Rush House

As the first term of the year draws to a close, I just want to take a moment to look back at a couple of key events from Term 1.

Rush Leaders 2026

The 2026 Rush Captains have now completed two terms in their leadership roles (commencing in Term 4 last year). They have been a huge support to me and have worked positively with the boys in the House. While all Seniors take a leadership role in the House, I would like to take this opportunity to remind us of who is ‘captaining’ the various areas in Rush. Also, students are encouraged to speak to the Rush Captains if they have any questions relating to their leadership area – they will be happy to assist.

Orientation Day – New Students and Year 7

When thinking back to the start of the term and Orientation Day for the new students and Year 7s, I remember a lot of nervous faces putting on a smile when we took these photos. We have come a long way since then, and I would like to publicly welcome the new students and their families to Rush House. Already, many of the new students have made strong contributions to the House and the College, and I look forward to working alongside them in their journey at Marist. I would like to thank the 2026 Rush Leaders for their assistance in familiarising the Year 7s with high school, and the Year 13s – Ethan Schulz (Rush Wellbeing Captain 2025) and Lachlan Grant for the two weeks they spent working with the newest Rush boys.

Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday to Friday in Week 3, Year 7 attended Camp at Marantha, Yandina, Sunshine Coast. I was joined by two Year 10 students – Nick Steffens and Tommy Blaszczyk – and I will leave it to them to share their observations. 

On day one, all the boys were up and ready to board the bus for Camp Maranatha, where their leadership and teamwork would be tested over three exciting days. Despite a long bus ride, the excitement was absolutely noticeable – eager, yet nervous about the upcoming adventure. The first session began with the Jacob’s Ladder challenge, where students partnered up to climb a ladder, and I saw all the boys constantly cheering and helping their classmates make it up the ladder; there was not one person that didn’t go up it. I would just like to point out how all the Year 7s helped their teammates up even if it meant they couldn’t themselves get to the top as quickly. This activity set the tone for an incredible first day. 

Day two began with many tired Year 7s and a lot more tired teachers, but the energy quickly picked up as students participated in various activities, with the highlight being the giant swing. In this challenge, students were lifted high into the sky by their peers, then pulled a cord to drop down and swing. Every time I looked to see if they could pull the rip cord, they always did – whether there were nerves or not. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for growth - I definitely witnessed this. Nick Steffens – Year 10

On the third day, the boys had a much better sleep and were ready to go home. Some were sad the experience was coming to an end whilst others were ready to leave. The day consisted of just two activities, a mid-ropes course and team building activities to test how the boys work together as a group. From what I saw, the boys flew past this and displayed their ability to communicate with each other to complete each objective of the activity. The real challenge was found on the mid ropes course. Despite many students being intimidated by the height and difficulty of the course, each and every one of them gave it a go, which is something that didn’t always happen in every House. The boys encouraged their more nervous/afraid peers to ‘have a go’ and finish the mid ropes course. Overall, Year 7 Camp was an incredible opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones and experience an exciting, new environment where they would learn important life skills. Tommy Blaszczyk – Year 10

Year 7 Induction – Badge presentations

Upon returning form camp, we had an opportunity to ‘officially’ welcome the Year 7s to the House, and the Seniors of each Pastoral Group presented students with a Rush badge. 

Head of College Awards

In one of our early House Meetings, we had the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the Rush students who received a Head of College Awards for their excellent application shown towards their studies last year. Well done gents.

Year 7 – Perry Ballinger, Joseph Cairns, Spencer Davis-Dodd, Jack James, Charlie Maclean, Emerson Maxwell, James Midgley, Leo Scuderi, Patrick Thirgood.

Year 8 – Rhys Adams, Sebastian Averillo, Dominic Guinea, Nick Lepelaar.

Year 9 – Julian Bishop, Louis Fornazaric, Isaac Gervais, Alex Holding, Hunter Kayra, Harvey Pye.

Year 10 – Archie Breitkreuz, Sam Coleman, Oliver Davis-Dodd, Caleb Fuller, George Henderson, Roma Park, Aarav Patel, Toby Saunders, Lucas Weigl.

Year 11 – Lachlan Chandler, Ben Flanagan, Mitchell Hale-Robertson, Jonah Horgan, Murphy Lunney, Nicolas Pola, Adrian Simon.

Year 12 – Max McGuinness, Joseph Murphy, Connor Parsons, Heath Parsons, Daniel Thirgood.

Year 12 Formal

On Saturday 21st March, Year 12 attended their formal at Brisbane City Hall. The Seniors looked amazing, and from my observations on the night, they were respectful to each other and their partners. The ‘smart’ look turned a little dishevelled and sweaty once the dance floor started, but I think that was the sign of a good evening. This night was a reminder that the Year 12s are now starting to have final memorable moments as they participate in Senior-specific activities and events for the last time.

Rush House Mass

Thank you to the staff, parents and students who were able to attend the Rush House Mass. Community Mass is held each Wednesday morning in the Chapel, and twice a year (usually once a semester), each House receives a special invitation to attend. It was a nice opportunity to engage in Mass together as a community, and it is always good to have many of the Rush family attend. I will email the House to let you know when then next one is on. 

House Cup Event – Ephrem Cards

This year was the first time running Ephrem Cards, which saw five card games take place over the week. 

Monday - Uno

Tuesday – Monopoly Deal

Wednesday – Flip 7

Thursday – Crazy 8s

Friday – Spoons 

Each day needed a competitor from each year level in Rush (and students could only play once throughout the competition). Thank you to all of the students who represented Rush across the year levels, and at the end of the week, we finished 3rd overall – good team effort by the Rush Rampage. After the points were allocated from this event, Rush House remains top of the House Cup!

Birthing Kits

Around the time of International Women’s Day, Rush House Seniors were involved in compiling birthing kits, in support of Zonta and Birthing Kit Foundation Australia. This was led by Maddie Henry (Head of Foley House). Due to the generosity of the Year 12 families, the Seniors were able to fund and assemble over 600 birthing kits, which will help provide safer childbirth conditions for women in vulnerable communities. 

Brothers Visit

A small group of Rush Year 8s made a visit to the Marist Brothers community at Ashgrove. These visits, organised through Mission, allow us to stay connected with the Brothers as we express our values of solidarity and service. Thanks to Sebastian Averillo, Rhys Adams and Keagan Mason for representing us well.

House BBQ

Just prior to Exam Block each term, a House BBQ is a popular community event where we can engage with one another, acknowledge what we have achieved so far, and wish each other well for the assessment period ahead. We also celebrated NAPLAN wrapping up – congratulations to the Year 7s and Year 9s who put their best foot forward during the preparation and assessment. Also, thank you to the Year 11 students who cooked and served the BBQ – Stanley Grellman, Nick Prendergast, Reilly Keogh, Judson Gay, Aiden Honke and Will Philp.

I am writing this prior to the Swimming Carnival taking place (Tuesday Week 10) and I am sure that this event will see the Rush Rampage come together, like we did when we won last year, to show strong participation and House spirit once again. This day is also the Lenten Fun Day – raising money for Marist Solidarity, and I would like to thank everyone who generously donated to this fundraiser, including contributions towards the Rush Chocolate Drive (which will be used as prizes on the day). We appreciate your support.

I hope that everyone has a chance to rest and recharge over the upcoming holiday break and Easter season. Stay safe and well, and I look forward to working with the Rush families again in Term 2. As always, please reach out at any time if I can be of assistance. 

God bless

Scott Minogue