From the Rector

Dear Mazenod Community,

During the past two weeks, the College has seen a vast array of emotions and celebrations as our graduating class concludes their time as students and transitions into becoming Old Boys.

An overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride swept over all of the celebrations and I was particularly honoured to bless and distribute the “holding crosses” to each of the boys. These holding crosses are personally and individually shaped to be held and provide comfort and hope at times in the boys’ lives.

Each cross can be held in their hand, be placed in their pockets or kept in their room or car. The cross connects to the Christian people of the Holy Land who have made them and who most definitely need our prayers.

These crosses are also an invitation for the boys to remain connected to faith, Jesus and their spiritual heritage. We certainly hope that they provide comfort to the boys.

The Valedictory Mass was also a beautiful Mazenod Family celebration where the primary message was of confident next steps in life and that the family, faith and College values can be well utilised in the future. We asked the boys to remember that they are loved by God and to reflect that in the way that they treat others.

These two events were the highlights for me among the very many wonderful celebrations and rituals.

This week, we were very happy to hear that the College’s Mazenod For…Programme had been selected as the Community Award recipient for the Quality Catholic Education Awards Ceremony. This Programme invites our Year 10 Boarders to make use of a $1000 grant to bring about a project in their home towns or communities. Each week, I have been trying to share an idea from each of our students that has come to life.

This newsletter reflection is called Mazenod For Kellerberrin and Evan R initiated this project. Evan took his inspiration from the Blue Tree Project that brings about awareness of mental health. Perhaps you have seen blue trees on your travels and they are inviting us to hold a conversation with someone who struggles.

Evan thought of extending this idea to a blue bench that people could sit on and talk, reflect, share and support someone. He contacted the Blue Tree Project and happily, they agreed with this extension project that is now to be found in Kellerberrin, near the ANZAC Park and Dog Park. If you are ever driving through Kellerberrin, feel free to make a stop and locate it.

The College is extremely proud of Evan and his extension of the Blue Tree Project and grateful to family, shire and the local community for embracing it.

In conclusion, thank you to the kind people who empathised with Fremantle’s painful Grand Final experience. There have been an amazing number of new Lions supporters who have reminded me of the result but the vast majority of people have been thankfully kind. I give thanks for the entire 2026 season that Fremantle gave to its supporters (except those final, fateful and frustrating four minutes!!!!)

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector