From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Candy Floss

Recently, I was fortunate to hear an address by theologians - Professor Didier Pollefeyt and Dr Jan Bouwens from the KU Leuven University in Belgium. They were cynical in their view of religion in Australia - ‘You Australians and religion!’ They spoke about religion in Australia as being like “candy floss” or sugar meaning that in Australia, religion is viewed as something that is sweet, enjoyable and idealistic and as easy as taking a sugar hit but this is not necessarily realistic or sustainable. They explained that Australian perceptions of God are only as a positive and pleasant entity even though God is a mystery that interrupts our existing order. They believe that in Australia, we concentrate too much on positive theology that suffocates the spirit in the hard times, and this widens the gap between God in the ordinary and normal lives of you and me with struggles, hardships and suffering. They believe Australians simply grasp at God and fall short of him when we need him most in our vulnerability. Essentially, they said, it should be in the doubt, fear, frustration, loneliness, hardships and despair in life that we reach for and experience God. It should be in the imperfections, mysteries of life, death, ambiguities, unknowing search for truth where we find God. This is how we continually work on and develop faith. As Catholics, we need negative theology and resilience in prayers and reflection. Vulnerability sheds light on our faith. We mustn’t avoid the difficult aspect of our religion. It is in the hard times that you can find traces of God. This isn’t candy floss.

This Wednesday 5th March, we celebrate Ash Wednesday - the commencement of the Lenten season leading to Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection at Easter. Our religion in Australia is more than candy floss, as Jesus died for us and life, suffering and death are part of our human existence. Each boy will have ashes placed on his forehead in the sign of the cross, reminding him of the challenges in life and yet, the life that can sustain us through giving and loving others – the basic Lenten message. It is in the death, suffering and the brokenness of Good Friday where God can reveal himself to us leading to forgiveness and new life – experienced in the joy of Easter.

God of the journey, may all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family also find you in the difficulties and struggles throughout their lives and represented in the symbol of Ash Wednesday. Amen.

‘No’ to Violence Against Women

White Ribbon Day has the national focus on gender-based violence. In 2024, Marist College Ashgrove released a video of female staff talking with selected boys entitled, “Starting the Conversation”. In this video, the staff expressed their hopes for the boys and young men on gender-based violence. It is with that in mind, that the event “Continuing the Conversation” was held here at the College last week. This event was designed to engage Year 12 students from Marist Ashgrove and Mt St Michael’s College in meaningful discussions about male attitudes towards women, gender biases and gender representations. Through a combination of presentations and small group discussions, the event aimed to foster awareness, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue around these issues. The students from both schools conducted themselves positively and respectfully while dealing with some challenging content. Marist College Ashgrove says ‘NO’ to any form of violence towards women. My thanks are extended to Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Mr James Lymer, Mr Brad Winchester, Ms Kathryn Badini, Mrs Maddie Henry and Ms Sarah Palmer for organising and facilitating this event.

AIC Swimming Championships

After months of preparation and hard training, it is here – the 2025 Associated Independent Colleges Annual Swimming Championships. Next Tuesday 11th March, the Marist College Ashgrove Primary and Secondary Swim Teams will travel to the Sleeman Centre to compete in these championships. We wish all boys the best of luck in these highly competitive championships and thank their dedicated staff, led by Mr James Boyce – Head Swimming Coach. Our Year 12 students will accompany the swimmers to cheer them on. My thanks are extended to Mr Phill Holding, Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Mr Tim Walker, Mr Ty Casey, Ms Sharon Davidson, Mr Michael Abbott, Ms Kathryn Badini, Mr Mal Grealey, Mr Richard Graham, Mr Dan Bull, and Mr Allan Legge for accompanying the students to this exciting competition. Good luck, Marist!

NAPLAN 2025

The Year 5, 7 and 9 NAPLAN assessments are only eight days away. These numeracy and literacy assessments will be held from next Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March. The boys are preparing in classes as we speak. My thanks are extended to Leigh Jackson (Assistant Head of College Learning and Teaching – Middle School) and Ashley Hutchings (Curriculum Leader – Middle Years) and all their teachers for the care and consideration they are demonstrating in revising basic literacy and numeracy skills with the boys prior to these assessments. I thank all parents who are reminding the boys of their significance and will prepare the boys for the day.

Year 6 Retreat

On Monday 10 March, our Year 6 students will participate in their 2025 retreat in the Champagnat Centre. The retreat is facilitated by Character Builders who offer an engaging full-day program designed to develop leadership skills in our students. Through hands-on activities, challenges, and reflective discussions, students will explore key leadership qualities such as resilience, teamwork, communication, and confidence. This experience will help equip them with practical skills to navigate challenges and support their peers as they grow into young leaders and continue their journey here at Marist College Ashgrove. My thanks are extended to Mr Anthony Graham for his organisation of this event. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Rugby Union Camp

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March, a squad of 35 rugby students (the Blue Squad) will travel to Currimundi at the Sunshine Coast (weather permitting) to compete for a spot in the 1st XV. This, among other camps this year, is designed to enhance player development, strengthen team culture, build independence, and prepare squads for the upcoming season. My thanks are extended to Mr Richard Graham, Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Adam Earnshaw and Mr Charlie Taylor for their organisation and facilitation of this valuable camp. Best wishes, gentlemen.

Lenten Fundraiser with Free Dress

This Friday 7th March, we had planned our Lenten fundraiser and ‘Free Dress Friday’. Due to the predicted arrival of Cyclone Alfred, we are postponing the Lenten Fundraising Day until Monday 31 March. All funds raised will go towards Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). AMS will be using the money for building works at St Joseph’s School in the Solomon Islands – their classrooms and facilities are struggling, and our Marist connections are here to lend a helping hand. We look forward to this fundraising event.

Head of College Tour

The Term 1 Head of College Tour has been postponed until Thursday 3 April due to Cyclone Alfred and will commence at 8:45am at the Tower. Parents and friends at the college are welcome to invite those families who may be interested in attending Marist College Ashgrove. To make a booking, simply contact the enrolments office – enrol@marash.qld.edu.au.

Cyclone Alfred

Last night, we issued our initial communication to all parents regarding Cyclone Alfred. As we continue to monitor weather conditions and heed advice from the Queensland Government, emergency services and Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), we will make daily decisions regarding the operation of the school. This correspondence will be distributed typically in the afternoon. We will inform students, families, and staff through our standard communication channels (email and Parent Orbit App) as necessary. I will keep the community informed of any developments, should the weather pose a danger to staff and students accessing the College.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.