Primary News

Yesterday our entire College staff gathered for a Staff Formation Day focused on our theme for the year Breathe: The Spirit of Life. The day, which is part of a formation program for all Marist schools in Australia, provided a reminder to our staff that we are all connected as Marists and that it is our mission to follow in the footsteps of St Marcellin to make Jesus known and loved to our boys. In alignment to our theme, it also provided us with an opportunity to simply breathe. As we enter Week 8 of a very busy Term 1, I invite each of our families to take some time out of their day to simply stop and breathe. 

‘The Spirit of God has made me; the breathe of the almighty gives me life.’

Job 33:3-4

Lenten Fund Day and Easter Raffle

Last Friday the College was full of life as we celebrated our Lenten Fund Day. It was great to see the students show their support for this important fundraising initiative by wearing free-dress and supporting the food stalls and games. Additionally, I would like to thank all Primary families for their generous contribution to our Easter Raffle. We look forward to raffling off these hampers next week.

Year 6 Leadership Day 

I would like to congratulate all Year 6 boys who gathered at the Marist Centre for our leadership afternoon last Friday. The afternoon provided each of the boys an opportunity to learn more about Marist leadership and our expectations for our Primary Leaders for 2021. As a group we discussed the qualities of good leaders and gave the boys times to reflect on their own qualities as leaders. Although it is not possible for all the students to be selected as one of our five Primary Leaders, I am extremely confident that the Primary is in safe hands under the leadership of all these young men in 2021. My sincere thanks to Mena McLean (Campus Minister) and Michael Connolly (Pastoral Leader) for all their efforts in putting together this afternoon for the boys.

Term 1 Sport

Last weekend saw our final round of AIC competition for our cricket and AFL players. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all boys for representing the College with pride during Term 1. A big thank you, of course, to all the parents and coaches for organizing the boys each week. It would be amiss of me not to mention the significant leadership of John Lambourne who coordinated the participation of almost 300 Primary boys in a variety of different sports. Trials for rugby and football have already commenced and I encourage you to take the opportunity to read the Primary Sport section of this newsletter and to check the app for important information.

Winter Uniform

As we come towards the end of Term 1, I would like to take this opportunity to remind families that students will return in Term 2 in their winter uniform. This may be a timely reminder to see that your son still fits into their uniform from last year or, if you are new to the College, a reminder to ensure your son has the correct uniform.

Year 5 Musical

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 for what I’m sure will be a great event. Important information regarding the event has been sent to all Year 5 families. 

Year 6 Parliament House 

Next week our Year 6 students will visit Parliament House as part of their studies in Humanities and Social Sciences. This will be a great opportunity for the boys who have been immersed in learning about federation and our democratic processes. 

Debating and Public Speaking Competition

Marist have been invited to participate in an interschool debating and public speaking competition at St Laurence’s College in Term 2. The competition will run fortnightly from 6:30pm-7:30pm. There will be two Year 6 teams for Debating and ten Year 5 boys for Public Speaking. Any students interested will need to be committed to lunchtime meetings and preparation at home for three debates or presentations. More information will be given in Term 2. An expression of interest form can be completed here . Students who have any questions can see Mrs Garton (Public Speaking) or Miss Brown (Debating).

Save the Dates

A reminder that our Primary Swimming Carnival will take place next Friday 26 March.

One of the many highlights of Term 2 is that our Year 5 and 6 students will participate in their respective camps. Please note the following dates in your calendars, more information will be sent out closer to the dates.

• Friday 30 April – Year 6 Day Camp at Emu Gully
• Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 May – Year 5 Camp to Tallebudgera Outdoor Education Centre.

Reoccurring Primary Activities – Term 1

Sport Update

Around the Grounds

Years 5&6 Results - Term 1 Results 2021

Years 5&6 Results - AFL Round 7 vs SPC

Years 5&6 Results - Cricket Round 7 vs SPC

Term 2 Sport 

• All matches are played Saturday mornings, training will be one afternoon and one-morning session each week.
• Boys require; Jersey, shorts and socks - available from the College Uniform Shop
  Boys also require: rugby boots and mouthguard or football: boots and shin pads

Primary Colour Swimming Carnival

• The Years 5&6 Colour Swimming Carnival will take place Friday 26 March at the College Swimming Pool, parents are welcome to attend.
• Each boy will be expected to swim 50 metres freestyle and 50 metres breaststroke, as well as participate in a range of novelty events.
• All that is asked of each boy is that he participates to the best of his ability.

Cross Country

Cross country training: boys meet at the pool, 6:30am for a 6:45am start.

Boys are encouraged to attend at least two sessions per week, 1 A session and 1 B session. 

Term 1 sports take priority over any Term 2 preparations. If there is a clash, students are expected to maintain their commitments to their Term 1 sport.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos - Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.