Parents & Friends Association
Parents & Friends Bio
Irna Grace Kostic
My family has been a part of the Mazenod community since 2019, when my eldest was in Year 7. It was a busy time – I was working full time, I had a 1 year old and two other kids in primary school. I tried to get involved with the then Mothers Association, but found I was unable to attend the meetings at school. My husband and I juggled work and family life; miraculously making time to attend parent/teacher interviews, info nights and music recitals. When lockdowns began in 2020, we were all thrust into a world of virtual events; online learning, meetings, Mass, special events like birthdays, weddings and funerals. As a community, we’ve all emerged a little more creative, adaptive and familiar with technology.
This year, the Parents and Friends Association (P&FA) is the combined group for mothers and fathers, and guardians/carers. The meetings are sometimes online, and sometimes at school. Our main aim is to build a stronger Mazenod community by engaging parents more with the school. By being a member of P&FA, I’ve gotten to know some other parents, and I’ve met some Mazenod staff who are very much an integral part of the school but not directly teaching my sons. Recognising a few more faces in the sea of faces at Mazenod has helped make me feel part of the Mazenod family – the community where my sons spend much of their time learning and growing into men; where friendships are formed; talents are discovered and nurtured.
As parents, we have our own journey of growth during these formative years for our sons. We are the support people behind them – the ones that juggle work and family; chauffeuring them to various activities possibly 7 days a week; making sure they have what they need when they need it; giving them opportunities to explore; witnessing them navigate challenges; being there if they fail and celebrating their successes.
2023 is a significant year for my family. My eldest son is in Year 11, my second son is in Year 7 and my youngest son is in prep. My daughter is in Grade 5, so we’re in the year where we decide where to send her for secondary school. Life is still busy. We’re still juggling and chauffeuring; and making sure everyone has what they need when they need it.
Save the Date - Tuesday 1 August
The Parents and Friends Association is having a PIZZA NIGHT Meeting on Tuesday 1st August at 6.30pm.
We welcome all parents and carers! Please RSVP via parentsandfriends@mazenod.vic.edu.au for catering purposes.