From the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College,
Pride, joy and happiness are often felt following hard work and effort. I can wholeheartedly guarantee that the pride, joy and happiness experienced by staff and students at the end of this school term is undoubtedly as a result of much hard work and effort, in the form of teaching and learning, events and experiences and, most importantly, as a member of such an engaging and committed community. We are committed to the development of our young people and preparing them as Christ-centred people for the future.
This week I highlight a number of events from this week that have as a focus, building the foundations for their future.
- Year 9 Camp
We welcomed back our Year 9 students this afternoon, who have been enjoying the wonders of the great south in Margaret River for the annual Year 9 camp, an experience which aims to develop in our students a strong sense of friendship, resilience and learning about oneself that will springboard them into the rigours and challenges of the remaining years in secondary school. We thank Miss Michelle Ronchi who organised this five-day experience, along with all those members of staff who gave of their own time to assist. While the weather conditions towards the end of the camp were less than desirable, early indications are that it had little impact on the spirit and engagement of our students.
- Year 10 Work Experience
Our Careers Education students in Year 10 have spent this past week involved in an array of work experience placements, the aim of which is to attempt to connect their school-based learning with potential career goals, but also to commence the understanding of career as vocation. It is with much gratitude that we thank Mr Michael Openshaw, Mrs Karen Gonsalves and Mr Trevor Saunders, who spent many hours of preparation, energy and dedication, including time spent visiting students at their placements, to ensure that students were making the most of this experience.
- Year 10 Parent Information Evening – Subject Selection
At this time of the year, the focus for our Year 10 students swings towards to the senior years of secondary schooling and the courses and pathways that await in Years 11 and 12. Mr Michael Openshaw, Mr Peter Hawke, Mr Rod Dowling and other key staff hosted an informative subject selection evening on Wednesday night, providing great support for our Year 10 students and parents as they navigate a somewhat complex journey to assist our young people on their path to achieving their goals. It was delightful to witness the video detailing the experiences of many of our current Year 12 students. Heartfelt thanks must go to those students in the video, but especially to the co-creators in Tallulah Armenti, Oscar McDonald, Jessica Ramos (pictured above) and Mrs Lisa Quartermain (College Community Relations and Marketing Officer) for their efforts. Work is currently under way to make this video available to all parents in the most appropriate means.
- Year 12 Retreat
Held at Integrity House this week, the Year 12 Retreat is a wonderful opportunity for our most senior students to take a step back to ‘retreat, reflect and propel’ themselves into the final semester of their secondary schooling life. My thanks to Ms Margaret Kyd and staff in attendance, and to our Year 12 students who gave of themselves in preparation and participation on this retreat.
We hope that these and many other experiences for our students have positive and lasting impacts on their ability to navigate the future with success.
Sadly, at the end of the term we bid farewell and thanks to staff and students who are transitioning in other paths and schools. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our very best to those students and families not returning in Semester Two. We thank them for the support and cooperation forged between the College and home and wish them well in the future.
I would also like to acknowledge Mrs Bronwyn Pescud, who has worked very hard as our interim College Psychologist for this term. We were very fortunate to have Mrs Pescud at the College and our staff, many students and their families have benefited greatly from her time with us. Mrs Pescud will be a smaller presence within the College in the early part of Term 3 to assist with the handover and transition of our newly appointed College Psychologist Mr David Yeoh.
I also wish Mr Michael Openshaw, our Head of Careers and VET, our best wishes for semester two as he embarks of a period of study and long service leave. We welcome back Ms Michela Buhagiar into a teaching role and congratulate Mrs Karen Gonsalves who will cover for Mr Openshaw in this important leadership role.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our valuable College staff members who always go to extraordinary lengths to provide an optimum environment of teaching and learning for the benefit of our students.
I wish all members of our College community who are able, a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday break.
God bless.
Mr S Harvey (Principal)
Asbestos Audit
I would like to inform of an upcoming asbestos audit to be undertaken at our College facilities, which will help ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of our community. The audit is part of regulatory Catholic Education Western Australia compliance requirements. Our College will engage Coffey environmental services to undertake an asbestos audit during the holidays on Monday, 15 July.
Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our community is our highest priority and we will continue to ensure our facilities meet safety standards.
I will be in touch again with an update after the audit. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.