Principal's Post

Celebrating Excellence

Friday was a day of rolling Year Level Assemblies which included the acknowledgement of award winners in the categories of Christian Leadership and Commitment and Perseverance. The Academic Awards will be presented at the commencement of 2023. The following explanations were presented to the students at the assemblies to clarify the intent and criteria for the two categories of award.

The Christian Leadership Award is designed to recognise any student who through their actions has lived out the Gospel values of Jesus Christ in being a positive role model for others in the community. There are many ways that students can demonstrate their eligibility for a Christian Leadership award including the following;

1. Participation in liturgical ministry
2. Witness in participation in social justice activities
3. Witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ in their social interaction

The Commitment and Perseverance Award is for those students who enthusiastically embraced the Mazenod Guiding Principle of “Be a burning flame not a smouldering wick”.

Award winners were nominated by Mazenod staff for dedication and commitment to their studies in a number of subjects. It has been an extremely challenging year so far and remote learning requires a great deal of independence, organisation and especially persistence through this difficult time. The award winners made a genuine attempt to do their best and reach their full potential in all aspects of the school community in Semester 2, despite the challenges they faced.

Congratulations to the students that have received these awards for Semester 2.

Time & Space

On Monday evening Year 12 students of 2023 and their parents/carers took the opportunity to take "time and space" to have a one-on-one conversation with their son as a central part of the growth of the whole person.

In the last few decades, the context in which education systems find themselves has fundamentally altered. Within this larger context, Mazenod College has a unique role to play. This is to create nurturing and inclusive environments where your sons are respected, their voices are heard, and they are safe and feel safe.

Mazenod also has a heritage of significant rituals to mark a student's time at the College. Last Monday was family time and this year we were able to offer for the first time, an opportunity for Year 12s and their parent, carer, or mentor to come together. Bill Jennings, the Founder of Time & Space, prepared and facilitated a special Year 12 parent/carer experience.

ACC Leadership

The ACC Leadership Evening was held on Thursday 24th November at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully. Students presented on their College’s charism and identity, and students and staff leaving the function were appreciative of the respective stories and histories, but also mindful of the common purpose and themes that permeate through the 13 member Colleges that educate over 16,000 students.

Themes and open discussion about building masculinity that benefits and serves men and women in our society; the prominence of social justice programs; the continual need to empower young men to understand and respond to Respectful Relationship Programs; the desire to proactively address the issues of sustainability; the openness to reflect on the shattering consequences that can impact families, friends and young people if mental health issues become overwhelming, all featured in the sensitive and thought-provoking student presentations. The most common theme central to the presentations was the congregational founder of the respective Colleges, who demonstrated leadership to address the social injustices of his time and spread the Gospel message to those in their communities.

ACCE Fellowship Award - Vivian Seremetis 

On Thursday 1st December, Vivian Seremetis attended the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE) Gala Awards and was awarded the ACCE Fellowship Award 2022.

A Fellow of the ACCE is someone who has shown a long-term professional commitment to careers education in Victoria. This is a new award that was presented for the first time in 2022.

Eligibility:

• Must be a professional and financial member of ACCE
• Must work and live in Victoria
• Must have worked as a career practitioner in Victoria for a minimum of 20 years
• Must have been a member of the ACCE or equivalent for a minimum of 20 years

Vivian joined ACCE in 2002 when appointed to the position of VCAL Coordinator and VET Coordinator at Mazenod College and then subsequently to careers coordinator. This was a huge honour for Vivian to be acknowledged by the association for her work in career development over the last 20 years.

Congratulations Vivian on this wonderful achievement!

Junior Gala

Congratulations to all our musicians who performed at the music recitals in preparation for the Junior Gala. It was very encouraging to have families able to attend these important events and the feeling that we are returning to our conventional programs.

Welcome to New Year 7 Families

Many thanks to the Parents and Friends Association for hosting a meal for the new Year 7 families and students of 2023 last Tuesday evening. The food was spectacular and enjoyed by all the families that attended. A special welcome to new families of Year 7 students 2023.

While this is the last newsletter for 2022 our students will be continuing to represent the College in various activities and relevant information will continue to be uploaded on our websites and newsfeeds. Our cricketers are competing in the Oblate Cup and our volleyballers in the National titles.

On behalf of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the College Staff, I would like to wish you and your families every blessing and joy for Christmas. I would also like to wish you a restful and enjoyable holiday and thank you for your support throughout 2022. 

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal