From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

What truly gives us vitality?

Regular newspaper, magazine or television programs frequently share stories about the exploits of the rich and famous. Whether it be a politician, royal, media personality, sportsperson, or popular figure, we hear about their latest expeditions, extravagant lifestyles, flippant comments and how they manage to keep up with appearances. Another layer of this superficiality is the world of social media where people display their “perfect” lives for all to see – the perfect family photo, children’s successes, business accomplishments, home renovations, exciting holiday destinations, new purchases, and accessories, and so on. The importance for some, of the façade they present to those around them can seem significant. In these moments we might ask, what is it that truly gives us vitality or reasons for living?

Pope Francis recently wrote beautifully, presenting a juxtaposition for Christians. For many, this alternative focus Pope Francis presents could seem contemptible. He explains that what we should really be focusing on is falling in love with Jesus. He believes that God does not reason with calculators and tables because He loves us as one who is enamoured; not to a minimum but to a maximum, i.e., He does not say that He will only love you up to a certain point. Pope Francis encourages us to delight in God’s kindness and goodness and be confident that all will be well because God’s love will triumph in the end.

Pope Frances goes on to challenge all of us with the reason for life, and quest for a vigour and vitality in life. He challenges us to ask ourselves, how am I living faith? Is it a matter of calculations, formalisms or is it a love story with God? Am I content with not doing harm, of keeping the ‘façade’ in good order, or do I try to grow in love for God and others? Pope Francis encourages us to check in now and again with Jesus’ commandment of loving our neighbour, to ask ourselves, am I loving my neighbour as God loves me? It is only through loving our neighbour that we can get to know God, who is love. Only through loving can we each love. Pope Francis concludes by suggesting we ask Mary to help us to fall in love with Jesus. His message is counter-cultural to the media-saturated world we live in. His message is one of look outwards rather than inwards, to how we can love and help others and focus on the importance and promotion of our neighbour, rather than our own self.

God of the journey, we pray for all the young men and members of the Marist College Ashgrove family that they may experience your affectionate love and reciprocate that to our neighbour. Amen.

Years 7, 8 and 10 Exam Block

The Years 7, 8 and 10 examination blocks will be held from Monday 4 - Friday 8 September. These exams are important so that we can analyse each of your son’s progress over the term and identify areas where he requires further support. The exam timetable was released late last week. This information was also emailed late last week and can be found within the Parent Portal under the Exam and Assessment tile. I thank the Academic Care Team and Ms Lisa Gleeson for their organisation and facilitation of these important exams.

Year 9 Camp

Each year, Marist College Ashgrove Year 9 students attend the annual Year 9 Camp. On this camp, the boys partake in physically challenging, dynamic and relationship-building activities, together. This camp is run by Total Adventures and is delivered at two locations - Camp Glastonbury (Gympie) and Noosa North Shore (Sunshine Coast). Activities planned for the camp include: hiking, survival skills, canoeing, mountain biking and stand-up paddle boarding.

The camp will be held from Monday 4 - Friday 8 September. I thank Scott Minogue, Julia Wilken, Pat Denkes, Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Sandra Carozza, Michael Abbott, Phill Holding, Tom Dangerfield, Stewart Moore, Michael Travers, Paul Knight, Will Burkett, Ellie Kenny, Chris Simms, Jack Kelly, Julie Tazzyman, Mandy Kelly and Fergal Apps who will support, accompany and help in the facilitation of this camp and to Kelly Byrnes, Phill Holding, Peter Serone and all Heads of House for their planning and organisation. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Rosies Outreach

Rosies provides our boys with the opportunity to be guest to the homeless or those at risk of being homeless. The boys will gather for preparation, the sharing of food and conversation with the homeless, and later a debrief with our teachers. It is about opening our arms, providing a friendly smile, and treating as equal our sisters and brothers who have fallen on unfortunate times. This activity continues throughout the year including next Monday 4 September, from 5:00pm-10:30pm. My thanks are extended to teachers - Bec Wong and Matthew Jones who have prepared and will accompany the boys on this important and rewarding activity.

Father’s Day Breakfast

A final reminder that this Thursday morning, 31 August, our fathers are welcome to enjoy together for breakfast with their sons as we express our gratitude to them, and in recognition of Father’s Day. This morning with your sons, will be held in the college grandstand on McMahon Oval, and will include a breakfast together, activities to enjoy, a guest speaker, lucky door prize and video presentation on the big screen. We hope you can join us for this important time with your sons on Thursday morning. My thanks are extended to Nathan Ayre and our Kitchen Staff, Bethany Halpin, Ellen Kassulke, Ryan Apps, Anna Nasr and the Mission Team, and Matt Tarlinton and the Services Team for organising and facilitating this celebration. Happy Father’s Day and thank you Dads for all your support and encouragement of your son’s education.

Confirmation Day

Friday 1 September is the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s (QCAA) confirmation Day. On this day, teachers unite to assess and confirm the internal assessment tasks of all Year 12 students from around the state of Queensland. This is an important day of moderation that forms either 50% or 75% of a student’s individual subject ATAR result. I thank the many generous Marist teachers who make themselves available on these panels to assess this work and stay in touch with the latest educational expectations. This is a student-free day and a chance for all boys to study at home - preparing for upcoming exams, complete final assessments/competencies for Term 3 or revising past work that they have been finding difficult.

Year 5 and 7 2024 Orientation Day

This Friday, 1 September, we welcome to the College our new students – our 2024 Years 5 and 7 students. All our new boys will visit the College for an orientation of the campus and to gain knowledge of the daily workings and expectations of the College. This day will include spending time with their new Head of House, getting to know their teachers and peers, and spending some time completing some testing. I thank Mr Joshua Kersevani who has organised this day for our prospective students.

Awards Night - Save the Date

Marist College Ashgrove is looking forward to the Annual 2023 Awards Night which will be held on the evening of Monday 9 October at QPAC. This event is a night of recognition and student entertainment, as we congratulate our students on their achievements in the areas of mission, sport, culture, wellbeing, and academics. All parents are welcome to attend this enjoyable and entertaining evening. Please see below the ‘save the date’ for this event.