Deputy Principals

Year 7 and New Students for 2020 Information Evening

A reminder that on Thursday, 5 September 2019, St Norbert College will be holding the Year 7 and New Students Information Evening for all students commencing in 2020. The Information Evening provides families with important information about the transition program to assist current Year 6 students as they head into Year 7 next year as well as students in other year groups commencing at St Norbert College next year. Both students and at least one parent are required to attend the evening which commences at 6.00pm in the Fr Peter O’Reilly Centre. After an introduction to the whole group, families will then be split into five smaller groups for more informal presentations and discussion about what students can expect when they commence next year and how they can best prepare for this transition.

Subject Selection for 2020 Electives

Students in Years 7 -9 are currently going through the process of selecting their electives for next year. Students have been logging into Subject Selection Online to select both their preferred electives as well as two reserve electives. Students in Year 8 and Year 9 have until Wednesday, 21 August to complete their elective selections for 2020.  For students in Year 7, they have a little longer to complete the process as they need to navigate their way through some of the compulsory categories of electives that they must choose in Year 8. Subject selection closes for Year 7 students on Tuesday, 27 August.

At the completion of the process, all students must print out a copy of the ‘Selection Report’ and hand it in at Student Services signed by both themselves and a parent. Information regarding the curriculum choices available to students is available in SEQTA in the ‘Subject Selection Portal Page’.

Year 12 Graduation Information

The end of Year 12 is rapidly approaching and the Class of 2019 are doing all they can to prepare for the completion of the final assessments, course work and exams that they will face over the coming months. Part of this also involves the preparation of the formal process of St Norbert College Graduation that takes place on Friday, 25 October.

In preparation for this important night, three key resources have been uploaded into the ‘Documents’ section of SEQTA for students and parents to access:

• Year 12 Term 3 and Term 4 Information 2019: This outlines all the important events, dates and requirements for Year 12 students before the end of the year.
• Year 12 Application for a Reference 2019: For those students wishing to apply for an official reference from the College. These are due in by Tuesday, 27 August.
• SCSA Year 12 Handbook Part Two: This is important information released by SCSA dealing with ATAR Exams and SCSA Certification. This goes with the Year 12 Handbook Part One which was uploaded at the end of May.

I encourage all Year 12 parents and students to access these resources so that they are fully informed of the remaining requirements for the completion of Year 12.

How Good Are Our Teachers?

St Norbert College prides itself on the outstanding dedication and commitment of our teachers to their students. Teachers are always looking for new and relevant development opportunities to assist in their professional learning with the intention of improving their classroom practice.

Recently several of our teachers on staff have been the ones responsible for running professional development opportunities for teachers from other schools. Sometimes this is through Catholic Education, through subject associations and even within an international context. One example of this is happening over the following weeks when the St Norbert College Mathematics Department hosts teachers from other schools for Mathematics Methods workshops.

Whether it be Mathematics, Health & Physical Education, English and Literacy, Technology or any Learning Area, it is a great reflection on our teaching staff that they are both eager to develop their professional practice and just as eager to share it with their fellow teachers.   

Mr P Hawke (Deputy Principal - Years 8,10,12)

Home Study Days

A reminder to parents and students that Friday 23 August and Monday 26 August are Home Study days. The College office will also be closed.

Absences

A reminder to parents/guardians to call the College before 8:45am if your child is going to be absent for the day. A written note or medical certificate is still required on their return.

Mobile Phone Policy

An updated Mobile Phone Policy is available on SEQTA Documents. The policy is based on the principles of mutual responsibility and respect of all parties involved in the use of mobile phones. It requires accountability on the part of the user for his or her actions. It is designed to assist in managing the safe and responsible use of mobile phones by students and involves parents as partners in assisting their children in the proper use of mobile phones. It is underpinned by an overall requirement for students to exercise care and use their mobile phones in a considerate manner and to be aware of situations in which others could be affected by their actions.

The following are some important points from the policy:

• All phone calls during school hours of an urgent nature should be made using the phone at Student Services. Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, contact should be made to the College Reception (9350 5433) to ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted in any appropriate way.
• Mobile phones should be switched off and placed in lockers upon arrival at the College and remain in the locker until the end of the school day.
• Students attending after school events (eg. socials, sporting fixtures off campus), may be allowed to have their mobile phone, but must follow directives of staff for their use.
• Students may be allowed to have their mobile phones when attending excursions if it assists in teacher supervision and duty of care.
• Teachers may on occasion give students permission to use their mobile phones in class for educational purposes. This usage is subject to the same regulation and supervision as laptops. Mobile phones would need to be returned to lockers by the end of the lesson.
• Students using the Premontre Library after school, may have their mobile phones with them provided it is on silent mode.
• Unless express permission is granted, mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, listen to music, take photos or use any other application during the school day and other educational activities, such as assemblies, sporting fixtures or excursions.
• Students found in possession of their mobile phones after they have arrived at the College or using them without permission, will have their phone confiscated and a Rostered Detention will be issued. The mobile phone can only be collected from Student Services at the end of the day.

Please take the time to read the full policy on SEQTA.

Parent Committee Guest Speaker

The Parent Committee hosted a truly inspirational guest speaker, Mr Rob Pike.  Parents and students who attended on Tuesday 13 August (pictured above) were moved to hear Rob’s personal story of the consequences of split decisions. He provided messages on friendship, hope, strength, purpose and to never give up even when faced with tragic circumstances.

The Parent Committee are always looking for suitable guest speakers. Please email srainford@norbert.wa.edu.au with suggestions and ideas.

Parent Committee- Celebrating Our Dads

The Parent Committee is organising a breakfast to celebrate dads and significant male figures (grandads, uncles). Please keep Friday 6 September free to come and enjoy a light breakfast and coffee in the Xanten performing Arts Foyer (note the new venue) from 7:30-8:30am. Please RSVP as soon as possible by Friday 30 August by calling 9350 5433 or via email arobert@norbert.wa.edu.au indicating the names of those attending. There will also be a prize for the best ‘clean’ dad joke so be prepared.

Ms S Rainford (Deputy Principal - Years 7,9,11)