Rector's Report

Greetings to you all!

We can all take a breath now that Term 3 has concluded. College life is hectic and Term 3 has been no different with a variety of events taking place. Term 4 will commence on Monday October 5. As a result of returning to college life our students will be faced with their approaching exams. We will also be preparing to farewell our 2026 Year 12 cohort with their Valedictory Mass and Dinner. The college staff will finish the term with a day retreat led by former Principal/Rector Fr Michael Twigg OMI. Enjoy the break and we will see you all in Term 4.

During the term break Police Remembrance Day will celebrated on September 29. This is an annual day of observance across Australia and the Pacific Region to honour police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty as a result of their service, as well as those who have died through illness or other circumstances. It is important for us to remember and reflect the 178 Polices Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the foundation of Victoria Police in 1853. Of these, 30 have been murdered, which underlines the dangers police members face daily.

Our community especially remembers Constable Steven Tynan who was ambushed and killed in 1988. Steven was a former student of Mazenod College having graduated in 1983. On Friday September 4, our college welcomed back and thanked former students who are now members of the various branches of our Emergency Services that keep us safe.

Father’s Day

On Friday 4 September Mazenod College welcomed with great joy and celebration approximately 450 dads, carers and sons to the Father’s Day Eucharist and breakfast. The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Rector, in the Provence Centre followed by refreshments and time for community in Oblate Hall.

Oblate News

On Monday 31 August Oblates gathered at our Provincial House Chapel, Camberwell for the renewal of vows of three of our Oblate students: Brs Martin (Vietnam), Ernest and Christian (Nigeria). Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Provincial, received their vows on behalf of our Superior General.

During this year Fr Dilan Perera OMI has been gaining pastoral experience and support for his studies and ministry with our college counsellors in Tempier House here at Mazenod. On September 10, 2026, our Superior General, with consent of the Council, appointed Fr Dilan Perera OMI as Provincial Superior of the Colombo Province (Sri Lanka) for a first term of 3 years. Since 1847, members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have served in Sri Lanka. Fr Dilan comes from the parish of St Anthony’s, Weliweriya. He was ordained a priest on September 1, 2001, and has celebrated his 25th anniversary of priesthood this year. As Provincial Fr Dilan will also have pastoral care of the Delegation of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan – Korea.

Design & Technology Display

From Monday 1 September to Thursday 3 September, the Design & Technology Department showcased some of the Senior College students work from 2026. The exhibition featured projects from both Engineering and Furnishing, highlighting the creativity, technical skills and craftsmanship developed by our students throughout the year. The work was on display in the Heritage Corridor, with staff, students and visitors taking the opportunity to view the projects and celebrate the achievements of our Senior College students. Congratulations to all our students and their dedicated teachers.

Finals Down to the Final Four

As we go into the term break the footy finals are down to the final four with the result that the two remaining teams will play off in the 2026 Grand Final on September 26 at the MCG. Good luck to all the supporters who still have a fighting chance. The rest of us will have to wait till next year.

Oblate Mission Immersion Experience

The Oblate Mission Immersion Experience is a new initiative by the Oblates. It will include India and sri Lanka from 26 June – 10 July 2027. This immersion experince is open to current and former parents, teachers, Old Boys of our Oblate Colleges and parishioners in our Oblate parishes. This will involve spending time in Oblate missions, experiecing the Oblate commitment to education, pastoral ministry and nservice especially to those who are most vulnerable. This will be an opportunity to experience and parictpate in the wider Oblate story of mission. Further information and a copy of the itinerary can be found at: tcoghlan@omi.com.au

2026 De Mazenod Family Gathering

Theme: One Heart, One Family, One Charism

For more information or to register, visit: https://omi.com.au/dmf-gathering

When: 22-25 October 2026

Where: St Eugene's Retreat Centre, Newborough, Victoria

Registration: from $100