From the Principal
I write this newsletter in my first week back from two months of long service leave!
The time seemed to pass so quickly but I am most grateful for the opportunity to relax and reset knowing that the College was in very capable hands. I thank Mr Paul Murphy for fulfilling the role as Principal in my absence. I know that Paul enjoyed the experience and brought a fresh perspective to many facets of the role. I also thank and acknowledge Mr Aaron D’Souza for his adaptability in fulfilling the role of Deputy Principal from Term 4, 2025 while Mr Roger D’Almeida and Miss Carrol Abel went on Long Service Leave. Thanks also to Ms Jaime Paulin for leading Xanten House whilst Mr D’Souza was part of the Leadership Team.
While on leave, I timed a trip to Canberra to see the Fremantle Dockers play against Greater Western Sydney at Manuka Oval. Sadly, my purple passion was not enough, and I witnessed their second loss for the season. During my visit to Canberra, I was privileged catch up with ex-student Melissa Robinson who was previously Chief of Staff for Member for Swan, Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas MP. Mel who now has a position in Parliament House, took me to visit both Zaneta, a friend and regular visitor of our College, and the Member for Hasluck, Ms Tania Lawrence MP.
It was exciting to be able to visit ‘behind the scenes’ at Parliament House, passing the Prime Minister’s office, then be entertained by the theatrics in the House of Representatives where some members were actually ‘thrown out’! I was moved visiting the Australian War Memorial (twice) and in particular being present for the Last Post service where I saw students from Holy Cross, Ellenbrook laying a wreath. Our students were regular visitors to our capital and I am keen to reintroduce this excellent learning opportunity in the future (stay tuned)!
Year 9 Camp
While I have been away, and since the last newsletter, many events have occurred including the Year 9 Camp. I thank Miss Liz Anderson for her outstanding co-ordination of the experience along with her assistant, Miss Katie Woodford. By all reports, the camp was a great success where our students displayed strength, resilience and teamwork. In Miss Anderson’s words: “The students showed their gratitude and exemplary manners towards the camp and teaching staff which has represented our college beautifully. All staff were amazing and so supportive of the students, and showed their own amazing resilience and professionalism.”
Thank you to the staff that gave up time with their families and a warm bed: Mr Matthew Cheney, Mr Mark Cogger, Ms Jennifer Go, Mr Andrew Hay, Mr Jonathan Levy, Mrs Laura Marsden, Mr Mat Scott, Mrs Cheryl Taylor, Miss Raya Thompson, Miss Lauren Toth, Mr Matthew Wells.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week was commemorated during the first week of the term. A report is provided in the newsletter but I wish to thank and acknowledge Miss Kelsey Zampino for her co-ordination and organisation of the event.
Athletics
Last week, the Inter-House Athletics Carnival was held in magnificent weather. Thank you to Mr Sam Mancini for the organisation of the day and to all staff for assisting. The full report of results is provided later in the newsletter. Congratulations to Tongerlo House and to all individual champions and record breakers. The timing of our carnival coincided with the Commonwealth Games in Glasow. Many of us tuned in during the early hours of the morning to watch ex-student Peter Bol run the 800m. While Peter did not win a medal in the final, we are truly proud of the way he presented himself, acknowledging those who have supported him on his remarkable journey.
Performing Arts
It is a busy term for our students involved in performing arts. I thank all the staff, tutors and students who have spent hours practising for individual and group performances to showcase their talents in choir, music and dance at College events as well as at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. Best wishes to our Dance Teams who perform this evening at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre.
2026 Census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will be conducting the Census on 11 August.
A question on religion has been included in all Australian censuses since 1911. Answering this question has always been optional and is designed to capture a person’s religious affiliation or association and not necessarily their practice of or participation in a religious activity. I ask parents to considering answering the question as the data is used for funding and planning purposes.
Information on the Census can be found via the link below.
2027 Term Dates and 2026 Presentation Night
I would like to take the opportunity to share some information regarding future events for noting.
From 2027, there will be a three-week mid-year break. To accommodate this, Term 1 will commence a few days earlier. The term dates for 2027 are:
Term 1: 28 January – 9 April
Term 2: 26 April – 25 June
Three-week break
Term 3: 19 July – 24 September
Term 4: 11 October – 10 December
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-recorded entertainment.
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 Br Patrick Doolan Medal Nomination Form. Nominations are due before the end of Term 3 on 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!
Looking Ahead
On Thursday 10 September we will be welcoming our 2027 Year 7 students (Class of 2032) and their parents to our Information Night at 6pm. Please keep this date free for an important stage of transitioning to the College.
Please pray for our Year 11 students who are currently preparing for selection into leadership positions for 2027. As we celebrate the Feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop on 8 August, I thank our students who are selflessly offering their talents to serve the College by following Mary’s invitation to ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.
God bless.
Ms S Rainford
Principal