Learning and Teaching News

Marist College Ashgrove’s Academic Care Team (ACT) works with students to track and assist their academic growth at the College. The ACT is divided into several roles:

• Acting Deputy Head of College - Learning and Teaching: Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg. Roxanne overseas learning and teaching across the whole College. Along with Jessica Turschwell (see below), Roxanne has a particular focus on the middle years (Years 7-9). Roxanne can be contacted at rosenbergr@marash.qld.edu.au
• Acting Assistant Head of College – Learning and Teaching (Senior School): Mr Adam Knight. Adam works with the Senior School students (Years 10-12) and staff to ensure our Senior school academic programs prepare the boys for senior learning. Adam can be contacted at knighta@marash.qld.edu.au 
• Acting Curriculum Leader: Senior Years Academic Care: Ms Kathryn Badini. Kathryn primarily focuses on student tracking across the senior school (Years 10-12). This includes the Year 10 preparation programs and subject selections. She assists boys in subject selection and with their many pathway options in senior schooling. Kathryn can be contacted at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au 
• Curriculum Leader: Middle Years Academic Care: Mrs Jessica Turschwell. Jess works with Middle School students (Years 7-9) on academic success through our student tracking program. Jess can be contacted at turschwellj@marash.qld.edu.au
• Primary Learning Leader: Ms Jen Little. Jen works closely with primary school teachers to develop an engaging and targeted curriculum for Years 5 and 6. She tracks student progress and is focused on continual improvement for all. Jen can be contacted at littlej@marash.qld.edu.au 

The middle and senior years Academic Care Team can be accessed at the Studies Office (under the Resource Centre). Jen Little, the Primary Learning Leader, is in the Primary Administration building. Please feel free to contact the relevant member of the ACT if you have any questions about your son’s subjects or overall academic progress across the year.

Student Monitoring 

For the next two weeks, all students will participate in the student monitoring program.  This takes place each morning in pastoral groups.  Your son will use an online platform (Learning Analytics) to look at his previous results, discuss concerns and set goals for Semester One.

Parents are provided with their son’s responses and are then able to continue this conversation at home. 

NAPLAN

Yesterday, students in Years 7 and 9 completed the NAPLAN readiness test. The purpose of this is to support the familiarisation of students and test administrators with the test format, question types and online testing experience prior to NAPLAN testing in March. These tests can also be used to support schools with their technical readiness checks. 

Years 11 and 12 Information Night

Last night we welcomed our Year 11 and 12 parents for an information night where important information was shared regarding ATAR, Vocational Education and Careers.  Thank you to those parents who were able to attend and to Mr Serone, Mr Knight, Ms Badini, Mrs Franklin and Mrs Gooley for presenting. 

For those parents unable to attend, a link to the recording will be made available shortly.  

Quiet Study

Each morning the Resource Centre (senior library) is open from 7:45am to 8:30am for quiet individual study.  All boys are encouraged to use this space to get themselves organised and ready for the day.

Year 12 Study Night

The library will be available for Year 12 students on Wednesday nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Collaborative work is encouraged. All normal library and school rules apply. Free dress is permitted. Please sign in and out at the library front desk. This is a wonderful initiative from the senior academic leaders – please use this privilege accordingly.

2024 Calendar

The College calendar provided to each family outlines the scheduled exam blocks across the year for students in Years 7-12. Please ensure you check these Exam Block dates before booking any holidays, as they are an essential and compulsory part of the learning process at the College. Leave is not granted to students during this time. Assessment schedules for Term 1 will be available on the Parent and Student Portals this week (as per item below).

Please note that a medical certificate is required for all students from Years 7-12 who are absent during the exam blocks.

Old Boys Maths Tutoring

It is wonderful that we are able to continue to offer Maths tutoring every morning in Room 402 from 7:40am-8:30am.  We have a wonderful group of Old Boys who return each morning to support our boys with their Maths. Any boy from Years 7-12 is welcome to attend.

Old Boys Tutoring List

Please find here a list of Old Boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours.  This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link. Please note it is the parent's responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys. 

Assessment Schedules

Assessment schedules will be released this week. Please remember that assessments that have “EXAM” in the name are placed during the exam block. The exact timing of that assessment will be released with the exam block schedule, however, please know that it will fall sometime during Week 9. 

Boys will be able to locate the schedule in Student Café and on the portal under “Exam and Assessment Schedule Information”. Your son is encouraged to download this schedule and transfer assessment dates to his College Diary and any home planners. There will be more information on accessing this information in the Week 3 newsletter.

Extension Science 

In an exploration of the microscopic world, the Year 8 Science Extension class has delved into the fascinating realm of cells this term. With an array of species under the microscope, students have embarked on a captivating journey, scrutinizing the intricate structures that make life possible. From plant cells displaying the marvels of photosynthesis to the intricacies of animal cells, the class has honed their observation skills and deepened their understanding of cellular biology. Through hands-on experiments and collaborative investigations, students have not only mastered the art of microscopy but have also developed an appreciation for the diverse and complex nature of cells across different organisms.