From the Head of College

End of Term 3

It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of another term. Term 3 has been filled with so many wonderful opportunities for our boys to learn, grow and contribute across the academic, sporting, cultural and service life of the College. Thank you to our students, staff and families for your support and commitment throughout the term.

A reminder that the final day of Term 3 is Thursday 17 September. I encourage all students to finish the term strongly and enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends.

Students will return for the commencement of Term 4 on Wednesday 7 October. Please note that summer uniform will be worn from the beginning of Term 4. Families may wish to use the holiday period to ensure uniforms are ready for the start of the new term.

I wish all members of our Marist community a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming our boys back for what promises to be a busy and rewarding final term of the year.

Welcoming Tim Kenny and Thanking Daniel Bull

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Kenny as our new Assistant Head of College – Mission, commencing in 2027. Tim is no stranger to the Marist College Ashgrove community, having previously served at the College before undertaking leadership roles elsewhere. His commitment to Catholic education, passion for the Marist charism and dedication to the formation of young people make him an outstanding appointment for this important role.

While Tim will officially join us next year, we look forward to welcoming him back to Marist and are excited about the experience, energy and leadership he will bring to our community.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Daniel Bull for his service as Acting Assistant Head of College – Mission. Dan has led the Mission portfolio with professionalism, generosity and a deep commitment to the values that underpin our College. His willingness to step into the role and provide strong leadership during this period of transition has been greatly appreciated.

Please join me in congratulating Tim on his appointment and thanking Daniel for his outstanding contribution to Marist College Ashgrove.

Year 12 Trial Externals and Year 11 Exam Block

This week marks an important time for our senior students as Year 12 Trial External Examinations take place from 14 to 18 September, while our Year 11 students undertake their Exam Block from 14 to 17 September.

These assessment periods are an opportunity for our boys to put into practice the knowledge, skills and habits they have developed throughout the year. More importantly, they are a reminder that success is built not in a single examination, but through consistent effort, perseverance and a willingness to learn from both challenges and achievements.

I encourage our students to approach the week with confidence, give their best effort and support one another along the way. We know they are well prepared, and we have every confidence in their ability to meet the challenges ahead.

A special thank you to our teachers who continue to guide, encourage and support our students throughout their learning journey. Their dedication plays a vital role in helping each boy achieve his personal best. 

I wish all Year 11 and Year 12 students every success in the week ahead.

Marist Drama Film Festival – World Premiere 

Lights, camera... action! 

On Wednesday 16 September, the Experimental Theatre will roll out the red carpet for the Marist Drama Film Festival – World Premiere, showcasing three original short films created, written, performed and produced by our talented Year 7 Marist Drama students. 

Throughout the year, the boys have embraced the challenge of filmmaking, developing their skills in storytelling, collaboration, performance and production. The result is an entertaining and imaginative evening featuring three unique films: Dog Fish, Treasure Hunt and The Boy Who Knew Too Little. 

From an 80s-inspired teen comedy to an epic quest to save the school and a Hitchcock-style mystery, the films promise plenty of humour, suspense and creativity. Each production reflects the enthusiasm, imagination and teamwork of our young filmmakers, who have worked tirelessly to bring their stories to life. 

An advance screening will be held at 3.30pm for students, with a special invitation extended to our Year 5 and Year 6 boys, while parents of our Year 7 Drama students are warmly invited to attend the World Premiere at 5.30pm. 

I congratulate the boys on their outstanding efforts and extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Louise Marshall for her creativity, enthusiasm and dedication in guiding the students throughout this project. Many thanks must also go to Ben Hartfiel, Harry Marshall and the student volunteers who assisted in preparing the Year 7’s for their amazing performances. Opportunities such as these allow our boys to develop confidence, creativity and collaboration skills while having a great deal of fun along the way.

I have no doubt this will be a memorable evening and a wonderful celebration of student talent. 

Three films. One night. One World Premiere.

