From the Rector

Dear Mazenodians,

I would like to give thanks to God and the entire Mazenod community for the past term here at the College. There have been so many Moments of Grace, with concerts, sports matches, Masses, exams, assignments, projects, camps, the Vinnies Sleepout, the Eagles Cup Grand Final and so many other positive interactions.

We recently held a charism reflection that aimed to help the boys feel more connected to each of their Houses and this proved to be a wonderful opportunity to increase their knowledge and formation. I was able to join with Cebula and Tempier Houses to assist them in the development. I give thanks to everyone involved in helping develop this aspect of our culture.

I was honoured to celebrate the Gerard House Mass during the week, where the entire House came together to celebrate the life of a great Oblate missionary. He joined the Oblates in France while St Eugene was still alive and then served in the missions in southern Africa and Lesotho.

His missionary approach was to continuously love the people, and then to love the people, and then to love the people, until one day they might ask why. When they did ask why, he was able to share that it was from his faith in God and the example of Jesus. This approach was very respectful and ultimately helped many people come to know Jesus better.

Please keep in your prayers our pilgrims in France and Rome, on the de Mazenod Family Pilgrimage. Mrs Sabrina Hughes, College Principal, Mrs Annamaria Cream, Head of Boarding and Mr Craig Dunne, College Board member, have joined with other members of our Oblate Colleges on this very special experience.

"The Cathedral Notre Dame de-Amiens where St Eugene de Mazenod was Ordained"

These experiences, we hope, will help each of them understand St Eugene de Mazenod OMI in a more meaningful and personal way. It is our aim to offer a similar pilgrimage experience to Years 10 to 12 students next year as part of our 60th Anniversary years of 2026 and 2027.

I offer sincere congratulations to the musicians involved in the Solo Eisteddfod and the students and staff involved in the MazzFest event who shared their talents with the community.

A significant moment in our sporting history occurred last week, with the Year 8 and 9 Football team taking out the Eagles Cup State Championship against a talented Comet Bay side. This was Mazenod’s first State Championship since 2001 and was the result of great teamwork and dedication. Well done to everyone involved.

This week sees our Senior Football team play in the State Championship Grand Final as well, which is a phenomenal achievement for the boys and the College. 1998 was the last time we won this prestigious competition, with Grand Finals in 2004 and 2017.

The 2004 Grand Final was where we sadly lost Rhys Kampen in a medical episode and, out of respect for Rhys, the game was discontinued. These opportunities come around through hard work and dedication and, given how much talent there is in this state, it is wonderful to again have that opportunity.

Over the holidays, I am looking forward to visiting boarding families in Merredin, Kalgoorlie, Bolgart, Konnongorring and other towns in the Wheatbelt. I sincerely hope that everyone has a great family break and that all are safe and cared for. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Oh yes, as well, I will be attending some Fremantle Dockers games, hoping that they continue to do well. I am not getting too far ahead in my thinking, but purple paint has been ordered and multiple anchors are on their way to commemorate the team. For those who bleed purple, keep believing.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector