St Columba's College

The first secondary school founded by the Sisters of Charity in Victoria followed the commencement in 1896 of St Monica's primary school on Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. In 1897, the convent was established at 139 Buckley Street Essendon, and a secondary school, St Columba's College (www.columba.vic.edu.au), was blessed and opened in one of the convent rooms. Once again, Mother Ursula Bruton was the founding Principal of what soon became a very fine College, with a reputation for academic excellence, and the dramatic and musical arts. Until 2000, the sisters maintained the Principalship of St Columba's when the first lay Principal, Ms Julie Ryan, was appointed. There are still two sisters involved in the College, assisting in administrative and support roles.