House Colour: Yellow
Feast day: 9th June

Columba was a Celtic monk and missionary, born in Donegal, Ireland. He was educated at the monastic school of Movie under St Finnian. In 560 a dispute arose over a copy Columba had made of St. Finnian’s book of psalms, resulting in Columba’s instigation of a rebellion by the Clan Neill against King Diarmait of Ireland. This culminated in the Battle of Cooldrevny in 561, at which three thousand men were killed. As penance, and with the support of 12 companions, he founded a monastery on the island of Iona, hoping to convert as many men as had died at Cooldrevny, specifically converting the Scots and Picts. After many conversions, and becoming a famous councillor to many kings, the monastery at Iona became Columba’s final resting place in 597. Pilgrimage to Iona increased; kings wished to be buried near to Columba. At it’s peak, Iona produced the ‘Book of Kells’ a beautiful medieval manuscript of the four new testament gospels, and one of Irelands greatest national treasures.

Columba House History:
2021/22 – 6th Place
2020/21 – 4th Place
2019/20 – 5th Place
2018/19 – 3rd Place
2017/18 – 4th Place
2016/17 – 6th Place
2015/16 – 2nd Place
2014/15 – 2nd Place
2013/14 – 1st Place
2012/13 – 4th Place

Head of House: Mr Pritchard

In the words of a famous philosopher: “Do or Do Not….there is no try…..” 

 Since I joined this school as a teacher in 2001, I have been a form tutor within four different Houses: Augustine, Becket, Columba and Dunstan. Since its inception in the late noughties, the revamped House System has gone from strength to strength at Richard Challoner School, to the point where it is now integrally woven into the conscious fabric of school life.

Every academic year since* I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting/getting involved in the incredible range of House-related events on offer to students, including; The Big Draw, Drama, Music, Masses, Swimming Gala, Tug-of-War, National Book Week competition and the Tennis event (which I both arrange and coordinate). It has proven to be both a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in this aspect of school life, offering enthusiastic encouragement to members of my form/House where I can. *(except 2015/16, when I was on sabbatical!),

When I was given the opportunity to take on the role of Head of Columba House in 2017, I was excited about the prospect of being involved in its continuing development and the very high standards I believe we can achieve within Columba House (and are already well on the road to building). All within the framework of the school’s nurturing Catholic ethos and ideas of Stewardship and Fraternity, which bolster our collective strength.

“O Lord, grant us that love which can never die, which will enkindle our lamps but not extinguish them, so that they may shine in us and bring light to others. Most dear Saviour, enkindle our lamps that they may shine forever in your temple. May we receive unquenchable light from you so that our darkness will be illuminated and the darkness of the world will be made less. Amen. “

–Saint Columba

 Go Columba!

House Captain: Finn

I am delighted to have been chosen as the House Captain for Columba. The house competition has been a big part of my experience at the school, creating lifelong memories and experiences from the wide range of house events that I have participated in. Having been a part of Columba since year 7, I am very proud and excited to be able to now help the younger years gain as much from the competition as possible, and hopefully help them to win!

Over the past few years, Columba has had varying results in the competition, with it being 8 years since we last won. I aspire to change that this year and help Columba triumph in as many events as possible. Teamwork is a crucial part of success and so participation and commitment from everyone in Columba, no matter your skills or ability, will benefit you and the house. From experience, I truly believe the more you put into the house events, the more you gain from it.

I am really looking forward to working with all the students and staff in Columba to help our house succeed, whilst having as much fun as possible.

Go Columba!