Mazenod College

National Science Week has taken root at Mazenod.

This year’s theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all, has been explored through a range of activities across the College.

Students took part in a week-long ‘Guess that Seed’ competition, before putting their problem-solving skills to the test in Thursday’s science escape room activity.

A group of keen Biologists also began their Science Week journey early, collecting and growing Wisconsin Fast Plant seeds. These plants move through a full cycle from seed, to flowering, to reseeding in just a few weeks, giving students the chance to track growth, share progress photos and observe plant development in real time.

Winners will be announced once the plants reach seed stage, with awards for speed of growth and number of seeds collected.

A great week of curiosity, observation and hands-on science.

Mazenod has once again taken out top honours at the ACC Pitch Competition, held in the College Lecture Theatre on Wednesday morning.

In our strongest showing yet, three Mazenod teams presented alongside students from Salesian, Parade and St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully, facing strong competition across the event.

Similar to the format of Shark Tank, students were challenged to present both a business innovation and a social solution that could make a difference to an individual, their community or Australia. Each team pitched to a panel of judges, with judging focused on creativity, communication, the problem being solved and the value being created.

Congratulations to Timothy, Lucien and Benjamin (Year 10), whose team was named overall winner. The students presented with confidence, clarity and strong knowledge of their ideas, showing impressive creativity and composure under pressure.

From concept to code, Year 10 Software Development students had a closer look at what it takes to build a game.

On Thursday 13 August, students welcomed Danger Thumbs, an independent game development company, for an engaging session on the world of professional game development.

The team shared their journey into the industry and spoke through the development cycle, from planning, design and programming through to testing, feedback, refinement and release.

The visit connected closely with the students’ current work, as they are designing and developing their own games using Python and the Pygame library. Hearing from industry professionals helped students see how the skills and processes they are learning in class apply to real-world software and game development.

A highlight of the session was Danger Thumbs inviting students to send through their completed games once their projects are finished, giving them an authentic audience for their work as they continue developing and refining their ideas.

Thank you to the Danger Thumbs team for visiting, sharing their experiences and encouraging our young developers. We wish them all the best for the launch of their upcoming game, Footy Bash.

Congratulations to 7 Lombard, winners of the 2026 Year 7 Reading Games.

Throughout Term 2, students submitted book reviews for the books they had read, with every student contributing at least one review. 7 Lombard finished on top with 162 points, earning a well-deserved celebration pizza lunch.

A special mention to Marcus, who was named MVR, Most Valued Reader, after submitting an outstanding 60 reviews.

Well done to 7 Lombard and all students who took part in this year’s Reading Games.

Mountains, rivers and floodplains took shape in the Geography classroom last week as Year 8 students explored landforms and landscapes using Mazenod’s Augmented Reality Sandbox.

The sandbox uses a depth sensor, projector and computer to create digital elevation models from the landforms students build by hand using sand.

Students were then able to simulate rainfall and watch how water moves through a landscape, eroding, shaping and carving the land over time.

Through the activity, students modelled the formation of river channels, oxbow lakes and floodplains, strengthening their understanding of topography in a hands-on and highly visual way.

Congratulations to Ciaran (Year 12) and Xavier (Year 10), who performed with Box Hill Academy Brass at the Victorian State Brass Bands Competition on Sunday 16 August.

The ensemble finished in first place and was named 2026 Open C Grade Brass State Champions.

It is wonderful to see Mazenod musicians contributing to music beyond the College, bringing their skill, discipline and ensemble experience to a wider performance setting.

Watch the performance here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/HZpwU74zF2I?t=24933s

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Yesterday, the Mazenod community gathered for our Assumption Day Mass, coming together as a whole school to pray, reflect and honour Mary’s faithful witness. As a school in the tradition of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, this celebration also reminds us of the Oblates’ commitment to following Christ through generous service, humility of spirit, and care for others.

The Assumption invites us to reflect on Mary’s place in the life of the Church and her example of trust, grace and hope.

Thank you to all students and staff who contributed to the Mass and helped mark this important day in our Catholic tradition.

A fast finish and a team effort at The FUSE Cup yesterday.

Ted, Jalon, Alessandro and Harrison represented Mazenod in the Year 7 & 8 Melbourne Metro High Schools Mario Kart competition at Genazzano FCJ College, with Ted (Year 8) finishing in 1st place and earning the opportunity to compete at The FUSE Esports Festival on the Gold Coast in November.

All four students raced throughout the day, with Ted progressing to the Grand Final. From the sidelines, his teammates continued to support him with communication and encouragement.

The FUSE Cup provides students with a safe and structured esports environment, combining competition with important messages around cyber-safety, digital wellbeing, teamwork and responsible gaming.

Congratulations to Ted, Jalon, Alessandro and Harrison on an excellent result, and to Ted on qualifying for The FUSE Esports Festival.

Six of our highest performing Politics students, drawn from Years 10, 11 and 12, represented Mazenod at Parliament House on Friday 7 August for the Spirit of Australia Foundation commemorative service honouring Sir John Monash.

Held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, the service gave students the opportunity to reflect on Monash’s legacy as a scholar, engineer, soldier and nation builder, and particularly his belief in the value of education, leadership and camaraderie.

Students also met Colonel Scott D’Orazio (MOC1996), who spoke at the service representing the Chief of Army. Colonel D’Orazio reflected on Monash’s philosophy and the qualities that continue to shape leadership and service today.

Our students also had the opportunity to speak with Nick Felstead, the 2024 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar.

Thank you to all involved in giving our students the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful civic and educational experience.

🏆♟️ACC OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONS - DIV 1♟️🏆

Congratulations to Mazenod College (Mazenod A) on winning their respective division in the ACC open chess tournament! Mazenod A displayed critical thinking and exceptional skill.

A special mention to St Patrick's College who hosted the event!🌟

Well done to everyone who competed on the day!