Primary School News

Family Spirit

One of the five characteristics of a Marist education is Family Spirit. That spirit was not only on display, but well and truly alive during our College Walkathon on Sunday. It was an event that brought our whole school community together in celebration, support, and of course fun. A big thank you to all the parents who came along to make this important annual event so memorable. From early in the morning, our school grounds were filled with excitement as our Primary boys arrived with bright eyes, eager feet and enthusiastic conversations. There was certainly a buzz in the crowd as we counted down the minutes until our start time. 

Some boys walked with their parents, some walked in groups, but everywhere, everyone encouraged each other along the way, particularly during the tougher parts of the course. The strategically located Red Frog stops helped enormously as the energy levels started to drop from the 5km mark onwards. Every step taken by every boy was a reminder of the strong bonds that make our school such a special place to grow and learn.

The walkathon wasn’t just about raising money for our school though, it was about building memories, strengthening friendships, and showing that every person in our community matters. Whether walking, volunteering, or simply showing up to support, each person played a part in making the day a huge success. Congratulations to Wil D’Arcy who won the fancy dress competition.  A big effort to walk the entire course in his inflatable capybara costume!

For all boys who could not be with us on Sunday, there is a make-up walkathon on Tuesday afternoon this week. 

Have a great week.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Sunday’s Walkathon was a wonderful celebration of community spirit. It was fantastic to see so many boys and their families out walking together and enjoying the event. I joined in for the first time this year and can confidently say I now understand the tired legs some of the boys had on Monday – mine were feeling it too!

If you haven’t yet had a chance to finalise your fundraising, there’s still time. Every dollar raised goes directly towards enhancing the experience for our Marist students. There are also great incentives on offer – from exciting prizes to a pizza party for the class that raises the most.

Uniform and Haircuts

At Monday morning’s assembly, I spoke to the boys about the importance of meeting the College dress standards, particularly regarding haircuts. A reminder that hair should be no shorter than a level three, with no zero fades or extreme changes in length. Minimal transition between lengths is expected. For a small number of boys, adjustments will need to be made over the upcoming mini break to ensure we are meeting these expectations. We appreciate parents’ support in helping maintain the high standards we hold at Marist.

Pastoral Focus – Building Resilience

Walking the Walkathon reminded me that resilience is often built in small, everyday moments – not just the big challenges. Whether it’s pushing through the last kilometre of a long walk, adjusting to a haircut that meets expectations, or staying positive when plans change, resilience grows when we practise persistence and adaptability.

Encouraging your son to see challenges as opportunities to learn, rather than setbacks to avoid, will help him develop the strength and confidence to face life’s bigger hurdles. At school, we aim to provide these opportunities regularly, knowing that with each experience, his resilience muscle gets that little bit stronger.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Bright Sparks

Congratulations to the following Years 5 and 6 students who have been selected to form an elite team to represent the College next Tuesday in our inaugural Bright Sparks Competition to be hosted at Marist College Ashgrove next week: Hamish Donnelly, Tejas Koirala, Ryan Noronha and Cameron Browne. These boys were selected based on their outstanding NAPLAN results along with other testing conducted during their time in Marist Primary. We wish the boys well as they compete against a range of schools in the areas of problem solving, logic and STEM. Let’s hope we can secure the trophy in our first year of competition. 

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews – Week 6  

Communication was emailed to all parents recently regarding the upcoming online Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews on Monday 18 August 2025.  The booking system opened at 7:00pm on Friday 1 August and is now closed.  As mentioned in the email, if you book an online Parent/Teacher/Student interview this term, you will not be permitted to book face-to-face interviews with the same teachers next term (Tuesday 7 October).

National Science Week

National Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the importance of science in our lives. This year, Science Week will be held from Saturday 10 August to Sunday 18 August 2025. 

Science is everywhere – from the smartphones in our pockets to the weather forecasts we check each morning. It helps us understand the world, solve problems, and make informed decisions. At school, we aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through science, encouraging our students to explore the "why" and "how" of the world around them.

In Years 5 and 6, the Australian Science Curriculum empowers students to deepen their understanding of key scientific concepts and processes. It’s structured around three key strands:

• Science Understanding – Students explore biological, chemical, physical, and Earth and space sciences. They might investigate how light behaves, the life cycles of plants and animals, or how changes to Earth’s surface occur.
• Science as a Human Endeavour – This strand connects science to real-world contexts, encouraging students to consider how scientific knowledge evolves and is applied in society.
• Science Inquiry – Students learn to pose questions, plan and conduct investigations, collect and interpret data, and communicate their findings effectively.

This hands-on and inquiry-based approach helps our young learners develop the skills and mindset of young scientists – observing, questioning, predicting, and experimenting!

A reminder that Science Club is available to all Primary students on Thursdays from 3:20pm – 4:00 pm. 

Let’s continue to nurture our students' curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of Science.

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 School Sport

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations Finley Elphinston (7S) and William Smith (6S) who recently competed for Met North in the Queensland School Sport State Rugby Champiionships (11-12 Years).

The team made the semifinals but unfortunately lost and then went into the play off where they drew. Finley was also awarded player of the match in one of the games.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent North West District Track & Field at the Met North regional trials.

Luca Bryant – 10 Years Discus – 3rd

Rafael Cienfuegos – 11 Years Shot Put – 2nd

Cian Dillon – 11 Years 800m – 3rd

Levi Doyle – 12 Years High Jump – 2nd

Geordie Egerton – 11 Years 1500m – 4th

Miller Exintaris – 12 Years 100m – 1st, 200m – 4th, Long Jump – 4th

Gus Graham – 12 Years Long Jump – 2nd

Reuben Hodgson – 10 Years High Jump – 4th

Cooper Kadri – 10 Years 200m – 2nd, 800m 2nd,1500m 1st

Eddie Leyden – 10 Years Long Jump – 1st

Mason Loli – 12 Years Discus – 1st, Shot Put – 1st

Sawyer Martinez – 11 Years Long Jump – 4th

Will Barden – 11 Years Discus – 3rd, Shot Put – 3rd

Jack McCurry – 12 Years 1500m – 4th

Madden McQuinn – 10 Years Shot Put – 1st

Leo Mylne – 11 Years 100m – 4th, 800m – 2nd

Tristan Nicoletti – 10 Years 100m – 1st

Toby Patricks – 12 Years 200m – 2nd

Daniel Sadimenko – 12 Years 800m – 2nd, 1500m – 1st

William Smith – 12 Years 200m – 1st, Discus – 2nd

Patrick Thirgood – 11 Years 100m – 2nd, 200m – 4th

Henry Vos – 10 Years Discus – 3rd, Shot Put – 2nd

Ryan Wallington – 10 Years 800m – 1st, 1500m - 3rd, Long Jump – 4th, High Jump – 2nd

Term 3 AIC Sport

Basketball

A bus will be provided to and from AIC Basketball fixtures each week.

The bus will depart from the College Bus stop @ 2:55pm and return @ 6:30pm (approx.), return details will be posted on the Parent Orbit APP. If your son catches the bus and you collect him, it is very important to ensure you inform a staff member.

Primary Internal Basketball – Fast Break Friday

Marist Primary Basketball - Internal Basketball open to all boys currently not participating in Term 3 AIC team sport.

Venue: Marist Outdoor Courts

Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm

Uniform: Marist Primary Sport Uniform

No need to register

Tennis

Years 5 & 6

Monday and Wednesday – 6:45 – 8:15 am

Shadow Players – Friday - 6:45 – 8:15am

Rugby League

Year 5

Tuesday – 6:45 – 8:00am – Hayden Oval

Thursday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7

Year 6

Tuesday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7

Thursday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7

AIC Track & Field

Track training – Sprints and Middle Distance

Monday & Wednesday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – McMahon Oval

Long Jump & Hurdles

Tuesday 6:45 – 8:00am – Athletics Precinct

High Jump

Friday 6:45 – 8:00am – Athletics Precinct

Shot Put

Boys wishing to qualify for AIC shot put are asked to please speak with Mr Lambourne

There are 4 AIC T&F meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships.

• Thursday, August 28
• Wednesday, September 3
• Thursday, September 11
• Wednesday, September 17

AIC Championships – Thursday, 9 & Friday, 10 October – QSAC.

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays.

Sports Training and Clashes

With a myriad of opportunities on offer for the students, clashes are unavoidable but never a problem if communicated.

Families are reminded that cocurricular activities should not impede on any student’s academic performance.

If sports training clashes with music or morning tutoring it is asked that boys alternate from week to week.

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

Parent Orbit App

Please ensure that you download the Parent Orbit app to your smart phone. This app will be used to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.

Late Pick Up After Sports Training

“PLAN B”

It is important that both parent and student are aware of the pick-up procedure if afternoon sports training is cancelled or if parents are running late for pick-up. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the Parent Orbit app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives.

Afternoon sports training sessions are scheduled to finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm will be directed to the After Hours Boarding Reception area / College Health Centre so that he may be collected from there. After Hours Boarding Reception can be contacted on 07 3858 4619.

In the case of bus arrivals from external sporting venues, boys will be sent to After Hours Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the bus arrives back at the College. Parents are asked to collect their sons from this location.