Principal's Post

Year 12, 2026 Retreat

The 2026 Year 12 Transition Program commenced on Wednesday and Thursday of this week with the Year 12 Retreat. For all the Year 12 students and staff at Mazenod College this was a truly meaningful and transformative retreat experience. This special time was an opportunity for reflection, growth, and connection, both individually and each other.

I hope that the Year 12s find inspiration, strength, and clarity as they navigate the final year of their journey at Mazenod. I am confident that this group will embrace the chance to deepen their faith, build lasting memories, and strengthen the bonds of friendship.

May this retreat bring peace, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue to strive towards your goals. Best wishes for a memorable and enriching Year 12 experience!

ACC Leadership

The ACC Leadership Evening was held on Wednesday November 26 at St Bede’s College Mentone. Students presented on their College’s Charism and identity. Students and staff leaving the function were appreciative of the respective stories and histories, but also mindful of the common purpose and themes that permeate through the 14 member Colleges that educate over 16,000 students. 

Themes and open discussion about building masculinity that benefits and serves men and women in our society; the prominence of social justice programs; the continual need to empower young men to understand and respond to Respectful Relationship Programs; the desire to proactively address the issues of sustainability; the openness to reflect on the shattering consequences that can impact families, friends and young people if mental health issues become overwhelming, all featured in the sensitive and thought provoking student presentations. The most common theme central to the presentations was the congregational founder of the respective Colleges, who demonstrated leadership to address the social injustices of his time and spread the Gospel message to those in their communities.

Time & Space

On Thursday evening, November 27, Year 12 students of 2026 and their parents/carers took the opportunity to take "time and space" to have a one-on-one conversation with their son as a central part of the growth of the whole person. In the last few decades, the context in which education systems find themselves has fundamentally altered. Within this larger context, Mazenod College has a unique role to play. This is to create nurturing and inclusive environments where your sons are respected, their voices are heard, and they are safe and feel safe.

Mazenod also has a heritage of significant rituals to mark a student's time at the College. Each year we offer an opportunity for Year 12s and their parent, carer or mentor to come together. Thank you to Bill Jennings, the Founder of Time & Space, who leads a special Year 12 parent/carer experience. 

Junior Gala

Congratulations to all our musicians who performed at the music recitals in preparation for the Junior Gala. The music gala event is a wonderful celebration of talent and creativity, an example of how music transcends boundaries and touches each of us here. We have artists, who are both seasoned and emerging, and who poured their hearts out. Thank you to all parents for supporting your sons through many hours of dedicated rehearsal. The Junior Gala will be next Tuesday, December 2 at the College.

Celebrating Excellence

Friday will be a day of rolling Year Level Assemblies which include the acknowledgement of award winners in the categories of Christian Leadership, Commitment and Perseverance and Academic Awards. The following explanations will be presented to the students at the assemblies to clarify the intent and criteria for the two categories of awards.

The Christian Leadership Award is designed to recognise any student who, through their actions, has lived out the Gospel values of Jesus Christ in being a positive role model for others in the community. There are many ways that students can demonstrate their eligibility for a Christian Leadership award, including the following:

1. Participation in liturgical ministry
2. Witness in participation in social justice activities
3. Witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ in their social interaction

The Commitment and Perseverance Award is for those students who enthusiastically embraced the Mazenod Guiding Principle of “Be a burning flame not a smouldering wick”. 

Award winners are nominated by Mazenod staff for dedication and commitment to their studies in a number of subjects. The award winners made a genuine attempt to achieve personal excellence and reach their full potential in all aspects of the school community in Semester 2. 

Congratulations to the students who have received these awards for semester 2.

Free Public Transport

As part of the 2025–26 Victorian State Budget, the Allan Labor Government has announced a major initiative to support families and ease the cost of living:

From 1 January 2026, public transport will be free for every Victorian under the age of 18. We know how quickly travel costs can add up. It’s why this announcement will mean savings of up to $755 a year – per child. This is a practical step that puts money back in the pockets of local families—and we want to make sure parents across Mazenod College are aware and ready to take advantage of it when it rolls out.

Eden Foster (State Member for Mulgrave).

Thankyou

While this is the last newsletter for 2025 our students will be continuing to represent the College in various activities and relevant information will continue to be uploaded on our websites and newsfeeds. Our cricketers are competing in the Oblate Cup and our volleyballers in the National titles.

On behalf of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the College Staff I would like to wish you and your families every blessing and joy for Christmas. I would also like to wish you a restful and enjoyable holiday and thank you for your support throughout 2025. 

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal