From the Principal

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

There are few occasions in the life of a school more significant than the Graduation of its Year 12 students. Last week, the Mazenod College community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 through a series of special events, including the Boarders’ Graduation Dinner, Graduation Assembly, Valedictory Mass and Valedictory Dinner.

These celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey our Graduates have undertaken. Across the Graduating cohort, we have young men who have grown in stature, discovered their unique gifts, built identity and resilience through challenge, formed lifelong friendships and developed a strong sense of faith, character and purpose.

A central theme of our celebrations was that of ‘crossing the threshold’ – a liminal space, and the moment between one chapter ending and another beginning. For our Year 12 students, Graduation marks an important transition as they move beyond school and begin to author the next stage of their lives. It is a moment often filled with mixed emotions: excitement for what lies ahead, gratitude for what has been, relief at reaching this milestone and the understandable uncertainty that comes with embarking on a new chapter.

Our Valedictory Mass was a particularly meaningful celebration, bringing students, families and staff together in thanksgiving for the many blessings received throughout their years at Mazenod. Inspired by the words of Ecclesiastes, we reflected on the changing seasons of life and were reminded that every journey has its purpose and its time. As our graduates prepare to cross a new threshold, we gave thanks for the friendships formed, the lessons learned and the unwavering support of families, teachers, mentors and coaches who have walked alongside them throughout their Mazenod journey.

A special highlight was the Boarders’ Graduation Dinner, which provided an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary commitment of our Boarding families. We acknowledge the trust they place in the College, the sacrifices they make to provide opportunities for their sons and the countless kilometres travelled in support of their education. The partnership between our Boarding families and the College is a deeply valued and important part of the Mazenod story.

As we farewell the Class of 2026, we do so with immense pride. We celebrate not only their achievements but the fine young people they have become. As they cross this threshold into the next chapter of their lives, my hope is that they take with them far more than certificates and academic results. I hope they carry the spirit of Mazenod and the values of St Eugene de Mazenod that have helped shape their character, faith and sense of purpose.

Years from now, it’s very likely they won’t remember every lesson or assessment but it’s my hope that they remember the friendships they formed, the people who believed in them and that Mazenod was a place where they truly belonged. May they step forward with gratitude, confidence and hope, knowing that wherever life leads them, they will always remain part of the Mazenod family.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. May God keep you, and bless you endlessly in the years ahead.

‘Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God’

God Bless. Our community remains always in my prayers.

Sabrina Hughes

Principal