College Captain

From 4 lockdowns to 4 GAT reschedules, I am sure many of us would rather ‘4get’ this year entirely. Yet, it would be unfair to ignore the incredible achievements and beautiful memories created within the community despite every setback. So, I would like to take a look back on what has been 2021 by covering the three principles I pledged to lead by in my first address as Captain:

Leave Nothing Undared

With restrictions unclear and Mission Action Day in jeopardy, the leadership team was challenged to dream bigger and to, in the words of Bear Grylls: “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.”

So, with the generous support of the staff, we were empowered to formulate ‘March MADness’, a month full of activities and festivities to raise money for the Oblate missions. We also introduced a recycling program to address the ever-growing issue of environmental sustainability which we hope is only one small step of many. I could not be prouder of what the Year 12 leadership body was able to achieve even with the busyness and uncertainty during Term 1.

Leave No One Behind

What has been felt more than ever this year is the absence of hallway talk, class shenanigans and lunchtimes spent together. The community is what makes Mazenod unique, what makes school feel like home rather than hell. There is an undeniable sense of belonging felt, not only within year levels or faculties but also throughout the entire College. The positivity that comes from joining in laughter at assemblies, in prayer at Mass, or in solidarity during March MADness is simply irreplaceable.

Leave As Men

I would like to thank my Year 7 Homeroom teacher, Mr Davies, who in my very first parent teacher interview told me that he could see me becoming College Captain. And here we are now. It just goes to show how quickly time flies and how God’s plan comes to fruition. I am so grateful that Mazenod goes beyond academics and continuously invests in the formation of our character. The various retreat days, chats with staff and opportunities for reconciliation have given us a chance to become the best versions of ourselves. It is rather overwhelming to reflect upon the impact that so many moments have had on the formation of me and my fellow classmates of 2021 and the special letters from Year 12 retreat were a real testament to this.

I would like to conclude by giving a massive thank you to the Oblates, Mr Coghlan, Mrs Bourne and the staff who work tirelessly to make going to Mazenod such a privilege. But above all, I would like to thank my fellow graduating students for being my brothers and making every memory from the past six years that much better. May our friendships formed here ever flourish and grow. It has been an honour serving as the College Captain for 2021 and though it is time to begin a new chapter, Mazenod will have a very special place in my heart for the rest of my life.

Anthony Yong 2021 College Captain