From the Principal

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

WELCOME back to the school year! It has been a busy return to school with many events already completed and our 196 new students have settled into life at St Norbert College. 

On a personal note, I am nervously excited as I begin my ministry as the Principal of St Norbert College. I am looking forward to continuing the good work of my predecessors in making St Norbert College a Catholic school of choice. Currently we are experiencing our highest enrolments with healthy waiting lists. 

My service at the College began in in 1987, the first year of the House system and vertical Homerooms. The previous year, I was a practice teacher who didn’t even know where St Norbert College was! I was blessed to begin my career as a young Mathematics teacher who drove into Treasure Road with P-plates. I was entrusted with many leadership opportunities starting as a House Co-ordinator (Prémontré), Head of Mathematics, Dean of Studies and Deputy Principal. I am proud to admit that I taught some of the current teachers and many of our current parents. 

St Norbert College is a special place where Koinonia (community) is part of the fabric. 

Thank you, Fr Peter, for having faith in me to lead the College.

New staff 

WELCOME: 

Mrs Merryl Byfield                                     Science

Ms Kristin Chan                                          College Counsellor

Mr Sean Ebert                                             Mathematics

Miss Claire Firth                                          Science

Mrs Jo Fuda                                                 English, HASS & Italian

Ms Donna Gava                                          Education Assistant

Mr Robert Gibbon                                     Mathematics

Mrs Maria Keleher                                     Italian

Mrs Jenny Kingston-Gregory                  English

Mrs Tracey La Vanda                                 Head of Year 7

Miss Shirley Leddy                                     English

Mr Brendan Lewis                                      Science

Mr Liam MacKenzie                                   Computing               

Ms Maire Ni Mahuna                                Religious Education

Mr Isaiah Walley-Stack                             Aboriginal Teaching Assistant

I also would like to acknowledge the following staff who move into promotional positions this year:

• Miss Carrol Abel to Deputy Principal -Years 7 & 10
• Mrs Lindsay Kippen to Head of Religious Education and
• Mrs Kathryn Crocker to Head of Arts

Class of 2022 results

OUR Class of 2022 achieved some outstanding results due to their hard work and support of the staff at the College. Congratulations to Guntaas Ranu (2022 Dux) for achieving the Highest ATAR score of 99.3 and a Certificate of Distinction. Stephni Jesuthasan achieved a Special Certificate of Excellence: Community Services, Health and Education. (Read more in Alumni News further in the newsletter)  

Other notable statistics for 2022:

• Median ATAR score of 82
• Seven students attained an ATAR of 90+
• 38 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of between 80 and 90
• 11 Certificates of Merit
• Workplace Learning hours = 15,963, and 
• 168 vocational qualifications were achieved.

The ATAR Health Studies results from the College placed us as one of the top schools for that subject-well done to Mr Corey Houwen.

Events

BEFORE the official commencement of school, our Class of 2023 enjoyed their school ball on Wednesday, 25 January at Frasers Restaurant in Kings Park. Thank you to Miss Danielle Pisconeri, Mr Craig Mecham and Miss Karen MaGee for the co-ordination of the Ball.

A Canons training camp was held at the College on Friday, 27 January for students in the Specialised Basketball and Football Programs. Thanks to Mr Ryan Godfrey, Mr Corey Houwen and Mr Jacob Aquino for organising the day.

The Year 12 Information Evening was held via Teams on Monday, 6 February with families joining online to prepare for the final year of schooling. Thank you to Mr Peter Hawke, Mr Roger D’Almeida, Mrs Katelyn Godfrey and Mrs Karen Gonsalves for presenting.

There was a friendly buzz in the air on Monday night when we welcomed parents of new Year 7 – 12 students to a seminar. It was a great opportunity for parents to meet key staff especially Homeroom teachers. Thank you to Mrs Tracey La Vanda, Miss Carrol Abel, Heads of House and Homeroom teachers for being a part of this very important evening. It was lovely to see so many parents that are ex-students choosing the College for their children!

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Mathematics Learning Area for achieving Silver Status as a Maths Active School from MAWA (Maths Association of WA). This is in recognition of actively extending students and teachers beyond the normal mathematics classroom.

College Bus Services

The College is aware of that our bus services operated by Horizons West are at capacity. We are currently working with Horizons West to resolve this by looking in particular at the Parkwood, Canning Vale and Cloverdale routes. A link bus will be used for Canning Vale commencing on Monday, 20 February. Please be patient and we will keep you informed of changes as they are finalised. 

Community Mass this Sunday

I look forward to coming together as a community this Sunday, 19 February for our very special Community Mass commencing at 6:30pm. I thank Mrs Colette Miranda, Ms Margaret Kyd and Mrs Jenny Palermo in advance for their organisation of the event. The Class of 2022 awards will be presented at the end of Mass, followed by a free sausage sizzle hosted by the Parent Committee. Students must report to Homeroom from 6pm. Please bring a chair or picnic rug for the family. 

God bless.

Ms S Rainford

(Principal)