College History

In 1959, Fr Peter O’Reilly O Praem, Fr John Reynolds O Praem and Fr Stephen Cooney O Praem travelled to Western Australia from Kilnacrott in Ireland.  The original intention was to establish a boys’ boarding school in York.  This didn’t eventuate but the Norbertines have maintained a presence in the York parish until the present date.

In 1964, Archbishop Prendiville invited the Norbertine Canons to establish a boys’ school in Queens Park.  The College opened in 1965.

St Norbert College was officially blessed by the Rt. Rev. F C Colwell O Praem, Abbot of Kilnacrott, on 7th February 1965. 

In that year, less than thirty students were enrolled in one Year 6 class.

The College expanded by one class each year until 1971 when the first students entered for the Leaving Certificate examinations.  By this time, enrolments in Lower Secondary necessitated double streaming of classes.  The College only enrolled boys until 1976 when co-education was introduced.  Initially girls were enrolled at the Year 8 level, bringing the total number to more than 340.  Staffing patterns have reflected the changing nature of enrolments at the College.  In 1966, two Norbertines formed the Staff, with Father Anderson as Headmaster. 

1983... and the library moved to the new Prémontré building.   The official opening of the library was combined with the opening of the College centre for Community and Performing Arts - the Xanten Centre (shown here on the left) in 1984. 

This building, like many others, was the result of a generous response from parents, staff and friends of the College.

The continuing St Norbert College Annual Festival of Performing Arts is testament to this centre.

In more recent years, the College has continued to expand in the areas of technology with dedicated computing and word-processing rooms, updating existing facilities and in February 1999, the new gymnasium building (shown below) was blessed and opened.

In the Year 2005, 50 teaching staff were supported by 22 other full time and part time staff members (administrative and maintenance staff) which provides evidence of the evolution of the College.

By 2008 new Science facilities and a refurbished Administration Centre were completed.  The Science facilities are state of the art and meet the needs of 21st century science education.

On 1 August 2008 the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) approved the extension of enrolment parameters for the College.  From 2010 the College will enrol students in Year 7.  The Capital Development Stage 8 to accommodate the increased enrolment will include the development of a cafeteria/canteen and improved restroom facilities.

Today

Currently there are approximately 50 teaching staff, 20 administration and maintenance staff serving 700 boys and girls - a remarkable tribute to the vision and hard work of the founding members of the College.

St Norber College Mission

St Norbert College is a Christian community; a Catholic school influenced by the ethos of the Norbertine Order to foster the growth of our students as whole persons who will live in faith with the Church and humanity, in the image of Christ.

Norbertine Ethos

The characteristic spirit of the Norbertines of Queens Park is one of "community" : a community of individuals brought together by God's call; a community which is part of the Catholic Church and seeking to build up that Church; a community which seeks to foster a sense of community in all that it does. The influences which continue to shape the Norbertine Community are the Church and her teachings, life and worship; the spiritual tradition of the Order drawn from Saints Augustine and Norbert and the people among whom the Canons live and with whom they serve. They look to Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God, for help and inspiration.

Motto

Ad Omnia Paratus

The motto is a contraction for 'ad omne opus bonum parati' taken from St Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy (Ch.III,V17) and means 'Prepared for all good works'.

The Fr Peter O'Reilly Centre