From the Principal
Presentation Night
We had the unique experience of celebrating the talents and gifts of our community at a Presentation Night on the College grounds on Wednesday 29 October. This is the first time back in the College since 1978 when the first Presentation Night was held in the Perth Concert Hall, which is currently undergoing two years of renovations. Unfortunately alternative venues could not accommodate our required dates so what better venue than our own campus. A liturgy fitting of our 60th Anniversary, opened the evening, tracing the story of St Norbert and the connection of significant places with our Houses. The wonderful Year 7 Massed Choir singing ‘Counting Stars’ sparkled as the prelude to the showcase of academic achievements, leadership, service and talents. An evening of this magnitude requires countless hours of preparation, more so when onsite, and I particularly thank Mr Paul Murphy who co-ordinated the night, Mrs Karen Cassidy, Mrs Kathryn Crocker, Mr Luke Di Labio, Mr Craig Mecham for managing the evening and entertainment, Mrs Colette Miranda for the logistics, Mrs Angela Hughes for the programs, Mr Jan Malski for the photography and visual presentations, and to all other staff who fulfilled duties that contributed to the evening - THANK YOU.
I congratulate all the award winners, leaders for 2026, entertainers and especially our MCs - Ann Bajiu and Jakob Kago.
Congratulations to Mr Luke Di Labio, our amazing Director of Music who was the worthy recipient of the Br Patrick Doolan Award for 2025. Congratulations also to Ms Margaret Kyd for her 30 years of service to Catholic Education WA.
Graduation and Farewell to the Class of 2025
Over the last two weeks, we celebrated and farewelled the students from the Class of 2025. The students were first farewelled in their Houses, then by the whole College in an assembly, but the highlight of events was the celebration of mass followed by the Graduation ceremony and supper with families. At the Year 12 Farewell Assembly, I left the Class of 2025 with two reminders on how to live their lives:
From the College’s first CODE OF BEHAVIOUR HANDBOOK for STUDENTS-
“Love, respect and obey your parents. Do what they tell you, and do it cheerfully, quickly and well”.
From a wonderful Australian hero, a Salesian Priest, Fr Chris Riley who passed away this year, aged 70. He established a charity in Sydney in 1991, called Youth Off the Streets, with a single food van that provided meals for the homeless.
He said-
“When you die, the things you did for yourself die with you…but the things you do for others live on!”
I am confident that they will be outstanding ambassadors for our College and they will always be welcomed back.
I would like to acknowledge the contributions of so many to the warmth, spirit and generosity that we enjoyed when celebrating our Class of 2025. The dedication, hard work and service of our Pastoral Care Team, in particular Miss Carrol Abel, Mr Aaron D’Souza and Mr Patrick Ah Fong, Ms Cecilia Loh, Mrs Colette Miranda and our Graduation Committee of students and staff. Thank you to Mrs Karen Gonsalves and Mrs Anna Garton for the co-ordination of the supper. We are very grateful to Fr Peter, Fr John, Mrs Jenny Palermo, Ms Margaret Kyd and Mr Luke Di Labio who always orchestrate such a lovely Eucharistic celebration.
The end of the school year is looming. I encourage students to prepare for the impending assessments ahead. Set goals, plan and use your time wisely to ensure that your reports reflect your best efforts.
I conclude this newsletter article just before I leave for two weeks of Long Service Leave. I will return refreshed and ready for the many events to conclude the school year.
God bless
Ms S Rainford
(Principal)