From the Principal

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

A common theme of events celebrated here at St Norbert College in recent weeks was that of remembrance. As a College, we have had occasions to remember those we love and miss, those who have served us in conflict and even the loss of someone special. I speak of the special occasions of All Saints and Souls Day, our Remembrance Day service and the life of Abbot Noyens whose funeral was held in Tongerlo on the Feast of all Saints of the Norbertine Order.

It was very sad when we were informed of the passing of our beloved Abbot Noyens on 5 November at the Saint Camillus Community House in Antwerp, Belgium. The College, on behalf of our community, sent flowers to the funeral for Fr Abbot which was held on Wednesday 13 November, the Feast of all Saints of the Norbertine Order, at Tongerlo Abbey. Abbot Noyens was a regular visitor to St Joseph’s Priory in Queens Park and he will be cherished forever by the Norbertines and staff and students of St Norbert College alike.

A few days preceding the funeral, our College held a beautiful service to mark Remembrance Day and I thank Dr Runco, staff and students for their efforts in recognising this special day with reverence and respect.

Conversely though, it was with much pleasure this week that we welcomed Abbot Joseph Wouters, the Abbot General of the Norbertine Order. Abbot Jos has been visiting the Queens Park Priory since Sunday, spending a week here before returning to Rome where he resides. It was a special honour to escort Abbot Jos on a tour of our College, to see our terrific campus and to meet a number of our beautiful students and staff. We hope that Abbot Jos will become a regular visitor to Queens Park, much like Abbot Noyens before him.

It is wonderful to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of our students in various publications. Many in our community would be aware through external media outlets that Isabella Hulm (Year 8) has been accepted as one of 10 secondary school students with a strong interest in war history to have been selected for a fantastic trip to Darwin and Singapore for the 2020 Premier's ANZAC Student Tour. This is an excellent achievement and a true testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to her studies. Congratulations Isabella!

I would like to finish with the words of Pope Francis on the occasion of All Saints Day, but also in memory of Abbot Noyens who will always have a special place in the heart of our College community;

“The memory of the Saints leads us to raise our eyes to Heaven: not to forget the realities of the earth, but to face them with more courage and hope” (Pope Francis @Pontifex)

God bless.

Mr S Harvey (Principal)