From the Principal

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

“Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness” - Pope Francis

As Catholics, the month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Pope Pius XII solidified this month for this cause in 1945. You may have read my previous newsletter articles which also alluded to the joys of Mother’s Day Mass and celebrations. 

We concluded these celebrations this week with the delightful Mothers and Mentors evening for Year 10 and afternoon tea for Year 7. Of course, the special guests at these events were the respective students and their mums, grandmothers and motherly figures. 

Whilst the temptation for the boys may have been to continue socialising with their peers, it was lovely to see the tender love and interaction of the boys and their special guests. There were too many highlights for me to mention, but thanks to those staff who assisted, our canteen, catering and maintenance staff and especially, Mr Patrick Parker (Head of Year 10) and Mrs Kerry Gault (Head of Year 7) for their passionate dedication to these warm and enchanting events. The theme of NAIDOC week in 2018 was used as part of the prayer and introduction for the Year 10 evening, shared by Julius Parlapiano (Year 10), a beautiful sentiment for those mother figures in our lives;

“Because of her, we can”

Earlier this week the College Board, under the direction of our Chair, Mrs Mary Retel, was treated to an enlightening presentation by Zaid Buckland (College Captain) and Elijah Lohf (Boarding Captain). Both student leaders spoke about their own journey to and through Mazenod, what they have gained and enjoyed along the way, the Year 12 year to date, what they’re looking forward to for the remainder of the year and their hopes for the future. The Board was delighted with what they heard and I congratulate both Zaid and Elijah for being such fine representatives of our student body. Well done gents.

Yesterday, our College Cross Country team participated in the ACC event held at Alderberry Reserve in Floreat. This is one of the great athletic events, a carnival atmosphere, but one where the set up and course enables great interaction and support from teammates and others in attendance. Congratulations to all Mazenod competitors, for their tireless training efforts on typical chilly mornings and to the team collective for representing our College. Thanks also to Mr Chris Mason and the staff involved for their efforts.

We are delighted to be welcoming Miss Lauren Gissing, who will be joining our staff next week as a Visual Arts Technician. Miss Gissing will be working closely with our Visual Arts staff to ensure we maintain dynamic and creative opportunities for our students.

With our Year 11 and 12 students returning to the College next week after their recent examinations and work placements, we wish the Year 10 students our best wishes with their upcoming exam period. The end of term is fast approaching, I encourage all students to continue their focus on hard work and effort and the commitment all Mazenod College students make at enrolment, to always try their best in their studies.

“God will bless you for the good you have done” - St Eugene de Mazenod

God bless.

Simon Harvey

Principal