From the Principal

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

"The work which the Lord inspires us to undertake" (St Eugene de Mazenod)

Pride, joy and happiness are often felt following hard work and effort. I can wholeheartedly guarantee that the pride, joy and happiness experienced by staff and students at the end of this school term is undoubtedly as a result of much hard work and effort, in the form of teaching and learning, events and experiences, and most importantly, as a member of such an engaging and committed community. We are committed to the development of our young people and preparing them as Christ-centred people for the future.

This week I wish to highlight a small number of keys events that I believe have, as a focus, helped to build the foundations for our students’ future. 

NAIDOC Week

We have all enjoyed the variety of events to celebrate NAIDOC Week, including didgeridoo performances, special guest presenters like Maitland Hill and Carol Martin, roo stew and damper, a delicious morning tea from our chef Martin and our Boarding House caterers as well as a special smoking ceremony and College assembly. Special thanks to Mrs Annamaria Cream for her extensive efforts in coordinating such enlightening activities that rightfully magnify the importance of our Aboriginal culture and tradition to our country.

MyPath Week

At this time of the year, the focus for our Year 10 students swings towards to the senior years of secondary schooling and the courses and pathways that await in Years 11 and 12. The week of events facilitated by Mrs Kylie Eaton and Mrs Lauren Johnson, ably assisted by Mrs Peta Paduano, were engaging, enterprising and hugely relevant in providing great support for our Year 10 students and their parents as they navigate a somewhat, complex journey, to assist our young people on their path to achieving their goals for the future.

KAIROS Retreat

Held at St John of God Retreat House in Shoalwater this week, this special program is a wonderful opportunity for our most senior students to take a step back to ‘retreat, reflect and propel’ themselves into the final semester of secondary school and their life beyond. Having experienced Kairos on a number of occasions myself, I recommend it highly to prospective students as it aligns beautifully with a life view that is holistic, empowering and based on a foundation of contentment in God’s plan for us. My thanks to Mr Damian Wallis, Mrs Anna Scanlan, Mrs Jane Cox, Fr Michael, Fr Bill, Fr Joe and Br Luan, who led the retreat with past student leaders, and to our Year 12 students who gave of themselves in preparation and participation on this most valuable experience.

We hope that these and many other experiences for our students, have positive and lasting impacts on their ability to navigate the future with success.

Welcome and Congratulations Fr Christian Fini OMI

It was our very special pleasure to welcome our Oblate Provincial, Fr Christian Fini OMI, to our College this week. Fr Christian has enjoyed this week in Fremantle with the Oblates there and some of his family members who have travelled west. Today was a special day for Fr Christian as he celebrated the 22nd Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. We continue to pray for God’s continued blessings on Fr Christian as he leads our Oblate community in such a special ministry as the Provincial.

Year 12 Ball

As many of you read this newsletter, our Year 12 Ball will be well and truly underway. It is a highlight of secondary school for many young people and if the build up is anything to go by, this evening’s event shall meet all expectations. Thank you to Mrs Teresa Bulich and her team of assistants for their dedication, hard work and passion for this special event. I’m sure we’ll hear many great reports and vibrant photos on display from tonight’s proceedings.

Semester One Reports

In the next few days, parents will receive their sons’ Semester One Report through SEQTA. I encourage you to sit with your sons and let them guide you through their report, looking for opportunities to celebrate successes and identify areas for further improvement over the second half of the year.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our valuable College staff members who go to extraordinary lengths to provide an optimum environment of teaching and learning for the benefit of our students.

I wish all members of our College community who are able, a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday break.

“Take care of your physical strength” (St Eugene de Mazenod)

God bless

Simon Harvey

Principal