MAZENODIAN A PUBLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS OF MAZENOD COLLEGE ISSUE 1 • VOLUME 31 • JULY 2019
ALUMNI OFFICE
A big thank you to the Old Boys and their businesses for supporting the Year 10 to 12 work placements this last term. Your support is greatly appreciated by the Careers Department and the students. In June, 31 Old Boys, who ranged from recent graduates to grizzled veterans came to the College to make presentations during the Year 10 Subject Selection Week. The program started with Roy Wallace as the keynote speaker and his story as a philanthropist, businessman and Ironman (approx. 50 times!). Year 10’s could not believe that during the Busselton Ironman, Roy broke his coccyx in a bike crash, but he continued to finish the 180 kilometre bike course and the 42 kilometre run. I have mentioned it before and will again. The Old Boys are a priceless resource and I am sure I will see some of the current Year 10’s back in the future, sharing their stories. Hope to see plenty of Old Boys at the College production of ‘Oliver!’. Regards Jeremy Logan (87)
PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH Old boys, staff and friends We welcome all former students, parents, friends and staff to renew their association with the College and update their contact details. Let us know where you are these days and what you are doing in your family and working lives. Please email info@mobwa.com.au or if you are an Old Boy and would like to become a member of the MOB go online to www.mobwa.com.au and download the membership form. Alternatively you can telephone Jeremy Logan on (08) 9291 1500. Email addresses are very important to us, as most communication is via this method.
L-R: Fr James OMI, Fr Michael McMahon OMI and Fr John David OMI.
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE The season of Winter is associated with a slowing down, rest and dormancy but this edition of the Mazenodian, published as we end the first semester, demonstrates the vibrancy and energy of Mazenod College over the last few months. This year we have focused on unpacking another of our four core value phrases, Compassion and Charity. This publication shows just some of the ways in which the community has engaged with living a life filled with compassion and charity, inspired by the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. It is also the 125th anniversary celebration of the arrival of the Oblates in Australia. Begining at St Patrick’s, Fremantle, a wide-ranging ministry unfolded across our nation and beyond these shores, focusing on the founder’s call to his congregation to be missionary people bringing the Gospel to the most vulnerable and always being with the people the Oblates sought to serve. We hope that our community’s compassion and charity shows strongly in this edition of the Mazenodian and that we have captured the spirit of Mazenod through just a sample of the many good endeavours of our young men, families, staff and Old Boys. Andrew Watson
BOARDING UPDATE
MAKING MEALS AT RMH It has become an annual tradition for our senior boarders, accompanied by staff, to cook a meal for residents at Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Our boarders understand what it is like to live away from home and loved ones for long periods of time, which is exactly the situation the patients at RMH find themselves in while they are receiving treatment in Perth. The boys tackled the task of preparing their allocated recipes with gusto, all while sporting some rather attractive hair nets. Mr Watson accompanied our group this year and happily rolled up his sleeves to prepare a signature dish. This year the boys were so enthusiastic during the clean-up, they even broke into impromptu song, giving the residents who could hear them some light entertainment and a few giggles. Every year the boys impress us with their culinary skills, but more than that, they demonstrate what it means to be part of the Mazenod and Cebula community. The care they demonstrated when preparing and serving the dinner, as well as their willingness to give of their own time to give back to the community is to be commended.
SWANS As part of our growing partnership with the Swan Districts Football Club, our boarders have had a chance to help out around the football club on the weekends. Not only is this a great chance to get out and about, and to watch the footy, it is also a great opportunity for our boarders to give back to the community. Recently the Mazza boys were responsible for manning the scoreboard. We’re hoping their math skills were up to scratch! The boys scored an Integrated game, followed by a curtain raiser between Mazenod Junior Football Club and Bassendean Junior Football Club and finally the Woman’s League (WAFLW) match. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the next game day opportunity.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME We are always working to make boarding feel like a home away from home for our boarders and this year we have been looking for new ways to achieve this. We believe it is important for all of our boarders to feel a sense of connectedness and belonging within the Cebula community. There have been many small additions around the boarding house. Happy snaps of the Year 7s and 8s being framed and displayed in the junior corridor and magazine stand has been added to the foyer, displaying newspapers and publications from the boarders’ home towns. Parents were also asked to send in baby photos for our ‘Baby Dinner’, where everyone had a great time matching photos with boarders. One of the most exciting developments is the start of the boarding mini-farm. We know our boarders like to help out around the farm back home, so this year we are developing the area outside the boarding house to include raised garden beds for veggies, and a chicken coop complete with chickens! We hope that the farm will give our boarders a place to relax, get their hands dirty and give them a taste of home.
SERVICE TO OTHERS
MATT KEOGH MP (98) I’m Matt Keogh, the Federal Member for Burt in the Australian Parliament and the Labor Party’s Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, WA Resources and Shadow Assistant Minister for Small and Family Business. Being elected to represent my community in our nation’s Parliament is a huge honour and great responsibility, not only in providing a voice for the priorities, issues and concerns of my community on the national stage, but also in being part of decisions that affect all Australians, from national security and defence, to tax and welfare, as well as education, health and national employment standards. The electorate of Burt covers much of Perth’s southeastern suburbs from Canning Vale, Langford and Thornlie down to Piara Waters, Forrestdale and Armadale. Whilst Mazenod is just outside Burt, many current and former students like me, as well as a few teachers, live in the electorate. I graduated Year 12 at Mazenod in 1998. During my time at school I played soccer, learnt saxophone, had vocal training and busied myself with all things performing arts. I was proud to become a Prefect and Grandin House Captain as well. By far one of the most influential things to happen to me at school was being selected to visit various Oblate missions in Java, Indonesia in Year 11.
Visiting the Oblate priests in the poor central highlands of Java, and seeing the entrepreneurial spirit of Fr Charlie Burrows OMI in Cilacap, I learnt of their driving passion to help people who were less fortunate. Not only by providing care, but in helping them to learn and develop their own industry to support themselves and their communities. It was an incredibly eye opening experience that has stuck with me all my life; calling us to be of service to others less fortunate than ourselves. In all of our academic, sporting and performing arts pursuits at Mazenod, there was one recurring theme put to us by the priests and teachers – the importance of being responsible for ourselves and each other. This was an important part of shaping the men we all became when we left school. For current students this same lesson still applies and will place you all in good stead going forward. Following school, I went to study law at the University of Notre Dame Australia, figuring that law provided an avenue for me to help people who were not in a position to help themselves with complicated and difficult legal issues. I did a combined degree of Arts, majoring in politics (which has clearly come in handy, as have some theatre units I did!). I met my wife, Annabel through university and we now also have three year old, Nicholas, keeping us very busy.
During University, as well as working for internet company iiNet (2000-2002), I had the opportunity to work in the Office of the WA Minister for Planning & Infrastructure and WA State Government (20022005). Following graduation I started working in a local law firm in Kelmscott originally established by my grandfather (2005-2006), before moving to work as a Federal Prosecutor at the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, focused on corporate crime (2006-2011). I then worked as a commercial litigator with global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (2011-2016). Parallel to these work roles, I took on positions on the board of local family and domestic violence service, Starick Services, I was also a community representative with the Armadale Redevelopment Authority, an industry representative on the State Homelessness Services advisory committee and undertook various roles with the Law Society of Western Australia, becoming President in 2015. I was Director of the Law Council of Australia and the inaugural Chairperson of Law Access, a pro-bono legal clearing house that same year. The need to create positive, generational change in our growing outer suburbs and across the country is what led me to Federal politics; moving from helping individuals and companies with legal problems to looking at how I can fix the systems that let them down in the first place.
During my first term in Parliament (2016-19), I have been able to use my experience to be an advocate for “changing the story” in our south eastern suburbs, to expand and improve the socio-economic opportunities and aspirations for everyone in our community. I’ve been able to apply my corporate crime experience as a member of the House Economics Committee in its inquiry into the Big Four Banks, holding them to account for misconduct against people in our community and nationally. Becoming an opposition frontbencher following the recent Federal Election, I am now able to build on some of the great experiences I’ve had in my portfolio areas already, including visiting mine sites and gas production facilities in WA’s north-west, visiting Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East and Afghanistan. My role moving forward is to engage with key industry stakeholders on ways government policy and laws can be improved. I have no doubt that people like my family and friends working in resources and small business will provide plenty of unsolicited input along the way as well! My career, a vocation really, is exceptionally rewarding. Each and every day I get to see the results of my advocacy in my electorate and across the country. As any FIFO worker would know, the sacrifice of being away from my young family for about 20 weeks a year is difficult, but I take heart in the fact the work I am doing will hopefully make for a better life for my son and future generations after him.
PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
LIAM STALTARI (12) I have recently taken up work as a Change Analyst at WA’s Gold Corporation, which is better known as The Perth Mint. Prior to that I worked as a Ministerial Advisor to the Federal Minister for Finance in the Commonwealth Government. That role gave me the opportunity to provide policy advice on a range of functions of the Department of Finance, in addition to speech-writing and broader parliamentary duties. After finishing at Mazenod in 2012 I went on to graduate with First Class Honours in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons.) course at the University of Western Australia, majoring in Political Science and Economics. Having been heavily involved in Mazenod’s Young Vinnies during my high school years, I served as the St Vincent de Paul Society’s WA State Youth Representative – the Society continues to run an outstanding schedule of camps and mentor initiatives for children and teenagers grappling with disadvantage. While at university, politics also became a strong extracurricular interest of mine. I’ve made many of my closest friends while becoming further involved in the Liberal Party of Australia and am presently the Federal President of the Young Liberal Movement. Locally, I’m involved with a variety of groups, including the Rotary Club of Kalamunda, which does great work in our community.
I currently live with my partner in Lesmurdie, not too far from the old stomping ground! The Hills have always been home and we’re looking forward to settling down within the greenery. When reflecting on my time at Mazenod, the fellowship and decency that the College sought to instil in its students still stands out. Life outside of school quickly teaches you that those attributes aren’t guaranteed or universal, and that showing kindness to others is, in fact, a very important professional characteristic. For those still studying at Mazenod, I’d counsel them to remember that lesson – being loyal, reliable and kind isn’t just a matter of ‘doing the right thing’, though that’s certainly the case. Mazenod imparts those values because, while they will certainly make you a better young man, they will also help you develop professionally, build teams and thrive in the collaborative settings that are so common in modern workplaces. I’d also encourage all boys to sustain their spirit of community involvement once out of school. Mazenod has something for everyone – music, sport, debating, and so on. Pursuing those hobbies, engaging in local community groups and giving back to society adds the perfect complement to your studies and work in the years after you leave high school. Make the most of them!
HARD WORK BRINGS REWARDS Mazenod Old Boy, Aarron Panizza (14) was recently named the 2018 Runner Up for the Hitachi Apprentice of the Year award. Apprentice Master, Paul Howard flew over from the eastern states to present the award to Aarron, during a small lunchtime gathering. The award was created in honour of young apprentice Bryan Childs, who was tragically killed in a car accident and was also an apprentice for Hitachi. Aarron has been an apprentice with Hitachi since 2016. After graduating from Mazenod he spent his first year as a Trades Assistant for a mobile Diesel Mechanic, learning on the job with long hours and no wage. The strategy paid off when the mechanic he worked with encouraged Aarron to apply for an apprenticeship with Hitachi, because of his contacts at the company. It was a proud moment for his parents, not only when they received the news that Aarron was the top pick for the 2016 Apprenticeship Program. “The company said they saw something genuine and unique in him, that would be an asset to them”, Jo Panizza said.
“I believe it was instilled in him at home and also from his school years at Mazenod”, she added. Aarron is now in the final year of his apprenticeship and is doing FIFO, based in Port Hedland as a Field Service Mechanic. As part of his award, Aarron will be travelling to Japan to visit the Hitachi headquarters later this year. The company has also suggested the possibility of DIDO work in Kalgoorlie once he has finished his time in Port Hedland, which will allow him to keep helping on the family farm in South Yilgarn. They realise this is important to him and want to ensure he stays with Hitachi in the future.
Paul Howard (Apprentice Master, Hitachi Australia), Michael Thatcher (Work Shop Manager, Hitachi Perth), Aarron Panizza, Brad Burrell (Service Manager, Hitachi Perth), Justin Henderson (Workshop Supervisor, Hitachi Perth)
COMPASSSION AND CHARITY
FR GERARD CONLAN (79) ST STEPHEN’S ON THE MOVE Fr Gerry Conlan OMI ministers in Nairobi. He returned to Mazenod for an extended visit in Term One. Life in Kenya can be tough when you are far from home and the village community. In Kenya there are no aged pensions, few well-paying jobs, and only partial Higher Education Loans for university. On top of that HIV is a high risk, jails are “not pleasant” (and require family support in the event of sickness). Aware of the struggle of our youth from our Oblate country parishes, the Oblates formed a group in Nairobi, the capital city, where many of the youth come for university and work. It started in mid-2015 with five members and has grown to about 50 on the WhatsApp group. The monthly meetings attract up to 20 members for companionship and activities such as bush walking, visit a shrine out of town, come to the Oblate house for Mass, a snack and chat. The group selected the name St Stephen’s on the Move having come, initially from St Stephen’s Parish, Kionyo, which is about 250km north of Nairobi. But,
since then another two Oblate parishes have started, and we need a name change! The purpose of the group is primarily to offer a safe village community away from home. The members are reminded that they are important to each other and able to reach out for help when struggles arise. What struggles? Unexpected sickness drains the finances and accommodation is lost, or exam fees cannot be paid. A job is lost and there is no money for food while job hunting. If forced to move to a new house they have to wait one or two months for their bond money to be repaid from the former house and yet require bond money immediately for the new house. It should be noted that when I say “house”, it is usually a three metre by three metre bare and empty room, with outside toilet/shower. They cook inside their room. Usually, they share a room between two or three others to split the rent. The focus of the group is both inward and outward. St Stephen’s on the Move members care for each
other, but since 2017 they have been searching for ways to give back to the community. So far they make annual pilgrimages home to Kionyo to give inspirational talks to the Year 12 students in our four day-schools (and send a bit of cash during exams for coffee, etc); they visit a home for the elderly (there are very few of these in Kenya); and they visit orphanages and child rescue centres. Of course, when they give back it is not just time and transport they sacrifice, but they collect cash and food goods for the elderly and children. This may not seem extraordinary until you realise, they have very little money and, often don’t have transport money to come to the monthly meetings. As the Chaplain to St Stephen’s on the Move, I often look for small donations I can supply to individuals who are desperate at particular moments. I try to channel the funds through one or two of the senior youths, so they think they are helping each other and have a greater desire to repay when they can. The group has a simple and typical leadership structure. Fortunately, we also have a kind ‘patron’ whom we call the Minister for Finance, a certain Mr X. He’s a successful Restaurateur and we use his city centre restaurant for our monthly meetings. The group do
their own planning and are currently establishing a small project to help generate a small income. Our parents in the country parishes appreciate St Stephen’s on the Move, knowing their sons and daughters have a safe community to join when they arrive in the city. They can share accommodation while they settle, they get advice on where to go and how to operate in the city. In general, members come from poor families who cannot send money on demand so, without support, they would otherwise be driven to desperate measures such as prostitution, stealing or selling drugs just to get enough to survive and cover essential costs such as exam fees. The Oblates are most concerned to help them avoid the pitfalls of desperation. We are grateful to the Oblate family and communities in Australia and Canada for the donations that get our youth through the tough times. Who knows, one day in the future our youth will be great supporters of our new Mission in Kenya. Thank you for your prayers, support and the warm welcome I receive whenever I visit Mazenod College. Fr Gerard Conlan OMI (79)
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
SUSTAINABILITY PORTFOLIO Pope Francis recently declared a global “climate emergency” warning of the dangers of global heating and that a failure to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gases would be “a brutal act of injustice toward the poor and future generations”. At Mazenod we have started a sustainability portfolio encouraging students to take responsibility for their future by becoming involved today, even if it is in a very small way. The first activity of the group was ‘Upcycling for Mother’s Day’. Students were encouraged to bring in recycled materials to help make pot plant gifts for Mums. During lunchtime on the Friday before Mother’s Day, teachers and students gathered in the Quadrangle to make their upcycled creations. Hands got dirty, recycled items found different uses, plants found new homes and we are sure the gifts put smiles on many mums’ faces on their special day. During Term Two, the Young Vinnies and Sustainability group worked together to organise Mazenod College’s first Pop Up Op Shop and Fashion Show. The main event took place on Friday lunchtime of Week Nine, with a follow up event that was open to the wider community in Week 10 prior to the Young Vinnies
sleep out. So much of what is donated to Op Shops goes to landfill, so we saw it as a way to break the cycle and help find new homes for unwanted clothes. In Term Three, the focus will be a ‘War on Waste’. Activities will include: • What’s in your bin? – Year groups will unload the contents of a bin during year group assembly and discover what could have been recycled from that bin and different ways of doing that at school and at home • Weekly Friday morning notices – each week a tip to reduce waste will be placed in the notices and newsletter. • Friday Lunchtime Documentary – Episodes of ‘The War on Waste’ from the ABC series will be played in the PAC every Friday. This year the College has also provided recycling bins around the campus to encourage students to recycle. We continue to look for ways that we can reduce our waste and to do what we can to protect our environment. Ms Susanne Biffin Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator
UP AND RUNNING WITH VIRTUAL REALITY During the last 2-3 years there has been much hype around the use of virtual reality in education and how this emerging technology can be used in the classroom. With the use of a headset and a device, teachers can take students on a virtual tour and explore distant places and impossible-to-visit locations. Last week the library was humming when Year 7’s travelled back in time to Ancient Rome and found themselves watching gladiators as the struggled for survival in the sand of the Roman Colosseum and saw the brutal conclusion as they sat together with Emperor Titus and 50,000 other spectators. On a previous journey, the Italian teacher took her students on an ‘expedition’ to learn about the Punic Wars and how the Roman soldiers defeated the Carthaginian army with the use of trumpets as a weapon. Following the Battle of Zama, the Year 7’s travelled onward to a Roman aqueduct and gained an understanding of the power of gravity to move water and the strength of arches to support huge loads. Within the space of 50 minutes the students also visited an ancient city, the Roman Senate and then returned to the Colosseum where, contrary to popular belief, they learned that because gladiators were very expensive to train, not all of them fought to their death.
VR offers exciting possibilities in the classroom. It has the potential to remove danger from cool science experiments allowing students to see chemical reactions first hand. It enables science students to ‘travel’ inside the human body and explore the workings of the digestive system or observe the functioning of cells. In social science, the physical barriers are broken down in such a way that students can now visit a refugee camp or a warzone to better understand the plight of humanity and the concept of human justice in the world. Whether it is public speaking or being on the stage in the Globe Theatre, VR fosters authentic learning across many areas of the curriculum. Mazenod College has taken the VR equipment on the road with great success and next term we look forward to visiting St Michael’s School in Bayswater and networking with other primary schools to provide students with a VR experience. The College is committed to developing a rich program that integrates this technology with the curriculum and allows students to participate more fully in their learning experiences. VR is cutting edge technology with huge potential as a learning tool and Mazenod students are enjoying the journey. Penny Worthington McCarthy Library
RESPECT AND DIGNITY
SINGAPORE HOCKEY TOUR On Friday 12 April, 2019, the Year 11-12 hockey team departed for the Singapore Hockey Tour. After a good flight we landed at Changi Airport. A quick bus ride to our hotel was followed by a late dinner at Mr Pavlinovich’s favourite ‘local’ Singapore restaurant, Zam Zam, where some of us had our first experience of Singapore cuisine, which was a great way to start our tour.
but unfortunately were held to a 4-1 defeat. This first game was a good experience of playing in the conditions. The team showed improvement and left in high spirits. In the evening we attended Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, which was around the corner from our hotel. It was a lovely service, with lots of music and singing in a very full church, which was a great experience for the boys.
The next morning the team travelled to the Sengkang Hockey Stadium, which is the home of the Singapore Hockey Federation. This was the team’s first experience of the heat and extreme humidity of Singapore’s climate. Many of the boys had never played in these conditions and nothing could have prepared us in our training leading up to the tour. The boys knew they would have to be resilient and acclimatise as quickly as they could, as our first game was on the next day.
Day three was an immersion day at Teck Whye Secondary School. The immersion has been talked about by students on previous tours, so the current group were looking forward to it with great anticipation. Upon our arrival, the group was greeted by staff and paired up with hockey buddies. The Principal, Mr Sivarajan welcomed our students and encouraged them to enjoy their immersion at Teck Whye. The day was spent attending classes with hockey buddies, meeting more of the Teck Whye students during recess and lunch and teaching staff and students how to play Australian Rules in the afternoon.
On Sunday, the team played against the Singapore Recreational Club. The boys put in a strong effort,
Later, the boys had the opportunity to take on their hockey buddies in a game. The Mazenod team played a good brand of hockey and was probably the stronger team, but unfortunately could only manage a draw on the day. After the postgame presentations, the boys said farewell to their new found hockey friends and headed back to the hotel to recover for the next outing. The next game was played at the St Hilda Secondary School roof top hockey pitch. It was a great location to play hockey, with 360 degree views of the whole surrounding area. A once in a lifetime experience to play hockey so high above street level. After the initial awe of the location wore off, it was back to the game at hand. The team played a good game of hockey against a solid opponent, with the final score a three all draw. Unfortunately, our last opponent had to cancel their game, so the team took the opportunity to play an intra-team scratch match. This was a lot of
fun and demonstrated how much all the players had improved. It was a great way to end the playing part of the tour. Some of the non-hockey highlights of the Singapore Hockey Tour included venturing to the Rugby 7s, a visit to Universal Studios on Sentosa Island, the light and music show at ‘Gardens by the Bay’, Mr Pavlinovich’s guided walking tour of Marina Bay Sands and the lookout from Skypark. Of course, no visit to Singapore would be complete without some shopping. A huge thanks to Mr Chris Mason (02) for his great efforts in organising all the logistical elements of the tour, including flights, hotel and transport. Also, to Mr Ross Websdale for coaching and bus driving and Mr Justin Pavlinovich (89) for coaching, organising the games and for being our very own team tour guide. Jonah Powell Tour Team Captain
ACC CROSS COUNTRY It has been 32 years since the boys from Mazenod College stood on the podium at the Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC), Cross Country Carnival, but that changed on Thursday 30 May 2019. Seventy seven ACC schools from around Perth metro and country areas competed at the carnival, with about 3,500 runners competing throughout the day in age groups of about 300 in each race. The boys from Mazenod displayed a desire to do their best for each other and their team and won the Overall Boys Aggregate Shield. “We are extremely proud of the boys”, Mr Tim Grabski, Head of Physical Education at Mazenod College said. The four kilometre course winds its way around the Perry Lakes parklands and is one of the most challenging events on the ACC sports calendar. “It is a credit to the efforts of the coaches and the cross-country team, who you would see running around the Lesmurdie area, doing early morning training in the lead up to the carnival”.
“The consistent effort across all year groups and depth of talent in the squad was a real strength of the squad and the result has rewarded their hard work”. Mazenod College was represented by six runners in each year group from Years 7 to 10 and eight in the Open Boys category. Eighteen boys finished in the top sixty across all year groups, with some achieving outstanding individual results. Mr Jeremy Logan (87), Mazenod Old Boys Liaison Officer was a member of the 1987 winning team and clearly remembers holding the shield, as he sat on the bus on the way back to school. He believes that the current team will also hold that happy memory for the rest of their lives. Congratulations to the students and their coaches.
MAZENOD PRESENTS OLIVER IN THE ROUND Mazenod College has stepped it up another notch, with this year’s production of Oliver!. Featuring 55 students from three local Colleges, this is a truly remarkable collaboration, both on and off the stage, with a further 20 cast and crew working tirelessly to bring a unique twist to a classic, wellloved story. “We’ve opted to go for a Tim Burton-inspired, dreamlike production, to show how Oliver sees the world, particularly the evil characters who are in control of his destiny throughout the production,” said Ms Beth Parkinson, Mazenod College Head of Visual and Performing Arts and Director of Oliver. “To do this, we’ve manipulated lots of colour, we’ve changed many of the traditional interpretations of the songs, and we’ve brought steampunk elements, blending technology and aesthetic design to our costumes and sets. Bringing an entirely new dynamic, Mazenod has provided 360 degree seating options for the audience, by proudly being the first school in WA to have built its own theatre-in-the-round, revolving stage. Conceptualised and created by Art Teacher Nick Allen, the theatre-in-the-round,
revolving stage was a desire to push the boundaries, and tip the whole show on its head. “With seating surrounding the stage, this style of staging provides opportunities for the audience to engage more intensely with the performers – it brings the performers into the same space as the audience,” said Ms Parkinson. It also brings more challenges, with sets having to be designed in three dimensions, to work from every angle. And this in turn, brings more challenges to the actors, with traditional techniques no longer always applicable. “The actors are constantly on the move, twisting, turning and engaging their audience from all angles. Sometimes they have no choice but to have their back to the audience, which is proving challenging to many of them, breaking such a fundamental rule of stage craft”. “And in doing so, all our performers have grown in their abilities, in their stage presence and in the interactions and development of their characters, providing a depth not seen in our past productions,” said Ms Parkinson.
NEW CHALLENGES
MALCOLM JOHNSON After 18 years, Malcolm Johnson left Mazenod College at the end of 2018 for new challenges as the new Head of Science at St James Anglican School, Alkimos. In his 18 years at the College, Mal became one of its most respected teachers and has left behind a legacy that will long be remembered.
being where the current science office is. Mal was pivotal in establishing the expectations and values of science education in those early days, with his heavy focus on practical activities, engagement and depth of content. He was instrumental in the design of current Science Buildings in 2005.
Before teaching, Mal grew up in Wagin and enjoyed a stint in competitive rodeo. Prior to working at Mazenod, he worked as a science teacher in his home town at Wagin District High School. He quickly established himself as a talented and enthusiastic science teacher who ensured that the students were engaged in their science education. In 2001, Mal was employed on a non-permanent contract at Mazenod College as a Physics and Chemistry teacher. Legend has it, that after Fr Daly OMI saw Mal launching rockets on the oval with his students, he decided to offer him a permanent contract. Thus, began his 18 year tenure at Mazenod.
Mal’s knowledge of the Physics curriculum is second to none, having served on the Physics Course Advisory Committee for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. His key teaching area was Year 11 and 12 Physics, and old boys fondly remember his lessons. His passion for all thing’s science influenced many past students to continue their science journey into university and beyond.
The Science Department was a different place then, with physics and chemistry laboratories in the current 7E and 8E Form rooms and the biology laboratories
In 2003, Mal became Year 9 Coordniator. He expected students to be disciplined Mazenod Men at all times, while at the same time genuinely caring for and respecting them. The Year 9 students greatly admired Mal for his approach to their pastoral care. In 2008, Mal assumed the role of Head of Science at Mazenod. It was in this position that he had the
greatest impact on the Mazenod community. In the 11 years he was in the role, he was pivotal in introducing new technologies into science lessons and promoting inquiry-based learning using this technology. He introduced the Specialist Science Program into Years 8 and 9, something that has enabled the Science Department to connect with the wider Mazenod community through science evenings and has provided the opportunity for our gifted students to participate in real inquiry based learning. The number of students selecting Science courses in Year 11 and 12 increased significantly during Mal’s tenure.
many years and instrumental in the Association’s continued success. Mal’s association with STAWA has meant the College received advice, resources, technology and opportunities for our students that would otherwise have been unavailable. Mal was recognised for his contribution to developing science education in WA when he was awarded the 2014 John de Laeter Medal. He was also the 2011 STAWA Science Talent Search Rising Star, 2012 BHP Billiton Science Awards Teacher Finalist and 2017 Professional Teaching Council of WA STAWA Nominee.
Personally, not only has Mal been a mentor, colleague and friend of mine for the past eight years, he also taught me Year 11 and 12 physics and was my Head of Year 9 during my time as a student at Mazenod. He has never passed up an opportunity to mentor both new and experienced teachers. His advice and guidance greatly assisted me in my first few years as a teacher and his wisdom is still sought after daily by members of the Science Department.
When meeting Old Boys there is the inevitable question, ‘Is Johnno still there?’ Such is the respect and admiration that past students have for Malcolm Johnson. The compassion, care and knowledge he demonstrated in the classroom has influenced nearly two decades of Mazenod Men. He was selfless in our community and gave a significant amount of time to the College. Mal has left a legacy on the Mazenod Science Department and the College as a whole. We all wish him the best in his new position as Head of Science at St James Anglican School.
