From the Principal

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

At the forefront of my mind this week have been our Indonesian Immersion staff and students, who returned earlier this morning. We have been kept abreast of the service that our immersion team have been doing via social media and we are enormously proud of them all. One comment that I have read from the team resonates with me greatly and reads;

“Over the course of the Immersion our guide Leon kept saying to me “I love your kids,

they serve from the heart” and they really did”

The service shared by our team is a true example of faith in action and our College motto “Prepared for all Good Works”. This newsletter contains some of the other messages and photos from the immersion team.

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival came to a glorious close last Monday evening with the Festival Concert. Saint Norbert College was again a wonderful presence in the festival with an estimated student participation of over 150 students. The opportunity to perform for the joy and delight of others is a special gift that so many of our students possess. At the end of such a lengthy program of events, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of our Performing Arts students and the staff whose unwavering dedication provides great support – thank you to Mr Chadwick Beins, Miss Kerri Hilton, Miss Laura Alban, Mrs Katherine Friend and Mrs Jenny Palermo, and so many others.

Continuing with the arts theme, our annual College Creative Arts Exhibition was another wonderful display of the artistic and technological talents of our students. It never ceases to amaze how individuals can be so creative in their thinking, design and development of such great pieces. I feel that it is prudent to appreciate the work of our Arts and Technologies staff in drawing out such exquisite talents, by educating, motivating and assisting in this amazing program.

While the pace is somewhat slower as we head into the holidays, the same can’t be said for many of our Year 12 students with the upcoming College examinations. We hope that the hard work and support they have received from staff, family and friends, will reap the rewards that they deserve.

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.

I finish with this prayer that I have used before, but which I believe beautifully captures our thoughts and wishes for the end of the school term and the impending holiday break;

We thank you Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes and the mistakes

from which we have learnt.

Be with us as we spend our time with our family and friends. Give us strength and courage

to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith.

Help us to be practical Christians these holidays; to appreciate what others do for us, to give our time and effort to help others. To be peacemakers in our family. Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

We thank you Lord, for our students, our staff, our parents and our community that cares for us. May we always be conscious of you in our lives.

St Norbert: Pray for us.

God bless.

Mr S Harvey (Principal)

College Presentation Night – Brother Patrick Doolan O Praem Award

The College Presentation Night will be held at the Perth Concert Hall on Monday 28 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. We 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 18 October 2019.

Fr Peter O’Reilly Scholarship

A reminder to all of our Year 10 families that applications are open for the Fr Peter O’Reilly Scholarship, a needs based scholarship available to Year 10 students enrolled at the College and covers 100% tuition fees for Years 11 and 12. Applications open on Friday 23rd August and close on Friday 18th October 2019. Details are available from Student Reception or by clicking on this link to the College website;

http://www.norbert.wa.edu.au/ENROLMENTS/Scholarships/

CECWA Policy Development Process – Invitation to Have Your Say

The Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) is reviewing the system policies supporting more than 75,000 students and 12,000 staff in 162 schools. We invite all students, parents, CEWA staff and members of school communities to help by telling us:

What makes a good Catholic school?

Facilitated sessions will take place at the Leederville office. You can book your preferred session time online and choose from:

Early Years LOFT Sessions (for Pre K - Year 4 Students and their Family)
Open LOFT Sessions (Years 4 - 12 Students, Families, Staff and Community)

During the school holiday sessions, participants will also help to create a mural alongside local artist Linzi Carter. This is an evolving creation, whose form will develop with each session.

We welcome you to participate in this unique opportunity to have your say on the future of Catholic schools in Western Australia.

For more information and to register for a session, see: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/loftcatholic-education-western-australia-20262532767