From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Lasting Legacy of Marist Values

At last week’s assembly, we acknowledged the ten graduands from 2021 who received an ATAR over 99. What a proud moment for these boys, their parents and our Marist College Ashgrove Family. Hugh Torpie, who received a 99.90, inspired the boys with his address on how to set goals, work hard, stay determined, seek help from peers and teachers, use the resources on offer and be ever grateful to family and teachers. Hugh’s ATAR was complemented by a strong performance from the whole Year 12 cohort where 40% of the boys received an ATAR above 90. Well done graduands of 2021! With anticipation, we look forward to building on this high level of academic achievement for future boys at Marist.

After the formal assembly, I met with the boys and their families for photos and a light lunch. Interestingly, what struck me, more than the academic achievement of these now famed Old Boys, was the impressive young men they had grown to be. The boys were polite, humble, grateful, good humoured and modest in their demeanours. As the Head of College, I reflected not only on the privilege it is to teach and form young men but also on the quality holistic education Marist Ashgrove is giving to boys. I firmly believe parents and families are the first and foremost educators of each boy; however, I proudly acknowledge, that in partnership with parents and families, Marist Ashgrove must be having a positive effect and hopefully, lasting legacy on the boys we teach. The returning Year 12 boys are testament to this.

The intelligent and prayerful Brother Michael Naughton (fms) is the author of our much-loved College prayer. In this prayer are many of the qualities and values that we aim to instil in the young men at Marist. Some of these include - possessing a strong and loving heart, courage to do what is right to yourself and others, unselfishness, generosity and kindness, despising what is petty, self-worth through a positive mindset and healthy ambition, setting noble goals and to always aim high and rise above mediocrity. Br Naughton’s prayer inspires and provides a guide for graduands, the boys at Marist, and for all of us, to follow.

Teach me, O Lord

to aim high,

and not be content with mediocrity;

to set my sights on noble goals;

to have a brave heart, a clear vision;

to prize the things that are worthwhile; to always have the courage

to choose what is right

to despise what is petty,

to shun all selfishness,

to have a heart that is strong and brave;

pure and happy,

docile yet courageous!

So that under your guidance

and with your grace

I may always and in all things

have a motto –

Viriliter Age

God of all creation, may each young man of Marist College Ashgrove walk through the gates on the last day as better people who radiate your goodness to the world. Amen.

Staff Spirituality Day

Next Monday 28 February, all staff at Marist College Ashgrove will be attending a spirituality in-service day. Such a day is essential to maintain the modern education and training required for all staff to teach, model and instruct in the religious instruction of the College. The spiritual development of each boy has always been a fundamental and central ingredient to a good Marist education.

On Monday, we welcome to this COVID-19 safe in-service, Fr Richard Lennon (SJ). Fr Richard, himself, is Queensland born. He is an Old Boy of St Mary’s College in Toowoomba and a Jesuit Priest. He is also an honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University. He directs the Australian Catholic Office of Film and Broadcasting, serves on juries at the Canes, Venice, Berlin, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Montreal, Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals, remains a visiting scholar and Professor at the University of Roma and UCLA, is an Australian author of 10 books, regularly publishes in the American Magazine, Eureka Street, US Catholic and The London Tablet and is a regular guest on ABC radio. Fr Richard will be addressing the staff on the topic of Catholic Identity: Jesus, Choosing and Mission. We very much look forward to this professional development, which, will no doubt, add life and skills to all staff for the benefit of your sons.

COVID-19 Update

Parents are reminded that if a member of your household has COVID-19, then all members of the family are to isolate for 7 days. Fellow parents and boys grow most upset when rules set by Government Health in this regard are dishonestly broken, leading to the health of other members of the Marist Family being placed in jeopardy. A close contact is not able to return to school, an event or compete in school sport for 7 days.

Each newsletter, I am presenting the latest data on the number of Marist College Ashgrove students and staff who have presented or rang the College with COVID-19 over the past week. Currently, there are 16 secondary day students, 9 primary day students, 2 boarding students and 3 staff members.

Parking and Road Rules around College Grounds

I would like to remind all members of our College community that the safety of our students and neighbours is paramount when travelling to and from the College. It has been bought to my attention that a few members of our College community are choosing to ignore the parking restrictions and road rules on the streets surrounding the College.

For your advice, I have been instructed that the council parking inspectors and Queensland Police have been informed and will start to patrol the external parameters of the College over the coming weeks and randomly into the future.

Shrove Tuesday

Next Tuesday, March 1 is Shrove Tuesday. This is the day prior to Ash Wednesday which commences the season of Lent, leading towards Holy Week and Easter Sunday. The word shrove derives from the word shrive which refers to the confession of sins as preparation for Lent. This day, (in many parts of the world) is celebrated with festivals prior to the austerity of the Lenten fast. Pancakes are a traditional food on this day - a sweet treat, using up all the eggs, sugar and fat prior to the fasting of Lent. Pancakes are traditional at Marist and this year, proceeds will go towards assisting those most in need worldwide through the charities Marist Solidarity, Caritas and Catholic Mission. We thank our Mission team led by Mr Luke McMahon for their organisation of this fun event for the boys.

End of Term Early Leave

All boys and their families are reminded that the school term ends on the last day as per the College calendar. In Term 1 the last day is Friday 1 April at 3:00pm. The only amendment permitted to this instruction is for boarding students who use this Friday as a travel day so as to commence their holiday at home on the same day as all other students. The staff are clear that my expectation is to teach your sons right up to and including the last day of term. This allows all exams, feedback, extension work and introductions to new topics to be completed. Boys that tell parents otherwise are incorrect. In anticipation of your co-operation in this matter, thank you.

Game Changers

Game changers is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program for students in Marist Schools throughout Australia from Years 7-12. This program has three ‘tracks’, each related to the concept of following a journey. These tracks are grounded in the stories of Jesus, Mary and St Marcellin Champagnat. Participating students follow a track for 2 years over their 6 years in Secondary. Track one: Le Rosey – enables students to form their identity and build community; Track 2: La Valla – students discern the concepts of Christian leadership and service; and Track 3: Hermitage – the group discerns the concepts of solidarity and vocation. The tracks include activities such as retreat days, leadership retreats, twilight retreats, solidarity camps and Marist youth gatherings. The program culminates in an exciting Regional and/or National Marist Youth Ministry Conference, COVID-19 permitting. This program is facilitated by Adam Burns from Marist Schools Australia, who works for two days at Marist College Ashgrove and three days as the Marist Youth Minister Regional Co-ordinator. To find out more, you are invited to contact Mr Adam Burns burnsa@marash.qld.edu.au.

The first meeting for 2022 for our Year 12 students is on Friday, 25th February during first break. New student members are most welcome to join this excellent program.

Old Boys’ Association Meeting

The Old Boys’ Association meets on the first Tuesday of each month during school term time. We thank the Old Boys for their continued support of Marist College Ashgrove through bursary fundraising for our boarding country students, publishing of the popular Ashgrovian magazine and organising various social events for Old Boys over the course of the year. I commend to you the Committee for 2022 as elected at last month’s AGM: Dom Melrose (President), Steve McAuliffe (Vice-President), Anthony Collins (Treasurer), Bret Ambrose (Secretary) and Tim Slack (Secretary). Congratulations committee members and best wishes in your work for the College and the boys throughout 2022.

2022 College Formal

Best wishes to our Year 12 boys who will be partaking in the College formal on Saturday 5 March at the Brisbane City Hall, COVID-19 permitting. I trust that this evening will be a special one to remember for all families and the boys’ partners. The evening will commence at 7:30pm and conclude by 11:00pm. A reminder that this is a College event and normal College rules are our expectation.

The safety of all boys and their partners is always prevalent in my mind on an occasion like this. Brisbane City Hall will be providing security to ensure that the rules and regulations regarding the Responsible Service of Alcohol are followed. This means that no alcohol is to be served or brought onto the premises regardless of whether a student or his partner is 18 years of age or older. Should students be caught with alcohol, or behaving in a manner that indicates intoxication, they will be removed from the function and expect the usual College consequences.

I remind all boys and parents, as this is a school event, the following expectations regarding any after formal events that may be planned:

Respectful relationships are paramount.
Whilst it is the responsibility of parents to decide what is in the best interests of their sons beyond school hours and/or College associated events, please be aware of the following with regards to pre and post formal parties: NO pre or post formal or ‘gathering’ is supported by Marist College Ashgrove. The College, therefore, does not in any way accept responsibility for functions prior to or following formals. The name of the College must not appear on invitations, nor be used to imply functions are in any way sanctioned by the College. Parents who choose to organise and provide such a non-sanctioned gathering, bear the responsibility associated with the function and accountability for unwelcome attendees or outcomes. If your decision, as parents, is to hold a party for your son, I suggest you become familiar with and informed through using the Australian Drug Foundation website on hosting parties: www.adf.org.au
Parents are reminded that under the Liquor Act (1992), section 156A (1): an adult must not supply liquor to a minor at a private place unless the adult is a responsible adult for the minor. You could face court and be fined a maximum penalty of $10,444.00.
As always Marist College Ashgrove boys and their partners are reminded that, under no circumstances, are they to bring the College name into disrepute. It is assumed all invitees behave in an appropriate manner before, during and after the formal celebrations.

The boys have been made aware of this information during a Year 12 assembly prior.

I trust that the 2022 Marist College Ashgrove Formal is a positive and appreciated experience for boys and all families. I particularly thank Mr Peter Serone (Head of Students), his Personal Assistant Mrs Kelly Byrnes and Mrs Ellen Kassulke for their organisation of this event. Further, I am grateful to the members of the College Leadership Team, Heads of House and other staff who have generously given their time to prepare the boys and supervise on the night.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.