St Columba's is a multi-age school, with over 280 students split into 12 learning groups situated in North Ballarat in regional Victoria. We are a Catholic parish primary school with a vision and mission very much developed around the charism of St Columba; of having faith and being unafraid to journey into the unknown. The original school was built in 1911 by the Sisters of Mercy and has been added to over the years. Recent building projects have resulted in a new hall and classroom block with plans in progress for the building of a new library/ICT wing. In 2011 the school will celebrate the centenary of its foundation. Here at St Columba's our vision statement calls us to 'Welcome the deep peace of a friendly and safe community'. The strength of any community is to be found in its relationships and the daily interactions that take place within it. To work towards a friendly and safe community is our goal. The school has recently joined the local Sustainability Network, has established a kitchen garden and is working toward our first AuSSI star.