From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Our Response to the Challenges and Questions of our World

Presently throughout our world, cultural change is bubbling as traditional views are being challenged. Society is not only questioning the way things are but is responding in different ways. Rapidly changing attitudes and beliefs are a reality. By simply viewing some of the topics presently being discussed in popular news programs and media, this social transformation is obvious, reflected in the complex issues of climate change, the effects of Covid-19, gender equity, the mistreatment of women and the issue of consent, sexual abuse, the aged-care crisis, the rise of China as a super-power, and the looming power of big tech companies. The associated changes to societal attitudes and expectations are also reflected in the Australian Curriculum review and consultation phase which is presently occurring. These changing attitudes and beliefs are real, complex, and often polarising for people.

A recent article by Timothy Radcliffe (The Tablet, 17 April 2021, Pg. 12-13) addresses these tensions and the conflict between the convictions of the Church and the questions facing the world; the Church being you and I, as baptised Christians. His premise is reflected in the behaviour of Jesus in the Emmaus story and that is, we all need to walk with people and listen intently. What is each person talking to us about? What is their pain and sorrow? What is their confusion? We are living through complex and challenging times, whether it be some form of discrimination, mistreatment, abuse, burden, or crisis, so we need to be inclusive and listen to their hurts.

This Sunday’s Gospel is the last of the Easter season, prior to Jesus ascending to heaven and physically leaving his disciples. It is essentially the last message Jesus wanted to share and therefore his unequivocal key message before he left his disciples on earth. His message was simple and precise - ‘love one another.’ The love Jesus speaks of is not to just tolerate or accept but rather, to love unmistakably and fully – even those whose problems may seem insurmountable or whose changing views seem challenging and even polarising.

Loving God, may we as members of the Marist family, journey closely with our brothers and sisters, listening intently and responding with love above all other things. Amen.

Boys and their Masculinity

Marist College Ashgrove is excited to announce a seminar by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. He is an Australian high profile psychologist, author, broadcaster and specialist in parenting, children, adolescents and mental health. He currently works in private practice in Melbourne and is the Commonwealth Government representative on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and is the Consultant Psychologist to the Australian Boarding Schools Association. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg will be speaking to the boys on Thursday 20 May (during school time) regarding right relationships, consent and masculinity. He will also be addressing MCA staff after school. All members of the Marist Ashgrove College family are invited to a seminar with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on Thursday 20 May, in the Champagnat Centre, at 7:00pm. We very much look forward to his presentation on the important topic of boys and their masculinity.

I Appreciate your Feedback

As the new Head of College, I continue to encourage all members of the Marist family to communicate with me your delights and love of our esteemed College, along with the areas you would like to see some change, if not improvement. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to many stakeholders over my time at the College thus far – staff, parents, past parents, Old Boys and stakeholders. The feedback has been very edifying and useful. I look forward to hearing your further reflections either in person as we meet at functions, activities and Saturday sport or via my email – newmanm@marash.qld.edu.au. In anticipation, thank you.

NAPLAN Program

Once again, thank you parents for the manner in which you are preparing your sons for the important literacy and numeracy tests (NAPLAN) at this College this week. I wish all boys the best of luck.

The test schedule for the following week is as follows:

Tuesday – Year 5 Writing
Wednesday – Year 5 Reading, Year 7 & 9 Writing
Thursday – Year 5 Conventions of Language (spelling/grammar and punctuation), Year 7 & 9 Reading
Friday – Year 7 & 9 Conventions of Language (spelling/grammar and punctuation)
Monday - Year 5 Numeracy
Tuesday - Year 7 & 9 Numeracy

College Tour

This Friday 14 May we welcome to our College some 250 visitors who will undertake an official tour and information session on all that Marist offers in the education of a young man. This tour will commence at the College Administration (The Tower) before proceeding to the Draney Theatre to hear speeches from a parent, student, and myself, being chaperoned around the College by a senior student and concluding with a delightful morning tea. I thank our new College Registrar, Alice Wilson and Sharon Ortiz who have organised and will facilitate this tour. If you know of families who would like to undertake a tour in future simply advise them to contact our Registrar on: wilsona@marash.qld.edu.au.

2021 College Walkathon

Tradition has it that the 2021 Walkathon is again fast approaching. All boys have been given their cards and are now seeking sponsors. Students can ask for donations via the donation link on the Walkathon donation cards. More cards can be obtained from the Student Administration Office and Primary Reception. Money raised in 2021 will go towards College facilities – improvements to the Champagnat Centre building and fans for the mezzanine level. The Walkathon will be held on St Marcellin Champagnat Day – Sunday 6 June. Many thanks for your continued support of the College.

Year 6 P&F Parent Function

This Friday 14 May, at 7:00pm, all Year 6 parents are invited to The Tower (administration building) for a social time together. I thank the energetic and generous Parents and Friends Association who have organised and will facilitate this night. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents in your son’s year level, chat, enjoy some delicious nibbles and a few drinks together. My sincere thanks are extended to the organising committee of Jim Gordon and Kath Brassington. I look forward to seeing Year 6 parents on Friday evening.

Mates Program 2021

Marist College Ashgrove, in the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat, has a proud history of outreach to others, often with a particular focus on the vulnerable and marginalised. The MATES (Marists Are Taking Everyone Seriously) program was formalised in 2004 as a legacy of the senior student group. This ministry service program exists for students, staff and community members to be in solidarity with various national and international agencies and programs. This program has as its core the College motto: Courage to do – ‘Viriliter Age’. It is designed as a practical witness to our mission. This service programs has two major themes: the dignity of the person and nurturing right relationships.

To assist with the financial costs associated with the Mates Program, a Free Dress Day will occur this Thursday 13 May. We offer our thanks to the pastoral teachers who will collect the money on this free dress day. Traditionally this free dress day for MATES has provided some means to the ongoing evening with our Friends of the Street (or BBQ with the Homeless). This service was suspended in March 2020 due to Covid-19. The College is in negotiation with the kitchen staff and the Park Users Group (from Brisbane City Council) to reinstate these evenings - the students are very keen for their recommencement.

In previous years (pre-covid) in a purely voluntary capacity, we have had more than 8,000 or 9,000 hours recorded as community service from students at the College. Congratulations gentleman and thank you.

National Sorry Day

Well done to the Marist College Ashgrove Chamber Choir who have accepted the opportunity to present two songs at the ‘National Sorry Day’ ceremony in Everton Park this year. Observed annually on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. Our Chamber Choir will be joined by our Indigenous students and several staff at this important ceremony on Wednesday 26 May at 6:50am. We extend our gratitude to Mr Darian Johns who has organised this opportunity for the boys. Well done Marist.