From the Principal

Have you ever been turned away from Sunday mass because the church was full? On my recent family holiday to Singapore, that’s just what happened and I might add that it was not a small church but a cathedral! Perhaps it was the fact that it was All Souls Day and many people were praying and remembering the deceased members of their family, but I can’t imagine that this would happen in Perth. As we approach Advent, the time of preparation for the birth of our saviour Jesus, it is an opportune time to consider attending mass in the lead up to Christmas. The mass is an opportunity for thanksgiving and praying for God's blessings. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is the gift of hope that baby Jesus brings, not what we are told we need to buy from the shops or online!

There has been a considerable amount of information in the media about the impending social media restrictions for children under 16 years of age which comes into effect on 10 December. Age-restricted social media platforms (eg Instagram, Facebook, SnapChat, TikTok) will have to take steps to find and remove or deactivate accounts held by under-16s. They are meant to do this in a way that is as safe and supportive as possible, within the guidelines of the law. 

The best source of up-to-date information can be found from The eSafety Commissioner Website. Please take the time to access the Social Media Age Restrictions Hub to understand the changes and to prepare for the deactivation of accounts. There are useful videos, FAQs, webinars, guideline for young people, families and educators.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

I ask families to talk openly to their children to give them an understanding that the restrictions are for their protection and not a punishment. It is not a ban but a delay to using the platforms. Look for safe alternatives for your children to stay connected with their friends. If they currently have accounts on the restricted platforms, begin downloading any important content that they do not want to lose.

Last week we farewelled English teacher Miss Shirley Leddy after 3 years of service to the College. Miss Leddy will be remembered for dedication to our community, including introducing the Rotary Speaking Competition to her Year 10 students who achieved great successes in the last two years. Her familiar face was also seen at Breakfast Club in the mornings and who can forget her delicious nachos on St Norbert Day! Best wishes and God bless Miss Leddy on her retirement.

Mr Paul Murphy is currently on Long Service Leave and Mr Aaron D’Souza will fulfil his role as Deputy Principal (Years 8 & 11) for the remainder of the year and then continue as Deputy Principal when Mr Roger D’Almedia takes his Long Service Leave in Term 1, 2026. I am pleased to announce that Ms Jaime Paulin will take on the role of Head of House-Xanten while Mr D’Souza is Deputy Principal.

I would like to congratulate our Year 11 and 12 students for their conduct during examinations. The chief supervisor praised our Year 12 students for their behaviour and focus during the recent ATAR examinations. Our 2026 Student Leaders attended a training and planning day this week and their first official role will be at Orientation Day for the Class of 2031 on Thursday 4 December.

Best wishes to Year 9 & 10 students as they complete exams over the next few weeks. I ask families to support and pray for our students as they complete final assessments, and may they work towards producing reports that reflect their hard work and efforts. 

The final day for Years 7-9 students will be Thursday 11 December. Students will be dismissed at 12:15pm. The day will commence with a Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00am and I invite parents to attend.

God bless.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)