Principal's Post

Inaugural Mass

On Friday 24th February the College Community gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral for our Inaugural Mass, to celebrate the start of the academic year. Our tradition of inducting the College leaders on this auspicious occasion continued and students were introduced to the congregation. Thank you to all involved in the enormous amount of planning and organisation. Congratulations to Rector Fr Harry Dyer OMI for presiding his first Mazenod College Inaugural Mass at the Cathedral.

Thanks to the Oblate Faith and Charism Team who co-ordinated a moving celebration of the Eucharist. I would like to acknowledge the leadership of the Oblate Priests who in the spirit of St Eugene de Mazenod have led this community with distinction for such a long period of time. It is a great comfort to us to have the support of Provincial of the Province of Australia Fr Christian Fini OMI, Rector Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Fr Pat Moroney OMI, Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Fr David Francis OMI, and students from St Mary’s seminary present amongst our community. We all find the message of the Oblates not to be haughty or exalted but grounded, earthy, accessible, and real. As in Matthew’s Gospel the Oblates are “Salt of the Earth” who preserve and enkindle our relationship with God. 

I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge the altar servers, the readers, the liturgy choir, the brass ensemble, and the Mazenod College Music Staff. Thank you to His Grace, Archbishop Peter Comensoli for his support of the Mazenod College community and all the staff at the Cathedral.

Congratulations to all the young men who have been inducted into Positions of Leadership for 2023. Leadership is so often a double-edged sword. The easy bit of leadership is to wear the badge. The hard bit of leadership is to deserve the badge. The easy bit of leadership is to do what is popular. The hard bit of leadership is to do what is right. The old style of leadership is based on domination, power and even fear. It is hierarchical and relies upon sanctions to bring followers into line. Changes in recent years demand for servant leadership, a style based on example, that uses personality rather than threat, that looks to galvanise in a collaborative and inclusive way.

Parent Communcations Policy

The College recognises that engaging and working with parents and carers is vital in providing their son with an excellent education. Clear, effective, and respectful communication among all sections and members is integral to community-building. Included in this newsletter is the Mazenod College Communications Policy. We hope that this continues to make the College as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

ACC Athletics Carnival

Thank you to the Mazenod Sports Department and all staff who have been preparing for the ACC Athletics Carnival last Thursday. We had some excellent individual results and finished 2nd overall. We would like to congratulate St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully who were the Division 2 Champions and the Division 1 Champions, Parade College. On the day the team achieved a number of first places, seconds and thirds. We would also like to acknowledge The Athletics Captains, Year 12 students, for their years of dedication to the sport and the team.

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education will be celebrated March 12-19. This highlights the education that Catholic schools offer to families and to the community. The Catholic Education Week website has several resources to help get the most out of the week, including videos, prayers and classroom resources.

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal