Learning Diversity

by Mr Moore, scoured the internet to prepare ourselves for a final court trial to determine if Richard really was a blessed man or a wicked being. During this time, we debated in forums to see whose opinion was the best. We then came together to do the final trial. We questioned the witnesses and even Richard himself as we defended Richard’s just title (even though I did not agree!). In the end, our group narrowly won the debate with ex-Mazenod and current Melbourne University student Felix Zhou, as judge, making the final adjudication. On reflection, we learned so much, and improved our ability to debate and think critically. Minhsan Nguyen

All students regardless of race, age or gender, by virtue of their dignity as human persons, have a right to an education that is suited to their particular needs and adapted to their ability. (Pope Paul VI 1965)

The transition back to school after the COVID lockdowns of the last two years, has been most welcomed by all areas of the community. The opportunity to engage with students has been particularly gratifying for the Learning Diversity Team.

The Learning Diversity area is included in the capital works currently being undertaken at the College. This has meant that, during the 2022 academic year, the team has been moved to two different locations across the school as we await our new “home.” The character strengths of courage, teamwork, perspective, and open-mindedness have been most visible during this time. The dedication of the whole team has ensured that the students have remained a focus of attention. The students have also displayed patience and good humour during the disruptions. Despite these inconveniences, the support programs have continued to run, ensuring that the students received the support and assistance they required to be fully active members of their school community.

In addition to the creation of a new space, the Learning Diversity team has undergone a significant restructure with the foresight of our incumbent Principal, Dr Paul Shannon. This restructure involves a substantial commitment of resources – both personnel and material. It is a very exciting time for the team as planning for 2023 has commenced.

As part of the restructure, we welcomed the following staff members in Semester: Nathalie Comty as the Dean of Learning Diversity, Dimi Pitsas (Administrative Assistant) and Suzana Cunha (Learning Diversity Psychologist).

And with the close of the academic year, we also farewell valued team members. Athena Beshir, while still working at Mazenod, will now focus on utilising her extensive teaching skills across a range of mainstream classes and subjects in 2023. Her support for students, particularly in the Senior years has been admirable.

We also farewell Brinda Manogaran. Her contributions as a Learning Support Officer have been greatly appreciated and we wish her well as she commences her teaching career in 2023.

Sharon O’Shannassy has been a valued and dedicated member of the Learning Diversity team for nine years. Her expertise and joy for teaching, have left an indelible mark on the work being done to support students with additional needs, particularly in the Literacy Support groups. We wish her well for 2023 and beyond.

2023 will bring new and exciting endeavours for the Learning Diversity Team. Bring it on! Anne Johnson