Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeck-ruh

As we prepare to celebrate the feast day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat this Friday, we are reminded of the powerful example he sets for all of us—especially for our Marist boys in 2026. Saint Marcellin lived a life guided by strong values: humility, compassion, perseverance, deep faith, and a love of learning. These qualities continue to hold deep meaning for young people growing up in today’s world, particularly our young boys here at Marist College Ashgrove.

One of the most important aspects of Saint Marcellin’s life was his deep care for others, especially young people who were poor, forgotten, or struggling. His compassionate nature reminds us of the importance of kindness, inclusion, and respect—values that help create a welcoming and supportive school community where everyone belongs. This is most certainly our goal and there are many, many boys here who live this goal each day.

 Saint Marcellin was also known for his determination and resilience. Despite the many difficulties he faced, he never gave up on his dream of providing education to those in need. This is a powerful message for boys today, showing that with hard work, persistence, and belief in yourself, you can overcome challenges and achieve great things. Our boys must not give up at the first hurdle. Working on overcoming challenges makes them stronger. 

His strong faith in God was the foundation of everything he did. For all of us, this is a reminder that faith can guide us through life’s ups and downs, helping us to make good choices and find strength when we need it most.

Marcellin also lived with simplicity and humility, putting others before himself and choosing to lead through service. In a world where success is often measured by how much you have or how popular you are, these qualities help our students learn the importance of being grateful, humble, and generous. Less about ME and more about WE, if you like.

As we come together this Friday to celebrate Saint Marcellin’s feast day, we do more than remember his life—we commit to living out the values he showed us. His example encourages each Marist boy to grow into a young man of character, faith, and compassion, ready to make a difference in the world.

Public Speaking and Debating

We wish our public speakers and debaters well as they head to their final competition round on Tuesday night at Saint Laurence’s College. This competition has proven to be a valuable learning opportunity for all the boys participating and they have done themselves proud by the way they have performed over the last four weeks. A special thank you to Ms Jen Little and Ms Robyn Brown for all their work and leadership in this space.

AIC Cross Country Championships

On Wednesday we send off our Cross-Country representatives to do battle at the 2026 Championships being held at St. Patrick’s College. This morning, we got the chance to acknowledge and thank all the boys for the work they have put in, including those who just missed out on selection this year.

Champagnat Day Activities

Please see details of the day and timetable in Mr Graham’s section below.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

It has been wonderful to see the continued growth in the standards and expectations across the Primary School over recent weeks. Whether it be classroom routines, behaviour around the grounds, presentation or the way boys are interacting with one another, there has certainly been a noticeable maturity continuing to develop throughout the cohort.

A strong pastoral focus at the moment has been helping the boys understand that high expectations are not about perfection, but rather consistency, responsibility and taking pride in the small everyday actions. The boys should be proud of the positive momentum continuing to build across the Primary School community.

There are also two important reminders from me moving into the final weeks of term:

Plan B Procedures

Last Wednesday afternoon’s storm rolling through right on the 3:10pm bell was a timely reminder of the importance of students having a clear “Plan B” for afternoons where weather impacts sporting training, co-curricular activities or normal pick-up arrangements.

It was very pleasing to see so many boys knowing exactly what they needed to do and where they needed to go. As we continue moving through storm season, I encourage families to have ongoing conversations at home to ensure all boys are confident and prepared should plans suddenly change at the end of the day.

Lost Property

I know I continue to mention this, however every afternoon there are still countless bags, shoes, shirts, hats and other belongings left around the Primary School precinct. While we continue challenging the boys around responsibility and organisation during assemblies, support from home in reinforcing these expectations is always appreciated.

A reminder also to please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled to help us return lost items to their rightful owners as quickly as possible.

Champagnat Day – Friday 6th June

This Friday we celebrate Champagnat Day, one of the most important occasions on the Marist calendar, where we celebrate the life and legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat.

Due to adjustments to the timing of the day's celebrations, students are required to wear their formal uniform for the entire day. Boys are not required to bring their sports uniform to school this Friday.

A special lunch will be provided for all students, consisting of a sausage roll, drink, cookie and piece of fruit. Please note that lunch will not be served until approximately 1:30pm. As this is later than the boys' normal lunch break, students are encouraged to bring something small to eat during their usual lunchtime.

The Primary Bin Ball Championships, traditionally held as part of our Champagnat Day celebrations, have been postponed until next Friday. Students will participate in these celebrations during Periods 4 and 5 next week.

We look forward to what will no doubt be a wonderful day of celebration, reflection and community spirit across the Primary School.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

As we approach the end of the term, it’s clear that we are in the final stretch. With students becoming increasingly fatigued, there has been a noticeable decline in effort and focus in class from some students.  Additionally, challenges are emerging regarding homework and the quality of work being produced. At Marist, one of the core values that defines our school community is a ‘Love of Work,’ which we strive to instill in our students every day. As assessments approach, I’d like to take this opportunity to address a few important matters that require attention. As partners in the learning journey, we would appreciate your support in reminding your sons of the following:

1. Students are expected to be fully engaged in class and to respect the learning environment.
2. Organisation is key. We’ve noticed that some students are frequently arriving without charged computers, and missing stationery has become a recurring issue. Please check with your sons to ensure they have everything they need for school.
3. Punctuality is essential. Some students are arriving late to school, while others are consistently tardy after breaks. Please note that this is time we cannot get back, and it does impact learning. 

