From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Shared Spirituality

Some years ago, I was fortunate to hear Aboriginal activist, sportsman, actor, storyteller and author, Burnum Burnum address some senior students at a fellow Marist School. My memory is of a deeply reflective and thoughtful person with a profound spirituality. A proud Wurundjeri man from the Yarra River Valley, Burnum Burnum spoke about our innate connection to the land and the glory of nature that surrounds us. He shared an experience of sitting on the escarpment on the old Pacific Highway overlooking the dramatic coastline of Byron Bay. He described in intricate detail the beauty of the real-life picture that was sprawled before him. Sometimes, on my own drive home to Sydney, I have stopped at this same place on the escarpment on the old highway to take in and marvel at the glorious view of the coastline described by Burnum Burnum.

Amongst his work and achievements, Burnum Burnum is accredited to re-enlivening one of the oldest known Indigenous prayers - Fire Blessing. Fire is a sacred symbol for Indigenous Australians as it provided them with the essentials for life - warmth, light, cooking and even protection. At the boarders’ mass this week, Br Daniel Hollamby fms AM gave the homily to the boys, explaining to them the connection between this prayer and Indigenous spirituality and that of our own basic Christian teachings.

Some of these Christian teaching insights are contained in Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 6:17, 20-26). Known as the Beatitudes, Jesus shared his reflections after returning from a day of prayer and contemplation in the hillside. In the Beatitudes, Jesus explains the importance of treating others well – especially those in need and the poor, of not being scared to ask for help, to be kind and treat others with respect and dignity, to be brave and stand up for the lesser and to let the Kingdom come on earth by our loving actions and deeds toward our neighbour. Interestingly, this ancient Indigenous prayer, shared by Burnum Burnum, offers many of these same insights and values. It seems there are many common links between our own Christian faith and that of our Indigenous brothers and sisters – let us cherish this.

God of the journey, may these shared Indigenous / Christian insights and values be embraced, becoming the mainstay of our society. Amen.

May the fire be in our thoughts

making them true, good and just,

may it protect us from the evil one.

May the fire be in our eyes;

may it open our eyes to share what is good in life.

We ask that the fire may protect us from what

is not rightfully ours.

May the fire be on our lips, so that we may

speak the truth in kindness; that we may serve

and encourage others.

May it protect us from speaking evil.

May the fire be in our ears.

We pray that we may hear with a deep, deep listening

so that we may hear the flow of water, and of all creation,

And the dreaming.

May we be protected from gossip and from things

that harm and break down our family.

May the fire be in our arms and hands

so that we may be of service and build up love.

May the fire protect us from all violence.

May the fire be in our whole being -

in our legs and in our feet,

enable us to walk the earth

with reverence and care;

So that we may walk in the ways of goodness and truth

and be protected from walking away from what is truth.

credited to Burnum Burnum, an Australian Aboriginal elder.

Monitoring of IT Devices

All students at Marist College Ashgrove are provided or have access to a laptop device. In subscribing to this program, parents are asked to sign a contract outlining the conditions of use. Just a reminder to parents that the college can monitor their son’s device for appropriate usage when at school. After school hours it is the responsibility of you, the parent, to monitor your son’s device and usage. Throughout the year, the college provides the boys with education and parents with information evenings designed to assist families with advice on the safe usage of these devices and tips to monitor their son’s digital footprint. Our next presentation is Safe on Social (a parent webinar) hosted by Kirra Pendergast, Thursday 27 February 7:00pm-8:00pm online. To register for this online event, please click on this link Safe on Socials Parent Webinar.

Congratulations Marist Brother Old Boys

Congratulations is extended to Br Ken McDonald who has been appointed as the new Vicar General for the Marist Brothers of the world in Rome. Ken is an Old Boy of Marist College Ashgrove – 1976. Ken joins Br Peter Carroll (1976) who is the Provincial of the Marist Brothers in Australia and throughout Oceania (Star of the Sea Province). Two wonderful Old Boys of the College.

Australian Marist Solidarity 2024 Fundraising Achievement

Marist College Ashgrove is proud to have raised $36,000 for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) in 2024, the highest amount of any contributing school. On behalf of the college, Mrs Nasr and I were delighted to receive a trophy from Mr Richard Quinn (AMS Acting CEO) and Ms Milika Nation (AMS Communications and Engagement Coordinator) recognising this incredible achievement. We are continually amazed by and grateful for the generosity of our college families who recognise how important these funds are in helping meet the educational needs of some of our poorest neighbours. To everyone in our Marist community: a heartfelt thank you! With your support of our upcoming Lenten Fundraiser and other fundraising events throughout the year, we can make a difference again in 2025.

Boarder Social Justice Initiatives

Well done to our boarding students who, each week, have the opportunity to be involved with various works of kindness for those in need. Each Monday and Wednesday throughout the term, the boys are involved in the Boarder Blitz Program where they assist the elderly - cutting lawns and pruning their gardens. On a Wednesday and Thursday, our boys visit the elderly at the St Vincent’s Care Services aged care facility at Mitchelton to provide a listening ear and company for the residents. I congratulate and thank all boys involved for their acts of kindness. Thank you to the many boarding staff who accompany the boarders on these visits.

Year 11/12 Student Monitoring

This week, our Student Monitoring Program focuses on students in Years 11 and 12. Over the next two weeks, the boys will have the chance to discuss their academic goals with their Pastoral Group teachers. I urge parents to discuss these goals with their sons to support and motivate them towards achieving their academic milestones. My thanks to Mrs Leigh Jackson (Assistant Head of College Learning and Teaching – Middle Years), Mr Ashley Hutchings (Middle School - Academic Care), Ms Kathryn Badini (Senior School – Academic Care) and Mr Adam Knight (Assistant Head of College – Teaching and Learning) who facilitate and undertake this important work of academic monitoring and care.

Driver Distraction Program

All Marist Year 12 students will be invited to the RACQ Driver Distraction Program this Thursday. The RACQ Driver Distraction Program is a 70-minute road safety awareness initiative designed to equip participants with tangible strategies to empower them to take greater control over their own road safety. Students will view a mock crash scenario that occurred because of distracted driving. This film provides a catalyst to explore the key themes of brain development, the social nature of adolescents, technology and the young, novice driver space to examine the interrelated and inextricably linked concepts of feelings, friends, phones and cognitive overload as they relate to travelling in a vehicle. I thank our Student Welfare Team: Mr Phill Holding – Assistant Head of College Students, Mr Tim Walker - Pastoral Leader Wellbeing and Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh – Pastoral Leader Students for organising this important educational program for the boys.

Secondary and Primary Swimming Carnivals

Best wishes to our eight Houses in the Secondary school – Ridley, Ephrem, Foley, Gilroy, Harold, Ignatius, Rush and Slattery who will compete in the annual college swimming carnival this Thursday 20 February at the college pool. Points are available not only to our best and successful swimmers but also to the number of participants, so do get involved for your Houses.

Also, good luck to our Primary boys who have their annual Swimming Carnival this Friday 21 February. They will be swimming for their colours - Blue, Gold, Maroon, Red, Silver, Violet and White. The boys gain points for their teams based on success as well as participation.

Both carnivals are an opportunity not only to showcase the talents of our swimmers but also to become involved and make friendships in a team atmosphere. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Year 6 Function

This Friday 21st February, Year 6 parents are invited to a social function in the Cyprian Pavillion. Officiated by the Parents and Friends Association, this function is an opportunity to socialise and meet other parents from your year group. Year 6 parents will be journeying together for the next seven years, so this is an opportunity to start the connections. I thank our Parents and Friends Association who have organised and will host this evening. Tickets can be purchased via this link.

Marist Card and Games Day

The Marist Card and Games Day is back. We welcome the refurbishment of the Cyprian Pavillion and the opportunity to again welcome community members from around Brisbane to a day of companionship and care. Those in attendance enjoy a day of playing cards, Mahjong, Scrabble or other board games, while savouring morning tea provided by Marist families and lunch provided by the college kitchen. My thanks are extended to Sue Hartfiel and Ann Rainbow who organise and kindly facilitate this day. To be part of the event, either as a participant or a helper, please contact CardDayPandF@marash.qld.edu.au.

Rugby Ready Program

Starting in Week 5 (Monday, 24 February), Marist College is excited to launch a mandatory 4-week Rugby Ready Program for all age groups, leading up to the rugby union trials. This comprehensive program is designed to ensure our players are safe, well-prepared and confident on the field.

The Rugby Ready Program includes measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws, and management of safety issues. Our goal is to provide a safe, challenging, and enjoyable rugby union experience for all students. By equipping Marist College rugby players with the necessary skills and knowledge, we aim to boost their confidence and reduce the risk of injury. Let’s get ready to tackle the season ahead with enthusiasm, determination and care! I thank parents for supporting their sons in undertaking this important rugby readiness program.

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