From the Rector

Dear Mazenod Community,

A special prayer and blessing to everyone.

I recently read a passage from St Paul's Letter to the Colossians in Chapter 4 verse 5, where he implores us all to "make the most of every opportunity".

These opportunities for life and faith come around at a rapid rate at times and it can sometimes be hard to make the most of them all.

Over the past number of weeks, eight Mazenod College and seven St Brigid's College students have been preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Alongside Dr Leber, our Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission, each student has reflected on their own faith journey and relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It has been a spiritual privilege to journey alongside them. At any time, the College will be open to walking alongside those who wish to explore their faith journey further.

Our senior students were given the opportunity to participate in the Kairos Retreat and I was again humbled to see the very real journey of faith present. I thank everyone involved, particularly the adult guides and old boys. Mrs Emily Voight and Dr Leber led with a genuine St Eugene and Jesus heart and I give thanks to them all.

Over the past two weekends, it was a joy to witness the hard work, teamwork and commitment of our Mazenod Junior Football Club. So many people volunteer their time, energy and efforts to give our students a very meaningful sporting journey. The results are important, but of far greater importance are the very many values that can come through sport. I thank everyone involved.

Currently I am in Victoria for our Oblate Ongoing Formation, where as a Province we gather together to ensure that we are remaining true to the mission of Jesus with a clear Oblate lens. Both Mazenod and Iona College held their AGM with the Province and I was incredibly pleased that the Oblates value very highly our school ministries. Fr Andrew Chen OMI, our Provincial, expressed his deep appreciation for our entire school communities.

Our Father's Day Mass will be celebrated this week and it will be a great opportunity to once again focus our love and care for dads and dad figures in the lives of our boys. There is much to pray for as our students and their families navigate this very complex, beautiful and challenging era.

In conclusion, I would like to share the Mazenod For Paraburdoo Project by Nate P in Year 11. Last year Nate helped facilitate a beautiful and deeply meaningful contribution to Paraburdoo Hospital.

Just a reminder for everyone, our Year 10 Mazenod For… Project offers each boarder the chance to make a meaningful contribution to their home town via a $1000 expression of care. I am pleased that in 2025, eighteen students and towns benefitted from the Project and 2026 sees a further sixteen students involved.

Nate's project centred on the Paraburdoo Hospital where his mum works. Nate noticed that isolation and boredom can have a lasting impact on patients in the hospital, particularly children.

Nate's project sought to address this. He noticed an unused hospital trolley and had the idea to purchase some gaming equipment and convert the trolley into a roving entertainment system to help the patients connect and pass the long waits in hospital. His project has been constructed with his mum and dad's assistance and has made a genuine and meaningful contribution to his town.

Mazenod is very proud of Nate and all of the Year 10s who have contributed to the Project and I look forward to continuing to share these stories with you in each newsletter.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector