College Prospectus
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY We acknowledge the original custodians of the land on which we learn, the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Mazenod is committed to working in partnership to establish a future of reconciliation and shared story.
Contents Welcome to Mazenod College Mission & Vision College History Faith Life The Mazenod Approach Pastoral Care Curriculum
4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Co-Curricular Scholarships Career Pathways Our Community Contact Us
20 22 24 28 30
ENTER TO LEARN. LEAVE TO SER VE.
Welcome to Mazenod College Benvenuto
欢迎
いらっしゃいませ
As a Catholic school for boys inspired by the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod, we are extremely proud of nearly 60 years of achievement established by the dedicated families and staff, in collaboration with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Mazenod is committed to the holistic development of each boy and the pursuit of personal excellence in the intellectual, social, moral, spiritual and cultural dimensions of school life. We offer a broad and rich curriculum to encourage young men in their academic pursuits, to make learning fun, inspiring, and engaging. Our staff specialise in evidence based teaching and learning practices, fostering a burning desire to achieve personal excellence and cultivate their abilities to the fullest as part of a lifelong process of learning. The process of learning extends well beyond the classroom as Mazenod College offers a multitude of co-curricular activities. This includes opportunities to participate in a variety of sports, outdoor education, language tours to Italy, China and Japan, social justice advocacy, mission immersion experiences, instrumental music, drama and musical productions, debating, public speaking and chess.
The truth about boys is that they have relational capabilities that include the capacity for thoughtful self-reflection, empathy, and compassion. Boys crave personal relationships characterised by trust, understanding, and care. Mazenod College is blessed with boys who are self-aware, considerate of others, and responsive in their relationships to the needs of others. At Mazenod, we are committed to developing boys’ relational capabilities and ensure that they are personally known, cared for, and respected as individuals. Finding the best environment for your son to grow can be challenging. If the vision, mission, values, and inclusive faith of Mazenod College are aligned with your family values, we invite you to enter into a close working relationship with us in the formation of your son.
Dr Paul Shannon Principal
LEAVE NOTHING UNDARED FOR THE KINDOM OF GOD
Mission and Vision Mazenod College takes its name from St Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. It is a Regional College administered under the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) who work collaboratively with the Oblates who continue to exercise administrative and pastoral care to provide a holistic Catholic Education. The School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. The College motto is to ‘Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God.’ Mission Mazenod College is a Catholic boys’ secondary school striving to live the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod.
Vision To Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God by being people who value learning and service. To acknowledge the owners of the land, care for the gift of creation and embrace the spirit of inclusion for all who work and study at Mazenod College.
Ecology Mazenod College has made a commitment to ecological practice and to respond to the call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Currently the College is recognised as a ‘Resource Smart school’ and a ‘Catholic Earthcare school’, and we are on the journey to five stars with both programs. We are also actively working on our Laudato Si Action Plan, a bold and active response to the ecological crisis, so urgently illustrated in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. This plan has seven goals that provide guidance on urgent and immediate actions each one of us can take in the care of our common home. To have a true and lasting impact we know that this focus on ecological sustainability must be driven by our students and as such the student-driven ‘Ecology and Sustainability Team’ (EAST) was created in 2022. EAST has a junior and senior team and these students have already produced and actioned several initiatives to address our various ecological goals.
FOUNDED ON THE L ABOURS OF THE OBL ATES
College History In 1967, Mazenod College was founded as a regional Catholic boys’ secondary school under the administration of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The five local parish priests and parishes of Springvale, Springvale North, Clayton, Glen Waverley, and Mulgrave decided that the new College should be established in Mulgrave. The parishes selected the name Mazenod College once the Oblates of Mary Immaculate had decided to administer the new Secondary College. In 1967, the College began on the grounds of St Joseph’s Parish Primary School, Springvale, and moved to its present location in Mulgrave in 1968. Whilst the College’s early years were financially difficult, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the five parish communities, our parents, staff and students all united to make the new school a success. From the earliest days of our College’s humble beginnings, our students have always been encouraged to live out Jesus’ gospel message, and St Eugene de Mazenod’s edict to “leave nothing undared for the Kingdom of God.”
IMMERSED IN TRADITION, OPEN TO GENUINE REL ATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
Faith Life The knowledge that each of us is created in the image and likeness of God and called into a relationship with Jesus Christ permeates everything we do. It informs the way we treat each other with dignity and compassion and informs our attempts to create a community in which the God-given talents of each young man are empowered and celebrated. While we are a proudly Catholic community, a number of our students and staff are members of other traditions or no faith tradition and we celebrate this diversity. We welcome enrolments from any family who feels they can support the Christian values and programs of the College. Our Catholic faith is a visible and natural part of the rhythm of College life, and we are blessed to have on staff a Rector, College Chaplain and Oblates of Mary Immaculate priests. This means we are able to offer a full sacramental program, including daily Mass, that each student is encouraged to attend at least once per week. Our Religious Education program is a core part of our curriculum, and one that leads to a state-leading VCE program.
A MODERN EDUCATION WITH TRADITIONAL FOUNDATIONS
The Mazenod Approach Mazenod College has a history of outstanding success in VCE and Vocational education. This success is underpinned by an evidence-based approach to learning, focusing on explicit teaching and individualised educational pathways. We recognise that young men thrive in well-structured classes, nourished by affirming teacher-student relationships.
High Expectations We hold young men to the highest standards of literacy, oracy and numeracy, leading our students to achieve well above expectations in both NAPLAN and VCE results. This involves developing targeted individual plans for students with additional needs while recognising and enhancing personal excellence in all students. Beyond academic success, Mazenod students develop skills in analytical and critical thought and emphasise the value of learning as an ongoing factor in self-development throughout life. Overall, we expect our students to become compassionate and resourceful young men.
A Pathway for Every Young Man A truly Catholic education should nourish the diversity of skills in our community and honour the dignity of every vocation. To make this belief manifest, we offer an astonishing variety of subjects culminating in a list of 40 subjects to choose from across the VCE and VCE Vocational Major pathways. These subjects cover the traditionally academic, the cutting edge in technology, the performing and visual arts, and the vocational pathways. Our breadth of offerings ensures that for every student there is a pathway. We are confident that each student can find an educational path that is both enriching and which fosters future success. We encourage you to explore our subject offerings, and to investigate our subject selection guide.
CONNECT WITH RESPECT SO THAT BELONGING THRIVES
Pastoral Care When students have a sense of trust and warmth, they are more likely to engage in school life. Staff at Mazenod College are aware that an encouraging emotional climate creates a positive energy and safe environment. There are many examples that students demonstrate school spirit, pride, and loyalty when they have a sense of belonging to a school. There is a strong sense of connectedness from students to their school community and the opportunity it provides, and this enables them to feel safe and included. Positive and inclusive relationships are imperative for students to feel safe at school. Mazenod College aims to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness where relationships are mutual, and mistakes are welcomed. These inclusive and participative philosophies encourage positive relationships and enhance motivation. Positive and inclusive relationships, based upon genuine care, love and compassion can enhance connectedness. It is essential that Mazenod College continues to prioritise a culture of a safe and inclusive learning community. While this is at the heart of our mission at Mazenod, in 2024 it becomes our key focus.
Connect with respect so that belonging thrives. This theme starts with acknowledging diverse perspectives, valuing individual experiences, and actively listening without judgment. Respectful connections create a safe space where people feel heard, understood, and accepted. It fosters an environment where differences are celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging. By honouring each other’s uniqueness and treating others with dignity, connections deepen, fostering mutual trust and empathy. Respectful interactions build bridges, transcend boundaries of culture, race, or beliefs, and lay the foundation for inclusive communities where every individual feels valued, essential, and loved. In 2024 we are replacing the name Homeroom with Pastoral to reflect the fundamental role that we play in providing support for the students in our care. Pastoral Care is a demonstration of profound respect for the human dignity of each person who is created in the image and likeness of God.
DEVELOPING COMPASSIONATE AND RESOURCEFUL YOUNG MEN
Curriculum We pride ourselves on providing a broad and challenging curriculum at every level. While our Junior curriculum focuses on exposing each student to our full range of curriculum areas, our Senior school sees students forge their own journey from 40 VCE subjects and five university enhancement subjects, focused on their abilities, interests and the demands of their chosen pathway. Junior School These are years of transition from primary school and consolidation in the skills required for ongoing education; together with exposure to the broad range of options in secondary school. The subjects offered span all learning areas of the Victorian Curriculum.
Middle School Years 9 & 10 builds on Years 7 & 8 with students studying the same foundation core, but now they also choose from a wide range of electives in areas of particular interest to them. They can choose multiple electives and study these areas of interest in greater depth, and they begin their pathways into the final years of secondary school.
Senior School In Years 11 & 12 students complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE is Victoria’s senior secondary qualification. It recognises the successful completion of a student’s secondary education and opens pathways to university, higher-level TAFE or VET certificate courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, and the workforce. The VCE has expanded to include the Vocational Major (VM), a 2-year vocational and applied learning program.
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Come now, and learn from us what you are in the eyes of faith. ST EUGENE DE MAZENOD
Sport Each student spends one afternoon per week either playing internal house sport or representing the College against other Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) schools. Beyond these competitions, the College has a nationally recognised volleyball program and an emerging elite badminton program, which offer students the chance to play state and national competitions. Students in these programs train with dedicated elite coaches.
Music Music is an integral part of College life. While all students participate in classroom music in the Junior levels, students are given the opportunity to study instrumental music through to VCE levels. The ensembles emerging from this program are nationally recognised and awarded.
Drama We work in conjunction with Avila College to stage an annual College Musical. This event gives students across all year levels the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills in acting, dance, backstage management, set and costume design, and playing in a theatrical band. Mazenod also hosts an annual Performing Arts Festival that never fails to bring joy to friends and families who come along to watch.
EXCELLENCE BEYOND THE CL ASSROOM
Co-Curricular The co-curricular program at Mazenod recognises the need to nurture the creative, sporting, spiritual, leadership, and academic capabilities of the whole person. Our co-curricular experiences are designed to allow for maximum participation while also developing elite programs of excellence. We invite you to explore our range of programs, many of which regularly achieve state and national success.
Outdoor Education All students participate in a wide range of outdoor activities including overnight camping, snorkelling, horse riding, bushwalking, surf kayaking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, surfing and a city experience. This well-established program enables students to build self-confidence and self-reliance, as well as a sense of community that fosters a supportive and positive attitude towards each other and the environment.
Debating & Public Speaking To support the formation of students’ skills in research and their ability to deliver speeches confidently in formal and public settings, training is provided during lunchtimes via the Debating and Public Speaking club. This program is supported by dedicated staff, former students, the Mazenod Debating Captain and Vice-Captain and students from Years 10 to 12.
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My education journey was about far more than just study. I was passionate about community which led me to take on the role of environmental prefect in Year 12. I was passionate about sport, and I was able to represent the College in the ACC. Finally, I was passionate about music, and I was able to be involved in the College ensembles throughout my time.
Jeff Xia (2016 College Dux, ATAR 99.75. Environmental Strategy Consultant, McKinsey Global)
BE A BURNING FL AME, NOT A SMOLDERING WICK
Scholarships Year 8 Academic Scholarships Each year all Year 8 students participate in some academic testing conducted by our external partner, Academic Assessment Services (AAS). AAS are independent consultants specialising in the assessment and analysis of educational performance and progress. The tests have purposely been placed during a non-NAPLAN year to provide an update of each child’s progress in independent standardised assessment, providing rich data, tracking his progress relative to national standards. The College uses the results of these tests, along with other internal data, to determine the recipients of scholarships. The College is a non-selective entry school with very affordable fees. What we have aimed to achieve are success and excellence across the academic, sporting, musical and spiritual fields. Over many years the College has achieved outstanding results, and this has been due to the dedication and hard work of students, staff, and families. We are pleased to be able to offer this scholarship opportunity to students in Year 8 and look forward to sharing the educational journey for the remainder of their days at Mazenod until graduation. The College offers 6 full, 6 half and 6 quarter tuition-fee scholarships for the remainder of their enrolment. The academic performance of each scholarship recipient will be monitored each year subject to the stated criteria. Selection criteria used to award the scholarships is as follows: a) Overall Academic potential, based upon AAS results. b) Performance in class work and assessment throughout the year. c) Involvement in the wider curriculum of the College. d) Satisfactory conduct and attitude. We believe that Mazenod provides a first-class education that is interested in the whole person. We have a dedicated staff who make every effort to support students and the relationship with the College will last long after graduation in Year 12. We have academic pathways that cater to the needs of every student whether they be through enhancement, enrichment, and educational support.
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The opportunities afforded to you at Mazenod to pursue your passions both in the classroom and outside are a highlight. When I graduated, I received an ATAR much higher than what I needed and I could have applied for something a little ‘higher status’ like Law or Medicine, but I was encouraged by my teachers, my family, and my friends to pursue my passion and for me that was always Archaeology. Now I literally unearth history.
Robert Todesco (2015 College Dux. Archaeologist)
DARING FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Careers & Pathways Career Development is about actively creating the life one wants to live and the work one wants to do. It is a continuous process which acknowledges the notion of lifelong learning. An integral component of this process is self-management through the ever-changing contexts and circumstances of an individual’s life and work journeys.
Year 10 & 11 Students are encouraged to focus on their abilities, interests, needs, and values and to put them into a work perspective. To support students in their career development journey, all Year 10 students complete the Morrisby Online Diagnostic Assessment. Morrisby provides an integrated assessment of an individual’s aptitudes, interests, personality and working styles and highlights their strengths and underlying abilities. With the help of our expert careers counsellors, students use these results to explore suitable careers and areas of study, informing their Senior School Program in Years 11 and 12. Following vocational assessment, students participate in a Work Experience placement of one week where they can try out and test their career aspirations.
After Work Experience, students return to school with renewed enthusiasm for study. It is now time to focus more directly on choosing subjects for the Senior Secondary School Certificates namely, VCE or VCE Vocational Major. In Year 11, students use Morrisby tools and Careers resources to refine their selections or to select new subjects and career directions in which they may have developed an interest. Year 11 students also engage in presentations from universities and other post-school providers.
Year 12 The final year at Mazenod College, sees our young men researching individual courses or occupations in greater detail. They are encouraged to visit Universities, TAFE Institutes and employers to get the latest information on their chosen careers. All students participate in one-on-one career interviews as they finalise University and TAFE applications, or apply for GAP year, Apprenticeship or Traineeship opportunities. Our careers counsellors are kept busy assisting students deep into December, ensuring that every young man has a pathway post-school.
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We have but one heart, one soul. ST EUGENE DE MAZENOD
ONCE A MAZENODIAN, ALWAYS A MAZENODIAN
Our Community Our community network consists of a number of organisations through which past students, families, and former staff can remain connected to the College. These span sporting, service, and faith interests. We encourage all members of our community, both past and present, to make contact and connect with the various organisations. The Mazenod Old Collegians’ Association (MOCA) seeks to unite all our Mazenod College alumni into one interconnected community. MOCA believes that our Old Collegians are definitively part of the Mazenod College Community for life. Irrespective of the situations involved, our Old Collegians are always very welcome to contact Alumni Officer, Tina Giacco and to be in touch with MOCA.
The Association is run by a Committee made up of former students who are committed to developing initiatives that enable community connectivity and support, while living out the core values of MOCA: community, daring, passion and loyalty. Some of MOCA’s activities have included: pastoral care, sponsorship and seed funding, employment opportunities and reunions. The Association is open to all Mazenod past students, as well as their parents and other friends of the College. MOCA is always looking to evolve and to grow. We not only welcome your involvement in our events, but we also encourage you to implement new ideas, by either joining our Committee, or one of our sub-committees.
Meet Husharn, a 2015 Old Collegian, and hear about his journey from humble beginnings at Mazenod to becoming a Doctor and training Pediatrician with Monash Health.
Contact Us
To discover more about Mazenod College, we invite you to visit our website or register for one of our College Tours conducted throughout the year. Website www.mazenod.vic.edu.au
Email frontdesk@mazenod.vic.edu.au
Address Kernot Ave, Mulgrave VIC 3170
Phone 03 9560 0911
For further information about the College or the application process, contact our Admissions Manager. The Admissions Manager Mazenod College PO Box 286 Mulgrave, 3170
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All education, especially a Mazenod education, is not just for you. It is also something for the world – to be used for and shared with others. Dr. Paul Shannon, Principal.