From the Principal
Pentecost
Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost which marks 50 days after Easter and is known as the “birthday of the church”. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other early followers of Jesus empowering them to spread the gospel. The sacrament of confirmation is celebrated in many parishes during this time, including St Joseph’s Parish Church. I congratulate the many children who received the sacrament on the weekend, some even chose the name Norbert!
Archbishop Costelloe, in his homily on the weekend, emphasised “that God’s presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are not limited to the walls of a church building, but are alive and active in all areas of daily life” and we need to “become an active presence of Christ, bringing peace and forgiveness.” A great message to live by.
Christian Service
Ever wondered what staff do on Pupil Free days?
On Friday, 15 May all staff from St Norbert College and St Joseph’s School, went out to the community to complete Christian service hours. Our College Mission Prayer cites ‘our common ideals, worship and service’. It was our opportunity to learn about organisations fulfilling the needs in our community with the aim of continuing to assist them.
Staff returned to the College to share and reflect on our service and we concluded the day with a liturgy. Personally, I was grateful to take time away from the busyness of school and to be able to spend time with people in the community who ‘do good works’ everyday.
The places of service included Sister Kate’s, Belen at L’Arche Community, Br Ollie’s Wheelchairs for Kids, the Emmaus Community, Chorus, Fostering Hope, The Haven, Vinnies, Salvos, Kora, Servite Sisters, Sercul, Street Friends Harold Hawthorne and Shopfront. Please take the time to look up some of these places to see the wonderful work done and perhaps you may be able to assist too. I will also get the privilege to deliver beanies made by staff to King Edward Memorial Hospital’s NICU.
Thank you to all staff who participated in the service and to Ms Margaret Kyd and Mrs Jenny Palermo for the organisation of the day.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Congratulations to cast and crew involved in the Drama Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The works of William Shakespeare is never easy to perform but our students were outstanding with their delivery of lines.
I acknowledge and thank Ms Cassidy (Producer/Director), Mrs Crocker (Backstage Manager), Mr Di Labio (Sound Operator), Mr Mecham (Set Designer), Ms Harvey (Arts Assistant), Ms Firth, Miss Gray, Mrs Palermo, Miss Anderson (Hair, Make Up, Costumes), Miss Pyne (Set Assistance), Mrs Allard, Ms Kyd (Front of House & refreshments) and Mr Newell (Marketing & Photography).
Thanks also to the many staff and parents that supervised or assisted at performances. It was an amazing team effort that commenced last year. The talented cast are to be congratulated for the countless hours of hard work and commitment - THANK YOU! Stay tuned for 2027!
Biggest Morning Tea
Our staff gathered together today to for the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea hosted by the English and Languages Learning Area. It was a wonderful way to join together as a community to raise important funds as we have all be touched by someone who has battled cancer.
Looking Ahead
Please continue to pray for our Year 10-12 students during this examination period.
We are all looking forward to celebrating St Norbert Day on Friday 5 June. All members of the community are invited to join us for Mass at 9:30am in the Fr Peter O’Reilly Centre. Please be seated by 9:15am.
This will be my last newsletter for some time as I embark on Long Service Leave from Monday 8 June until Friday 31 July. Mr Murphy will be in the position of Principal and Mr D’Souza will fulfil his role as Deputy Principal (Years 9 &12) during my absence.
We welcome back Miss Abel on 8 June as she returns from her Long Service Leave.
Thank you and God bless.
Ms S Rainford
Principal