From the Head of College

From the Head of College

This week, I want to echo a powerful message shared recently by Michael Blake, Headmaster of St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill in Sydney. His message to the young men at Joey's – that every person has an inherent dignity and that every woman should be safer because they are there – speaks directly to our mission at Marist College Ashgrove. 

Our boys, from Year 5 to Year 12, are growing up in a world where respect, consent and integrity matter more than ever. Being a Marist man isn't just about avoiding poor behaviour; it's about stepping in, speaking up and shutting down comments or actions that diminish others. It's about choosing what is right, even when it's difficult. 

As a father of four daughters, this message is personal. I want my daughters to move through the world with confidence, not fear. I want them to encounter men, including Marist men, who make spaces safer, kinder and more respectful simply by the way they carry themselves. And I want our boys to understand that their strength is not measured in bravado, but in their capacity to protect, uplift and honour the dignity of others.

Culture doesn't change because we talk about it. It changes when our boys intentionally decide the kind of men they want to become and hold themselves to a higher standard. 

So, the message to the young men of Marist: set your standard high. Live it every day. Be the young man who makes others safer, who stands up when it matters, and who shows, through quiet, consistent actions, what it truly means to be a Marist man!  

If you wish to read Mr Blake's speech in full, you can access it here: 

As we move into Week 9, there is a great deal happening across our great College. It is a busy and important time for many of our students, while also providing opportunities for our community to come together in celebration, reflection and support of one another.

Best Wishes to Our Senior Students

This week marks an important milestone for both our Year 12 and Year 11 students as they commence their Trial External Examinations and Examination Block respectively.

For our Year 12 students, the week provides an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge, skills and habits they have developed throughout their final year at Marist. While these examinations are an important step towards the QCAA External Examinations later this term, they are also a valuable chance for students to build confidence and gain further experience under examination conditions.

Our Year 11 students also begin a significant assessment period. These examinations provide an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and continue developing the resilience, organisation and study habits that will serve them well as they move towards their senior final year.

To all students undertaking examinations this week, I encourage you to trust in your preparation, approach each challenge with confidence and simply focus on doing your best. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers and wish you every success.

I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated teaching and support staff, whose guidance, encouragement and commitment have supported our young men throughout the year. Thank you for the care and expertise you invest in our students each day.

R U OK? Day

This Thursday, our College community will recognise R U OK? Day, an important reminder of the power of simple, genuine human connection.

At Marist, we strive to create a culture where every person feels known, valued and supported. Taking the time to check in with a friend, classmate, colleague or family member can make a significant difference. Often, the simple question, "Are you OK?" can open the door to an important conversation and remind someone that they are not alone.

I encourage all members of our community to take a moment this week to reach out to others, listen with care and continue building the culture of belonging that sits at the heart of our Marist community.

Year 9 Camp - Noosa North Shore

Today I have the privilege of joining our Year 9 students at Noosa North Shore and experiencing camp alongside them. It has been wonderful to see firsthand the enthusiasm, resilience and camaraderie that have been such strong features of the week.

Camp provides our boys with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, strengthen friendships and develop important life skills. The positive attitude and spirit displayed by our students is a credit to them and reflects the values we strive to foster at Marist.

My thanks go to the staff for their dedication and care in making this experience possible. I look forward to hearing more about the boys' adventures and achievements as the camp continues. 

Tower Art Show

This weekend sees the return of one of the College's most anticipated community events, the Tower Art Show, from 11-13 September.

The Tower Art Show has become a wonderful celebration of creativity, community and connection. Whether you are an experienced art collector, someone with a passion for the arts, or simply looking for an enjoyable event to attend with family and friends, there is something for everyone.

From the Opening Night Gala and Zac Moynihan's Landscape Art Class to the relaxed atmosphere of In the Courtyard, the weekend promises a fantastic program of events and the opportunity to support both local artists and the College community.

I warmly encourage members of our Marist family to come along and be part of what is sure to be another memorable weekend on campus. We look forward to welcoming you.

Celebrating Our Marist Brothers

This Sunday, we acknowledge the Marist Brothers' Jubilee Mass and Lunch, a special occasion that recognises the remarkable service and dedication of Brothers celebrating significant milestones in their religious life.

Many of these men have devoted 60 years or more to the Marist mission, dedicating their lives to Catholic education and to the formation of young people. Their faith-filled witness, leadership and commitment have shaped generations of students and families, including countless members of the Marist College Ashgrove community.

The influence of the Marist Brothers is deeply woven into the story of our College. As we celebrate these Jubilees, we give thanks for their lifelong service and the enduring legacy they continue to leave within our Marist family.

Hockey Premiership Success

Congratulations to our First XI Hockey team, who were crowned premiers following their outstanding 9-6 Grand Final victory over St Edmund's College last week.

It was a tremendous performance by the team, reflecting the hard work, commitment and teamwork that have characterised their season. To achieve success on the biggest stage is a wonderful reward for the effort the players have invested throughout the year.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Coach Isaac Pratt, Kathryn Badini and everyone involved in supporting the Hockey program. Success like this is only possible through the collective contribution of coaches, staff, families and volunteers who generously invest their time and expertise in our young men.

Thank you also to the many students, parents and supporters who backed the team throughout the season and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere at the Grand Final.

Congratulations, gentlemen. You have represented Marist with pride and distinction, and we are incredibly proud of your achievement.

Marist Long Lunch

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended and supported the Marist Long Lunch on Saturday.

With beautiful weather and an outstanding sense of community throughout the afternoon, it was a wonderful opportunity to bring together parents, staff, Old Boys and friends of the College in support of Marist College Ashgrove and our future.

Events such as the Long Lunch remind us that our College is about much more than buildings and facilities. They strengthen the relationships, friendships and sense of belonging that make our community so special. At the same time, the generosity shown on the day will contribute to the continued renewal and enhancement of our campus as we continue to build towards an exciting future for our students.

My sincere thanks to Sophie Tuffley, the Events Team, the Services Team and the many staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver such a successful event. Thank you also to Superfry'd for providing fantastic entertainment throughout the afternoon, with a special mention to Marist mum and staff member Marie Bond, whose talent and enthusiasm helped create such a vibrant atmosphere.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. Your generosity, support and commitment to the College are deeply appreciated.

Thanks everyone, all the best for the week ahead, Paul 

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 8 September

• Year 9 Camp - continues
• Years 7, 8 and 10 Exam Block - continues
• Year 11 Exam Block - starts
• Year 12 Trial Externals - start
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 9 September

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly - cancelled (Extended Pastoral Group)
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

   

Thursday 10 September

• R U OK Day
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• AIC Practice Meet #3
• AIC Track and Field Meet #3 - 3:00pm – 8:00pm

• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

   

Friday 11 September

• Year 9 Recovery Day
• Tower Art Show - starts
• Primary Morning Study
• AIC Basketball Primary Round 7 v Padua College - 4:00pm

• Year 12 Japanese Dinner - Shabu House - 5:00pm

   

Saturday 12 September

• AIC Round 7 v Padua College

   

Sunday 13 September

• Brothers' Jubilee Celebration

• Boarders' Mass

   

Monday 14 September

• Year 12 Trial Exams - continue
• Year 11 Exam Block - continues
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings
• Environment Group Meeting

• Photos: Term 3 1st Teams and Term 3 Catch Up - Break 1

   

Tuesday 15 September

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 16 September

• Year 10 Work Experience - starts
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly - cancelled (Extended Pastoral Group)
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• AIC Practice Meet #4
• AIC Track and Field Meet #4 - 3:00pm – 8:00pm
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• Year 7 Short Film Screening - 5:00pm – 7:00pm

   

Thursday 17 September

• AIC Track and Field Camp - starts
• Basketball CBSQ Open - starts
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• School Liturgy - Grandstand
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

• Soiree - 6:00pm – 9:00pm

   

Friday 18 September

• Student Free Day
• Staff Day
• Sony Camp - starts