Primary News

Dear Primary Families,

In my visits to classrooms last week it was great to see our boys already working hard in the classroom, taking responsibility for their learning, and setting learning goals for the term ahead.

These first few weeks of term are essential to establishing the standards and routines expected of our boys in the Primary School. Whilst this may be challenging at times, particularly after an extended break, it is always rewarding for both staff and parents to see the boys meet these high standards and work hard to reach their full potential.

AIC Sport

Last week saw the first round of AIC competition for cricket and AFL. My congratulations to all boys for their selection in their respective teams, particularly our new students who are wore the blue and gold for the first time.

Representing Marist College Ashgrove during inter-school sport is an important responsibility and I thank all the boys, coaches and parents for representing our College with pride.

A detailed summary of the weekend’s results can be found in the Primary Sport section below.

Visit to Head of College

Last week our Year 5 students enjoyed a visit to The Tower to see Mr Newman (Head of College). Mr Newman spoke to the boys about the history of the College, Marist education and the important role Mary our Good Mother with play in guiding them on their journey at the College.

Parent Information Evening

Thank you to all our families who engaged virtually in the Year 5 and New Family Information Evening last week. The link was sent to all new families and is still active if you would like to watch the recording.

Sports Uniform 

All students in Years 5 and 6 will wear their Sports Uniform every Friday. A reminder that boys are not required to wear their formal hat with their Sport Uniform.

Absences

Thank you to all our families who have quickly transitioned to using the Parent Lounge to notify of your son’s absence from school. This information is essential in assisting us to keep track of students who are absent and how long they are absent for. Students who are required to isolate as close contacts are able to access work from their teacher, who will outline the work that can be completed during the week they are away. Please note, if your son is unwell for any reason, their focus should be on getting better.

From the Primary Pastoral Leader – Mr Michael Connolly

Starting The Year

Every boy in Year 5 and 6 has experienced a series of ‘firsts’ during the last week here in our Primary School.  Of course, for our Year 5 students and our six boys in Year 6 who are joining us this year, the learning curve has been steep indeed. These boys have done a wonderful job of getting through their first week at their new school.

In addition to our new students, our returning Year 6 students have had to adjust to new teachers, classrooms and lessons in many cases. I would like to thank these boys for the way in which they have started their year together in Year 6 and encourage them to continue to act as great role models for our new students.

There may be boys who are still feeling a bit unsure of their new surroundings, and this is certainly to be expected as they take time to adjust to the changes they are encountering this year. All boys will adapt to change at different rates so, there may be boys who are still anxious during the weeks ahead.  If you believe that your son may need some support in this area over the weeks and months ahead, please do not hesitate to make contact with me via email.

Naming Items

I would like to request that everything your son brings to school be clearly marked with his name. We have had some brand new items of uniform misplaced here last week, but thankfully, most were able to be returned because it was clearly labelled. Thank you for your assistance with this.

Haircuts

Thanks to all parents who have responded to requests to take their sons for haircuts over the last week. A reminder that the boys should not have hair that falls down over their eyes when brushed forward.

ASH Buddies

By the time you read this newsletter, your son will have met his new ASH Buddy and taken part in an introductory activity. This session is aimed at our Year 5 and Year 6 Buddies getting to know more about each other. Please ask your son to share some information about their ASHbuddy with you after Tuesday morning’s session.

From the Primary Library

The first week with the boys in the library has been a joy. We have enjoyed watching them engage so beautifully with reading their books, playing chess, catching up on homework and forging new friendships.

A reminder to parents that we would like to encourage your boys to have a waterproof or plastic bag in their schoolbag to protect their books from water bottles when transporting their books to and from school.

We shall be doing a STEM activity this week in Makerspace. The boys shall be designing and creating their own mazes which we expect to be loads of fun for them!

Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne

In what was a whirlwind start to life at Marist for the Year 5 boys; 3 weeks of trials and training were squeezed into 4 days, culminating in weekend fixtures against Villanova College (AFL) and Ambrose Treacy College and Padua College (Cricket).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and guardians for the effort in ensuring that all the Marist boys played in their correct uniform over the weekend.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact me;

John Lambourneprimarysports@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist College Sporting Expectations

At Marist we often talk about being 100% Marist 100% of the time. This means that we represent our school with pride, no matter the situation. The boys are constantly reminded of the importance of representing our College with pride on the sporting field. Win, lose or draw they should do it well. In the competitive environment of schoolboy sport this can sometimes be challenging. However, at Marist we are known by the very high standard of which we hold ourselves to. The three violets of humility, simplicity and modesty provide us with a constant reminder of the people we should be. The image below, developed by the AIC schools, also provides a reminder of the expectations for all parents and spectators. 

Coach contact details will be placed on the APP this week, when contacting your son’s coach please ensure that you include the head of primary sport in your communication.

Boys with training conflicts are reminded to communicate with their coaches when they will be absent from training.

Cricket

Years 5-6 Cricket Results - Round 2 vs. ATC

AIC Sport Photo Days 

The first AIC Sport photo day is scheduled for this Saturday for those cricketers playing here at the College, only those teams playing at the College will be scheduled for photographs. Rest assured that teams playing away will have their team photos scheduled at a later date. 

AFL

Years 5-6 AFL Results - Round 2 vs. Villa

Term 1 Swimming

MCA Primary Swim Squad training sessions continue Monday and Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 1. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2022. 

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

Year 5 and 6 MCA Swim Squad Training Timetable - Term 1

Sports Photographs

We are always on the lookout for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue and 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

Pick-up Arrangements - “Plan B”  

It is important that you are aware of the pick-up procedures if you are running late. Sport training sessions finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time, or soon after. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5:00pm will be directed to the Boarding Reception area so that he may be collected from there. In the case of bus arrivals, boys will be sent to Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the arrival time of the bus. 

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.