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:
2023/24 – 4th Place
2022/23 – 3rd Place
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: Miss Keely

I am delighted to have been appointed head of house for Columba and it is a real privilege to be a part of such an enthusiastic and talented team. I have some huge shoes to fill following on from Mr Leach and Mr Pritchard but I am so excited to see the students showcase their talents in the wide variety of house events we offer at Richard Challoner School. Having been a year 7 form tutor for a few years now, I have witnessed firsthand how the house events can help students feel like a ‘Challoner boy’ straight away, taking Mr Maher’s advice of ‘getting involved’ in all the school has to offer.
 

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” Mother Teresa
 

The beauty of the house system is that there is something for everyone and it is all about drawing together the unique strengths each individual brings to the team. I look forward to seeing the students in Columba House work together to combine their diverse range of skills to achieve something great together!

House Captain: Jakub

The brilliance of the house system is challenging to put into words, but I shall endeavour to convey it here. It serves as a rich tapestry of small and large competitions aiming to foster an environment of friendly competition. It sets aside academic successes (and disappointments) and creates an outlet that allows you to demonstrate (or discover) your talents and passions or, alternatively, your determination, courage, and resilience. It enables you to befriend and collaborate with people you may not speak to often, forming a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that transcends our differences.

In a part of our lives when everything seems to be changing so quickly, and we’re beginning to shape ourselves into the well-rounded young people we aspire to be, few things are better for establishing ourselves, our likes and dislikes, our strengths and weaknesses than plunging ourselves head first into new things (like a house event in some form). This is why I strongly recommend you engage in your house this year, no matter where you are in your Challoner journey. It’s never too late to get involved.

I look forward to working with you this new academic year!