From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

“Just Follow”

In recent weeks, as many conflicts and disasters play out across the globe, we have witnessed the emotional scenes of Israeli hostages being freed from their Hamas captors. As every Israeli hostage is released from Hamas militants, there is a collective sigh of relief from around the world. The sheer fear, coupled with exhaustion and exhilaration on the face of the prisoners paraded before the media is there for all to see, as they are released. Then the palpable joy and tears of relief which flow as the hostages are handed over to their families and friends again. Such extreme emotions of joy, stress and relief all at once are incomprehensible to imagine, yet these emotions are real. These scenes cause us to reflect with questions like – “but what if…..?’ “If only….” and “why does this have to be….?”

Sunday’s readings (Isaiah 6:1-8, Corinthians 15:1-11 and Luke 5:1-11) too, are full of emotions followed by relief and joy. In these readings, the people and disciples who experienced God or met Jesus on the shore felt a deep sense of inferiority, incompleteness, sinfulness and unworthiness - yet, in response to these feelings, Jesus gave a simple, inclusive and straightforward compassionate response – “just follow”. This is a wonderful message to our world in the middle of conflict, hardship, environmental disasters and personal challenges – “just follow me!” If we do this, united and in unison, our world, our outcomes and the way we can deal with our emotions and difficulties together, will be more manageable.

God of the journey may all members of the Marist College family, in unity, “just follow you” – with simplicity, humility and modesty. Amen.

Year 5 Community Mass

All Year 5 students, teachers and parents are welcome to join us in the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcelin Champagnat, this Wednesday 12th February for mass. Celebrated by our College Chaplain Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou sm, this mass is an opportunity to pray for the upcoming year and each boy’s future education at Marist, in the spirit of intercession and thanksgiving. The sacrament of the Eucharist (mass) is a central and core ritual in the Catholic Church and celebrated at Catholic schools. You are most welcome to join us for this celebration.

Year 9 and 10 Student Monitoring

All students in Years 9 and 10 will engage in the Student Monitoring Program over the coming week. Parents are invited to review their child's academic goals for the term, which have been entered into our Learning Analytics Program on their school computer. The boys, will in turn, have the opportunity to discuss these with their Pastoral Group teachers over the next fortnight. I encourage parents to understand and discuss their son’s goals with him, so as to collectively support and motivate him toward achieving his academic milestones. My thanks to Mrs Leigh Jackson (Assistant Head of College Learning and Teaching – Middle Years), Mr Ashley Hutchings (Middle School - Academic Care), Ms Kathryn Badini (Senior School – Academic Care) and Adam Knight (Assistant Head of College – Teaching and Learning) for their organisation and facilitation of this important academic initiative.

College Committees Assist the College

Our college committees are down to business. Their aim is to offer assistance to the college to enable the best possible educational outcomes for the boys. Last week, the Foundation Trust (President: Langton Clarke) met to discuss fundraising opportunities and the distribution of bursaries from the college to those students who would not normally have the opportunity to attend Marist due to financial background and/or hardship. On Tuesday, the Marist College Old Boys Association (President: Tim Slack) meet for their AGM and planning. On Wednesday, the Finance Committee (Chair: Ben O’Hara) will meet to offer their expert knowledge and advice to the college around all aspects of the college’s financial results and directions required. On Thursday, the College Advisory Committee (Chair: Peter Selwood) will meet to advise the Head of College on all aspects regarding operation and policy. On Monday, the Parents and Friends Association (President: Donna Lynn) will meet with parents from the college to hear the latest news, ask questions and plan for the year ahead. Marist College Ashgrove is most grateful for the positive involvement of all these good people – all aiming to improve the educational outcomes for the boys – a sincere thank you.

Year 7 Camp

Best wishes to all Year 7 boys who will be attending their annual Year 7 Camp from Wednesday 12th - Friday 14th February at Maranatha Recreation Camp, Yandina. This camp is held early in the year to enable the boys to meet new friends, to gather their thoughts around a shared common Year 7 purpose and to prepare for the year ahead. During the day, students will participate in a range of activities from mid-ropes and team building activities to hiking and games. The night-time program incorporates some guest presenters, prayer and House group activities. I would like to thank the following teachers and staff who will be generously accompanying the boys on this camp: Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Ms Genevieve Long, Ms Lucy Naughton, Mr Marcus Schrader, Mrs Maddie Henry, Mr Brett Gillett, Mr Brendan Kiernan, Mr Ieti Fetalaiga, Mr Scott Minogue, Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Andrew Gibbs, Mr Tom Dangerfield, Mrs Mandy Kelly, Ms Sarah Palmer, Mr Paul Knight, Ms Grace Ryan, Mr Charlie Taylor and Mr Jye Davies. Enjoy gentleman!

Parent Equity Night

This Wednesday 12th February, the Centre for Learning Enrichment warmly welcomes invited Marist College Ashgrove families to our Equity Matters – Information Evening. Invitations were sent to Marist College families with young men who may present with a unique learner profile and may benefit from the academic support programs offered at the College. The evening will offer the opportunity for parents to hear about our programs offered through the Centre for Learning Enrichment (CLE) and to introduce the staff who will be supporting your son at the college. I look forward to meeting with parents on Wednesday evening.

Library Lovers’ Morning Tea

Library Lovers’ Day is celebrated on 14th February each year to honour libraries, librarians, book lovers, and lovers of libraries. On Library Lovers’ Day, we celebrate the enduring relationship between our Marist community and the Br Mark Farrelly College Library. This also provides an opportunity to celebrate those who love and support libraries and to remind everyone how loved and cherished libraries are. Everyone is welcome at the library!

To celebrate, staff gathered in the library to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day. A huge thank you to our wonderful library staff team for all they do supporting our boys – Mary Stirling, Meaghan Round, Jo Howe, Lena Crowley, Jodie Vickery, Robyn Brown, Rebecca Collyer, and Clare-Louise Perrers.