Boarding News

Dear Boarding Families,

On Friday 2nd August, our team travelled to Goondiwindi to attend the Talwood Pink Ladies Day organised by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Marist College Ashgrove were one of the sponsors of the day and we enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community event. This year’s proceeds are going towards some much-needed facilities at the Goondiwindi Hospital. We had a table of ten, consisting of staff, current mothers, past mothers and even some “yet to be” Marist mothers. A fantastic day was had by all, with many laughs and a great opportunity to spend time connecting with many ladies from our regions, and everyone looked fabulous in their pink! 

On Friday night our boarders led the support for the 1sts Basketball team in a rare Friday night game in the Champagnat Centre. It was a large crowd and some of the most spirited cheering this year which contributed to a fantastic atmosphere for the game. Then on Saturday, the boarders backed up by heading over to Padua’s fields at Banyo to support the 1sts Rugby League team. I am always proud of our boarders and their active support for everything at Marist, but it was a great highlight seeing the boys wearing their uniform so well and being so positive in their support of our teams.

As all families would know, our boarding community comes together on Sunday night each week for Mass. This is an enduring tradition that spans back to the very first Marist College Ashgrove boarders who commenced their schooling in 1940. Mass gives the boys the opportunity to come together with the rest of the boarding community for reflection, thanks and celebration. As such, I would like to remind all families that your son is expected to return to campus no later than 5:00pm on Sunday unless prior approval has been arranged. Mass is compulsory for all boarders and is an important time in our weekly calendar. At the conclusion of Mass, there is a chance for myself and the College Headmaster, Michael Newman to address the boys and as a community, we celebrate special achievements and announce the ‘Boarders of the Week’. Thanks in advance for your support of this.

Unfortunately, it’s that time of the year when a number of our boys are susceptible to the many colds and flu going around. We are regularly reminding the boys to practise good hygiene and to report early to the Health Centre if they are feeling unwell. If you are speaking with your son, I’d appreciate you checking in to reinforce these messages and to check that he has enough warm clothing. 

Boarding Recreation

Mr Blair Whitlock - Boarding Recreation Officer

The Year 12 Boarders Hockey team scored their first goals of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against St Patricks College on Friday afternoon. Our very own Tyrell Wolmby belted a well-worked penalty corner in the net as a goalkeeping clinic from Luca Martinuzzi helped share the points. It’s been a good laugh and really enjoyable for the seniors to play team sport together this term and we hope it can become a tradition for term three activities moving forward. Back at Ashgrove, the boys headed up to the gym to support our 1st V Basketball under the Friday night lights. It was a must-win game with Marist putting on a 4th quarter clinic to seal the W! It was great to see young Year 10 boarder, Makenzie Bowen, involved with the prems once again.

The boys headed all over Brisbane for their various sport fixtures on Saturday before heading over to Banyo to support our 1st XIII League team in their clash with Iona College. While the 1st’s didn’t go our way it was a positive day on the whole with many boarders putting on great displays across multiple different sporting codes. Later that evening the La Valla, Montagne and Hermitage boys headed up to Stuartholme for some games on their oval and ice cream. They always enjoy catching up with the girls from Stuartholme and we’ll be seeing them again before the end of term.

On Sunday we headed into town for a couple of hours of exploring and shopping at the Queen Street Mall. It was a cracking day to be out in the city and the boys certainly made the most of their time. An hour in the weights room rounded out Sunday afternoon as we approach the halfway mark of term. Next weekend will be another busy one before the EKKA break comes around in Week 6.