Deputy Principals

Year 11 & 12 Exam Weeks: Student Attendance

Over the coming weeks, our Year 11 and Year 12 students will be preparing for the Semester One exams and finishing off those assessments that will set them up for successful Semester One report. We ask all members of our College community to keep our senior students in your prayers over these weeks. 

During the Semester One exams, those students studying an ATAR Pathway are only required to attend school when they have a scheduled exam although several students take advantage of this time to come into school to ask revision question of their teachers. For students on a Vocational Pathway, they are required to attend regular classes from Monday, 24 May to Wednesday, 26 May (Week 6) and Monday, 31 May to Wednesday, 2 June (Week 7). Vocational students should be continuing with their TAFE commitments during this time as well as their work placement where extra hours are required to be made up. 

All Year 11 and Year 12 students are expected to return to the College on Friday, 4 June for our St Norbert Day celebrations. Students are reminded that during the examination weeks, regular school uniform regulations apply.

Uniform & Personal Presentation

As a school, we pride ourselves on the dignified and proud way in which our students wear their College uniform and present themselves in public. St Norbert College has a clear policy relating to student uniform and personal presentation that can be found in many places – most noticeable the Student Diary. However, despite these clear guidelines it is not uncommon for some students to ‘push the boundaries’ in regards to the uniform rules which in turn creates additional work for teachers and parents. 

While the College expectations regarding uniform and presentation are fixed, we are well aware that community expectations regarding personal presentation are constantly evolving. The College remains the final arbiter of our uniform regulations however we do have an awareness of changing society expectations and their impact upon the standards we adhere to at the College. 

Showing Respect to Others

It is fair to say that the last year has brought with it an extra layer of complexity and worry that we probably could not have predicted. While there have been many challenges that we as a community have had to face, there has also been many positives that we should acknowledge and celebrate. One obvious area has been the way in which we have all gone out of our way to care for and look after other people in our community. Whether it be the approach of ‘buy local’ to help nearby businesses through to donating necessary food and medical supplies to people in need, there have been numerous examples of people demonstrating the best that humanity has to offer.

As the current situation continues on, we must not sacrifice this positivity and care for others merely because we are growing weary of the ‘new normal’. In fact now, more than ever, is the best time for all of us to step up and make every interaction we have with someone else a positive interaction. Whether it be in class, on the College oval, catching public transport or going to the shops after school it is especially important that we continue to demonstrate respect for other people by the way we talk to them and interact with them. It would be a great idea for us to consider the following ‘wise words’ that can be found on Ms Harvey’s desk at Student Services:

“Good manners are free, but are worth a fortune to the person you give them to.”

Mr P Hawke 

(Deputy Principal Years 8, 10, 12)

Year 11 Information

ATAR students should have received their Semester One examination timetables this week. Please ensure that a study plan is created and actioned as soon as possible. All Vocational pathway students need to ensure that they have completed all requirements for Semester 1 units. A reminder that Vocational Students are required at school Monday–Wednesday during Year 11 & 12 exam weeks (24  May – 3 June).

As the end of Semester One units approaches, the process of future academic pathways and subject selection for 2022 begins. There are some important Year 11 events that are part of the subject selection process which are outlined below:

• Tuesday, 8 June: Semester 2 Units begin
• Monday, 28 June: Year 12, 2022 Subject Selection Information Period 6, Xanten Theatre
• Wednesday, 28 July: Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews, 12-7pm

Year 11 students wishing to change subjects or pathways this year need to make an appointment with Ms Rainford as after examinations. Changes need to be made as soon as possible to avoid missing the start of Semester Two work. This can only occur with teacher approval, room in the class and if the Minimum Entry Requirement is met. 

Students Leaving Early

A number of students and parents/carers are not notifying the College when a student needs to leave during the day. A reminder that the following process is required for students needing to leave the College early:

• Bring a signed note from a parent explaining the reason for the early leave (eg dental appointment).
• The note must be handed to the Homeroom teacher or Student Services at the start of the day for recording into SEQTA.
• An Early leave slip (pink) is to be collected from Student Services at the time of departure.

Medication 

Parents and students are reminded that the College is unable to give out any medication (eg Panadol, Nurofen, antihistamine etc) unless it is an emergency. It is recommended that if students need non-prescription medication for headaches and allergies, that they keep a small quantity in their lockers.

Ms S Rainford

(Deputy Principal - Years 7,9,11)