Principal's Post
Chris Antony
As a community, we continue to stand alongside Chris’ parents Agal and Antony and his sister Auxilia, and their extended family and friends, and hold them in our hearts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The family have initiated a petition through the State of Victoria to improve road safety where Chris was hit. The details of the petition are outlined below and I invite all members of our community to participate.
The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that a 16-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle while returning from school walking along the unpaved footpath on Pound Road in Narre Warren South. This footpath runs immediately adjacent to high-speed traffic without protective safety barriers. There have been ongoing community concerns regarding pedestrian safety along vulnerable sections of Pound Road, particularly for children travelling to and from school.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to install appropriate safety barriers along Pound Road particularly in the vulnerable sections, relocate the footpath further away from the roadway, reduce the speed limit to 60 km/h in this predominantly residential area, undertake a comprehensive road safety review of Pound Road to prevent further tragedies, and consider updating the relevant legislation or regulations to require footpaths to be a minimum of a metre from high traffic roads.
The link to the petition is below.
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/pound-road-pedestrian-safety
ACC Athletics Carnival
Thank you to the Mazenod Sports Department and all staff who had been preparing for the ACC Athletics Carnival last Tuesday, 17 March. We had some excellent individual results and finished 3rd overall. We would like to congratulate St Patrick’s College, Ballarat who were the Division 2 Champions. On the day the team achieved a number of first places, seconds and thirds. We would also like to acknowledge the Athletics Captains and Year 12 students, for their years of dedication to the sport and the team.
Catholic Education Week
In 2026, Catholic Education is celebrated March 15-22. This highlights the education that Catholic schools offer to families and to the community. This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. “Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick”.
Mission Action Day
Our student leaders are preparing for the last day of Term 1, April 2, Mission Action Day 2026. As well as raising funds the purpose of the day is to create awareness of the resources that are inequitably shared on a global scale. The funds raised for the Oblate Missions (MAMI – Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) provide communities with access to essential services and resources. In the lead up to Mission Action Day students will be informed of the purpose of the day. They have also been reminded to do what they can and be sensitive when asking for sponsorship or donations. Many organisations understand the benefits of social awareness and community building and develop teamwork when taking on philanthropic projects.
For many reasons, there has never been a more important time to provide resources to those around the world who are vulnerable. Students are expected to be part of the Mission Action Day festivities and are expected to contribute to the extent they can. Mission Action Day remains our major way of offering both moral and financial support to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) and their remarkable work across the world. From a Catholic Social Teaching perspective, programs such as Mission Action Day are core to our values and purpose. Equally important is that students and staff enjoy the day, think of others, and have a lot of fun.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Term 1 is rapidly concluding, and Parent Teacher Interviews will be held Monday March 23- Wednesday March 25. This is an opportunity to discuss your son’s individual progress. Reports from teachers are that many students are on track with their study routines, extra-curricular and the usual activities of being part of a school community. Many aspects of school are non-negotiable. Uniform regulations, punctuality, deadlines for homework and assessment tasks are routines that keep us operating effectively. We have high expectations of all students in this regard. Parents and Carers appreciate the follow up and the work of staff guiding their sons with their routines and involvement with co-curricular activities. Thank you for your support and partnership in this area, which is fundamental to our school community.
ACC Swimming
On Wednesday April 1st our swimming team will compete in the ACC Swimming Championship at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre. Our squad have done a great job in preparing for the competition. We would like to acknowledge all students, particularly Year 12 students, for years of dedication to the sport and wish the team well on the day.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal