Leadership's Letter
Building Update
This year, the pace of our building program has slowed, with a focus on preparing the site that is now home to our demountable Science Pod. With an increase in student numbers, we are now at 1,508 students. There is a need for more science laboratories to allow greater flexibility and freedom in our timetable. An additional laboratory also provides the opportunity to relocate classes, enabling the existing laboratories in the Main Building to be modernised and refurbished.
The sections for this construction were delivered to the College on Friday 5 June and, despite concerns about wind and poor weather, the four sections were successfully lifted over the bus shelter in the Main Carpark and assembled. Never in the history of Mazenod has a building been erected within a day! Since the pod was installed, Macmor has completed all electrical work, and O’Loughlin’s Plumbing has finalised the plumbing requirements. Vinyl flooring has been laid, and in the coming days, AV equipment will be installed.
This addition will certainly enhance the teaching of science, and all staff are excited about the prospect of state-of-the-art science laboratories. Refurbishment of the first lab, General Science 3, will commence in Term 3.
Child Safe Information
Throughout the year MACS has published, to schools, educational material regarding the Child Safe Standards. The Child Safe Standards are a set of guidelines that help schools and organisations keep children safe from harm. They focus on creating environments where children feel respected, protected, and able to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
In simple terms, the Standards mean that our school:
Puts children’s safety first in all decisions and actions
Listens to and values students’ voices, encouraging them to share concerns
Screens, trains, and supports staff and volunteers to act in safe and appropriate ways
Identifies and reduces risks to children in all activities and environments
Responds quickly and appropriately if there are any concerns about safety or wellbeing
These Standards are required by law in Victoria and are regularly reviewed to make sure schools continue to provide safe and supportive environments.
At our school, we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
What parents can do
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting child safety.
You can:
Talk regularly with your child about their day and how they are feeling at school
Encourage your child to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Help your child understand safe and respectful behaviour, both in person and online
Be aware of school policies and procedures around child safety
Raise any concerns with the school promptly so they can be addressed
Working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for every child.
This month the Child Safe Standard that is emphasised is Child Safe Standard 5:
Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
In July, the Standard that MACS is highlighting is Child Safe Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. More information regarding this standard will be shared in the MazCom newsfeed in early July. Our Parents and Friends Association will also publicise a link to this information when the material is released.
If you have any suggestions or questions regarding child safety at Mazenod, please feel free to contact the College.
For those who have time off during the school holiday break, enjoy the opportunity to rest, stay warm, and remember that if there is anything we can do for you or your son, please just ask.
Tony Rolfe
Director of Operations, Risk & Compliance