Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

Teachers and parents have commented on the recent parent/teacher interviews and the dynamic of meeting online. There were several comments that were positive about the experience. Many parents felt it easier to make arrangements and the scheduling was kept in check. The timing of the interviews was not ideal because it was the changeover of the semester. In some cases, classes had just started and results were not available. 

Nonetheless, we felt it essential to communicate to parents and we all need some reassurance at this stage of the journey that we are on track. Next week we have interviews on two days, Tuesday (from 2.30pm onwards) and then Wednesday (student free day). There are time slots available on the Wednesday for those who have not secured an interview. (Further instructions are on the "Dates" page.

We have learnt a great deal from the first remote learning experience and it is evident that students need to feel connected as much as possible. The video conferencing using Google Meets as our preferred platform is the medium to achieve this. We are expecting students to be at homeroom and to be part of classes engaging with teachers online, even if it is for a brief time to get instructions and guidelines for the work that can also be located on MazCom. All the guidelines for remote learning and directives for those students in Years 7 to 10 who will be attending the college was sent out earlier to parents.

The temperature checks have worked well and clearly students who are feeling unwell are being kept home. This is essential for them and for the entire community.

Last Monday the college conducted its Mazenod College Open Chess Championship on line. Sixty students competed and the winners were:

Jackie Li from Year 8 – Mazenod Open Chess Champion 2020

Aston Pham from Year 10 was Middle Years Champion

Anderson Gong from Year 8 was the Year 7 & 8 Champion and also the overall Runner Up.

Congratulations to these students and all who competed. A full report will be in next week’s newsletter.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal