From the Head of College

Hi everyone, a warm welcome to the Week 4 newsletter. 

Over the last week, I found myself returning to a reflection from Pope Leo XIV on Catholic education. He describes Catholic schools as places where young people experience something of a home: a place where they are known, welcomed and loved. One line has stayed with me in particular: "courage can grow when someone believes in a young person before they believe in themselves."

It's a simple idea, but one that sits at the heart of what we strive to do every day at Marist College Ashgrove. St Marcellin called us to be present to young people, to know them, love them and walk beside them. That Marist way of accompanying young people continues to shape all that we do at Ashgrove. Our responsibility is not simply to educate our boys, but to help form good young men who know they are valued, who have confidence in their God-given gifts and who recognise their responsibility to care for others.

Please click on the link to read the full article: Pope urges Catholic schools to help young people find new way to live in world - Vatican News

Year 12 External Exams | 26 October – 18 November

As our Year 12 students commence their External Exams, I wish each of them every success over the coming weeks. This is a significant milestone and the culmination of many years of learning, growth and preparation. I encourage the boys to trust in the work they have done, remain focused and approach each exam with confidence. 

Just as importantly, I encourage our young men to look after themselves throughout this period. Adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise and taking time to recharge are all important ingredients for success. Looking after your wellbeing is just as important as your study schedule. 

I have every confidence in our boys and know they will give their very best. My advice is simple: trust in your preparation, take each exam one at a time and focus on what is within your control. While these exams are important, they do not define you. The effort, resilience and character you have demonstrated throughout your years at Ashgrove are what matter most. 

Stay positive, back yourselves and know that the entire College community is behind you. We are proud of you and look forward to celebrating all that you achieve in the weeks ahead. 

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Sharon Vassallo, Vanessa Jackson, Melissa Deacon, Adrian Brown, Sarah Noonan and all supervising teachers for their work and support throughout the External Exam period. A special thank you also to our Year 12 teaching team for the care, guidance and expertise they have provided throughout the year. Their commitment to ensuring our young men are well prepared, supported and confident as they enter their final examinations is deeply appreciated.

Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp | 28-31 October

Our Year 10 Outdoor Recreation students will head to Noosa this week for a hands-on outdoor learning experience focused on surfing, surf lifesaving and personal challenge.

Working with experienced instructors from Merrick's Learn to Surf Noosa and the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, the boys will further develop their surfing skills while learning more about ocean safety, surf awareness and the important role surf lifesavers play in keeping our beaches safe.

Experiences such as these provide valuable opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and work together in a different environment. I encourage the boys to embrace the challenge, support one another and make the most of what promises to be a fantastic experience.

Year 11 Social | 29 October

Our Year 11 students will come together on Thursday evening for their Year 11 Social, an opportunity to enjoy one another's company, strengthen friendships and create some lasting memories as a cohort.

I encourage the boys to make the most of the occasion and enjoy the evening with their mates and guests. For those attending with a partner, I ask that you ensure they feel genuinely welcomed, included and respected throughout the night. Your actions should reflect the values we hold dear as a Marist community.

While the evening is a social occasion, it is also an opportunity to represent yourselves, your families and our great College with pride. I have high expectations of our young men and know that they will conduct themselves with the maturity, respect and good judgement that we expect of all Ashgrovians. Look after one another, make good choices and ensure everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience.

Have a wonderful evening and make us proud.

World Teachers’ Day Morning Tea | 30 October

On Friday, we will pause as a College community to celebrate World Teachers' Day and acknowledge the outstanding teachers who make Marist College Ashgrove such a special place.

Teaching is about far more than delivering lessons. Every day, our teachers invest in the lives of young people; encouraging them, challenging them, supporting them and helping them grow into capable and compassionate young men. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, on a camp, at a rehearsal or through a simple conversation, their influence is profound.

One of the great strengths of our College is the quality of the relationships our teachers build with our boys. They know them, care for them and consistently go above and beyond to ensure every student havs the opportunity to flourish. Their commitment, professionalism and generosity of spirit do not go unnoticed.

On behalf of our College community, I extend my sincere thanks to all our teaching staff. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated educators who give so much of themselves in service of our young men. The impact they have extends far beyond a boy's time at Ashgrove.

I hope our teachers enjoy this small token of appreciation and know how deeply valued they are by students, parents and colleagues alike.

Year 5 & Year 6 End of Year Drama Concerts

We look forward to celebrating the creativity and confidence of our Primary boys at our Year 5 End of Year Drama Concert on Monday 2 November, followed by the Year 6 End of Year Drama Concert on Wednesday 4 November.

Our Year 5 boys will present Breaking News, a fun-filled journey into the world of Channel Z News, featuring entertaining stories, poems and skits. Our Year 6 boys, with special guest appearances from Years 7 and 8, will take audiences into the world of Hogwarts with Larry Snuggleduff and the Hufflepuffers, complete with plenty of humour, adventure and dance.

These concerts are a wonderful opportunity for the boys to showcase their learning, step outside their comfort zones and develop confidence, creativity and teamwork. I congratulate all the boys on the enthusiasm and preparation they have brought to their performances and encourage them to enjoy every moment on stage.

My sincere thanks also go to Loulabelle Productions, who deliver the Year 5 and Year 6 Drama program on behalf of the College, along with our Tech Crew and older students, particularly our Year 11 boys, who have generously given many hours of their time to support these productions.

These concerts are open to all families across our College community, not just those in Years 5 and 6. Please come along and support our students as they take to the stage and enjoy two wonderful evenings of entertainment. Year 5 – Breaking News | Monday 2 November - Book Year 5 tickets here. Year 6 – Larry Snuggleduff and the Hufflepuffers | Wednesday 4 November, 6.00pm | Draney Theatre - Book Year 6 tickets here.

I hope many of our families can join us to see our boys shine on stage and celebrate their achievements.

Theatre Ash Performance

Ten strangers… one beautiful island mansion. One very dangerous murderer… but which one is it?

On 11th November, our Theatre Ash ensemble presents Agatha Christie much acclaimed murder mystery, And Then There Were None. Ten people are invited to an isolated island for what they believe is a holiday; only it quickly becomes clear that those ten guests may not make it out alive. With more twists and turns than any other murder mystery ever written, And Then There Were None will be a night of intrigue, red herrings and subterfuge. The performance is the culmination of months of rehearsals, hard work and commitment from students and staff involved in the Theatre Ash program - a co-curricular theatre group that encourages creative risk-taking, confidence-building and collaboration. 

All members of the Marist College community are invited to attend, with tickets on sale now. All students involved are congratulated for their efforts at this challenging performance. We look forward to an evening of outstanding entertainment as the cast and crew share their talents with the Marist community.

All the best for the week ahead, Paul   

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 27 October

• Marist Christmas Appeal - continues
• Year 12 External Exams - continue
• Geography Excursion - Dorrington Park
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings - Ash Dash (2027 House Cup) - McMahon
• Year 10 English Dracula Excursion - 6:45pm – 9:00pm

Wednesday 28 October

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

Thursday 29 October

• Geography Excursion - Dorrington Park
• Year 6 Retreat
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• Year 11 Boarders’ Social Pre-function - Cyprian Pavilion - 4:30pm
• Year 11 Social - 6:00pm

Friday 30 October

• World Teachers’ Day
• Hospitality Barista Course - Southbank TAFE
• Cricket All Abilities and Cricket Blast
• Primary Morning Study
• All Saints and All Souls Family Mass - Break 1
• OBA President Drinks - 6:00pm

Monday 2 November

• Marist Christmas Appeal - continues
• Year 12 External Exams - continue
• Year 11 Academic Interviews - start
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings
• Vinnies Meeting
• Year 5 End of Year Drama Concert - 6:00pm

Tuesday 3 November

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 4 November

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Big Band 2 & 3 Guest Performance - Regis, The Gap
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Year 6 End of Year Drama Concert - 6:00pm

Thursday 5 November

• Sommer Concert
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 6 November

• Hospitality Barista Course - Southbank TAFE
• Primary Morning Study