From the Head of College

At Marist College Ashgrove we are so fortunate to have as our College Chaplain, Fr Alatini Kolofo'ou sm. Each week, he leads us in mass, liturgy, reconciliation and provides us with encouragement and advice. I share with you a small excerpt from his lovely reflection on this week’s Gospel. It was another relevant and thought-provoking reflection for the boys. Thank you for all that you do for the boys and our wider community, Fr Alatini. 

Imagine you’re on a sports team. The season’s been tough — injuries, losses, and moments when you wondered if it was even worth it. Then your coach gathers you before the big game and says: 

"Trust me. I’ve got a plan. Stick together, play your part, and we’ll get there." 

That’s exactly the kind of moment we hear in today’s Gospel (John 14:1-12). Jesus is speaking to his disciples right before his arrest. They’re anxious, confused, and unsure about the future - and he says: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me." 

1. Trust the Captain of the Team 

Jesus tells his friends he’s going ahead to prepare a place for them in his father’s house. He’s not abandoning them — he’s leading them. 

For us, life can feel like a game where we don’t know the score or the final play. Exams, friendships, family struggles — it’s easy to feel lost. But Jesus is saying: "I’ve got the bigger picture. Trust me." 

2. Play Your Position 

In Acts 6:1-7, the early Church faced a problem — some people were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. Instead of ignoring it, they organised themselves: some preached, others served. Everyone had a role. 

In your school, your family, your team — you have a role too. You don’t have to do everything, but you do have to do your thing well. 

3. Be the Path for Others 

Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." If we follow him, we become a signpost for others. People notice when you’re honest, when you stand up for someone being bullied, when you work hard without cutting corners. That’s how you lead others to the way — not just by talking about Jesus, but by living like him. 

Making It Real for High School Life 

• When you’re stressed about the future: Remember Jesus has already gone ahead — your job is to walk with him today. 
• When you see someone left out: Step in. That’s what the early disciples did — they made sure no one was forgotten. 
• When you’re tempted to take shortcuts: Ask yourself, "Is this the way of truth and life, or just the easy way out?" 
•  

Closing Challenge 

Boys, this week I want you to remember three words: Trust. Play. Lead. 

• Trust Jesus with your worries. 
• Play your role in your family, school, and friendships. 
• Lead others by living the way of truth and life. 

If you do that, you won’t just be waiting for a place in the Father’s house — you’ll already be walking the road that leads there. 

God of the journey, may all the young men and family members of Marist College Ashgrove trust in you, play our part and lead others to you – our truth and life. Amen. 

Mother’s Day Evening Mass 

Families are warmly invited to attend the Mother’s Day Evening Mass on Wednesday 6th May at 7:00pm, to commence at the College Tower and proceeding to the College Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin. This mass is a special opportunity for our community to come together in respect, prayer and thanksgiving for the mothers, grandmothers and maternal figures in our lives. We thank our College Chaplain - Fr Alatini Kolofo'ou sm who will celebrating the mass with us and the Mission team led by Mr Daniel Bull who has organised the Mass. 

Mother’s Day Breakfasts 

We welcome all our wonderful mothers and their sons to join us for our annual Mother’s Day breakfasts on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th May from 7:00am in the Champagnat Centre. These mornings are an opportunity to recognise our mothers for the tireless goodness, support, encouragement, guidance, work and love they share with us each day. We understand the importance of our mothers who teach us to respect all women and the importance of good Christian values throughout our lives. Thank you to all mums for what you do for each of your sons and the College. All monies raised at the Mother’s Day breakfasts will go towards Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). AMS provides much needed education for young people in developing countries where Marist Education is placed throughout the world. Please note this is a ticketed event. Happy Mother’s Day! 

Repose of the Soul of Br Francis McGrath fms 

At the end of last week, Brother Francis McGrath (Frank) passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Brother Frank was as a Paddington boy who attended Marist College Rosalie. After completing his university studies, he began his teaching career at Marist College Ashgrove, teaching English and French. While at Ashgrove, he decided to join the Marist Brothers. In 1964, Brother Frank went to Mittagong as a postulant, aged 28. From there, he taught at various Marist schools, including: Enoggera, Pagewood Marist, North Sydney Marist, Marist College Canberra, Marist College Randwick, Parramatta Marist, Marist Eastwood, St Joseph’s College Hunter’s Hill and Marist Brothers’ Rosalie. Brother Frank McGrath is particularly well known for his doctoral studies on John Henry Newman, completed at Oxford University, where his works were published. He also was the editor of many of John Henry Newman's letters, diaries, sermons and theology. In fact, he met with the Pope, to explain his works, which no doubt helped John Henry Newman become canonised. Brother Frank McGrath was a renowned scholar of John Henry Newman. Marist College Ashgrove wishes all the Brothers our blessings and prayers, at the loss of their friend and colleague. Brother Francis McGrath will be buried from the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin next Monday. May the perpetual light shine on him and may he rest in peace, Amen. 

Academic Monitoring - Weeks 3 and 4  

Academic Monitoring will take place in Weeks 3 and 4, primarily during Pastoral Group (PG). This monitoring provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their recent academic performance and set clear, focused academic goals for the term ahead. This year, we have returned to using the student diary for goal setting, ensuring the process remains student‑centred. Each student will record one key academic goal, focused on a single subject, with Learning Analytics used only to inform their reflection. During PG, teachers will guide students through the goal‑setting process, with support from our Academic Captains, who will circulate and assist discussions. Students will complete the Term 1 Goal Setting page in their diary, outlining who they want to become as a learner, their specific academic goal, the support systems required, and how they will put their plan into action. Once completed, goals will be signed by both the PG teacher and a parent. Students will be prompted to reflect on their goal in Week 7, reinforcing accountability and growth. If a student has misplaced their diary, a printed goal sheet will be provided, and they should also see their Head of House to organise a replacement.  

Thank you to Mr Ashley Hutchings – Curriculum Leader, Middle Years, Mr Michael Colquhoun, Pastoral Leader – Middle School and Pastoral Group Teachers for all their assistance and preparation. 

National Boarding Week  

Marist College Ashgrove recognises the importance of a Boarding School education. We had 21 boarders enrol on Day 1 in 1940 and this tradition has continued even until today. St Marcellin Champagnat's first school in La Valla, Southern France was originally a boarding school for the country children. Boarding is a large part of the history of a Marist education.   

This year's theme is “Echoes of home”. This week celebrates the community, culture, memory and connections within boarding schools and that which shapes boarders.  

Marist College Ashgrove will be featuring various events to celebrate the week including a Year 7 dayboy sleepover in boarding and a Mass with the Stuartholme boarders. 

My thanks are extended to all boarding staff, led by the Assistant Head of College – Boarding, Mr Jim Noble, Senior Academic Supervisor – Stephen Monk and each year level Boarding Head and Assistant -  

• Year 7 La Valla Residence – Pierce Hardy (Boarding Leader) and Debbie Cross (House Parent) 
• Year 8 Montagne Residence – Shane Ward (Boarding Leader) and Jim Midgley (Senior Supervisor) 
• Year 9 Hermitage Residence – David Finch (Boarding Leader) and Andrew Devoy (Senior Supervisor) 
• Year 10 Fourviere Residence – Jake Platen (Boarding Leader) and James Lymer (Senior Supervisor) 
• Year 11 and 12 Br Terence Residence – Ty Casey (Boarding Leader), Brad Winchester (Senior Supervisor) and Bella Say (Senior Supervisor) 

AIC Code of Conduct – Sport 

I alert all parents, coaches, officials and students to the 2026 updated version of the AIC Code of Conduct. It is assumed that all spectators and participants will clearly following this Code of Conduct expectation. Attached is a copy of the Code of Conduct and video which you will also find on the AIC website. With thanks, for the manner in which all families, supporters and boys conduct themselves during sporting fixtures each weekend. 

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 5 May

• Student Monitoring Week - starts
• Green Ash
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Old Boys Association Meeting

Wednesday 6 May

• Morning Tutoring - Tutoring- English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Boarding Residence Photos
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 11 HPE Golf Excursion
• Assembly Cancelled – Extended PG
• Mission Captains Meeting
• Afternoon Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Year 11 Geography Excursion
• Mother’s Day Evening Mass

Thursday 7 May

• Mother’s Day Breakfast
• Year 11 Geography Excursion
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 12 Sport and Rec – Rock Climbing
• Environment Group Meeting - Break 1B
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• School of Rock rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• Boarder Parent Network Meeting

Friday 8 May

• Mother’s Day Breakfast
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 11 HPE Golf Excursion
• MYM Marist Connect Night
• AIC Round 2 - Chess v St Peter’s Lutheran College

Saturday 9 May

•  Boarder Free Weekend
• AIC Round 2 v St Peter’s Lutheran College

Sunday 10 May

• Mother’s Day
• Boarder Free Weekend
• School of Rock rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• National Boarding Week - starts
• Boarders’ Mass (Chapel) - 6:00pm

Monday 11 May

• Futures Week - starts
• Year 10 Geography Excursion
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group Meeting - Break 1B
• Paddington Community Centre Visit
• Rosies Outreach
• P&F Meeting

Tuesday 12 May

• District Cross Country Championships 10-19 Years
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• ‘Called’ Breakfast
• House Meetings
• Year 11 HPE Golf Excursion

Wednesday 13 May

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Photos - Sons of Old Boys Photo - Break 1
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting - Break 1
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• AIC Cross Country Meeting #1

   

Thursday 14 May

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Green Ash
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Years 10/11/12 Drama and Drama in Practice excursion QPAC - Cremorne Theatre
• Music Photos - Break 1
• Environment Group Meeting - Break 1
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 15 May

• Water Polo Brisbane Invitational
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 12 Sport and Recreation Mountain Biking
• AIC Chess Round 3 v St Patricks College
• All Abilities Rugby

Saturday 16 May

• AIC Round 3 v St Patrick's College
• Rugby Union and Football Photos

Sunday 17 May

• Head of College Tour
• Boarders Mass - 6:00pm