Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

We are fast approaching the halfway point of the term, and it’s an important time to pause and reflect on our progress. While we’re not quite there yet, this stage of the term often demands greater focus and determination as we prepare for assessments and the final stretch of the school year. I encourage all students to continue putting in their best effort, remembering that success is often found in the small, consistent actions—whether it’s staying organised, completing homework on time or giving your best in every lesson. These daily efforts will set you up for a strong finish and help you perform your best in the upcoming assessments.

Last Friday, we recognised Day for Daniel, with a focus on staying safe online. During our assembly, the boys listened to an important presentation about the dangers and responsibilities of social media and online safety. We covered crucial topics such as protecting personal information, recognising online risks, and how to respond if they encounter unsafe situations. I hope these discussions sparked valuable conversations at home, and I encourage families to continue reinforcing these messages, ensuring our boys remain vigilant and safe in their online interactions.

Looking ahead, on Tuesday 29 October we will come together for our final Primary Assembly of the year in the Draney Theatre. This will be a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students. Parents of boys who will be receiving an award will be notified later this week, and we warmly invite you to attend this significant occasion.

Let’s keep our focus and effort strong as we approach the final weeks of the term, ensuring a positive and successful finish to the year!

Acting Primary Pastoral Leader – Mr Richard Coles

In the past two weeks, our Year 5 students have begun their journey towards leadership, preparing to take on key roles as the Year 6 class of 2025. During an insightful session, the boys explored the values of Marist leadership and its importance within our community. Following this, they were encouraged to submit letters of application for leadership positions to Mr Connolly. The applications will be carefully reviewed and the shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. We expect to complete this within the next 2-3 weeks, with leadership roles announced by the end of the term. We commend all the boys for stepping up and remind them that leadership is not just about titles—every Year 6 student has the ability to make a positive impact at Marist through their actions and words.

Last term also saw a special moment when our primary boys had the chance to interview Year 12 students as part of their preparations for graduation posters. It was heartening to see the younger students engage so respectfully with their older peers. After the interviews, they connected further over handball games and discussions about life in high school, forming meaningful bonds as buddies. The primary boys will now create posters to present to their Year 12 buddies as part of the guard of honour during the graduation ceremony later this term.

As we reach the halfway stage of the term, we ask all parents and guardians to ensure that boys adhere to the College’s expectations regarding haircuts and uniforms. This term, the boys are required to wear their summer uniform and formal hat to and from school. Please note that blazers are not part of the summer uniform. We appreciate your cooperation in helping the boys maintain the high standards expected at the College.

Primary Learning Leader – Ms Jen Little

Assessment Calendars

Assessment calendars were published in an earlier newsletter this term and again via email directly to parents and students. Please use this to assist in preparation for upcoming assessments. Please remember the resources available to students that include the following:

• One Note
• Morning Study
• Maths Online
• Additional resources supplied by individual teachers

Literacy and Numeracy Cups

Congratulations to last week’s Literacy and Numeracy Cup winners. 

Year 5 Debating

Congratulations to our second team who were victorious in their third round of competition for the Queensland Debating Union. Our other two teams lost their debates to worthy opponents. This means that each of our three teams has won two out of their three debates to date. Over the next couple of weeks, the boys will compete in their final debate of the 2024 season, with our second team ready for battle this Wednesday night at Marist. Our first and third teams will be debating next Wednesday, Wednesday 30 October, at St Peter’s Lutheran College. The topic is that ‘fiction is better than non-fiction’ with two teams taking the affirmative case and one team taking the negative case. The boys will be looking to hone their organization and preparation ahead of the competition. In particular, our focus is on learning speeches to improve our overall manner. Good luck boys!

Parent Orbit - Quick Tip

Please find below a video with some tips for navigating the new Parent Orbit app. If you have not registered for the new Parent Orbit app, please do so as soon as possible via the instructions attached. This will ensure you do not miss out on notifications from the College. Your son will need to be signed up for extracurricular activities so parents can receive notifications relevant to those activities.

Primary Sport Update

Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)

AIC Touch 2024

Congratulations to the Year 6 team who reached the semi-finals of the AIC Touch Carnival. Our two Year 5 teams battled hard all day and made great progress.

Gilroy Ash Dash

Congratulations 6 Violet and 5 Blue winners of the annual Gilroy Ash Dash.

Term 1 2024 Sport Sign-on

The Term 1 team sports on offer are AFL, Cricket and Volleyball – Please note Volleyball is only offered for Year 7 - 12 students.

All students who wish to play Term 1 team sports are asked to sign up via the Student Café. Once your son/s have signed up parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details. Please find below the attached guide for signing up for Extra-Curricular activities.

The above process must be completed before Friday, 3 November.

This is for current students only.

Students starting at the College in 2024 will receive information regarding Term 1 sport sign-on shortly.

Term 1 2025 – Trial Information

Marist Scrum Club

Primary rugby union forwards are invited to join the Marist Scrum Ready Program.

WHEN: Wednesday 11 / 18 / 25 October / 1 November

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

DRESS: MCA sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, blue / white / or Marist rugby socks.

OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.The program cover:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises.
2. Solo with no opposition – on knees
3. Solo with no opposition – on feet
4. Solo against a machine / tackle bag
5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape.

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2025.

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2024

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers
• Mesh Bag

Sports Photographs

We are always on the lookout for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue and Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos - Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos.

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.