Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

Last Thursday evening our swimming team competed in the ACC Swimming Championship at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre. Our squad did a great job against some formidable competition. Mazenod finished 4th in Division 2 but only 10 points off second place. We would like to congratulate Salesian College the Division 2 Champions and the Division 1 Champions who dominated the pool on the night, St Bede’s. On the night the team achieved 8 first places, 14 seconds and 6 thirds.  We would also like to acknowledge Swimming Captains, Lance de Vera and Ned Charlton, Year 12 students, for their years of dedication to the sport and the team.

Our first place winners were:     

Lance de Vera  (Year 12)                            50m Backstroke and Butterfly

Ryan Oh (Year 7)                                           U/13 50m Butterfly and Freestyle

Joshua Weyermayr (Year 7)                     U/13 B 50m Freestyle.

Aaron Nguyen (Year 9)                               U/15 Backstroke

Conrad Van Ravenstein (Year 10)          U/16 50m Breaststroke and Butterfly.

Thank you also to Kevin Nguyen, Mr Michael Pearson, Mr Adrian Connolly and Mr Emilio Montoya for their training and organization of the squad.

Earlier in the week an email was sent to all parents informing them of an independent investigation the College has commissioned because of historic allegations of a Mazenod staff member at a previous school. The following day the students were spoken to about the issue and encouraged to always speak to their parents and staff about matters that upset or concern them.

The Coronavirus has already had an impact on our programmes at the College and is continuing to feature in the thoughts and conversations of our students, staff and parents. As well as constantly reviewing our activities, particularly tours overseas and programmes where students visit us from overseas, we have reminded all the students of the need to protect against infection and strengthen good hygiene practices. The information presented to students is on MAZCOM and I ask you to reinforce what should be standard practice.

This year Ms Jo Caird has received an ACC Service Award for her dedication and commitment to the Association, and of course our College, leading the Debating and Public Speaking Programme for so many years. The public speakers and debaters have enjoyed amazing success over the years and her contribution with other staff, especially from the English Faculty,  has benefitted so many of our students. This award also highlights the extensive nature of activities now available under the guidance of the ACC.

Finally I would like to acknowledge and thank Phil Ryan for his work with the Mazenod Panthers. The Mazenod Panthers are an All Abilities Football Club. Phil has been awarded 2019 Vic Disability Inclusion Volunteer of the Year. This is a wonderful achievement and the Mazenod Community would like to thank him for his continuous hard work. The teams are made up of young men and women and older men and women who absolutely love their football and their team. Over the years many of the coaches have been Mazenod Staff and Old Collegians, including Matt Johnson and Michael, David and Shane Regan. Phil is supported by a team of enthusiastic and generous people but they are always in need of more support. The club continues to grow in 2020.  This season they are establishing an Access All Abilities AusKick program for 5-10yr olds. If you can assist please contact Phil Ryan on 0408 142 250 or visit the website www.mazenodfc.com.au/panthers 

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal