From the Principal

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

“Sir, you entrusted me with two talents, here are two more that I have made” (Matthew 25: 22).

This Gospel reference was taken from Matthew and was central to both our 900th Anniversary Mass celebrated by Fr Peter and the Orchestral Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral two weeks ago, heralding the beginning of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. We were honoured to have Mr Beins (Guest Conductor) and students; Rachel Bruyns, Ben Park, Jonathon Le, Mary Carter and Rebecca Attwood, selected to share their talents as members of the Orchestra and Choir at this special Mass.

It's fair to suggest that this parable has been inaction in most recent times. We have been privileged to witness so many special moments where the talents and gifts of our students, with support from staff and families, have been on display. Their talents were used to create wonderful memories, gifts for us all.

We celebrated our NAIDOC assembly on Wednesday this week, highlighted for me by the ‘acknowledgement of country’ by Lachauntae Eades (Year 11) in her family language background and the assembly introduction by Curtis Blackwood (Year 12) who, with words written by Glenda Cornwell (Year 11), delivered such a poignant and reflective expression of why NAIDOC celebrations and the theme for this year “Heal our Country” is so essential and relevant. 

Lachauntae and Glenda had also figured prominently in the AFLW Girls’ Grand Final earlier in the week. Sadly, the team led so wonderfully by Mr McGrath, weren’t able to come away with the win, but if they had a trophy or shield for showing the greatest spirit and heart, then our girls couldn’t be denied. 

And to cap off an an astounding week, Peter Bol (Class of 2012) become the most well-known and popular Australian on the planet, with his name and Olympic exploits reverberating around the world. I’m sure you all, like me, marvelled not just at Peter’s athletic prowess, but more importantly his humility, composure and inspirational attitude. It is always heartening to witness young people expressing pride, love for family and their story and acknowledging the support they have received. For this, Peter Bol is more than a gold medallist in my eyes. 

These are just a few examples of how our College values of respect, heritage, community, friendship, adaptability and commitment have been lived in action by our students and staff.

“You could say that I’ve been built for this athlete’s lifestyle for quite a long time. But this journey is so much more than trying to run two laps of a track as fast as you can” (Peter Bol, in The West Australian newspaper, 4 August 2021)

God Bless.

Mr S Harvey (Principal)

Australian Census – 10 August 2021

The Australian census on 10 August 2021 will provide a snapshot of who Australians are and what is important to us.  The census is a key tool that government uses to determine how organisations, schools, church ministries and community groups are prioritised, funded and empowered to best operate in our State.

If your faith is important to you or if you identify with Christian values, please use your voice in the Australian census when asked your religion.

This is an important opportunity to demonstrate the significance of faith-based families in our West Australian community and will support endeavours to secure equitable access to opportunities and resources.