Head of Students News

Forming Marist Men: Respect, Dignity and the Way of Mary

Over the next three weeks, our College assemblies will invite students to reflect on respect for the dignity of every person, a core principle of Catholic social teaching and a hallmark of our Marist identity. We’ll be exploring what sexism is, the many forms it can take and how everyday words and actions, online and offline, can either lift others up or unintentionally cause harm.

This is not about blaming young men. It is about accompanying them, helping them see more clearly, judge wisely and act with courage in the way of Mary, whose tenderness and strength guide our community. In the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat, we aim to form young people marked by presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and humility. We want our students to have the language, habits and virtues that build a culture where women and girls feel valued, respected and safe and where our young men feel supported to be the best version of themselves.

As part of this ongoing formation, a group of our Year 11 students recently joined their counterparts from Mt St Michael’s College for Starting the Conversation, a dialogue-based initiative that fosters listening, mutual respect and practical ways to stand alongside others. Students spoke about what genuine respect looks like among friends, how assumptions can creep into everyday banter and how small choices can make a big difference.

How families can walk with us:

• Talk gently and often. Ask your son what he heard at assembly or during Starting the Conversation. What felt new? What felt challenging?
• Name the good. Affirm examples of courtesy, inclusion and courage you notice in him and his mates.
• Look for the small things. Chat about how jokes, posts or passing comments can land differently and how to respond with care.

Thank you for partnering with us in this shared work of formation. Together, as families and College, we aim to raise Marist men who honour the dignity of every person, especially the women and girls in our lives and who bring Christ’s compassion into everyday moments.

Student Grooming Expectations – Shaving and Haircuts

In recent weeks, it has become increasingly apparent that a number of students are not meeting the College’s expectations regarding shaving and appropriate haircuts.

Marist College Ashgrove proudly upholds high standards of personal presentation. These expectations are not arbitrary; they are part of our commitment to forming young men who demonstrate self-discipline and represent themselves, their family and their school with pride.

On Tuesday, Heads of House and Pastoral Group Teacher inspected the personal presentation of every student. Those needing a shave were addressed immediately and sent to shave. Parents of those who need a haircut have/will be contacted.  

Shaving

If your son has reached a level of maturity where he is growing facial hair, it is expected that he will shave. For some, this occurs later in their schooling; for others, it may be quite early. Regardless - if there is facial hair, it must be shaved.

Students who arrive at school unshaven will be directed to shave immediately.

Should there be a documented medical or cultural reason why a student is unable to shave, the College is committed to working respectfully with families. In such cases, please communicate this in writing to your son’s Head of House.

Haircuts

As previously communicated, students are expected to maintain a haircut that reflects College standards:

• Hair must be clean, brushed and generally neat
• Off the ears and collar
• Fringe must not be at a length that can reach the eyebrows, regardless of whether it is styled upward or curls naturally
• No extremes in style or colour
• No layered, ridged or undercut styles

Note – Whilst a moderate, conservative low fade can be appropriate for school and look neat and tidy, high fades and skin/zero fades are unacceptable.

Examples of Low fades that are school appropriate:  

We have recently observed a trend where students are emulating footballers by shaving the sides of their hair while leaving the top and back untouched (the modern mullet?). To clarify:

• No skin fades
• Hair length must be uniform around the sides and back (see images above)

• Students who shave the sides and leave the rest long will be asked to get a haircut

   

Ultimately, an untidy haircut is an untidy haircut. If it looks like a mullet – however modern that may be - it will need to be fixed.

We ask for your support in ensuring your son arrives at school well-groomed and in line with College expectations.

Year 11 2025 – Senior Jersey

Orders are now open for the 2026 senior jersey using this link:  Marist College Ashgrove - Private - Marketing - School Locker

To ensure correct sizing, sample products are available in Student Administration for students to try on.  Orders must be finalised by Friday 14 November.  

RACQ Road Safety Program

The RACQ Road Safety Education Team is developing a new program to support parents, carers and mentors of young drivers. The goal is to provide practical strategies to help guide learners, provisional licence holders and passengers safely and confidently.

If you’ve ever supervised or mentored a young driver, RACQ would love your input. Your feedback will help shape a resource that supports mentors and promotes safer roads for everyone.

At the end of the survey, you can also enter the draw to win one of five $100.00 eGift cards. Click here to take the survey:  RACQ Education Survey for Parents.