Principal's Post

De Mazenod Family Staff Conference

The 2024 De Mazenod Family Education Conference was hosted by Iona College this year and the delegates from St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College WA, Mazenod College Vic and Iona College Qld gathered in Manly/Wynnum to enjoy proceedings. The conference is an annual event providing an opportunity to build connections and network with staff who share a common charism that was created by St Eugene De Mazenod and has been fostered by the Oblate Fathers for the last 200 years. The purpose of the conference is to learn more about the missionary work of the Oblates; to appreciate the history of their work in Australia, and to develop a clearer understanding of how our charism can be experienced by all members in our college communities.

Feast of the Assumption

On the 15th of August, the entire College stopped at the beginning of the day to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Mary's assumption into heavenly glory speaks to the need for compassion, empathy, and the recognition of our interconnectedness. Values and traits that I observe consistently by the young men at Mazenod at all Year Levels. St Eugene had a strong devotion to Mary. It served as a guiding light, reminding St Eugene that amidst life's challenges, there exists a path towards transcendence, an invitation to embrace the beauty of spiritual growth here and now and the eternal possibilities that lie ahead.

Thank you to Rector Fr Harry Dyer, College Chaplain, Fr Casimir Arul and Fr Andrew Chen, Rector of St Mary’s Seminary. Fr Andrew is also celebrating 16 years of priesthood. This is an annual event that enables the Oblate community to gather and celebrate liturgically the influence Mary had on St Eugene de Mazenod.

I would also like to congratulate all the young men who made their confirmation on this day and thankyou to their sponsors, family and friends who have supported and will continue to support their faith journey.

Parent/Carer-Student-Teacher Interviews

Many interviews were conducted this week and hopefully this was a positive experience for families and students. Thank you for your positivity and appreciation that was communicated to staff through the process. As much as we need to encourage our students it is important to recognize the efforts and support of parents and staff.

Student Enrolment 2026

Last Saturday we started our interviews for Year 7 2026. Applications continue to arrive which is a very healthy situation for the College, but we are very concerned that some of our families, who have students at the College already, have not processed applications for their sons in Grade 5. This can cause unnecessary duress when offers are made, places have been filled and late applications arrive.

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal