From the Principal

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

“Your witness has more impact than you think. Your words, especially when shared in gentleness and love, plant seeds of the Gospel in people’s hearts. Your actions, especially when done in a spirit of self-giving generosity, stay in people’s memories,” (Five minutes with the Word – Lent 2019).

This is a beautiful phrase from a Lenten reflection that I believe highlights the strength of our words and actions. I spoke at our College assembly earlier this week, reflecting on the College value of 'Community' and the opportunities that we have to celebrate with words and actions, the uniqueness and inclusivity of our College community.

The first of these opportunities occurred today with acknowledgement of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, where we have publicly aimed to promote an anti-bullying message that bullying and violence are never okay. I thank Ms Sarah Gardner and those students and staff who have been so active in the promotion of this very important message. Our College works very hard to encourage positive relationships between students to reduce all forms of bullying, harassment, aggression and violence and to affirm the rights of members of our community to feel safe and to be safe at school. We must always strive to live our College value of 'Friendship' by “extending a friendly welcome to all and demonstrating our genuine care and support for each other”.

On Wednesday March 20, we gather as a community to celebrate Harmony Day, a day where we share in the amazing stories of heritage and ethnicity of our peers, friends, colleagues and fellow community members. Harmony Day - in fact, every day - should be a wonderful reminder to our beautiful community how we at St Norbert College are of one mind and one heart, irrespective of our heritage and ethnicity, skin colour, background and origin.

To finish, I ask you to reflect on and be empowered by, the first line of our College song “Ad Omnia Paratus” which so eloquently captures the essence of our community:

“We are gathered as one body, in the spirit of the Lord.”

God Bless,

Mr S Harvey (Principal)

Cardinal Pell Conviction - Archdiocese of Perth

The news of the conviction and recent sentencing of Cardinal Pell has been deeply distressing for our community, particularly for those whose lives have been impacted by sexual abuse. 

Out of respect for the ongoing judicial process, we will not be providing comment on the conviction, sentencing and appeal, other than to say that we must continue to acknowledge the pain of all victims and survivors of abuse, and provide support to them and their loved ones wherever and however we can.

As a school community, this is a reminder that every student and staff member needs a safe and supportive learning environment, and that the wellbeing of all in our College remains our highest priority.