Rector's Report

Greetings and welcome to this issue of the Rector’s Report as we begin to experience our seasonal change to winter months. Unfortunately, we will have to endure these cold and wet days until the end of August.  It will not be long now until we will be on school holidays. Holidays are always a time to catch our breath and have a break from the College routine of drop off and pick up. 

Oblate Week

Oblate Week commenced with our Founders Day Mass in the Provence

Centre on Friday May 19. During the following week, our students reflected on the life of St Eugene de Mazenod and the Oblate Charism.

It was uplifting to receive some cards, like the one opposite, with messages from our Year 7 students. Below is a picture of the Oblate priests and students who gathered with our College community for the Founders Day Mass.

Fr Kevin Davine OMI

Our College community congratulated Fr Kevin Davine OMI on celebrating his 70th anniversary since his first profession as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate. We thank Fr Kevin for his Oblate Ministry in our Australian Province.

Fr Kevin is the only Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who has been the Rector of our three Oblate Colleges in Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne. Fr Kevin has also been the parish priest of our Oblate Parishes in Sorrento and Springvale North.

Fr Luis Alonso OMI, the Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, sent a card of congratulations to Fr Kevin, in which he wrote, “May this wonderful jubilee be a time of joy and thanksgiving to God who has guided your life with provident love.”

Reconciliation Week

From May 27 – June 3 the college community was focused on Reconciliation Week. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements as well as acknowledging any hurts in the past. The college organized several events to heighten our community’s awareness, through an Aboriginal Blessing at our weekday Mass, a staff reconciliation breakfast, a smoking ceremony at the start of our football match against St Joseph’s, weekday prayers on MAZCOM and a signing of a banner in recognition of our willingness to be part of this process.

I have included the Aboriginal Our Father for your reflection.

You are our Father, you live in Heaven

We talk to you our Father, you are good (repeat)

We believe your word, Father, we are your people.

Give us bread today (repeat)

We have done wrong we are sorry.

Teach us Father all about your word (repeat)

Others have done wrong to us and

We are sorry for them Father today (repeat)

Stop us from doing wrong Father.

Save us from the evil one (repeat)

You are our Father you live in Heaven

We talk to you Father you are good (repeat) Amen.

Year 10 Food Tech

On Tuesday May 30 the Year 10A & B students undertook their Food Tech Exam by supplying a staff morning tea. I was invited by Marcel Go to be his client and score his creation of Fried Chicken Sliders.  Well done, Marcel, top marks and yummy! I also enjoyed some of Thomas’s sausage rolls. Well done, Thomas. 

On Wednesday May 31 I was again invited to be a client for Hugh Fagan’s Food Tech Exam with his creation of a ‘Jesus Cake’. Congratulations Hugh, a job well done and enjoyable with my cuppa.

Year 8 Grandparents Day

A bright sunny day on Thursday June 1 and Friday June 2 added to the enjoyment of our Year 8 students welcoming their grandparents to see firsthand the facilities of Mazenod College where their grandsons spend most of their week. The days commenced with a welcome by our Year 8 coordinators in the student canteen, followed by a tour of the college, a music concert in the college chapel and concluded with a light lunch back in the canteen. There were smiles and chatting as they all moved around the college, a great sign they were enjoying their time together.

Music Recitals

On Tuesday evening June 6, the music department concluded its series of music recitals for Years 9 & 10. These recitals showcase the talents of our students and the various instruments they play. It takes great commitment from the students to enhance their gifts in this area.

We also thank our music department for their support and encouragement of the students and the parents for their commitment to allowing their sons to develop their talent. 

Enjoy your long weekend!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI