From the Principal

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

 

We were witness to a beautiful moment this week with the unveiling of a special Aboriginal cross for our College community, made from our own materials and decorated in Aboriginal art. The cross and associated explanation can be seen below. This unveiling occurred at our assembly this week to celebrate NAIDOC week.

 

The wood of the cross was fashioned by our Technologies Technician, Mr Mark Lawson, from a tree that had previously fallen on our property. The unique and beautiful artwork was designed and painted by Miss Celeste Haji-Ali, a Yawuru woman, who has been a member of our staff over the past two years, as part of the CEWA Teacher Cadetship program.

 

What strikes me most about this cross is the alluring colours. As one can read in the explanation from Miss Haji-Ali, the artwork on the cross signifies our commitment and support for our Indigenous community and the connection of our College and House colours with the earthy traditional tones of Indigenous tradition and culture, all coming together as an illustration of our harmonious existence.

 

As a Christian community, the sacred Cross is a symbol of the redeeming nourishment of life and death, an endearing sign of our spiritual commitment of sacrifice and love. In time this beautiful icon will feature prominently in our College administration for all to see.

The symbolism of our Christian cross reminds us of the presence of God in our lives always. It was so poignant then that, on the occasion that Miss Haji-Ali’s cross came to light in our school, we also celebrated NAIDOC week and the theme this year, “Always was, always will be”.

 

God’s blessings to you all.

Mr S Harvey (Principal)


The St Norbert College Aboriginal Cross

 

ABORIGINAL ART DESIGN by CELESTE HAJI-ALI and Cross fashioned by MARK LAWSON
ABORIGINAL ART DESIGN by CELESTE HAJI-ALI and Cross fashioned by MARK LAWSON

The cross represents the St Norbert College community and its relationship with the Whadjuk Noongar people of this land, as well as its commitment and ongoing support to our indigenous community within the walls of St Norbert College.

 

Down the middle of this cross, the school Houses are represented in colour and surrounded by the College blue and yellow. These bright colours are contrasted against the earthy brown tones which represent the ancient Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions.

 

In the centre is the Unity Circle. This symbolises the coming together of both communities, and our harmonious existence.