From the Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College

I’m sure all present on Sunday evening, at our College Community Mass, would agree that it was a joy to share this special Eucharist in such a lovely, faith-filled and family-focussed setting. Father Peter, in his homily, encouraged us to be prepared for all good works, with our hearts in the right place. That when we do good works, good works from the heart, and when we do it together, amazing things happen.

As a member of the St Norbert College community, one is never surprised at the amazing things that unfold here. The sense of community, spirit and faith, and combined with the Norbertine presence of Father Peter, Abbot Noyens and Brother John, our Community Mass this year was another truly wonderful event. We thank Father Peter, Ms Kyd, Mrs Silva, Mr Beins, our choir, altar servers and readers for the many hours of preparation to make this Mass so joyful and to the Parent Committee and members of SNESA for assisting with the sausage sizzle that followed.

The undeniable spirit of our House system was on display for all to witness last Friday with the annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Numerous staff and students made comments that they had never seen such energy and excitement among students as they cheered for, encouraged, motivated and celebrated the participation of friends and peers alike in pursuit of House glory. Heartfelt congratulations to all involved in making this year’s carnival one to remember, especially Mr Price and the many staff who worked tirelessly in the preparation and organisation of the carnival. With the penguins of Prémontré the overall winners of the House shield congratulations must go to Mr McGrath and his team and to Mr Gherardi and Tongerlo House for taking out the House spirit trophy in a hotly contested competition. An extensive list of achievements and results are included later in this newsletter.

As we look to the future, Open Day is fast approaching and we look forward to hosting many new friends and guests to our College on the day. Please feel free to invite friends and family to enjoy a tour of our College and to meet many of our students. Further information about Open Day is included in this newsletter.

The beginning of Lent is a very special time on our liturgical calendar, marked with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. It is during this time that we are called to commit ourselves to be more Christ-like in all that we do. We are called to prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to examine our hearts and minds, actions that strengthen us spiritually. During our Ash Wednesday liturgies, we also acknowledged the 10-year anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation by the then-Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd. As a Catholic community, we at St Norbert College continue to work with the survivors of the stolen generation and their families towards truth, justice and healing.

In his Lenten message this year, Pope Francis highlighted the growing challenges of our times. Momentary pleasures mistaken for true happiness, dreams of monetary wealth and material possessions are, as Pope Francis describes, leading to hearts cold to those around us.

"Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12).

And in conclusion then, we are challenged, like Father Peter challenged us at our Community Mass – to be prepared for all good works, put our hearts in our works and together we can do amazing things; amazing things that will light the fire of love in all of us.

God Bless

Mr S Harvey (Principal)