Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

As we start our final week together for 2024, I reflect on the fact that, for many of you, this may be the final time you will read the Primary section of our College Newsletter as your son will be starting the next chapter of his Marist journey. Our Year 6 cohort has added so much to our community over the past two years, but it has been their presence during the last twelve months that has enriched our Primary School immeasurably. We will miss their unique personalities and the time we get to spend with them each day in our Primary School. It is certainly with a tinge of sadness that we farewell our Year 6 students this Friday, but we know that they are well equipped to start Secondary School, and that they will be successful in their endeavours if they are committed and passionate about doing their best. Friday is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the boys’ primary years, and I know they are excited for the week that lies ahead.

This year has been a year of tremendous growth for our Year 5 boys, and I trust they have enjoyed their time with us. During the first year of any new school experience, there are bound to be some difficulties along the way for some students but, I am pleased that the Year 5 cohort is finishing off the year strongly and looking forward to being the leaders next year when they move to Year 6.  

I know from experience that the boys in Years 5 and 6 do not travel on this journey alone. I would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful mums and dads who have worked tirelessly to support their sons this year. Educating boys is very much a team effort. Our extraordinary Primary teachers and our Marist parents, in partnership, have played a huge role in the success our boys have achieved this year. I would like to wish all Primary families a safe, happy and Holy Christmas holiday and I look forward to seeing many of you in the Primary School again to start off our 2025 year together.

End of Year Assembly

Our End of Year Assembly takes place this Friday in the Draney Theatre starting at 11:30am.  At the conclusion of the assembly, there will be an opportunity for parents and students to gather on the ground level of the Saint Marcellin Centre for refreshments. From here, Year 6 parents may leave the College with their sons directly from the Primary School (approx 2:00pm). Please note that boys who do not have parents present will need to stay on College property until 3:10pm. Our Year 5 students will also stay in the Primary School until 3:10pm.

We look forward to seeing many of you to celebrate this milestone event in the life of your sons.

Staff Leaving Us

Next week we bid farewell to Mr Matthew Jones who will be taking leave in 2025 to travel to Canberra with his family. Matthew has been an exemplary teacher during his time in the Primary School and he will be missed by our staff, students and parents alike. Having shared a class with Matthew in 2021 I can attest to his professionalism, commitment and his ability to connect with every student in a meaningful and authentic way. We wish Matthew every success for the year ahead and look forward to welcoming him back in 2026.

We also farewell Mrs Deanna Lawliss who has done so much wonderful work in the Learning Support area. We thank Deanna for her dedication to the boys in her care and wish her all the best as she prepares to weave her magic with kindergarten-aged students in 2025.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

Uniform Reminders for Final Week

A reminder that the boys in the Primary School will have a slightly different routine for their uniform this week.

Monday: Grey uniform as usual

Tuesday: Grey uniform as usual

Wednesday: Grey uniform as usual

Thursday: Free Dress for Fun Days

Friday: Year 6 boys in grey uniform; Year 5 boys in sports uniform

As we approach the final week of the year, there is so much to celebrate and reflect on. Our boys have worked hard throughout the year, and the final days are an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved fun and mark important milestones.

Year 6 Fun Day at Wet ‘n’ Wild – Thursday

The Year 6 boys will enjoy their Fun Day at Wet ‘n’ Wild as a wonderful way to cap off their primary school journey. Boys are welcome to wear free dress on the day, and if they own MCA swimmers, I encourage them to wear those.

Key Information:

• Arrival: Students are asked to arrive at school from 7:45am, with a final roll call at 8:25am. The bus will depart at 8:30am sharp.
• Items to bring:
  • Packed lunch or money to purchase lunch
  • Drink bottle
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
• Footwear: Boys must wear closed-in shoes to school but may pack thongs or Crocs to wear at the park.

We’re excited to see the boys enjoy a day of fun and relaxation as they wrap up their time in Year 6!

Year 5 Fun Day – Thursday

Our Year 5 boys will also celebrate the end of the school year with a Fun Day at school. This event features a variety of exciting activities, including swimming, oval sports, and a movie.

Key Information:

• Dress Code: Sports uniform.
• Provided: BBQ lunch.
• Items to bring:
  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Goggles
  • Morning tea
  • Water bottle

It promises to be a fantastic day of fun and friendship as the boys celebrate the year’s achievements.

Year 6 Graduation – Friday

On Friday, we celebrate a significant milestone for our Year 6 students as they graduate from primary school and prepare to journey into Year 7.

Key Information:

• Parent Arrival: Parents are invited to enter the Draney Theatre from 11:15am for an official start at 11:30an.

This special event is a time to honour the boys’ growth and achievements while reflecting on their primary school years. We look forward to celebrating their journey and recognizing the bright future ahead of them.

Thank you all for your ongoing support throughout the year. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season!

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" holds true, and this year, we have been fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible village. As we prepare to close the book on the 2024 school year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all parents, staff and students for the wonderful learning and growth achieved in our Marist Primary classrooms. Highlights from the year include the completion of the new Primary Classrooms, the success of our QDU debating teams, with two teams remaining undefeated, and the continued focus on Literacy and Numeracy, celebrating both class and individual achievements. Additionally, we introduced a STEAM Club in Term 4 and launched the Year 6 Spelling Bee, paving the way for what promises to become a cherished Marist tradition. More on the Year 6 Spelling Bee can be found below. 

By the end of next week, student reports will be available to all parents on the Parent Lounge. In the meantime, teachers have already commenced the process of marking and providing feedback for Term 4 pieces of assessment. Much of this feedback has already been made available to students. 

Final student reports will be available by the end of next week. Please find details below on how to access these.

Accessing Assessment Results: As the year draws to a close, many assessment results are now available, providing insights into term achievements and detailed feedback. To view these results on the Parent Portal, please follow the instructions outlined below:

Spelling Bee champion crowned – Ethan Yi (6 Blue)

150 year six students and Teachers gathered in the Draney to participate in the inaugural Year 6 Spelling Bee this week. The most commonly misspelt words in Year 7 assessment formed the basis of the spelling competition run over the last seven weeks. Each Year 6 class selected a class champion to represent them in the final on Wednesday. 

Mitch Belyea (6 Red), George Padilla (6 White), Ethan Yi (6 Blue), Connor O’Neill (6 Gold) and Jack Willoughby (6 Violet) were the winning class champions. The competition finished with 10 unfamiliar, difficult words that left Ethan Yi on top with Jack Willoughby finishing runner-up.