From the Principal

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

One of our much-loved College values, and my unashamed favourite, is the value of Community. It is what was so attractive to me about St Norbert College as a student in the 1980s, the most enjoyable element of my time here since, and the value we endeavour to shine through in everything we do. 

It is no irony then that, on the back of significant community events such as the College Presentation Night and the Year 12 Graduation, I glance at the latest edition of The Record Magazine – the Official magazine for the Archdiocese of Perth, that the broad and bold heading on the front cover of this issue is “COMMUNITY”.

There are some interesting articles in this magazine, including a lovely piece about the Kora Childcare Centre in Bayswater run by the Servite Sisters. However, my attention was captured by an article titled “Parents as Partners” by Siobhan Allen, the Executive Director of Catholic School Parents WA. This discourse details the importance of a strong respectful partnership between parents and school based on trust, as revealed in this quote: 

“When children and young people see their parents/carers establishing collaborative and trusting relationships with school staff, it provides for them, not just a sense of security and safety, but also an understanding of the importance their parents place on their education”.

I am only too cognisant of the importance of the relationship we share with our parents and carers and use opportunities at special events such as our College Presentation Night and Year 12 Graduation to genuinely acknowledge and thank our parents for their support, their trust and for their forgiveness if at times, we have needed that too. Schools never get it right 100 per cent of the time and nor do parents, but if we support each other, the outcome can only be beneficial in the long term for our most prized possession, the child. I ask our parents and carers that, even if you don’t always agree with our decisions, to be respectful and trusting of our intentions. 

“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can 

do great things.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)

On a different note, since our last newsletter, we are saddened that some special members of our community are moving on next year, appointed to significant roles at other schools - Ms Susan Teo (Fremantle Christian College), Miss Karis Hughes (Corpus Christi College) and Miss Laura Alban (St Luke’s, Karratha). We offer our congratulations on these appointments, wish them well and thank them all for many wonderful years of dedicated service in the education of our students.

“Community is where humility and glory touch” (Henri J.M. Nouwen)

                                                                                                                               God Bless,

Mr S Harvey (Principal)