From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Welcome and Accepted

Pope Francis and his successor, Pope Leo XIV represent leaders of hope as they are focused on pastoral outreach, and unity within the Church and its people. Everyone is welcome in their church, and the big issues are discussed. They have room for everyone, just the way they are. Like Jesus, the Church opens its arms to all. Each of us are formed in God’s image and likeness and are therefore innately good. Each of us should be welcomed with dignity and respect. All of us deserve to be loved and are capable of loving others. The Pope asks his priests around the world to smell like sheep, meaning to be open to dialogue with all, to stand alongside, accept and welcome all people.

Sunday’s reading - Luke 18:9-14 - reminds us that God loves everyone. Jesus welcomes the person who was most unpopular with his own people (tax collector) as much as the person who was accepted (Pharisee) in his society. The story highlights - all are welcome; all are respected; there is room for everyone. The following story also affirms this message.

An elderly man who was shabbily-dressed came into church every day at 12 noon, stood at the front of the church for a few minutes, and then went away. He never missed a day and always appeared at the same time. Eventually, someone asked him why he did this.

The old man replied: “I’m not well educated to pray a long prayer, so I just stand here and say, ‘Jesus, it’s me - Jim,’ and then wait a moment. I’m sure he hears me.”

Later in life, Jim suffered his own personal illness and was taken to hospital. From that time on, the often-grumbling patients alongside Jim became happier. They said it was because of old Jim’s cheerfulness.

But why should Jim be so cheerful and happy? When asked by a nurse, he replied that it was because of his daily visitor. The nurse knew he never had any visitors and asked him who came and when. “Every day at 12 noon, Jesus comes and stands at the foot of my bed, smiles and says, ‘Jim it’s me - Jesus.’”

May Mary our good mother, with St Marcellin Champagnat, open our minds, hearts and demeanours to always be accepting and open to the goodness of all. Amen.

All Saints and All Souls Day

This Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd of November, the Catholic Church celebrates those deceased who are now saints in heaven (All Saints) and offers prayers for the souls of those who are yet to enter heaven (All Souls Day). Catholics pray to the saints, reaching out to these holy individuals of the past, seeking their intercession and guidance in their relationship with God. This is an act of prayer, not worship. The commercially known Halloween is the evening before All Saints Day.

World Teachers’ Day – A Message of Gratitude from the Head of College

This Friday, 31st October, we mark World Teachers’ Day – a special opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredible work our teachers do, day in and day out.

As Head of College, I want to express my sincere and personal thanks to each of our teachers. The care they bring to classrooms, the patience they show in moments of challenge, and the passion that drives them is inspiring. Our teachers are the heart of our College, and their impact on your sons– academically, emotionally, and spiritually – is immeasurable.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to all students and the Marist College Ashgrove community. We are truly grateful for all your efforts.

Year 12 External Exams

Best wishes to all Year 12 boys as they undertake their External Exams over the next 3 weeks. The timetable can be found on the QCAA website QCAA external assessment timetable 2025. Boys are encouraged to continue their revision timetables diligently throughout and prior to each of their exams. Boys should be sure to prepare well for their exams by knowing their timetable, arriving early for exams, having all the required equipment, bringing a water bottle and having a good nutritious meal prior. On behalf of the Marist family, our best wishes and prayers to all boys undertaking these important exams.

Year 10 Immunisations

On Thursday 30th October, our Year 10 boys enrolled in the Queensland Health Immunisation Program will be undertaking their last immunisations for the year. The boys will be having their Meningococcal B (second dose). This will take place in the Champagnat Centre. My thanks are extended to Phill Holding (Assistant Head of College – Students) and Kelly Byrnes for organising and ensuring the efficient facilitation of these immunisations.

Marist Christmas Appeal 2025

As the festive season draws near, the Marist College community is once again embracing the spirit of giving through our annual Christmas Appeal.

This year, we are proud to support The St Vincent de Paul Society, and Downs and West Community Support – two organisations doing vital work to assist families and individuals experiencing hardship. With your help, we can bring hope, dignity, and joy to those who need it most.

The appeal will run from Weeks 4 to 6, and we warmly invite families to participate by donating Grocery Gift Cards or making an online contribution via Monitor or Humanitix.

(Please note - cash donations will not be accepted.)

Donation Links

Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for your continued support.

Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp

We’re excited to share that the Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp is going ahead this week from Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st October, with 22 students participating as part of the final component of their Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation.

This camp provides students with a valuable opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting, building confidence, teamwork, and resilience in the great outdoors.

A heartfelt thank you to Dallas Williams, Lachlan Gough, and Mal Grealy for generously giving their time to attend the camp, and to Brendan Kiernan for his invaluable support in planning and preparing for this experience.

Marist Drama Enrolments for 2026 – Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that Speech and Drama classes for 2026 are now open for enrolment at Marist College. These engaging and creative classes are led by Louise Marshall, an accredited Speech and Drama teacher with qualifications from Trinity College London and The Actors Workshop.

Students will develop skills in improvisation, characterisation, storytelling, stagecraft, and public speaking, all while building confidence and having fun.

Class Details:

Primary Drama (Years 5 and 6) – Mondays

Year 5: 3.20–4.20pm
Year 6: 4.30–5.30pm
Term 4 culminates in a live performance in the Draney Theatre with costumes and props provided.
Please note: Year 6 students must be supervised in the Draney Foyer prior to their class if not involved in school sport.
Year 7 Drama – Wednesdays, 3.30–5.30pm (Terms 1–3)
Includes script writing, acting for camera, and creating a short film with a premiere in Term 3.

Cost per Term: