Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

As part of our Marist spirituality, I recently attended the Footsteps program in Mittagong, a retreat that deeply resonated with our mission to make Jesus Christ known and loved. The experience offered a chance to truly connect with the Marist story and Saint Marcellin Champagnat’s legacy, reminding us of the powerful charism that drives our work and relationships within the College. Through reflection and prayer, we focused on how our mission goes beyond education to encompass values of faith, compassion, and the Marist spirit of family.

The retreat brought home the importance of the Marist value of Love of Work, which feels especially meaningful during this busy term when exams and assignments are at the forefront. Just as Saint Marcellin taught us the value of diligence and dedication, we see how putting in our best effort—both academically and personally—helps us to flourish. As students apply themselves to their studies, they’re learning that effort is not only essential for achieving good results but also builds character, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. This connection between effort and growth is something we see reflected in our day-to-day school life. As our students strive to do their best, we are reminded that each step forward, whether big or small, contributes to their journey of learning and faith.

In school news, on Tuesday we will host our final primary assembly for the year. Parents of award recipients have been emailed, and we look forward to celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students. It’s always a privilege to acknowledge their dedication and growth, and I know many have shown remarkable progress and commitment throughout the year.

Looking forward to next week, we are excited to welcome the Year 5 Concert on Thursday, 7th November. Additionally, next Friday we will be taking a group of Marist boys to Stuartholme as we continue to foster positive and meaningful relationships with the girls’ schools. These connections not only build friendships but also strengthen our sense of community and mutual respect.

Thank you for your continued support as we approach the end of the term. Together, we are preparing our students to finish the year on a high note and with the Marist values in their hearts.

Acting Primary Pastoral Leader – Mr Richard Coles

We would like to inform you of some important changes to our end-of-term schedule. Please take note of the updated dates below:

• Primary Fun Day: Thursday 28th November
• Primary Assembly: Tuesday 29th October
• Primary Graduation Mass, Assembly, and Celebration: Friday 29th November 

Primary Fun Day

On November 28th, our primary school boys will unite for a day filled with exciting activities designed to celebrate their academic achievements and personal growth. This event will particularly honour our Year 6 students as they prepare for their transition to high school. We will share more details about the schedule for Year 5 and Year 6 in the coming weeks.

We are also continuing our "Positive PC Entries" Awards to promote excellent student behavior. Boys who demonstrate positive behaviours throughout the term receive raffle tickets, and each Thursday, we hold a raffle with prizes like handballs and other small gifts. Fun Day is an opportunity for all students to celebrate their time together and recognise their positive classroom behaviours.

While we encourage full participation, it’s important to note that attendance at Fun Day is contingent on students' behaviour throughout the term. Misbehavior in class or on the playground may result in strikes, and accumulating three strikes will mean missing out on Fun Day. Parents will be notified via email for each strike received. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that all students will be able to join in the festivities.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to an enjoyable conclusion to the term!

Primary Learning Leader – Ms Jen Little

Literacy and Numeracy Cups:

Congratulations to the winners from Weeks 3 and 4 Literacy and Numeracy Competitions:

Week 3: 

Week 4: 

Primary Sport Update - Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)

Term 1 2024 Sport Sign-on

The Term 1 team sports on offer are AFL, Cricket and Volleyball – Please note Volleyball is only offered for Year 7 - 12 students.

AIC Cricket – no limit on team numbers

Uniform: Marist cricket whites, Marist broad brimmed hat

Fixtures: Saturday morning

Training: 1 x morning and 1 x afternoon / week

Other information: A team cricket kit is provided - boys must have their own protector

Internal Cricket

Uniform: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sport shorts, Marist broad brimmed hat

Fixtures: Friday evening

Training: 1 x afternoon / week

Primary Internal Cricket is an opportunity to participate in college sport, develop skills, socialise with other students and be involved with College activities, in a less formal environment. 

The internal competition would be played on Friday afternoons and boys would have one training session each week to develop their skills. Teams would be eight players per side, speeding up the game and increasing each boys’ involvement in the game. The boys would be playing against other boys at a comparable ability level and games would be played in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Please note that this competition would only go ahead if there is sufficient interest.

AIC AFL – 4 teams / grade

Uniform: Marist AFL jersey, Marist AFL shorts, Marist knee high socks

Fixtures: Saturday morning

Training: 2 x mornings / week

Other information: Boys will require a mouthguard and football boots

All students who wish to play Term 1 team sports are asked to sign up via the Student Café. Once your son/s have signed up parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details. Please find below the attached guide for signing up for Extra-Curricular activities.

The above process must be completed before Friday, 29 November.

This is for current students only.

Students starting at the College in 2024 will receive information regarding Term 1 sport sign-on shortly.

Term 1 2025 – Trial Information

Marist Scrum Club

Primary rugby union forwards are invited to join the Marist Scrum Ready Program.

WHEN: Wednesday 11 / 18 / 25 October / 1 November

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

DRESS: MCA sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, blue / white / or Marist rugby socks.

OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.The program cover:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises.
2. Solo with no opposition – on knees
3. Solo with no opposition – on feet
4. Solo against a machine / tackle bag
5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape.

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2025.

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2024

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers
• Mesh Bag

Sports Photographs

We are always on the lookout for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos. 

Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.