From the Principal

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of Mazenod College,

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

I chose this Gospel quote to introduce my thoughts for this article. I want to highlight a rare feat in College sport, but also a saddening feature of professional sport. In this, I wish to highlight that sport, at its best is about serving the team, not just individual glory. And in many cases, the team is not just those on the field or those directly associated, but by ‘team’, I mean the greater good. To serve the greater good, is what I am inferring by ‘team’.

Whilst our news media is full of the varying political, financial and domestic tensions, it is always abuzz, particularly at this time of year, with a focus on the plethora of sporting events and landscapes, most notably the AFL finals.

So much of what we read, see and listen to, seems to focus more on stories beyond the sport itself. To share some examples, I speak of homophobic slurs and crowds booing victims, tennis players smashing racquets and abusing opponents, who from which team will be sacked next and who is changing teams, which player is going to win what individual prize, the selection of the grand final entertainment and of course, the ubiquitous advertising campaigns for gambling on results.

It seems to me that the old adage; “it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game” counts for little these days.

It does sadden me that the world of professional sport does very little to encourage humanity and humility, respect for the sport and the opposition and above all, the joy of competition and sportsmanship over results.

Well, I am glad to say, that here at Mazenod, my faith in humanity and the role that sport plays in our lives and the necessity of playing in the right spirit is alive and well.

It was a privilege to be present last week when our Senior Boys’ Soccer team played against Ballajura SHS in a cutthroat semi-final in the SSWA Shield Soccer competition. Whilst the result was extremely pleasing, a 5-4 victory, even more so was the manner in which our team performed, respectful of the opposition and the umpire. Further, the presence of so many supporting students and family members was a highlight. The spirit of support shown by our spectators, not just for our team but also for the opposition was heartwarming. One particular incident springs immediately to mind, when an opposition player scored a terrific, long-range, goal to keep the contest alive. It was met by healthy, genuine and rousing applause – from our own group of senior students spectating on the corner. Such respect and humility, is rarely seen in professional sport, players or supporters. Well done to our young men.

Rewards come in all shapes and sizes, and perhaps our boys were rewarded for their authenticity when the senior team came out victors in the final against Lake Joondalup Baptist College on Tuesday evening. To win 2-1 in extra time, in such an exciting way following sublime team skills, that led to goals from Ivan R and Zac H, the third straight victory in this championship is rewarding in itself. It was, however, the humility and respect shown throughout the competition that the team should be applauded for. Heartfelt congratulations to the team, wonderfully coached by Mr Chris Mason.

The true spirit and intent of sport, to form character, foster unity, and celebrate the gift of life through movement and play, is absolutely alive at Mazenod College. And I conclude with a statement from St Pope John Paul II, who once said that sport itself “…can be ‘a school of virtue,’ where the rules of the game teach respect, self-control, and commitment to something greater than oneself”.

God bless.

“Thank God for all the good you are accomplishing by His grace”. (St Eugene De Mazenod)

Simon Harvey

Principal