From the Principal
Term 3
It has been another busy term full of events that have occurred alongside the day-to-day teaching and learning.
These included the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, SoNic Fest, the Creative Arts Exhibition, Dance Night, Inter-House and ACC Athletics and Inclusive Carnivals, Tournament of the Minds, Kimberley Immersion, Climate Canons events, Kairos, Australian Maths Competition, International Chemistry Quiz, Rotary Speech, Premier’s Reading Challenge, Spelling Bee, Basketball, Football, R U OK Day and the Year 11 Dinner Dance.
I thank all the staff and students for the energy and commitment shown over the term, especially during periods of illness over the cold months.
I wish to mention some exceptional achievements this term.
Our staff and students have safely returned from Kununurra after a full week of service and cultural immersion. I know our students did the College proud. Thank you to Ms Kyd, Mr D’Souza and Mrs Kippen for accompanying our students. The program has earned a reputation in the many places they serve from St Joseph’s Primary School to the Community Kitchen. I loved seeing the photos of the delivery of the donated items and in particular the many children that received new football boots! Thank you to everyone who made donations and supported the Immersion.
The Senior Girls Dance Troupe won the Dance Shield from the Catholic Performing Arts Festival for their item “Hive Mind”. This is an outstanding achievement given the high standard of competition from other schools. The adjudicators commented that the performance was ‘beyond secondary school level”. I congratulate and thank Mrs Crocker and her students for their dedication and hard work.
Three Year 10 students Jarrah Swan, Krissy Kashyap and Cheyenne Lin represented the College in the Rotary 4 Way Speech Competition sponsored by the Ascot Rotary Club. The topics were enlightening, thoroughly researched and the six minute speeches were presented with no notes! Congratulations to Jarrah who won and represented the College in the finals in Geraldton last weekend. Thanks also to Mrs Leddy for preparing the students.
At our assembly on Wednesday, many students were acknowledged for the participation and achievements throughout the term. We were blessed to have present, Mr Chris Callus (WA & National President of Australian Association for Religious Education) and Dr Natalie Leitao who presented an award to Ethan Foo for placing second in a logo competition.
Mr Callus emailed me these kind words that I wanted to share with the community:
The assembly was a wonderful showcase of what a magnificent school you lead. The students were beautifully behaved and engaged and what we saw of the talent and participation of your students in an array of activities was a true credit to you, their teachers and parents.
I totally agree!
Community Day
Last Saturday the College commemorated its 60th anniversary with a Community Day that included tours, displays, entertainment, photo opportunities and a presentation of our school history, which commenced with the ringing of the original school bell! Special thanks to our students who returned to conduct the tours.
It was wonderful to welcome back students from our first graduating class, four past Principals and many ex-students and staff. I personally was excited to see students from my very first Year 8 class. One of the boys from the first class of Year 6 students, had not returned to the College since he left in 1974. Imagine the changes he saw!
It was fun to see many ex-students return in their old uniforms or leavers jackets (I believe they had shrunk) and one student brought back his 2009 College Diary with recorded homework and permission to leave class signatures (mine included). Many memories were shared as community members aged from 4 weeks to 96 years toured the College. It was also very special to see so many staff return to the College to rekindle friendships made. Thank you to the many staff that assisted prior to the event and on the day.
Br Patrick Doolan Medal
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 nomination form. Nominations are due at the end of Week 1 of Term 4 - Friday 17 October 2025. 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.
A reminder that Presentation Night will be held at the College on Wednesday 29 October at 7:00pm. It is a compulsory event for all students and at least one parent. Please mark the date in your calendar.
The process of welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students (Class of 2031) to the College has begun! Following a well-attended Information Evening on Thursday 11 September, students sat a Placement Test the following week. We look forward to seeing our new students again when they attend Orientation Day on Thursday 4 December.
We have also begun farewelling the Class of 2025. I would like to extend my best wishes to our Year 12 students who are preparing for their upcoming exams during the holidays. Remember to stay focused, take care of yourselves, and believe in your abilities. Graduation events occur in the first 2 weeks of next term.
Finally, I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable holiday break.
God bless
Ms S Rainford
(Principal)
Important Notice – Term 4 Information
Uniform Shop Holiday Hours
- Week 1: Closed
- Week 2: Open as normal – Monday and Thursday, 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Pupil Free Days – Term 4
- Friday 26 September – Pupil Free Day
- Thursday 30 October – Pupil Free Day
Friday 31 October – Pupil Free Day
Return to School
Students return on Monday 13 October in summer uniforms.