From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping

At Marist College Ashgrove, all forms of drugs are prohibited. In fact, we maintain the status quo with the law in banning all alcohol, vapes and drugs at Marist. In this regard, we are aware of the pressures upon families and young people today. This world of drugs, vaping and alcohol is changing rapidly with the knowledge obtained by young people through social media platforms. In response, Marist College Ashgrove continues to educate all our young people and parents in this area.

On Thursday evening, Marist College Ashgrove held a parent forum with Paul Dillion. This followed Paul’s annual address to the Years 10, 11 & 12 Marist students throughout the day. Paul is the founder of Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (Darta). He speaks to schools, parents, sporting associations, and the media regularly throughout any given year. Paul’s research is always up-to-date and refined, providing Australians with the knowledge to confront some of the difficult issues relating to drugs, vaping and alcohol in Australia today. Paul has a website (darta.net.au) and can be communicated with through various social media networks. He also undertakes podcasts for parents. I highly recommend these to all parents as you navigate these difficult conversations and challenges with your children.

Some relatively new information presented to the boys and parents at this year’s presentation included (all of which your son can access on TikTok) -

Vapes can contain many forms of liquid nicotine and drugs. Most drugs can come in liquid form.
Vapes can come in various disguised forms including and not limited to - lip balm, smart watches, pens, cup holders and ear pods.
Penjamins are a vape which looks and works like a pen. It also doubles as a vape of cannabis.
“Pouches” (look like chewing gum) are illegal to be bought and sold in Australia but can be obtained easily by young people, including in Brisbane. Pouches are placed between a person’s lip and gum (orally) where they are absorbed through the mucous membrane and thus entering the bloodstream. Pouches can contain drugs.
Zyns are a pouch which contains nicotine. They can have between 2-50 mg of nicotine in each pouch. The lowest grade strength pouches are the equivalent to smoking one cigarette, stronger (9-11mg) the equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes at once and up to 50mg (which can lead to an overdose). Zyns can contain flavourings like cool mint, apple and coffee.
Australia presently has a court case of driving under the influence of a nicotine overdose causing an accident.

Through his extensive experience, Paul goes on to advise parents to remain strong and steadfast with their children when it comes to permissions to attend gatherings, parties and the like - “Know where your child is going, know who they are going with, set time limits and pick them up.” Paul has regularly shared the same message to all parents when it comes to allowing young people alcohol. His message is clear - “delay, delay, delay.” He also spoke about how young people know exactly when to ask parents for permission – knowing their vulnerabilities and who might be the weakest parental link (mum or dad) and even when to ask – e.g. “asking the most distracted or generous parent when they are on the phone to family and best friends on a Friday night.”

I highly recommend Paul Dillon’s website and social media videos and communications to all parents.

I conclude with this Sunday’s Gospel, where the disciples asked Jesus – “Teach us to Pray.”

Jesus replied, “say this when you pray” –

Father, may your name be held holy,

Your kingdom come;

Give us each day our daily bread,

And forgive us our sins,

For we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us,

And do not put us to the test. (Luke 11:1-13)

Long Lunch

A huge thank you to all who attended the Long Lunch on Saturday – over 1000 people! Despite the rain which hit in the second half of the luncheon - at 2.15pm, the afternoon continued with good spirit and vibrancy – thank you! This sold-out event was a testament to the enduring Marist spirit, with guests enjoying delicious food, warm company, and a joyful atmosphere under the shelter of marquees and umbrellas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible Marist College Events team led by Bethany Halpin, Sophie Tuffley, Dane Rowe, Josh Berg, and Brendan Janson from Services, Bar Crew - Damien Zoomers, Corey Robinson, Sharon Hockaday, Holly Stevenson, Jen McNamara, Sam Marsh, Alicia Lee and Kirsty Payne and the Front of House team. A big thank you to Anna Nasr for selling raffle tickets on the day. Thank you all for your dedication and tireless efforts to ensure the event’s success, despite the weather. Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Aether Brewing, Bloom PR, Calibre Real Estate, Meat at Billy’s, Oatley Wine, River City Wholesale Liquor, Rufus King Seafoods, Skin at Bardon, Studio Pilates Ashgrove and Warehouse 25. The Long Lunch was a wonderful celebration of connection, support and goodwill – many thanks, Marist!

Marist Card Games Day

We welcome to the college our Marist friends to the term 3 Games Day. Facilitated by the Marist College Parents and Friends, this is an opportunity to bring together friends to enjoy a day of playing cards e.g, Bridge, Mahjong, Scrabble and other board games while enjoying together a cuppa, morning tea and lunch. This Games Day will be held on Wednesday 30th July in the Cyprian Pavillion. If you have an interest in inviting someone to attend a future Games Day, please email: CardDayPandF@marash.qld.edu.au. My thanks are extended to Sue Hartifel and Anne Rainbow and their volunteers for their organisation and facilitation of such an enjoyable day for the attendees.

Mission Activities

Marist College Ashgrove has a vibrant and generous Mission team who provide many opportunities for our boys in the form of spiritual, liturgical and social justice type activities. This week alone the boys will be involved in – Year 7 visits to the elderly at the Paddington Community Centre, Year 7 & 8 Game Changers, Slattery House Mass, Year 11 & 12 Rosies Outreach for the homeless, Environmental Free Dress Day where all proceeds go to Stationary Aide and the new college environmental initiative – the Worm Farm, Luminous Lantern Parade at Southbank, Marist Connect and Year 11 class masses. We are very grateful to our professional and generous Mission team of Mrs Anna Nasr, Mrs Clare Locke, Mrs Jenna Harding and Mr Mikael Pitot who continue to provide wonderful opportunities for the boys. Best wishes gentlemen as you continue to serve those most in need and to clock up your MATES hours which is to be commended.

RACQ Driver Education

Best wishes to the Year 11 boys who will be undertaking the RACQ Driving IQ Provisional Presentation in the Draney Centre this Wednesday 30th July during lessons 1 & 2. This important presentation is designed to further inform, develop and support the boys to drive safely on our roads. My sincere thanks are extended to former staff member Tiffany Boyd who has organised this important presentation for the boys. We trust that our Year 11 boys will have many learnings from this important road safety presentation.

Book Week 2025

The theme for the 2025 Book Week at Marist College Ashgrove is “Book an Adventure.” Celebrating its 80th anniversary, this theme encourages the boys to explore new worlds and stories in their reading. There are various activities planned for the week including – an author visit from Anton Clifford-Motopi in the Primary Library, costume parade of book characters, book fair featuring books to purchase, a visit from a Manga specialist, a Top 20 Reader Lunch, staff morning tea and lots of fun lunch time activities. My thanks are extended to our wonderful library staff members - Mary Stirling, Meaghan Round, Robyn Brown, Jo Howe, Sam Hill, Jodie Vickery, Olivia Breusch & Rebecca Collyer. Enjoy Book Week 2025!

Year 6 Study Skills Presentation

All boys and parents in Year 6 were invited to our inaugural Study Skills Presentation which will be now held in the Champagnat Centre this Tuesday 29th July, 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start. This presentation will conclude at 8:00pm. This evening will focus on the following:

Mindfulness and meditation
The brain and short-term memory
Effective and ineffective study routines
Practical take away techniques to build habits for success

Please remind your sons to bring a pencil and their charged device. My thanks are extended to Genevieve Long, Ashley Hutchings, Michael Connolly and Jen Little who have prepared and will present at this evening.

Year 5 Band and Strings Concert

The term 3 Year 5 Band and Strings Concert will be held this Thursday 31st July in the Draney Theatre. Session 1 will commence at 5:45pm and Session 2 at 6:30pm. It is always great to listen and enjoy the improvement and confidence gained by our boys in this extensive music program, when they perform in Term 3. A special thanks to Dr Andrew Butt (Program Leader – Co-curricular Arts) and the Music Department staff.

Boarder Parent Network Meeting

All boarding parents are welcome to attend the Boarding Network Meeting to be held online, this Wednesday 30th July at 5pm. The Chair of the meeting will be Susan Shay. This is an opportunity for parents to speak with Boarding staff and leaders, enabling them to understand and ask questions regarding the care of their sons while living at the College. I thank Mr Jim Noble, Mrs Meaghan Loane and the Boarding team for facilitating and attending this meeting.

Boarding Visits

Our Boarding visits connected with our Northern Territory community last week. On Wednesday night, we hosted a boarding event in Darwin with our local families. From Thursday to Saturday, we were proud to have a stall at the Royal Darwin Show, meeting many new faces and sharing what makes our community special. On Saturday, Mr Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding) and Mrs Meaghan Loane travelled to Katherine for a fantastic gathering with past, present, and future families. These visits are an inspiring reminder of the strong bonds that unite us across generations and regions in the boarding school.

Apprenticeship Regional Finalist

Congratulations to Henry Waters, who proudly represented Marist College Ashgrove at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Metropolitan Regional Final last Saturday at Brisbane City Hall. Henry, a Year 11 school-based apprentice Barber at Tommy Gun’s Chermside, achieved third place in a highly competitive field—an outstanding achievement that reflects his dedication and talent, having been named Tommy Gun’s Apprentice of the Year (2024).

Marist College Ashgrove Big Bands – Jumpers & Jazz Festival

Marist College Ashgrove’s Big Band 1 & 2 proudly took the stage at the Jumpers & Jazz Festival in Warwick on Sunday, 27th July, performing at the Warwick Town Hall. This exciting opportunity allowed our talented musicians to share their passion for jazz with a vibrant and appreciative Jazz–loving community. With over 370 guests in attendance, including families, friends, and alumni from the Darling Downs region, the event was a wonderful celebration of music and connection. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Andrew Butt, Ms Megan Harmston, and Ms Janelle Lee Long for their dedication in preparing and accompanying the boys for this special performance.

Timor-Leste: ICFP, Enhancing Learning and Professional Efficacy Program

We welcome back to Marist, Mrs Mary Stirling (Program Leader – Libraries) after she volunteered to visit Timor Leste. Mary spent her holidays collaborating and supporting future young educators of Timor Leste. Congratulations – Thank you Mary. Her reflection of the experience is contained below -

It was an honour to be selected by Michael Newman (Head of College) and Anna Nasr (Assistant Head of College - Mission) to participate in the Enhancing Learning and Professional Efficacy Program in East Timor. This joint project of Marist Schools Australia and the Catholic Institute for the Formation of Teachers (ICFP) in Baucau, Timor-Leste, allowed me the opportunity to form professional relationships with the dedicated staff at ICFP. This experience was not only a chance to collaborate on educational strategies but also to witness firsthand the rich history and vibrant culture of the Timorese people. I was particularly moved by a visit to the Resistance Museum, which offered a poignant tribute to the resilience and immense sacrifice of the East Timorese people in their struggle for independence. The courage and unwavering spirit of the people are truly exceptional.

The cultural richness I experienced was immense. I had the privilege of attending a cultural evening at the boarding school run by the Canossion Sisters in Baucau. It was a joy to coordinate with our Marist boys on immersion and witness their participation in the evening's events, embracing the local traditions. We also had the chance to visit a new primary school being opened by the Marist Brothers, which featured state-of-the-art architecture and was staffed by a new generation of enthusiastic, young Marist Brothers.

Every day provided an incredible insight into the lives of the people of East Timor, and their strong Catholic faith. I was particularly struck by the overflowing congregation at Mass in the Baucau cathedral, where the voices of the Timorese people rose in beautiful, harmonious song, filling the space with devotion. I also gained a deeper understanding of their day-to-day lives, learning phrases in Tetum, enjoying nutritious local foods, and observing the ongoing efforts to upgrade local infrastructure.

My time in Baucau was filled with humbling experiences. The softly spoken voices, beautiful nature, and overwhelming gratitude of the East Timorese people were a constant source of inspiration. Upon my return, I look forward to providing ongoing support to the individual staff members I connected with and sharing these invaluable lessons with my own community.

A special thank you to Mark Elliott (Regional Director MSA), Philippe Saunders-Agus (logistical and administrative support), and Sonya Brownridge (group coordinator) for their tireless work in ensuring the program's continuity and success.

Walkathon 2025

QDU Debating Finals

Well done to our debaters who competed in the QDU Competition Finals last week. Our Marist Year 7.1 demonstrated strong teamwork and critical thinking in their debate against Loreto College on Thursday night, securing a victory in a closely contested debate. Their ability to construct persuasive arguments and respond effectively under pressure highlighted their development as confident and articulate speakers. The team now advances to Round 2 Finals on Thursday 31st July, where they will face the challenge of a short preparation debate. Meanwhile, Year 7.2 showed commendable effort despite a narrow loss. Best wishes to our Primary School debaters who commence their debating season in the coming weeks. A special thank you to all our debating coaches for a successful season, namely: Caroline Smith, Lucy Coleman, Lena Crowley, Clare Locke, Steven Edwards, Patrick Denkes, Jo Howe, Mary Stirling & Stuart More.

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