From the Rector

Dear Mazenod Community,

On behalf of the Oblates, I would like to sincerely thank you for the many Moments of Grace we have experienced at the College over the past fortnight.

Last week, alongside Mrs Hughes, Mrs Laurito, Mrs Pollet and Mr Donaldson, I represented our College at the De Mazenod Family Education Conference, hosted by Mazenod College Victoria.

It was a blessing and a joy to share some of the wonderful stories of our College, where St Eugene and Jesus are most active among us. We shared some of the ways in which we remain true to the spirit of the Oblates, while also strengthening our connections with our fellow Oblate schools in Queensland and Victoria.

I was also delighted to share our Year 10 Boarding Mazenod For… Project, through which boarders make a meaningful contribution to their hometowns by developing an initiative of their choice.

The Mazenod For… Project brings together student initiative, rural need, Catholic Social Teaching and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to country towns across Western Australia.

Each of our 30 Year 10 boarders has been provided with $1,000 and invited to identify and create a meaningful project in his hometown that addresses human dignity, community engagement or care for creation.

Many boarders leave home to attend school in Perth and, in some cases, do not return to live in their hometowns because of future opportunities or other circumstances. This project invites them to use their God-given and Jesus-inspired talents for the benefit of others.

I look forward to sharing the story of one project in each newsletter. It brings me immense joy to see how greatly these projects contribute to the mission of the College.

The first project I would like to share is Mazenod For Wongan Hills.

Ben A chose a deeply personal and worthwhile initiative that was entirely his own idea. His project focused on the junior players at the Wongan/Ballidu Football Club.

Ben noticed that many young players were drifting away from the team and their community for a range of reasons. To foster unity and connection, he proposed providing replica senior kit bags. These bags helped unite the team and gave each player a greater sense of dignity and belonging.

Ben and his family worked with the Club to design, order and distribute the bags to the grateful young players, who have remained connected to their Club. Ben’s project is a true Moment of Grace, and Mrs Annamaria Cream, Mrs Sabrina Hughes, members of the Boarding staff and I are incredibly proud of him.

This week, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a whole-school Mass and festival. This feast honours Mary’s human dignity and the dignity of every human person. It expresses our belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into Heaven. It reminds us of the inherent value and worth of every person - a message that remains especially important in our world today.

We also welcomed many former and current staff members back to the College as part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations. Staff play a vital role in providing care, support, learning and hope for each of our students. Throughout Mazenod College’s history, staff members have gone above and beyond to support our students and families. This celebration provided a wonderful opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for all they have contributed.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector