Leadership's Letter

Getting Physical 

Our Junior Leaders have been challenging their classmates to increase their physical activity to enjoy the mental benefits of exercise. Our wellbeing data suggests most of our Year 7 students are very active in their sporting pursuits, but this quickly deteriorates as the boys progress through the year levels. Student feedback suggests not having access to equipment, fellow competitors and sporting facilities can be a barrier to participating in physical activity. We launched this campaign with a ‘Wear your Sports Jersey’ day late last term, and this was followed by the implementation of a Sporting Equipment hiring system with the support of our Junior SRC. It has been pleasing to see an increased number of football, basketball, soccer balls and cricket games taking place on the grounds during breaks. Over consecutive Friday’s our Junior School leaders ran ‘friendly’ games of indoor soccer to encourage students to enjoy the physical, mental and social health benefits of exercise. 

Leadership Campaign

This week we launched our campaign for Junior School leaders in 2024. I would like to commend the 29 high calibre Year 8 applicants who have put up their hand for this opportunity. It is very rewarding to read about the the enthusiasm, experience and vision our aspiring leaders have for improving the Mazenod College community.  Next week we will be announcing the Junior School prefects for 2024, of whom two will be given the opportunity to be Captain and Vice Captain. 

Transitioning to Mazenod 

Over the last four weeks members of our transition team have been visiting the incoming Year 7 2024 Mazenod College students at the 52 Primary Schools represented in next year’s cohort. It is very humbling to realise the diverse and widespread nature of our Mazenod College community and the wonderful reputation it has amongst our neighbouring schools. The boys have embraced the opportunity to greet staff and gain an appreciation of the College’s desire to make every student feel personally known and valued. In addition, these visits have served an opportunity for a pastoral handover of information from the teachers. We have been gratified by the optimism and comfort students are feeling about their transition. Last week we welcomed a group of  ‘Solo Starters’ by invitation to the College as an icebreaker opportunity for the 23 boys who are the only person from their Primary School attending Mazenod in 2024. It was pleasing to witness some our newest students embrace the opportunity to develop healthy connections with their future peers. Despite ‘camp’ being a popular highlight of Year 7 amongst our current students, most students one year into their Mazenod journey regularly identify ‘making new friends’ as being the true highlight of their first year of secondary school.

Jamie Davin

Dean of Junior School