Principal's Post
ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART
At the Second Assembly of the Plenary Council, members voted in favour of endorsing the Uluru Statement from the Heart. While the wording of the Uluru Statement from the Heart leaves room for continuing discussion and debate, particularly in relation to what enshrining a First Nations Voice in the Constitution might look like, the Statement itself is much more than a political stance. As Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has noted, it is at once ‘bold and modest and deserving of ample attention’. It is a cry of heartache and pain; it is a lament for what has happened to First Nations Peoples in the wake of European settlement and because of it; and it is an assertion of an unextinguished sovereign relationship to the land.
Among other things, it asserts that First Nations peoples have had a spiritual sovereignty and connection with the land for more than 60,000 years, and that while that connection experienced challenges in the past 200 years, it has never been broken or destroyed. The Statement, which in November last year was endorsed by Australia's Catholic bishops, calls for a ‘fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia’, and seeks ‘constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country.’ This includes the call for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution. The endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the other relevant motions, are a further step on the way to realising this dream of joyfully recognising and receiving the gifts of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in the Church today.
SHREK, THE MUSICAL
One of the most exciting and hectic weeks of the year is Musical week. A culmination of months and months of preparation, designing and building sets, making costumes, and rehearsing for performers and musicians resulted in an outstanding display of talent and great fun. This year the Mazenod-Avila Annual Musical was held from Wednesday July 13th to Saturday July 16th at The Besen Centre, Burwood. Shrek, The Musical played to a packed auditorium of guests who were stunned and elated with the colour and action of the performance. Thanks to all involved, in particular our friends from Avila College, who have led the team of staff and students to prepare a wonderful community event.
DAY OF EXCELLENCE
Today the College conducted the traditional Day of Excellence Assembly. This tradition was established in the late 1990s by Fr John Sherman to promote and honour excellence but also to acknowledge the people in our community who provide all our students opportunities to learn. The parents were congratulated and thanked for their support. All the teaching and non-teaching staff at Mazenod and the students’ primary schools were commended for their role in establishing environments that enable young people to excel. Most importantly the students themselves were honoured and acknowledged for their dedication to their talents and their capacity to excel.
All the students were reminded that this is only one indicator of achievement. Success and happiness is determined on how talents and opportunities are utilized and used to serve others in the community. We wish them, and all the graduates of 2021 every success in their future endeavours.
JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL
At the Junior and Senior School Assemblies on Friday students from Years 7 to 12 were acknowledged for their attitude and performance during Semester 1. The awards reflect the values to which we hope all our students aspire, Academic Excellence, Christian Leadership, Commitment and Perseverance. Our celebration of academic excellence has been a long-standing tradition at the College and the semester-based awards are one of our customs that promotes and challenges our students to shine. Christian Leadership is the essence of who we are. How we demonstrate and live the Gospel message can be recognised by contribution to liturgy, social justice and leadership. The Commitment and Perseverance Award is particularly significant in our contemporary learning environment, the prioritised attributes in the modern workplace and the societal challenges faced by all of us at the moment. Congratulations to all the recipients, the parents, carers and the staff for their contribution to their achievements.
DAISHO STAFF AND STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
On Monday July 25 we welcome Daisho staff and students from Japan who will be with us until the 2nd of August. As part of the program our Japanese student visitors will be in class with their Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 hosts. On Monday there will be an introduction and a special welcome to the students and their hosts. Mazenod Japanese students will be chaperoning our visitors on excursions or exchange activities. A special thank you to all who offered to extended hospitality to Japanese teachers and students.
COVID UPDATE
It is strongly recommended by the Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, with face masks mandatory for those aged eight and over who are household contacts and attending school. This is because wearing masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In practice, this means that the Victorian Government is asking that, through to the end of winter, students aged eight and over and staff wear masks when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask. Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. This expectation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.
Thanks for your help with this collective effort to keep our communities safe and healthy. There is a joint letter from the Victorian State Government, Independent Schools Victoria and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria in support of this request.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal