From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

‘I’ to ‘We’

When shopping today in our materialistic world, you may be led to believe that life is all about ‘me’. Advertisement slogans like: "Myer: My Store”, “you deserve it”, “because I like it like that”, “I don’t care, I like it”, and so on, reaffirm this belief. As consumers, it is all about spoiling oneself, satisfying ‘my’ needs and wants, and thinking and looking after ‘me’. Our modern digital world has continued this sentiment with its individualistic trend of devices named the iPad, iPhone, iPod – ‘i’ as in mine, my property, mine to personally use, to be driven by and to function at my will.

We could be lead to believe that our use of such devices like iPods, iPads and even iPhones opens us up to a more shared and communal experience through the use of various platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Yet, although our use of modern IT devices is very much shared, this use does not always reflect generosity or love of others. We use modern devices to share our experiences - the latest holiday we have been on, our achievements and so on. Yet, often our shared experiences can be contrived, boastful and for our own recognition and affirmation. So, although modern technology through shared social platforms seems to have made us more 'we' focused, in actual fact, it still reflects the 'I' and 'me' sentiment of modern society.

Our Christian Lenten message very much contradicts this message of today's consumeristic world. As this Sunday’s Gospel espouses (John 3:14-21), we are called to the light and hope of the death and resurrection of Christ. As Christians, we are challenged to die to ourselves every day so as to give light, life and love to others. To love, requires us to open ourselves to another, surrendering, giving to and forgiving one another. It is certainly not about ‘treating’ or ‘spoiling’ ourselves simply because “I like it” or “I deserve it” and it is not about using my 'I' technologies for my own individual interests. Rather, the challenge is about bringing the light of Christ to others through our thoughtlessness, empathy, sincere compassion and the love we radiate towards our sister and brother – and it is less complicated and a lot cheaper to buy.

This Lenten period, may we as members of the Marist family, be altruistic in our outlook, living our lives for, with and through others. In the spirit of the Gospels, may we be a role model of love and generosity and a reflection of Jesus. Amen.

Religious Education Staff Inservice

On Monday, all staff at the College spent the day in spiritual study and reflection. We were challenged to take up Pope Francis’ invitation to become guardians of creation and indeed all members of our human family...“guardians of creation and of our brothers and sisters” (Pope Francis – Fratelli Tutti). We were reminded of God’s desire for us all to live in communion - the call denouncing from fear and introspection and moving towards a renewed realisation of the importance of unity and human fraternity, and the call to live each day with the Holy Spirit continuously empowering us, breathing the glory and goodness of God into our every moment. An important challenge to all staff. At Marist Ashgrove, all staff have an expectation to complete 5 hours of study and reflection per year or 10 hours for those who teach Religious Education classes. The spiritual development of your son is a top priority of the College, enabling staff to be fully educated and prepared to provide a full and holistic education. I thank Mr Luke McMahon (Head of Mission), Mrs Mena Mc Clean (College Chaplain) and his staff for preparing this day and Marist Schools Australia for their facilitation.

Consent Education Progresses

I have been most grateful for the numerous emails and discussions from parents around my reflection piece on the important topic of consent and respectful relationship education last week. This follows on from further discussion with my colleagues. The week has also incorporated much discussion with many of my Principal colleagues, with the result being an announcement by the Minister for Education, Industrial Relations and Racing, The Honourable Grace Grace on the establishment of a working party across Independent, Catholic and State Education sectors and including Parent & Friends, students and wider school communities, to explore whether the current Australian curriculum and respectful relationships education adequately addresses all issues, including consent and reporting. Minister Grace Grace stated that, “It is a responsibility of parents, carers and society more broadly to educate and support young people in addressing issues of sexual harassment, assault and consent.” Marist College Ashgrove looks forward to being a part of these important discussions into the future with our partner schools, parent bodies, students and communities. Further to last week’s article, the College has examined its units on “informed conscience decision making” in Religious Education classes to further address the area of consent and are examining other suitable programs and resources for all year levels on right relationships. Be assured that reviews will continue into the future on this important topic of education for our boys.

Term 1 Sport

The Term 1 sport season concluded with games versus St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe. Congratulations to the 1st VI Volleyball team who were Undefeated Champions. Further, our Volleyballers won the aggregate Schools Competition, the first time since 2005. Well done also to our Primary and Secondary Swimming teams who were runners-up and our 1st XI Cricket team, also Runners-up. The 1st XVIII AFL team finished in third place. Both the cricket and AFL were placed 3rd in the aggregate School Competition. My thanks go to all our coaches and managers and the efforts of our parent supporters who were the best! Finally, I thank our Sports Co-ordinators: Swimming – Mrs Catherine Gerathy, Cricket – Brendan Furdek, Volleyball – Adam Knight and AFL – Brett Gillett, and Mr Luke Caplick (Head of Sport) who organised and facilitated a great season. Well done, Marist. Now we look forward to Rugby Union, Football and Cross Country.

Year 7 and 8 Rush Dance

The annual Year 7 and 8 Rush Dance will be held this Friday 19 March in the College Gym. The dance commences at 6:00pm and concludes at 9:30pm. This dance forms a major fundraiser for our Lenten Appeal. I thank all the staff who will generously supervise this event and to the Rush Head of House, Mr Adam Knight. This is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to demonstrate good manners and respect towards our invited guests and to socialise, have fun and meet girls from our neighbouring colleges. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Year 8 Pastoral Days

On Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 March, our Year 8 boys will head to Mt Cootha for their annual pastoral days. The boys partake in the Kokoda Trail Character Builders Program. This programme develops in the boys a sense of teamwork, resilience and character-building whilst building house identity and friendships. Thank you to Mr Peter Serone (Head of Students) and supporting staff for their organisation and facilitation of these pastoral development days for the boys.

Year 7 Parent Function

This Friday 19 March the Parents & Friends have organised a social get-together for all parents in Year 7. The evening will be held at the Tower and will commence at 6:30pm, concluding by 9:30pm. This is a wonderful social event for both new and existing parents at the College to meet other Year 7 parents and enjoy the hospitality of the Parents & Friends Association. Drinks and nibbles will be served. Thanks are extended to the Parents & Friends Committee led by President Mr Jim Gordon. Do come along on Friday night and enjoy the evening together. I look forward to meeting many Year 7 parents on Friday evening.

Senior Exam Block

Best wishes to our Year 10 and 12 students who will be undertaking their Term 1 examinations from Monday 22 – Friday 26 March. The boys are able to study from home and return to complete their exams in full academic attire. At the conclusion of exams, the boys are to travel directly home. These examinations are a culmination of the unit studies completed in Term 1. The grades achieved form an important result which will be published in the boy's reports and will go towards their final grades achieved for their individual ATAR and QCE. I wish all boys the best of luck with their studies leading to these exams. Parents, please make sure your son is well rested and has a good breakfast prior to undertaking these examinations. My thanks are extended to all teachers who have prepared the boys and who have set, organised and will correct all their papers. Good luck, gentlemen.

Year 5 & 6 Learning Events

The Year 5 Musical will take place next Thursday evening in the Draney Theatre. Many thanks to Andrew Butt and the rest of the Music Department for all their hard work in preparing the boys. I look forward to meeting many parents at this exciting event. Best wishes to our Year 6 boys who will be visiting State Parliament House on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 March. This will no doubt be a fruitful learning experience for you all. A reminder that all Year 5 and 6 boys are invited to join Chess lessons which occur each Monday at 7:15am. This will be held in the Primary Computer Room. These are three great opportunities for the boys and their learning. My thanks are extended to Mrs Jen Little (Primary Learning Leader) and Mr Liam Beatty (Head of Primary) for their leadership of these activities for the boys.

Queensland Sporting Representation

Congratulations to Jackson Grounds who has been selected for the Queensland School Sport 14-18 years Baseball state team. Well done to Sam Wilcox (Year 9) who was selected in the Queensland U14 Boys Softball Squad to compete in Lismore during Easter. Finally, congratulations go to Matthew Magnussen (Year 12) and Jack Goyen (Year 12) who have been chosen for the Olympic trials. Well done boys on these outstanding Queensland sporting representative honours.

(L-R) Jack Goyen, Matthew Magnussen, Jackson Grounds, Sam Wilcox

Coming Events

Wednesday 17 March

College Mass (Special invite to Rush House) – 8:00am

Thursday 18 March

Year 8 Pastoral Day – Mt. Coot-tha – 8:30am to 2:45pm

Friday 19 March

Year 7 & 8 Rush Dance – Gym – 6:00pm
Year 7 Parent Function – Tower Function Room - 6.30pm

Saturday 13 March

Rugby/Football Trials

Sunday 14 March

Boarders’ Mass (Parent COVID Restrictions) – College Chapel – Years 8, 10, and 11 – 5:30pm
Boarders’ Mass (Parent COVID Restrictions) – College Chapel – Years 7, 9 and 12 – 6:20pm

Monday 22 March