Meet the Principal

Welcome to St Columba’s Primary School - An IB World School in the heart of Elwood.

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to our school community. As you explore our website, I hope you begin to get a true sense of who we are at St Columba’s - a place where learning is purposeful, relationships are genuine, and every child is known, valued, and nurtured.

We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, committed to developing internationally minded, compassionate and resilient learners. We focus on the whole child - academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually - within a nurturing, inclusive environment.

First and foremost, it’s our close-knit, family feel that captures the hearts of those who walk through our doors. Visitors often comment on the warmth and welcome they experience immediately, and that authentic, caring culture extends far beyond the classroom and into our wider community.

I have had the privilege of leading St Columba’s for the past ten years. During this time, we have grown together - strengthening our commitment to personalised learning, fostering innovation, and embracing sustainable practices. Our school continues to evolve with purpose and clarity, always guided by our shared vision and values.

In 2024, we were recognised nationally with The Educator’s 5-Star Innovative Schools Award, celebrating our work in sustainability, student agency, and future- focused learning. This is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners - and in the world around us.

At St Columba’s, we have a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, with targeted, evidence-informed teaching that meets students where they are. We empower students to inquire, explore, and take ownership of their learning, cultivating curiosity and creativity along the way.

Our vibrant specialist programs include Mandarin, STEAM, The Arts, and Physical Education, complemented by a strong focus on student wellbeing and social-emotional learning. We also offer an exceptional Before and After School Care program, designed to extend the same high-quality care and connection our students experience during the school day.

Guided by our Catholic identity and Gospel values, we place emphasis on:

• Community and empathy for others
• Respect for diversity and inclusivity
• Purposeful and enriching learning experiences
• Wholistic wellbeing - physical, emotional, social, and spiritual

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. We hope this website provides a glimpse into the unique spirit and strengths of St Columba’s. More than anything, I encourage you to come and experience it for yourself.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a personal tour, I’d love to meet you. Please feel free to contact me directly - I’m only a phone call away, (03 9531 6560) and my door is always open.

Daniella Maddalena 
Principal
St Columba’s Primary School, Elwood