From the Rector

Greetings!  Last Friday, 14th October, our college community farewelled our 2022 Year 12 cohort with a college assembly. However, their academic year is not complete as they now move into an intense time of revision for their exams that will take place over the weeks ahead. The assembly concluded with a blessing for our Year 12 cohort and a presentation of a gift from the students to the college. On behalf of the college community, I wish them well during this time and pray for the Spirit of Wisdom to be with them. 

37th Oblate General Chapter 

With the conclusion of the 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on 14th October, the following Oblates have been entrusted to lead and guide our Congregation for the next 6 years. 

Scripture Reflection

We live in an image-laden world. We talk about organisations getting a 'new image'. We know our political parties employ 'spin doctors.' Products and companies are 're-branded.' Advertising can change our buying habits, our perceptions of ourselves, our bodies, and our politics. In a world of constant communications, there is a premium on being able to make things appear genuine, attractive, wholesome, and good. And for many, that is the key demand: appearance. It might be good, but it must appear good; it might not be all it’s cracked up to be, but so long as it is branded properly and marketed well, then who cares? This is the world of the lie, where reality is in the background and perception is all that matters. St Paul is a witness for us about being true to ourselves, about living our values, about not being bluffed by advertising or so-called promises by politicians at election time, about worrying about exterior appearances but being prepared to live the Good News of Jesus. St Paul paid the ultimate price for his fidelity by living this way. He was beheaded in Rome during the persecution undertaken by the emperor Nero. Dying this way, because of an outpouring of fear stirred up by the emperor, makes his life and writings even more relevant for us as we journey with all the distractions of life. Paul is the embodiment of the humble man who never allowed himself to be distracted from his task, never concerned for his own well-being or position. He simply wanted to be true to the Good News that Jesus had revealed to him and that makes him a model Christian for all ages.

Emergency Services Assembly

On Friday 7th October, the college gathered in the Provence Centre for our Emergency Services Assembly. This is a time to recognise the contribution of all involved (particularly former students) in the areas of Police, Fire Brigade, Paramedics and State Emergency, in keeping our society safe and responding to our communities' needs as various situations arise. 

It is also the occasion to remember former student Constable Steven Tynan (22) and his partner Damian Eyre (20) who were murdered when responding to a report of an abandoned car in South Yarra whilst on duty on 12th October 1988. This year we were pleased to welcome Rev Jim Jung, Senior Victoria Police Chaplain, who led our prayer and blessing. Former student Liam Ryan (2017) shared his experience of being inspired by these college assemblies to make a difference by joining Victoria Police. Pictured below myself with Rev Jim Jung – Senior Victoria Police Chaplain and Liam Ryan, Class of 2017. Pictured (right) former Mazenod students some of which are members of the emergency services.

Winter Recitals

During our cold winter months our hearts were warmed by the wonderful music and drama performances by our students. This engaging series ended on the evening of 5th October, with performances from our Wood Wind Family (pictured above) and our drama group. Congratulations to all our students who participated in these areas and to our dedicated staff.  

ACC Chess 

The week of 5th-6th October witnessed our students participate in the ACC chess championships. A huge congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 chess players who blitzed the ACC, with a perfect score of 28 wins/28. Our ten players were all in the top 11 in a field of 50. We have never lost this tournament. Also, congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 chess players who also won convincingly: Score 26.5/28. The top 4 individuals were from Mazenod, and 8 of the top 15.

State Champions in Badminton

Mazenod have done it again!!! Our wonderful team of 6 defeated highly rated schools and academies to claim our first ever title. The boys won the final 3-2 defeating highly rated Maribyrnong. Special mention to James Chen (old Boys) for coaching and Hayden Young for his support throughout the ACC Carnivals. The team consisted of:  Raphael Lydra (Year 11), Nicholas Pham (Year 11), Isaac Nguyen (Year 11), Reikken Lydra (Year 7), Anthony Quang (Year 9), Justin Tang (Year 9).

Annual Speech Night

On Wednesday 12th October the Mazenod College gathered at Blackwood Hall, Monash University for our Annual Speech Night. This is the first Speech Night we have celebrated in the past two years. Congratulations to all major award winners and all who participated in the evening. More pictures of the can be found on MazCom.

Personal Note

Last Sunday I had two enjoyable events. Firstly, I concelebrated the Eucharist at Lumen Christi, Churchill, where my two great nieces, Penny and Alice received their first Eucharist. In the afternoon I enjoyed a 50-year class reunion from the 1971 class from St Pauls Marist College, Traralgon or Lavalla College as it is known today. It was great to hear all their stories and I can say we have all changed a little since our student days. Pictured left: My sister Sue and husband Peter, proud grandparents, with Penny and Alice.   

Used Stamps -Year 7 Social Justice Group and SRC

Thanks to all our families who continue to forward their used stamps to our collection box in the Heritage Corridor outside the Student Services area. Our Year 7 Social Justice and SRC held a meeting to discuss how they will spend some of their time trimming the stamps from the envelopes in preparation for sending them to the ‘Mary MacKillop Today Project’ where they will be auctioned and the money raised will help fight poverty through the various missions of the Josephite sisters, the religious order founded by our own Australian saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop.                                                

                                                                                                         Result next newsletter!

Enjoy your weekend! 

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector