Our History

St Columba of Iona was an Irishman who converted Scotland to Christianity in the sixth century. He was born in Donegal Ireland, in 521 C.E. into a noble family. At an early age he entered the monastery and later became Abbot. In 563, together with a group of twelve disciples he landed on the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland and founded a monastery.

His life was filled with extraordinary mission activity and as an accomplished sailor, he was able to sail among the many islands converting inhabitants and founding churches. Iona became the site of a Benedictine Abbey and of a little
cathedral. Scottish reformers dismantled these in 1561.

Columba died in 597. He was widely loved for his wisdom and prayerful life. Today, there is a growing revival in Celtic spirituality and Iona has once again become a centre for pilgrimages and spirituality.

The life of our school began in 1957 when Monsignor Redden opened St Columba’s Memorial School. At that time both day and boarding school students were enrolled under the care of the Sisters of St Joseph.

Over the years renovations and additions have updated the school’s faculties. A significant milestone was marked in 1994 when the Sisters vacated the Convent building to provide more space for the school’s needs.

In 2002 the Sisters of St Joseph left Yorketown for other ministries and the first lay principal was appointed. Each year the memory of the founding sisters is honoured with the conferring of a student citizenship award, named after Sr
Pamela Patterson, a much loved contributor to the school in the early years.

In 2021 we will see the launch of the biggest development in St Columba's history as we reinvigorate the facilities of all classrooms. 

By the mid point of 2022 - this work will be complete at St Columba's will be able to offer an exemplary standard of education, in the most modern facilities in Country South Australia.