Prefects

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.

Senior PrefectsReport

Nodder Spirit and Sport Leading this portfolio in the midst of online learning and social distancing has undoubtedly been both challenging and limiting in its potential. For obvious reasons we were unfortunately unable to actualise any of our goals for sport at the College, which was disappointing considering we had big plans for the House Cup. We hope to be able to pass these plans on to next year’s leaders in the hopes that they can build on our vision and accomplish what we could not. Spirit and culture was just as much of an uphill battle as there were definitely times this year where it was difficult to feel like a part of the Mazenod community without being present at the College. It is frustrating to not have much to show for our efforts this year, however I am very grateful to all of the boys in my portfolio for putting their best foot forward in such a challenging year. Terrence A’Hearn Peer Support and Wellbeing Keeping connected and adapting to online learning was the main focus of the Peer Support and Student Wellbeing Prefects for the year. This year, the Peer Support team decided to explore and minimise the effects of remote teaching on the mental health of the students. Working with Mrs. Bourne and the School Counselling team, we aimed to promote good mental health practices through the production of instructional videos, which we sent out to students, promoting things such as the importance of sleep. Within the Senior School, we focused on keeping the Year 12 cohort connected in their final year by organising activities such as online quizzes. The Year 11 Peer Support team have also done a great job in organising and working with the Year 7 students in their Peer Support program. We are proud of the way we adapted to all the challenges of 2020 and look forward to what will be accomplished by the next generation of student leaders. David Botros