Staff in Focus

Q&A with . . . Mr Houwen

Corey Houwen joined St Norbert College in 2018 after studying at UWA (BSc) and Notre Dame (DipEd). He embarked on teaching mainly because of his passion for sharing knowledge and helping others achieve their goals. In 2022, Mr Houwen was appointed Co-ordinator of our Specialised Basketball Program. He is about to tackle an iron man competition.

SNN: What led you to St Norbert College? 

CH: I had a strange and interesting Journey to St Norbert College. I was fortunate to have Ms Rainford as my final prac supervisor while at La Salle College. Ms Rainford spoke about St Norbert very highly and recommended I put in my resume for a PE advertised position. I was hesitant at first as I was adamant I would take a year off to travel, but Ms Rainford spoke so highly of the school and hence I decided to hand in resume. It was only in my interview did I realise Mr Harvey was the school Principal. Mr Harvey was my Year 11/12 football coach at Trinity College. Mr Harvey was one of the great teachers and when I found out he would be my 'boss’, I knew I had found the right school for me.

What was your own education like?

CH: I absolutely loved school (Trinity College, Class of 2013). Similar to many students at St Norbert College I had real passion for sport and trying to get the best out of myself. Although difficult at times to balance sporting commitments (training most mornings/evenings) and academics (taking an ATAR pathway in Year 11/12) it set me up well for life after school and learning to balance the commitments I love.

Was basketball your go-to sport growing up?

CH: Basketball was one of the many sports I played, however my go-to sports as a teenager were AFL and surfing. When looking back on my sporting journey it is amazing to think how all sports seem to intertwine and you can learn many life lessons from giving all sports a go. Through my love of AFL I was able to do some work with the West Coast Eagles in 2015/16 in sport science and got the chance to assist with game-day experiences. Surfing on the other hand has allowed me to travel the globe and meet some awesome people. I have been fortunate to travel to Indonesia (Sumatra & Bali) and parts of Europe to surf some amazing waves.

SNN: What are the highlights of your time at St Norbert College?

CH: Similar to the West Coast Eagles 2018 grand final, I have many highlights I look back on fondly. Being able to work with the "Dream Team'' (PE Department) each day has been a true highlight - we are very lucky to have the teachers we have had in our department.

Other highlights include being a part of many students' journeys in school and being able to watch/assist with their journey, working with many sporting teams (basketball, AFL, swimming, athletics, cross country, volleyball) and participating in many school events (St Norbert Day, Harmony Day & Community Mass).

Most recently my trip to the Kimberley was a true highlight. Attending the immersion with Ms Kyd & Ms Magee was an amazing experience in which I got the chance to truly understand the term culture and develop new learning. Lastly, I have been on four Year 9 camps and even had the pleasure of leading last year's. Students learn so much about themselves and the environment. My emails are always busy after camp with both parents/students thanking me for the experience and all that has come out of it.

SNN:  What does a typical morning in your Homeroom look like?

CH: The M4 Homeroom is a very special group. Each day I walk into a Homeroom that is filled with positivity, friendships and role models. Although we can be loud sometimes (whether that be music or Uno games) it is a pleasure to be a part and work with such a special group of students. 

SNN: How would you describe our current crop of basketballers?

CH: SPECIAL. Not only are they are extremely talented, highly motivated and hardworking students but they are amazing humans. The camaraderie and want for their peers to succeed is inspiring to watch and be a part of. Most morning I go check in with Colin (specialist basketball coach) to see how training is going and every day we smile and talk about how lucky we are to be working with these students.  

SNN: Of what are you most proud?

CH: The relationships I have built in my life. St Norbert College has taught me the important of having a strong community around you and I feel like over my journey I have been able to build a great community around myself. 

SNN: Tell us about the upcoming Busselton 100 Iron Man Competition ?

CH: I have a really strong friendship group and it was decided last year that we would all compete in an ironman to see who truly is the fittest. We have competed in the past in the Rottnest Channel Swim and we decided to change it up this year. The event distance will be 2km swim, 80km ride & 18km run. It's been a lot of fun training for something new. Last week I found out alummi student Joshua Ferguson (Class of 2021) is also doing the event and I think we are both excited to see who has the quicker time.

SNN: What is your motto in life?

CH: Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)