Deputy Head of College News

I feel a deep sense of gratitude joining Marist College Ashgrove, having been so warmly welcomed this week. The Marist hospitality is very evident and truly present across the community. There is a comforting sense of familiarity moving between Marist schools as our shared charism and Marian values are so evident in all that we do every day. Presence and family spirit have certainly stood out to me immediately; however, it’s the love of work that is so clear as we prepare for the College musical, commencement of the official sport fixture, our annual Walkathon, and so many other terrific events and activities occurring in the coming weeks. All of this is in addition to the wonderful work happening in the classrooms and behind the scenes to support our students to achieve success in their learning.

Interacting with students and listening to them talk about their school with such vibrancy has been the highlight of the week so far. Their energy, enthusiasm and friendliness have made me feel very welcome. I look forward to seeing the many gifts and talents that will be on show throughout the term as students engage in all aspects of College life.

Thank you, again, for welcoming me into the Marist community, I am very excited to be here.

Walkathon: Sunday 9 August 2026 - Term 3

This year’s Walkathon is scheduled for Sunday 9 August 2026 and is a proud long-standing Marist tradition which continues to be our largest Marist Family event of the year. Proudly partnering with our neighbours, the Australian Defence Force and Gallipoli Barracks.

In keeping with College tradition, the Walkathon is set to raise funds for the Marist College Ashgrove Parents and Friends Association who will use the funds to support the College to enhance facilities and improve the educational journey for all Marist College Ashgrove students now and into the future. In recent years funds have contributed to upgrades to the Flats fields, fans in the Champagnat Centre mezzanine, the purchase of the College Coffee Van, upgrades to the Music Centre and upgrades to playground basketball facilities and upcoming upgrade to Cameron Oval change rooms, shade and seating areas for students and spectators.

Fundraising will be achieved through community sponsorship of students participation in the Walkathon. Students are encouraged to collect sponsorship to walk on the day through a cashless donation system where parents, family and friends can donate online here.

Student participation on Sunday 9 August 2026 is compulsory. All students will be required to walk the 10km course however if a student cannot complete the course due to medical or mobility reasons and they wish to participate, they are able to complete the 4km All Abilities Course. If for any reason your son cannot attend, please ensure that you communicate this with his Head of House or the Year 5-6 Pastoral Leader prior to the event. Any student unable to walk on the day will be expected to complete the Make-Up Walkathon on Tuesday afternoon, 11 August.

As in past years, family members are invited to join in the walking.  If you or members of your family would like to join either the full walk (10km) or the All-Abilities Walk (4km) be sure to register on the following link here.

Parent and guardian help is very important in running the Walkathon and any assistance you can provide on the day will be greatly appreciated. Please register here before 9:00am Thursday 6 August.

For parents who are currently serving members of the Australian Defence Force or the Queensland Police Service (QPS), there are volunteer opportunities available within the Barracks precinct on the day of the Walkathon. Volunteers for these roles must hold a current DCAC/ID Card. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Jon Pollard directly at jon.pollard@defence.gov.au.

Thanking you in anticipation of your valued support of the tradition of the Marist College Ashgrove Walkathon. We look forward to a fun-filled day for our students and family members.