Primary School News

Dear Primary School Parents,

Welcome to Week Four! I hope that the boys are starting to get into some routines as we creep up on the halfway mark of the term. All boys should be continuing to do their best in all subjects for all teachers this week. For our Year 5 boys in particular, but for all students as well, these weeks may still be a period of uncertainty as they continue the process of settling into the changes that they have encountered over the last three weeks. It is important to note that there is no timeline for this. Some boys will take longer to adapt to life at Marist College and that is perfectly fine.

On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure to walk the playing fields again and interact with the boys and parents who were involved in the cricket matches taking place. There were some matches that were being played against other AIC schools and a few matches where we were playing other Marist teams in a year level. The Battle of the 6B’s and the 5C Challenge matches certainly had a great deal of enthusiasm and positive vibe about them! It was also so wonderful to see the spirit and sportsmanship on display across all matches with boys clapping off batsmen and encouraging each other in the field. A number of parent spectators commented that it was a great morning of cricket. Congratulations to all the boys for their efforts. I look forward to getting out to see the ASFL boys in the coming weeks. Later this week, we take time to celebrate the Primary Swimming Carnival on Friday. The focus is on laughter, camaraderie and spirited competition as our students dive into the pool for races or novelty events. The theme of the day is all about fun and engagement, emphasising participation and sportsmanship above all else.

I hope you all have an enjoyable week ahead.

Early Arrivals

Boys should not be arriving at school early solely to play handball or table tennis. It is worth noting that we have staff on yard duty from 8:15am each morning in the Primary area. Where possible, it is requested that boys are not dropped at school from very early each day as there is no supervision during this time.

Year 6 Parent Function

Our Year 6 Parent Social is being held this Friday night. I encourage all parents to try and attend the function to build or strengthen friendships within your son’s cohort.

For further information and booking details, please head to https://events.humanitix.com/2025-year-6-parent-function

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Active Play and Engaging Spaces

Last week marked our first full week of structured playground time, providing a great opportunity to see which activities and play areas were working best for the boys. We also introduced "No Handball Friday," which was a huge success. It was fantastic to see students getting involved in a variety of activities, including pickleball, cricket and basketball on the synthetic courts, as well as engaging with passive games such as Connect Four, quoits and corn toss. Encouraging students to explore different games and experiences beyond their usual choices has been a highlight.

Uniform Standards

The uniform standard this term has been excellent and we appreciate the support from families in maintaining these expectations. A reminder that students must wear their formal hat to and from school every day except Friday, when they wear their sports uniform. To ensure this, boys can leave their formal hats at home on Fridays, ready to be worn again on Monday morning. Additionally, yard hats should be undamaged, free from rips or tears and meet the College’s uniform standards. If a hat is not in an acceptable condition, students will be required to fix or replace it.

Can Drive – Supporting Marist Solidarity

A reminder that our Can Drive is still underway! Students are encouraged to bring in soft drink cans, which will be sold to raise funds for Marist Solidarity. This year, our focus is on supporting our brother school, St Joseph’s in the Solomon Islands, helping to restore their classrooms and improve learning conditions. Every donation makes a difference and as an added incentive, the class that collects the most cans will win a pizza party! Let’s work together to make a difference.

Year 6 2026 Canberra Trip – Expression of Interest

At the end of this week, Year 5 families will receive an Expression of Interest form for the Year 6 Canberra Trip in 2026. This four-day experience, from Monday 22 June to Thursday 25 June, provides students with a unique opportunity to deepen their learning in government, politics and leadership. Students who do not attend will participate in a supervised alternative program at school. Canberra is an enriching destination that allows students to engage with Australia’s history and democracy in a hands-on way, creating lifelong memories in the process. Further details, including costs and payment schedules, will be provided in the upcoming expression of interest form.

We are looking forward to another great week ahead, especially as we celebrate the Primary Swimming Carnival on Friday!

Acting Primary Learning Leader – Catherine Barnett 

The importance of using the school diary

The school diary plays a key role in helping students develop strong organisational and time management skills. By recording homework, assessment dates and important reminders, boys can take responsibility for their learning and stay on top of their workload. Teachers will be actively encouraging all students to use their diary daily to build positive study habits and remain engaged with their learning. The diary will be brought home each evening and must be returned to school the following day.

In addition to supporting student organisation, the diary serves as a valuable communication tool between parents and teachers. As teachers may not always have immediate access to emails during the school day, we recommend using the diary for important messages regarding homework completion, missing uniforms, or other relevant updates. This ensures a clear and consistent line of communication to support each student’s learning journey.

Assessment Calendars

All parents and boys should now have received the Term 1 assessment calendar, which clearly outlines due dates for assessment items and exams. It is essential that your son develops the habit of recording these dates in his diary as a reminder.

Primary morning study room

We are fortunate in the primary school to offer the CLE room as a dedicated study space each morning from 8:00 am. This provides boys with an opportunity to complete homework, revise for upcoming exams and receive support from our school officers. The Primary CLE space will be moving at the end of this week to I105 which is the stand-alone building a little closer to our new primary precinct.

Head of Primary Sport – John Lambourne 

Primary Colour Swimming Carnival

Primary Swimming Carnival will take place on Friday 21 February.

All Year 5&6 boys are expected to attend Friday in their College Sports Uniform.

Parents are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to the following boys who were selected team captains for Friday’s carnival.

Blue: Lucas Nightingale and Sam Wiggins

Gold: Clancy Heenan and Harry Kirkman

Maroon: Finn Hamel and Ross Murie

Red: Jimmy Ryan and Daniel Sadimenko

Silver: Tom Cramp and Toby Patricks

Violet: Jack James and Jackson Real

White: Will Carr, Jack McCurry and Jack White

Each boy is expected to swim 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.

The remainder of the day will be made up of participation and novelty-based games.

Boys will compete in the class colours – Blue, Gold, Maroon, Red, Silver, Violet and White.

Boys may wish to change into coloured outfits, which they can do before Pastoral Group, they may also bring mascots and wear zinc in their team colour if they wish.

Hats, sunscreen and water bottles are extremely important on a day like this, and boys are expected to take some responsibility to ensure they stay sun-safe and hydrated.

Each boy is expected to participate in all the novelty events to the best of their ability.

The College tuckshop will be unavailable for the Primary boys on this day.

Achievements

Congratulations Daniel Sadimenko (6R) who competed at the State Aquathlon Championships in Hervey Bay over the weekend, finishing with a personal best time.

Congratulations to all the swimmers who represented Marist College at the recent North West District Swimming Trials. Marist College was successful in winning the Overall Champion School at the carnival, an outstanding result given the Marist swimmers only compete in half of the events.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent North West District at the upcoming Met North Regional Swimming Trials; Luca Bryant (5W), Joseph Cairns (6R), Harrison Kirkman (6G), Percy McDowell (5W), Ross Murie (6M), Jimmy Ryan (6R), Daniel Sadimenko (6R), Finn Sheehan (5W) and Clayton Thompson (5W).

Term 1 AIC Sport

Cricket

AFL

Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions continue throughout Term 1, please see the schedule below. Training squads are designed for boys who wish to swim for fitness as well as those aiming to secure a place on the AIC Swimming Team. While joining the AIC Swimming Team is optional, all boys are highly encouraged to participate in the AIC Prep Meets on Friday afternoons. These meets provide valuable opportunities to track progress and test training strategies in a fun and competitive environment. There is no obligation to attend AIC meets on Friday evenings.

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

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

Year 5 and 6 MCA Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 1

For further details please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au

AIC Swimming Breakfasts 2025

In keeping with tradition, breakfast is provided for the boys following Friday morning relay training (for Top 10 swimmers in each age group - times listed on Pool Office window). Parents provide these breakfasts free of charge to the boys and  AIC Swimming families are asked to volunteer or donate.

Please click on the link to see how you can help out:    https://signup.com/go/zVZcNav  

NB. if you are able to provide a cash donation towards the breakfast, please hand in to Jade Ritchie, Pool Office. For EFT details please email mnjrusso@bigpond.com with your swimmer’s name and donation details.

Any questions, contact:  Jo and Mark (mnjrusso@bigpond.com)  or Jade Ritchie (swim@marash.qld.edu.au) 

AIC Championships, Tuesday, 11 March

Term 2 AIC Sport

Marist Rugby Connection | Year 5 

This is an open invitation to ALL Year 5 students.

The Marist Rugby Union program is committed to a strong and genuine connection from the 1st XV down to our newest bumblebees in Year 5. Friday, 21 February, the Year 5 students are invited to train with the Open Blue and Open Gold squads. The is a wonderful opportunity to connect the students in a safe and friendly environment, and to align some of our key rugby language and philosophies.

DATE: Friday, 21 February

TIME: 6:45-7:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

DRESS: Blue Marist training gear and Marist white or blue socks.

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

Starting in Week 5 (Friday, 28 February), Marist College is delivering a 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of 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 such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call.

NOTE – you are not required to sign on for the Rugby Ready Program. Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury. Please see documents on the Marist app for all information including the program content, schedule and dress code. 

NOTE – if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.

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

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smart phone. This app will be used weekly 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 College 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.