From the Head of College

Character and Conduct

At Marist College Ashgrove, you witness outstanding moments of character and conduct by the boys. Just this week, I witnessed the boys celebrating their mothers at the Mother’s Day Breakfasts, praying with their mothers at Mass on the Wednesday night, participating in works of social justice for the less fortunate in the local area and beyond, fundraising for Australian Marist Solidarity and even selflessly cheering for their friends on the sidelines of football and rugby union games. What strikes me about these undertakings is the character and conduct our boys authentically possess. 

In this Sunday’s reading (6th Sunday of Easter), John I5:9-11 we are invited to enter a covenant with God. In Australia, we are familiar with the word ‘covenant’ at marriage. During the ceremony of marriage, both the husband and wife pledge guidelines to "promise to be faithful, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love and to honour all the days of their lives”. Similarly, Jesus invites us to pledge guidelines or commandments with him so as to form a loving mutual covenant.  This covenant between God and each one of us is the manifestation of a loving relationship. Pope Leo XIV has naturally broadened this personal intimate relationship with God to a covenant with all humanity which he calls the “covenant of humanity, founded not on power but on care; not on profit but on gift; not on suspicion but on trust.” In living by such guidelines we witness to a behaviour of loving christian conduct and character.

God of love, may all the young men and all family members of Marist have you

as the source and inspiration of our character and conduct – Amen. 

Social Justice Initiatives Continue

My thanks are offered to the many boys and staff who are actively involved in our social justice activities at present. On Monday, a group of boys and staff worked with Rosies to provide a conversation and refreshments with the people on the streets of Brisbane. Also, on Monday our boys visited the residents of the Paddington Respite Centre. On Monday and Wednesday, our boarders will be visiting houses in the local area to assist with their gardens and lawns, getting them in shape for the winter season ahead. My thanks are extended to our Mission Team, in particular, Youth Ministers Lachlan Vink and Ben Mead for organising these programs for our students. Thanks is also extended to Jim Noble and the boarding team for the afternoon service activities for our boarders. Well done, gentlemen as you continue to ensure the Gospels are real and actioned each day.

Year 11 Examination Block

My best wishes are extended to our Year 11 students who are entering their revision period and then important examinations. The Year 11 examination block extends from Tuesday 19th May to Friday 22nd May. A parent letter has been distributed around the expectations for the boys during this exam period, particularly regarding dress standards and direct travel to and from the college for exams. I wish all boys the best of luck in their preparation and for these exams and thank their dedicated teachers who have revised and will facilitate these exams and corrections. Good luck, gentlemen.

Head of College Tour

This weekend, Sunday 17th May, Marist College Ashgrove hosts the Head of College Tour. I invite all families to invite prospective families to join us for this tour. The morning will commence with a presentation at the Draney Theatre, followed by a tour of facilities and conversations with the boys and their teachers and concluded with a light luncheon together at the Tower. The Tour extends from 8:45am-1:00pm; however, families can join us at any time during the tour, with those arriving late asked to report to the Tower for further directions. For tickets to this event please email our Director of Enrolments, Mrs Rachel Rainbird at enrol@marash.qld.edu.au. My thanks are extended to Rachel Rainbird, and Holly Stevenson, all staff attending and supporting the tour along with the generous students of Marist for their preparation and involvement. Come along and visit our wonderful College.

Football and Rugby Season and New Head of Sport

Congratulations to our 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby Teams on their decisive victories in the opening two weeks of the AIC competition. So far, our 1st XI Football team has scored 12 goals for and only conceded 3 for two terrific wins, whilst and the 1st XV Rugby Union has scored 99 points for and conceded 21 for similarly two smart wins. This week we verse St Patrick’s College at Shorncliffe. Our 1st Chess team has had two losses to commence the season; however, have been highly competitive throughout the two fixtures. Well done to all junior teams who have commenced their season with great passion and enthusiasm and thank you to their coaches. 

We welcome to the College next week our new Head of Sport, Mr Scott Reaper. Scott is presently the Sport's Program Leader at St Benedict's College. Prior to this Scott was a Senior Sports Coordinator at Rochedale State High School, Pastoral Leader at Mt Maria College Petrie, Dean of Junior Students (Years 7 and 8) at Rochedale State High School and teacher at Emmaus College Rockhampton and Downlands College, Toowoomba. Prior to an education career, Scott had a Senior Performance and Talent Identification role at the Southeast Regional Academy of Sport, was a Performance Analysis at the Brumbies (Super Rugby) and Tuggeranong Vikings, and an AFL Belconnen Magpies coaching staff member. Scott has also been actively involved in the sport of basketball. Scott has already attended Saturday sport this term meeting students and parents and we look forward to warmly welcoming Scott officially to the Marist College Ashgrove community and him sharing his experience and leadership to our sporting program. My special thanks to Mr Richard Graham who has generously and ably lead this role for the beginning period of this term. 

Marist Card and Games Day

Welcome to our elderly friends who are joining us in the Cyprian Pavilion this Wednesday 13th May from 10:00am-2:00pm for a social get-together, lunch and games. This is a wonderful time-honored event facilitated by our Parents and Friends Association providing much joy and social interaction to our friends of the College. Attendees form their own table of up to 4 friends and bring a game that they would like to play – cards (e.g. Bridge, Canasta, 500), Mahjong, Scrabble, or other board games. The $25 cost per person includes morning tea, lunch, tea/coffee and a lucky door ticket.  Bookings are essential. If you would like to attend future events or require any further information, please contact Amy Hammon on 0416 501 417 or email: carddaypandf@marash.qld.edu.au My thanks are particularly expressed to our organisers and facilitators, Mrs Sue Hartfiel and Ms Amy Hammon and particularly to our parent bakers and volunteers who make this event possible. Thank you, Marist!

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, 12 May 2026

• National Boarding Week
• Futures Week
• District Cross Country Championships (10–19 Years)
• Tutoring – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics, Middle Years Maths/Science

• Year 11 HPE Golf Excursion

   

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

• Marist Card and Games Day
• National Boarding Week
• Futures Week
• Tutoring – English/Literature Extension, Economics, French, Chemistry, Study of Religion
• Community Mass
• Sons of Old Boys Photos - from 7:30am
• Assembly
• Tutoring – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• AIC Cross Country Meeting #1

   

Thursday, 14 May 2026

• National Boarding Week
• Futures Week
• Year 10/11/12 Drama Excursion – QPAC Cremorne Theatre
• Music Photos
• Tutoring – English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/Science/English

• School of Rock Rehearsal

   

Friday, 15 May 2026

• National Boarding Week
• Futures Week
• Water Polo Brisbane Invitational
• Year 12 Sport and Recreation Mountain Biking
• AIC Chess Round 3 v St Patrick's College

• All Abilities Rugby

   

Saturday, 16 May 2026

• Futures Week
• AIC Round 3 v St Patrick's College

• Rugby Union and Football Photos

   

Sunday, 17 May 2026

• Futures Week
• Head of College Tour

• Boarders Mass

   

Monday, 18 May 2026

• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings

• Vinnies Meeting

   

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Brisbane North Invitational Chess
• Tutoring – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics, Middle Years Maths/Science

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Tutoring – English/Literature Extension, Economics, French, Chemistry, Study of Religion
• Community Mass
• Assembly
• Tutoring – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• AIC Cross Country Meet #2

   

Thursday, 21 May 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Game Changers 9/10 Retreat
• Year 12 Sport and Rec – Rock Climbing
• Tutoring – English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/Science/English
• Marist Debating Team – Year 8

• Cathedral Concert

   

Friday, 22 May 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Marist 180 Free Dress Day
• Year 12 Newmarket Asian Cuisine Excursion
• AIC Chess Round 4 v St Laurence's College

• All Abilities Rugby

   

Saturday, 23 May 2026

• AIC Round 4 v St Laurence's College
• Old Boys Sports Day

• Rugby Union and Football Photos

   

Sunday, 24 May 2026

• Pentecost Sunday
• Boarders Mass