Mazenod College WA hosted our 2023 Student Leaders Conference. The students from St Eugene College, Mazenod College Vic and Iona College travelled to Perth to coincide with the celebration of their Opening Mass and the induction of their new student leaders.
The Provincial, Fr Christian Fini OMI, Fr Harry Dyer OMI (Rector of Mazenod College Vic) and Fr Michael Twigg OMI (Rector of Iona College Qld) joined the College Principals and staff instrumental in developing student leadership at the respective colleges to provide insight into the Charism of the De Mazenod Family, the History of the Oblates from the time of St Eugene, and our history in Australia. Fr Fini focussed on the De Mazenod Family and our shared responsibility to live the Charism of St Eugene in our contemporary world.
The programme highlighted our Charism, Leadership and Student Voice. The activities and presentations linked our common purpose and what typifies the culture at our four colleges. Mazenod College WA shared with us their award-winning podcast programme “Leave Nothing Undared” and hopefully inspired others to use this medium to have their voices heard in their respective communities, promoting social justice issues, locally and globally. We also learnt that each College has their ways of supporting MAMI by raising funds on Mission Action Days and the work of Rosies.
Student Voice and leadership feature in our Sustainability Summit scheduled for August. Students shared what they are doing to improve practice at their college under the theme of Learn, Share and Inspire.
As well as planning for 2023 and learning about our shared charism the Student Leaders Conference provides a wonderful opportunity to build connection. Staff and students enjoy the hospitality of their hosts and have time appreciate our common purpose and the dedication that is evident in our communities.
Thank you to Mr Andrew Watson, Principal of Mazenod College WA, Mr Michael Anderson, Ms Teresa Bulich and Mr John Keogh for hosting our Conference and making it such an enjoyable experience. Thank you to the generous families who billeted the students and all the participants, Oblates, staff and students who immersed themselves into the spirit of the event and shared their ideas and experiences.
Tony Coghlan
Director of De Mazenod Family Education Network
