Deputy Head of College News

Trust – Mothers’ Day

Living ’In the Way of Mary’ is a tremendous strength of our Marist tradition of education and way of being. The Way of Mary is courageous, humble and gentle. These virtues are central to the roles of guardianship, caring and parenting of young people. The month of May calls us to recognise and celebrate these virtues through the lens of Mary Our Good Mother and through the example of our mums, grandmas, and mum-figures in our lives.

Much like many of our Marist mums and mum-figures, my mum is a saint. Mum has been central to forming my view of the world, equipping me with tools to navigate the jungle of life and sometimes leaving me to fend for myself in the jungle (in a suitably caring way of course!). Through all Mum has gifted to me, the best gift has been the gift of trust. 

Having trust in another is mutually empowering. The one who trusts relinquishes control to another while the trustee is gifted with caring for that which is sacred to another. Such mutual trust can be extraordinarily liberating for all concerned.

Mutual trust is fundamental to educating younger people – parents trust us to educate and form their children, students trust the litany of practices we adopt each lesson which culminates as growth at some unknown future point, teachers trust young people with giving of their best. Although many students may question the idea of a teacher trusting anything (!), just as is the case with my experience of my mum’s influence on me, the hindsight and perspective of past students is often very affirming of the trusting roles each of play within the Marist Family. A real gift we must cherish.

As we gather around tables as a College community or in our own family circles this week to celebrate our great mums, grandmas and mum-figures, may it be a reminder of their special care, trust and love shared with each of us, modelling Mary Our Good Mother. 

Wishing all our mums, grandmas, and mother figures a wonderful Mothers’ Day. 

Information Technology Update

The College is prioritising enhancement to wi-fi connectivity issues experienced upon return to classes this term. Coupled with holiday rectification works, the College is investing significant time and resources with forensically identifying core issues and resolving these as identified. Gains with improvement have been achieved in the last week, which is vital to the continuity of learning and teaching. We’ll remain on this set course until we are satisfied with the integrity of connectivity for all concerned.

Walkathon

Our annual Walkathon is less than two weeks away. Many have become excited about the prizes available in recognition of fundraising efforts. All funds raised will go towards enhancing the outdoor basketball courts of the multi-purpose play area which is very popular with students at each break time.

Families are encouraged to join the Walkathon and for the fun of walking through the Gallipoli Barracks and notching up 15,000 steps across the 10km! All walkers other than students will need to register for the event HERE. If walking isn’t your preference, you’re very welcome to assist out P & F Association as one of the many volunteers required for the day. Please register for volunteering HERE.

https://events.humanitix.com/mca-walkathon-2023

Ski Trip Update

Thank you to those who have recently raised enquiring and interest regarding the 2023 Ski Trip. The College has considered all related matters and has made the decision to cancel this year’s ski trip. The prohibitive factors include difficulties with securing a final location and appropriate accommodation for students and staff. Refunds will be provided to all those who have made contributions, including, historical deposits affected by COVID-19 cancellations. 

The College understands how some will be disappointed with this decision and is very much committed to re-instating the ski trip in 2024.

Uniform Update – Hoodie

The MCA Hoodie in the Uniform Shop is now a discontinued uniform item. This item will not be re-ordered when current stock sells out. When not in academic uniform, students are encouraged to wear the Primary Fleece Jumper (Year 5 and 6 only) or the MCA Tracksuit Jacket in cooler weather. Students who already own the MCA Hoodie may continue to wear it to and from sport on Saturday when playing.

The Primary Fleece Jumper may be worn on days when the Sport Uniform is worn to school (Primary only) and to and from sport on Saturday when playing. The Tracksuit Jacket may be worn on days when the Sport Uniform is worn to school (Primary only) and to and from sport on Saturday when playing. Students who are spectating games on Saturday must be dressed in full academic uniform, wearing the wool jumper and/or blazer in cooler weather.

Have Your Family Circumstances Changed?

To ensure you are receiving communications from the College, please log into Parent Lounge to check and update your Address Details.  These details can be found under the Parent Address menu.

As part of this process, we ask that you please check, update or add an Alternate Emergency Contact for your family.  This person will be contacted should you be unavailable in case of an emergency.

Where there has been a family separation and parents now reside at different addresses, please be aware we can effectively manage separate contact details on our system without compromising communication regarding your son. In the case of separated families, it would be ideal to have an Emergency Contact listed for each parent.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need help navigating any changes (including new family court orders or conditional communication) through the Parent Portal. Our Data Management Office, Linda Pettit is available to support you in this area. Email: pettitl@marash.qld.edu.au or Phone:  07 3858 4508.

App Calendar

A reminder to parents and guardians to please refer to the College App Calendar for the most up-to-date event information. The App Calendar is updated weekly with any changes or additions as they occur. Access is via the Calendar tile on the College App.

Tuckshop Volunteers Needed