Principal's Post
De Mazenod Family Staff Conference
We hosted the 2026 De Mazenod Family Education Conference this year with delegates from St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College WA and Iona College Qld. The conference is an annual event providing an opportunity to build connections and network with staff who share a common charism that was created by St Eugene De Mazenod and has been fostered by the Oblate Fathers for the last 200 years. The purpose of the conference is to learn more about the missionary work of the Oblates; to appreciate the history of their work in Australia, and to develop a clearer understanding of how our charism can be experienced by all members in our college communities.
Feast of the Assumption
On the 14th of August, the entire College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption. Mary's assumption into heavenly glory speaks to the need for compassion, empathy, and the recognition of our interconnectedness. Values and traits that I observe consistently by the young men at Mazenod at all Year Levels. St Eugene had a strong devotion to Mary. This devotion served as a guiding light, reminding St Eugene that amidst life's challenges, there exists a path towards transcendence, an invitation to embrace the beauty of spiritual growth here and now and the eternal possibilities that lie ahead.
Thank you to Rector Fr Harry Dyer and College Chaplain Fr Dominic Rozario for celebrating the Eucharist. This is an annual event that enables the Oblate community to gather and celebrate liturgically the influence Mary had on St Eugene de Mazenod.
Bullying No Way
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is celebrated this week – Bullying No Way: National week of action. The theme for 2026 is ‘Small Acts, Big Impact.’, which supports the MACS 2030 vision that ‘every student is inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world’. Our Catholic communities are enriched when we respect everyone’s differences and stand up to unkindness. Belonging means that we all have a role to play in preventing bullying. Mazenod College is a place where everyone is empowered to speak up and create a safe space, everyone feels supported and respected, and their voices are heard and valued.
Parent/Carer-Student-Teacher Interviews
Many interviews were conducted this week and hopefully this was a positive experience for families and students. Thank you for your positivity and appreciation that was communicated to staff through the process. As much as we need to encourage our students it is important to recognize the efforts and support of parents and staff.
Student Enrolment 2027
Applications continue to arrive for Year 7 2028. This is a very healthy situation for the College, but we are very concerned that some of our families, who have students at the College already, have not processed applications for their sons in Grade 5. This can cause unnecessary duress when offers are made, places have been filled and late applications arrive.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal