Primary School News

On Friday, our littlest boys were able to farewell our biggest boys as they walked own the driveway for the last time as Marist men. The boys from the Primary School did a great job of making this final walk a truly memorable occasion for the graduates as they presented them with their posters and posed for photos together. I was fortunate to attend the Graduation Dinner on Friday evening and spend time with the graduates, many of whom were with us in the Primary School in 2015 and 2016. So many of them spoke fondly about their time in the Primary School and the teachers that looked after them whilst here. Many reflected on how quickly their journey had been. I asked them what advice they would give to our current boys and there was a common theme running through the responses. Work hard and always be good to your mates. 

I hope our boys read this and strive to put this into action during the years ahead.

Primary Leaders

After a thorough process that started early this term, our Primary Leaders for 2023 have been selected. I would like to thank all the boys who participated in the leadership process and congratulate them all on nominating themselves as potential leaders.  I also encourage all current Year 5 boys to view themselves as leaders in our Primary School next year and look for ways that they can be positive role models for our new Year 5 students in 2023.

We look forward to working with our five Student Leaders in their roles next year.

End of Year Assembly

Our End of Year Assembly takes place this Friday in the Draney Theatre starting at 12:30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to farewell our Year 6 students as they graduate from Primary School and take the next step on their Marist journey. At the conclusion of the assembly, there will be an opportunity for Year 6 parents and students to gather in the courtyard of The Tower for refreshments. From here, parents may leave the college with their Year 6 sons directly from the Tower (approx 2:30pm). Please note that boys who do not have parents present at the assembly will need to stay on College property. Year 5 students will return to their classrooms and remain at school until 3:10pm.

We look forward to seeing many of you to celebrate this milestone event in the life of your sons.

Uniform Reminders for Final Week

A reminder that the boys in the Primary School will have a slightly different routine for their uniform this week.

Wednesday:    Grey uniform as usual

Thursday:         Year 6 in beach wear, Year 5 in sports uniform (Fun Day)

Friday:               ALL Primary boys wear grey uniform on our final day

Year 6 Beach Trip

Our Year 6 boys are very excited about their Beach Trip coming up on Thursday.

Thanks to the parents who have volunteered to attend this excursion. All parents who are attending should have received an email last week with more details about briefing and expectations.  I am sure it will be a fitting finale to the boys’ final year here in the Primary School.

Building Project

These are exciting times in the Primary School as the construction of our new Primary School buildings starts this week. Vehicular access to the Primary School will be restricted for the next twelve months as the temporary fences have blocked off the main access road to the precinct. If you require access to drop off students at any time ie students on crutches etc, please contact Deb Maddox in the Primary Reception. 

Lost Property

We have quite a lot of lost property at present. Included in this are brand-new sports shorts, shirts, and college jumpers. There is also a complete MCA football kit containing Nike Mercurial boots, football shorts, shirt, socks, and shin guards all in a Nike backpack. Not one of these items have a name on them so it is impossible to find the owner at this stage. If you think your son is missing any items, please direct him to have a look at the assorted items. 

Kylie Tippins - Acting Primary Pastoral Leader

In the final week of the year, I find myself reflecting on the year, what has been successful, what I’ve enjoyed and perhaps, what I can do better next year.  I also find myself thinking about the changes that I have seen in the boys.  For our Year 5s, thinking about how they have navigated the transition into Marist, the workload, making new friends and experiencing new things.  The Year 5s have astounded me in their growth, attitudes and commitment to Marist.  Our Year 6 boys are now transitioning into high school.  From the boys that I met in April last year, to the young men I see now, there has been enormous growth and they are well and truly ready to cross the quad.  I wish them all success as they continue on their journey.

This has been a big week for all our students with boys finishing assessments, playing trivia, participating in reflection days, group activities, and this week’s beach trip and fun days.  It is an exciting – yet well-deserved – end of the school years.

Families, thank you for your support this year.  I wish you all a happy, peaceful and holy Christmas.