From the Principal

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

OUR beloved Pope Francis, in addressing those present at the World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland in 2016, encouraged young people throughout the world, to focus less on technology and “to download the best link of all… a heart which sees and transmits goodness without growing weary”.

It is a wonderful reminder of our innate ability as human beings to seek and transmit goodness in all that we do and poignant given the world in which we currently live.

The annual Creative Arts Exhibition was again a dazzling display of bright and vibrant pieces of art. It is such a wonderful celebration of the creative talents of our students and the dedication of our staff to support our young people to experience the pride and affirmation of exhibiting their work and to “transmit goodness”. Congratulations to all of our students and our teachers from the Arts and Technologies learning areas.

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival came to a close last week with the final concert at the Perth Concert Hall. We congratulate all of our students who performed with such distinction over the 52 days of the festival. 

Whilst on the theme of the performing arts, I would acknowledge the efforts of our Senior and Junior Drama Clubs who performed following the Opening Night of the Creative Arts Exhibition. Well done to Miss Hilton and all members of the respective clubs. 

The series of practical and creative arts events were capped up with the inaugural SoNiC Music Festival last Sunday and what a terrific way for our senior students to display their musical talents. Congratulations to all staff and students involved, special thanks to Mr Beins and Mr Di Labio for their inspiration and expertise in putting this event together.

The Kimberley Immersion team arrived home safely after spending a serving the community of Kununurra. Students and staff worked in the community kitchen, the Kununurra Aged Care Centre, at St Joseph’s school and with the Sisters of St Joseph’s and the Save the Children charity group. There have been lots of positive comments from members of the Kununurra community, reflecting the wonderful attitude and way that our students have worked alongside, with and for others. Thank you to Miss Kyd, Mr Houwen, Miss MaGee, Miss Bouwen from St Joseph’s and our student team for their efforts in serving the poor and marginalised of Kununurra.

At the end of any term, it is always sad to farewell departing staff, but we extend our thanks for the contributions made by Mrs Geraldine Martin (Aboriginal Teaching Assistant) over the past four years, Miss Daniela Visic (Arts and Technology Teacher – Terms 2 & 3) and Miss Bree Morrin (Pre-service teacher). We wish them well in their future endeavours.

A further reminder of a very important event in Term 4, the College Presentation Night. This year will be the final of the broadcast version, as we move back in 2023 to the face-to-face form at the Perth Concert Hall or similar venue. One of the awards presented each year is the Br Patrick Doolan O.Praem Award. In honour of the memory of Br Patrick Doolan O.Praem, who passed to eternal life in January 2006, a medal carrying his name is presented annually to a member of the College staff who has given outstanding service to the College. I invite parents and students to nominate a staff member whom they believe fits the “outstanding service” criteria. Written nominations should be lodged with Mrs Angela Hughes by Friday 14 October 2022.

I would like to finish by wishing those Year 12 students who will be sitting College examinations in the first week of the holidays, our best wishes; and offering all students and staff a safe, healthy and well deserved school holiday period and renewed energy to face the final term of the academic year.

“The beauty of the universe consists not only of unity in variety, but also of variety in unity” (Umberto Eco)

God bless.

Mr S Harvey

(Principal)