From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

The Joy of Service

In the world at present, important elections are taking place. On the weekend, there was the Queensland election, and the US election race is also well underway. Important people are vying for positions of power. Then there are those in powerful positions worldwide who are involved in the conflicts of the world such as the Middle East, Ukraine and Africa to name a few. Power is an important element in society as we need people of power to lead the way. People in positions of power is necessary; however, elected people of power are there to serve their people for the good of all. Hopefully, people in power directly serve their people or constituents admirably rather than using it advantageously for their own benefit.

Over the last two weekends, the gospels, when taken as a whole, speak very much about power. Power has been a feature of societies and a characteristic of people throughout history. In these two recent gospels, favours are asked of Jesus. James and John (Mark 10:35-45) approach Jesus telling him, “We want you to do us a favour.” Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) also asks Jesus for a favour. James and John ask if one of them can sit on God’s right, and the other on God’s left-hand side in the Kingdom of Heaven. Bartimaeus on the other hand, asks Jesus to have pity on him, saying – “please, let me see again.” James and John were seeking positions of power for themselves in the Kingdom of God. Jesus refuses, telling them that the key to life is service rather than looking after and feathering your own nest… “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” On the other hand, Bartimaeus approached Jesus in a powerless state, with simplicity and humility. In return, Jesus’ simple answer to Bartimaeus' request was – “Of course I want to – be healed.” Rather than seeking personal power, Bartimaeus asked for Jesus’ mercy and healing.

On Saturday night at the Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Mass and Dinner, Dr Frank Malloy (MSA Executive Director) told a story referring to a former Head of College, Brother Ernest Houson fms, who provided a Year 12 student upon graduation with a subtle yet profound piece of advice. He told the students at his final assembly to always remember the joy of service. Throughout his professional life, this boy, now a professional businessman, explained to Dr Frank Malloy that this simple tip on graduating had become the mantra of his life – ‘Never forget the joy of serving.’

God of the journey, may we live the virtues that St Marcellin Champagnat taught to his first educators and Brothers – to serve with joy in a simple, modest and humble way. Amen.

Christmas Appeal

The annual Marist College Ashgrove Christmas Appeal has commenced for 2024. This appeal will support the St Vincent De Paul and Down West community. In Primary classes and PC Groups, the boys are encouraged to bring along donated gift vouchers or to donate cash via the Monitor System. We hope to offer many families in this area much-needed groceries during this special time of Christmas – the time of giving. Let us never forget the joy of serving our neighbour in need.

All Saints and All Souls Day

This Friday 1st November and Saturday 2nd November is All Saints and All Souls Day, respectively. All Saints Day is the Holy Day which honours saintly people who have died. All Souls Day is the time in which we pray for the souls of the faithfully departed - prayers are offered for those souls in purgatory waiting to reach heaven. Halloween refers to the eve of All Hallows (All Saints Day). Tradition has it, that in Ireland and Britain, a common custom of Christians was to come together on the eve of the feast of All Hallows Day to ask God’s blessing and protection from evil in the world. People would dress as both saints and evil spirits and act out the battle between good and evil. That is the source of the modern observance of Halloween. We remember and pray to and for all those saints and for those deceased who have blessed our lives, on these special feast days.

Parents, carers and all in our extended Marist family are warmly invited to attend Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin on Friday morning at 8:00am as we mark the feast of All Saints' and the memorial of All Souls'.

Boarders’ Leadership Camp

Best wishes to our senior boarders who will be participating in a leadership camp this coming weekend, 1st – 3rd November at the Bunya Mountains. We trust that the boys will enjoy this bonding time together and the opportunity to make great plans collaboratively which will lead the boarding students successfully over the coming year. May I thank Mr Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding), Ty Casey, Brad Winchester and Blair Whitlock for organising and facilitating these leadership days for the boys. Good luck and enjoy, gentlemen.

Year 12 External Examinations

Our Year 12 students have commenced their external examinations with much effort and diligence. We wish our Year 12 boys well as they continue their program of study and examinations. These exams continue up to and including, Friday 8th November. Examinations are being conducted in the Champagnat Centre, Tower West classrooms and the Cyprian Pavilion. This ATAR exam program can be found on the Parent Portal by clicking the Exam and Assessment Schedule and Information tile. Each of the boy’s teachers can be contacted for last-minute assistance and advice via e-mail or contacting the college. Best wishes with the continued study, preparation and examinations, gentlemen.

Marist Mothers’ Christmas Lunch

On Friday 8th November, Marist mothers will gather to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year. In support of the Champagnat Trust Bursary Program, this lunch is always enjoyable and a great social occasion to celebrate. The luncheon will be held at the Ballroom Le Grand / Sofitel, Brisbane Central. My thanks are extended to Marist staff - Ellen Kassulke and Bethany Halpin for their organisation of this event. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out. If you are lucky enough to have tickets, enjoy!