Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

It was wonderful to return to the Primary School today after taking leave for the first five weeks of the term. Travelling overseas is an incredible experience, of course, but it is always great to return home to family and friends at the end of it all. I want to congratulate all the boys for their achievements over the last five weeks; those achieved in the classroom and the various sporting arenas where remarkable success has come their way. I have spoken to the boys about finishing the term strongly and making sure that they do not settle for second-best efforts. 

Looking ahead, with a month to go until the end of the school year, I hope our Year 6 boys enjoy their final month of Primary School and savour these weeks ahead as a cohort in the Saint Marcellin Centre. I also hope that our Year 5 boys are looking to consolidate their first year with us and a good number of them are considering taking on the challenge of student leadership during the weeks ahead. 

I look forward to working with your sons over the next four weeks and thank you for your tireless efforts in setting them up for success.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

As we approach the close of the school year, our primary students are engaged in several significant activities that underscore their growth and commitment at Marist College.

On Tuesday, our Year 6 students will participate in the next stage of their transition to high school. In preparation for next year, the boys will gather with their future house groups to observe the Ephrem rock-climbing event. This experience is both an exciting activity and an essential opportunity for our Year 6 students to build camaraderie within their houses, reinforcing the sense of community that will support them in their high school journey.

On Thursday 7 November, we look forward to the Year 5 Music Concert, a highlight of the term. Our young musicians have shown exceptional dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm in their preparations for this event, which promises to be a wonderful evening of musical talent and celebration. Their hard work and commitment to their craft will be showcased, marking an inspiring milestone for our Year 5 students.

This Friday, 20 Year 5 students will visit Stuartholme College, continuing our valued connections with neighbouring girls' schools. Strengthening these ties with schools like Stuartholme allows our students to broaden their perspectives and fosters a sense of respect and mutual understanding. Such exchanges enrich our students' educational experience and encourage respectful, collaborative relationships within the wider community.

Looking ahead to Tuesday 12 November, we are pleased to welcome Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Holland, a Marist parent and Senior Constable at The Gap Police Station, who will speak with our primary boys about bike and scooter safety, as well as the importance of self-care. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable community member joining us to provide practical advice that will benefit our students both on campus and beyond.

These upcoming events reflect Marist College’s commitment to providing enriching, community-focused experiences that foster growth, learning and connection among our students as they prepare for the year ahead.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

ICAS Writing

Congratulations to the following Primary students who received a Certificate of Merit, Credit or Distinction in the ICAS Writing Competition. 

Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Award Winners

Congratulations to the following classes who dominated the Literacy and Numeracy Competition in Week 5.

Assessment Calendars

Please note the following upcoming assessments for classes for the remainder of the year.

Year 5:

• 7 November – English Poetry Reading Examination – 9:00am
• 7 November – Music Performance
• 11 November – HASS Collaborative Design Challenge due
• 13 November – Science Investigation Report
• 14 November – HPE Examination and Practical Work – for completion in the weekly class lesson during Week 7
• 20 November – Science Examination – 9:00am
• 22 November – Visual Art Paintings and Visual Diary due

Year 6:

• 8 November – Science Investigation Planner and Poster due
• 12–14 November – Persuasive Writing Task to be completed in class only
• 15 November – HPE Portfolio of Works due
• 11–15 November – French assessment during class timetabled lesson
• 18 November – Music Performance
• 21 November – HASS Business Examination (9:00am)
• 22 November – Technology Portfolio of Works due during class lesson this week

Debating Wrap Up

Year 5: Ms Jen Little

Congratulations to our Year 5 teams who, in their first year of competition, managed to secure 9 wins out of a total of 12 debates with each team losing only one debate over the course of the season. The boys have become much better at researching, writing speeches, analysing arguments and thinking on the spot! 

In the final round of competition, the boys won in a clean sweep against St Peter’s Lutheran and St Joseph’s Bardon. 

Overall, their confidence has improved markedly since the evening of the first debate, and they should feel very proud of their efforts and progress. The boys involved were as follows:

• Team 1 – Ruben Vos, Cooper Brandis, Harrison Kirkman and William Carr
• Team 2 – Noah Newman, Matthew Hendrick, Jovi Zanre and George Thomas
• Team 3 – Sawyer Snyder, Charlie Mackay, Levi Doyle and Ben Jefferies

Thanks are extended to their parents and families who assisted with preparation of speeches and presentations, offering valuable feedback throughout the season. Thanks are also extended to Mrs Rebecca Somerville who assisted the boys with their preparation. Well done gentlemen!

Year 6 QDU Debating - Ms Robyn Brown

Last week, two of the Year 6 teams completed their final round of the QDU Debating Competition. Both teams were undefeated throughout the season which is a tremendous achievement.

The topic for the debate was ‘That fiction is better than non-fiction’.

6.1 argued affirmative against Brisbane Grammar.

• Max King, Harry McConnell, Joe Campion, Cormac Gannon  

6.2 argued affirmative against Good News Lutheran School. 

• Lincoln Bartlett, Andre Bennett, Roman Krutil, Will Minahan  

Congratulations to these boys for their outstanding effort.

We wish 6.3 all the best for their final debate.