One of the awards presented at the College Presentation Night is the Br Patrick Doolan O Praem Award. In honour of the memory of Br Patrick Doolan O Praem, who passed to eternal life in January 2006, a medal carrying his name is presented annually to a member of the College staff who has given outstanding service to the College.
This year, Fr Peter decided to present this award differently.
He said that while almost everyone has seen 2020 as a time of challenge and disruption, it has also been a time of opportunity and adaptability and in all aspects of College life since March every staff member has been placed in a position where each one has had to ‘step up’ and step beyond’ what they know and are comfortable with.
“New ways of teaching, different ways of responding to the needs of students and parents and one another have been the order of the day,” he said.
“It has been a real privilege for me as the Prior of the Norbertine Community to see and appreciate all that staff have done and been in 2020, for you our students and parents, guardian and care-givers. How do you choose one person who has been an outstanding model of the very best of the St Norbert College culture.
“You don’t. So . . . the Brother Patrick Doolan award for 2020 goes to ALL the Staff of St Norbert College –each one of you has been outstanding, brilliant, fabulous, – true professionals, you deserve this!”
FOOTNOTE: On Friday, Dec 4, Fr Peter visited every member of staff – all 103 – presenting them with a certificate and medal as the 2020 Br Patrick Doolan O Praem Award.