Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

Last week the De Mazenod Family including the Mazenod College Community celebrated Founder’s Day and we acknowledged and gave thanks for the amazing work, witness and service of the Oblate Fathers, especially those connected to our College.

In 2014 Fr Mark Edwards OMI was consecrated Bishop and made Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. At the time he was Rector of Iona College in Brisbane. Fr Michael Twigg OMI who was Rector of Mazenod College at the time left Mazenod to become Rector of Iona, where he was a student. Fr Christian Fini OMI was appointed Rector of Mazenod College and it noted that he is an Old Collegian of Mazenod College. Bishop Mark accepted the position of Auxiliary Bishop with great humility. Bishop Mark is also an Old Collegian of Mazenod College. On Tuesday evening we received the news that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Mark Edwards OMI to the Diocese of Wagga Wagga. 

This is a great honour for Bishop Mark, his family, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the De Mazenod Community, especially those associated with our College. Congratulations Bishop Mark. 

Melbourne’s Archbishop Peter A Comensoli informed the Diocese of the appointment and highlighted the dedicated service of Bishop Mark over his time as Auxiliary Bishop in Melbourne.

…… As part of his role, he was appointed Regional Bishop for the Western communities of the Archdiocese and became Episcopal Vicar for Tertiary Education and Youth He also currently serves on the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council and the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education. With a heart for the young, Bishop Mark has dedicated much of his time to the ongoing development of youth ministry within the Archdiocese, encouraging a deeper sense of discipleship and vocation among youth leaders. He has been instrumental in establishing stronger networks with tertiary chaplains, encouraging their ongoing formation and enabling their accreditation within the Archdiocese.  In 2015, Bishop Mark attended the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment and in 2016 led the Victorian pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Poland……

Another activity that has continued this term, utilising a virtual format, is the VCAA PESA competition which is now at semi-final stage. PESA stands for The Plain English Speaking Awards and two of our students have won their way through to the state semi-finals. Mateo Acosta Fernandez (Year 11) won first place in the State Heat and Noah Andrews (Year 12) was Runners Up. They now have to extend their six minute speech to eight minutes. Congratulations to Mateo and Noah and good luck at the next stage. 

We have managed to modify our activities to cope with coronavirus requirements and it is clear nothing can get in the way of our chess players. Great to see the Year 9 and 10s qualify for State Open by winning the Glen Eira Region against Brighton Secondary College and Wesley College. The following students finished top ten: Sean Hong 1st, Zane Mendes 4th, Deni Trkulja 5th, Aston Pham 7th.

Our seniors competed in a four state competition on line, but based in Launceston. They won two competitions and lost by one point to Perth Modern in the third competition. Huge effort.

We have two internal competitions coming up. The Mazenod Yr 7 & 8 House Competition on Friday 15th June and the Mazenod Open, Years 7 to 12 on Monday 13th July. 

It was fantastic to have the Year 11 and 12 students back on Tuesday. It was very evident that students appreciated returning, and catching up with their mates.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal