From the Principal

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

Over the weekend, when I was out shopping for a pair of shoes, I was told by the Sales Assistant that they did not have my size in the colour that I wanted. She said to me, 'that's going to be the biggest disappointment of your day', and it got me thinking about her dramatic statement. If that was the truth, how fortunate I was considering the current tragedies happening in our world. This moment of reflection has stayed with me this last week and has allowed me to be grateful for the many blessings I have each day, even on the more challenging days. It is a reminder for all of us, in the busyness of our days, especially in the lead up to the holidays, to stop and find the 'glimmers' each day. 

Psychologists refer to 'glimmers' as small everyday moments that bring about positive feelings and comfort. We just have to notice them! The oppose of 'glimmers' are 'triggers' and we are more likely to notice these negative experiences. So, a challenge to us all is to notice and acknowledge these small moments (whether it be a smile, a cup of coffee, a beautiful flower or hearing a song that takes you back to a special event) that can lift our emotions and allow us to build resilience when we face the triggers or challenges that come our way. 

Last week’s Gospel reading (Matthew 25: 1-13) tells of the bridesmaids being prepared (or not) with their lamps for the arrival of the bridegroom. Hindus and Sikhs celebrated Deepavali or Diwali last weekend. The Festival of Lights symbolises light over darkness or good over evil. The symbol of light as Christ for Catholics challenges us to bring light to others by working together for peace and harmony. The messages of preparedness and being the light of Christ, falls perfectly with the start of Advent on Sunday, 3 December.

There will be a few changes to the Leadership Team in 2024, with Mr Peter Hawke and Mr Rod Dowling accepting promotional positions. As Vice Principal's, Mr Hawke will make the move to Prendiville Catholic College and Mr Dowling will make the move to Perth College. Whilst it's a loss for our College, I wish them all the best for their next challenge. With that, I'm pleased to announce that Mr Roger D'Almeida will be Acting Deputy Principal (Years 9 and 12) and Mr Patrick Ah Fong will be Acting Deputy Principal (Years 7 and 10) for Semester 1, 2024. I would like to congratulate Mr D'Almeida and Mr Ah Fong for their appointment, I know they will continue their outstanding service to our College.

I congratulate our Year 11 students for their conduct in the last few weeks of term during examinations or the completion of external programs. This week, our 2024 Captains attended a Student Leadership Development and Planning Day. I extend my sincere thanks to Miss Karen MaGee for co-ordinating the day and to Ms Tamara Callaghan from Discern Training for delivering an engaging presentation, preparing our students for their leadership roles. From all accounts, our incoming leaders (pictured below) approached the day with enthusiasm and excitement, putting plans in place to turn their great ideas into reality. I wish the Class of 2024 a restful break and look forward to their return as the student leaders of the College.

Wishing our Years 9 and 10 students all the best as they complete their College exams over the next few weeks. I ask families to support and pray for our students as they complete final assessments and may their end of year reports reflect their hard work and efforts.

A reminder that the Armadale/Thornlie Line closures between Armadale and Victoria Park stations, take effect from this coming Monday, 20 November. I suggest that families consider allowing more time for travel to and from school. For more information about replacement buses and routes, please see the Notices and Reminders page.

God bless.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)