4. Quality homework is a non-negotiable expectation. Poor quality homework is tantamount to incomplete homework. Deadlines must be respected, and students should take homework seriously. In some cases, we have had students completing homework tasks in under 3 minutes. This is unacceptable and it flies in the face of our core values. If completing homework at home is challenging, we offer a morning study room in which students can be supervised, as well as access to the senior library (Monday to Thursday, until 5:00pm).

    

By focusing on these small but important details, we can make a meaningful impact on the overall quality of learning. 

Public Speaking and Debating

We wish our Year 5 Public Speakers and Year 6 Debaters the best of luck as they compete in their final Round Robin Competition this Tuesday evening. The students have worked hard in preparing speeches and have represented the College admirably. All the best boys!

Morning Study

Please note an updated time for our supervised Morning Study arrangements. Morning Study will operate in the Primary CLE from 7:40–8:10am, Monday to Friday. This space provides a quiet environment for students to complete homework and/ or study. 

Morning Study is open to all students; however, the level of support offered will vary depending on the number of students attending on any given day. Students who wish to enhance their learning through a regular weekly study routine, particularly by using resources from their OneNote, will find this an ideal venue.

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.

Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Marist Primary Athletics Carnival

Please note that the Primary Athletics Carnival scheduled in the College Calendar for Thursday, 18 June has had to be postponed to Term 3 – details to follow.

The decision to postpone the carnival was taken out of my hands and therefore I apologise for the lack of communication and confusion around the carnival.

Achievements

Best of luck to Alex Dunbar (6V), Leo Mylne (6W) and Jack Wurf (6M) who will represent Met North at the Queensland School Sport State AFL Championships (10-12 Years) this week.

The boys were presented with their Met North jerseys by Brisbane Lion, Dayne Zorko. Jack Wurf has been named co-captain of the Met North team.

AIC Cross Country Championships

Wednesday, 3 June

Congratulations to the following boys who were selected to represent Marist College at the AIC Cross Country Championships, this is the culmination of a lot of training for all our runners, and we wish them the best of luck.

2026 AIC Cross Country Championships Squad

Term 2 AIC Sport

Rugby

Football

Term 3 AIC Sport

Term 3 AIC Sport Sign-on for AIC Basketball, AIC Rugby League and AIC Tennis is now available.

Term 3 AIC Sport

Term 3 sports on offer are Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.

Please note that numbers are limited in each of these sports and that boys are only able to participate in one Term 3 AIC team sport.

Parents, please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students can sign up via the Student Café. Once your son/s have signed up parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels. 

Sign up will close at the end of Week 7, Friday, June 5

Trial details will be published on Parent Orbit.

Boys may also choose to participate in track & field; boys of all abilities are welcome to attend track training sessions.

Basketball – Maximum 40 boys / grade

Trials will begin in week 8 – further details to follow.

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Uniform: Marist Basketball singlet, Marist Sport shorts & blue Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Friday evening.

Training twice / week.

Tennis – Maximum 8 boys / grade

Trials Friday – 3:30 – 5:30pm

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Trials will begin in Week 8 – further details to follow.

Uniform: Marist Tennis polo, Marist Tennis shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning – please be aware that there may be Friday evening fixtures in 2026

Training twice / week.

Rugby League – Maximum 30 boys Year 5 and 34 boys Year 6

Trials will begin in week 9 – further details to follow.

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Uniform: Marist rugby league jersey, Marist rugby shorts & Marist team sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning.

Training twice / week.

Track & Field

There are 4 AIC T&F meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships.

• Thursday, August 27
• Wednesday, September 2
• Thursday, September 10

• Wednesday, September 16

   

AIC Championships – Thursday, 8 & Friday, 9 October – QSAC.

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Track and Field training begins in Term 3; T&F training is twice a week.

Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays.

Track & Field

Sunday Sessions

Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction to Marist Track & Field. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment.

Some benefits include:

1. Improvement in technique and speed.
2. Technical development for throws.
3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sports shorts, Marist Sport white or blue socks.

Sports Training and Clashes

With a myriad of opportunities on offer for the students, clashes are unavoidable but never a problem if communicated.

Families are reminded that cocurricular activities should not impede on any student’s academic performance.

If sports training clashes with music or morning tutoring it is asked that boys alternate from week to week.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos. 

Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

Parent Orbit App

Please ensure that you download the Parent Orbit app to your smart phone. This app will be used to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.

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 Parent Orbit 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 5:00pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5:15pm 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.

In the case of bus arrivals from external sporting venues, boys will be sent to After Hours Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the bus arrives back at the College. Parents are asked to collect their sons from this location.