From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

To Become Whole

Kevin Treston has a long association with Marist College Ashgrove with his brother being one of the first old boys enrolled. In Chapter 1 of his new book, Choices for Life – The Beatitudes for Daily Living (Kevin Treston - Garratt Publishing 2024), Kevin reflects on the reign of God or Kingdom of God which is mentioned some 120 times in the Gospels. This core teaching was lost a little by the church as it grappled with the concept of salvation. The true understanding of the Greek word for salvation (soterion) is “being made whole”. How are we made whole?

Last week, we began our farewells to our Year 12 students. They participated in their last House meeting and assembly. These were moving occasions where two particular events stood out to me. In the morning, I felt privileged to hear the last address to his Year 12 boys by Mr Tony Byrne (Pastoral Leader - Ephrem) who moves into retirement at year’s end. Tony, like many of the Pastoral Leaders, presented the Ephrem Year 12 boys with some tips as they move beyond the gates of Marist. Tony’s tip to the boys was profound yet simple – “it is all about being kind. Kindness is the greatest gift that you can give to another.” Later in the day, our College Captain for 2025, Xavier Howard gave his first address to students. During his speech, he reflected on an early memory he had in his time at the college. When he was in Year 7, the school captain came up to him and greeted him individually by name. Xavier explained how, as a young student, this had a profound impact on him – “I couldn’t believe he cared enough and knew my name.”

We all know or have met people who are “whole.” These are the people who make us feel special and ‘bigger’ in their presence. Some of their characteristics include caring, greeting others by name and simply being kind. Sunday’s gospel (Mark 10:35-45) calls us to be “whole” by serving others with humility – thinking of myself less and others more.

God of love, may we as members of the Marist College family, ever strive to become “whole”, moving more towards the kingdom or salvation. Amen.

Cyprian Pavilion Opening

This Wednesday, 23rd of October, Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou (College Chaplain) will be blessing and opening the refurbished Cyprian Pavilion. First built in 1982 by Headmaster Brother Alman Dwyer, this complex has been used extensively by students, community members, committees and staff ever since. In 1991 under Headmaster Br Terence Heinrich, the BBQ area was built adjacent to the Cyprian, in 1997 the Hospitality Centre was opened by Headmaster Br Robert O’Connor and Chair of the Foundation Mr David L’Estrange, in 2003 the Hospitality Centre was upgraded under Headmaster Br Neville Solomon and again in 2013 under Headmaster Mr Peter McLoughlin. This present refurbishment of the whole building includes an extension of the footprint of the Cyprian Pavilion, improved facilities and more modern decor which will prove to be an attractive place for future use. All members of the Marist College Ashgrove community are welcome to this important celebration of the blessing and opening of the refurbished Cyprian Pavilion at the John Eales grandstand on McMahon Oval – 2:15pm tomorrow – Wednesday 23rd October.

Year 12 ATAR Examinations

My best wishes and prayers are extended to all our Year 12 students as they commence their external ATAR examinations this week. Commencing with English yesterday, the boys have a demanding program of exams over the next few weeks. The program can be found on the Parent Portal by clicking the Exam and Assessment Schedule and Information tile. The boys will be undertaking their exams in the Champagnat Centre, Tower East classrooms and Cyprian Pavilion. We wish all the boys the best of luck in these all-important external examinations and with their associated study and preparation. Each of the boy’s teachers can be contacted for last-minute assistance and advice via e-mail or by contacting the college. Good luck gentlemen – the whole Marist College family is thinking and praying for you all at this time.

Year 11 Academic Conversations

The planned Year 11 academic conversations will be held over the next few weeks. These conversations will be conducted by our academic care team and associated staff, who will discuss in detail each boy's progress to date and plan with him a productive pathway forward. We greatly encourage all parents to attend with their sons these important interviews. My thanks are extended to Mr Adam Knight, Ms Alicia Lee, Ms Jen Smeed, Mrs Tara Franklin, Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg, Ms Kathryn Badini, Ms Wendy Macdonald, Mr Steve Littleton, Mr Phill Holding and Mrs Robyn Gooley who have organised and will facilitate these interviews.

Year 5 Transition Afternoons

The annual Year 5 transition afternoons commenced yesterday Monday the 21st October. These afternoons are an opportunity for our future Marist boys to experience firsthand some of the opportunities on offer at the college, to meet other students, to become familiar with the surroundings, to hone their academic skills and to become acquainted with the teaching staff. The schedule of the term 4 transition activities is as follows:

Problem Solving and Creative Writing:

Monday 21st, 28th October and 4th November 3:30pm – 4:45pm – St Marcellin Centre Primary School

Swimming:

Every Monday and Wednesday 3:30pm – 4:20pm throughout term 4 – College Pool

Tennis:

Friday 11th, 18th and 25th October and 1st November 7:00am – 8:00am – College Tennis Centre

Cricket:

Email invitation is on the way

We look forward to welcoming many of the new Year 5 students who will commence at the College in 2025. Be involved and enjoy this important opportunity. My thanks are extended to Ms Jen Little, Mrs Catherine Barnett and Mr Richard Coles, along with all the Primary teachers and coaches.

