Around the College

Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup #1 Results

Mazenod delivered a strong performance at last week’s Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup #1, held at Dandenong Stadium.

Across three full days of competition, 78 students from Years 9 and 10 represented the College across eight teams.

Results included:

• Year 10 Honours, Gold

  • Third consecutive year as champions

• Year 9 Honours, Gold and Silver

  • Both teams went undefeated before meeting in the Gold Medal match

• Year 10 Division 1, Bronze

• Year 10 Division 2, 4th

• Year 9 Division 1, 5th

• Year 9 Division 2, 7th and 8th

A standout moment came in Year 9 Honours, where Mazenod was granted permission to enter two teams in the top division. Both teams went undefeated through the tournament and met each other in the Gold Medal match, marking a historic moment for Mazenod Volleyball.

Thank you to the staff, students, and families who made their way to Dandenong to support the teams during the medal matches.

Northern Stars Chess Qualifiers

Mazenod has finished first overall at the Northern Star Chess Tournament qualifiers, held at Viewbank College on Thursday 21 May.

Competing against schools statewide across seven rounds, our students showed focus, composure, and strong decision-making throughout the day. The result saw the College finish one point ahead of host school Viewbank College to win the team event.

Eleven Mazenod students have now qualified for the Semi-Finals later in the year.

Akshobhya delivered an outstanding individual performance, finishing undefeated and placing 2nd overall on countback.

With the tournament open to students up to Year 12, this was an excellent result from a young Mazenod team.

Winter Milo for Rosies

Milo Mornings began last week, giving students a simple way to warm up through winter while supporting the work of Rosies Street Mission.

Every Friday at recess throughout winter, students can purchase a hot cup of Milo in the Quadrangle for a gold coin donation. Funds raised directly support Rosies and their work with people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

Year 10 Students Achieve Outstanding Success in Chinese Bridge Competition.

Congratulations to Lucas (Year 10) and Ryan (Year 10) on their outstanding results in the 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition.

Lucas was awarded First Place in the Victoria and Tasmania Division, while Ryan received Third Place, held recently at the University of Melbourne.

Following his success at state level, Lucas went on to compete in the Australian Chinese Bridge Competition National Finals, where he was also awarded First Prize. This remarkable achievement means Lucas will now represent Australia at the Global Chinese Bridge Competition in China, joining outstanding Chinese language learners from around the world.

The competition tests students across several areas, including Chinese cultural knowledge, speech presentation, language proficiency, and talent performance connected to Chinese language and culture.

Lucas and Ryan prepared for several months and showed great commitment throughout, attending every practice session and approaching each stage with focus and determination.

We congratulate both students on this achievement and wish Lucas every success as he prepares to represent Australia on the global stage.

Year 10 Food Tech Exams

Over the past two weeks, our Year 10 Food Technology students have completed their practical Morning Tea assessment tasks.

Students worked through the full design process, developing menus, consulting with a client, refining their ideas, and preparing dishes in response to a brief. The task challenged them to apply their skills in planning, preparation, presentation, and service in an authentic setting.

Across both groups, staff were treated to a diverse menu of student-made dishes, from savoury bites to desserts, each reflecting careful preparation and personal creativity.

We are proud of the way students approached the task, showing focus, resilience, and professionalism under pressure.

Lucas Buckley: From Bunnings to Construction Management

Lucas, a Year 12 VCE Vocational Major student, secured a position at Bunnings after completing Year 10 work experience. His personable manner, excellent work ethic, and ability to learn quickly on the job enabled him to become a regular part-time employee. Through this experience, Lucas realised that the skills and knowledge he was gaining across numerous trades would support him in pursuing his dream career in construction management.

Lucas has worked across various departments, including plumbing, electrical, paint, and tools, developing a strong understanding of the products and equipment used in each area. This product knowledge will undoubtedly benefit him when working on large building and construction sites.

He has also had the opportunity to refine the ‘soft skills’ required when working closely with clients and customers. Lucas has further developed his customer service skills, ensuring all individuals are treated with care and respect. He now feels confident engaging with a wide range of customers, assisting them with product knowledge and practical advice. His responsibilities have included operating registers, assisting with returns, stock management and replenishment, as well as general duties, all of which have contributed to his growing skill set.

After completing the Year 12 Vocational Major, Lucas hopes to enrol in a Diploma of Building and Construction at RMIT. Successful completion of this course will enable him to progress to a Bachelor of Construction Management.

Mazenod College is deeply grateful to Bunnings for the opportunities provided to Lucas. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire team, particularly Eddie, the shift manager for the guidance, care, and support that Lucas has been shown.

If your organisation has the capacity to host or employ a VCE Vocational Major student, please contact our Vocational Education Leaders: Mr Leigh Harris (lharris@mazenod.vic.edu.au) or Ms Athena Beshir (abeshir@mazenod.vic.edu.au).

Mazenod’s work placement days are scheduled as follows: Year 11 VCE VM (Units 1 & 2): Tuesdays, Year 12 VCE VM (Units 3 & 4): Thursdays