Primary News

Dear Primary Families,

We have certainly hit the ground running after a big, albeit short, first week back. Last week the Primary boys were challenged to use our final term as a platform for them to reach their full potential and personal best in all areas of College life. Whilst some students may see the end of the year as an opportunity to ‘wind down’, I made it very clear that it is my expectation that Term 4 should be a cumulation of all their efforts so far and that, in fact, the expectations have never been higher as we continue to be 100% Marist 100% of the time.

Our recent Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews provided an opportunity for some important conversations about your son’s learning. Their presence in this meeting was a great way for them to take ownership over their learning and hear feedback about how they can continue to improve. I look forward to visiting classes in the next two weeks and talking to the students about the goals they have set for themselves based on these meetings and their most recent reports. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our dedicated teaching staff for their professionalism and time in preparing for and conducting these interviews.

On Saturday morning, I attended the AIC Track and Field Championships and was immediately filled with a sense of pride. This pride did not come from seeing our Primary boys win their events, but in the way they carried themselves and represented our College. In particular, I watched eight straight races where our Marist boys were the first competitors to reach out to the other athletes in their race and congratulate them on their efforts. This sense of sportsmanship was also buoyed by a fantastic team effort that saw Marist College Ashgrove win the Primary AIC Track and Field Championship for the first time since the competition’s commencement in 2015. This was also the first time that any AIC College has won both the primary and secondary championships in the same year. My congratulations to Mr John Lambourne for his dedication and coordination of this sport and to all our competitors. A detailed wrap-up can be found in his section below.

This Wednesday evening, I look forward to watching our QDU Debating teams compete. Congratulations to: 

• Year 5 - Billy Dunn, Ted Armstrong, Kayden Kyoung and Henry Walker
• Year 6 - Matthew Alvarez, Hamish Ansell, Josh Davis, Daniel Hart, Julian Lewis, Aidan Mansul, Jake Roberts and Caleb Van Coevorden

On Thursday, I will also have the opportunity to support our Primary students who are taking part in The Gap Regional Instrumental Performance Program (G.R.I.P.P). My congratulations to Bryce Franklin, Jack Rosenberg, Julian Lewis, Thomas Deem, Lachlan Chandler, Lachlan Christie, Gabriel Pua, Thomas Lynn, Aidan Mansul, Darcy Mahoney and Matthew Alvarez for representing the College with pride in this esteemed program. 

From the Primary Pastoral Leader – Michael Connolly

Including Others

I spoke with the Primary boys at our Thursday assembly about starting the term off well, not only academically for themselves but socially for one another. We spoke about the fact that most of us bounded up the hill to the Primary School without a care in the world but, there are some boys who find the start of a term a daunting experience as they navigate social situations and getting back into the groove of the playground. 

I asked the boys to make an effort to recognise the signs of this in these boys and assist them by including them in our games and conversations. Please speak with your son about how he can be an up-stander for others and what he can do personally to help those boys in our community who sometimes struggle to initiate interactions with others. 

I hope that your son has enjoyed his return to MCA this term and is looking forward to the weeks ahead.

Leadership Process

In Week 4 this term, we will begin our formation journey for our 2022 Primary Leaders.  Next week, I will be visiting each Year 5 classroom and explaining to the boys what the process will look like and will be encouraging them to consider Primary Leadership as an option for them next year.  I know that we have many wonderful boys in Year 5 this year who would make great leaders in our Primary School next year, so I hope that they consider the opportunity to put themselves forward. Our leadership formation program will begin in Week 4 and would encourage you to speak with your son about Primary Leadership.   

You’ve Been Spotted

We are on the lookout for Primary boys who are doing the right thing in and out of the classroom this term. Any boy who is seen by staff members doing the right thing will be handed a “You’ve Been Spotted” ticket that he will fill out and place in the barrel which is located in my office. Each Thursday at our assembly, I will draw out two names and these boys will receive a miniature Marist rugby or football for being great role models for other students in our school. I am hoping that we run out of tickets each week!

Day for Daniel

On Friday 22 October, the boys in the Primary School will be involved in various activities as part of our Day for Daniel initiative.  On this day, the boys may wear free dress clothing to school that is red in colour as red is the colour that represents this special day supporting child safety.  More information will be provided in next week’s newsletter. 

Caloundra Beach Trip

Our Year 6 boys and staff are heading to Kings Beach at Caloundra on Wednesday 24 November. This day has always proven to be a wonderful way for our boys to celebrate the end of their Primary years here at Marist College Ashgrove, and I know they are looking forward to it already!

To assist in the smooth running of the day, we require three parent helpers per class who are able to come along and help supervise the boys whilst they are involved in the various beach and water activities throughout the day.

Full details of the day will be sent home in Week 3 but this notice may serve as a date claimer for any parent who may wish to attend the day. There will be an opportunity to nominate as a parent helper during the coming weeks.

Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne

AIC Track and Field Years 5-6 Aggregate Champions

Confidence and team spirit were high leading up to the AIC Track and Field Championships. Day 1 started well with some outstanding wins and results consistently in the top four places, with a 20-point lead; maintaining the momentum was the key to victory. The challengers came on Day 2 but all the athletes rose to the challenge and the Primary boys were victorious. A special day, winning the Years 5 and 6 Aggregate trophy for the very first time.

Connor Campbell deserves special mention; he was outstanding throughout the meet, competing in six of seven events, finishing with two firsts, three seconds and a third, including an AIC Record time in the Year 6 Div. 1 200m (26.15s)

First Place-getters

Results

Term 4 Swimming

MCA Swim Squad training sessions will recommence Wednesday 6 October, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm and continue Monday and Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys - boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2022. 

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kick Board
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers
• Mesh Bag

Year 5 and 6 (2022) MCA Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 

AIC Team Sport Term 1 2022

Year 6 students 2022, who wish to represent the College in Term 1 AIC team sport, are asked to complete the sign-on form. Sports that are offered are AFL and Cricket; please only nominate for one team sport as boys can only play AFL or cricket, not both. Boys are still able to be part of the swimming squads and play Saturday sport.

Details regarding sport can be found in the Primary Sports Handbook; a detailed Term 1 Sports Handbook, including season draws, will be available towards the end of Term 4.

Year 6 2022 - Term 1 AIC Team Sport - AIC Team Sport Term 1 2022

Achievements

Harry Vickery and Josh Pope were selected to play the new Brisbane Premier League, playing for the Bayside Pirates and Gold Coast Waveriders. The boys competed in a 4-day T20 tournament over the holidays.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the lookout for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue and 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

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.