✝️Faith and Mission

DMF Student Conference (February 8-11)

Earlier this month, seven of our student leaders, accompanied by Mrs Hughes, Mr Mallon and Dr Leber, represented Mazenod WA at the De Mazenod Family Education Network Student Leaders Conference in Coolum Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The event brought together students, staff and Oblates from all four Mazenod schools  - Mazenod College WA, Mazenod College Victoria, Iona College and St Eugene’s College.

The conference aimed to strengthen connections, deepen understanding of the Charism of St Eugene de Mazenod and explore strategies that support effective leadership.

Students attended a range of valuable presentations that offered insight into Oblate history and origins, global missions, contemporary societal issues, and the 200th anniversary of the Oblates’ Constitutions and Rules. Alongside sessions on leadership, teamwork and positive habits, each school had the opportunity to share information about their community and operations. A highlight was the “Have You Been Listening?” trivia night, where Mazenod WA secured a decisive and very satisfying victory.

Throughout the conference, students from each college participated in workshops to identify priorities within their schools and develop strategies for the year ahead. These sessions focused on key themes such as portfolios, charism, community, student voice and the sharing of new initiatives.

Some key reflections from the WA student leaders included:

“It was a valuable experience that gathered plenty of ideas from the brilliant initiatives from the other Oblate schools.”

“My one key takeaway is to leave nothing un-dared; as leaders we need to be confident in trying new ideas and learning from our mistakes.”

“It was great to meet everyone from the other Oblate schools and learn about the leadership initiatives their students and staff have introduced.”

“We were able to learn about the true extent of the Oblates, both in Australia and globally. It was great to meet staff and students from the other Oblate schools.”

“It was a very valuable experience being able to build relationships with people from other schools, see their views on leadership, and learn from them.”

“The conference was a great chance to plan ways with our Oblate schools to help the community and strengthen connections across the cohort. To aspire to be anything, and aspire to try everything.”

Overall, the 2026 Student Leaders Conference was an enriching and memorable experience for all involved. A sincere thank you goes to the DMFEN organisers, the Oblates, and the Mazenod staff who supported our participation.

William C, Cooper D, Matthew G, Ethan K, Alexander T, Fynn T and Ryan W

60th Anniversary Community and Family Mass (February 14)

On Saturday morning, Mazenod College hosted its Community and Family Mass to celebrate the College’s 60th Anniversary. We warmly welcomed past students, families, staff and friends from across six decades of Mazenod’s history.

Mazenod first opened its doors on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 1966, and that milestone was celebrated with a moving Mass led by Fr Michael OMI, Fr McMahon OMI, Fr Mathew OMI and Fr Basti OMI from St Patrick’s Fremantle, followed by a beautiful morning tea full of shared memories, warm conversations, community connection and delicious food.

As we mark sixty years, we give thanks for the faith, generosity and dedication of families, staff, the Oblates and the wider community who have shaped Mazenod over the past 60 years. We have much to be grateful for. While we do not live in the past, the past lives in us, through the values we pass on and the community we continue to build.

Happy 60th Birthday, Mazenod!

Shrove Tuesday

Mazenod celebrated the centuries-old tradition of Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday February 17. Its name derives from the word shriven which means ‘to ask for forgiveness’, and we use it to prepare our hearts for Lent. Thanks to the energy of our Young Vinnies and students’ insatiable appetite for sugar, syrup and toppings. All funds raised will support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. A special thanks to Glenn Pabst, Helen Botica, Claire Hughes and Pamela Rushton for their help in making the day such a success.

Ash Wednesday

Mazenod College gathered for the Ash Wednesday Mass, which marks the beginning of Lent. As is tradition in the Catholic Church, students and staff received ashes on their foreheads as a reminder that life is precious and that renewal is always possible. Ash Wednesday invites us to pause, recognise our human fragility, and open our hearts to grow in faith, hope and love.

The liturgy included the formal installation of our Year 12 student leaders and welcomed members of the Board, staff, families and new staff into the life of the College. Their presence underlined the partnership between students, families and staff in forming our community and committing to another year of service and leadership.

We were also honoured to witness Fr Michael Twigg OMI renew his Oblate vows. It is a powerful sign of faithful service and dedication that inspired all present. Another highlight of the celebration was the newly appointed House Charism Coordinators bringing forth their House shirts for blessing, asking God’s guidance on their work to foster House spirit, service and belonging across the College.

Our choir and musicians beautifully enhanced the Mass. Their music lifted our prayer and deepened the sense of occasion. Heartfelt thanks to all staff and students who prepared and served throughout the celebration, and to those who welcomed our new colleagues and visiting families.

May this Lenten season be a time of compassion, growth and deeper connection for our community. We give thanks for this time of prayer, leadership and renewal as we enter Lent together.

Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion 2026

Do you want to change lives this Lent? Join Mazenod College in supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion to help communities access clean water, education and sustainable livelihoods. Please take the opportunity to watch the Project Compassion 2026 introduction film, in which you will meet some of the people your generosity will support and be inspired by their stories:

Please consider donating to Project Compassion. Every gift makes a real difference. All form rooms now have an iconic Project Compassion donation box for students to contribute to this vital work. You can also donate online through the Mazenod College button link or via the QR Code below.

Let’s turn our compassion into a powerful force for change. Thank you for your generosity.

Dr Nathan Leber

Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission