From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

A Revolution for Today’s Times at Marist

The Marist theme for 2023 is “created and called – a revolution of love and tenderness.” The word “revolution” derives from late Latin - revolutio “a revolving”, from the Latin “revolvere” meaning to turn or roll back. A revolution is usually associated with a successful rebellion resulting in a major change and is often achieved through protest, violence or war.

Since the 1970s, there have been some major social changes in Australia - usually as a result of public opinion and angst – that were implemented through politics, for example, a more accessible health system through the introduction of Medicare, flexible exchange rates, leave loading, superannuation, a Goods and Services Tax (GST), gun reforms, child protection legislation, marriage equality and most recently new environmental policies. At present, we are preparing to go to a referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament. We look back in history at all these major changes as quite revolutionary at the time and are now, or, are becoming, a part of the fabric of Australian life, culture and expectations. At the time of their introduction, these changes were not without some hesitation, robust discussion, debate and even division. A revolution is not only achieved through aggression and war, but through social dialogue and action.

So, our theme for 2023 seeks in us a focus to enable a revolution of love. We know God loves us unconditionally, regardless of our actions and will seek to be part of our lives regardless of how much time and energy we give in return. God created us out of his unconditional love and calls us to be fully alive in this love - to believe, speak out and stand-up for what is right and to be altruistic in a world that is increasingly more secular, materialistic and individualistic. As we commence the 2023 year at Marist, we are challenged to this call for a revolution of love. At the very least, we can mandate a serious change of heart - believing in the power of love through God and in turn, radiating this love and tenderness to our sisters and brothers, especially those most in need.

God of the journey, we pray that all members of the Marist family take up the revolutionary challenge to demonstrate above all else, a loving and tender demeanour towards one another. Amen.

Strategic Plan Launch

Marist College Ashgrove is very excited about the new Strategic Plan for the Future 2022-2026. This plan has been developed using feedback from parents (2021 Student Survey), staff, students, the various committees and support groups of the College and Marist Schools Australia. Next Wednesday 15 February, all parents and those associated with the College are welcome to attend the launch of this exciting plan. The evening will commence at 6:00pm at the courtyard of the Tower and will conclude by 7:30pm. We hope you can join us for this launch as we celebrate all that is Marist and where we hope to progress into the future for all the boys in our care. This is a free-ticketed event. Ticket bookings can be obtained through the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/strategic-plan-launch. We look forward to the official launch of our Marist College Ashgrove Strategic Plan.

ATAR Assembly

Today at the College Assembly we congratulated all our Old Boys who achieved ATAR results in the top 2% in Queensland (ATAR above 98). Ten per cent (10%) of our students received an ATAR above 98 - Douglas Cowlishaw, Archibald Forbes, Samuel Patterson, Zac Apelt, Thomas Cusack, Mason Houlihan, Patrick Gilbert, William Johnson, Harry Masel, Fletcher Artho, Michael Nolan, Frank Baker, Ryese Hart, Aidan O'Connell, Jack Mestric, Dylan Soll and Henry Warren. Forty-four per cent (44%) of the student received an ATAR above 90. All boys received a framed certificate and congratulations from the student body. We congratulate Douglas Cowlishaw who was announced as the Marist College Ashgrove Dux for 2022. The Assembly concluded with morning tea for the boys and their families. Well done gentlemen. Photos of the event are below.

Year 7 Camp

Best wishes to all Year 7 boys who will be attending the annual Year 7 Camp from Wednesday 8 - Friday 10 February at Maranatha Recreation Camp, Yandina. This camp is held early in the year to enable the boys to meet new friends, to gather their thoughts around a shared common Year 7 purpose and to prepare for the year ahead. The activities to be undertaken at the camp with qualified instructors include: archery, giant swing, pool sports, leap of faith, rocket ball, group initiatives, mid-ropes and camping.

I would like to thank the following teachers and staff who will be generously accompanying the boys on this camp - Doug Perrers, Dave Meehan, Jess Turschwell, Catie Kidd, Tony Byrne, Tom Dangerfield, Julia Wilken, Marcus Schrader, Brett Gillett, Rhiannon Fenn, Brendan Kiernan, Paul Knight, Maddie Spann, Gareth Kolkenbeckruh, Rowan Dekkers, Scott Minogue, Ellie Kenny, Michael Abbott, James Walton, Genevieve Long and Craig Milligan.

My best wishes are extended to all boys on this Year 7 Camp – enjoy!

Uniform Update

At Marist, we continue to respond to the parent survey completed in 2021 where we had over 52% of our parents respond. The first area that was identified by parents as desiring improvement is in the boy’s academic endeavours and the second area identified was the way the boys’ wear the uniform and their general appearance. In response to uniform and appearance, we are ensuring all boys meet the expectations as outlined by the College at enrolment and in the student diary. We have checked all boys’ hair and have asked them to have this meet the College standards as a matter of priority. Regarding belts, socks that fit, shoes that are clean and a formal hat, these are being checked and the boys have been given until Friday to meet the standards expected (end of Week 3). We are happy to have difficult conversations with your son regarding uniform and appearance in support of all parents. I thank you all as you continue to support the College in assuring your son wears his uniform with pride and learns the importance of dress and appearance as a life skill in the future.

The Heat and Size of the Champagnat Centre

Thank you to the many parents and boys who attended Friday’s Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Awards Ceremony. The day was hot and the conditions a real struggle, so we are very grateful for your endurance, patience and attention throughout this important event for the boys.

Our Master Plan clearly states our intention to undertake a three-prong building plan over the next 10 years. Stage 1 is the building of the new Primary building which is occurring as we speak. Stage 2 is to refurbish the Carrick Wing, the major classrooms of the secondary which have not had a major refurbishment since its completion in 1957. The aim being better classrooms in both Primary and Secondary to allow the best possible practice of learning and teaching in the classroom for boys now, and into the future.

Stage 3 is to build an Assembly Hall and STEAM Learning Centre. Anyone who was present at the Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Awards on Friday could see that the assembly space that we use is essentially a gym that can no longer fit a growing student population or to enable parents to attend. As a result, we must ask different year levels to remain in their classrooms to watch the mass and ceremony via video-link. As for the heat, the gym is an impossible space to cool for the boys.

Parents and Friends of Marist - we need your help, please. To make this Stage 3 project a reality, we need your financial assistance to enable this much-needed major element of the Master Plan to become a reality. Other schools can raise such funds for their building projects, so we will be calling on our parents and affiliates from Marist to do the same. One of the major fundraising days aimed to raise funds for this new Assembly Hall and STEAM Learning Centre is planned for later in the year - a Giving Day. We trust that you will support us in ensuring this day is a huge boost to these plans for your sons and the many students who will follow and benefit from a Marist education. More news will come on this planned “Giving Day” event later in the year. If you would like to discuss or assist with this planned “Giving Day” please contact staceyc@marash.qld.edu.au. Exciting times ahead!

Year 5 Parent Evening

All Year 5 parents are invited to the annual Parents and Friends social evening at the Tower, this Friday 10 February. This is a lovely evening held in the courtyard of the Tower from dusk. Enjoy the company of your peers, and good conversation over drinks and canapés. This is a great chance for all parents to get together and meet, share stories and build contacts for the years ahead. On Friday you will also get the chance to hear a short address from Mr Michael Connolly (Head of Primary), the President of the P&F and I about the progress of your sons. To book a ticket go to https://events.humanitix.com/2023-year-5-parent-function. Bookings close 9:00am Wednesday 8 February.

I look forward to seeing you all on Friday evening.

P&F Association

All new and existing parents are invited to Parents & Friends Association meetings on a Monday evening early each month during the school term – dates are contained in the College Calendar and in weekly newsletters. Our first meeting is next Monday 13th February. This is also the Annual General Meeting. These meetings are a great opportunity to become more involved in Marist life and to assist with your son’s education. Further, I attend each meeting and can answer general queries and provide the current news of the College. Marist has an extraordinary Parents & Friends Association with arms of work and care supporting so many areas of the Marist College family including single parents, the elderly, fundraising for facilities for the boys, social events for parents and assisting those families in need. I look forward to seeing both new and existing parents join us on Monday evenings for our Parents & Friends Association meetings.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 7 February

Years 10-12 Student Monitoring Week - continues
Environment Group - Oxley Creek Catchment and Marist Boys Tree Planting and Creek Rejuvenation
Study Hall – Senior Library
Reconciliation – Chapel (Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou)
House Meetings Years 5-12
Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
College Assembly
Old Boys’ Association Meeting and AGM

Wednesday 8 February