Soirée 2026 

Our annual Soirée Concert will take place on Thursday 17 September at 6.30pm in the Champagnat Centre. 

A highlight of the College calendar, Soirée is a celebration of the outstanding musical talent within our community and provides an opportunity to farewell our Year 12 musicians as they conclude their journey at Marist College Ashgrove. The evening will feature performances from the College’s large and small ensembles, showcasing the dedication, passion and hard work of our students throughout the year. 

Whether you are a regular supporter of our music program or attending for the first time, I encourage families to join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment and celebration. 

Tickets: Adults $10 | Children/Students $5 and food and drinks will be available for purchase on the evening. 

My sincere thanks to our Music Department, ensemble directors and students for their commitment in preparing for this special event. We look forward to sharing a memorable evening with our College community. 

Grandparents Day Reminder

We look forward to welcoming grandparents and special guests to campus on Thursday 17 September for one of the most cherished events on our College calendar.

Grandparents Day is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to celebrate the love, wisdom and support of the grandparents and significant family members who play such an important role in their lives. Guests will enjoy a student concert from 9:50am, followed by morning tea and the chance to catch up with students during Break 1.

Parking is available at GPS (Yoku Road, Ashgrove), with complimentary shuttle buses operating from 8:30am and return services available until 1:00pm.

A special thank you to our P&F Association and volunteers, the Music Department, our Services Team, and the Kitchen Team for helping make this day such a memorable occasion for our families.

We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Marist Sony Foundation Holiday Camp 

During the upcoming holiday period, a number of our students will participate in Marist's Sony Foundation Holiday Camp, held from 19 - 21 September. Sony Camp is a unique and rewarding experience that brings together young volunteers and children with additional needs for several days of fun, friendship and connection. We're grateful to once again be joined by students from Mt Alvernia College, who will ensure our young female campers will be supported with dignity and care. As a school in the Marist Tradition, we are blessed to partner with Mt Alvernia and enriched by their Franciscan spirit. For our Marist and Mt Alvernia student volunteers, the camp is an opportunity to live out the Marist values of service, compassion and presence, and to embrace the Franciscan way of seeing others with dignity and responding with courage, joy and love.

Through their involvement, the students will develop a deeper understanding of leadership, empathy and the importance of building inclusive communities where every person is valued and respected. 

The impact of Sony Camp extends well beyond the few days spent together. It is often a transformative experience for both the campers and volunteers, creating lasting memories, meaningful relationships and a deeper appreciation of the difference that kindness and genuine care can make in the lives of others. 

A special thank you to our Camp Coordinator Jenna Harding and the entire Mission Team, to Jane O'Shea and Michelle Flanagan in the Health Centre, and to the many staff and student volunteers whose generosity, dedication and commitment make this life-changing experience possible. Our thanks also to Mr Bobby Bracken, Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission at Mt Alvernia and all those at this wonderful Franciscan school who have so generously helped in the preparations for this year's camp. The willingness of all our volunteers to give in service of others is a wonderful example of faith in action. 

We wish everyone involved a safe, enjoyable and enriching camp experience and look forward to hearing the stories and reflections that emerge from this remarkable program.

Australian Honours Ensemble Program and SHEP 

During the September school holidays, a number of our talented young musicians will participate in the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) and the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) from 30 September to 4 October. 

Selection in this prestigious program is a wonderful achievement and recognises the dedication, skill and commitment these students have shown through their involvement in music at the College. Working alongside outstanding young musicians from across the country, participants will have the opportunity to refine their craft, learn from expert conductors and educators, and perform at a very high level. 

Programs such as AHEP and SHEP not only foster musical excellence but also encourage collaboration, discipline and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. We are proud of the boys who have been selected to represent both the College and Queensland in this national program. The 2027 AHEP representatives include Cooper Matthews, Archie Knowles and Hudson Melrose. Students participating in SHEP Queensland are Kenneth Brian, Wyatt Castleman, Alessander Javier, Jack Liddell, Thomas Lynn, Willem Starrenburg, Maverick Tucker, Alastair Williams, Ethan Wu and Zuca Zanre. 

I congratulate all students involved and thank our Music Department for the encouragement, expertise and support they provide to our young musicians throughout the year. We wish the boys every success and look forward to hearing about their experiences upon their return.

CBSQ Open Basketball Championships

Several of our Marist basketballers will represent the College at the CBSQ Open Basketball Championships, to be held from 17 to 22 September. 

Competing at this level is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, commitment and hard work these students have invested throughout the season. The championships provide an opportunity for our boys to test themselves against some of the strongest school basketball programs in Queensland while continuing to develop their skills, teamwork and resilience. 

While we always hope for strong results on the court, it is equally important that our students represent the College with the sportsmanship, respect and humility that are hallmarks of a Marist education. 

I congratulate all players and coaches involved and thank them for their commitment to the program. We wish the team every success at the championships and look forward to following their progress throughout the tournament.

Holiday Sporting Camps

The conclusion of Term 3 does not mean a break from learning, growth and development for many of our student athletes, with several holiday camps taking place across the coming weeks.

Our AIC Track and Field Camp (17-19 September) provides athletes with an excellent opportunity to continue their preparation ahead of the athletics season, while strengthening team connections and building on the foundations established throughout the year. We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated coaching and support team: Mr Richard Graham, Mr Matt Green, Mr Robin Martin, Mr Tom Prole, Mr Laurie Boustead, Mr Bill Prole, Lee Martin, Mr Peter Loli, Ms Molly Pleash, Tom Dempsey, Tyler Galligan, Mr Brendan Saunders, Tom Grinham, Zac Milligan, Asher Parkin, Owen Hair, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Des Davis, Tim Castley and Connor Duggan. Their generosity, commitment and willingness to give their time during the holiday period provide invaluable support to our athletes and play a significant role in fostering the strong culture that exists within Marist Track and Field.

The Volleyball Pre-Season Camp (22-24 September) will see players refining their skills, developing teamwork and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the season ahead.

Our AFL Holiday Pre-Season Camp and Cricket Holiday Pre-Season Camp (1-3 October) will also provide valuable opportunities for students to develop their skills, fitness and understanding of the game under the guidance of dedicated coaches and staff.

These camps are about much more than athletic performance. They provide opportunities for our boys to build resilience, leadership, discipline and camaraderie while representing the College with pride.

I thank our coaches, staff and volunteers for their commitment to our co-curricular programs and wish all students involved an enjoyable and rewarding experience over the holiday period.

Work Experience During the Holidays

As the term draws to a close, a number of our boys will spend part of this week and the holiday break undertaking work experience placements across a range of industries and professions.

These opportunities provide valuable insight into the world of work, allowing students to explore potential career pathways, develop important workplace skills and gain a greater appreciation for the qualities that employers value. Just as importantly, work experience helps our boys build confidence, independence and a deeper understanding of their own strengths and interests.

I encourage all students participating in work experience to make the most of the opportunity. Be curious, ask questions, lend a hand and embrace every chance to learn. You never know where a conversation, connection or experience might lead.

Thank you to the many businesses, organisations, staff and families who support our boys by providing these valuable opportunities. We extend our sincere appreciation to Supreme Court of Queensland, McGrath and Frisby (hosting three students), Murdoch Lawyers, Binnah Constructions, FB Wealth Management, Ashgrove Golf Course, Emerald Hospitality Pathology, Niche Reform, CT Fitness, Cox Architecture, LSR Services, Ordanga Properties, Bell Plumbing, Olsen Carpentry, Citi Construction (hosting two students), CV Services, Geely Car Sales, Smith and Sons, Way Out West Building, Procircuit Electrical, Hall Chadwick, Clayton's Electrical and NRG Services. Your generosity helps our students take important steps as they continue to discern their future pathways.

