Principal's Post

Memorial Mass

Each year we remember and pray for our Old Collegians and Staff Members who have passed away. Each of our Colleges celebrate a Memorial Mass at the beginning of November and invite families to gather in the respective chapels to pray for their souls. Our students are remembered, with their names etched on the wall in the Resurrection Garden beside the Mazenod College Chapel. This year Mass is scheduled for Friday evening at the College Chapel. Our tradition of reading all the students names at the beginning of Mass will continue and we look forward to celebrating the lives of members of the Mazenod community. 

College Standards

Each time we have returned from a lockdown period there has been a phase of adjustment. Quite understandable but an uneasiness has existed when it comes to directing students regarding behavioural considerations and College expectations. Each return has provided a “now is the time moment” when it comes to uniform, hair standards, homework requirements etc. Mr Tim Ford has communicated to all students a list of expectations and there is no better time to get back on track than “now”. There is only a short time before Transition for all year levels and life will be very hectic so the students have been told to plan for the haircut, the uniform check and the tidying up of their locker. 

Remembrance Day

Next week will be a week of contemplation and reflection that reminds us of the self-sacrifice that enables us to live with the freedoms we enjoy today. On Friday 11th November, staff and students will stop at 11.00am to acknowledge and pray for all those who have given their lives in conflict. Remembrance Day is commemorated across the globe and the tradition is certainly marked each year at the College. The Last Post will be played before The Minute of Silence and then Reveille. The community will be led through prayers, prose and finally The Ode.

Exams

All year levels start exams in the coming weeks. Exams are a normal way of school life. It is possibly a new experience for younger students to perform under timed conditions. Exams are one form of assessment and a way to achieve a sense of satisfaction for the hard work of study routines to be appropriately rewarded. Some students have had to deal with anxiety which is quite normal for all of us. Our students’ capacity to perform in so many disciplines is remarkable. During these times it is important to remember the four pillars of wellbeing 1. Diet 2. Sleep 3. Exercise 4. Meditation. Good performance comes from preparation, practice, planning and taking care of yourself. Congratulations to all for achieving personal excellence during this time.

All the best,  

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal