Learning and Teaching News

Ms Jen Smeed – Deputy Learning and Teaching

Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg – Head of Middle School Learning and Teaching

Mr Adam Knight – Secondary Learning Leader

Academic Care Team 2022

Marist College Ashgrove’s Academic Care Team (ACT) works with students to track and assist their academic growth at the College. The ACT is divided into several roles

• Deputy Learning and Teaching: Ms Jen Smeed. Jen’s primary focus is on student tracking and curriculum development across the Senior School (10-12). This includes the Year 10 preparation programs and subject selections as well senior courses. Jen can be contacted at smeedj@marash.qld.edu.au
• Head of Middle School Learning and Teaching: Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg. Roxanne works with the Middle School students (Years 7-9) and staff to ensure our Middle school programs prepare the boys for their many pathways options as they move into senior schooling. Roxanne can be contacted at rosenbergr@marash.qld.edu.au 
• Secondary Learning Leader: Mr Adam Knight. Adam works across both the Middle and Senior School with students in Year 7-12. Adam conducts regular academic check-ins and mentorship to students around subjects, pathways, study routines, assessment plans etc. Adam can be contacted at knighta@masrash.qld.edu.au 
• Primary Learning Leader: Ms Jen Little. Jen works closely with Primary School teachers to develop an engaging and targeted curriculum for students in Year 5 and 6. She tracks student progress and is focussed on continual improvement for all. Jen can be contacted at littlej@marash.qld.edu.au

The Academic Care Team can be seen at the Studies Office (under the Resource Centre). Please feel free to contact the relevant member of the ACT is you have any questions about your son’s subjects or overall academic progress across the year.

Online Learning

Next Monday 31 January sees students in Years 8-12 begin their academic school year by attending their timetabled classes online. Just as we did last year, students are expected to follow their full school timetable via the Teams platform. Instructions on how to access Teams classes will be sent to all Year 8-12 students and parents via email later this week. 

The entire student body will return to campus for face-to-face learning on Monday 7 January. The same timetable will continue to be followed. Students are expected to be prepared for learning on the first day including with pens, pencils, books and a charged laptop (Years 8,9,11,12. Note Year 7 and 10 will receive their laptops on this day). Being organised will allow for the greatest chance of success and the opportunity to start the school year (face-to-face) really well.

Year 8-11 Subject Changes 

Over the break students in Years 8-11 may have decided to change their elective subjects that they chose last year. If your son would like to change his subjects please encourage him to see the people listed below:

• Year 8 subject changes – relevant Head of House
• Year 9 subject changes – Head of Middle School Learning and Teaching, Mrs Rosenberg or Secondary Learning Leader, Mr Adam Knight. 
• Year 10-11 subject changes – Deputy Learning and Teaching, Ms Smeed or Secondary Learning Leader, Mr Knight.

All subject changes need to be made by Friday 18 February.

Middle School News - Years 7-9

Welcome back to all our families, new and old!  We warmly welcome you to Marist College Ashgrove where it is our mission to educate boys in the Marist tradition inspiring them to love, learn, lead and serve. Please know that we will aim to provide a holistic education for your son in an environment that is supportive, engaging and challenging.

You are encouraged to read the newsletter each week to find out what is happening regarding curriculum at the College.  The following events are coming up for our middle school boys.

Year 7 Laptop Collection and Information Night – Monday 7 February

This is an online event being live-streamed at 6:00pm.  A link will be sent to all parents prior to the event. This night coincides with Year 7 boys collecting their laptop during the day.  Please remember that you must read the Laptop Handbook and Terms and Conditions and accept via Parent Lounge before your son can be provided with his laptop.  Thank you to the many parents who have already completed this. 

Year 7 Information Night - Monday 14 February

This event is being organised by Mr Ryan Apps but I will be presenting to discuss academics at the College.  If you have any questions relating to the night please contact Mr Apps at appsr@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7-9 Monitoring – Week 4

During this week all boys will meet with their pastoral teacher to discuss their academic goals for 2022.  They will write these goals into their diaries.  I encourage you all to discuss these goals with your son and set some steps in helping him achieve them.

In the coming weeks, your son will have access to his assessment schedule.  This can be located on Student Café.  Your son is encouraged to download this schedule and transfer assessment dates to his College Diary.  There will be more information on how to access this information in our next newsletter item.

Senior School News - Years 10-12

Year 12 Academic Interviews

There are still around 20 Year 12 boys who did not organise an Academic check-in interview during Term 4 last year. I would encourage these boys and families to contact Mr Adam Knight ASAP to organise an interview.

Year 11 and 12 Online Learning Preparation 

This week, Years 11 and 12 students will be sent some preparation work from their senior teachers. This work will be in the form of pre-readings, revision readings, revision activities or preparation for the continuation of their Unit 3 work. It is expected that this work is completed before the commencement of online learning next Monday 31 January.