background developed over 20 years in the Taxation and Public Practice industry prior to commencing in the education sector, he has utilised this wide range of skills to support the College. The pinnacle project where all these skills have come together has been the creation and completion of the very exciting $20 million Foxford Innovation Centre. Malcolm is an active member of the ASBA and CEBA networks, which provide significant professional development and peer support opportunities.
Malcolm completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at Monash University before successfully obtaining the CPA membership. St Columba’s College has provided significant opportunities for personal and career growth within a dynamic and energising work environment.
Business Manager
Malcolm Finger
“Ambition is a positive thing”
Rebecca Hodges,
Westbourne Grammar School
“We are seeking to make our workforce paid in the top 10 percentage of all schools in Australia, to reduce workloads in different ways, and to provide even greater flexibility in relation to their practice”
Adrian Camm,
Westbourne Grammar School
Leadership
“We are seeking to make our workforce paid in the top 10 percentage of all schools in Australia, to reduce workloads in different ways, and to provide even greater flexibility in relation to their practice”
Adrian Camm,
Westbourne Grammar School
“Ambition is a positive thing”
Rebecca Hodges, Westbourne Grammar School
Leadership
Lance Jilbert
Head of Faith and Mission
Lance Jilbert has been an educator for over 20 years. He was originally trained in both primary and secondary teaching after completing a double degree at ACU. While the little kids may not have understood his humour, Lance quickly found his calling in secondary schools. He has held a diverse range of leadership positions, including curriculum development leader, e-learning leader, learning diversity leader, director of operations, house leader and learning area leader across subjects like religion, IT, pathways and alternative programs.
To further his professional development, Lance earned a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to teach VET classes, as well as a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) from ACU, relishing the opportunity to complete some units in Germany.
Lance joined the St Columba’s College community in 2022 as house leader of Williams and immediately fell in love with the charism of the Sisters of Charity. His passion lies in “making the discovery and exploration of Christ’s love fun, exciting and engaging for students and staff.” Each day, Lance wakes up inspired to play his role in this mission.
“The Sisters were trailblazers who never shied away from new frontiers. Their entrepreneurial spirit motivates me to continually find innovative ways to share faith and make a positive impact on this community,” Lance says.
Head of Faith and Mission
Lance Jilbert
Nakkita Egan
Head of Students
Nakkita Egan has been teaching since 2011 after completing a double degree majoring in theology and literature. She’s also completed a master’s degree in education (student wellbeing). She has worked as a year-level coordinator, acting head of middle school and director of Catholic identity before joining St Columba’s College in 2020 as head of students. Nakkita has made a big impact on the students at the college. Working closely with the student executive, counsellors and house leaders, the importance of wellbeing is always a topic of conversation.
She says, “I love being able to teach and lead in a place that encourages women to speak up, speak out and be heard. A place that has a long tradition of courageous and inspiring women, that allows me to share and participate in the ongoing legacy of the Sisters of Charity, which calls us to go to the margins, to break boundaries and never be held back because it has not been done before.”
Head of Students
Nakkita Egan
Since 1897, when the vision of Sister Ursula Bruton was first achieved, St Columba’s College has continued to grow as a Catholic Girls’ School (Years 7-12) that embraces the traditions of the Sisters of Charity. These include the love of learning, educational endeavour, the deepening of faith and a commitment to justice.
The college’s extensive curriculum, innovative programs and rich co-curricular offerings support its students’ unique talents and skills, allowing them to pursue their passions and excel. It challenges its students to think critically and embrace their faith, guiding them to become strong, compassionate leaders ready to make a difference in the world.
“We are seeking to make our workforce paid in the top 10 percentage of all schools in Australia, to reduce workloads in different ways, and to provide even greater flexibility in relation to their practice”
Adrian Camm,
Westbourne Grammar School
Frank Bonavia
Head of College Operations
Greta Bajada
Head of Learning and Teaching
Loretta Joyce
Human Resource Manager
Simon Williams
Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International
and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955
Frank Bonavia has worked in education for over 30 years. He began teaching at the ripe old age of 21. He started his teaching journey after being awarded a teaching scholarship while at the university pursuing a computer programming degree. The scholarship changed the course of his career aspirations, as he found a love for education. Since then, he has earned his master’s degree in educational leadership and held positions as house coordinator and head of information technology before becoming head of operations and joining the STCC community nine years ago. Having worked in girls’ education for 24 years, Frank’s passion for education and, in particular, the education of girls is evident.
