From the Head of College

Our Part to Play

We are reminded in this week’s readings that we are called to action as Christians. Sunday’s Psalm 32 says – “Lord let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in you”. In other words, we need to be trusting of God, to receive his mercy. Our part to play is to have trust in God. In the Gospel (Matthew 17: 1-9), we hear the story of the Transfiguration. As Jesus stood on the mountaintop with his friends to pray, his face shone like the sun, his clothes became as white as the light and a voice is heard from heaven saying – “This is my beloved son, listen to him.” Our call to action, is to listen to God in prayer and reflection each day so as to come to know a loving God. Our part to play is to listen. This Lenten season is certainly a time to pray, be still, reflect, repent and to simply trust in God. 

Our part to play at Marist Ashgrove this Lenten period is also one of almsgiving or a commitment to the least fortunate. This commitment to be for others is selfless action, to give life to others. At Marist, in this Lenten season, we are committed to raising funds for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands, bringing education and hope to young people. AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. In anticipation, I thank all members of Marist College Ashgrove who continue to support this much needed fundraising initiative. 

God of the Journey, may all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family continue to play our part as Christians this Lenten season. Amen. 

International Women's Day - 8th March

Marist College Ashgrove will be celebrating International Women’s Day on Wednesday and Thursday 4th & 5th March. We join to celebrate all the wonderful women on staff at the College Assembly tomorrow and during the day. On Thursday, our seniors will be making birthing kits for women from less advantaged backgrounds. Marist College Ashgrove acknowledges and sincerely thanks the professional, important and esteemed contributions female staff play at Marist College Ashgrove and we acknowledge all mothers and all women in each boy’s lives. We thank and salute all women as we celebrate International Women’s Day.

Head of College Tour

Our first of four Head of College Tours for 2026 occurs this Friday 6th March 2026. These guided tours offer a fantastic opportunity for prospective parents to explore our campus, see learning spaces in action, and gain an insight into the Marist educational experience and philosophy. The morning will commence with a presentation, include a tour with students and staff and conclude with a light lunch together. I encourage all present parents and friends of the college to invite interested and prospective students and their parents to these days. A reminder to please book your place, as spots are limited. We look forward to welcoming prospective future students and their families this Friday to Marist College Ashgrove.

AIC Swimming Championships

Best wishes to the Marist College Ashgrove Swimming Squad who have been training incredibly hard in preparation for the 2026 AIC Swimming Championships. These Championships will be held next Tuesday 10 March at the Chandler Indoor Swimming Complex. We wish all students and coaches the best of luck. Our Year 12 students will be in full voice and support throughout the day. My thanks are extended to coaches: James Boyce (Head Coach), Jade Ritchie, Joel Stopforth, Damian Bromley, Glen Housman, David Meehan, Cath Geraghty, Catherine Barnett, James Leigh, Noah Magoffin and Bailey Skinner.

Good luck Marist Swimming Squad 2026!

NAPLAN Preparation

In preparation for NAPLAN testing, students will take part in scheduled NAPLAN Device Checks to ensure their laptops are fully functional and compliant.

• Year 7 will complete their device check on Monday 9th March.

• Years 5 and 9 will complete their device checks on Tuesday 10th March.

   

These checks are essential to ensure a smooth experience during the official NAPLAN testing period. Students are reminded to bring a fully charged device and charger.

Naplan Tests commence on Wednesday 11th March 2026. 

Year 6 Primary Study Skills Night

Our Year 6 Primary Study Skills Night will be held this Tuesday 3rd March at 6:30pm in the Champagnat Centre, giving students and parents a practical and engaging look at how to build strong study habits from a young age. This interactive presentation will cover simple strategies for organisation, effective homework routines, and tips to help students develop confidence and independence in their learning. It’s a great opportunity for families to learn together and discover ways to support positive study habits at home. My thanks are extended to Jennifer Little and Ashley Hutchings for their organisation of this presentation. We look forward to seeing our Primary families there!

Year 5 Welcome and College Community Mass

Each Wednesday at 8:00am and Friday at 11:40am the students have an opportunity to attend the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin Champagnat for mass. The mass on Wednesday 4th March will be celebrated with the Year 5 students. This special celebration marks the beginning of the Year 5 cohort’s journey as we ask our loving God to bless all their endeavours. All parents and members of the College community are warmly welcome to join the boys as we come together in prayer and support for our newest students. Thanks are extended to Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou SM & Campus Minister Clare Locke for their organisation of this Mass.

Swimming Photos

Tomorrow, Wednesday 5th March, College photographers will be on-site to capture images of our Swimming squad. Photos will be taken on the Champagnat Centre mezzanine during Break 1. Students are reminded to ensure they have the correct swimming uniform (including white MCA crew socks and joggers). Please arrive promptly for the scheduled photo time. 

1st XV Rugby Union Camp

The College’s 1st XV Rugby Union squad will participate in their preseason camp on the 7th – 8th March. This annual camp is an important part of the team’s preparation, providing players with focused training sessions, teambuilding activities, and opportunities to strengthen cohesion ahead of the upcoming season. We wish the boys and coaching staff a productive and rewarding camp as they continue to develop their skills, discipline, and teamwork in preparation for the AIC Rugby season. My thanks are extended to Mr Richard Graham (Head Coach), Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Adam Earnshaw and Mr Drew Smith who will be facilitating this camp experience. 

Boarding visit to Chinchilla

On Sunday 8th March, Marist College Ashgrove looks forward to visiting Chinchilla and our associated boarding families. The visit will include a rugby league game versus the Chinchilla Bulldogs. Families in the Chinchilla area are encouraged to come along and see us and to bring along any interested families wishing to know more about boarding life at Marist. We look forward to visiting Chinchilla and following this our many other country visits throughout 2026. 

Marist Mothers Retreat – Full of Grace

Marist College Ashgrove warmly invites all MCA Mothers, Grandmothers, and significant female role models to a gentle and enriching retreat exploring Marist Spirituality and this year’s theme, Full of Grace.

Led by Br Neville Solomon fms and College Campus Minister, Mrs Clare Locke, this retreat offers a reflective and uplifting morning designed to nourish the heart and spirit. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other women in our community, build meaningful connections, and share in the Marist family spirit.

Date: Sunday 29th March

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm, followed by a light lunch

Venue: Marist Centre – Rosalie Room

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes Morning Tea & Lunch)

For catering purposes, bookings close at 12:00pm, Monday 23rd March.

Enquiries: Please contact Jenna Harding at hardingj@marash.qld.edu.au

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-marist-college-ashgrove-mothers-retreat

Come along, take a moment for yourself, and enjoy a beautiful morning of reflection, community, and grace. We look forward to welcoming you.

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 3 March

• RACV Royal Pines Excursion Group 1
• Tutoring: Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science - 7:45am-8:30am
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Year 7 Geography - Excursion to Dorrington Park
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation - Mountain Biking
• Year 6 Study Skills Evening

• Old Boys Association Meeting

   

Wednesday 4 March

• RACV Royal Pines Excursion Group 1
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Stationary Aid - Break 1
• Year 7 Geography - Excursion to Dorrington Park
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring: Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Thursday 5 March

• RACV Royal Pines Excursion Group 2
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group Meeting 
• IWD Year 12 Birthing Kits Assembly
• Tutoring: English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English - 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Friday 6 March

• RACV Royal Pines Excursion Group 2
• Head of College Tour
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 11 Cert III in Visual Art Excursion - Our Space Pottery Studio
• Year 10 HPE - Lawn Bowls

• AIC Round 5 v St Edmund's College - AFL 1st XVIII / 2nd XVIII

   

Saturday 7 March

• 1st XV Rugby Union Camp - starts
• AIC Round 5 v St Edmund's College

Sunday 8 March

• 1st XV Rugby Union Camp
• International Women's Day
• MCA vs Chinchilla Bulldogs Junior Rugby League
• Boarders’ Mass (Chapel)

Monday 9 March

• NAPLAN Device Check - Year 7
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly

Tuesday 10 March

• NAPLAN Device Check Year 5 and Year 9
• AIC Swimming Championships
• Tutoring: Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science - 7:45am-8:30am
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation - Mountain Biking
• Year 10 HPE - Lawn Bowls

Wednesday 11 March

• NAPLAN Online Test Window - starts
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension, Economics, French, Chemistry, Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation - Mountain Biking
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting - Mission Office
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 12 March

• Study Hall - Senior Lib
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 10 HPE - Lawn Bowls
• Break 1B Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/Science/English - 3:30pm – 4:30pm
• Senior French Dinner
• Premier Ensembles Concert

Friday 13 March

• Primary Morning Study
• Year 10 Art Excursion - New Farm Park and William Robinson Exhibition - QUT Gardens
• AIC Round 6 v Villanova College - AFL 1st XVIII / 2nd XVIII
• Year 6 Parent Function

Saturday 14 March

• AIC Round 6 v Villanova College

Sunday 15 March

• Boarders’ Mass (Chapel)