Primary School News

On Friday last week we celebrated World Teachers' Day. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and thank teachers for the wonderful job they do each day in and out of the classroom. Here in the Primary School, we are blessed with a group of educators who not only know their students well, but who go above and beyond to help them become the best versions of themselves. At our assembly on Friday, I suggested to the boys that they should all find a way to show their teachers how much they appreciate them.  From speaking to the teachers later in the day, there were many boys who did just this which was great to see. All boys had the opportunity to thank a teacher via a note of appreciation that they wrote to a teacher of their choice. When collating the notes for delivery to each teacher, it was heartwarming to read the messages of thanks that the boys wrote. Here is a small sample of some of the messages. 

Thank you for teaching me how to be a good person  

Thank you for teaching us maths and all the subjects and succeed in our learning 

Thank you for helping me pick myself up after getting out in cricket 

Thank you for believing in me and always being kind 

Thank you for encouraging us and supporting us in our big assessments 

Thank you for changing the way I think about art 

Thank you for just knowing when I need your help the most 

I would like to thank all our wonderful Primary School teachers who go out of their way to help the boys in their care here at Marist College, Ashgrove. 

Have a wonderful Week 5. 

Date Claimers

There are some date claimers below. Please take some time to take note of these important dates over the next four weeks.

• Drama Concerts – Wednesday, 5 November 
• Year 5 Band and Strings Concert – Thursday, 13 November 
• Year 12 Graduation – Friday, 21 November  
• Year 6 Graduation Mass – Wednesday, 26 November 
• Year 5 and 6 Fun Day – Thursday, 27 November  
• Final Day for Students – Friday, 28 November 

Students Online 

A reminder to please take some time to monitor your son’s online footprint if he accesses the internet on his personal device. There are many apps that our boys should not be accessing due to their age. I sometimes see boys using these apps after school at the bus stop etc and remind them that the content may not be appropriate for them. I encourage all parents to start a conversation with their sons about their online presence, particularly with the holidays fast approaching. 

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham  

Year 5 2026 Transition Afternoon 

On Tuesday this week, we welcomed our new Year 5 students for 2026 to the College for an engaging afternoon of problem-solving activities. It was wonderful to see the boys interacting confidently, working together and beginning to form friendships that will carry into next year. 

While the activities were fun and creative, the real success of the afternoon was the sense of connection already developing among the boys as they prepare to begin their Marist journey. We look forward to welcoming them again later this term for another transition afternoon (Period 6) as they continue to become part of the Marist community. 

Year 6 Retreat – Stepping Beyond Our Comfort Zone 

Last Thursday, our Year 6 students took part in their annual Retreat - a morning designed to pause, reflect and look ahead to life in Secondary School. The focus was on stepping outside their comfort zone and thinking about the kind of person they want to become. The boys were challenged to consider what they might need to shed - habits, fears, or doubts - in order to live as their true, authentic selves. 

The morning was filled with reflection, gratitude and meaningful discussion as the boys explored what it means to live courageously and with purpose. 

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 6 teaching team for their care and preparation in guiding the boys through such a special experience. 

To continue this journey of connection, our Year 6 students will soon take part in a transition afternoon (Period 6) with their future Secondary Houses and Year 12 leaders for 2026, providing an exciting opportunity to meet their new peers and mentors as they prepare for the next stage of their Marist journey. 

It’s been a wonderful week of connection, reflection and growth across the Primary School - a reminder that whether students are just beginning their Marist journey or preparing for the next step, they continue to show courage, gratitude and a genuine love of learning every day. 

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little 

A strong finish counts!

As we move into the final weeks of Term 4, it’s a great time to remind ourselves - and our children - about the importance of finishing strong. The end of the year can be busy and tiring, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate resilience, responsibility and pride in their learning. 

The Brisbane Broncos showed us this lesson perfectly in their 2025 Premiership campaign. Their season wasn’t always smooth sailing, but through preparation, teamwork and belief, they stayed strong right until the final whistle — and were rewarded with a memorable grand final win. 

Their success came from effort, focus and consistency - qualities that also make a big difference in the classroom as we head into the last part of the school year. 

Helping Children Finish Strong

A strong finish at school doesn’t just happen. It’s supported by good routines, readiness, and a positive mindset. Recently, we’ve noticed some students arriving at school without the necessary equipment — particularly uncharged computers and limited stationery — and some who are clearly very tired at the start of the day. These things can really impact learning, concentration and wellbeing. 

We ask for your support in helping your child finish the year well by ensuring:

• Their laptop or device is fully charged overnight and ready for learning. 
• They have their stationery (pens, pencils, erasers, ruler, highlighters) replenished and ready to use. 
• They are getting enough sleep each night. A good night’s rest is essential for focus, emotional balance and energy.  

• They come to school with a positive attitude (ready to learn, participate and contribute to their class) 

   

When students are rested, organised and ready, they start the day with confidence and calm, which helps in setting them up for success. Ultimately, attitude to school and learning makes all the difference.  Just like the Broncos, we encourage students to maintain a positive mindset even when faced with challenge. Finishing the term well will no doubt help our students experience the satisfaction of following through on commitments and being proud of their growth, both academically and personally.  

We appreciate your continued support in helping our students stay prepared, positive and well-rested through the final stretch of the year. Small, consistent habits like charged devices, stocked pencil cases, early bedtimes and encouraging words, make a big difference. 

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 Update

Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations Daniel Sadimenko (6R) who recently attended the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Ballarat. Over three action-packed days of competition representing Queensland, Dan set personal bests and achieved fantastic results:

• 3rd – 4x100m Freestyle Relay
• 5th – 100m Backstroke
• 8th – 200m Freestyle

AIC Sport Term 1 2026

All players who wish to play Marist Sport must register via Parent Lounge / Student Café.Parents need to approve this through Parent Lounge.

It is vitally important that all players sign up. Only those that have signed up for each sport will receive trial and training information for that sport. Team nominations and coach recruitment also needs to be done before trials begin.

Boys who have not signed up during the registration period will not be guaranteed an opportunity to participate.

Signing Up

Sign in to Parent Lounge / Student Café.; select Extra Curricular; select Sign-up Available; choose the sport and complete any additional fields as required.

Parent Approval

Sign in to Parent Lounge; select Extra Curricular; click Sign-up Now; select Approve Sign-Up and check and update medical details; click Accept; choose Update; click Submit to School.

To view the details your son has signed up for at Student Details à Extra Curricular.

Marist Rugby Union | End-of-Year Connection and Welcome to Marist Rugby Session

Year 5 2025 and Year 5 2026 students are invited to the Marist Rugby Union | End-of-Year Connection and Welcome to Marist Rugby Session.

WHEN: Friday 14 November

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 6:45-7:45am 

Session will finish with a sausage sizzle at the John Eales Grandstand. 

Boys will join with the Open Squads for a final training session of 2025.Connection is a key value of the Marist Rugby Program, and this interaction reflects our commitment to building a strong rugby community.

Marist Rugby Union | U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Following this year’s successful participation, we are excited to announce that Marist College Ashgrove has again registered for a place in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival for U12s on April 18 and 19, 2026.

The carnival is a significant event in the junior rugby calendar, and as per carnival rules, we are looking forward to selecting a strong team of 20 students to represent the College. To ensure ample preparation for families, and for the staff and students, team selection will take place in Term 4, 2024, with training and trials scheduled for Week 2 - 5.

Due to the carnival being an age group event and not a year level event, and the urgency to start organising, we will be selecting a team based on the below criteria.

Please note, to be eligible:

• Students must be born in 2014
• Students must be enrolled at the College in 2025

Given the popularity of the carnival and based on advice from the organisers and schools who are regular participants, we have been told that accommodation will need to be secured ASAP. Students will be required to travel to Armidale and stay with their own families, and early team selection will allow time for planning and organisation. Along with the 20 students selected, an additional 3-5 students will be named as standbys which I understand is a difficult scenario for those involved.

For those interested in participating, please go to Parent Portal > Extra Curricular > XV Rugby > U12 and register your interest. 

We understand the challenge of organising planning so far out from the event and the challenges with team selection amidst Term 1 AIC sports preparations, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Ready Program

Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Doug Perrers and Mr James Trebbin are leading a five-week Scrum Ready Program in Term 4 for Years 5-11 rugby union forwards. Any students who play in the front row or the wider forward pack are invited to the Scrum Ready Program.

Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Years 5-8

DRESS: Marist sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, white / blue Marist socks, rugby boots

WHERE: Des Connor Fields, Flat 5

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.

The five weeks will consist of:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises
2. Solo with no opposition – on knees
3. Solo with no opposition – on feet
4. Solo against a machine / tackle bag
5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape. 

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions will recommence Wednesday, 15 October and will continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2026.

Year 5 (2026): Training starts on Wednesday, 15 October, and will continue Wednesday, 22 October and Wednesday, 29 October and then Monday and Wednesday afternoons, from Monday, 2 November for the remainder of Term 4.

Year 6 (2026): Training begins on Wednesday, 15 October, with sessions on Wednesday (PM) and Friday (AM).

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2025

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

Marist Community Notice | Use of College Name and Uniform

There has been a recent increase in the use of the Marist name and sporting apparel in non-sanctioned competitions, such as club or social events. Please note that only teams and competitions formally approved by the College are permitted to use the Marist name, uniform, or branding. This requirement ensures appropriate supervision, insurance coverage, student safety, and adherence to College standards. 

Any group wishing to participate in external events must seek prior approval in writing from the Head of Sport. The College will review the suitability of such events and, where appropriate, coordinate official entries to maintain quality, consistency, and compliance with our codes of conduct. We appreciate the enthusiasm of our community in supporting student opportunities and ask that all follow the correct process to protect the integrity and reputation of Marist College.

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