From the Head of College

Very Great Reward to the Giver

As we enter Holy Week, we retell the story of the horrific death and glorious resurrection of Jesus. This is a reminder to us all, that we will all die one day with the promise of eternal reward and that we are challenged to die each day to ourselves and give life and love to others. Unlike the messages of our modern secular society, we are contested to denounce our personal wants and desires and to instead, spend our energy on giving to our neighbour in need each day. The whole idea of dying to ourselves each day to give to others is the quintessential Christian message. In fact, it is personally rewarding and has real emotional satisfaction.  

Appropriately, the following story was aired on Easter Sunday in 2025 on an ABC News Bulletin in Queensland which spread nationally and internationally and went viral across ABC Brisbane and ABC Instagram and Facebook pages attracting several hundred thousand views and comments from around the world. It is the story of a generous Marist Old Boy - Colin Apelt.  

Colin Apelt 93, having attended the College in 1940-1941 and 1945-1946, volunteers at Mt Olivett Hospital at Kangaroo Point. Colin is an Emeritus Professor and Honorary Research Consultant in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland. Associate Professor Colin Apelt is a Rhodes Scholar (1954), completing a Doctorate of Philosophy at Oxford University in 1957. His volunteering task is to wheel a trolly of drinks around the ward, offering an afternoon beverage to the palliative care patients with their meal – ‘A Happy Hour Companion’. His orders include a gin and tonic, fruit juice, baileys, wine or whiskey. When asked about the importance of this task, Colin has explained – “The conversation is more important, the drink is just an icebreaker.” Regarding giving, Colin believes - “giving brings a very great reward to the giver."  

Coincidently, I first became aware of Colin’s work when I visited Mt Olivett weekly with a group of senior boys from a Catholic School in Brisbane in the early 2000’s. Not only was Colin very kind to these boys visiting from my school but offered his time and friendship weekly to those in palliative care.  Colin also had a brother Arthur who was in the first class here at Marist College Ashgrove. Arthur was a long serving member of both the Marist College Ashgrove Old Boys and Parents & Friends Committees.  

It seems kindness and giving run in the Apelt family.  

As we celebrate the feast of Easter, may all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family be focussed on others, their needs, their energies and what presents them with life – let us bring new life and joy to others this Easter season.  

A tipple and a chat — meet Colin Apelt, the 92yo volunteer delivering drinks and companionship to those in palliative care - ABC News 

Easter Liturgy 

The 2026 Easter Liturgy will be held on McMahon Oval for all the boys this Thursday 2nd April from 2:30pm. We look forward to this time of reflection for the boys and staff as we remember the events of Holy Week. I encourage all boys and families to celebrate the Triduum at your local parishes over the Easter season. My thanks are extended to the Mission team for their organisation, facilitation and guidance of our students to shape this beautiful liturgy during what is the most important season of our Church's liturgical year. 

Holiday Sporting Activities 

Term 2 marks the season of AIC Rugby Union and Football. Trials for these sports reconvened on the weekend – well done to all students and staff involved. Over the holiday break there will be opportunities for the boys to train and prepare for the season, including: 

Marist Football Camp for Year 5-8 on April 9th & 10th April 

The Marist Football Camp on the 9th & 10th April promises to be an exciting two days of intensive Football training for year 5-8 students here on Cameron Oval. With over 100 students attending it will be a great part of preseason prep for our junior footballers as they connect within their teams and develop technical & tactical skills alongside some of our best coaching staff. This camp is now at capacity. 

Armidale Under 12 Rugby Union Championships – 17th – 19th April 

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival is the largest junior rugby carnival held in Australia, attracting young rugby enthusiasts and their coaches, along with committed families and supporters from all over the country. The carnival caters for Under 12 teams and a girls’ 7s Competition for 14s and 16s players. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for players to experience a regional tour playing five competitive games, pooled against teams of matching standards, from across Australia. Thanks to Mr John Lambourne, Mr Anthony Graham and Mr Michael Graham for their support. 

Gold Coast Football Tournament 

The Gold Coast Football Tournament at The Southport School forms a key part of the AIC Football preseason and we are excited to be taking a U14, U16 & 1st XI team for this year’s event. The tournament attracts quality teams from right across Australia as well as New Zealand and is a wonderful opportunity to compete against teams from outside our usual competition. Thanks to Mr Riley Keen, Mr Ryan Witzerman, Mr Willem Baines & Mr Blair Whitlock for coaching the teams at this tournament. 

Saturday 18th April - Full Trial Round vs St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace (Football) 

We are delighted to be playing a full trial round of matches against Gregory Terrace at their Tennyson Fields on Saturday 18th April. All 38 Marist teams will have a match on this day which will be a great way to prepare for the AIC season before the start of term two. 

Ballymore Cup Schoolboys Rugby Union – 16-18 April 

The Ballymore Cup is a three-day First XV rugby carnival that brings invited schools together from across Queensland and New South Wales, and our 1st XV Squad will be competing in a fast-paced tournament format where every match matters. Across the competition, the boys will be tested on depth, discipline, teamwork and resilience against strong opposition. It’s also a valuable opportunity to strengthen connection within the team, learn from quality contests, and represent the College with pride in a competitive and respectful environment. Thanks to Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Adam Earnshaw and Mr Drew Smith for their support. 

End of Term 1 and beginning of Term 2 – Parent/Teacher Interviews 

The school term concludes at 3.00pm on Thursday 2nd April. Boarders will travel home on this day. At our final liturgy and assembly, we will farewell any departing staff as is usual. We will also recognise and congratulate students on full attendance in Term 1. Term 2 recommences for staff on Monday 20th April. Parent-teacher interviews will be held in the Champagnat Centre from 11:00am by appointment. Details can be found on Parent Orbit App.  All students commence Term 2 on Tuesday 21 April at 8:30am. Enjoy the holiday break – do stay safe. Happy Easter! 

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 31 March

• Easter Fundraiser and Free Dress Day
• Interhouse Swimming Carnival
• Tutoring- Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• House Meetings
• Term 1 Sports Dinner

Wednesday 1 April

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting - Mission Office
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Year 11 and 12 Japanese Dinner

Thursday 2 April

• Holy Thursday
• Boarder Travel Day
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group – Room 801 - Break 1
• End of Term Liturgy
• End of Term 1

Friday 3 April

• Good Friday

Saturday 4 April

• Holy Saturday

Sunday 5 April

• Easter Sunday

Monday 6 April

• Easter Monday

Monday 13 April

• Gold Coast Football Tournament - starts

Thursday 16 April

• Rugby Union - Ballymore Cup

Friday 17 April

• Rugby Union U12 Armidale Carnival

Monday 20 April

• Staff Day
• Student Free Day

Tuesday 21 April

• Start of Term 2 - Winter Uniform

Wednesday 22 April

• Anzac Day Liturgy
• College Community Mass
• The Man Cave - Parent Information Session - Online - 6:00pm