Rector

RECTOR’S REport

2022 was certainly a start our Year 7 students will remember as they literally experienced a ‘baptism’ into the life of our College with their first day finishing in torrential rain and thunderstorms. Their departure as drenched students was in stark contrast to their arrival in pristine uniforms. However, the College was not so lucky with areas being flooded and ceilings collapsing.

On a brighter note, we welcomed Dr Paul Shannon, the second lay Principal in the history of Mazenod College. With some relaxed COVID restrictions, Dr Shannon and I were able to welcome the parents of our new Year 7 cohort on their first day and then, throughout the year, meet with various Year 12 students to hear their thoughts on various aspects of their time at Mazenod.

We again celebrated our Inaugural Mass in the Provence Centre in the presence of the Year 7 and 12 cohorts due to COVID regulations. A highlight of the liturgy was the official induction of Dr Paul Shannon. It was also a day to remember for our 2022 College Leaders who were installed in their various roles: Nathanial Louey (College Captain), Jacob Luu (Vice Captain), Noah Beck (Vice Captain), Daniel Grano (Vice Captain), Ashen Perera (Head prefect), Jason Fernandes (Head Prefect). It was also a pleasure to welcome our Oblate Provincial, Fr Christian Fini OMI, as our main celebrant. Whilst not the ideal way to celebrate our Inaugural Mass it was heart-warming to welcome so many College families via our live streaming.

Throughout the year the College community continued to enjoy various activities: camps, reflection days, athletic and swimming carnivals, sport, debating, chess, drama, music, and many other activities that are offered to our students. This year’s musical production of ‘Shrek’, in conjunction with Avila College, was entertaining and an enjoyable experience for all.

One of the enjoyable features of Year 7 this year was the initiative of Mr Nick Redfern and Ms Cherrin Morrissey to hold Homeroom morning teas to enable the students to create a sense of community and to get to know staff members. On top of these activities, I have also enjoyed visiting various classrooms to appreciate student accomplishments and mixing with them at sporting competitions.

As a nation we were relieved when we began to experience some relaxed COVID restrictions, however, just when we thought life was looking brighter our world was thrown into disarray and an uncertain future when a self-serving tyrant unnecessarily ordered his troops to invade Ukraine. Like most of humanity we continue to pray for peace over any war for any reason because of the pain and suffering it causes to the innocent people. We never seem to learn from history.

‘Be Brave. Make Change’ was the theme for National Reconciliation Week promoting the importance of developing respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples. Students and staff were invited to sign a banner as their pledge to the theme.

Sacramentally, we strive to ensure that the faith life of our students and staff is not just academic, but experiential. This was achieved through the offering of daily Mass in the College Chapel, preparing approximately 53 classes spiritually for Easter through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebrating Ash Wednesday, retreat and reflection days and celebrating other major Church and Oblate Feast Days. I would like to thank and acknowledge the local priests and Oblates who generously assisted Fr Kevin and I to ensure that the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be celebrated at the College and on our Year 12 retreats.

On March 16 to 19 teachers and student leaders from our Oblate Colleges gathered to exchange on the uniqueness of their individual College and share thoughts on various topics including how they embrace the Oblate spirit and charism.

We finished Term 1 by enjoying our annual Mission Action Day. Belonging to Mazenod College means that we are automatically connected to the wider De Mazenod Family which carries with it the responsibility to assist our brothers and sisters to have access to some of the basics of life like fresh water, health care and education.

The Oblates thank you all for your ongoing support and generosity with over $55,000.00 being raised. The final day of Term also witnessed Aylene Robinson who, after 16 years as Personal Assistant to the Principal and Rector, retired. Although I only had the opportunity to work with Aylene for 18 months, I found her to be an invaluable asset to the College and the Oblates. I wish Aylene and her husband Tim good health as together they embark on the next stage of their lives.

Our Mulgrave Oblate Community, Fr Kevin Davine OMI and I, continue to provide pastoral care to all who call Mazenod home. During the year members of our community received new appointments: Fr Giancarlo Illo OMI to Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Kieran’s parish, Newborough/Moe and then St Patrick’s, Fremantle, WA; Fr Eric Alleaume OMI, PP of St John Vianney to Provincial Administration as Bursar. We welcomed Fr David Raj Francis OMI to our community as the administrator of St John Vianney Parish, Springvale North.

In September Fr Casmir Arul OMI was appointed assistant priest of St John Vianney whilst residing in the Mazenod community. Deacon Joshua Nash OMI also joined our community after his Diaconate Ordination in St David’s Oblate Parish, Tea Tree Gully, South Australia. The Australian Oblate Province joyously celebrated the priestly ordination of Deacon Joshua on July 22 by Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, Bishop of Wagga Wagga and a former student and teacher at Mazenod. Congratulations Fr Joshua Nash OMI!

After a two year break due to COVID the De Mazenod Family Education Network Oblate Staff Conference was hosted by Mazenod, Victoria at the Catholic Leadership Centre from August 6 to 9. I thank the following staff members who generously represented our College: Dr Paul Shannon, Eleshia Hill, Athena Beshir, Tim Ford, Tina Giacco and John Tighe. A special thanks also to Brandon Paul (Year 11), Aston Pham (Year 12), Luca D’Angelo (Year 11), Linda Lin and Doug Leutchford for providing some classical music at the conference and the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday afternoon at the Oblate Provincial House, Camberwell.

I express my deep admiration and appreciation to the teachers and staff, with a special mention to those who are retiring. There is no doubting their dedication and generous commitment to the holistic education and welfare of your children.

Finally, I pray every blessing for our 2022 graduating students. I know they will hold their time here as a treasure of memories and friendships made, a faith lived, an education gained, all of which will last well beyond their graduation. I pray that all their dreams and hopes will be realised. Remember, once a Mazenod student, always a Mazenod student.

Let us pray that we can come to a deeper understanding of the words of St Eugene: “Know who you are in the eyes of God”.

Fr Harry Dyer OMI Rector