Around the College

Generations In Jazz

Mazenod students represented the College with distinction at Generations in Jazz 2026, held in Mount Gambier from 1–3 May. Generations In Jazz is one of Australia’s major school music events, bringing together around 5,000 students from across the country for a weekend of performance, competition, workshops, and live music.

Aydan (Year 12) was selected for the Division 2 Superband, performing on 2nd Trombone before taking part in the final night concert. This is a significant achievement and a reflection of his commitment and musicianship.

Our vocal group, The Mazelodians, also delivered an outstanding result, placing 7th out of 27 schools. They were the highest-ranked boys school in their section and were awarded Best Tenor Section.

House Volleyball

Last week, our Year 7 and Year 8 House Volleyball Championships brought strong competition and house spirit to the College.

The Year 8 Damien Schumann Shield Final was played on the Joe Moore Showcourt inside the Provence Centre, with former staff member Joe Moore in attendance to present the Joe Moore Medal.

Charlebois faced Anthony in a high-quality contest that went the distance, with Charlebois taking the deciding set 32–30 to claim the title. Joseph (Year 8) was awarded the Joe Moore Medal for Best Player in the Grand Final.

The Year 7 standalone carnival provided a strong introduction to the Mazenod Volleyball Program, with Anthony defeating Gerard in the Grand Final to take the title.

Joel McKerrow Visit

On Tuesday May 5, the Year 8 cohort were treated to a visit by poet and storyteller, Joel McKerrow. Joel set out to support the English curriculum by investigating rhythm and different ways of understand and producing poetry, and he did not disappoint.

The students learned a new appreciation for the art form and were encouraged in their own writing. About 30 students attended a workshop afterwards, where they produced poems of their own. It was a fantastic morning, as the student comments indicate:

I learned how to actually create a poem, this was a fun and engaging experience that definitely benefited me. – Kavin

 

I enjoyed writing poems. I learned how to come up with ideas on how to write them and also how to express my emotions better. – Dev

 

I enjoyed that his enthusiasm towards the topic and the students was real and didn't feel like he was forced to do it. His examples and his style of teaching made me understand more about poetry and actually presented a possible interest to it which is definitely a great outcome of this event. – Lucas 

[I enjoyed] the fact on how he didn't force us we must like poetry but used examples and made it really easy and cool, his talking was confident and proud which really spoke out to me. When reading his poems you could tell he was reading from the heart. – Aleksander

Sebastian - From Classroom to Cabinetmaking

Sebastian is a Year 12 VCE Vocational Major student who is forging a career in cabinet making. He is currently undertaking a three‑month trial placement at CSG Cabinets in Dandenong and will subsequently sign up for a school‑based apprenticeship.

The foreman at CSG is a Mazenod Old Collegian, Daniel Scandizzo (MOC2017), who has been highly complementary of Sebastian’s attitude and work ethic. In Daniel’s words, they “absolutely love him”. During his time at CSG, Sebastian has become proficient in most aspects of the trade. He is competent in onsite installations, fitting doors and handles, and can confidently and accurately use a wide range of tools and machinery, including the shelf‑support boring machine.

CSG Cabinets is a growing business that was established approximately 10 years ago by owners Alex and Tony. Over that time, the company has built a strong reputation for high‑end cabinet installations and is a preferred installer on several government contracts. Daniel has been with the company for over eight years, having commenced his employment after completing Year 12 in 2017. Impressed by Daniel’s development and work ethic, Alex and Tony approached Mazenod College seeking a young man with similar attributes—and Sebastian has certainly proven to be cut from the same cloth.

Mazenod College is deeply grateful for the opportunities CSG Cabinets has provided Sebastian and sincerely thanks the entire team, especially the owners, Alex and Tony, and foreman Daniel, for their care and support.

If you have the capacity to employ a VCE Vocational Major student, please contact Mr Leigh Harris at lharris@mazenod.vic.edu.au or Ms Athena Beshir at abeshir@mazenod.vic.edu.au, our Vocational Education Leaders. Work placement days for Year 11 VCE VM Unit 1/2 students are Tuesdays, while Year 12 VCE VM Unit 3/4 students attend on Thursdays.

Year 9 Just Dance Competition

Congratulations to 9 Gavin and 9 Ryan on winning first and second places respectively in the inaugural Year 9 Just Dance Competition held today in the Provence Centre.

It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of your peers and give something new a go. Today’s competitors did exactly that, showing energy, confidence, and a willingness to embrace the spirit of Leave Nothing Undared.