ST NORBERT NEWS

 

 

From the Principal

Ms Sharon Rainford

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

It is always a sign that the school year is almost over when we welcome our incoming Year 7 students as we did on Orientation Day held last Thursday 28 November. The start of the day was full of nerves but by the concert at the conclusion of the day, there was a buzz of excitement for the Class of 2030!

 

 

During this last week, the College has run an alternative program that included First Aid Training, Volleyball, Soccer, a Climate Canons Beach Clean Up, several themed Kahoots, cooking and craft. On Tuesday all Year 7-9 students worked collaboratively in groups to produce a fictitious product using AI ethically. At the end of the day, the creation was pitched to the year level and judged. More detailed information follows later in the newsletter.

 

We concluded the year with a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr Peter. During the mass, we were reminded that Advent is the season of waiting and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The advent wreath, comprising of four candles, was prominent in the church. The first candle representing HOPE was lit to signify the first week of advent. This HOPE CANDLE reminds us to trust in God’s guidance and help in our times of challenge. 

 

Christmas Eve marks the start of the Jubilee Year of the Church which asks us to be “Pilgrims of HOPE”. What does that mean to us? This theme, chosen by Pope Francis, encourages us to embrace hope in our lives and communities, especially in the face of global challenges like war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. 

 

The logo for the Jubilee Year comprises of four symbols:

  1. The cross-for those who have lost heart and need to renew the unconditional love God has for each of us.
  2. The figures- for solidarity between all people of the world to bring unity and harmony by working together.
  3. The anchor- for those anchored down with hopelessness and fear who need renewal to live with courage and faith.
  4. A rough sea- for those burdened with the demands of the world, to bring them peace and hope as they seek to live more fully the gospel call to discipleship.

 

As a College about to embark on our 60th anniversary, we will bring alive the Jubilee Year theme to our community.

 

Thank you to staff who completed short term contracts:

  • Mrs Simona Arcieri - Italian
  • Mr Callum Daly - Maths
  • Ms Jade Davies - English
  • Miss Rachael Lucas - Technologies
  • Mr Mark Richardson - Science
  • Mr Oscar Roberts - Science

 

Farewell to:

  • Mrs Anita Amaloo (Education Assistant) – who will be commencing a position at Aquinas College.
  • Mr Ryan Godfrey (Director of Sport) – who will be taking up a promotional position of Head of Health and Physical Education at Mother Teresa Catholic College, Baldivis.
  • Mr Corey Houwen (Co-ordinator of Basketball) – who after a year of absence, has accepted an ongoing role at Hale School.
  • Mr Greg Hulshoff (ICT Co-ordinator) – who will commence a teaching position at Mazenod College.
  • Miss Jane-Marie Lee (Education Assistant) – who will be spending more time with her family.
  • Mrs Megan Silva (RE/HASS teacher) & Mr John Beinke (Facilities) -who begin their retirement.

 

Best wishes to:

  • Mrs Trish Lehane (Assistant to the Business Manager) who is taking leave for 2025.

 

More detailed recognition of our staff leaving the College can be found in our latest Koinonia (College Annual) which 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. My heartfelt thanks to Mr Jan Malski, our Communications and Marketing officer for the well-produced and colourful edition. 

 

I conclude with the wonderful news we received this week, that St Norbert College, the only Catholic school in the state, was recognised for the second year in a row for the exceptional NAPLAN results making it to the list of TOP 20 schools! The students at high-achieving schools showed above-average literacy and numeracy results when compared with others with a similar background. I congratulate our Year 7 & Year 9 students for achieving these results and to the hardworking teachers at the College who use data to direct the teaching and learning in our classrooms. Read more about how St Norbert College achieves these results https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-s-naplan-high-achievers-for-2024-revealed-20241127-p5ktzh.html

 

I thank all our dedicated staff for the exceptional work they do, often outside of school hours. Please feel free to send them an email or message next week as we begin preparing for 2025!

 

I hope that the holiday break will allow staff, students and families the time to rest and rejuvenate and take the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace with each other.

 

Take care and God’s blessings for Christmas and the new year.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)