St. Columba's College is a private, all-female Roman Catholic secondary school in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. After taking responsibility for St Monica's School in Moonee Ponds in 1896, Mother Ursula Bruton purchased the property at 139 Buckley Street to provide secondary education for the girls from St Monica's. Mother Ursula was the first Principal and named the school St Columba's. Columba was an Irish saint and a great scholar, who lived in the sixth century. The College motto chosen was Fidelis et Fortis meaning “faithful and strong,” and the shield with its crown and dove reflected the Sisters of Charity's own crest and Columba (Columcille meaning dove). The first classes were held on 13 July 1897 for 47 students. The initial educational program provided a broad and liberal education for young women and in 1900 presented its first candidates for Matriculation. The school has a history of excellence in education and the history books indicate that music, languages and the visual arts have always been central in the curriculum. The seven Houses and their associated colours are: The College enjoys an excellent reputation for its Performing Arts program.