From the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of Mazenod College,
“Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart, as if working for the Lord”
(Colossians 3:23).
As Term 2 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on a season rich in learning, connection, and growth. In the rhythm of the school year, this time offers us an important opportunity to acknowledge the many achievements of our students, the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families and broader community.
At the heart of Catholic education is the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God – deeply loved, uniquely gifted, and called to grow in wisdom and compassion. Throughout this term, we have seen this belief lived out in many ways; in classrooms where students have challenged themselves academically, in co-curricular activities where talents have been honed and celebrated, and in moments of quiet kindness that so often go unnoticed but mean so much – Moments of Grace.
We give thanks for the opportunities we’ve had this term to come together in prayer, liturgy, and service. Whether through whole-school Masses, retreats or service-learning initiatives, our Catholic identity continues to shape the character and spirit of our College. Our Moments of Grace have been clear and observable as we become more alert to their presence, none more so than at our Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Eugene and Mazenod Mission Day.
In celebrating our Wednesday morning Mass this week, dedicated to our Vinnie’s group, it was wonderful to hear of the contributions, both material through De Mazenod Vinnies Winter Appeal hampers and blessings through our prayers, to the homeless and those less fortunate. Thank you to all students, staff and families for their generosity.
Term 2 also included important milestones – academic reports, exams for senior students, parent-teacher interviews, sports carnivals, and cultural events. Each of these experiences invites reflection, not only on results or outcomes, but on the effort, perseverance, and personal growth behind them. I also draw your attention to a short summation of our recently completed Workplace Health and Safety Inspection, following my report.
I challenge our students to use this holiday time to reflect on their term, their engagement and also on their achievements and discern whether, they are reflective of the best version of themselves. Be content then, that from that moment on, new challenges and opportunities arise to enhance that best version of oneself.
Farewell to a Couple of Mazenod Legends
As we come to the end of Term 2, we take a moment to offer our deep gratitude and fond farewell to two long-serving members of our College staff: Peter Douthie and John Payne.
Between them, Peter and John have dedicated over 85 years of faithful service to our school community. Their commitment to excellence in teaching, the care they have shown for generations of students, and the way they have lived out Gospel values in their daily work leave a lasting legacy.
Their contributions extend far beyond lesson plans and classrooms – having served in senior leadership roles at the College including for both, periods as the College Principal – the first lay men to do so at Mazenod College.
As John and Peter prepare to begin the next chapter of their journey, we offer them both, our heartfelt thanks. May they leave with the knowledge that they have made a profound difference in the lives of many. We pray that God continues to bless them with good health, joy, and fulfilment in all that lies ahead.
I would like to also acknowledge Ms Samantha Hunt who has worked in our HASS and English learning area this term and I express, on behalf of our College, to Ms Hunt our best wishes for the future.
As we look ahead to a well-earned break, may this holiday period bring rest, renewal, and time for family. We return in Term 3 with fresh purpose, renewed by faith, and hopeful for all that lies ahead.
“After working with all our strength, we must allow ourselves some rest in God, who alone can refresh our souls.” (St Eugene De Mazenod).
God bless.
2025 Workplace Health and Safety Inspection
As part of our College commitment to providing a safe workplace and environment for all members of our community, we commissioned an inspection and report, as a requirement of the Non-Government Schools Registration Standards.
Lincoln Safety was engaged to attend Mazenod College and conduct a Workplace Health and Safety Inspection, measured against current WHS legislation and including consideration of the WorkSafe WA Education Checklist.
Our overall results were positive with no major non-compliance items identified. This is a testament to our staff, in particular, the members of our Workplace Health and Safety Committee.
We were delighted with the final outcomes in the report and remain committed to maintaining, with continual renewal and attention, a safe environment for all members and visitors. I would like to share the final comments from the Assessor, as written in the report;
“Mazenod College is to be commended for its outstanding commitment to workplace health and safety. Not only is Mazenod College clearly compliant with WHS legislation, but it also demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring a safe environment for all staff. This commitment is evident in the excellent results of this inspection.
While a number of non-compliances were identified, all can be addressed promptly. I was particularly impressed by the staff I interacted with throughout the inspection — they were open, informative, and genuinely engaged in discussions about safety improvements. Their willingness to share information and embrace constructive feedback is a credit to the College’s positive safety culture.
As a WHS Consultant with over a decade of experience working in partnership with Perth schools, I can confidently say that this is the strongest result I have seen on a first inspection. Most schools take several years to reach this level of compliance and maturity in their safety systems.
Well done to all involved”.
Simon Harvey
Principal