Principal's Post

Semester 1

Semester 1 concludes on Monday, and Semester 2 commences on Tuesday June 17. The last couple of weeks have been a busy time for staff and students and included exams and assessment. Exams are a normal way of school life. It is possibility a new experience for younger students to perform under timed conditions. Exams are one form of assessment and a way to achieve a sense of satisfaction for the hard work of study routines to be appropriately rewarded. Some students have had to deal with anxiety which is quite normal for all of us. Our students’ capacity to perform in so many disciplines is remarkable. During these times it is important to remember the four pillars of wellbeing 1. Diet 2. Sleep 3. Exercise 4. Meditation. Good performance comes from preparation, practice, planning and taking care of yourself. Congratulations to all for achieving personal excellence during this time. 

Personal Academic Excellence

The beginning of Semester 2 is a critical time to implement any needed changes based on feedback from the collated end of semester reports and for most students, from the examination period that has just passed. Students should be regularly revising their classwork and seeing teachers to discuss any questions they may have about individual subjects. In this, the role of the Pastoral Leader is very important, and parents are encouraged to be in contact for any questions on progress and wellbeing.

Refugee Week June 15-21

For Refugee Week 2025, the Refugee Council of Australia will continue their three-year theme of Finding Freedom, with a focus on diversity in community to emphasise the vital role community plays in all our lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, language, disability, sexuality and age. The journey towards freedom represents the challenging path that many refugees take, escaping oppression and uncertainty for safety in a new place.  

In these new spaces, community is more than just a physical place or a group of people; community is a lifeline. It offers refugees safety, belonging, and the strength to rebuild. Diverse communities bring people together, showing that our differences make us stronger, more united, and capable of facing challenges. 

Community is where people find the strength to solve problems together, where voices are amplified, and where aspirations find direction and support. It’s a space where everyone can feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams without fear or judgment. This Refugee Week, we celebrate the inclusive communities across Australia that open their arms to those seeking refuge, providing platforms for connection and a sense of belonging. 

ACC Sport

Thank you to the Mazenod Sports Department and all staff who coached ACC sports teams this term. We continue to have excellent results in a wide variety of sports from Year 7-12. Out of the 21 teams that represented Mazenod in the ACC this term, 17 are playing in semi-finals next week, along with the Senior AFL Football team playing in the Grand Final, which will be held at Windy Hill, Essendon next Wednesday June 18 at 12.00pm. The senior 2nd Soccer Team will be in the semi-final at 11:30am Wednesday June 18 at Ross Reserve. The Senior Badminton Teams will also play in the semi-finals on this day. Good luck to all who are in finals at this stage of the term.

Wellbeing Support

The Mazenod College Counselling Service will continue within usual school operating hours. Parents or students may wish to discuss the possibility of counselling support by contacting our College Psychologists via email counsellors@mazenod.vic.edu.au.

I ask that you continue to work closely with the school and if you have any concerns or queries, please contact frontdesk@mazenod.vic.edu.au. Thank you for your support as we work to keep our staff and students safe.

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal