Deputy Head of College News

Who We Are

A place for everyone. Can find what we love. Everyone’s welcome. Simple, yet profound statements. Particularly when we consider their authors.

These were the words shared across the table by 2024 College Captain candidates when asked to describe the Marist College environment of which they are proud. No doubt these Year 11 students prepared for these leadership interviews. However, their natural replies told me they weren’t rehearsed or unnaturally constructed. They had felt love and welcome throughout their time at the College and are committed to cherishing and leading this for others. (We’re in pretty safe hands it would seem!) Then the second question came.

“Now tell me how you go about leading others – now and next year?”

Listen. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. See the best in people. Giving people hope. Could these answers get any better! It seems it could! A standout reply in my view was:

“Be like our three violets. Be there but be below the grass.”

What a wonderful description of presence, humility, authenticity and being life-giving. Although I can sometimes get carried away with analogies and metaphors to elicit meaning, I was struck by both the simpleness and depth of this response, and the responses of other candidates which followed.

As Michael Newman, Peter Serone, Anna Nasr and I met with twelve extraordinary Year 11 students during these 2024 College Captain interviews, we were immensely impressed with the messages and the themes that came through - humility, simplicity and modesty. These themes are the three Marist virtues represented by the three violets and are unique to the Marist charism. Not only are they presented to students to follow, but they are also presented to us big kids as well!

I am excited to see who will be announced as the next Marist College Ashgrove College Captain at assembly Wednesday tomorrow. All the candidates have shown great leadership skills and maturity, making the selection process very difficult. 

Year 5 and Year 7 Orientation 

Over recent days and weeks, the College welcomed new Year 5 and Year 7 students for 2024, culminating in last night's Year 7 2024 Orientation Evening. New students and parents have met their teacher or Head of House and fellow classmates. We extend a sincere thank you to the Head of Primary, Michael Connolly, and Program Leaders – Middle School, Joshua Kersevani, for leading the organisation of these vital experiences for new students and families. A further thank you to our Year 5 teachers, Heads of Houses, Services and Catering Teams, Jack Johnson, the Academic Care Team, Kelly Byrnes and Deb Maddox for their extensive coordination. We cannot wait to see our new students in the new year!