Around the College
House Athletics Carnival
Last Friday’s Athletics Carnival delivered a full day of competition, energy and House pride. In one of the closest finishes in recent years, Chisholm secured their third consecutive title, completing a remarkable three-peat after finishing last in 2023.
Chisholm now joins an elite group of Houses to have claimed three or more championships in a row: Charlebois (1981–1983, 2009–2014), Gerard (1984–1986, 2015–2020), Grandin (1981–1991), Cebula (1997–1999) and MacKillop (2002–2004), a testament to consistency, teamwork and determination across all year levels.
Final results:
1st – Chisholm (2141)
2nd – Albini (2129)
3rd – Gerard (2116)
4th – Anthony (2107)
5th – MacKillop (2080)
6th – Cebula (2047)
7th – Charlebois (1925)
8th – Grandin (1922)
Congratulations to all students who competed, and to Gavin (Year 11), crowned this year’s Mazenod Gift winner and Fastest ‘Nodder’.
Year 7 Camp
This week our Year 7 students headed to Araluen Lutheran Camp for their first camp as a cohort.
Across two nights in Anglesea, students stepped outside their comfort zones, from canoeing and surfing to raft building and navigating the low ropes course. Indigenous bush walks offered time to learn about the land and its cultural significance, while team challenges strengthened trust, communication and resilience.
More than the activities, it was the shared experience that mattered. New friendships were formed, confidence grew, and our Year 7 cohort returned with stronger connections and lasting memories.
Liceo Vivona Visitors
From 11 to 18 February, we had the privilege of welcoming eleven students and three staff from our Partner School in Italy, Liceo Vivona.
Liceo Vivona is one of Rome’s leading Grammar Schools, consistently recognised among the top-performing schools in the capital. It was a pleasure to host such impressive young people here at Mazenod.
The eleven students, eight girls and three boys aged 15 to 18, were generously welcomed into the homes of Mazenod families for the week. We are sincerely grateful to each family who made this exchange possible through their hospitality and generosity.
During their visit, the Vivona students attended classes alongside their hosts and experienced life at Mazenod, before exploring Melbourne together on a dedicated City Day.
Vocational Major Camp
Our Year 12 Senior VCE Vocational Major students recently completed a two day camp in the Yarra Valley, designed to build resilience, leadership and teamwork.
The camp began with white water rafting on the Yarra River, followed by rock climbing and abseiling at Whipstick Gully in Warrandyte, where all students rose to the challenge.
After an overnight stay at Britannia Park Guides Camp, students spent the next day at Yarra Valley ECOSS, taking part in sustainable building workshops and bike upcycling activities. The camp concluded with a hands on permaculture experience at the PEACE Farm in Yarra Junction.
Students strengthened friendships, challenged themselves and deepened their understanding of sustainability—skills that will support their Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development studies.
We extend our thanks to Ms Beshir and Mr Harris for their planning and leadership throughout the camp.
Ash Wednesday
This Wednesday morning our staff and students gathered for Ash Wednesday, receiving ashes as we begin the season of Lent.
It is a simple and grounding moment in the Church’s year, inviting us to pause, reflect and recommit to living our faith with integrity and care for others.
Our Village Volunteering
Last week, VCE VET Christian Ministry & Theology students spent a morning volunteering with Our Village, supporting families experiencing hardship across Victoria.
From restoring prams and car seats to sorting clothing, toys and preparing care packs for babies and carers, their work will have a direct impact on children in their earliest years.
Beyond the practical tasks, students gained insight into the realities of disadvantage and the responsibility we share to respond with generosity and care.
Mulgrave Country Club Lawn Bowls Champion
A fantastic achievement for Jai (Year 10), who has been crowned the Mulgrave Country Club Novice Singles Champion.
Open to bowlers with three years’ experience or less, the competition saw Jai win four preliminary matches before Christmas to earn his place in Sunday’s final. Facing an opponent who competes in Mulgrave’s top Division One sides, Jai delivered a composed and confident performance to claim the title 20–9 in just 14 ends.
The final was played in front of a strong crowd alongside the Club’s Ladies and Men’s Singles Championship deciders, making the moment even more special.
VM Senior Student, Stephen MacFarlane: ‘Experimenting’ with Work Options
Stephen MacFarlane is an impressive young man who has always had a passion for science. When choosing the Vocational Major pathway, Stephen was able to continue nurturing this passion within an applied learning setting. He is currently pursuing a career as a laboratory assistant and is honing his skills at Bentleigh Secondary College.
In his role as a laboratory technician, and under the watchful eye of Emma and the Head of Science, Mr George Tissera, Stephen prepares and sets up science experiments for classes scheduled for practical lessons. His daily responsibilities also include cleaning equipment, researching and downloading digital resources, assisting with excursions, as well as general filing and inventory management of materials.
It is often said that the world is a small place, with only six degrees of separation. In this case, however, the connections between Stephen, Mazenod College, and Bentleigh Secondary College are even closer. Stephen’s supervisor, George Tissera, is an Old Boy of Mazenod, having completed his Year 12 studies in 2009.
George is an outstanding young educator who is already leading a science faculty and establishing himself as a highly regarded Chemistry teacher early in his career. He has also remained deeply connected to his Mazenod roots, regularly assisting with the Oblate street outreach program, Rosies. On Friday nights, George acts as a team leader, accompanying Mazenod students into the city to meet and engage with people experiencing homelessness. Sharing a cup of tea and listening to the stories of the ‘streeties’ provides Year 12 students with a meaningful opportunity to participate in the work of the Oblates and to immerse themselves more fully in the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod.
Stephen is thoroughly enjoying his time working in a school environment. While he is currently very happy pursuing a career as a laboratory assistant, he also has the option of completing a Diploma of Education Studies at TAFE before enrolling in a Bachelor of Education at university. The Vocational Major Program empowers young men and women to pursue their aspirations, including pathways into higher education.
Mazenod College sincerely thanks George and Emma for the care, guidance, and support they have provided Stephen. The success of the VCE Vocational Major program relies heavily on employers who generously offer young people real-world experience in the industries they aspire to join.
If you have the capacity to employ a VCE Vocational Major student, please contact Mr Leigh Harris at lharris@mazenod.vic.edu.au or Ms Athena Beshir at abeshir@mazenod.vic.edu.au, our Vocational Education Leaders. Work placement days for Year 11 VCE VM Unit 1/2 students are Tuesdays, while Year 12 VCE VM Unit 3/4 students attend on Thursdays.