From the Rector

Dear Mazenod Community,

As we conclude Term 2, we farewell staff members who have served at the College for the past 5 decades. Peter Douthie began in 1980 and John Payne began in 1987 and both have made powerful and sustained positive contributions of service to the College.

On behalf of every Oblate who has ever worked at the College, I offer a sincere and heartfelt thanks. In both of these Mazenodians, the Oblates always encountered trustworthiness, loyalty, integrity, compassion and friendship.

It is indeed an honour to thank them and their families for their dedication and service. I believe that they have left a legacy that we will continue to build upon. The values of St Eugene de Mazenod and Jesus were strongly lived by Peter and John and Mazenod is a stronger community because of their presence. They both have an open invitation back to Mazenod whenever they wish.

I would also like to extend thanks to Anne Greenley from the Music Department for her many years of care and service at the College. Anne has assisted in the smooth running of the music department and has shown care to students, staff and families alike. She has been very interested in the development of the boys and regularly encouraged and guided them. She has fully lived out the Oblate and Gospel values of compassion, honesty, integrity and love and we are grateful for her service to the mission.

Special thanks is also offered to every single community member who has made a positive contribution to our culture. Our College lives and breathes community and it is wonderful to see it alive and in action across so many areas of College life, whether that be sport, mission, donations, music, curriculum, social events and areas of service.

During the term I was able to visit boarding families in Mingenew, Jurien Bay, Pithara, Beacon, Bencubbin and Kellerberrin as well as visiting numerous towns across the State.  A prayer for needed rain would be very much appreciated by those who are looking forward to it. During the holidays I will visit Broome, Cape Leveque, Moora, Wongan Hills and surrounds as well as Port and South Hedland during the first week back. I am very appreciative of the welcome received in each place and it has been great to help our boarding families feel even more connected to the College.

I wish all families a great break over these next couple of weeks. I hope it can be a time of continuing to build on family moments of Grace and I look forward to welcoming everyone back safely after the holidays. Our Catholic belief is that we all have an inbuilt human dignity and that we are all individually and communally loved by God. Please know you are all in my prayers.

The photos below are of beautiful Kellerberrin and the Hunter Family whose hospitality I recently enjoyed.

Take Care

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector of Mazenod College