From the Principal

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

We commenced our final day of the year with a beautiful liturgy prepared by Mrs Palermo and celebrated by Fr Peter. This liturgy is not just a celebration of the culmination of this year, but also an acknowledgement of the special time of Advent. As we celebrate the Advent season, we are reminded that it is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

 

The end of any school year brings sadness too, as we farewell much loved staff and students who move onto other schools or pastures. I would like to make special mention of the following staff who have served our community over many years;

 

Mrs Penny Mulley

After 7 years as our Head of the English & LOTE Learning Area Mrs Mulley moves to Mater Dei College to take a similar role. We congratulate Mrs Mulley on this appointment and thank her for her dedication to our students and staff.

 

Ms Susan Teo

Ms Teo has been teaching at St Norbert College for 9 years in the Mathematics Learning Area, moving next year to Fremantle Christian College. We are most appreciative of Ms Teo’s efforts and wish her well in this new chapter.

 

Mr Brad Collins

Mr Collins first worked on a short term contract at St Norbert College in October of 2010 and now, a little over 10 years later, we congratulate Mr Collins on a well-deserved move into semi-retirement. Our students take away many fond memories of their time with you, most notably in the homeroom and the metals workshop.

 

Dr Alberto Runco

Since 2016 Dr Runco has held the roles of teacher and Head of the HASS Learning Area, and has shown great passion in the area of civics and citizenship. We congratulate Dr Runco on being appointed to the role of Head of House at John Paul College in Kalgoorlie and wish him well in the future.

 

Miss Laura Alban

Miss Alban has been an outstanding and dedicated member of our Arts Learning Area for 4 years, most notably as our Dance Specialist. In 2021, Miss Alban commences a role as a Head of House at St Luke’s College in Karratha. Our loss is St Luke’s College’s gain. We acknowledge and thank Miss Alban for her energy, kindness and commitment towards our staff and students.

 

Miss Karis Hughes

We were delighted to be able to welcome Miss Hughes back to St Norbert College in 2020, following her two years of international travel. Sadly though, it is time to again bid her farewell, as she moves to an ongoing teaching position in the Health & PE department at Corpus Christi College. Thank you Miss Hughes for your energy, enthusiasm and professionalism over the four years of service to our community.

 

Ms Celeste Haji-Ali

Ms Haji-Ali has spent one day per week over the past two years with us as part of the CEWA Teacher Cadetship program. In 2021, Ms Haji-Ali will be transferring her university studies to primary education and so will take up a cadetship in a primary school. Community members recall that Ms Haji-Ali designed and created our beautiful Aboriginal cross, leaving a lasting legacy for us all for which we are forever grateful.

 

I would also like to acknowledge Ms Vicki Paterson (English), Mrs Donna Bunyan (Science) and Miss Georgette Alliss (English) who all embark on a year of leave in 2021. We also farewell Ms Anna Garton (English) for a short time, as she is spending Term 1 serving the St Clare’s School community in Lathlain as an English teacher.

 

It is important to also acknowledge those students and families who finish their time at St Norbert College and move to other schools and endeavours. We thank you for your contributions to our College and hope that the memories gained and the friendships shared will be with you throughout your life ahead.

 

I would like to thank all in our community for your efforts in making 2020 another successful year, given the ever-present challenges and unchartered waters we have had to navigate. It takes a special group of people, a community, to overcome the adversity that 2020 has provided and St Norbert College is a very special community indeed.

 

This time of the year is one of joy, wonder and happiness for Christians the world over. From the moment of Mary’s Immaculate Conception to the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the challenges and barriers that we inevitably have to meet in our lives. More importantly, we reflect that God’s love for us is our strength in overcoming these obstacles.

 

I would like to wish all of our students, staff and families, the blessings of a happy and holy Christmas and a safe return in 2021. May God’s blessings of peace and love characterise your festive season.

 

 “May you have the spirit of Christmas which is PEACE,

The gladness of Christmas which is HOPE,

And the heart of Christmas which is LOVE...

 

                                                                                                                               God Bless,

Mr S Harvey (Principal)