Primary - St Columba's School

Welcome to St Columba's Primary School

Grade 1

Turning 7 years old

Grade 2

Turning 8 years old

Grade 3

Turning 9 years old

Grade 4

Turning 10 years old

Grade 5

Turning 11 years old

Grade 6

Turning 12 years old

Grade 7

Turning 13 years old

St Columba’s Primary School is centered around helping your child develop their potential in whatever sphere it may reside. Our highly trained and exceptionally experienced education team works in partnership with your child, and you as their parents and, where required, a team of education and child specialists to ensure your child receives the best possible education while developing sporting, culture and social skills.

A Passion for Christian Education Since 1909

St Columba’s has been providing primary schoolchildren with a quality, cohesive and holistic Catholic education since 1909. Our ethos of Veritas (meaning Truth) guides each decision we make with regards to education, sport, culture and social activities. With deep Christian education roots, St Columba’s provides a safe, child-centric environment in which your child can develop his or her potential.

The St Columba’s Primary school education team is an enthusiastic, experienced and passionate powerhouse of highly trained and experienced educators. We believe in empowering each student to find and hone their individual strengths while working together to improve areas that may be a challenge.

Junior Primary

With an exciting array of sport, culture, social and religious activities planned for each week, our Junior Primary students benefit from a fulfilling and exciting CAPS led curriculum that builds key knowledge and academic skills necessary for a successful Senior Primary experience.

Wide Range Of Teaching Tools

Building a child’s confidence in critical literacies such as language and number literacy is the cornerstone of the work we do. Teachers incorporate a wide range of teaching tools including interactive white boards, class room activities and outdoor activities to help children gain perspective and self-belief in their own abilities.

Children Experience Integrated Technology

Integrating technology meaningfully into our syllabus means children in the Junior Primary phase at St Columba’s have experience with a variety of computer programs including KID PIX, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Specific Technology lessons are taught through the use of LEGO kits, making the lesson content interesting, practical and relatable.

St Columba's is a Catholic School

As St Columba’s is a Catholic school, students attend Mass weekly, with each class having an opportunity to prepare the Mass. Catholic children in Grade 4 are prepared for their First Holy Communion which takes place at the end of their Grade 4 year.

We have An Extensive Curriculum

Participation in sporting and cultural activities are highly encouraged at St Columba's.
Extra murals include athletics (track and field), cricket, football (boys and girls), netball, tennis, swimming, chess, choir and drama.
We also offer Elective activities, at an additional cost, such as arts and crafts, cooking and baking, guitar, padel (Grades 4-7), pottery, tag rugby and young engineers robotics (Grades 1-3).

Find out more about:

Our Sports Program Our Culture Program

In a world where children must cope with a range of pressures empowering your child with resilience is a key objective at St Columba’s. The personal growth and confidence of every student is paramount to the St Columba’s Senior Primary curriculum. Students are exposed to a variety of exciting experiences which provide a holistic education as we work to develop well-rounded scholars.

Senior Primary

Senior Primary at St Columba’s are the years in which our extensively experienced team of teachers strive to develop each child’s academic, sporting and cultural aptitudes in a nurturing and caring environment.

CAPS Based Academic Curriculum

In the Senior Primary, the pupils learn study skills and how to apply and extend the skills they have mastered. The CAPS based academic curriculum includes English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Natural Science, Geography and History. Subjects like Art, isiZulu, Religious Education, Physical Education, Drama, Music, Computers and Business Education (for Grade 7).

Developing For High School

Key to everything we do at St Columba’s Primary is the preparation of students for high school. We believe that skills development combined with positive education experiences results in a confident child who is ready to take on the rigorous of high school.

Culture and Discipline

The St Columba’s Primary School culture is an empowering space where children are supported as they work towards goals and develop skills and understanding. Each teacher is guided by our Christian ethos as they work with your child through the challenges of primary school development.

In terms of discipline, our philosophy is always restorative correction in which the relationship with the child and the child’s dignity is upheld at all times. Should there be a corrective incident, our team will discuss the circumstances with you so that you are aware of your child’s behaviour and the steps taken with your child.
In addition, the St Columba’s onsite psychologist is available to support our teaching staff with complex child behaviours as well as to support your child should there be a need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is your school day?

Junior Primary: Monday - Thursday 07h15 - 13h30.
Senior Primary: Monday - Thursday 07h15 - 14h00
Friday: School closes at 13h30 for all children.

Is there an aftercare facility?

Yes, our aftercare facility provides a warm and fun environment for your child to relax in and includes supervised homework.

What time must children be dropped off?

Children can be dropped off from 07h00, with the day officially starting at 07h15.

How many children are in each class?

The student to teacher ratio at St Columba’s is within 18 to 24 students per teacher. This enables us to engage with your child on a one-on-one basis while allowing for quality classroom dynamics.

What do the school fees include?

Primary school fees include stationery, art supplies, books, sport, cultural, some social events, eye, occupational and speech screening.

Are child assessments included in the school fees?

Yes, the following assessments are included in the school fees:
- Eye screening
- Educational assessments

Are extra mural activities available?

Yes, over and above the complimentary sport and culture activities, a range of elective activities are available at an additional fee.

Does my child need to be assessed before joining the St Columba’s Primary School?

St Columba’s does a screening assessment on all students applying to join our Primary school. This enables our team to assess your child’s academic and emotional maturity so that we can bridge any gaps should your child be invited to join St Columba’s Primary.

Do I need to re-apply to St Columba’s for Grade 8?

Yes, you will need to complete an enrolment application for your child to attend St Columba’s High School. Kindly note that there is no admission fee for Grade 8 if your child is enrolled at St Columba’s Primary School.

What are the term dates

St Columba’s follows a 3-term school diary. The dates for 2026 are as follows:
Term 1:
Start Wednesday, 14 January. Close Thursday, 2 April.
Closed for Mid-term Break: Thursday. 19 February - Monday, 23 February
Term 2:
Start Monday, 4 May. Close Friday, 7 August.
Closed for Mid-term Break: Monday, 29 June - Friday, 3 July
Term 3:
Start Monday, 7 September. Close Wednesday, 2 December.
Closed for Mid-term Break: Friday, 23 October - Monday, 26 October