From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Not Our Work Alone

The Australia Day recipients have been announced for 2023 and once again, Australia heralded many unsung heroes, who, through their enormous generosity are helping to better the lives of their fellow Australians, in a variety of ways. Taryn Brumfitt (Australian of the year) has led a campaign through her Body Image Movement to raise awareness about unrealistic body image, teaching people to love and appreciate their bodies as they are. Professor Tom Calma (Senior Australian of the Year) has championed for the rights, responsibilities and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Awer Mabil (Young Australian of the Year) is the co-founder of Barefoot to Boots aiming for better health, education, policies and gender equity for refugees, and Amar Singh (Local Hero) is the founder of Turbans 4 Australia where he has packaged and distributed up to 450 food and grocery hampers to people experiencing food insecurity in Western Sydney. These award winners have made it their life’s work to give to others in need. They are the hidden heroes in Australian society, giving of themselves selflessly and going beyond the call of duty, in a quiet and unassuming manner.

This modest generosity is mentioned in Sunday’s readings from Zephaniah (2:3, 3:12-13); Psalms (145) 1 Corinthians (1:26-31) & Matthew (5:1-12). These readings speak of the Christian values - simplicity and humility. We are merely undertaking God’s work, and our talents and successes are a gift from God – “If anyone wants to boast, let us boast about the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Further, in the Beatitudes, the spirit of humility is one centered on the other, a selfless disposition, caring and generous, especially focused on the least fortunate (Matthew 5:1-12).

My favourite definition of humility is not that one thinks of themselves as less but rather thinks of others more. St Marcellin Champagnat’s favourite scripture quote that he often recited was, “If the Lord does not build the house, then in vain do the builders labour,” meaning that our work is not our work alone, but is the work completed through the grace of God and so we should thank and glorify God each day. Marist College Ashgrove was built on the generosity of many Marist Brothers and affiliates who did just this, and we stand on their shoulders today and follow their humble example.

The understated generosity of the Australians of the Year certainly reminds me of these qualities – simplicity and humility. They are often referred to as an “ordinary Australian” – another way to describe them is as an Australian who doesn’t seek kudos, but rather, quietly goes about doing good.

God of the Journey, may we as members of the Marist family live simple lives for others, remembering in humility that it is not our work alone. Amen.

2023 Inaugural Mass, Investiture of Senior Students and Academic Awards

On Friday 3 February at 9:00am in the Champagnat Centre, Year 12 and Year 5 students and Academic Award recipients and their parents are invited to the Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Award ceremony for 2023. The Mass is positioned under the Marist theme “Created and Called” and will be celebrated by Bishop Ken Howell, Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane. During this Mass, the leadership badges will be blessed and distributed to our student leaders in Years 12 and 6 and all Year 12 students will receive their senior badges. They will pledge their leadership to their peers and all members of the Marist family for the year ahead. Our Year 5 boys will receive a Marist medallion as a symbol of welcome and initiation. Following our Mass and Investiture, students from all year levels will be recognised for excelling academically in Semester 2, 2022.

We will be joined by various dignitaries for this special occasion to recognize our new student leaders and academic award recipients. The morning will conclude with a morning tea together RSVPs are due by 5:00pm on Wednesday 1 February. We look forward to your presence and we place all our hopes, dreams and undertaking for the boys into our loving God’s hands for this the 2023 academic year ahead.

RSVP - https://events.humanitix.com/2023-inaugural-mass

Formal Academic Study Program

I thank our wonderful teacher librarians led by Ms Mary Stirling who are offering an extended hours study program, to boys in the various year levels throughout 2023. They are as follows:

Years 7 to 12 Study Skills Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday mornings - 7:30am to 8:10am (Senior Library). The Term 1 focus is on organisation, research, academic integrity, assignment support and exam strategies.

Year 12 Study Skills Sessions: Wednesday 5:00pm to 8:00pm Senior Library. Our focus is on Independent and small group study; ATAR resources and Senior TL support (Day and Boarding students attend).

Years 7 to 11 Boarding Study Skills Program - weekly after tea (Senior Library). Teacher librarian study skills sessions will be held with a dual focus on - study skills including organisation, study tips, research and writing skills and targeted assignment and exam assessment preparation. Individual student tracking and support will be provided.

Year 7 extended day students will also take part in the Formal Study Skills Program each evening from 5:00 – 6:00pm (Junior Library).

Support the New Marist Building Program

All parents are encouraged to sign up to supporting the future building programs at the College. Through our Master Plan we are looking forward to commencing a number of refurbishments and new buildings at the College. This program can be supported by pledging to the College Building Fund. For approximately $25.00 per week, a building fund contribution per household is a vital part of supporting our forward planning and the initial expansion of the Primary School, followed by the refurbishment of the secondary classrooms over the next few years. Please sign up today.

To sign up please email your details to - mcafoundation@marash.qld.edu.au.

Year 7 Information Evening

This Tuesday 31 January, all Year 7 parents, new to secondary education, are invited to the Draney Theatre for our inaugural Year 7 Information Evening. During this evening, you will hear from the leaders of various areas of the college – Academic, Spiritual, Student Welfare, Culture and Sporting areas of the college. These leaders will inform you of the programs, opportunities, plans and important dates on the calendar in their respective areas. The evening will commence at 5:00pm in the foyer where tea, coffee and biscuits will be available and an opportunity to meet other parents and our staff. The presentation takes approximately 90 minutes. Mr Craig Milligan (Pastoral Leader Middle School) will be hosting the evening. I look forward to meeting our Year 7 parents tonight.

Year 5 Information Night

We invite our Year 5 parents to an Information evening to be held on Wednesday 1 February 6:00pm. During this evening you will have the opportunity to meet your son’s teacher and see the learning space where he will gather each day. Your son’s teacher will be able to provide further information on the day-to-day program, opportunities and communication channels available to all parents. Mr Michael Connolly (Head of Primary) be there on the night to provide assistance and answer further questions. This gathering will be concluded with a Parents and Friends meet and greet drinks in the Science foyer adjacent to the Primary classrooms from 7:00pm. We look forward to welcoming and meeting with Year 5 parents on Wednesday evening.

Year 11 and 12 Academic Information Evening

The annual Year 11 and 12 Academic Information presentation will be held on Monday 6 February in the Draney Theatre. Obviously, a critical year for our senior students as they commence and conclude their ATAR courses, assessments, external examinations, alternative pathway studies, school-based apprenticeships and trade related courses. This evening highlights the details, expectations, QCAA regulations, QCE requirements, and procedures necessary for a successful navigation of your son’s senior studies in 2023. I thank the Academic Care Team led by Deputy Head of College - Learning and Teaching, Jennifer Smeed who have organised and will convene this evening. I look forward to discussing your son’s studies with you on Monday evening.

AIC Round 1 Sporting Fixtures

My best wishes are extended to all boys and their coaches for their round one fixtures versus Villanova College this Friday evening and Saturday 3 and 4 February. Friday evening sees the commencement of the AFL competition and Saturday, the Cricket and Volleyball seasons. All boys are asked to have their full and correct Marist uniforms for all games and to compete with good sportsmanship, before all else. The Swimming Team continues with another trial this week at St Peter’s Lutheran College, leading toward the AIC Swimming Championships to be held on Tuesday 7 March. Good luck, gentlemen in all your respective seasons.

Associated Independent Colleges (AIC)

In 2023, AIC celebrates its 25th Anniversary. This association originated from the TAS School Sport Competition prior. Membership Colleges includes the other AIC schools of Iona College, Brisbane; Padua College, Brisbane; St Edmund's College, Ipswich; Laurence's College; St Patrick's College, Shorncliffe; St Peters Lutheran College; Villanova College.

As chair of this AIC Association in 2023, Marist College will host an ecumenical service this Thursday, 2nd February for all member Heads of College, Sports Coordinators and Student Leaders. This will be followed by meetings and lunch together. Throughout the year, Marist will host both Heads of College and Sport’s Co-ordinators for a range of meetings. We are a proud member of AIC and expect all students, staff, parents and supporters, to cultivate the vision and guiding principles of AIC –

Charter

VISION To develop good and healthy young people of character through sport and competition within a Christian context.

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles are demonstrated through respectful interactions with all people in AIC competitions and in how we express ourselves.

RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS We value sportsmanship, evidenced by the demonstration of humility, dignity, fairness, generosity, gratitude and fellowship.

SOCIAL JUSTICE We value individual people as evidenced by the demonstration of equality, service, solidarity, and fairness.

INCLUSIVITY We value participation and mateship to foster a strong sense of community as demonstrated through engagement (within and beyond the Colleges). This also means recognition of varying rates of development.

SPIRITUALITY We value the spiritual development of people as evidenced by behaviours of morality, ethics, compassion, and peace.

SAFETY We value physical, emotional, and social safety as evidenced by the development of a positive self-concept through sport and other activities.

PASSION We value a passion for all to achieve their potential through sport, as evidenced through enjoyment,

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