Around the College

Premier's VCE Awards 2023

Congratulations to Joshua Ngieng (Year 12) and Alexander Tsipos (MOC2023, Dux) for receiving 2023 Premier's VCE Awards!

The Premier's VCE Awards recognised the exceptional dedication and hard work of 310 students during the 2023 VCE. These awards celebrate outstanding academic achievements across the state.

Joshua excelled in Applied Computing: Software Development, and Alexander shined in English Language.

We are so proud of your hard work and dedication. Thank you to our amazing teachers for their support!

Highlights from the ACC Badminton Grand Final

Year 11 Voluntary Retreat

Our final week of Term 2 saw a remarkable sixty-five Year 11 students come along to the Voluntary Retreat, excited to stop and reflect on their personal and spiritual journeys, to deepen their relationships with each other and with God.

Below, our students share their experiences of the retreat:

“I loved the retreat and wished it was longer! Being able to get away from the busy lifestyle into a more slow and relaxed environment in particular impacted me” – Hy Nguyen

“It was very fun to hang out with my friends while deepening my faith. The lifestyle of a Christian and the stories which outlined the faults and failings of many famous and prominent figures in the Bible and the Church, seeing how even they were redeemed and have been accepted into heaven, inspired me to accept forgiveness and find hope in everyday life.” – Timothy Lee

“Everything was great! What inspired me was the dedication the leaders and teachers put in for us.” – Andrew Lee

“The retreat was a very fun experience. The events of the retreat assisted me in finding a reason to believe in God” – Viruja Gedara

“Having a community of like-minded people really impacted me. Thank you for the retreat.” – David Tran

“The group rosary session inspired me to value prayer time more and prioritise it more in my life, making time for it as it not only was a good form of meditation, but really aids in spiritual growth” – Thomas Nguyen

“The retreat was a great time to create memories with my friends during the last few years of our time at Mazenod, whilst deepening the bond between my faith. Something in particular that inspired me during the retreat were the sessions that allowed us to reflect on individuals who showed strong faith. These individuals inspire me to expand my faith in Christ.” – Cardin Nguyen

“The retreat was an amazing experience where I was not only able to develop my faith, but also my connection to those who I value most; namely friends and God. Seeing how passionate all the staff and old students were, especially during the religious sessions.” – Justin Tang

“The retreat encouraged me to strengthen my relationship with God by praying more frequently in my spare time. It also made me appreciate the things that I had that others may not have.” – Binh-Nam Nguyen

Lucas Valenzuela (Year 12) - Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic

When conducting a work placement visit, there is nothing better than for a teacher to be greeted with a warm smile and a firm shake of the hand. This was my experience when visiting Lucas Valenzuela at Global Motorcycles in Dandenong this week.

Lucas is undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and works two days a week learning skills involved in motorcycle repair and restoration. In his time at Global Motorcycles Lucas has learnt all the necessary requirements to ensure bikes are tuned, running efficiently and are up to the standards necessary to obtain a roadworthy.

Lucas’ employer, Brad, spoke of his work ethic and initiative in glowing terms indicating that Lucas’ maturity was well beyond his young years and that his efforts outshone other more experienced apprentices that he had employed.

Though Lucas has been offered the opportunity to take up a position working with diesel automotives, Lucas is keen to pursue his passion working with motorcycles, the fact that he has five of his own may be one of the influencing factors! In the future Lucas’ ambition would be to run his own business and workshop, working on high end performance bikes as well as providing a repair service for regular bike enthusiasts.

Mazenod sincerely thanks Brad, John and all the staff at Global Motorcycles for their mentoring and advice that they have shown Lucas. The VCE Vocational Major program would not be as successful as it, without the assistance of employers who are willing to give our young men an experience in the industry where they wish to seek a career.

If you have the capacity to employ a VCE Vocational major student please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Leigh Harris lharris@mazenod.vic.edu.au or Ms Athena Beshir abeshir@mazenod.vic.edu.au our Vocational Major Coordinators. The work placement days for Year 11 students who undertake the Intermediate program is Tuesday, while our Year 12 Senior students venture out on a Thursday.

