Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

During this week we received news Fr Don Hughes OMI passed away after some months of illness. He was born in Fremantle almost eighty-eight years ago.

Seeking to answer God’s call he first went to the diocesan seminary in Perth before going to the Oblate novitiate in Sorrento. As was necessary in those years, he then went to Ireland to complete his studies.  His many appointments show that he was very talented but, above all, to go where he was needed. He was sent for a time to preach parish missions and retreats in Victoria and N.S.W. and then joined our first college, Iona. As well as teaching, he helped develop the struggling finances in those early years and building needs before government assistance. With all this he was a regular preacher of parish appeals for the missions.

Next, he was chosen to be the founding Rector of Mazenod in W.A.; an excellent choice; but, after 6 years there, he began two stints as Rector and Novice Master of our Oblate seminary here in Mulgrave. After that, he was the parish priest in Adelaide, Fremantle and Lesmurdie. As proof of the respect in which he was held in Perth, he was appointed by the Archbishop as Rector of the diocesan seminary where he himself began his journey to the priesthood. His last years have been spent as the revered founder and elder statesman in Mazenod.

Our own Fr. Kevin spent many years with him as a close friend and colleague in a number of appointments and remembers him for his cheerful energy and leadership but above all for his love of the Mass and his priesthood, his love and respect for his people, in a special way for young people. He remained a model Oblate of Mary Immaculate. R.I.P.

This week saw the blessing of our new flags and flagpoles. As part of the renovation of the college entrance, the flagpoles were relocated from the Founders’ Complex. The three flags, the Indigenous Flag, the Australian Flag and the Victorian Flag were blessed by Fr Kevin in a short ceremony that was attended by the college leaders and Julian Browne.  Julian is very proud of his heritage and explained the history and significance of the Indigenous Flag. 

Last week the winners of the Mazenod Chess Championships were announced. The competition was also a team event and the winning house was Cebula. Runner-up was Albini followed by Charlebois. The respective year level winners were:

11-12 Champion House:                Anthony House

9-10 Champion House:                  Albini House

7-8 Champion House:                     Cebula House

It was also a pleasure this week to acknowledge students who were awarded for their Christian Leadership and their commitment to their studies. Unfortunately, we could not conduct our usual assemblies but we did acknowledge and congratulate the recipients during homeroom. It is very important to maintain our routines and traditions by acknowledging leadership and effort in this way. 

Finally, a copy of Professor Lea Waters’ biannual newsletter was sent out to all families which included short videos on how to deal with isolation and remote learning. Below is a hyperlink so you can access these videos.

https://www.theguardian.com/profile/lea-waters

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal