Class of 2026 Farewelled with a New Mazenod Tradition
The Class of 2026 gathered for their final College Assembly on Thursday 15 October, marking the conclusion of an important chapter in their Mazenod journey.
The Graduation Farewell Assembly brought together students, staff, Oblate priests and special guests to recognise the achievements, friendships and contributions of our graduating cohort, while reflecting on what it means to move from Enter to Learn to Leave to Serve.
A Morning of Reflection and Gratitude
The assembly began with each Year 12 pastoral group entering to applause, accompanied by the staff who have guided and supported them through their final year.
As part of a longstanding tradition, the graduating cohort presented a series of gifts to the College, each representing an aspect of their experience at Mazenod.
These included a painting of Mother Mary, a College banner, a cross signed by the Year 12 pastoral groups, a photograph of the graduating cohort and a plant to be placed in the newly established Yarning Circle Garden.
Together, the gifts represented the faith, friendships, growth and shared identity of the Class of 2026, leaving lasting reminders of their time at the College.
Principal Dr Paul Shannon addressed the graduating students, acknowledging the emotions that accompany the end of secondary schooling.
He spoke about the tension between wanting to move forward into new opportunities and wanting to hold onto the familiar people, routines and experiences of school life.
Dr Shannon also encouraged the cohort to reflect on the contribution of their families, teachers and the broader Mazenod community, and to carry forward the College's commitment to compassion and service.
Recognising a Life of Service
A significant moment of the assembly was the presentation of the Leave to Serve Award to Daniel Paone (MOC1998).
Daniel was recognised for his leadership and contributions to the community, including his work in environmentally responsible waste management through The Waste Network, his involvement in community football and his ongoing support of Mazenod's sustainability initiatives.
In accepting the award, Daniel reflected on how his Mazenod education had shaped his professional and personal life.
He encouraged the graduating students to remember the College's values, look for opportunities to serve others and recognise the lifelong connections available through the Mazenod Old Collegians community.
His message was particularly fitting for an assembly centred on the transition from life at school to the responsibilities and opportunities beyond it.
The Final Address and Leadership Handover
The assembly also featured a performance by Year 12 musicians, who entertained the College with a rendition of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive.
Outgoing College Captain Oliver then delivered his final address, reflecting on the experiences and small moments that had shaped his cohort over six years.
Rather than focusing on major milestones or individual achievements, Oliver spoke about the everyday memories that often pass without recognition: friendships in the classroom, lunchtime games, bus rides home and the routines that become part of school life.
"The thing is, most of our lasts have already happened and nobody told us."
His address encouraged his peers to appreciate these shared experiences and, importantly, to express their gratitude to the families, teachers and friends who had supported them.
The occasion also marked the formal handover of student leadership for 2027.
Incoming College Captain Angus and Vice-Captains Samuel and Ben received their badges from the outgoing College Leaders, symbolising the passing of responsibility from one graduating cohort to the next.
A New Tradition: The Legacy Walk
Following the traditional staff blessing, College Rector Fr Harry Dyer OMI offered a special blessing to the graduating students.
Fr Harry reflected on the fact that he had begun his own journey at Mazenod six years earlier, alongside the Class of 2026 when they entered Year 7.
He offered his prayers and encouragement as they prepared to move from the familiarity of College life into the opportunities and uncertainties of the future.
After singing the Mazenod College Anthem together for the final time as students, the graduating cohort prepared to take part in a new College tradition: the Legacy Walk.
Earlier this year, the Class of 2026 formed a guard of honour for our incoming Year 7 students as they completed their Welcome Walk beneath the Enter to Learn sign.
At the Graduation Farewell Assembly, that gesture was returned.
Year 7 representatives Christian and Joshua explained the significance of the new tradition, before the younger cohort formed a guard of honour for the graduating students as they made their way along Kernot Avenue, passing the Leave to Serve sign.
The moment symbolised the completion of one journey and the beginning of another, recognising the responsibility each generation has to support those who follow.
As Christian and Joshua explained, the Legacy Walk represents more than a farewell. It acknowledges the contribution of those leaving and the responsibility of younger students to continue the traditions and values they have inherited.
Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve.
For the Class of 2026, the assembly was an opportunity to reflect on six years of learning, friendship, leadership and personal growth.
While their daily experience of Mazenod is coming to an end, their connection to the College continues through the friendships they have formed, the people who have supported them and the wider Old Collegians community.
We thank the Class of 2026 for the example they have set and the contribution they have made across learning, faith, sport, music, service and all aspects of College life.
As they prepare for their final examinations and the pathways ahead, we wish each member of the graduating cohort every success.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Leave Nothing Undared.
