From the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College,
It would be a typical end of Term 3 reflection and newsletter article to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of staff and students alike, in the big events that normally occur at this time of the year – the Kimberley Immersion, the ACC Athletics Carnival, the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and our very own Creative Arts Exhibition immediately spring to mind, but there are a range of other special achievements that I am proud to share with our community.
We were heartened to again celebrate the safe return of our Kimberley Immersion team from Kununurra last week, another opportunity for members of our community to share their time, talents and treasures with those in remote locations. This year our students were accompanied by Ms Margaret Kyd and Mr Matt Price, along with Mrs Andrea Lewis from St Joseph’s next door. The team worked in a 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 staff and students worked alongside, with and for others.
Last Thursday, our ACC Athletics Team participated in the B-Division carnival at WA Athletics Stadium and while the results were not quite to the standard that we have come to expect, all of our staff and many of our athletes can be very proud of their efforts in training, preparation and performance on the day. A special acknowledgement too to our Year 11 Certificate II Community Service students who hosted the recent ACC Inclusive Athletics carnival for students with disabilities - they were fabulous.
It was wonderful to hear of the success of a range of our staff and student teams who have been nominated for awards in various competitions across the educational sectors in Western Australia. These achievements include:
- Tournament of Minds 2020 Super Challenge: Congratulations to two of our three teams, The Mineralists and Medical Masters, who received an Honours and a Distinction respectively. Special congratulations to Mrs Lyndsey Cardenia, our Academic Excellence Coordinator, for her motivation and management of our teams.
- The Perth Archdiocese Safeguarding Competition: Year 9 students Rebecca Attwood and Mary Carter (pictured below) designed, produced and starred in a very informative and engaging video promoting children’s safety and wellbeing, both now and in the future. The video was so popular, it was awarded first prize at a ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral recently. View the video (which features fellow St Norbert College students, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLvRFrZqiqI&feature=youtu.be
Congratulations to our Health and Physical Education staff who were acknowledged for their innovative work in the community section of the CEWA QCE Awards for 2020.
- Mr Ryan Godfrey and Mr Matt Price masterminded our SNC Virtual Cross-Country program in which more than 200 registered runners of staff and students participated to complete a combined total distance of 4,784km. Year 7 Jack Mallabone ran 476.5km with Ethan Powe from Year 8 amassing 474.5km. The concept was adopted by the team at the ACC as a way of students still being able to compete in the 2020 ACC Cross-Country during the pandemic.
- Miss Katelyn Isard was nominated for her response to the alarmingly low levels of physical activity amongst young Australians, particularly females. “The be-YOU-tiful Project” was introduced and 46 girls signed up for the pilot program with approximately 20 girls attending the different boxing, pilates, strength and condition, circuits and cooking sessions over six weeks.
I recently wrote to all families highlighting the challenges we are facing in hosting our annual events such as the College Presentation Night and the changes required for the much anticipated, Year 12 Graduation. I remind parents and carers to read the communications sent regarding these events. Details can be accessed through the COVID-19 link on our College website. Please also see the important messages below regarding the Br Patrick medal and the Fr Peter O’Reilly scholarships.
At this time of year, we also face the sad reality that some of our much loved staff will move to different places in 2021, including some staff who have been with us for a number of years;
- Mr Brad Collins moves into semi-retirement after 10 years at St Norbert College.
- Dr Alberto Runco is moving to a Head of House position at John Paul College in Kalgoorlie, after five years.
- Mrs Michelle Calogero-Ronchi will be finishing early in Term 4 to welcome her first child and embarking on parental leave.
- Mrs Penny Mulley has accepted a position as the Head of English at Mater Dei College after seven valuable years with us.
We will take the appropriate opportunities at the end of the year, to farewell these and other wonderful servants to our community.
As you can read, whilst the pandemic has slowed many things, it has not affected the activity levels of our staff and students – we should be very proud, but most importantly, very grateful for those blessings.
In closing, I would like to wish all those able, a safe healthy and relaxing holiday break.
God Bless
Mr S Harvey (Principal)
College Presentation Night – Br Patrick Doolan O Praem Award
One of the awards presented at the College Presentation Night 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. We 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, 16 October 2020. Details are available from Student Reception or by clicking on this link to the College website https://www.norbert.wa.edu.au/br-patrick-doolan-o-praem-award.
Fr Peter O’Reilly Scholarship
A reminder to all of our Year 10 families that applications are open for the Fr Peter O’Reilly Scholarship, a needs-based scholarship available to Year 10 students enrolled at the College and covers 100 per cent of tuition fees for Years 11 and 12. Applications opened on Friday 21st August and close on Friday 16 October 2020. Details are available from Student Reception or by clicking on this link to the College website