Boarding News

Last weekend was a busy one for the boarders at Marist College Ashgrove. How good was it to have much of the AIC Sport back after the effects of the cyclone. We also had the Blue and Gold Concert which was attended by all the Year 9 boarders who supported many of their schoolmates performing in this great event. Over the weekend, the boarders enjoyed outings to Eat Street at Hamilton as well as Bounce which is a popular trampolining centre. This is in addition to the pool, weights room and basketball courts being opened over the weekend. Another new addition this year has been the Saturday “top-ups” which is a basic fitness activity led by Blair Whitlock and is attended by all boarders not playing a sport on Saturday morning. You’d think the boarders would be reluctant to attend this weekly activity, but full credit to the staff for making it fun and competitive. The majority of the boys get right into it.

Another noteworthy event last Saturday was a rugby clinic held at Marist for juniors from the Dalby Wheatmen and the Goondiwindi Emus. We had well over 100 young boys and girls participating in what was a highly successful event for the College. My thanks are extended to Richard Graham who led the clinic, along with Anthony Graham, Ty Casey, Pat Noble and Michael Jones who assisted with coaching. Thanks also to the Open Blue Squad boys in Years 11 and 12 who joined in the rugby activities with the younger kids and encouraged them to do their best and enjoy the experience. It was a great collaboration between the Boarding, Rugby, Marketing and Enrolments teams to pull together a fantastic event and extend some great hospitality to our visitors.

Parents and guardians have hopefully seen that the schedule of exams has been pushed to later this term due to the days lost with the cyclone. A reminder to all that Marist students are not permitted to sit exams early (before their scheduled time) and all assignments must be completed before heading home for the Easter holidays. With a little over two weeks to go until the end of term, I’m asking for the support of all families to ensure your son completes all assessments before departing for the holidays.

Another significant event for boarders is coming up on Sunday 30 March – the Boarding Schools Touch Football Tournament which we host each year. This event brings together boys and girls from boarding schools all over South-East Queensland and many of our boarders really look forward to this event. Whilst the touch football is competitive, the best part is seeing our boarders catching up with lots of friends they know from home and witnessing the community that is so strong in boarding schools.

Boarding Recreation - Mr Blair Whitlock

After a quiet couple of weeks, it was great to get back into the swing of rec in Week 7. On Friday night we had a group head down to the Vic Park Range for some golf with James Milasis monster 273-metre shot winning the long drive competition. Back at Marist, the younger boys enjoyed an hour in the gym and some Friday night footy while 26 of our Years 10-12 boarders got an extra weights session in ahead of the weekend.

On Saturday morning all of the Years 6-9 boarders that aren’t playing AIC sport headed down to the weights room for a HIIT circuit workout before a few hill runs by the Draney stairs. It’s been a great addition to Saturday mornings and a positive way for the boys not playing official sport to keep their fitness ticking over – especially with Football and Rugby season around the corner. The boys donned their uniforms at midday to support the 1st VI Volleyballers have a strong win over Villanova College before heading down to the pool for an afternoon swim. Later that evening a group of 20 boys jumped on the bus as we headed out to Eat Street for some delicious treats! It’s always interesting to see what the boys find and there was no shortage of creativity during this visit!

Sunday started with a walk up the road to Mater Dei for morning Mass. Meanwhile a group of Years 11-12 Rugby players headed over to Everton Park for the internal 1st/2nd XV trial match with our very own Archie Greenaway, Ted Cuddihy, Joey Sullivan and Toby Dyer helping out as ball boys. An early afternoon dip in the pool led to a trip out to the Bounce trampoline park in Tingalpa. This was a postponed activity from the cyclone and the boys had a great time perfecting (attempting) various types of flips and slam dunks throughout the hour! Another hour in the weights room rounded out the weekend rec as we are somehow heading into Week 8 of term!