Primary School News

Determination to the End

Over two days late last week, our Year 5 and Year 6 athletes attended the AIC Track and Field Championships being held at QSAC, where they competed against the other eight AIC Primary Schools vying for the title of Champion Primary School for 2025. After Thursday’s competition, the Marist boys were in the lead by the narrowest of margins, a mere seven points to Iona College. I am sure there were some nervous athletes heading off to bed on Thursday night!

I was fortunate to attend Friday’s competition and watched in awe as not just the Primary boys, but the whole squad of Marist athletes showcased their talents to those in attendance. I positioned myself at the finish line for the 100m sprints and felt privileged to be present to watch event after event where the boys’ determination, drive and their ‘leave it all out there’ attitude saw many close finishes decided in their favour. Race after race, I saw boys pushing themselves to their limits, not only for themselves but for their team, their coaches and their school. I saw boys succumb to injury and our reserves nervously, yet excitedly, accept the invitation to run on the day.  These boys too did a great job for their team. For their tireless efforts in the lead up to the Championships, the athletes and the coaches were rewarded with a history-making day by winning every age group to be crowned Champions in both the Secondary and Primary competitions. Congratulations to everyone connected with the Track and Field season, you should all take a bow!

As we move into Week 2 of our final term, we are reminded of the power of effort, and determination in all that our students strive for. Friday’s carnival was a powerful example to all students of what it means to finish well and not pull up before the finish line. Our athletes didn’t give up when things got tough. They pushed through fatigue, stayed focused, and supported one another until the very last event. Their commitment to giving their best, no matter the challenge, is a reflection of the Marist Characteristic of Love of Work - a value that calls us to approach every task with purpose, pride, and perseverance.

As a Primary community, may we continue to support one another, strive for excellence, and live In the Way of Mary - with quiet courage, compassion, and a heart full of hope.

Have a great Week 2.

Year 6 Mass

A reminder that our Year 6 boys will celebrate Mass this Wednesday morning, starting at 8am. This is the final time that they will get to gather as Primary students in our Chapel to participate in the Mass. I have asked all Year 6 boys to be at school by 7:50 am so that they can walk down to the Chapel together. Thanks for your support with this.

Primary Access Update

Please note: due to maintenance work on the main Primary stairwell, access to classrooms in the SMC will be via the air bridge until further notice.

Brisbane Writer’s Festival 2025 – Mrs Robyn Brown and Mrs Meaghan Round 

The library staff had the pleasure of taking a group of students to attend Word Play, the educational program which forms a part of the Brisbane Writers Festival. The festival was held at the Brisbane Powerhouse. The boys were inspired by some of Australia’s most beloved authors - Sophie Beer, Craig Silvey, and Andy Griffiths.

Each author brought their own spark to the day. Sophie Beer shared her passion for creating bright, funny books for young people which centre on equality, inclusion and kindness. Craig Silvey spoke about the power of empathy and imagination in his novels, while Andy Griffiths had everyone laughing as he described how everyday ideas can grow into wild and creative adventures.

The boys enjoyed a couple of short breaks outside in the fresh air with their lunch in New Farm Park. They were beautifully behaved and did us proud with both their perfect manners and poignant questions to the authors. 

Events like this nurture a lifelong love of reading, something we are proud to see growing stronger in our students every day. Reading is a way to explore new worlds, think deeply, and connect with others.

Primary Sport Update

Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)

AIC Track & Field Championships

Marist Primary once again dominated at the AIC Track and Field Championships, winning the Primary Aggregate Trophy for the fifth consecutive year. In a clean sweep, both Year 5 and Year 6 also secured their respective age group trophies, reflecting the incredible talent and teamwork across the program.

It was a well-deserved victory and a fitting reward for the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by so many boys throughout the season. The entire squad performed outstandingly across both days of competition.

A standout moment came when Aaron Doyle set a new AIC record in the Year 6 100m, an achievement that highlighted both his speed and composure on the big stage.

This remarkable success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and their coaches. Special thanks go to Head Coach Robin Martin, Mr. Richard Graham, coaches Ms. Molly Kier and Mr Anthony Sharp, whose leadership and commitment have been integral to the team's achievements.

Top 3 Place Getters

Year 5

Year 6

Results

Marist Primary Sport | AIC Touch Tournament

Friday, 24 October

St Eugene's Park - Iona College, North Rd., Lindum

2:00 - 6:00pm

All boys are welcome to trial

Places are limited - Marist Primary will be entering 1 x Year 5 team and 1 x Year 6 team

Trials

Wednesday, 15 October - 3:30 - 4:45pm

Training

Wednesday, 22 October - 3:30 - 4:45pm

TournamentFriday, 24 October - 2:00 - 6:00pm

Bus will depart Marist @ 12:30pm

Marist Rugby Union | U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Following this year’s successful participation, we are excited to announce that Marist College Ashgrove has again registered for a place in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival for U12s on April 18 and 19, 2026.  

The carnival is a significant event in the junior rugby calendar, and as per carnival rules, we are looking forward to selecting a strong team of 20 students to represent the College. To ensure ample preparation for families, and also for the staff and students, team selection will take place in Term 4, 2024, with training and trials scheduled for Week 2 - 5.

Due to the carnival being an age group event and not a year level event, and the urgency to start organising, we will be selecting a team based on the below criteria -

Please note, to be eligible: 

• Students must be born in 2014 
• Students must be enrolled at the College in 2025 

Given the popularity of the carnival and based on advice from the organisers and schools who are regular participants, we have been told that accommodation will need to be secured ASAP. Students will be required to travel to Armidale and stay with their own families, and early team selection will allow time for planning and organisation. Along with the 20 students selected, an additional 3-5 students will be named as standbys which I understand is a difficult scenario for those involved. 

 For those interested in participating, please go to Parent Portal > Extra Curricular > XV Rugby > U12 and register your interest. 

We understand the challenge of organising planning so far out from the event and the challenges with team selection amidst Term 1 AIC sports preparations, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions will recommence Wednesday, 15 October and will continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2026.

Year 5 (2026): Training starts on Wednesday, 15 October, and will continue Wednesday, 22 October and Wednesday, 29 October and then Monday and Wednesday afternoons, from Monday, 2 November for the remainder of Term 4.

Year 6 (2026): Training begins on Wednesday, 15 October, with sessions on Wednesday (PM) and Friday (AM).

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2025

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

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