Headquarters:
Level 1, Suite 5 East, 353 Cambridge Street, Wembley, WA 6014
Year founded:
1918
Number of employees:
25
Phone:
03 9531 6560
Email:
office@scelwood.catholic.edu.au
Website:
stcolumbasprimary.org
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/school/71044304
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Daniella Maddalena
Principal
Rachael Bulcock
STEM Leader
Natalie Cromie
Learning Diversity Leader
Leadership
Daniella Maddalena, principal of St Columba’s Primary School in Elwood, Victoria, has over 30 years of experience in teaching and leadership within multicultural communities. She has led St Columba’s to become an IB World School in 2021 through the successful implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Holding a Master of Educational Leadership, Maddalena emphasises inclusivity and sustainability, with the school earning recognition for environmental practices. She promotes student voice and leadership, supported by wellbeing programs like the Resilience Project. An advocate for diversity, she has spoken at the IB Global Conference in Adelaide and is featured in an IB case study, reflecting her dedication to educational excellence.
Principal
Daniella Maddalena
Rachael Bulcock brings 13 years of teaching experience and a Master of Education to her role. Passionate about STEM, she engages students in hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and challenges their thinking. Dedicated to providing a modern education, Bulcock stays current with emerging technology and digital wellbeing trends, equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge while fostering safe online practices. Her commitment to innovative, interactive learning ensures that students not only gain technical skills but develop as responsible digital citizens prepared for the future.
STEM Leader
Rachael Bulcock
Natalie Cromie brings over 20 years of experience as an educator, having taught across all primary year levels within the Catholic education sector and held various leadership positions. Currently serving as the learning diversity leader at St Columba’s, she has embraced the opportunity for both personal growth and the chance to support and mentor her colleagues. Passionate about teaching and learning, Cromie is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of all students. Guided by the philosophy “good for one, useful for all,” she inspires innovation, risk-taking and collaboration among staff, ensuring an inclusive and equitable education for every student.
Learning Diversity Leader
Natalie Cromie
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
“We put our customers at the centre of our business, responding to brokers in a proactive and timely manner and working with the customer to understand their unique risk profile and tailor appropriate solutions”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Leadership
Nicole Spence
PYP Coordinator
Nicole Spence brings over 20 years of dedicated experience to the field of education, with 15 of those years spent learning and teaching in IB World Schools. A deep commitment to environmental stewardship matches her passion for fostering a love of learning. Known for inspiring students and teachers to think big, she helps students recognise their potential and take ownership of their educational journeys. Her leadership encourages fellow educators to explore innovative methods that enrich the learning experience. Spence’s approach empowers students and teachers alike to develop agency, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for learning.
PYP Coordinator
Nicole Spence
Meaghan Payne
Junior Team Leader
Meaghan Payne is an educator with over 18 years of working in a wide range of settings and systems, both at home and abroad. Currently at St Columba’s, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive education and creating learning environments where all students feel valued and empowered. She has a strong commitment to professional growth and is skilled in adapting teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of her learners. With extensive experience in IB schools, Payne is passionate about inquiry-based learning, focusing on developing student agency, critical thinking and a sense of responsibility to others. In her leadership role, she supports her team to deliver high-quality teaching and learning in the junior school. At St Columba’s, she contributes to the school’s mission of inclusivity and holistic education.
Junior Team Leader
Meaghan Payne
St Columba’s Primary School is a supportive and inclusive school that emphasises respect, compassion and holistic student development.
Principal Daniella Maddalena says, “Students, parents, staff, volunteers and future employees can expect St Columba’s Primary School, The Little School with a Big Heart, to provide a warm, inclusive and supportive environment.”
St Columba’s is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and has implemented the Primary Years Program, showcasing its commitment to nurturing globally minded, inquiring and reflective students.
“We target innovation through a robust and multifaceted approach, primarily by embedding a comprehensive STEM program alongside a sustainability and student empowerment initiative,” says Maddalena.
The school’s innovative focus is split across several initiatives:
“We continue to see cyber as a key opportunity and will be further developing customer-centric solutions across various geographies and segments in line with our growth aspirations”
Erica Kofie, QBE
Jane Dixon
Senior Team Leader
Keith Schlosser
Global Chief Information Officer
Dan Draper
Group Chief Underwriting Officer
Simon Williams
Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International
and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955
Jane Dixon is a dedicated educator with a strong focus on student wellbeing and inclusivity. As a mother of four, she brings both a deep love for children and extensive hands-on experience in supporting their growth. Dixon is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and fostering a culture of belonging. She is a strong advocate for the IB inquiry-based approach at St. Columba’s, believing that preparing students for the future requires critical and creative thinkers. In her leadership role, Dixon values collaboration with her team to nurture empowered students who are curious, confident, and eager to learn.
Senior Team Leader
Jane Dixon
Keith Schlosser is global chief information officer at AXIS Capital, where he leads the company’s global information technology and data strategy. He is also responsible for driving change throughout the organisation by delivering high-quality, future-oriented IT services in line with AXIS Capital’s business strategy. Schlosser has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, spanning roles in information technology, business solutions, marketing and sales. Prior to AXIS, he served as chief information officer for Chubb’s Overseas General Insurance division, where he spearheaded a number of growth, innovation, digital and change initiatives. Before that, he served as CIO at The Travelers Companies international division. Schlosser was also a vice president for marketing technology and web communications at AIG.
Global Chief Information Officer
Keith Schlosser
Dan Draper was appointed group chief underwriting officer in September 2022. He had previously served for more than two years as group head of underwriting at AXIS. Prior to that, he had been group chief risk and actuarial officer at VIBE. Before joining VIBE, Draper spent eight years with AXIS, holding a number of leadership roles that included group chief actuary, chief risk analytics officer, and insurance segment chief risk officer. Before that, he held managerial positions at the Financial Services Authority, XL Capital, and EY.
Group Chief Underwriting Officer
Dan Draper
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
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ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
SPECIAL REPORT
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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
Rachael Bulcock, STEM leader, says, “The integration of our comprehensive STEM program with our sustainability and student empowerment initiatives exemplifies St Columba’s commitment to innovation.
“One area where we have innovated that often goes unrecognised is our local environmental achievements. This accolade signifies not only our commitment to reducing resource use and achieving cost savings but also our integration of sustainability into the curriculum and our active sharing of sustainability practices with the broader community.”
Inclusivity is also at the core of the school’s mission – that every student feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their neurodiversity, cultural, religious, linguistic or socioeconomic backgrounds. Student voice and agency are valued, demonstrated through the active Student Representative Council, fostering compassion, empathy and active participation among students while also strengthening their connection to the school.
This chimes with St Columba’s strategy for expanded STEM participation.
Bulcock says, “We recognise the importance of encouraging girls to engage in and lead STEM activities, and we are committed to creating opportunities that empower all students to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Comprehensive STEM program
innovative curriculum includes teaching of coding, robotics and 3D printing, equipping students with essential skills for the future. This program not only enhances their technical abilities but fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sustainability and student empowerment
Eco Warriors program empowers students to apply for roles, participate in regular meetings and address the school’s environmental needs. Through hands-on activities like growing and harvesting produce for sale within the school community, students gain financial independence and a strong sense of environmental stewardship, positioning them as proactive agents of change.
Energy Savers program promotes sustainable practices and global awareness. Students monitor energy usage, implement energy-saving measures and educate peers about conservation, enhancing sustainability and fostering a collaborative spirit.
Loose Parts Collection and Resource Shop encourages creativity and resourcefulness, as students collect and repurpose loose parts for projects.
Integration with curriculum
sustainability initiatives integrate with the curriculum, particularly through the school’s Global Citizenship curriculum and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects, enhancing students' understanding of global challenges and their roles as responsible global citizens.
Community engagement
outreach and community service projects strengthen ties with the local community, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among students. These efforts have helped build a supportive and collaborative environment.