Principal's Post
National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, urges us to look ahead and continue to push forward towards a more united and respectful nation as past lessons guide us. It is also a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES in last year’s referendum are committed to better outcomes for First Nations peoples.
It is imperative that supporters of reconciliation stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. Together, we must create a narrative for reconnection and optimism for the future.
At Mazenod College, we commit to education that teaches our graduates that the freedom we enjoy through the good fortune of our birth, is not license to do whatever we want. Rather, it is freedom to do what we must do for the making of a fairer and more just society. An education that not only frees ‘from’ but also frees ‘to and for’; teaching that freedom and service are inextricably linked and with privilege comes social responsibility.
We acknowledged at today’s assembly The Reconciliation Working Group, who are leading the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan and engaging with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Our Aboriginal culture knows so much of the values we aspire to as a St Eugene de Mazenod family: story, wisdom and knowledge of what is of enduring importance. We commit to walking with and learning from our First Nations peoples, who clearly have so much to teach us.
Strategic Plan
In Term 1, I wrote to families to explain that the current Mazenod College Strategic Plan expired at the end of 2024 and a new plan is needed to guide Mazenod’s ongoing growth and development from 2025-2030. There is a desire for the Mazenod College Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to be a challenge document, one that questions long held assumptions, pushes thinking beyond current boundaries and draws leaders to new pathways. The intention of the Strategic Plan is to secure an ongoing and genuine commitment to implementation.
One key theme is Teaching, Learning and Operational Excellence. Mazenod College intends to provide opportunities from a wide and varied curricular program that emphasises growth and personal excellence, underpinned by explicit instruction and the Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching.
Three key projects to have been led by members of the Leadership Team that include a Student Pathways Review that examines the holistic student experience from Years 7-12. This is now complete, and full implementation will commence at the start of the 2026 academic year.
A Disciplinary Literacy Project designed to respond to the needs of students and teachers, providing a program in which literacy is embedded in all subject areas, across all year groups. It includes a program of assessment of current teaching practices and guidelines for the incorporation of literacy content into curriculum planning and delivery.
Mazenod Digital Transformation where focus areas include administrative efficiency and optimised resource management, strengthened internal and external communications, curriculum development, integrated teaching and learning and professional development. ICT professional development is ensuring all staff are equipped to adapt to evolving digital tools and methodologies.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal