Primary School News

Head of Primary – Paul Blinkhoff

As we reach our final week of term, I would like to thank families for their continued support throughout a busy and rewarding term. The boys have gained a great deal from their first term at Marist College, and while it has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for learning, many are understandably ready for a well‑earned rest.

I wish all families a safe, happy and Holy Easter and hope the break provides valuable time to recharge and enjoy being together.

Over the holiday period, I encourage families to remain mindful of the time boys spend online. While games and digital content can be enjoyable, Primary boys should not be accessing M or R rated games, apps or videos. This is an important opportunity to check what your son is watching or playing and to reinforce clear, age‑appropriate boundaries.

As we commence Term 2, boys will return in Winter uniform (except Fridays). Please ensure your son can confidently tie his tie, all belongings are clearly labelled, and haircuts meet College expectations.

Thank you again for your partnership this term. I look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 21 April, with staff returning on Monday 20 April.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

Primary Award Assembly

Our Primary Award Assembly last week provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many boys who consistently live out the values of our College.

A particularly special moment was the recognition of two members of our Marist community who embody these values in such meaningful ways.

We acknowledged Brother Adrian, whose lifelong commitment to the Marist mission continues to be felt across our College. Through his presence, service, and care for others, Brother Adrian reminds us that being a person of courage is found not only in big moments, but in a lifetime of quiet dedication.

We also took time to recognise Mrs Rhonda Carson, whose many years of service to Marist College Ashgrove Primary have left a lasting impact on our community. Rhonda’s care for students, combined with her passion for nurturing “Rhonda’s Garden,” has created a space that reflects connection, patience and pride. It was fitting to formally acknowledge her contribution and the legacy she leaves within our Primary.

Marist Solidarity – Lenten Fundraiser

Today, our Primary community came together for our Lenten Fundraiser, combining free dress with a fun and energetic day.

There was a fantastic buzz around the school - plenty of fun, plenty of energy, and yes… plenty of sugary treats!

Our boys should be commended for the way they embraced the day, particularly in their efforts leading into it. A special mention to Mrs Rachael Carter, who has been instrumental in promoting Marist Solidarity and helping boys understand the purpose behind our fundraising. Many students took initiative at home, completing jobs to earn money which was then used to contribute on the day.

Across the Primary, we collected over 4000 cans, a tremendous effort that reflects the generosity and spirit of our boys. These contributions will go towards supporting those in need through Marist Solidarity, reinforcing the importance of service within our community.

Holiday Wellbeing Tips

As we head into the Easter break, it is a valuable time for boys to rest, recharge and reset ahead of Term 2. A break from routine is important, but maintaining some healthy habits can make a big difference in how boys return to school.

A few simple reminders for families:

Rest and Sleep

• Encourage consistent sleep routines where possible. A well-rested boy returns to school more settled, focused and ready to learn.

   

Stay Active

• Whether it’s kicking a ball, going for a bike ride or spending time outdoors, regular movement supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

   

Limit Screen Time

• Downtime is important, however balance is key. Encouraging time away from screens helps boys stay connected with family, friends and the world around them.

   

Connection Matters

• Holidays are a great opportunity for boys to spend quality time with family and friends — building relationships, sharing experiences and simply enjoying each other’s company.

   

Looking Ahead

As we come to the end of a busy and productive term, I would like to wish all families a safe and restful Easter break.

A reminder that students will return next term in winter uniform, including blazers.

We look forward to welcoming the boys back refreshed and ready for Term 2.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

As the term draws to a close, I want to take a moment to commend our primary boys for their remarkable effort and enthusiasm toward their learning. Over the past ten weeks, it has been wonderful to witness our primary students wholeheartedly engage with new learning opportunities, showing both curiosity and dedication every step of the way.

Building Organisational Skills for a Successful School Day

Being organised is an important skill that helps students feel confident, calm, and ready to learn each day. As students move through the upper years of primary school, developing good organisational habits supports their learning now and prepares them for the increased independence they will need in high school.

The last couple of weeks have provided us with a helpful opportunity to reflect on the importance of being prepared. On too many occasions towards the end of this term, boys have been coming to classrooms and assessments without the necessary equipment e.g. pencils, erasers, sharpeners. Some students have been arriving with flat laptops or without headphones. This is challenging for them to complete the required tasks including assessments. While the staff support these students as best they can, situations like this often interrupt learning time and increase stress for everyone involved.

