From the Principal

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

It's hard to believe that we're already at the end of Term 4, Week 3. What has been an incredibly busy year, filled with many achievements, is quickly coming to a close.

Presentation Night 

For the first time in three years, we came together as a community at the Perth Concert Hall to celebrate St Norbert College at our annual Presentation Night. It was a wonderful showcase of academic achievements, leadership, service and talents. 

An evening of this magnitude requires countless hours of preparation and I particularly thank Ms Karen Cassidy with the assistance of Mr Craig Mecham for managing the evening, along with Mr Luke Di Labio and Mrs Kathryn Crocker for the entertainment and Mrs Jenny Palermo for the beautiful prayer final hymn. The Presentation Night Committee led by Mr Rod Dowling, Mrs Colette Miranda for the logistics, Mrs Angela Hughes for the ticketing, Ms Kate Bishop and Mr Roger D’Almeida for the photography and promotion. Finally, to Mr Jay Anderson, Ms Elysia Murphy and Miss Tayla Rattray for their support with the musical items. All other staff fulfilled duties that contributed to the evening, and I thank them. 

Today we celebrate World Teachers' Day. It's a timely reminder to thank all our teachers, and support staff, for the incredible job they do every day to educate, inspire and support our students. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all, for your dedication and commitment.

At Presentation Night, I acknowledged our long serving staff members, those who have served at the College for more than 20 years, including Miss Kerri Hilton, Mrs Samantha Mark, Mr Mark Van der Leeden, Miss Maureen Smith, Mrs Trish Lehane, Mrs Lyndsey Cardenia and Mr Bronson Gherardi. We also congratulated our recently retired Social Worker, Mrs Anne Spinks, and English teacher, Mrs Anna Garton, who were recognised for their 30 years of service to Catholic Education last week.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Trevor Saunders, our extraordinary co-ordinator of work placements, who was the worthy recipient of the Br Patrick Doolan Award this year.

I am sure that those present would have felt the theme of Community, seeing and hearing the Year 7 Massed Choir as the night commenced.

Graduation

Over the last two weeks, we celebrated and farewelled the Class of 2023. They were first farewelled in their Houses, then by the whole College at their Graduation Assembly, but the highlight of events was the celebration of Mass, followed by their Graduation Ceremony and Supper with families. I thank Fr Peter Joseph for the inspirational homily that once again challenged our graduates to be their best. I am confident that they will be outstanding ambassadors for our College.

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of so many to the warmth, spirit and generosity that we enjoyed when celebrating our Class of 2023. The dedication, hard work and service of our Pastoral Care Team, in particular Mrs Katelyn Godfrey, Mr Roger D’Almeida, Mr Peter Hawke and our Graduation committee of students and staff. Thank you to Mrs Gonsalves, Mrs Anna Garton, Mrs Fiona Allard for the co-ordination of the supper. We are very grateful to Fr Peter Joseph, Mrs Jenny Palermo and Ms Margaret Kyd who always orchestrate such lovely Eucharistic celebrations. 

I wish all our graduates the best for their futures and good luck to our students sitting ATAR exams next week. I look forward to hearing about your wonderful achievements.

The end of the school year is looming. I encourage students to prepare for the impending assessments ahead. Set goals, plan and use your time wisely to ensure that your reports reflect your best efforts.

God bless.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)