The Mazenod Gazette

From the Executive

Today, Friday July 22 marks an exciting day in the Mazenod year on two fronts.

 

First, Deacon Joshua Nash OMI is to be ordained an Oblate priest this evening. The Oblates are the heart of our College and the ordination of such a dynamic and impressive young man is a cause of great joy for all of us. It reminds us that among the myriad pathways that our young men have open to them, a vocation to the priesthood is a genuine option. I encourage any young man considering this path to talk to their Religious Education teacher, Chaplain Fr Kevin Davine OMI or any of the Faith and Mission team. 

 

Today we also hosted our Day of Excellence. Many of our current students were acknowledged with a range of awards, and we welcomed back the 56, 2021 graduands who achieved an ATAR of above 90. This is an outstanding achievement and hearing the pathways these men have chosen is an inspiration to our current students.

 

We heard from our College Dux James Russell, who encouraged all students to grasp the opportunities that Mazenod offers. James truly personifies the aim of a wholistic Mazenod education. In his time at the College, he embraced the full range of academic, sporting, social and faith opportunities on offer. 

 

The results of these young men were not the result of chance. Outstanding results come from a combination of excellent teaching and responsible student learning habits. The day of excellence is a perfect prompt for a family conversation around future goals, and the learning behaviours that might make these goals a reality. May I suggest the following may be productive questions to open a dialogue with your son:

  • What courses and pathways did last year’s high achieving students tend to choose?
  • Have you started thinking about where you might like to see yourself after Year 12?
  • In your classes, what are the kinds of things you see the more successful students doing? 
  • How does this compare to the way you engage in class? 
  • Have you started reviewing your learning with a view to exams and assessments?
  • Is there anything I can do to help you? 

Often our students regret not starting positive learning behaviours earlier in their journey and the more we can do to encourage them to take ownership of this journey, the more likely it is to end in success.

 

We are proud of all of our students, and recognise excellence comes in many forms. Today was a celebration of the academic excellence at Mazenod, and thank you for your role in upholding these standards.

 

Every Blessing,

 

 

 

Dr Matthew Fyfield

Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching