From the Head of College

To Respond with Love

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next revolutionary technological advancement, and values-based dilemma facing our world. Pope Leo is speaking to this challenge and is heightening the knowledge and support of all Catholics throughout the world. AI is affecting all walks of life - workplaces, schools, families, social media, the internet, values and relationships. As Christian educators, AI is foremost in our minds as we try to devise strategies to positively move forward and continue to respond to the issues of the world with empathy and love.

Pope Leo has been named in Time Magazine’s Top 10 list of 2025 as one of the world’s top thinkers. In May, he took his Papal name Pope Leo XIII who served during the Industrial Revolution at the close of the 19th Century, rallying against workers being converted into commodities and replaced by machines. Today, Pope Leo is witness to a different, yet similar challenge with the emergence of AI. Pope Leo presides over 1.4 billion Catholics, so if it was a nation, the Catholic Church would be the third biggest nation, so he wields a significant influence. 

Pope Leo is aware of the challenges facing human dignity, justice and labour due to the rise of AI. In June, the Vatican, hosted a conference on AI, ethics and corporate governance. Pope Leo, in a keynote address, underlined AI’s potential for good, particularly in health care and scientific discovery but also reflected that AI "raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions on humanity's openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.” Time underlined that Pope Leo "warned that the technology could be misused for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression." 

Under Pope Francis, Time said, "the Vatican had pushed for a binding international treaty on artificial intelligence, sending the world's tech CEOs into a defensive crouch." Bishop Paul Tighe, a top official at the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education, speaking in Dublin on August 23rd, said that AI's hidden environmental costs, impact on jobs and broader social risks can't be overlooked. Tighe confirmed that the dialogue with tech companies has been "intensifying" under Leo, and that "an element of trust has emerged which means that people know we are trying to search together for the best outcomes and for the best possibilities. In that context, the trust itself permits a more open dialogue. There is "still a commitment and a desire to have that conversation." 

As we travel the road of AI, we ask God’s blessing as we negotiate this new landscape with the plea of the Psalmist (89-90) from Sunday’s readings – “In the morning, fill us with your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands.” Amen.

Year 7 Champions - Queensland Debating Union

Congratulations to the Marist College Ashgrove Year 7 Debating Team who won the prestigious QDU Debating Competition against Brisbane Girls Grammar on Wednesday night. Arguing convincingly for the active use of AI in the classroom, the boys debated with grace, knowledge, precision and respect. This competition began with some 168 teams from schools throughout the Brisbane and surrounding regions – so to be the winner overall, was no small achievements. Congratulations team members - Anish Palampati, Barney Armstrong, Ted Cuddihy, Maxwell King, Freddie Procter and Coach – Ms Caroline Smith and Assistant Coach & Debating Co-ordinator – Ms Jo Howe.

Well done, gentlemen.

Years 7-8 and 10-11 Exam Block and Year 12 Mock Exams

A reminder to all Years 7-8 and 10-11students and families that their Exam Block will take place next week. This is an important part of the term as the boys demonstrate their learning through these exams. The Year 9 exams continue this week. We also offer our Year 12 boys every best wish as they prepare and undertake their Mock Exams and then revise and prepare for their vital External Exams that go towards their ATAR result. Good luck gentlemen in these important weeks ahead with your study.

Father’s Day Breakfast – Thursday 4th September

We warmly invite all fathers, caregivers, and sons to join us for our annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 4th September, starting at 6:45am at the John Eales Grandstand, McMahon Oval. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and celebrate the special role fathers, and father figures play in your son’s education. Thank you to all our dads and caregivers!

We are delighted to welcome our guest speaker, Mr Steele Tallon, who brings a wealth of experience in media, sport, and communications. Mr Tallon is currently Content Manager, Media at the Games Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority, supporting the delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He has previously held senior roles including General Manager, Media & Communications at the Brisbane Broncos, and positions with the Brisbane Lions, Courier-Mail, Geelong Advertiser, The Advertiser, Australian Associated Press, and Quest Community Newspapers. We look forward to his update on the pending Olympic Games and the plans and opportunities that lie ahead for all of us.

Don't forget to bring a hat and your sunglasses.

We look forward to Thursday – Happy Father's Day!

QCAA Confirmation Day – Friday 5th September

This Friday, 5th September is Year 12 Confirmation Day for Queensland, facilitated by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). On this day, teachers are either involved or have make up time following the moderation of Year 12 work which occurs throughout Queensland. This event ensures the fairness and professionalism of the Queensland assessment system which forms their ATAR score. There will be no scheduled classes, and students are not required to attend school on this day. Subsequently, Friday provides all students the valuable opportunity to catch up on assessments and / or revise for upcoming exams. We encourage all boys to use Friday productively and prepare for the busy weeks ahead. 

Year 5 and Year 7 2026 Parent Information and Orientation Day

The Parent Information Evening for new students into Year 5 in 2026 will occur on Tuesday 2nd September from 5.15pm at the St Marcellin Centre. This is an important information gathering event for all parents of prospective Year 5 students 2026. 

On the following Friday, 5th September, our Primary and Secondary teachers will facilitate a Year 5 and Year 7 2026 Student Orientation Day. Year 7 2026 Orientation Day is for students new to the College in 2026 and not for current Marist Year 6 students. Students are asked to arrive by 8:20am for an 8:30am start until 1:15pm. This orientation day will give students a chance to explore the College, meet their peers and teachers, and begin their journey as part of the Marist community. We are excited to share this milestone with our newest students and their families. Welcome to Marist!

Year 7 Boarders 2026

We welcome our prospective boarders for Year 7 2026 to the College from Thursday to Sunday this weekend. These days are an opportunity for our prospective boarders to meet students, get a taste for the College and boarding and to enable them to prepare for their future boarding lives ahead. This is always an important, much enjoyed and informative weekend for the boys. My thanks are extended to Meagan Loane - Boarding Reception team, Pierce Hardy and the La Valla Residence staff for organising and facilitating this weekend for our new Year 7 boarders in 2026. Parents are invited to a social function at The Tower on Thursday at 4.30pm on arrival. Welcome Year 7 Boarders for 2026!

Year 9 Camp

Best wishes to our Year 9 students who will take part in their much-anticipated expedition-based camp experience to the Great Sandy National Park, Noosa North Shore from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th September (students to arrive at John Eales Grandstand at 7:00am). This camp is a key part of the College’s student welfare and formation program, designed to challenge students, build resilience, and strengthen friendships through a range of outdoor and team-based activities like canoeing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and mountain bike activities. We wish all students and staff attending a safe, rewarding, and memorable experience. Thank you to Camp Co-ordinator - Scott Minogue and the following teachers attending: Lucy Naughton, Marcus Schrader, Maddie Henry, Brett Gillett, Brendan Kiernan, Ieti Fetalaiga, Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Chris Daykin, Andrew Gibbs, Jye Davies, David Jackman, Jorge Ruiz, Patrick Denkes, Sam Hambelton, Ashley Hutchings, Adrian Gray and Ben Lee. We look forward to hearing all the boys exciting stories and reflections upon return.

Tower Art Show 2025 – Opening Night

Always a highlight of the College year is the Opening Night of the Tower Art Show 2025, held in the Tower Building on Friday 12th September from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. This annual celebration is held in a beautiful setting with great food, drink and company and showcases a stunning array of artworks from students and community artists, across a variety of styles and mediums. We are thrilled to welcome special guest Bastian Allfrey, whose presence will add a special touch to this creative evening. Tickets are now available and include entry to the show, delightful food and drinks and a chance to win the raffle. 

Website: https://www.marash.qld.edu.au/news-events/events/tower-art-show/ 

Opening Night Tickets on Sale now https://events.humanitix.com/2025-tower-art-show-opening-night-and-raffle-tickets

Do be part of what is always one of the highlight social events of the calendar year!

