From the Principal

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

In recent newsletter articles, I have spoken of the various creative, practical and performing arts exhibitions and festivals, the numerous sporting events including the wonderful performance of our Year 8/9 Girls AFL Team and our ACC Athletics Team and numerous other exemplary student achievements. However, on this occasion I wish to highlight one activity that I believe aligns closely with our College community and our values.

I recently had the pleasure of participating in a commissioning ceremony for our Cambodia Immersion students, prior to their departure early last week. The guiding principles of this immersion, as celebrated in the ceremony, speak to the heart of why we value such opportunities for our students: “We commit to continue to live for others”.  

Miss Kyd and Miss Abel have accompanied our eight students on this immersion and from the updates they have been sending through, have relished the opportunities to visit and engage with, but ultimately, to serve the Cambodian people they have met – living for others. A most recent message spoke of an impending sunrise reflection at the Angkor Wat Temple at 4am in the morning as well as receiving a cherished blessing from local monks in Phnom Penh. We all look forward to the group’s safe return and hearing of the transformative experiences they have enjoyed. This is another example and model for all members of our community as we strive to live our College motto and to be “prepared for all good works”.

On the occasion of this, our last newsletter article for this term, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the contribution of staff who depart at the end of this week. We thank Ms Nicole Munro for her service to our community for the past three terms and wish her well for the impending birth of her first child. We thank Mr Donald Nield who has been on leave since the end of Term 1 and is a very familiar and welcome face to many in our College. Mr Nield returned for the past five weeks to share his leadership and wisdom in the role of Deputy Principal while Mrs Quinn has been on leave. We look forward to great news from Ms Munro in the weeks to come and seeing Mr Nield back among our teaching staff in 2018.

A reminder to all of our students that Term 4 sees the return of the College summer uniform. I encourage all students to take the small amount of time required to ensure, well before the start of next term, that they have their summer uniform in a fit and appropriate state to be worn from the first day. Holiday hours for the Uniform Shop are included in this newsletter for those needing to purchase new items.

A further reminder of a very important event in Term 4, the College Presentation Night held at the Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 31 October. This is a compulsory event in the College calendar, so please plan ahead. One of the awards presented on this evening is the Br Patrick Doolan O Praem Award. In honour of the memory of Br Patrick Doolan O Praem, who passed to eternal life in January 2006, a medal carrying his name is presented annually to a member of the College staff who has given outstanding service to the College. I invite parents and students to nominate a staff member whom they believe fits the “outstanding service” criteria. Written nominations should be lodged with Mrs Angela Hughes by Friday 20 October.

I took the opportunity this week to wish our Year 12 students well in their upcoming exams commencing during the holidays. It is an exciting time for our students and we look forward to the very memorable events early in Term 4, where we celebrate and congratulate them on their contributions to our College.

In closing, I wish all members of our community a safe, healthy and well-deserved school holiday period and renewed energy to face the final term of the academic year. In the spirit of the Cambodia Immersion of ‘living for others’, I leave you with this small reflection:

“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us,” (Anonymous).

God Bless

Mr S Harvey (Principal)