The Mazenod Gazette

Around the College

Mazenod Retains Davis/Johnson Cup

The Mazenod Senior ACC Australian Rules Football team recently retained the Davis/Johnson Cup in a resounding victory over Salesian College.

 

Played annually to honour Frank Davis (Salesian) and Matthew Johnson (MOC1976)—the first Old Collegians from each school to play at VFL/AFL level—the Cup is a proud tradition between the two Colleges.

 

Frank Davis played 168 games for Melbourne, including in their 1964 premiership side, while Matthew Johnson (MOC1976) played eight league games and kicked four goals for Footscray. He now continues to inspire the next generation as a member of staff at Mazenod.

 

In a dominant performance on Wednesday 30 April during their rescheduled Round 3 ACC match, Mazenod defeated Salesian 17.18 (120) to 1.7 (13).

International Chinese Language Day

On 24 April, nine talented Chinese students from Year 8 and Year 9 represented our school at Camberwell Grammar School in celebration of International Chinese Language Day. They participated in a range of engaging cultural workshops, including:

  • Chinese tea ceremony
  • Dragon exercise
  • Shuttlecock kicking
  • Chinese knotting
  • Calligraphy and painting

Additionally, four of these students also competed in the prestigious 2025 CLTAV Chinese Reading Awards, where they demonstrated exceptional skill among 100 participants from 23 schools. We are proud to announce their outstanding results:

  • Lucas Ysaac Velasquez secured 1st Prize
  • Devassy Pynadath achieved 3rd Prize

This marks the fourth consecutive year our school has won a 1st Prize in this competition — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication and the strong support of our school community.

Mission Action Day Report

Together, we can make a difference.

On the final day of Term 1, our Mazenod College community came together in the spirit of unity to celebrate Mission Action Day, raising awareness and vital funds for the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI), which supports Oblate Missions both in Australia and around the world.

 

The day began with a reflective Easter liturgy, setting a meaningful tone before students and staff took to the streets of Mulgrave for the annual walkathon — a powerful show of solidarity with those the Oblates serves.

 

Back on campus, a vibrant carnival atmosphere took over. Students enjoyed a wide range of activities, including the ever-popular coin toss, video games, inflatables, and sporting competitions like the AFL longest kick and crossbar challenge. To add to the excitement, students and staff also braved the thrilling carnival rides such as the Cha Cha, Dodgem Cars and Giant Slides.

 

Once again, the food stalls were a major highlight of the day for many, with the Year 7 area and cafeteria offering something for everyone — from classic jacket potatoes to dishes inspired by Italy, Japan, China, and India.

 

In the quadrangle, Mazenod’s Got Talent took to the main stage, showcasing a wide range of student talents and adding to the carnival buzz on the day.  Congratulations to Nishith Rajanbabu (Year 9), whose singing performance earned him the top prize for the second year running.

 

The entire school later gathered in the Provence Centre for the Easter Egg and Major Raffle draws. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Shannon and Fr. Harry, who praised the community’s spirit and dedication in supporting the Oblate Missions.

 

Mission Action Day wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of many. Heartfelt thanks to all who helped plan and run the day — from those who set up equipment and coordinated logistics to the volunteers who ran stalls, prepared performances, organised raffles, and kept everything running smoothly.

 

We are also deeply grateful to the local businesses, old boys, families, students, and staff who generously donated prizes, food, and funds. Your support makes a real difference. We encourage our Mazenod community to please endeavour to show your support for the businesses, sporting clubs, parishes, families and old boys who generously supported our fundraising efforts this year.

 

Mazenod College would like to thank and acknowledge the following:

  • Mazenod staff, students and families

  • Mazenod Old Collegians Association 

  • Mazenod Old Collegians Cricket Club 

  • Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club 

  • Mazenod All Abilities Football Club

  • Daniher Facility Management

  • Brandon Services

  • Cardigan Creative

  • St. John Vianney’s Springvale North Parish 

  • St. Joseph’s Springvale Primary School & Parish

  • Attilio’s Fruit Market

  • Alexanders Fruit Market Oakleigh

  • Melbourne Storm

  • South-East Melbourne Phoenix Basketball Club

  • Sea Life

  • Australian Sports Museum

  • Rush HQ

  • Nutrition Warehouse

  • Elite Supps 
  • Adidas 
  • Coles Rowville
  • Coles Noble park 
  • Coles Springvale 
  • Coles Clayton 
  • Coles Waverley Gardens 
  • City Beach 
  • Bunnings Warehouse

The success of Mission Action Day at Mazenod College is a testament to the spirit of unity that defines our community. This day of celebration, service, and solidarity brought to life the theme: "Together, we can make a difference”. Through the collective efforts of students, staff, families, and the wider Mazenod community, we not only raised vital funds for the Oblate Missions but also lived out our shared values of faith, compassion, and courage. Mission Action Day reminds us that when we stand together in purpose and generosity, we can truly “Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God”.

U15 Table Tennis State Champion

Congratulations to Immanuel Mullapudi (Year 10) on his outstanding performance at the 2025 Table Tennis Victoria S-Trend Open Championships, held at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on 5–6 April.

 

Immanuel claimed three titles in the Under 15 division—Boys’ Singles, Boys’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles—at an event that drew over 350 entries from across the state. As one of the premier tournaments on the Australian table tennis calendar, this achievement reflects his exceptional talent, focus and commitment.

Year 8 Grandparent's Days

Over two special days, we were proud to welcome 172 grandparents of our Year 8 students to the College. From personalised school tours with their grandsons to a musical performance in the Chapel and refreshments in the cafeteria, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect generations and share in College life.Thank you to all who joined us — we hope the visit was as memorable for you as it was for our students.

Joel McKerrow - Author Visit

Thank you to acclaimed writer, speaker and educator @joelmckerrowcreative for visiting Mazenod College on 24 April. Our Year 8 students were thoroughly engaged and inspired by your creative insights, powerful storytelling, and practical advice on writing with authenticity and courage.

A Unique Behind-the-Scenes Experience for Our Bequest Community

On Tuesday 29 April, we held our inaugural 1967 Bequest Society event—an intimate gathering of Mazenod community members who enjoyed a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Victorian Police Academy in Glen Waverley.

 

Hosted by former Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana (MOC1974) and Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen, the event offered a unique glimpse into the Academy’s work in preparing recruits for service.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to our hosts and to all who attended for their continued commitment to the future of Mazenod College.

 

You can learn more about the 1967 Bequest Society on the College website.

https://www.mazenod.vic.edu.au/support-mazenod/1967-bequest-society