Prefect
Reports
College Captain: Dylan Peiris College Vice-Captains: David Botros, Roque Rosario and Ronan Fernandez Head Prefects: Terrence A’Hearn and Amos Duckett College Prefects: Noah Alwyn, Noah Andrews, Noah Crasto, Matthew Lewis, Gavin Liyanage, Dylan Ly, Francesco Mandarino, Harry Minack, Maneth Nagodavithana, Rishi Nagpal, Sean O’Connor, Thomas Raymond, Thomas Searle, Kurt Tellis, Jordan Tranter, Kyle Truong, Thomas Yong and Francis Zaar
Faith and Mission Faith and Mission are important aspects of the College spirit and community inspired by the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod. As an Oblate school, students are encouraged to lead a religious life of charity and humility through daily Mass and Social Justice initiatives. During this COVID-19 pandemic, students viewed Mass online and participated in reflection days virtually, as well as starting and participating in Mazenod’s own youth group, Ember. The College’s normal community service programs such as the Winter Sleepout, the Year 11 Red Cross initiative and contributions to Rosies by Year 12 students were not able to go ahead. However, our plan for a ‘Student Eucharistic Minister’ Program in the College is still being developed with the eventual goal of receiving approval from the Archbishop of Melbourne. We congratulate students for their initiative and dedication to their faith during these challenging times and thank the Oblates for spreading an optimistic message of love and hope which has certainly given students strength throughout the year. Roque Rosario Academics and VCAL Remote learning was a concept that very few had considered until this year, posing a number of new challenges in a very short span of time, especially in regard to studying and attending class. However, the students at Mazenod were able to adapt to their new circumstances with ease, testament to the amazing staff and the work ethic of those at the College. Whilst initiatives such as tutoring and Study Hall were not available for the majority of the year, other options, such as an online forum to assist the younger year levels were established so as to help anyone who may be struggling. Likewise, for students undertaking the VCAL pathway, quarantine had a major impact on the way the school
year was carried out. Although some students were unable to attend work placement due to restrictions, others were able to achieve the Learning Outcomes by showcasing their work through videos. Several students exited Year 12 with a pass in order to start a full time apprenticeship, whilst other students started School Based Apprenticeships (SBATs), which will transition to full time with the end of the academic year. Furthermore, most TAFEs were able to move to an online format and provide students with tangible ways to work towards the completion of their courses. All in all, the VCAL students adapted well to online learning, keeping in consistent contact with the teaching staff. Ronan Fernandez
Music and Performing Arts It is easy for many people to look back at 2020 and wonder “what if?”. This is true especially for the Music and Performing Arts department. With so many cancelations (Mazenod’s Got Talent, Wicked, Music Gala, Generations In Jazz, and more) it is hard to think of what we actually accomplished. However, the dedicated staff of the Founder’s Complex adapted, just like everyone else. E-recitals gave music students a chance to perform pieces which would have otherwise gone unheard. We created a home-based rendition of the Mazenod Anthem. We salvaged the Performing Arts Festival, consisting of homemade videos, which allowed students to showcase their various talents in the closest thing we have had to an ‘event’ this year. So, while we have missed the sound of applause, I hope we can look back at, not what we lost, but what we achieved together, despite the refusal of the virus to take a final bow. Francesco Mandarino
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