Around the College

Year 10 Food Technology Prac Exams

Our Year 10 Food Technology students recently completed their practical exams by preparing a unique dish for a very special client – one of the teaching staff!

From mini crepes to gnocchi napoletana, churros to teriyaki chicken sushi, each student showcased their skills with a personalised dish made with care and creativity.

Well done to all students on an impressive and delicious effort!

Primary School Experience Day

What better way to discover Mazenod than by experiencing it first-hand? We were thrilled to host 115 enthusiastic students from Good Shepherd and St Leonard’s Primary Schools for our Mazenod College Experience Day. From testing science experiments to coding in Robotics and getting active in Sport, the day was packed with energy and exploration.

Adding something special to the day were our 25 Year 9 student helpers—former students of Good Shepherd and St Leonard’s—who stepped into leadership roles to support and welcome the next generation of potential Mazenod boys. We loved sharing our College with you all and hope you left inspired by what’s ahead.

Mr Denis Passalent Shares Holocaust Research at MHM

When history fades into silence, it takes courage to listen—and even more to speak for those no longer able to.

At the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Mr Denis Passalent, Mazenod’s Faculty Head of Languages, shared a powerful and deeply personal presentation titled “A Jewish Family in Northeast Italy: A Story Rediscovered.” The story he told was not from textbooks, but from within—tracing the lives of Moisè and Norma Gentilli, a Jewish couple who once cared for the elderly in Venice before being arrested during their escape to Switzerland in 1943. Deported to Auschwitz with five family members, none would survive.

Born in the same region as the Gentilli family, Denis brought empathy, scholarship, and a profound sense of duty to his research. “Their life and their tragedy must not be forgotten,” he said—an intention that echoed in every word he spoke.

It was a moving reminder that the past lives on through those willing to uncover it—and that education is not only about language, but about humanity.

Year 10 Enhancement Biology

Curiosity met conservation in the Year 10 Enhancement Biology lab yesterday, as students dissected cane toads to explore internal anatomy and understand the impact of invasive species. With cane toads posing a serious threat to native Australian wildlife, the activity offered more than just a lesson in biology—it sparked conversations around ecology, ethics, and our role in protecting local environments. A powerful blend of science and sustainability in action.

Year 10 & 11 Art Excursions

The Year 10 and 11 Art students recently had the opportunity to explore two incredible art exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, expanding their creative horizons and gaining valuable insights into the world of art.

The Year 10 Art students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in a unique way—by immersing themselves in the works of Yayoi Kusama. After a lecture on her life and art, they ventured into her exhibition, captivated by the world premier of My heart is filled to the brim with sparkling light, and the iconic ‘Infinity Rooms’. The students left with a renewed appreciation for Kusama’s signature dots and pumpkins, and especially enjoyed the Dancing Pumpkin in Federation Court.

The Year 11 Art and Exhibiting students also ventured to the NGV to visit the Top Arts exhibition, featuring 40 outstanding works from 2024’s Year 12 students. Their reflections ranged from awe and inspiration to the realisation of the dedication required to achieve such high standards. The students gained a deeper understanding of the artistic process and the selection journey behind these top works. The experience encouraged them to push their own boundaries and strive for excellence in their art.

Both excursions proved to be enlightening experiences, sparking creativity and a new level of appreciation for the arts.