As a department, we have been extremely privileged to have one of our teachers so actively involved in the Science Teachers Association of Western Australia, of which Mal has been on council for
Mr Liam Mallon (06) Science Teacher
MOB SUMMARY
MAZENOD OLD BOYS PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the first edition of MOB News for 2019. After five great and very rewarding years, in accordance with our constitution, this will be my final year as President of the MOB, thus I begin my report by thanking everyone in advance for their support and dedication given. To all our ‘old boy members’, Mazenod College families and local community clubs, thank you for your support in helping our Association continue to grow in profile and presence. MOB is now in its 9th year and is continuing to fulfil its mission of ensuring that Mazenod Old Boys continue to be part of the College community long after they exit school life. A sense of unity and Mazenod honour ensures that the MOB spirit is kept alive through services and charitable actions such as Mazenod College Family Hardship funding; Scholarship bursaries; Mazenod College awards – academic, sporting and religious; Assisting with future employment for past old boys; MOB Reunions; MOB Footy tipping MOB Year 12 BBQ’s and of course our ever popular MOB sporting events – old boys vs students in football, basketball and hockey. This year we welcome Liam Stalteri (12) to the MOB Committee. Liam is a very accomplished and enthusiastic young man – we are very fortunate to have him join. Additionally a huge thank you to Basil Conti (83) for his professional service provided as Vice President over the past four years and congratulations to John Keogh (04) – this year’s new MOB VP. Finally, I also wish to thank Bob Huston – Secretary, Sean Cameron (82) – Treasurer, Jeremy Logan (87) – Immediate Past President and the 2018 – 2019 MOB Committee for their
continual dedication and belief in our cause. In saying this, I encourage any past old boy who is interested in being part of the Mazenod Old Boys Committee to please consider as it is a very enjoyable and fulfilling Association to be part of. The AGM is Wednesday 20 November – everyone welcome. Vacant positions will be advertised in late August. As has been the case over the past five years, the MOB 2019 Events Calendar has something for everyone and this year is no exception. Our committee recognises the importance of continuing to increase the MOB profile whilst providing a community service to past and present old boys and their families. Remember, we are a not for profit association and any money raised is audited and directly used to provide charity and support for present students, old boys and their families. This year’s events include: EVENT 1 College & MOB Breakfast Year 12 Date: Thursday 7 February Time: 8.30am EVENT 2 Date: Time:
MOB Welcome Year 12 BBQ Monday 18 February Lunch time
EVENT 3 MOB Hockey Match Date: Sunday 24 March Time: 1.30pm Venue: Melville Hockey Turf EVENT 4 MOB Mid semester Year 12 BBQ Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: Lunch time
EVENT 5 MOB Basket Ball Match Date: Sunday 2 June Time: TBA Venue: Mazenod College Gym EVENT 6 Mazenod Golf Day Date: Monday 26 August Time: TBA Venue: TBA EVENT 7 Date: Time: Venue:
MOB Footy Match Friday 20 September 4.30pm bounce down Fr Mackintosh Oval Mazenod College
EVENT 8 MOB Farewell & good luck Yr 12 BBQ Date: Monday 23 September Time: Lunch time EVENT 9 Mazenod Old Boys Mass … ‘In loving memory of past old boys’ Date: Saturday 2 November Time: 5pm Venue: Mazenod College Chapel EVENT 10 Date: Time: Venue:
Sunday Session MOB reunion Sunday 24 November Any time from 3pm onwards Kalamunda Hotel
ADDITIONAL ITEMS ON THE MAZENOD OLD BOYS NOTICE BOARD MOB Reunions for this year If you are in the classes of 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 it is time to catch up with old class mates. Contact MOB School liaison officer Jeremy Logan logan.jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu.au or phone 9291 1500 for further information. MOB Footy Tipping Competition is back again this year. Prizes are many and winnings are generous, so please join in the fun and test your footy skills against the best. MOB numbers are constantly increasing, so thank you for your support. For further information check us out on the MOB website, or Facebook or if required contact Sean Cameron at Sean.Cameron@treasury.wa.gov.au MOB suggestion box The Mazenod Old Boys Association is run by volunteers whose aim it is to help others, therefore any suggestion on how to better improve the MOB will be greatly appreciated. If there are any queries or suggestions or maybe you wish to alert the MOB to an issue, please feel free to contact MOB President: Leo Conti – Leo.conti@education.wa.edu. au; MOB School Liaison Officer Jeremy Logan - Logan. jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu.au or phone 9291 1500. Check out more about the MOB on https://www.facebook.com/MOBWA ... great to be part of the MOB!
MOB FACTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S VAULT Did you know that … The foundation of Mazenod College WA began in 1963. Following two years of discussions and negotiations, Deeds of Land were offered to the Oblates on 27 January 1965. Land began to be cleared in May and four months later, the foundations of the first Mazenod College building were laid in September 1965. Did you know that … The actual start of Mazenod College WA as a school was the 14 February 1966 when Fr McCarthy OMI and Fr Mackintosh OMI welcomed 31 boys as the first grade 6 and grade 7 students. Shortly after this Fr Don Hughes OMI was appointed as the first Rector and Mazenod College was officially opened on 8 May 1966. Did you know that … Compared to other Alumni, the Mazenod Old Boys Association is very young and will celebrate its 10th year anniversary in 2020. In the short time since its foundation, MOB has assisted many students and families both past and present. Furthermore, it has supported and financially helped students who have represented Mazenod
College or demonstrated a combination of excellence, aptitude and community service in a range of areas such as sport, academia, music, the arts and Religious studies within the school. Did you know that … MOB membership has grown and as a member … YOU have assisted in sponsoring many College and Community events. Some examples include: • Mazenod Junior Football Club • Mazenod College Basket Ball Club • Mazenod College Hockey Club • Mazenod Lesmurdie Cricket Club • Kalamunda Cougars Football Club • Junior Sportsman of the Year • Senior Sportsman of the Year • A total of eight $400 bursaries per year for present students • Money towards Family Hardship situations • Mazenod College academic and Religious Education pizes • Part time and full time jobs for past old boys • Mentor program - guest speakers at events on career guidance for Mazenod students • Three annual MOB Year 12 bbqs … it feels good being part of a Pro-active MOB !
PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE – MOB QUIZ QUESTIONS Q1. In what year did the MOB begin? Q2. Name the committee members of the first Mazenod Old Boys Committee. Email your answers to … MOB School Liaison Officer Jeremy Logan: Logan.jeremy@ mazenod.wa.edu.au before 20 September to be eligible for a $50 gift voucher. First correct email wins ! Winner announced at the MOB Footy Match (MOB committee members – past & present are ineligible to enter … sorry fellas)
MOB OPERATION PORTFOLIOS MOB MEDIA/WEBSITE Co-ordinator: Liam Mallon Mallon.liam@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Jeremy Logan MOB REUNIONS 4 reunions per year Co-ordinator: Jeremy Logan Logan.jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Leo Conti, Bob Huston
MOB BASKET BALL MATCH Co-ordinator: Matt Alexander mattay.ma@gmail.com Sub committee: Jeremy Logan MOB GOLF DAY Co-ordinator: John Keogh keogh.john@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Liam Mallon, Basil Conti
MOB SCHOLARSHIP BURSARIES 8 available per year Co-ordinator: Jeremy Logan Logan.jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Leo Conti, Sean Cameron
MOB FOOTY MATCH Co-ordinator: Adrian Conti Adrian@perthdishwashers.com.au Sub committee: Chris Mason, Jeremy Logan Leo Conti, Sebastian Fiolo
MOB AWARDS Co-ordinator: Leo Conti Leo.conti@education.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Jeremy Logan MOB BBQ CONVERSATIONS WITH YR 12’S ABOUT THEIR FUTURES 3 BBQ events per year Co-ordinator: Leo Conti Leo.conti@education.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Jeremy Logan, Pep Caltanisetta, Sean Marriott, Iggy Moro, Sebastian Fiolo
MOB MASS Co-ordinator: John Keogh keogh.john@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Jeremy Logan, Leo Conti
MOB FOOTY TIPPING Co-ordinator: Sean Cameron Sean.Cameron@treasury.wa.gov.au Sub committee: Basil Conti MOB HOCKEY MATCH Co-ordinator: Justin Pavlinovich Sub committee: Jeremy Logan
MOB SOCIAL EVENT – SUNDAY SESSION Co-ordinator: John Keogh keogh.john@mazenod.wa.edu.au Sub committee: Liam Mallon, Pep Caltanissetta MOB OUT-REACH PROGRAMS Co-ordinator: Bob Huston peakpot@westnet.com.au Sub committee: Leo Conti MOB MEETING MANAGER Co-ordinator: Sean Marriott smarriott66@gmail.com Sub committee: Leo Conti MOB SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER Co-ordinator: Jeremy Logan Logan.jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu.au
PRESIDENT’S FINAL WORDS
2019 MAZENOD OLD BOYS COMMITTEE President: Leo Conti (82) Vice President: John Keogh (04) Treasurer: Sean Cameron (82) Secretary: Bob Huston (78) School Liaison Officer: Jeremy Logan (87) Council Members Pep Caltanisetta (89) Adrian Conti (87) Basil Conti (83) Sebastian Fiolo (89) Liam Mallon (06) Chris Mason (02) Sean Marriott (83) Iggy Moro (87) Liam Staltari (12) MOB 2019 Committee Meeting Dates – 7:30pm Mazenod College Staff Room TERM 1, week 2: Thursday 14 February week 7: Wednesday 20 March (if required) TERM 2, week 3: Wednesday 15 May week 7: Wednesday 12 June (if required) TERM 3, week 3: Wednesday 7 August week 7: Wednesday 4 September (if required) TERM 4, week 2: Wednesday 23 October (Review & Planning) week 6: Wednesday 20 November – AGM week 9: 11 December Planning Meeting for 2020
Just before I sign off, two items: Firstly, I wish to remind College students and parents that annually the MOB has eight bursaries to the value of $400 each available to assist students when representing Mazenod at State or National levels in any field. This includes school connected academic, sporting, music and community competitions – all that is required is an application to the committee. I encourage students to apply. Please contact MOB School Liaison Officer Jeremy Logan - logan.jeremy@mazenod.wa.edu. au or phone 9291 1500 for further details. Secondly, please continue to support our events. They are posted on Facebook. • For more details go to the MOB Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MOBWA Finally, to the MOB community, Mr Andrew Watson (Principal), Oblate Priests, Mazenod staff, students and parents, I would like to wish everyone all the very best for 2019. Special mention to our present Year 12 Mazenod students – good luck with the remainder of this year – be true to yourself and best of luck for the future. Leaving the best to last, I personally wish to express my gratitude to the ever hard working and highly caring 2019 MOB committee, thank you for your support, dedication and belief in our ability as a team. I have been truly blessed to work with such loyal and professional ‘Mazenod Old Boys’. As I have often said …”the MOB is only as strong as our memberships allow it to be”. From the high level of membership, success of events organised and passion from its committee … it is very clear that the MOB is making a difference in our community and is definitely here to stay. God Bless. Always proud to be part of the MOB. Leo Conti (82) President MOB 2015 – 2019
55 Gladys Rd, LESMURDIE WA 6076 T: (08) 9291 1500 F: (08) 9291 6711 E: oblate@mazenod.wa.edu.au www.mazenod.wa.edu.au