Fr John Sherman OMI became the sixth Rector of Mazenod College at the start of 1996. Fr Sherman grew up in Queensland and attended the Christian Brothers College at Nudgee. On entering the Oblate Order, he completed his studies at St Joseph’s Seminary in Cedara, South Africa and the University of South Africa. On his return to Australia, he spent the first seven years of his ministry teaching History and Religion at Iona College in Brisbane before transferring to Melbourne to take up the position of College Bursar and Sports Master at Mazenod College in 1973. Fr Sherman was heavily involved in the planning of all the new buildings over the next ten years – Chapel, Gymnasium, Administration Wing and Manual Arts Complex. At the end of 1983, he departed to become Rector of Iona College, Brisbane returning to Mazenod College again in 1996 following his appointment as Rector. Notable developments during his tenure included the introduction of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the expansion of College Houses from 4 to 8 in 1996, the introduction of the “90” plus club for VCE students, Mazenod College entering the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) sporting competition in 1999, the establishment of the College Executive and major refurbishments of the buildings and grounds. He also made the decision to move the Inaugural Mass from the College to St Patrick’s Cathedral in 2000. At the end of 2001, Fr Sherman completed his six year term as Rector of the College.
Back to news