Primary Debating

The Year 5 and Year 6 students conclude their debating season this Wednesday 23rd October. The boys have been working hard preparing and learning the skills of debating throughout the term. They have performed admirably with Year 6.1 and 6.2 teams remaining undefeated. Under the excellent coaching of Ms Jen Little, Ms Rebecca Somerville, Mr Dan Prince and Ms Robyn Brown they have continued to improve and gain confidence in debating. We wish the boys the best of luck in their final debates against Brisbane Grammar and Good News Lutheran School. Good luck, gentlemen.

Carols in the Draney

This Thursday 24 October from 6:00pm, all members of the Marist College family are invited to join the college for the annual ‘Carols in the Draney Theatre’. This is always the most enjoyable evening and full of community spirit and entertainment. The concert will feature Marist musicians and members of the wider Ashgrove music community in a variety of combined ensembles and feature items. My thanks are extended to Dr Andrew Butt, Ms Megan Harmston, Ms Janelle Lee Long, Ms Catherine Wasserman, Ms Alison Braidwood, Ms Sam Blakeney, Mr Enrico Le Mura, Ms Melanie Stewart, Mr Steven Williamson, Mr Joseph Rabjohns, Mr Zac Moynihan, Ms Sarah Kim, Mr George Perrers, Mr Jamie Kennedy, Mr Alex Hides, Taylah Ferguson, Jack Johnson, Denver Jensen, Zac Neville and Seb Harman who are involved in these carols. We look forward to this carol celebration.

World Teachers’ Day

Our world unites this Friday the 25th of October to recognise our wonderful teachers – ‘World Teachers Day’. Teachers add so much to the fabric of Australia. Education is the mainstay of a society and one which encourages and empowers our young people who are the future. Feel free to drop a line to your teachers this Friday in recognition of all that they do – ‘you are appreciated’ (surnamefirstinitial@marash.qld.edu.au)

Student Leaders 2025

All Year 12 students are called to lead Marist College Ashgrove into the exciting future.

Congratulations to the following students who have been elected to represent their Year 12 peers in 2025 as the captain and vice captains -

College Captain:

Xavier Howard

We enjoyed listening to our new College Captain, Xavier Howard who spoke to us on his theme for the year – ‘Belief’.

Vice Captains:

Academic – Aidan Phillips

Cultural – Ben Mead

Mission – Lachlan Vink

Sport – Harry Graham

Wellbeing – Sam Millott

Best wishes gentlemen, in your important role of leading the Marist College Ashgrove community forward into 2025.

We wish all Year 12 boys the best of luck in their leadership in 2025.

Marist Schools Australia Leadership Program, Mass and Dinner

This Saturday 26 October, Marist Schools Australia will be celebrating the annual Mass and dinner for the Marist Queensland and Northern Territory Schools. We welcome to the College, Br David Hall FMS (Chair of the Marist Schools Australia Board), Dr Frank Malloy (National Director Marist Schools Australia and member of the Marist Schools Australia Leadership Team), and Mr Mark Elliott (Regional Director of Marist Schools Australia) to this event. During the evening, we will recognise the contributions of the many people who make Marist schools such positive and vital places in the education of young people. Our Marist Ashgrove student leaders will meet with student leaders from our neighbouring Marist schools throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory to plan together and develop leadership skills for their important future roles.

ABC - Q&A

Last night, 21 October, a group of senior students represented Marist College Ashgrove at ABC's Q&A television program. This recording was held at the Powerhouse. The theme of the program was centered around the upcoming state election and related issues. I congratulate the student representatives on the way they presented themselves and their insightful and mature contributions and discussions they participated in during the evening. Well done gentlemen and thanks to Mr Peter Serone, Mrs Anna Nasr and Mrs Bethany Halpin who accompanied the boys with me.

Primary Drama

Best wishes to our Year 5 and Year 6 Drama students who will present their culminating performance in the Draney Theatre next week – much hard work and skill development throughout the year has gone into this final performance. The Year 5 boys will be performing on Monday 28 October over 2 sessions - the first at 4:30pm and the second at 6:45pm. They will perform ‘The News’ along with a collection of poems and skits. The Year 6 boys will perform on Wednesday 30 October at 6:00pm. The boys will be performing ‘Snuggleduff and the Hufflepuffers’. I attach a link in which to purchase tickets - https://events.humanitix.com/2024-marist-primary-drama-end-of-year-concerts

My thanks are extended to their dedicated and generous drama teacher, Mrs Louise Marshall. Good luck, gentlemen.

AIC Water Polo Champions 2024

Congratulations to the Marist College Ashgrove Water Polo Open team who won the AIC Championships at Marist on Sunday. They defeated Iona College 11-4 in the final. My thanks are extended to their coach Ryan Apps. All other teams participated well on the day. Thanks to coaches Ryan Apps and Grace Ryan.

Congratulations to the following Marist College Ashgrove students who made the Australian Water Polo Team – Joseph Cervetto, Angus Cope, Tom Sloman, Dylan Jennison and Sean Bright.

This concludes our Saturday sport AIC fixtures for 2024 with trials and skill development underway for 2025 sports for the remainder of the year in – Cricket, AFL, Rugby Union, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Football. If you are registered in these sports, you will receive notifications through the Parent Orbit App.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.