From the Principal

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

“The Saint Norbert College Community respectfully acknowledges the past and present traditional owners of this land on which we are meeting, the Whadjuk people. It is a privilege to be standing on Noongar country. We acknowledge the contribution of Aboriginal Australians and non-Aboriginal Australians to the education of all children and people in this country we all live in and share together – Australia”.

Reconciliation Week was celebrated across Australia this week, acknowledging non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people coming together to celebrate the respectful relationships we share through a process of truth, justice and then reconciliation. 

In a similar vein today, we celebrate St Norbert, the patron of our school, whose feast day falls tomorrow. That Reconciliation Week and the Feast of St Norbert fall so closely together, is timely. 

Whilst the current restrictions prevent our traditional St Norbert Day celebrations, today was marked with a special Liturgy and other relevant activities to acknowledge the significance of our connection with St Norbert and the Norbertines.

Christmas Day this year marks the 900th anniversary of the day that Norbert founded the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré and is an appropriate time to also acknowledge the contributions to our community, of past and present Norbertines. 

I feel it is important to share with you something of the special members of the Norbertine community here in Queens Park. You may notice the suffix, O.Praem, following the names of those professed, and this has it’s origins in the title of the Order – Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the ‘Order of Premonstratensians’ or as we say in Australia – Norbertines. 

Father Peter Stiglich O.Praem is our Prior, having joined the community here from Melbourne, Victoria in February 1979. Having celebrated over 40 years in this community, bringing such a warm and genuine presence to our College, it is community prayer, common life and a spirituality that talks about “us and we” rather than “me and I” that Fr Peter loves most about being a Norbertine. His leadership and support for all in the Priory, the Parish, St Joseph’s Primary School and our College community is unrivalled.

Father Stephen Cooney O.Praem is joyously hailed as one of our “Founding Fathers” with Fr Peter O’Reilly and Fr John Reynolds. Fr Stephen joined the Norbertines in Western Australia in November 1959 from Kilnacrott Abbey in County Cavan, Ireland. Whilst having spent much of this time until recently, ministering to the parish of York, it is wonderful to have Fr Stephen with us here in Queens Park.

Brother Kenneth Torogori O.Praem first joined the community of Queens Park in December 2015 from the Bogia District, Madang Province of Papua New Guinea. Br Kenneth celebrated his Simple Profession to the Norbertine Community of Queens Park in May 2018. Br Kenneth has been an integral part of our Facilities and maintenance team for a number of years, working tirelessly in the upkeep of the College grounds. In most recent times however, he has also commenced studies in Theology at Notre Dame University.

Br John De Agnel Anthoni Samy O.Praem celebrated his Simple Profession to the community in May 2018 with Br Kenneth, having joined from Perak, Malaysia in June 2016. Br John credits the Norbertines, which he now belongs, as “a gift and a special calling from God”. He too, has commenced Theological studies at Notre Dame University.

Br Stephen Lee was born in Taiping, Malaysia. He joined the Norbertines of Queens Park in August 2017 and was received by the community as a Novitiate in 2018. Br Stephen spent 12 years previously as a member of the Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel and prior to coming to Australia, was based in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Br Stephen is looking forward to celebrating his Simple Profession to the community later this year, and in the meantime, is also engaged in Theological studies at Notre Dame University with his confreres.

I’m sure all would agree that, one of the many joys of being involved with the St Norbert College community, is the special relationship with the Norbertines here in Queens Park, and that beautiful connection with the values of our College patron St Norbert and his faithful followers.

We are truly blessed to be able to engage with, immerse ourselves in, learn from, embrace and draw upon our relationship with the Aboriginal culture of Australia, as well as the rich tapestry of the Norbertine ethos and traditions. 

God’s blessings to you all.

Mr S Harvey (Principal)

The following video was played as part of Liturgy this morning, with students and staff reflecting on what they love about St Norbert College and what it means to be part of the Norbertine community.