From the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of St Norbert College,
“It has sent everyone into a bit of chaos, as it has with every other industry in WA,
but it is all for the greater good”.
I was privileged to hear this comment at the end of a radio interview this week with a local AFL player. Many in our community would be aware of my hearty allegiances to the Fremantle Dockers, although in recent times I have been enormously impressed with the on and off-field behaviours of Josh Kennedy from the West Coast Eagles. Many have espoused the skills and talents of Josh, but I have been particularly impressed with his “others-centred” focus. He exerts more energy in celebrating the successes of his teammates than his own and his work in cyclone-ravaged Northampton, as well as the comment above, are indicative of a genuine concern for others. I categorically state though, that his actions would never be enough to sway my Freo allegiances but I am mightily impressed.
The comment on radio, I felt, captured in essence the week that we’ve had. Talkback radio and newsrooms have been aghast that schools can remain open when all else is in lockdown and I don’t dispute or neglect the genuine concern during these times, nor do I wish to engage in debate about whether or not schools should be open. I do respect the right and responsibility of parents to keep their children home.
What is paramount for me at the end of this term is to use this opportunity to acknowledge the “others-centred” approach of the students and staff of our College this week. A willingness and commitment to do what is right for the common good, by following the advice for schools to open and students to come along.
This is a great example of our commitment to the Catholic social teaching principle of Common Good, which means working for the good of all, or as members of our New Zealand community would express, “he painga mā te katoa”.
Staff farewells
At the end of this term, I wish to farewell the following staff;
Mr Michael Openshaw
Mr Openshaw is leaving us to take up the position of Director at The Studio School, an exciting venture by All Saints College. Michael has been central to the development of our Careers, VET and Workplace Learning program for nearly 10 years.
Ms Judith Chalmers
Ms Chalmers leaves us after many years of part-time and full-time contracts, to enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful life in semi-retirement.
Miss Kim Tran
Miss Tran joined us at the beginning of 2020 as a part-time Music teacher and moves to a substantive and full-time role at Ridge View Secondary College in Baldivis.
Mrs Katherine Crocker
We extend warm congratulations and best wishes to Mrs Crocker and her husband as they eagerly await the arrival of their second child. We look forward to Mrs Crocker’s return in July, 2022.
Mr Pankaj Khanna
Mr Khanna joined us a Media and Science teacher at the beginning of this term and concludes this contract with us.
I wish to thank the staff leaving us at this time and wish them all the best in their endeavours of the future.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my best wishes to all staff and students for the holiday period. It has been a long term of 11 weeks, bookended with COVID lockdowns but many other equally memorable events of a positive note.
I hope that our staff and students have the opportunity these holidays to rest and relax, but also to continue to direct their thoughts and energies to others in the same spirit as shown this week.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as
better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests,
but to the interests of others”.
Philippians 2:3-4
God Bless.
Mr S Harvey (Principal)
Employment Opportunity
The College is seeking a Groundsperson/Handyperson to assist our Facilities Team on a part-time (three days per week) for Term Three, with the possibility of extension. We seek to make this appointment as soon as possible. For further details about this opportunity or to express an interest, please contact Mr John O’Sullivan (College Business Manager) on 9350 5433 or via email josullivan@norbert.wa.edu.au.
Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Costelloe SDB
On Thursday, 1 July this week, legislation passed by the Western Australian State Parliament in relation to “Voluntary Assisted Dying” (VAD) was enacted. Please access the link below for a Pastoral Letter from The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB DD, Archbishop of Perth. As Archbishop Costelloe states in this letter:
“At this important time for our society, and for the Catholic community which seeks to be a vibrant and engaged part of the wider community, I have decided to share with you some perspectives which I hope will help you to reflect on the significance of this moment. The issues are complex and this letter is therefore rather long. I hope you will be patient with me as you read and reflect on it”.