Rector’s Report

Welcome to my Rector’s report for 2022. This year we have witnessed College life returning to a feeling of normal operations with class attendance, extracurricular activities, and interactions with parents, although video conferencing for parent-teacher interviews is still a popular means of communication, especially during the colder months. The ability of our staff to adapt to changing needs on different levels of our daily operations is a great credit to all involved with the overall aim being the care of your son's spiritual, intellectual, and physical development.

The College Inaugural Mass spiritually prepared our Mazenod College community for our academic year. Unfortunately, we were once again restricted to celebrating in our Provence Centre on Friday, February 25th. Fortunately, we were able to welcome Fr Christian Fini OMI, Oblate Provincial, as our main celebrant and for the official induction ceremony of Dr Paul Shannon as our second lay Principal. The College community also warmly welcomed our new Year 7 cohort and acknowledged our Year 12 graduating students for their final celebration after 6 years of education at Mazenod College

Fr Kevin Davine OMI and I continue to care for the spiritual life and pastoral care of all members of our College community through the celebration of daily Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and other liturgical highlights of the Church and Oblate calendar year.

On Thursday, April 8, Term 1 finished with a day of high excitement and activity with our traditional Mission Action Day (MAD) in support of our Oblate Missions. The day commenced with an Easter Liturgy in the Provence Centre. Students were then dispersed for a walkathon. Upon returning to the College our community enjoyed a variety of foods and activities which resulted in $45,000.00 being raised to assist our brothers and sisters in our Oblate Missions, particularly within our Asia Oceania Region. Over the years our Mazenod community has generously raised over $660,000.00. On a local level the College community also supported the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. The appeal resulted in donations of over 20 bags of food to St Leonard’s Parish Glen Waverley for their food bank, a van full of clothes and toys to St Vincent De Paul in Springvale, and an amazing amount of tea, coffee, and toiletries to our Rosies Oblate Street Mission. Every item is going to those who most need them in our local community.

With the conclusion of the 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on October 14, Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso OMI was elected our new Superior General for the next 6 years. Fr Alonso is the first Spanish Oblate to be elected Superior General and will have the responsibility for 3,705 Oblates in 67 countries.

I also want to extend my appreciation to Dr Paul Shannon, Principal, College staff, the Mazenod College Advisory Board, and our families and students for their generosity in sharing their talents for the benefit of the College.

Finally, I wish every blessing on our 2022 graduating students. I am sure all our students will regard their time at Mazenod College with the memories of friendships made, a faith lived and a thorough education, all of which will last well beyond their graduation Remember once a Mazenod student always a Mazenod student.

Fr Harry Dyer OMI Rector