Dear parents, students, staff and members of the St Norbert College Community

There was a buzz of excitement on Thursday 4 December when we welcomed the Class of 2031 to the College as part of Orientation Day. It was a colourful day with 33 primary school uniforms being worn. I noted that there were 16 students who arrived on their own from their primary school. Thankfully, by the end of the day, they had made new friends and were less nervous. I thank Mrs Tracey La Vanda (Head of Year 7) for co-ordinating the day assisted by Miss Carrol Abel (Deputy Principal), Heads of House and our 2026 student leaders.

This last week, our students engaged in an Alternative Learning Program that included the Boola Bardip Museum, indoor volleyball, Robotics and Coding Workshops, board games, a textiles workshop, Maths and Careers activities. The Specialised Basketball and Football students had the opportunity to do strength and conditioning and compete at Belmont Oasis and the Sam Kerr Stadium, while preparations began for next year’s Drama Production. Guest speakers informed students about the social media restrictions and money. Our College Chorale sang at the Harold Hawthorne Christmas Party and the Climate Canons worked and planned for 2026. I thank Mr D’Souza for the preparation of the week’s program.

We concluded the year with a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr Peter & Fr John. The advent wreath, comprising of four candles, was prominent in the church. The first two advent candles representing HOPE and PEACE were lit. The HOPE CANDLE reminds us to trust in God’s guidance and help in our times of challenge. The PEACE CANDLE also known as the Bethlehem candle asks us to focus on how we can become better versions of ourselves as we journey towards the birth of Jesus. Pope Leo has declared New Year’s Day as the World Day of Peace. He “Invites humanity to reject violence and embrace a peace that is not based on fear or weapons, but on love, justice, and empathy”.

At our final College Assembly we welcomed Member for Cannington, and ex-student (Class of 1992), Mr Ron Sao, who presented an award on behalf of Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas, Federal Member for Swan. The prize was awarded to a Year 7 student, Portia Bolland, who finished her first year at the College with strong academic results and also involved herself fully in the many co-curricular aspects that the school offers. Congratulations, Portia!

Our latest Koinonia (College Annual) has been distributed to the youngest student in every family. Year 11 and 12 students who have not received their copy are welcome to come to the College to pick up their copy before Tuesday 16 December. My thanks to Mr Jan Malski, our Communications and Marketing officer for the well-produced and colourful edition.

Farewell to:

Mr Dylan Mason
Ms Trish Re
Mr Jan Malski
Ms Monique Andriuolo
Ms Jelena Manuel

Best wishes to:

Mr Roger D’Almeida who will be on Long Service Leave for Term 1.
Mrs Colette Miranda and Mr David Yeoh who have taken a year off.

I extend our best wishes and blessing to Mr John Rose, Principal of St Joseph’s, Queens Park. Mr Rose has been an outstanding Principal ‘next door’ for the last 8 years during which time our two schools have worked in partnership to introduce the Year 5 Music Program, Japanese as the language in both schools, shared staff Christian Service, joining in the Kimberley Immersion and supporting of our students completing service and work experience at St Joseph’s. Mr Rose will be continuing his ministry as Principal of Our Lady of Grace, North Beach.

I thank all our dedicated staff for the exceptional work they do, often outside of school hours. Congratulations to our students who have recently completed assessments. Reports will be uploaded to SEQTA by Tuesday 16 December and I truly hope that your results are a reflection of your hard work and the use of your talents and gifts. I also look forward to the results from the Class of 2025 and I wish them all the best for their future pursuits.

I hope that the holiday break will allow staff, students and families the time to rest and rejuvenate and to take the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace with each other. Perhaps there may be some challenges for students who may be dealing with restrictions on social media platforms. Make this an opportunity to encourage a new hobby, to read, start a journal, enjoy the outdoors, visit grandparents, cook for the family or catch up with friends face to face!

God’s blessings for Christmas and the New Year.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)

St Joseph's Church

Christmas Times