From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

A Heart for Peace

Eyal Waldman is an Israeli tech executive who co-founded the international company, Mellanox. Recently, he spoke about the loss of his daughter, Danielle, in the Hamas attacks. He told of how Danielle loved to celebrate life. Yet, she was one of the many victims killed at the Supernova Music Festival, part of the Hamas attacks on Israel. Danielle and her boyfriend were attempting to escape Hamas terrorists in a car. Eyal found their bullet-ridden car near the festival’s location - “They went down on Friday night to celebrate life, love and freedom and they were massacred.” However, this tragic and barbaric death has incredibly not changed Eyal’s hope for peace for the future - a place where both Israelis and Palestinians can work together. Although he is Jewish, he still manages to speak of bringing prosperity to the Palestinian people - “Our hands are always reaching out for peace.” Despite the pain of losing his beloved daughter, Eyal remains focused on peace and bringing back the many hostages. An astonishing response by a father, in such a personally horrific circumstance.

In a similar spirit, we plead for peace for our world – every year at 11:00am on the 11th of November - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – we pause to remember those who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations. This actual date and time recognises the anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.

All boys will pause in silence for one minute at the College Assembly to remember the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy the freedom and peace we have in Australia today.

This is also an opportunity to pray for peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East, Ukraine and parts of Africa. We pray for Danielle Waldman and all those who have lost their lives in the current conflict in Israel.

Loving God, on this special Remembrance Day, we pray for peace and prosperity for all peoples in our fragile world and to open our hearts like Eyal Waldman.

Amen

Examinations and Assessments

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who continue their examinations over the following week. The final week of examinations includes:

Monday 6 – Biology (Papers 1 and 2), Tuesday – Business and Geography, Wednesday 8th – Physics (Papers 1 and 2), Thursday 9th – Accounting and Studies of Religion, and Tuesday 14th – Japanese.

Best wishes to all our Year 12 boys for these continuing examinations. A reminder that assistance from your teachers can be obtained right up to these final ATAR exams.

Good luck also to our Years 5 – 11 boys who are completing assignments as we speak and revising for their end of year examinations commencing on: 14th November (Years 10 and 11) and 15th November (Years 7, 8 and 9), with Primary assignments and exams continuing throughout the term.

QCAA

I would like to acknowledge the following hard-working staff, who along with teaching, have been involved in extra duties with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). These teaching staff have been involved in either marking senior scripts, writing examinations, moderating Year 12 pieces of assessment or leading and supervising teachers throughout Queensland. The skills learnt by our teachers in these tasks are also transferrable to the classroom and assist boys’ learning here at Marist. I wish to acknowledge the following staff members whose efforts are certainly appreciated - Mrs Liz Walsh, Ms Sharon Davidson, Mr Stewart Moore, Mr Adam Knight, Mrs Jenna Tagney, Mrs Melissa Deacon, Ms Victoria Sparrow, Ms Rebecca Taylor, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Patrick Denkes, Mrs Christine Larsen, Mrs Lauren Newman and Ms Maddie Spann.

Year 5 Concert

This Thursday 9 November from 6:00pm-7:00pm, our stars of the future from Year 5 will perform in the Draney Theatre. You will be treated to the Year 5 Choir, Strings and Band giving their very best performance in the last concert for 2023. Every year 5 boy participates in this enjoyable concert that is divided into two groups performing separately. Refreshments will be available for purchase in the Draney foyer for parents to enjoy while their son is not performing. My thanks are extended to Dr Andrew Butt (Program Leader – Co-curricular Arts), Catherine Wasserman, Janelle Lee Long, Enrico Le Mura, Rhiannon Fenn, Bradley Voltz, Melanie Stewart, Alex Hides and Vanessa Mitchell for their preparation and facilitation of this concert.

Year 11 Boarders Leadership Camp

Over the weekend, our Year 11 boarders attended a leadership camp in the Bunya Mountains. The group made the most of the opportunity to come together and learn about the qualities of effective leadership and to set goals they would like to aim towards. This was a most enjoyable experience and one which has certainly brought the boys closer together with joint and collaborative goals for 2024. My thanks are extended to Mr Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding), Mr Brad Winchester (2024 Br Terence Senior Supervisor and College Teacher) and Mr Blair Whitlock (Boarding Recreation Officer) for instructing and accompanying the boys at this important leadership opportunity.

"Students on Track Day" at Gold Coast 500 Excursion

The Certificate II Engineering Pathways Formula Year 11 Student Program travelled to the Gold Coast 500 for a unique opportunity to gain insights into the world of motorsports. This excursion served as a bridge between their recent Karting Challenge experience at the Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club and their participation in the Formula Student Race Car program. The boys were privileged to hear Matt Barlow’s inspiring corporate pit pass talk. Matt is a member of Triple Eight Race Engineering and a Boarding Supervisor here at the College. This exciting day, held last Friday, was enjoyed by all in attendance. My thanks are extended to Mr Andrew Devoy (Curriculum Leader – Technologies) and Mr Matt Barlow for their organisation of this fantastic opportunity for our students.

Flashing School Zone lights for Moola Road

In the coming weeks, flashing light school zone signs will be installed on Moola Road. Marist College Ashgrove was nominated to receive these new signs as part of a Queensland Government commitment to improve school road safety.

Once they are installed, you will notice that the new signs look similar to standard school zone signs with the addition of a red flashing ring around the speed limit as well as two flashing yellow lights at the top of the sign. The installation of flashing light school zone signs is proven to improve the visibility of school zones, serving as an active reminder for motorists to slow down. Great news for helping keep our boys safe.

Year 7 Immunisations

On Friday 10 November, Year 7 students will be receiving their HPV vaccinations in the Draney Theatre. Parental consent to receive these vaccinations was given during term 1. All Year 7 students whose parents provided consent will have a vaccine administered. Any additional information about the School Immunisation Program is available at 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or by visiting www.health.qld.gov.au/immunisation. I extend my thanks to the Pastoral Care Team led by Mr Peter Serone (Head of Students) for their organisation and assistance with these vaccinations.