The Mazenod College Newsletter

From the Principal

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

 

School of Rock

A standout for our commencement of Term Two, and no doubt the whole year, was the presentation of School of Rock The Musical. Each performance was extremely well attended, and it is no surprise as this was an excellent show full of music and energy. I must commend all the student actors, crew and musicians who brought this adaptation of the movie of the same name to life. It was a fast-paced experience performed by outstanding talent. I heard comments on two separate occasions from audience members that the quality rivaled big-name national and international musicals they had recently seen. I second that sentiment.

My congratulations and thanks go to the many staff members, crew and community who made this possible. I must make special mention of the Director, Mr Dan Jonkov and Producer, Mr Sam Graham. Their leadership was outstanding and so clearly evident in the performances. I would also like to acknowledge Assistant Director/Costumes, Ms Allira Humberstone, Stage Manager, Ms Danielle du Plessis, Production Administration, Ms Anne Greenley and Artistic Designers Ms Jazmin McKechnie, Ms Cathy Giannopolous, Ms Lauren Gissing. The crew list and major contributors would continue to include students, community and many more staff members so thank you all for your dedication and work.

 

It was a special privilege for me to enjoy two performances of School of Rock. The first, when we welcomed primary students from St Brigid’s College, Lesmurdie, Sacred Heart Primary School, Mundaring, Mary’s Mount Primary School, Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, and Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School to enjoy a performance. It was a moment of grace for me to see the awe and excitement in their young faces on Wednesday. The second performance was opening night on Thursday. The performance was spectacular and the groundswell of community support with the attendance of family, old boys, staff and community was heartening. I left the performance with my ears ringing, a smile on my face and my heart full.

 

Mazenod collaborated with St Brigid’s College and Kalamunda Senior High School to form the cast and crew. So, thank you to these communities.

 

Welcome New Staff

This term we had the pleasure of welcoming to our community several new staff members across different areas of the College: 

  • Our Year 7 students have benefited from Ms Samantha Hunt joining us to step in for Ms Kerry Gault as she enjoys her long-service leave in Term 2. 
  • Ms Susana Aguilar has joined our Religious Education team this term, replacing Mrs Janet Murphy as she embarks on her much-earned retirement. 
  • Ms Ziahn Johnson has joined the English department, 
  • In the Arts Department, Ms Ann-Sophie Dahl has joined us as an Arts Administrator
  • Ms Taliah Adams has commenced her position as College Nurse, caring of our students alongside Mrs Angela Urbani.

We also welcome back Mr Daniel Rogerson and Ms Emily Wallis who return from a term of Long Service Leave.

 

WA Student Assistance Payment

Please be aware that the second round of the WA Student Assistance Payment will be available for every eligible student in Western Australia from 28 April 2025 to 4 July 2025.

The State Government confirmed that WA school students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are eligible if they have an active enrolment at a primary or secondary school. 

 

Parents and carers may claim:

  • $250 for each secondary student; 
  • $150 for each primary student; and 
  • $150 for each kindergarten student.

Please find more details about the payment and applying via the Service WA App in the attached flyer.

WA Student Assistance Payment.pdf

 

The Rite Journey

At the end of last term, Mr Simon Harvey addressed our students in the final assembly for the term. Part of his commentary included encouragement to each young man to be, and continue to be, an exemplar to others as young men of integrity and respect. He encouraged courage in doing so. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure to watch Mr Matthew Alexander talk with the Year 9s about this same topic where he unpacked positive characteristics we can exhibit as men in our society and the great benefit this can have on our relationships and our character. This workshop was one small moment in our Rite Journey program that seeks to guide our young men from boyhood behaviour into adult behaviour and responsibilities. I congratulate Mr Alexander and all the Rite Journey facilitators for the support and care they are showing to our Year 9s as they journey through this important year and program.

 

We are encouraged by St Eugene de Mazenod to engage in missionary service to others and I see that alive in our Rite Journey facilitators and the Year 9s participating in the program. The character education we undertake helps us to be signs of God’s presence in our community by living and teaching the love of Jesus Christ for others, the compassionate service of St Eugene de Mazenod, and the companionship so evident in our OMI community. I think about a quote from our patron St Eugene de Mazenod who said ‘we must spare no effort to extend the Saviour’s work’. The passion our community has towards the formation of our young men to be people of integrity, helps lead them by example to be their best selves with ample space in their hearts for those around them.

 

 

God bless

 

Michael Anderson

Principal