Primary School News
Mr Michael Connolly, Head of Primary School
Dear Primary Parents,
On Friday, the youngest members of our College community were able to farewell our eldest boys as they walked down the driveway for the last time as Marist men. The boys from the Primary School did a great job of making this final walk a truly memorable occasion for the graduates as they presented them with their posters and posed for photos together. The poster sharing ritual has become a very special part of our Graduation Day for the graduates and the joy on the faces of the older boys and their families when they spot their poster is always a great moment. At the graduation dinner on Friday evening, a number of graduates told me that they could still remember handing their poster over to a Year 12 student six years earlier. They were amazed that it was now their turn to receive one from a Primary student.
I was fortunate to present some of the graduates with their silver crucifix at the Mass on Friday and it hit home just how quickly the years had gone by since I welcomed many of them, and their families, into the Primary School at the start of their Marist journey in 2017. They are now officially Marist Ashgrove Old Boys, and they all wore their newly presented Old Boy ties with pride as they graduated on Friday evening. In reflection, my message to every primary student this week is to make the most of the opportunity they have been given by attending this great school. In no time at all, it will be these boys who will be walking down the driveway, looking for their posters in 2030 and 2031.
We have two big weeks left here in the Primary School and all boys are reminded that, if we get the little things right, the big things will follow. There is no excuse for poor behaviour, being unkind to fellow students or disrespecting staff during our final two weeks together. All boys are encouraged to get adequate sleep, preferably, without the distraction of mobile devices at bedtime.
Have a wonderful Week 8.
Pastoral Leader – Primary School - Anthony Graham
As we approach the end of another successful year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on recent highlights and look forward to the exciting events ahead.
Last week, our Year 5 and Year 6 boys had the privilege of hearing from Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Holland, who addressed the importance of safety and making responsible choices, particularly during the holiday period. Sergeant Holland emphasised the need for courage in standing firm when faced with the temptation to make poor choices, linking his message to our College motto, Act Courageously. His engaging and thought-provoking presentation reminded the boys of the values we hold dear at Marist College Ashgrove and the strength it takes to live by them.
Next week promises to be action-packed and memorable. On Thursday, our Year 5 students will participate in a Fun Day here at the College. The day will include inflatable fun at the pool, team-based games, and a movie session in the afternoon, giving the boys a well-deserved chance to celebrate the end of the school year and enjoy time with their peers. Lunch is provided for the boys on this day.
For our Year 6 students, the excitement continues with a trip to Wet 'n' Wild on Thursday, offering a day of fun and relaxation outside the classroom. On Friday, we will proudly celebrate the Year 6 Graduation Ceremony, marking the boys' transition to high school. This milestone is a significant moment for our Year 6 families, filled with excitement, pride, and perhaps a little nervousness as the boys prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
As we approach these final days of the school year, we thank our parents, staff, and students for their continued support. Together, we are ensuring the boys finish the year with a sense of accomplishment and celebration.
Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little
Congratulations to the following classes who have taken out the win in the numeracy and literacy competition this year. The winners for each category are as follows:
- Year 5 Literacy Overall – 5 Maroon
- Year 6 Literacy Overall – 6 Gold
- Year 5 Numeracy Overall – 5 Gold
- Year 6 Numeracy Overall – 6 Gold
- Year 5 Literacy Most Progress – 5 Blue
- Year 6 Literacy Most Progress – 6 White
- Year 5 Numeracy Most Progress – 5 Violet
- Year 6 Numeracy Most Progress – 6 Violet
Pizza parties for these classes have been scheduled for this week on the following days:
- 5 Maroon and 5 Gold – Monday 18 November
- 5 Violet and 5 Blue – Tuesday 19 November
- 6 White and 6 Violet – Wednesday 20 November
- 6 Gold – Thursday 21 November
Students will not require a substantial lunch on these days.
Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)
Marist Strength and Conditioning Holiday Program
Stay active and build strength over the Christmas break with the Marist Strength and Conditioning Holiday Program! Designed to build core strength, enhance stability, and boost fitness, these sessions are perfect for keeping boys engaged and moving during the holidays. Whether completed individually or as a fun challenge against siblings or parents, this program encourages all boys to stay active, healthy and prepare them to tackle the new year ahead.
If you are unsure how to do the exercises, find them on YouTube.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Adam Earnshaw – earnshawa@marash.qld.edu.au
Share your holiday challenge activities with us. Please follow this link and add your photos.