Boarding News

It was wonderful for our boarders to enjoy the recent long weekend after a very busy start to the term. A number of students took the opportunity to spend some leave with family, and I am confident the break allowed everyone to rest, recharge and return ready for the weeks ahead. There were also plenty of animated conversations on return, particularly around Saturday’s rugby and football fixtures, with many of our boarders playing key roles in strong performances for their Marist teams.

Term 2 is always a particularly busy period in boarding life, characterised by high levels of participation across academic, sporting and co-curricular pursuits. While the pace is demanding, it is also one of the most vibrant and exciting terms, with our boarders fully immersed in all aspects of College life and the boarding community thriving as a result.

Last Thursday and Friday, Marist College Ashgrove had the privilege of hosting the 2026 Marist Boarding Conference. Boarding staff from eight Marist schools across Australia and New Zealand gathered on campus to engage in a rich program of presentations and workshops. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn from one another, to share best practice, and to celebrate the outstanding programs operating across Marist boarding communities that support student wellbeing and foster strong, connected residential environments.

A particular highlight of the conference was the shared Mass held in the Marist College Ashgrove Chapel last Thursday evening with our boarders. Our visitors were very impressed by the boys’ participation in the Mass and particularly the quality of their singing. It was a proud moment for our community and a powerful expression of Marist spirit. Hosting this significant event on the Marist calendar was a real privilege for the College, and I am pleased to report that the conference was a great success.

Finally, I would like to remind parents and guardians that the Term 2 online meeting of the Boarder Parent Network (BPN) will be held this Thursday, commencing at 5:00pm. A meeting link has been emailed to all boarding families. I strongly encourage your participation, as BPN meetings are an excellent way to stay informed about boarding and College developments, to hear directly from the Head of College and Head of Boarding and to ask questions or offer suggestions that support our boarders. I look forward to connecting with you online later this week.