From the Head of College

The Easter of Forgiveness and New Life

From Pope Francis’ funeral there is one image that will be imprinted into people’s memories forever - the image of President Trump sitting down in deep conversation in the Vatican with President Zelensky of Ukraine. After a checkered past relationship and meetings, this was a positive sign of possible forgiveness, collaboration and future peace going forward.

Whether in world politics, between countries, people holding different views in families, between married couples or just between two old mates, forgiveness is quintessential. If we master forgiveness, it can lead to a restoration of relationships, renewal, freedom, peace and ultimately true love. However, forgiveness is difficult and requires a surrender, an egoless society, an ability to give and take and the tenacity to let go of hurt and bad memories. We are all faced with the harsh reality to either forgive or to hold onto negative energy which can hinder or cripple our true selves.

Forgiveness is key to the Christian faith. At each mass, we start with recalling our failings and asking the Lamb of God to take away our sins and have mercy. During Good Friday, we were again moved by the Passion of Christ that tells us how Jesus endured so much to forgive us of our sins. His example of mercy and forgiveness is harrowing yet real. 

Then there is the story of Peter, who, fearing for his safety, betrayed Jesus three times in the courtyard, only to be forgiven by Jesus. Until this point, Peter was steadfast and vocal in his loyalty to Jesus. Peter's actions serve as a mirror for us, revealing how fear and self-preservation can cloud our judgment and lead us to turn away from what is right. Peter’s story reminds us that our failure, and weaknesses do not define us. Jesus forgave him with the responsibility to lead his church. 

Then we rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus, his proof that he is our God and saviour from all sin. At this point, Jesus tells us that forgiveness is always within reach. Jesus offers to redeem us completely if we reach out in sorrow.

God of Love, may we feel your forgiveness and new life this Easter season. May we in turn forgive those who trespass against us into freedom and peace. Amen.

Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfasts 2025

All mothers are invited to our annual Mother’s Day Mass to be held in the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin Champagnat tomorrow night - Wednesday 7 May at 7:00pm. This is our opportunity to say a hearty thank you to all our mothers. The Mother’s Day mass is always a special occasion and one where we encourage you to attend with your son in his full winter uniform. Our College Chaplain Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou sms will lead our celebration of the Eucharist which is an opportunity for all boys to recognise and pray for their mothers. Mass will be followed by a light supper in the Tower. We hope you can join us for this special event.

The Mother’s Day breakfasts will follow on Thursday and Friday mornings - 8 and 9 May from 7:00am in the Champagnat Centre. All monies raised will go towards Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). This year AMS is providing much needed classrooms to the young people of St Josephs Tenaru in the Solomon Islands.  

Happy Mother’s Day!

Boarding Network Meeting

The Term 2 Boarding Network Meeting with parents has been rescheduled for Wednesday 7 May at 5:00pm. A link to this meeting has been sent to all boarding parents. This meeting is important for boarding parents to hear about the progress of their sons and plans moving forward. It is also an opportunity for parents to offer some feedback and ask questions regarding the boarding school. My thanks are extended to Mr Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding) and Mr Ty Casey (Assistant Head of Boarding) who will join with me for this meeting.

Marist Reading Night

All fathers or a significant adult male are invited to join your son for the annual Marist Reading Night. This will be held in the Draney Theatre from 6:00pm-7:30pm on Tuesday 13 May. All dads can visit the book stall with their son and browse and purchase a new book or two. The evening will involve reading with your son, enjoying a light refreshment together and entering into a raffle. 

Our guest speaker for the evening is Brisbane based author and illustrator Brent Wilson. Brent’s work has appeared in the pages of major national publications, children’s books and a variety of other commercial projects. His editorial work has been seen in QANTAS Magazine, GQ, The Telegraph, Australian Women's Weekly, Jetstar Magazine and the AFR's BOSS Magazine. Brent is co-author and illustrator of the graphic novel series Frog, Log and Dave. Brent's first children's book was the acclaimed Koalas Like To ..., part of a series of 12 books created especially for children aged 0–5. Koalas Like To ... was a finalist in the 2021 ABDA Awards for Best Designed Children's Illustrated Book. We very much look forward to listening to Brent.

Bookings for this reading night can be made here - https://events.humanitix.com/marist-reading-night-2025 

Finally, in the lead-up to the Reading Night event, we are asking all Marist parents to donate a book which is suitable for a child in Years 5-8. These books should be in good condition and will be sent to children in Papua New Guinea through our Mission team. Please give your book to the secondary library for their distribution. 

Thank you and we look forward to our Reading Night 2025.

Year 5 Musical

We very much look forward to the Year 5 Musical which will be held on Thursday 8 May, Session 1 commencing at 5:45pm and Session 2 commencing at 6:30pm.

Join our Year 5 students in their Draney Theatre debut as they embark on a rollicking adventure in Pirates. This production will feature a colourful crew of pirates, a mysterious stowaway, and plenty of sea-bound excitement. Admission is free, but seats must be reserved.

Thank you to Dr Andrew Butt and the entire Music department for their organisation and facilitation of this wonderful production.

5:45pm - https://events.humanitix.com/year-5-musical-2025-pirates-5-45pm

6:30pm - https://events.humanitix.com/year-5-musical-2025-pirates-6-30pm

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 6 May

• North West District Cross Country
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Primary Public Speaking and Debating – St Laurence’s College
• Old Boys’ Association Meeting

Wednesday 7 May

• Year 11 Hospitality Excursion
• PARTY Program – Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital (select Year 12 students)
• Brainstorm Productions – Years 5 and 6
• SUP and Kayaking Activity – Year 11
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly (Livestream – Year 6 Student Audience)
• Mother’s Day Evening Mass

Thursday 8 May

• Year 11 Geography Excursion
• Mother’s Day Breakfast
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Year 5 Musical (5:45pm – 7:10pm)

Friday 9 May

• Year 10 Geography Excursion
• Mother’s Day Breakfast
• VET Industry Breakfast
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Co-Curricular Photos
• College Mass
• War Cry Practice (2:10pm)
• AIC Chess Round 2 v St Peters Lutheran College
• All Abilities Rugby – GPS Rugby Club

Saturday 10 May

• Cross Country Camp - starts
• AIC Round 2 v St Peters Lutheran College
• Boarder Free Weekend

Sunday 11 May

• Mother’s Day
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel
• Boarder Free Weekend

Monday 12 May

• National Boarding Week – starts
• Futures Week – starts
• College Mass
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Grill’d Dinner – E502 (5:30pm)

Tuesday 13 May

• Theatre Sports Round 1
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Years 11-12 Physics Lecture (3:20pm – 6:10pm)
• Marist Reading Night (6:00pm – 8:00pm)
• Year 10 Dancing (7:00pm – 8:30pm)

Wednesday 14 May

• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Sons of Old Boys Photo – Break 1
• College Assembly
• Middle Leader Meeting
• Beyond Marist Futures Expo (3:30pm – 5:30pm)
• AIC Cross Country Meet #1 (4:00pm – 6:00pm)
• Theatre Ash Performance (6:30pm – 8:00pm)

Thursday 15 May

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Environment Group Meeting – Break 1B
• Lockdown Drill (3:00pm)
• ROSIES Outreach (5:30pm – 10:30pm)
• Cathedral Concert – The Cathedral of Saint Stephen (6:30pm)

Friday 16 May

• National Boarding Week – concludes
• Futures Week – concludes
• Liturgical Music Masterclass
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• AIC Chess Round 3 v St Patrick’s College
• All Abilities Rugby – GPS Rugby Club

Saturday 17 May

• AIC Round 3 v St Patrick’s College

Sunday 18 May

• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel