Principal's Post
Emergency Services Assembly
At the Full College Assembly last Friday, we welcomed and recognised Old Collegians who have chosen a career in Emergency Services. Emergency Services play a vital role in society by ensuring the safety, well-being and security of individuals and communities. These dedicated professionals, including paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers, are the first responders to critical situations. Their prompt and skilled actions save lives during accidents, natural disasters, medical emergencies and crises. Beyond immediate lifesaving, Emergency Services provide a sense of reassurance and comfort to the public, fostering community resilience, and help keep us all safe.
We also honoured the legacy and service of Old Collegian Police Officer Steven Tynan (MOC1983) and his colleague Damian Eyre, and we keep their family and friends in our thoughts and prayers - as we do for all people who dedicate their lives to Emergency Services.
Steven’s life and memory were the centrepiece of our Term 3 College Assembly, recognising Mazenod’s deep connection with the Victorian Emergency Services. The College was honoured to present the inaugural Burning Flame Award to Steven’s family. The Burning Flame Award strives to ignite in every Mazenod student a life marked by purpose and service. Through Steven’s achievements, memory, and his lasting contribution and impact on the Mazenod community and beyond, Steven embodies the values we hold most dear: integrity, leadership, service and excellence.
Enrolment News
During the week we finished interviews for the 2027 cohort of students and welcomed the Year 7 2026 students and families. Invariably, during the interviews, families are asked why they have chosen Mazenod for their son’s education. A consistent response is that they know a current student or a former student who recommends the College to them. They also recognise the character and qualities of the young people who have been educated at the school. They recognise the dignity, respect and success of that past student and would like their son to have similar attributes. It is a very affirming exercise for the staff who are involved with the interview process, and I would like to thank the students, both current and former, for being people of integrity - which results in so many families making the College their first choice for their son.
We are also finalising numbers for all year levels for 2026, so please return the re-enrolment forms as soon as possible. The deadline for the forms has now passed. Please forward these forms to the Finance Team as soon as possible.
"Film Noir" Performing Arts Festival 2025
The Performing Arts Festival was held this week. Students and staff prepared an array of wonderful performances. The Student Leaders were heavily involved and were very enthusiastic and encouraging of all creative artists, magicians, singers and actors to give it a go. It was wonderful to see that the Performing and Visual Arts have such a place of prominence in our school community.
Term 3
Term 3 concludes today for students, and Term 4 begins on Monday 6 October. It has been a busy time for staff and students. Co-curricular activities are important for development and growth, especially during adolescence, and are associated with lower rates of anti-social and risky behaviour, lower rates of academic failure and lower dropout rates. Congratulations to all staff and students for their participation in the broad range of co-curricular activities.
VCE Trial Exams
Senior students will still be sitting Practice Exams during the term break and preparing for final assessments and exams. Good luck to all involved and hopefully there will be a chance to relax and enjoy some downtime as well.
Thank You
Thank you for everything you have done this term to keep Mazenod a safe and vibrant learning community, and to provide your son with opportunities to participate in a full range of activities. I hope you have a well-deserved holiday break with your family and friends.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal