The Mazenod College Newsletter

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of Mazenod College,

 

Magnifique Mazenod College!!! I’m sure as the curtain draws on the Paris Olympics and Para-Olympics events, many would have heard the “magnifique” cheers of the crowds, meaning “magnificent”. And so it would have been if St Eugene was present over this past week or so at some special events involving our wonderful Mazenod students, so incredibly supported by our staff, friends and families.

 

Football West Champion School Shield

We are back-to-back State Champions in the Football West Champion School Shield competition with our Mr Dave Devon-led, First XI Soccer team mighty victors over Scotch College 3-1 at the Sam Kerr Football Centre earlier this week. This incredible triumph, played with tenacity, skill and above all, class, was the second consecutive victory in this competition following on from last year’s victory over Darling Range College at the same venue. Congratulations to all our dedicated players, especially our Year 12 members for whom this victory was clearly very special. In the spirit of service, we also thank our staff, parents, families and the friends of this team for supporting and inspiring our team to victory. Well done to all involved!

 

“The more you manifest a servant’s heart in all you do, the more of an impact you’ll have on people’s lives” (Jim George).

 

This quote also has great relevance for us this week in Australian schools as we celebrate and acknowledge “Australian Teacher Aide Week” or at Mazenod, Education Assistants Week. We are very privileged to have such wonderful servants and one need look no further than our Learning Support team who, in name and in nature, give so passionately to the young man they support. Our Education Assistants not only aid the teacher but assist with the whole education process in and beyond the classroom and for their tireless dedication, we say thank you.

 

Fr Bill Ousley OMI

Fr Bill has indeed been the epitome of a “servant’s heart” in just over three years whilst he has been with us at Mazenod College. As detailed in an email to all community members today, Fr Bill has been appointed to the Ministry of St Eugene’s parish in Burpengary, Queensland, from the end of this term. Fr Michael Twigg OMI, speaks of Fr Bill’s service and appointment in his article in this newsletter, but I wish to endorse these sentiments and thank Fr Bill for his most gracious and serving heart. We look forward to some special opportunities to farewell Fr Bill on Wednesday 18 September;

  • Farewell Mass (8:15 am in the Chapel)
  • College Assembly (10:15 am in the College gymnasium). 

All are welcome. 

 

“Best of the Fest” – Catholic Performing Arts Festival and Angelico Arts Exhibition

It was a delight to be an audience member at the “Best of the Fest” concert and exhibition last Friday night, a culmination of Mazenod student performances and artworks from the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and the Angelico Exhibition. Words won’t suffice in capturing the incredible joy and pride one feels when witness to the skills and talents, both on stage and off, in the area of the performing and visual arts. It was a magical evening and I congratulate our Visual and Performing Arts staff and students.

A special congratulations to Alexander T (Year 10) who amazed the judges in the Electric Guitar (Solo) section of the festival and earned his right to perform in front of the full audience at the 2024 Festival Concert. In uniquely special circumstances, Alexander is the recipient of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Award for Instrumental Solo (Secondary), awarded by an independent judging panel. Alexander will be presented with the Perpetual Shield for this award at the Festival Concert on Monday 9 September. Congratulations Alexander!

 

We acknowledge those incredibly talented young men who provide us with these experiences and, as mentioned above, those who support and serve them in their expression of these gifts namely, our staff, parents, families and friends.

I finish with a quote from a family member of one of our young stars, who was in the audience also and wished to remain anonymous. Magnifique Mazenod!!!

 

God bless

 

“Please pass on my thanks to all the staff who work tirelessly with the boys during class time and in their own time, especially last Friday evening. They are to be commended for their support and dedication. The fantastic artwork on display would be quite at home in any modern art gallery…Please pass on my thanks to all the young men who performed on Friday evening. The depth and breadth of talent was wonderful to see. The confidence with which they all performed, especially the soloists was a credit to themselves and their dedication to their art”. (Grandparent of Mazenod College).

 

Simon Harvey

Principal