He says, “At STCC, we educate and care about the whole child, not just their academic side. There is a strong sense that the students leave here feeling loved, cared for and respected, and have grown to be young women ready to take on the world.”
Head of College Operations
Frank Bonavia
From a Bachelor of Science and Education to postgraduate certificates in counselling and career education and a Master of Education Policy, Greta Bajada is one to lead by example as a lifelong learner.
She joined STCC in 2007, taking on the role of pathways coordinator, supporting and guiding the future endeavours of countless STCC students for 10 years, before becoming curriculum leader in 2017 and then joining the college leadership team as head of learning and teaching in 2018.
Greta’s long history with STCC is a testament to her commitment to and passion for creating a positive learning environment for both students and teachers.
She says, “Every single day I am inspired by the legacy of the Sisters of Charity. The Sisters were true entrepreneurs; it is this spirit that motivates me to seek new ways of seeing, being and doing in this community. At STCC, we empower our students to be lifelong learners. They are encouraged to optimise every opportunity and be ready to shape their future. My hope is that our students courageously use their unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.”
Head of Learning and Teaching
Greta Bajada
Clinton Gray is the executive campus director of Savio Campus (Years 7–10). He has been at the college since 2019. His previous roles have included director of Bosco campus – learning, director of Savio campus – learning, leader of curriculum and assessment, and leader of learning – innovation. In his former life, he was a history teacher but now teaches mostly senior English classes.
Gray has completed a Master of Asian Studies and is about to complete his Master of Education, specialising in management and leadership. His approach to leadership is strongly informed by the instructional leadership model. He continues to strive to build a dynamic learning community at Salesian by focusing on teacher improvement and developing a shared teaching and learning vision to drive deeper learning with both students and teachers.
Human Resource Manager
Loretta Joyce
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Read on
IB Top Brokerages
Award Winner
Award Winner
ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Read on
Award Winner
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Read on
Award Winner
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Medal
Small business
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Turnaround time – claims
BDM support
Broker communication, training and development
Overall service level
BDM support
BDM support
Medal
Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
Medal
Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
empowering colleagues
championing student agency
contributing to the dialogue
democratising progressive teaching and learning practices
Director of people and culture Rebecca Hodges says, “Teachers want to work at our school. Despite the teacher shortage in Australia, we consistently attract a large field of quality applicants for positions that we have available. We also target high-performing and high-potential individuals that we want to work at our school.”
The school’s recruitment is focused on staff who meet three criteria: humble, hungry and smart.
Westbourne Grammar commits to giving staff the support and platform to develop. Some of the initiatives that enable this are:
six-month bespoke leadership and management program
overseas travelling fellowships 100% paid for by the school
further study program covering the cost of post-graduate tuition fees
regular encouragement to attend and present at conferences locally, nationally and internationally
access to external coaches along with individual career trajectory plans and personalised visibility strategies
Part of the school’s ethos is to make their people better, even if it means they ultimately move on.
“Ambition is a positive thing, and if high achievers who are ambitious come in and do some great work with us for a few years before being promoted into a leadership position in another school, our principal Camm is their biggest cheerleader,” says Hodges.
Other benefits staff enjoy are:
flexible work policies
retention bonuses
reducing the number of workdays each year
pop-up neck and shoulder massage stations
end-of-term staff parties
access to pool and gym, including complimentary yoga and meditation
Despite being a standout workplace and attracting teachers from across Australia, Westbourne is committed to continually raising standards.
Camm says, “We are seeking to make our workforce paid in the top 10 percentage of all schools in Australia, to reduce workloads in different ways, and to provide even greater flexibility in relation to their practice.”