I wish all participating students every success and look forward to hearing about their experiences when we return for Term 4.

Queensland Training Awards State Finalist

As Acting Head of College, it gives me great pride to acknowledge Year 11 student Mason Irving, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Training Awards.

Mason recently won the Metropolitan Region School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award and will now represent the region at the Queensland Training Awards State Finals this Saturday evening. This outstanding achievement reflects his dedication, professionalism and commitment to his school-based apprenticeship.

Mason's success highlights the value of vocational pathways and the opportunities available to our students through our VET programs. We congratulate Mason on this well-deserved recognition and wish him every success at the State Finals. The entire Marist community is incredibly proud of his achievement and the way he represents our College.

Tower Art Show 2026 – Thank You

On behalf of the College, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Tower Art Show 2026. Once again, this much-loved event brought together artists, families, students, Old Boys, staff and friends of the College in a wonderful celebration of creativity, community and connection.

A special thank you to our dedicated Tower Art Show Committee and the many volunteers whose passion, generosity and countless hours of planning and preparation made the event possible. Your commitment continues to ensure the Tower Art Show remains one of the highlights of the College calendar.

We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors and patrons for their support of both the arts and our College community. Thank you to Rob and Kristina McGrath, Dr Olivia Rogers, Dr Phoebe Sampson, Katherine Kemp, Brigette Righton and Trent Vinson, Michael and Amanda Lane, and Meredith Howse for their valued support. Their contribution plays a vital role in helping the Tower Art Show flourish year after year.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our staff, who so generously gave of their time throughout the weekend. Whether assisting with setup, welcoming guests, supporting events, volunteering behind the scenes or helping create the warm and welcoming atmosphere for which the Tower Art Show is known, your contribution was greatly appreciated. The willingness of our staff to support College events outside their regular responsibilities is a wonderful reflection of the spirit of service and community that exists at Marist.

Thank you also to the artists who shared their talents, the families and community members who attended, and all those who supported the event through their presence and participation.

The success of the Tower Art Show is a testament to the strength of our Marist community. Thank you for helping make Tower Art Show 2026 another outstanding success.

I hope you enjoy a wonderful break over the next two weeks. The Blinkhoff's are road tripping to the beautiful Capricorn Coast, and we'll enjoy the first week of the holidays in Yeppoon. 

Thanks everyone, all the best for the week ahead, Paul 

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 15 September

• Year 12 Trial Exams - continue
• Year 11 Exam Block - continues
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 16 September

• Year 10 Work Experience - starts
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 6 Science Fair - SMC Undercroft - 9:30am – 11:00am
• College Assembly - cancelled (Extended Pastoral Group)
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• AIC Practice Meet #4
• AIC Track and Field Meet #4 - 3:00pm – 8:00pm
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• Year 7 Short Film Screening - 5:00pm – 7:00pm

   

Thursday 17 September

• AIC Track and Field Camp - starts
• Basketball CBSQ Open - starts
• Boarder Travel Day
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Grandparents Day Concert - 8:50am – 11:20am
• End of Term School Liturgy - Grandstand - 2:40pm
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

• Soiree - 6:00pm – 9:00pm

   

Friday 18 September

• Student Free Day
• Staff Day

• Sony Camp - starts

   

School Holidays

• Basketball CBSQ Open continues through the weekend (Sat 19 – Sun 20 September)

• Sony Camp continues through the weekend (Sat 19 – Sun 20 September)

   

Looking Ahead to Term 4

Tuesday 6 October

• Staff Day (Student Free Day)

• Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

   

Wednesday 7 October

• Students return - Term 4 begins
• Year 12 Trial External Feedback Week - starts

• Final week of classes for Year 12

   

Tuesday 13 October

• Year 12 Masterclasses commence

   

Week 4 of Term 4

• Year 12 External Exam Block begins