Organisation plays a big part in helping learning run smoothly. When students come to school prepared, lessons can begin on time, assessments can be completed fairly, and students are better able to show what they know. Being organised also helps students build independence and take pride in their learning.

At this stage of schooling, students are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their own organisation. These include:

• Charging laptops overnight so they are ready for learning and assessments
• Bringing required equipment each day, such as headphones, stationery, and books
• Checking classroom expectations and notices to know what is needed. Assessment calendars are published and emailed.
• Arriving to class on time and settling quickly
• Looking after personal belongings, including digital devices

• Coming to class ready to learn and engaging positively 

   

These expectations are intentionally designed to help students develop independence and prepare for the transition to secondary school. 

Our teachers work hard to plan engaging lessons, support students during learning, and provide guidance when challenges arise. To ensure teaching time is used effectively, there are some organisational responsibilities that sit with students and families, such as:

• Ensuring students have their own stationery and equipment
• Making sure laptops are charged each day
• Providing personal items such as headphones

• Supporting students to develop routines so they are ready to begin learning promptly

   

This allows teachers to focus on teaching and supporting all students in the classroom.

Families play an important role in helping students build strong routines. Simple steps like packing school bags the night before, charging devices overnight, and talking about what’s coming up the next day can make a big difference. Encouraging students to take responsibility for these tasks helps them grow in confidence and independence. Attention to these matters next term would be greatly appreciated by the Primary Staff moving forward.

Term 1 results

All assessment results, along with grades for Learning Behaviours will be available by 3pm this Thursday. Please spend some time discussing your son’s grades and unpacking the feedback that his teacher has provided. This feedback will help to inform student goals for Term 2 and guide their continued progress.

Year 5 Gold Rush Excursion

Last week, our Year 5 classes attended their Gold Rush excursion to Belivah where they stepped back in time and gained an appreciation of what it was like for our early diggers. The boys gained an understanding of what these mining tent cities were like and how difficult it was for the miners to strike it rich. It was great to see the boys engage in this opportunity which will undoubtedly assist in providing necessary context for their learning next term. 

Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Winners

Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus in the Primary. Congratulations to the following classes for their success last week.

Primary Sport

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations to Thomas Lindner (5R) on his selection in the Queensland Swimming Team to compete at the Australian School Sport Swimming Championships, to be held in Melbourne, Victoria from 29 November to 3 December.

Thomas earned this selection following an outstanding performance at the recent Queensland School Sport Swimming State Championships, where he was crowned the Queensland 10 Years 100m Breaststroke Champion. He also qualified in the 50m Butterfly, securing a third-place finish. In addition, Thomas contributed to Met North’s success in relay events, winning two silver medals in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay and the 4x50m Medley Relay.

Congratulations also to Finn Sheehan (6G) who also represented Marist College at the Queensland School Sport Swimming State Championships.

Congratulations Thomas!

Congratulations to Alex Dunbar (6V), Madden McQuinn (6V), Leo Mylne (6W), Jed Stevens (6G) and Jack Wurf (6M) who have been selected to represent Marist College at the Met North Regional AFL Trials to be held this week.

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Friday, 17 – Sunday, 19 April

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival (TASRC) 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.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Marist Rugby players to experience a regional tour playing five competitive games, pooled against teams of matching standards, from across Australia. 

Congratulations to the following boys selected to represent Marist College at TASRC.

Term 1 AIC Sport

Cricket

AFL

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out 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 smart phone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.

Late Pick Up After Sports Training

“PLAN B”

It is important that both parent and student are aware of the pick-up procedure if afternoon sports training is cancelled or if parents are running late for pick-up. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the College app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives.

Afternoon sports training sessions are scheduled to finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm will be directed to the After Hours Boarding Reception area / College Health Centre so that he may be collected from there. After Hours Boarding Reception can be contacted on 07 3858 4619.

In the case of bus arrivals from external sporting venues, boys will be sent to After Hours Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the bus arrives back at the College. Parents are asked to collect their sons from this location.