From the Head of College

The Search

There was an article in this weekend’s Australian that introduced a new generation of Catholic priests, newly ordained. This coincided with our blessing and opening of the refurbished music recording studios and the Assumption Mass on Friday where we welcomed back to the College one of the featured newly ordained priests – Fr Isaac Falzon. Isaac is Marist College Ashgrove’s third ordained Old Boy in the past ten years - the other two being Tom Duncan and Thomas Zaranski. Isaac shared his personal story with the boys which included him being expelled from the College in Year 8 and the disappointment of his parents. Isaac spoke about a prayer that he had learnt at Marist that he often recited in the difficult times of his youth, including a second expelling from another school. From his time at Marist, he took away with him this meaningful prayer, a war cry and a song of unity and support that always meant a lot to him - The Sub Tuum. His dream at the time was to play for the Brisbane Lions and to graduate wearing the iconic Marist Ashgrove blazer, so, at the end of our Assumption Mass, College Captain – Joseph Lewis - presented Isaac with the keepsake of a Marist Ashgrove blazer. Isaac is seen wearing his blazer below.

The weekend article speaks of the challenges that lay ahead for the newly ordained, including western society’s growing indifference to organised religion in an uncertain world, and belonging to a church that has been battered by sexual abuse scandals, and cloaked in the grey of moral ambiguity as it continues to be ‘outargued’ in the village square on articles of faith such as same-sex marriage, abortion and voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill. Ironically, Niki Gemmell’s article on the previous pages highlighted this growing schism between faith, morality and western values. 

In reading about each of their journeys to becoming priests, it was clear that it was certainly not easy or pre-ordained. They all spoke of their struggle with doubt and temptation but at his ordination, Isaac says that he expected to be filled with “joy - for me, my entire life was a search of love, meaning and purpose and it took me a while to understand that I didn’t have to find them, they found me through God, and my relationship with Jesus Christ. In the moment, I will be giving thanks to God for the gifts and protection that He has given me.” 

We congratulate and thank Isaac on his ordination to the priesthood and for returning to the College. The boys listened intently to his homily and his story and wholeheartedly welcomed him back to his alma mater. Realistically, Isaac’s search for meaning is not dissimilar to all of us. We all search for this same love, meaning and purpose in life, just in different ways, whether it is through other meaningful jobs, various other directions in life, marriage, children, friendships and the like. It seems that the newly ordained have a ‘crash course’ in this meaning of life epiphany and of the service for others that follows. All our individual journeys towards meaning and experiencing ‘life to the full’ unravel at seemingly slower rates, but remain important, unique, and blessed.

Isaac attended the Catholic Leadership Conference in Uganda after an invitation from his father which he recalls – “They didn’t have physical things like us, but they had all the peace and joy and happiness and community… and I realised this was what I had been looking for. I came to realise that in my life I had been searching for love. But in Uganda, I came to realise that it was love, God’s love that was searching for me. All I needed to do was open my eyes.” 

Loving God, bless all the young men and all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family in their journey to discover love, meaning and purpose in their lives. Amen. 

Annual Father-Son Camp

This Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 16th-18th August, Marist College Ashgrove will be holding its annual Father–Son Camp at Mt Barney Lodge. This camp offers a variety of camping options from BYO tent to homestead stays.  The activities available include Bush Tucker Tracker and Light Your Fire, Wild Pizza, Abseil Sessions, Rock Climbing Sessions, a group challenge, and discussions. My thanks are attributed to the Parents and Friends Association led in this activity by Mr Jim Gordon. Thanks also to Mr Joshua Kersevani (Pastoral Leader – Middle School) who has been on the ground organising this activity for all the fathers and their sons. Enjoy!

Science Week 2023

The 2023 Science Week will be held from 14th – 18th August. National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. The 2023 school theme is ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’.  This theme is most relevant to our society, where innovation is essential for economic growth, sustainability, and progress. Science and innovation are the driving forces behind significant progress in various fields, including health, technology, and the environment. At Marist, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators who will shape the world and drive future industries. The week's activities planned at Marist include: Oobleck demonstrations, escape rooms, brain dissections and some explosive chemistry demonstrations. We will also be running our annual Mr STEM competition, with the winner taking the coveted golden lab coat! I thank Elizabeth Valer, Henrique Pereira, the library, and the Science staff for organising and undertaking these activities for the boys.

Australian Brain Bee – State Finalists

Year 10 students Aidan Phillips and Lachlan Vink recently competed in the State Finals for the annual ‘Australian Brain Bee’ Competition. Having completed months of studying neuroscience and performing exceptionally well in two lead-in exams, the boys made the State Finals. The day comprised of students from across Queensland touring the research facilities at the Queensland Brain Institute, UQ, and learning about the latest developments in neuroscience research. The students then competed in an exciting game-show-style competition at the end of the day, to work out who would be the QLD winner. Aidan Phillips is to be commended for making it all the way to the Top 8 in QLD! My thanks are extended to Ellie Kenny for her organisation of the boys.

Marist 1st III Debating Team

Congratulations to our 1st III Debating team who won their quarterfinal game versus Brisbane State High School last Wednesday, making their way through to the Semi-Finals of the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Competition. James Rigby (Marist Old Boy 2011, Oxford Graduate and World Mooting Champion) encouraged the boys during the week – it was very exciting. The boys had to present a negative stance to the topic, ‘that we should grant immunity to dictators who voluntarily step down’. The Marist set-up, mechanisms and examples provided a clearer principled and practical response to the topic – well done, boys! 

My thanks are extended to Ms Kathryn Badini, Marist parents and grandparents and Year 12 boys who came along to support the team. Special thanks to their expert coach, Mrs Mary Stirling.

We wish the boys the best of luck this Friday as they debate against St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace in the Semi-Final (Draw below). Supporters at the Semi-Final this Friday night 8:00pm at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, are most welcome.

Music Festival

Best wishes to our music students who will be competing in the Queensland Catholic College Music Festival (QCMF) this Saturday and Sunday 19 – 20 August hosted by Villanova and Loreto Colleges. The Marist Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra 1, Big Band 1, Big Band 2, Chamber Strings, Marist Voices, Performance Choir and Chamber Choir will be participating in this three-day festival which falls over the EKKA break. A full schedule for performing ensembles is available on the QCMF website and College App. Thanks to Dr Andrew Butt (Head of Performing Arts) and the entire Music Department for all their preparation and organisation for this event.

National Day Against Bullying and Violence

At Assembly next Tuesday, Marist College Ashgrove will be recognising the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. At this Assembly, we will educate the boys and provide them with the encouragement to stand up against all forms of bullying. 

Bullying is when someone with more power than you deliberately and repeatedly tries to upset or hurt you. It can involve one or more of the following:

• the misuse of power in a relationship
• is intentional, ongoing and repeated
• behaviours that can cause harm.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can be easy to see (overt), or hidden (covert) Cyberbullying is online bullying that involves the use of technology such as the internet or mobile devices.

In addition to highlighting our bullying prevention policy, the students will be learning about growing connections to help prevent bullying.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (bullyingnoway.gov.au)

I thank Mr Peter Serone (Assistant Head of College - Students) who has prepared this assembly for the boys and Mr Phill Holding (Pastoral Leader - Senior School) for leading the National Day of Action Against Bullying.

G.R.I.P.P.S Camp and Concert

From Monday 21st to Thursday 24th August, a select group of auditioned Marist primary musicians will join over 160 students from 12 primary schools in The Gap and Ashgrove area. Students will refine their skills under the direction of professional music teachers during a four-day camp at The Gap State High School. The camp concludes with a final gala concert on Thursday evening.  My thanks are extended to Dr Andrew Butt, Janelle Lee Long, Catherine Wasserman and Megan Harmston for preparing our boys for this.

Met North Track and Field Regional Trials

Congratulations to approximately 70 of our talented athletes who are invited to compete in the Met North Track and Field Regional Trials. These trials are scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, and Wednesday, August 23 at the Queensland State Athletic Centre, Kessels Road in Nathan. The invitations are a recognition of their strong early-season performances, and we extend our best wishes to each student attending.  My thanks are extended to Richard Graham, Robin Martin and John Lambourne for preparing our athletes for this competition.

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 15 August

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Computer Lab
• Reconciliation – Chapel
• House Meetings Years 5-12
• Year 9/10 and 11/12 Slattery 7s Final
• Year 11 and 12 Game Changers - Room 801
• City v Country Game
• Year 7 and 8 Dance - Champagnat Centre

Wednesday 16 August

• EKKA Public Holiday
• Father and Son Camp - starts

Thursday 17 August

• Exhibition Break

Friday 18 August

• Exhibition Break
• National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
• QLD Catholic Colleges Music Festival - starts
• Marist Vintage Lunch
• QDU Debating 1st III v St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace at  Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Saturday 19 August

• Boarder Free Weekend
• Queensland Catholic College Music Festival - st

Sunday 20 August

• G.R.I.P.P.S Camp - starts
• Boarders’ Mass - Chapel

Monday 21 August

• Science Week at Marist - starts
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Group Meetings

Tuesday 22 August

• Met North Track and Field
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Computer Lab
• Reconciliation – Chapel
• Year 10 Rec Studies Excursion – Urban Climb
• House Meetings Years 5-12
• College Assembly

Wednesday 23 August

• Met North Track and Field
• GreenAsh
• Mass in Chapel - All Welcome
• Year 9 and 10 Game Changers Meeting - Room 801
• Year 12 Night Study Session

Thursday 24 August

• Year 9 Retreat
• GreenAsh
• SVdP Sausage Sizzle
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 7 and 8 Game Changers Meeting - Room 801
• Vinnies Meeting - Room 801
• Track and Field Meet #1
•  G.R.I.P.P.S. Gala Concert

Friday 25 August

• Wear it Purple Day
• 2023 Karting Challenge
• Year 10 Retreat
• Construction Immersion
• Photos – Primary Basketball/Sport and Academic Catch Up
• 2023 Karting Challenge - Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club
• Student Aid - Mission Office
• Round 5 Primary Basketball - SPC
• Hockey Finals – State Hockey Centre
• Year 11 Japanese Dinner

Saturday 26 August

• Round 5 Tennis/Basketball v SPC (A)
• Round 5 Rugby League (SEC)

Sunday 27 August

• Boarders’ Mass - Chapel