Principal’s Report

Principal’s Report 2021

Early in the year we were very hopeful of re-igniting our activities and programmes. Except for the Year 7 camp that was postponed until November due to a one week lockdown, all our Outdoor Education camps and summer sports occurred. Music ensembles were gathering, and Mission Action Day was a resounding success. We were very conscious of the Year 7 students missing out on their camp because their year level would have been impacted in 2020, many losing the opportunity to have camp and other prominent activities in their final year of primary school.

Words like fatigue, drudgery, anxiety, and frustration would undoubtedly resonate with everyone over the last two years and feelings of desperation and despair have been evident for families seriously impacted by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns. We have missed the vitality of the events and the gatherings that are crammed into the conventional calendar. Financial hardship, crises with mental health and forced family disconnection, especially at times of mourning and serious illness, have created feelings of desperation and immense sadness.

Other words that come to mind when we observe how families, staff and students have handled this passage in history are inspiration, gratitude, generosity, self-sacrifice, resilience, good humour and connection. Senior students have complied and trusted their teachers and administrators to manage their assessments and programmes and the Year 7 to 10 students have continually mustered discipline to engage in online classes. The teachers have also been amazing. Their creativity, their fast tracking of technology, their doggedness to endure a remote learning platform strategy that requires connection and presence, has been outstanding.

The Educational Support staff behind the scenes have ensured service and support to students and staff and have provided solutions in so many areas when the community has been challenged. Our parents have been so supportive and appreciative of the College’s efforts, and we are very grateful for that support.

In 2016 Mazenod joined the Respectful Relationship Project and in 2020 we introduced the Visible Wellbeing Project looking at a whole school approach to Positive Psychology. Both projects have served us well and provided a clarity and prominence to beliefs and behaviours that are intrinsic to the Gospel message. In 2021 we continued and deepened our commitment to the Visible Wellbeing project.

The student leaders have brilliantly adjusted and innovated their leadership model to manage remote learning and still deliver poignant and relevant information on resilience, mental wellbeing and respectful relationships. The milestones for our young people have been impacted and the senior students feel it especially. Their demeanour and positive response to disappointment has been extraordinary.

Our new building project has been tendered and builders appointed. The eight stage project will include the renovation of all the classrooms from Year 8 to 10 and the Science Laboratories. Stages 1 and 2 include the Learning Diversity Centre being moved to the staffroom to provide greater space and facilities; the upgrade of the canteen and cafeteria; development of students’ facilities including Health Centre and toilets, and a new staff facility designed to serve staff and community groups such as the Parents’ and Friends’ Association.

I am very cognisant of finishing as Principal at the end of the year. I look forward to working at the College in some capacity, continuing to enjoy the company of staff and the enthusiasm and good humour of students.

I have so many fantastic memories of which I am very grateful. I would like to thank the College community, especially the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for their trust and support over my time at the College. I was appointed to the College by Fr Kevin Davine OMI at the end of 1995. I served as a Deputy Principal to Fr John Sherman OMI, Fr Pat Moroney OMI, Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Fr Christian Fini OMI and as Principal to Fr Christian and Fr Harry Dyer OMI. Mr Peter Le Grand, Dr Eugene Fredericks and the College Board; parents of the past and current families; former students and current students; staff members from earlier times; College Leadership Team and current staff members, I would like to say thank you. I feel so privileged and honoured to be given leadership opportunities at the College and I feel humbled by the appreciation and acknowledgement of so many in the community.

Written by Tony Coghlan Principal (2019 - 2021), on behalf of Dr Paul Shannon - Principal