From the Head of College

Lord of the Dance

The star of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley is one of the most recognised performers in the world.  Coming to fame through Eurovision in the early 2000s, Michael Flatley is held highly as one of the most esteemed dancers. He is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating new rhythms, syncopation, and upper body movements which were previously absent from the dance. Born to Irish parents in Chicago, Flatley is also an actor, writer, director, producer, musician and philanthropist. His shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries which have grossed more than $1 billion.

In recent years, Flatley’s life has been turned upside down with an aggressive form of cancer. He described the diagnosis as a moment which forced him to re-examine what really matters – family, love and belief in God. He explains that he is in no way bitter towards God for this diagnosis - “I am a man of faith, and I surrender to the Lord” he says. He also describes how his “gift to dance” is a “spiritual calling that was put directly there in my heart by God” and how prayer and reflection have sustained him through his cancer treatment and recovery. In essence, it is faith that has guided him throughout the ups and downs of his amazing life. He says, “you have to have faith and have ultimate faith even during the good and bad.” His reflections on life and faith are inspiring. If you are interested, his interview with Colm Flynn can be viewed - Michael Flatley on Faith, Life, and What Matters Most.

Sunday’s reading concludes the season of Easter in the Church’s calendar year. John (3:16-18) summarises the message of Easter and the Christian message, saying - ‘God did not come to condemn the world but to save it’. God offers all of us salvation if we are to believe, giving our time, effort and strength to form a meaningful relationship with him. Just to bottle up and embrace a little of Michael Flatley’s faith through his enormous success and now struggle, would go a long way. 

Loving God of the journey, may all the young men and members of the Marist family, surrender in faith to your graces and goodness in the spirit of Easter. Amen. 

Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat

On Saturday, 6th June, the Marist community celebrates the Feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers. We remember St Marcellin Champagnat who started an Order of Brothers to educate poor children in Southern France teaching basic numeracy, literacy and faith in God. His passion and dream spread throughout the world including the Oceania, Australia, Brisbane and of course, Ashgrove. This special day honours Champagnat’s vision of creating a nurturing and faith-filled environment where young people are known, loved and supported. The feast day is a time for reflection on the enduring Marist values of humility, simplicity and modesty, and the call to serve others with compassion and generosity. As a College community, we give thanks for the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat and the continued impact of a Marist education in shaping the lives of our students. We offer the Marist Brothers’ Community our prayers and blessings on this the feast day of their founder.

Champagnat Day Mass

The College community will gather in the Champagnat Centre on Friday, 5th June at 12:10pm for the Champagnat Day Mass. This significant occasion in the Marist calendar celebrates the life and legacy of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers. The Mass provides an opportunity for students and staff to come together in prayer and reflection, honouring the values of faith, service and community that underpin Marist education. It is also a special time to remember St Marcellin’s understanding to focus on Jesus through Mary. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, we will recognise and celebrate members of our community, with awards presented to students, staff and community members who exemplify the Champagnat values through their contribution to college life. We welcome all members of the Marist family to this celebration of the Eucharist. Come along and enjoy.

AIC Cross Country Championships

Best wishes to all our cross-country athletes who have been training hard throughout Term 2 in preparation for the 2026 AIC Cross Country Championships to be held at Carlaw Park, Shorncliffe. We wish all our athletes and coaches our best wishes for these championships. In what has been a challenging term of preparation with all the wet weather, our boys have remained focussed and are looking forward to Wednesday. I thank all parents who have shuttled their sons to the various preparation training and pre-meetings and thanks to their expert and professional coaches led by our Head Coach - Mr Tom Prole and Squad Supervisors. Our Year 8 and 11 students will be supporting our boys on the day. Best wishes, gentlemen. 

Year 9 Academic and Welfare Evening 

Our inaugural Year 9 Mother-Son Evening will be held on Wednesday, 3rd June at 5:45pm in the Cyprian Centre. This special event provides a wonderful opportunity for mothers and their sons to spend meaningful time together, reflecting on their important relationship, with a focus on developing resilience and communication. 

The evening promises to be both engaging and memorable, with a focus on strengthening connections, fostering gratitude, and celebrating the unique bond between mothers and their sons. The night will include setting academic and character goals for the boys. We look forward to welcoming our Year 9 mothers for what will be a highly valued occasion in the College calendar. Thanks to Ashley Hutchings (Curriculum Leader – Middle Years) for organising the event, Simone Shaxson (a Marist mother) - for sharing a reflection, and Michael Colquhoun (Pastoral Leader – Middle Years) for their facilitation. This is a RSVP event only.

VET Expo for Year 10 Students

Marist College Ashgrove will host a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Expo on Thursday 4th June from 3.30pm – 4.30pm in the CLE undercroft. This informal drop-in session is designed to support Year 10 students and their families as they consider subject selections for Years 11 and 12. A number of our external Registered Training Organisation (RTO) partners will be in attendance to answer questions about their courses and pathways. There are no formal presentations, but rather an opportunity for students and parents/guardians to engage directly with RTO representatives. Thank you to Melissa Peacock (Program Leader – VET) and Andrew Devoy (Curriculum Leader – Technologies) for their support in coordinating this opportunity. We encourage all interested families to attend.

Guitar Summit 

The Guitar Summit will take place on Thursday, 4th June at 6:30pm in the Draney Theatre. This showcase will feature the exceptional talent of our College Guitar Ensembles and internationally renowned guest artist and clinician, Karin Schaupp. The evening promises an engaging program across a variety of styles, celebrating both collaboration and individual artistry. Thanks to music teachers - Enrico Le Mura, Rory Dollard and Matthew Teakle for preparing the boys.  Ensembles performing include Guitar Orchestras 1 & 2 and Guitar Ensemble. We warmly invite members of the College community to attend and support our musicians as they share their passion for music. Secure your tickets by using this link.

Liveworks (A showcase of Art, Drama, Music & Media Year 7-10 Students)

Liveworks will be held on Monday, 8th June, with a 6:00pm arrival (light refreshments in the Draney theatre foyer) for a 6:30pm start in the theatre. This vibrant showcase will feature the creative talents of our Year 7–10 students across Art, Drama, Music and Media. 

The event promises a dynamic and engaging program, highlighting student creativity, collaboration and performance. Liveworks provides a wonderful opportunity for students to share their work straight from our classrooms, with the College community to celebrate the diversity of curricular arts at Marist.  We are grateful to all the Music Staff (Media, Visual Art, Drama and Music). We wish to specifically thank, Stacey Finch (Arts School Officer) for her efforts in ensuring the success of the night. We warmly invite families and friends to join us for what is sure to be an inspiring evening.

ICPA Conference

Mr Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding) and I will be attending the annual Isolated Children’s Parent’s Association Conference this week. Held in various country areas annually, this conference aims to gather all members together who support the education of isolated children and families. Together they gather to share their stories, air their concerns, aim to receive the necessary support for students, accept advice, and celebrate the positive undertakings of all students in their care. This is attended by a wide range of parents, government representatives, Heads of Boarding and Principals and officials. Marist Boarding, including various Marist parent representatives will be attending this important annual conference, enabling the best possible care and support for our boys in the boarding school. 

Year 12 Student Invitation - An Opportunity to Give the Gift of Life 

Year 12 students will soon have the opportunity to learn about stem cell donations and, if they wish, register as a potential donor. For patients with serious blood disorders, a stem cell transplant can be lifesaving, yet only a small percentage of eligible young Australians are registered. For any individuals living with leukaemia, lymphoma and other serious blood disorders, a stem cell transplant can be their only chance at life. In Australia, only around 1% of eligible young people aged 17-35 are registered as stem cell donors, leaving many families reliant on overseas matches. Before any student is invited to register, they will receive clear information about what stem cell donation involves, the registration process, what may occur if they are ever identified as a match, and their right to withdraw at any stage. Participation is entirely voluntary. This initiative reflects our commitment to forming young men who serve others with compassion and courage. Registration involves a simple online form and cheek swab, with the chance of being a match approximately 1 in 1500. Further information will be distributed to all Year 12 students in the coming weeks. This is by no means an obligation, but simply an invitation for our boys.

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 2 June

• National Reconciliation Week - continues
• Met North Cross-Country Championship
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Flu Vaccinations
• Studio Concerts Semester 1

Wednesday 3 June

• AIC Cross Country Championship
• Mabo Day
• ICPA State Conference Atherton - starts
• 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 Math
• Year 9 Mother and Son Evening

Thursday 4 June

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Green Ash
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Break 1B Environment Group – Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• School of Rock rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• Guitar Summit

Friday 5 June

• Champagnat Day
• Primary Morning Study
• Champagnat Day Mass
• House Lunch
• Theatre Sports Final in Champagnat Centre
• AIC Chess Round 6 v Villanova College
• All Abilities Rugby

Saturday 6 June

• Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat
• AIC Round 6 Football and Rugby Union v Villanova College

Sunday 7 June

• Brisbane Marathon - Environment Group Initiative
• School of Rock rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• Boarder Mass

Monday 8 June

• Liveworks – Arts Showcase
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 12 HPE - Energy Systems Excursion
• Flu Vaccinations (Years 6-7)
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings
• Paddington Community Centre Visit
• Rosies Outreach

Tuesday 9 June

• Year 10 HPE - Biomechanics Excursion
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Year 11 HPE Golf - Driving Range and On Course

Wednesday 10 June

• School Officer Day
• 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 11 June

• VET Industry Breakfast
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Green Ash
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Break 1B Environment Group – Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 12 June

• Champagnat Sports Lunch
• Year 11 Subject Change Deadline
• Years 7-10 Exam BlockState Honours Ensemble Program – Brisbane
• Year 12 Sport and Recreation - Mountain Biking
• Primary Morning Study
• AIC Chess Round 7 v Padua College
• All Abilities Rugby

Saturday 13 June

• Super Saturday
• Old Boys Reunion
• Boarding Family Afternoon
• Rugby Union and Football Photos
• AIC Rugby Union and Football - Round 7 v Padua College

Sunday 14 June

• Boarder Mass