Bookings close 10:00 am Friday, 5th September 2025

Interschool Karting Challenge

We are proud to announce that Marist College Ashgrove claimed 2nd and 3rd place in the 2026 Interschool Karting Challenge —a phenomenal achievement given the fierce competition and technical demands of the event. This exciting event brought together seven schools and nearly 125 students for a day of high-speed racing, technical skill, and teamwork. Our sincere thanks go to Mr Adrian Gray, Mr Peter Ward, Mr Blair Whitlock, Sister Deb McDermott, and Mr Andrew Devoy for their tireless efforts in preparing the students and karts for the big day. Their support, along with that of our sponsors, Onguard Safety Training for providing the first, second, third and fastest lap of the day trophies and medallions for all participants and the Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club, made this success possible.

Met North Track and Field Trials

Congratulations to all Marist College Ashgrove students who competed in the Met North Track & Field Trials on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th August at QSAC. With over 170 entries across two days, our athletes delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing their talent, determination, and sportsmanship.

We are proud to announce that our team brought home a record 66 medals (16 gold), surpassing last year’s tally of 53. Standout performances included: 

• Hugo Lockhart breaking his record from last year of 1.61m to a new record of 1.65m. Well done, Hugo. 
• Hayden Lockhart winning the Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m and 200m

• Riley Hansel winning the 16 yrs High Jump, 100m and 200m titles

• Nate Griffin winning the 14 yrs 200m/Triple and Silver in 100/Long Jump

• Conor Campbell winning the 16 yrs 400m, Triple Jump and 3rd in Long Jump

• Hugo Russo Gold in both 13 yrs Discus and Javelin

• Dilpreet Sharma Gold in Discus and Silver in Shot 14 yrs

• James Milne Gold in 14 yrs Shot and Bronze in 14 yrs Discus

• Ben Flanagan (15 yrs), Harry Prole (16 Yrs), Zac Milligan (17 Yrs) winning the 800-1500m Doubles

• Ben Flanagan also winning a Silver in the 400m with Darcy Frazier 2nd in 400m after winning the 800m

• Jack Mahuru Gold in High Jump and Triple Jump (17 yrs) and Silver in Long Jump

• Lyndon Maynard Gold in Long Jump 17 yrs and Bronze in High Jump

• Gold in 100m and Silver in 200m for Ted Clarke

These results reflect the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaching staff. We will now build towards the upcoming AIC Championships early in term 4. Well done to all involved – your efforts continue to inspire the College community. Our athletes will now head towards the second AIC Track and Field Meet of the season, taking place on Wednesday 3rd September.

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 2 September

• NSSAB Visit
• Met North Cricket Trials (Cameron Oval closed)
• House Meetings
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Year 5 2026 Parent Information Evening – 5:45pm
• Old Boys’ Association Meeting – 7:00pm

Wednesday 3 September

• AIC Track and Field Practice Meet #2 – State Athletics Facility – Primary Depart: 1:50pm; Secondary Depart: 2:50pm
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Assembly – Livestreamed to Classrooms
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• CLT Meeting – Tower Boardroom
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 4 September

• Father’s Day Breakfast – 6:45am
• Environment Group – Room 801
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• AIC Round 6 v Villanova College – Primary Basketball

Friday 5 September

• Student Free Day
• QCAA Confirmation Day
• Year 5 and Year 7 Orientation Day
• Staff Prayer – Outside Gubbins Room

Saturday 6 September

• AIC Round 6 v Villanova College

Sunday 7 September

• Father’s Day
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)

Monday 8 September

• Year 9 Camp – starts
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings – Room 401
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Tuesday 9 September

• House Meetings
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Wednesday 10 September

• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Assembly – Cancelled (Extended Pastoral Groups)
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 11 September

• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• AIC Track and Field Practice Meet #3 – Primary Depart: 1:50pm; Secondary Depart: 2:50pm
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Friday 12 September

• College Mass – Break 1B
• AIC Primary Basketball v Padua College
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Saturday 13 September

• AIC Round 7 v Padua College

Sunday 14 September

• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)