Primary School News

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh 

 Never Giving Up 

As we reach the end of Term 3, it is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the many achievements, challenges and moments of growth that have shaped the term for our boys. 

One of the qualities we continually encourage in our students is perseverance – the willingness to keep going when something is difficult, to learn from setbacks and to have another go when things do not go according to plan. It is a quality that extends well beyond the classroom and is an important part of becoming a young man of courage, compassion and conscience. 

Throughout this term, we have seen our boys demonstrate this in so many different ways. Whether it has been working through a challenging Maths problem, preparing for an assessment, developing a new skill on the sporting field, performing on stage, navigating friendships or simply persisting with something they initially found difficult, our students have been reminded that progress does not always happen immediately. 

Sometimes success comes from getting the answer right. Sometimes it comes from making a mistake, learning from it and trying again. And sometimes, simply having the courage to keep going is the greatest achievement of all. 

As we finish Term 3, I encourage our boys to reflect on how far they have come. Each boy will have experienced successes and challenges this term, but every experience provides an opportunity to learn, grow and become better equipped for what lies ahead. 

For our Year 5 and 6 boys in particular, the final weeks of the year will bring many exciting opportunities and responsibilities as they continue to grow as leaders within our Primary School. I encourage them to approach Term 4 with energy, purpose and a willingness to make the most of every opportunity. 

As we head into the holidays, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for the wonderful contribution each of you makes to our Primary community. It has been a busy and rewarding term, and I hope that the break provides everyone with an opportunity to rest, recharge and spend quality time together. 

I wish every member of our Primary community a safe and enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 and to sharing in the many exciting events and opportunities that will make for a memorable finish to the school year. 

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little 

Primary Assessment – Progressive Reporting

By now, results and feedback for most pieces of Term 3 Primary Assessment should be available on both Student Café and via the Parent Orbit Ap. Teachers have given up significant time to not only grade these assessments, but to provide specific feedback on ways students can improve. It is highly encouraged that parents and students spend time going through this feedback and developing goals to advance learning ahead of our final term.  

Debating

Congratulations to our 4 Primary Debating Teams who competed against various schools at Marist College Ashgrove last Thursday arguing the affirmative side of the topic "That all Australians should have to travel in their own country before being given a passport." Three out of our four teams won their debates, and all teams represented the College admirably. The boys are busy preparing for their next debate about where their goals will be to build on their skills in rebuttal and their general manner when presenting.  

Morning Study

Please note the time for our supervised Morning Study arrangements. Morning Study will operate in the Primary CLE from 7:40–8:10am, Monday to Friday. This space provides a quiet environment for students to complete homework and/ or study.   

Morning Study is open to all students; however, the level of support offered will vary depending on the number of students attending on any given day. Students who wish to enhance their learning through a regular weekly study routine, particularly by using resources from their OneNote, will find this an ideal venue. 

Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Winners

Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus in the Primary. Congratulations to the following classes for their success last week. 

 Congratulations also to the following classes who scored an average of more than 90% last week: 

Numeracy: 5 Violet – 96.67%; 5 Maroon – 94.14%; 5 Silver – 91.48%; 5 Gold – 90.77% 

Program Leader: Primary Sport – Matt Green 

Track & Field 

There is one remaining AIC T&F practice meet scheduled for the end of Term 3. 

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships. Please check the parent portal for further information and accept the invitation for your son to participate. Students will travel to and from these meets at QSAC via bus from school, departing at 1:50 pm, returning following the last primary school event. Estimated time of arrival back at school is approximately 5:30pm.  

• Wednesday, September 16 

AIC Championships – Thursday, 8 & Friday, 9 October – QSAC

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training  and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays. 

Track & Field Sunday Sessions 

Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction to Marist Track & Field. We have some  

exceptional coaches leading these sessions and creating an environment of learning and  

enjoyment. 

Some benefits include: 

1. Improvement in technique and speed. 

2. Technical development for throws. 

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning. 

WHEN: Sunday afternoons 

WHERE: Hayden Oval 

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sports shorts, Marist Sport white or blue socks. 

Sports Training and Clashes 

With a myriad of opportunities on offer for the students, clashes are unavoidable but never a  problem if communicated. Families are reminded that cocurricular activities should not impede on any student’s academic performance. If sports training clashes with music or morning tutoring it is asked that boys alternate from week to week.