Primary School News
Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh - Assistant Head of College - Primary School
Marist College Ashgrove
Midpoint Term 4 – A Timely Reminder
We are fast approaching the halfway point of the term, and it’s an important time to pause and reflect on our progress. While we’re not quite there yet, this stage of the term often demands greater focus and determination as we prepare for assessments and the final stretch of the school year. I encourage all students to continue putting in their best effort, remembering that success is often found in the small, consistent actions - whether it’s staying organised, completing homework on time, or giving your best in every lesson. These daily efforts will set you up for a strong finish and help you perform your best in the upcoming assessments.
Looking ahead to Wednesday 25 November, we will come together for our Year 6 Graduation Mass in the Champagnat Centre. Doors open at 8:30am and the ceremony starts at 9:00am. This will be a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our Year 6 boys as they conclude their journey through the Primary years. Information regarding booking tickets will be sent out this week.
I will be encouraging the boys to keep their focus and effort strong as we approach the final weeks of the term, ensuring a positive and successful finish to the year for all boys in the Primary School!
There are some date claimers below. Please take some time to take note of these important dates over the next few weeks.
- Primary Awards and Leadership Assembly – Tuesday 10 November
- Year 12 Graduation – Friday 20 November
- Year 6 Graduation Celebration– Wednesday 25 November
- Year 5 and 6 Fun Day – Thursday 26 November
- Final Day for Students – Friday 27 November
Primary Pastoral Leader – Richard Coles
A Culture of Safety
At Friday morning’s assembly, I spoke with the boys about a responsibility we all share: making our College a safe and welcoming place. Every student has the right to feel secure, respected and supported, both at school and when travelling to and from the College.
Central to this message was the importance of speaking up. Whether a concern arises in the playground, classroom, on the bus or online, boys should feel confident approaching a trusted adult.
Reporting unsafe or hurtful behaviour demonstrates courage and care for others. It gives staff the opportunity to respond and provide support. Teasing, targeting or retaliating against a student for raising a concern is unacceptable and will be addressed by College leadership.
We ask families to reinforce this message at home: seeking help is a responsible choice, and every boy deserves to have his concerns heard.
Learning to Stay Safe and Connected
Last week’s Day for Daniel activities strengthened our focus on safety and seeking help. In honouring Daniel Morcombe’s legacy, we encouraged the boys to recognise unsafe situations, identify trusted adults and understand that support is always available.
Our Year 5 students attended a ThinkUKnow presentation delivered by the Queensland Police Service. The session provided practical guidance on staying safe online, making responsible digital choices and recognising when to seek assistance. The boys engaged thoughtfully and asked questions about protecting themselves and others.
Year 6 students participated in a Safe on Social presentation with Madeleine West, exploring respectful online behaviour, privacy, digital footprints and balance in their online lives. These are important considerations as the boys prepare for Secondary and greater independence.
Families play an essential role in reinforcing this learning. We encourage ongoing conversations about online experiences and regular reminders that boys can seek help without fear of blame or embarrassment.
Reflection and the Journey Ahead
This Thursday, our Year 6 boys will participate in their Retreat during Periods 1–3. The morning will offer time to reflect on their Primary journey, appreciate the friendships they have formed and look ahead to the opportunities of Year 7.
As they approach the conclusion of their Primary years, we continue to encourage the boys to finish with pride and purpose. Through kindness, inclusion and responsibility, each boy can make a positive contribution and leave a lasting legacy within our Marist community.
Mini Vinnies – Socks and Jocks Drive
Emmanuel City Mission has advised they are in desperate need for men's and women's socks and underwear, in all sizes, to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Our Mini Vinnies have chosen to support ECM because having fresh, clean essentials helps people feel comfortable and treated with dignity. Donations of NEW underwear and socks can be dropped to the Marist Mission Office or Tower/Primary Reception from Monday 26 October to Friday 6 November.
Thank you for helping us provide everyday comfort, dignity, and confidence, and for supporting our first Mini Vinnies project!
Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little
In-class Learning
Please see below a brief overview of what students are learning about in their core classes. For additional information, specific subject overviews are available on the student One Note.
Year 6
| Mathematics | Students have been learning about time concepts this term. They completed their final exam this week and next. For the remainder of the term, students will be engaging in general revision in preparation for their transition to secondary schooling. |
| English | Students are learning about Persuasive Writing Techniques. For their assessment, they will be required to write and deliver a persuasive speech from the perspective of a member of the community regarding a wind farm proposal. |
| Religion | Students are learning about various images of Jesus depicted in the Bible. For their assessment, they will complete a short response examination where they will explore an image of Jesus, explaining the symbolism and analysing what it reveals about Jesus’ identity, his relationship with God and humanity. |
| HASS | Students will be learning about business concepts as part of their HASS studies this term. They will learn about the purpose of business and various types of businesses. They will explore concepts like goods and services, profit and loss, supply and demand and opportunity cost. Their assessment will be an examination and the design of a cereal box that incorporates the 6 consumer influences. |
| Science | Students will be learning about Biological Sciences this term, where they will learn about biotic and abiotic factors that influence the growth and survival of living things. Specifically, students will complete an investigation in plant and mould growth to determine which abiotic factors influence these organisms the most. For their assessment, students will complete an online exam. |
Year 5
| Mathematics | Students have been exploring geometry concepts this term – angles, symmetry and properties of 3D shapes. They will also explore the concept of volume and learn how to convert between various measurements. Their assessment will be an examination. |
| English | Students are learning about various poetic features and devices. They have been exploring ballads – both musical and bush ballads. They will turn their attention to First Nations’ Poetry which will be the focus of their exam in which they will be required to analyse an unfamiliar poem. |
| Religion | Students have been exploring the infancy narratives of the Bible and learning about how the Gospel writers wrote for different audiences. They will complete an examination as their assessment that requires them to demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in Matthew and Luke’s accounts of the infancy narrative. |
| HASS | Students are learning about business principles. Specifically they are learning about needs and wants and different types of resources: capital, human and natural. Students will respond to survey data to explore the needs and wants of the community, designing a school playground that responds to those needs and wants. |
| Science | Students are learning about elements and sources of light. They will complete a Shadow Investigation and summative exam as their assessment. |
Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Winners
Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus in the Primary. Congratulations to the following classes for their success last week.
| Subject | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Literacy | 5 Violet – 87.25% | 6 Violet – 85.37% |
| Numeracy | 5 Violet – 88.8% | 6 White – 82.84% |
Program Leader: Primary Sport – Matt Green
Trials for Term 1 Sports
Cricket
Trials for Term 1 Cricket will begin in Week 4 (26 October) at the following times. **Year levels are 2027.
Year 6
Tuesday 6:45am – 8:00am - Cameron Oval Nets
Thursday 3:30pm – 4:45pm – Synthetic Nets
Year 7
Monday 6:45am – 8:00am – Synthetic Nets
Wednesday 3:30pm – 4:45pm - Cameron Oval Nets
AFL
Trials for Term 1 AFL will begin in Week 4 26 October) at the following times. **Year levels are 2027.
Year 6
Tuesday 3:30pm – 4:45pm – McMahon Oval
Wednesday 6:45am – 8:00am – McMahon Oval
Year 7
Monday 3:30pm – 4:45pm – McMahon Oval
Thursday 3:30pm – 4:45pm – McMahon Oval
Primary Swimming Carnival
The Primary swimming carnival will take place during week 7, on Wednesday 18 November. Further details will be shared closer to the date.
Late Pick Up After Sports Training
“PLAN B”
It is important that both parent and student are aware of the pick-up procedure if afternoon sports training is cancelled or if parents are running late for pick-up. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the College app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives.
Afternoon sports training sessions are scheduled to finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm will be directed to the After Hours Boarding Reception area / College Health Centre so that he may be collected from there. After Hours Boarding Reception can be contacted on 07 3858 4619.