Rush House News

This term was always going to be a fast-moving one, and true to form, we are already past the halfway mark. Years 7-11 will now be preparing for this term’s assessment. Just a reminder that assessment planners are available on the Portal, and have been emailed to students. Year 12 students are in the middle of their External Exams. Rush House are keeping the Seniors in our thoughts and prayers at the moment, so that they are able to maintain their focus and perform to the best of their ability in their exams.

Year 12 Farewells

Prior to the commencement of the External Exams, the Year 12s were able to begin their farewell celebrations. I was privileged to attend a dinner with the Rush House boarders, where they acknowledged their supervisors and shared stories about their time in boarding. It was a little eye-opening at times, but what was clear was the bonds they formed and the love they shared for Marist College Ashgrove. It was also nice to have the boys’ previous Head of House (Adam Knight) join the table for dinner.

Next up, the Rush House Seniors attended a dinner together, as a whole group, at Tomato Brothers, Wilston. The realisation hit that this would be one of the last times that they would all be together, so the meal was shared with many laughs and memories of their time at the College.

Finally, we were able to have the opportunity to farewell the Year 12s of Rush together as a House community. We gathered in the Chapel and were able to celebrate and share stories. Pastoral Groups prepared speeches about each of their Seniors, and they did really well with striking the right mix of humour and heartfelt sentiments. Younger students delivered these speeches on the day, and I was very impressed with how the boys spoke in front of the group.

Rush House Leaders 2024

I would like to extend a thank you to the Rush House Leaders of 2023 (pictured below - L to R): Henry Knight (Culture), Angus Bosse (Academic), Charlie Weaver (Mission), Bailey Caplick (Sport) and Jack Fogarty (Wellbeing). These five, in addition to all the Seniors of 2023, have led the House well, and will be missed.

The Leadership for 2024 has now been finalised. There were many capable applicants, and it was heartwarming to hear the Rush boys speak about their vision for next year. While there are many leaders in the House, the ‘official’ Rush House Leadership Team is:

Congratulations to all boys on their leadership roles. In particular, I would like to congratulate Dominic Forbes, Max Bathersby and Isaac Roach on successfully obtaining College leadership roles.

Awards Night

Rush House was well represented at this year’s Awards Night. It was a good opportunity to acknowledge those who have put in considerable work in order to achieve top results. While a few of these boys were congratulated in our House Meeting, the Academic Captain (Max Bathersby) and I both made the point about achieving personal best. I am truly happy when I see boys achieve commensurate with their true ability. The Application behaviours are equally as important to me. When I read the reports, it is good to also see many boys achieving ‘A’s in Behaviour, Application and Punctuality/Preparedness. I am glad that these students are also acknowledged with the Head of College Awards, and it gives boys of all abilities something to strive for. 

I would like to acknowledge the following students for their achievements at Awards Night:

Ash Dash

The House Cup has reset and begins in Term 4 each year. One of the first competitions was Ash Dash – held in Week 3. Essentially, each year level in each House puts forward a team of four (one at a different checkpoint around the school) and they sprint and collect their other members along the way. It ends on the Main Oval (with the school in the Grandstand), where the team of four carries a bail of hay around a marker and back to the finish line. Thank you to the boys who represented their year level for this competition; in particular, the Year 11s, who almost won their round.

Year 11 Social

Year 11 looked sharp as they arrived for the Social, held at Victoria Park Golf Club on Thursday 19 October. They looked a little dishevelled and damp at the end, but it was the sign of a good night of dancing. All presented respectfully while enjoying the company of those in attendance. It was good preparation for the Senior Formal, which takes place early next year. 

Day for Daniel

On Friday 20 October, the school acknowledged Day for Daniel, which is the Rush House charity. On the day, there were presentations around safety and cyber safety from a couple of presenters, including the group Safe on Social. CEO of Safe on Social, Kirra Prendergast, also did a parent presentation the night before Day for Daniel, and the video has subsequently been sent to parents (from Student Admin) if you didn’t get a chance to engage on the night. Additionally, donations were raised from free dress and Market Stalls (selling a variety of food and drinks), which was a joint venture with the Year 9 Business students and staff. The College raised over $5, 000 (an amazing effort!) which will now be donated to the Morcombe Foundation to assist with the work that they do around keeping young people safe. 

Parents/guardians, as always, thank you for the support from your end. Please let me know if I can assist with anything from the end. I hope that the term finishes well for the boys.