We wish Lucas, safe riding and all the best for his future as a motorcycle mechanic

Table Tennis Australia - 2024 National Championships

Congralations to Immanuel Mullapudi (Year 9) on his bronze medal for Victoria in the Under 21 Men's Singles at the Table Tennis Australia 2024 National Championships in Mandurah, WA on Friday, 12th July. You can watch the match using the link below!

Year 9 Voluntary Retreat

On our first week back for Term 3, thirty of our Year 9 students embarked on their Voluntary Retreat, keen to grow in their faith and friendships.

Below, our students share their experiences of the retreat:

“I think the thing I enjoyed the most about this retreat was spending time with friends and having an opportunity away from like- the business of our lives to reflect on my relationship with God… I would recommend this retreat to anyone because whether they come and they find it revolutionary, they really have nothing to lose from coming. So, you’re either going to get something out of it which I think most people have this year or there’s nothing much to lose.” - Angus King

“I really enjoyed the retreat, we had adoration, we had confession, we had morning and evening prayer which was led by the Youth Ministers which was really good.”

- Samuel Duckett

“Well I feel like, there’s been lots of opportunities to grow closer to God and learn about all the aspects during sessions, going to mass and adoration and confession.” - Nam Nguyen

“My favourite parts of this retreat were the sessions from the Oblate Youth Ministers, they were amazing along with the chats from the Fathers and Brother Benjamin on what it takes to be a priest and to be a deacon and their journey’s in their faith.”

- Adam D’Souza

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Nicole Brennan, Mr Ray Ellwood, Ms Lydia Saint, Mrs Claire Russo, Ms Jennifer Vissenjoux, our Oblate Frs Harry & Casmir, our Oblate Deacons Benjamin & Emmanuel who accompanied the students through these days, as well as the efforts of our Oblate Youth Ministers and the continued support of the College and our Director of Faith & Charism, Mr John Tighe. All helped make our students’ experiences very enjoyable and meaningful!

VCE Vocational Major - Oscar Azemat

Oscar Azemat is a driven, young man who has always loved working with his hands. Currently Oscar is completing a VCE Vocational Major work placement at EMSS (Electric Motors Sales and Salvage) in Braeside. In his time at EMSS, Oscar has demonstrated considerable skills and initiative, and he will commence an apprenticeship there as soon as Year 12 finishes. Most of his tasks involves repairs to electric motors, and industrial gearboxes and pumps, with most of his work involving motor and generator rewinding.

EMSS is a large business dealing with a diverse range of clients and the experiences that Oscar is receiving will certainly place him in good stead for his apprenticeship and future career. The modules and units that Oscar are completing at Chisholm TAFE in the Certificate II course in Electrical Engineering will add credits to the Certificate III in Electrical Machine Repair that is needed for him to complete his apprenticeship.

According to Jesse, the co-owner of EMSS, Oscar is an excellent worker. He demonstrates initiative, listens to all instructions and is mature in taking on constructive criticism. He definitely has what it takes to be a competent, trained technician in what is a unique and niche field of work.

Mazenod sincerely thanks Jesse and all the staff at EMSS for their mentoring and advice that they have shown Oscar. The VCE Vocational Major program would not be as successful as it, without the assistance of employers who are willing to give our young men an experience in the industry where they wish to seek a career.

We wish Oscar all the best for his future in this career.

Welcome to Tiffany Hunter

Last week our Year 11 Visual Communication Design students had the incredible opportunity to learn from the talented Indigenous artist, @tiffanyhunterstudio!

Tiffany, a Taungurung woman from East Victoria, is an accomplished artist, Director, and Lead Counsellor at Nerdu Badji Education with over 12 years of experience in the education and employment sector. She is dedicated to using art and storytelling to facilitate programs that assist in breaking the cycle of transgenerational trauma and fostering understanding and empathy within the community.

Tiffany shared her unique perspective as an artist and designer, providing insights into her creative process and the stories behind her works. Her artwork often reflects themes of hope, resilience, and cultural heritage, aiming to inspire and empower individuals by connecting them with their roots and identities.

During the session, Tiffany guided our students in using their personal iconography to create football jerseys. She also shared the fascinating journey behind the creation of Melbourne United's NBL24 Indigenous Round jersey, highlighting the cultural significance and the meticulous process involved in its design.