From the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College,
“Community is easy to see when you look around St Norbert College”
This statement formed part of the introduction at our recent College assembly delivered by the MC, Lorenzo Donatelli, pictured right, with the assembly focusing on the College value of Community. It captures very simply, the strength of our College, evident in all that we do and something that we are regularly acknowledged for.
The greatest display of our College value of Community occurs each year at the annual College Community Mass, this year held on Sunday 23 February. This special Mass is always a wonderful occasion for all in our community to gather in prayer to ask for God’s blessings on our school year. I would like to share my thanks to Fr Peter and the Norbertines, Miss Margaret Kyd, Mrs Penny Mulley, Mr Chadwick Beins and the many other staff, students and families who assisted with the organisation and celebration of this special occasion.
Our annual Open Day was held on Friday 6 March and the message shared by Ms Rainford to the many assembled for the tours was not to look so much at the buildings and facilities, but to listen and feel for the sense of who we are and what we hold most dear at our College; our sense of Community. I thank all staff and the wonderful students who contributed so much to others on this day.
The City of Canning recently conducted a community walk through Queens Park and invited our Gifted and Talented students, under the supervision of Mrs Lyndsey Cardenia, along with a number of students from St Joseph’s to participate. The City of Canning were delighted with the level of discussion and some of the great ideas that our students presented in an effort to support community led initiatives that activate the Queens Park community. I thank Mrs Cardenia and the students for being wonderful representatives of our College.
On Wednesday 18 March, we gather as a community to celebrate Harmony Day, a wonderful reminder of our beautiful community how, irrespective of our heritage and ethnicity, skin colour, background and origin, we at St Norbert College are of one mind and one heart. While the current concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus have forced a cancellation of the food stalls this year, the day will still be a wonderful celebration of the amazing stories of heritage and ethnicity of our peers, friends, colleagues and fellow community members.
I would like to acknowledge the work of our Parent Committee who meet twice per term during the year to consider and plan events that build Community within our College. A number of parents would be aware and have enjoyed terrific events such as the "Celebrating Mums" and "Celebrating our Dads" breakfasts. The Committee also takes the time to consider and then plan parent seminars on topics most relevant to our students and, by virtue, the parents who care for them. Notably in recent times, we have had drug and alcohol messages, the impact and management of social media, risk taking behaviour and the support available when grappling with anxiety and depression. On Tuesday night this week our Dean of Studies Mr Rod Dowling presented a session titled the Strategies for Success – Building foundations in and through school to achieve goals in life. I thank Mr Dowling and commend to you a summary of his presentation as part of his Dean of Studies report in this newsletter.
The College continues to keep our community updated with the developing matters of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as shared by the Department of Health and Catholic Education WA. Our aim is to approach matters in a calm and considered manner, replying on the guidance of the experts and the support of our families and community. Please note the attachment below regarding COVID-19, also sent directly to parents/carers.
And as we approach the end of this school week and await further challenges ahead, please reflect on this message from Matthew’s Gospel, which so eloquently captures the essence of community;
“For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18: 20)
God bless.
Mr S Harvey (Principal)
COVID-19: Letter to Parents
Parents/carers are asked to read this important communication regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).