From the Principal

The Sheep Found

At Mazenod College, we strive to form young men who are grounded in Faith, committed to Service, and equipped to Lead in Life with Courage and Integrity. An essential part of this formation is fostering both student voice and student agency. We want every student to know that his ideas, experiences and perspectives matter, and that he has the capacity to actively shape his learning, his relationships and his future.

This commitment is deeply rooted in the Gospel. In Luke's Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is missing. When the sheep is found, there is great rejoicing. The message is clear, expressing that every individual possesses immeasurable value in the eyes of God. The shepherd's determination to find the lost sheep reminds us that no person should feel forgotten, unheard, or overlooked.

Whether through the many forms of Student Leadership opportunities, classroom discussions, Pastoral Care programs or co-curricular involvement, we seek to create an environment where every young man knows that his perspective matters.  When students take initiative, ask questions, contribute ideas and engage in decision-making, they grow in resilience, independence and leadership. They learn that they can influence positive change within their community.

In recent weeks, I have seen many examples of Student voice and agency in action. Our Student Leadership process has commenced for Year 11 Students aspiring to Year 12 Leadership, providing opportunities to discern how they may learn who they are in the eyes of God by best serving others and growing as Leaders. I have also enjoyed meeting with the first group of Year 12 Students from Albini House for a Principal's Morning Tea, listening to their reflections on their time at Mazenod, the legacy they hope to leave and ways we can continue to improve. Additionally, students continue to use Stymie responsibly to report concerns and support the wellbeing of themselves and others.

As an Oblate school, inspired by the vision of St Eugene de Mazenod, we are committed to ensuring that every young man experiences a sense of belonging. Like the shepherd who searches tirelessly for the lost sheep, we seek to know each student personally and to help him recognise his own incredible worth and potential.

‘Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God’

God Bless. Our community remains always in my prayers.

Sabrina Hughes

Principal