From the Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College,

“With my people, I feel an obligation to be a preacher of hope, a hope that does not come from military power or from the possibility of diplomacy — we don’t have those hopes yet — but a hope that comes from faith.” 

_ Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, Ukraine.

I read this amazing quote from the Archbishop of Kyiv-Halych in addressing his community. I think it speaks beautifully and centrally of the importance of the Easter message:  “. . . a  hope that comes from faith”.

Our faith tells us that Jesus died from this human life on Good Friday and rose again on Easter Sunday. We are people of hope and the Easter story is the greatest example that, even in the darkest of times, we have hope for a brighter future. It is this mindset, prayer and gift of hope that the Archbishop wants for the people of Ukraine.

As the Easter season is upon us, it is important to share in the spirit of such a sacred time. I shared with our students and staff at our final College assembly on Wednesday that we are Easter people and the death and resurrection of our Lord, is a reminder of the great message and example of a hope-filled life.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continued this term to overcome obstacles and challenges presented mostly by the pandemic and seemingly ever-changing guidelines and restrictions. I feel as though, as a College, we have dealt decisively and appropriately where required. As a Christian community in the Norbertine tradition, let us continue to be present and supportive of all members of our community now and into the future.

On this special and sacred liturgical season, I pray for all in our College community, that the upcoming Easter break is a holy, happy and healthy one. 

God bless.

Mr S Harvey 

(Principal)

Staff Farewells and Long-Service Leave

Sadly at the end of each term, we farewell staff who have served our students and community with dedication and commitment. At this time, we are sad to be farewelling the following staff:

Mr Tony Godden

Mr Godden joined our staff in 2015 as our Japanese Language teacher, but most recently has been planning and working towards a return to the eastern states to be closer to family and friends. We congratulate Mr Godden on his appointment as a teacher of Japanese, English and EALD in Canberra, where he completed his university degrees and received his first teaching position 42 years ago. He will be missed by all staff and we are appreciative of the impact Mr Godden has had on the Japanese Language program here.

Ms Jennifer Kingston-Gregory

Ms Kingston-Gregory joined us on very short notice at the beginning of the year in our English learning area and we are so thankful for her energy, enthusiasm and expertise. We wish Ms Kingston-Gregory good health and happiness in the future.

Ms Amanda Marsh

Ms Marsh is embarking on Long-Service Leave for Terms 2 and 3, with an expected return later in Term 4. We wish her safe travels and good health during her leave.

Ms Tania Harvey

Ms Harvey’s role at the College sees a pivotal change as she moves from the Student Services, a role she has held for 15 years, to the position of Arts Assistant in the Xanten Performing Arts Centre. Ms Harvey has often been referred to as the “school mum to  900 students” and whilst we will miss her vibrant, bubbly and caring personality in the College Administration, we look forward to her continued wonderful contributions to our College in this new capacity.  

(See an interview with Ms Harvey on the Staff in Focus page of today's newsletter)