From the Principal

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

“Let us give ourselves with boldness and humility to the work the Lord entrusts to us” (St Eugene De Mazenod).

This quote from St Eugene encourages students, in fact all of us, to embrace our God-given gifts and abilities with both confidence and humility. Whether those talents lie in the arts, academics, sport or leadership, the message is clear: use our gifts boldly, not for self-glory, but in service of the greater good and with faith in God’s purpose for our lives.

We commenced and hosted two very significant events this week that are shining examples of the God-given talents and gifts we share in a vibrant community such as Mazenod College.

NAIDOC Week

Our nation celebrated NAIDOC Week from the 6th – 13th July this year, but given this occurs during the school holidays, most schools including Mazenod College, chose this week to mark such an important event. We have hosted, under the direction and planning of Mr Simon Hayward and Miss Amelia Nunnerley, a range of events including an Indigenous inspired morning tea, our annual NAIDOC assembly, braiding, spear and boomerang throwing workshops and our annual NAIDOC Basketball and AFL matches.

At our assembly on Wednesday, we were blessed to have senior Whadjuk man, Mr Josh McGuire share an inspiring, spiritual and enthralling “Welcome to Country” and a heartfelt and engaging message from proud Wangkatha man and content creator Sam Stubbs. Both of our guests implored the young men of our College, in the spirit of this year’s NAIDOC theme, to be the “Next Generation”.

“The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors”. (NAIDOC 2025 website).

A wonderful message for all regardless of race or origin.

A highlight of this assembly was also the performances of the “Boodja Bidi Dance Group” from Guildford Grammar School and the naming launch of our First Nations program – now to be known as the “Marmun Yirra Boodja” program. We thank Josh McGuire for gifting us this name. We were also able to unveil the College created, NAIDOC inspired art piece, that was a culmination of story and artwork from over 450 students and staff of the College. It will take pride of place in the College for many years to come.

NAIDOC Week is wonderful reminder of the need for all of us to continue to learn about, recognize and celebrate, the history of our nation and the culture of our First Nations people, the oldest living culture in the world.

The Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival

The Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival is again upon us and is a wonderful example of students displaying their talents for the benefit, enjoyment and entertainment of all. From very modest origins back in 1989, the Festival this year has grown to include over 18,000 Catholic school students, from 114 schools performing in approximately 2700 artistic items at over 12 venues within the metropolitan area alone. This year’s Festival commenced with an Opening Mass held on Thursday 24 July at St Mary’s Cathedral and culminates some 54 days later with the amazing Festival Concert at the Newman College on Tuesday 16 September.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our very talented students and Performing Arts staff for their tireless energy in bringing their performance gifts to life. Term 3 is an incredibly busy time for our staff and students, with over 100 Mazenod students performing throughout the festival, and we thank them for their efforts in bringing joy and life to our College and all present.

I look forward with great pride and excitement to have the privilege to attend many of the events that our students perform in. We strive at Mazenod to provide a broad range of opportunities for our students and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival is another shining example of this commitment.

God bless.

"Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others” (1 Peter 4:10).

Simon Harvey

Principal