From the Principal
Book Week
It was our annual Book Week assembly this week. It is always a fun day, especially for the Year 12 students who enjoy dressing up. I’m sure parents are pleased that their children are now old enough to organise their own costumes and avoid the panic we have all experienced conjuring up something at the last minute!
This year’s theme was “Symphony of Stories”. While we instantly associate symphony with music, a symphony can be defined as many different elements coming together to make a whole, very much like a community!
This year I dressed up as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who faced many challenges in her life. I shared her story with students at the assembly. Frida suffered polio at a young age which resulted in her having one leg shorter than the other, and that’s why she wore long skirts! She played sport at the suggestion of her father to strengthen her leg. Frida was going to be a doctor but was in a serious bus accident and broke her back which meant she spent months in a cast in hospital.
Her mother brought her an easel and paint to keep her occupied and during this time, she began painting self-portraits to express her feelings. Frida found a new passion and direction in life, overcoming many challenges with the help of her family. Frida never gave up, showing great resilience and determination through her suffering. We often see our children giving up when faced with disappointments and obstacles. I urged our students to always try their best and look for ways to get the best from themselves.
Events
Last week, I was present when Annabelle B (Year 10) was awarded the Tenants Award at the Angelico Art Exhibition for her graphite sketch titled “King of Kings.” It is an extraordinary piece of work which will be on display at the Creative Arts Exhibition which opens on Tuesday 15 September at 6pm. The exhibition closes on Friday 18 September-all are welcome.
We will welcome our Class of 2032 (Year 7, 2027) and their parents for an Information Evening to be held on Thursday 10 September from 6pm. This event aligns with the Class of 2026 experiencing many ‘last’ events before their graduation mass and ceremony on Friday 23 October. Where has the year gone?
I take the opportunity to wish our ACC Athletics Team success and personal bests at the ACC Division C Carnival on Tuesday 15 September at the WA Athletics Stadium. The event will be live streamed for parents unable to attend.
Presentation Night and Br Patrick Doolan Medal
Presentation Night this year will be an online presentation going live on Sunday 15 November at 7pm. Students and families will need to tune in for the announcement of award winners, leaders and to view pre-recoded entertainment.
Each year at Presentation Night, outstanding service to the College by a staff member, teaching or non-teaching, or a member of the Norbertine community is awarded the Br Patrick Doolan Medal.
Staff, students and parents are invited to lodge nominations in writing by completing the attached Br Patrick Doolan Medal Nomination Form. Nominations are due before the end of Term 3 - Friday 25 September. A selection panel will process the nominations and select the awardee.
Selection Guidelines
Awardee is on staff for some or all of current calendar year;
Exemplary service performing their normal range of duties;
Contribution to the extended College and Norbertine Community;
Innovation(s) to College e.g. introduction of new policy/idea/project etc
Extracurricular involvement;
Examples of service/ministry to the Mission/Norbertine ethos; Consideration of candidate’s service is not restricted to the current year.
Click the link below to fill out the form!
I conclude with an invitation to families for an open discussion at home with regard to the allegations made related to some AFL players last week. I have been reading and reflecting on the commentary surrounding the alleged incident. There are many important issues that have emerged such as culture, choices, consent, responsibility, healthy relationships, respect, consequences… far too extensive to list.
This is an opportunity for parents to listen to the perceptions and understandings of their children to truly know how they are currently processing complex issues in the world we live in. The influences from Social Media platforms need to be counteracted and challenged by our Christian values when needed.
A simple message of how to live from Jesus is “Love God. Love your neighbour” which I think translates to the words spoken last week from AFLW Coach, Daisy Pearce - “Be a good human.”
God bless.
Ms S Rainford
Principal