Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

I write this article with a great deal of pride at the efforts our Primary boys have put in across so many areas over the last week here at Marist College. It was a very busy week of activities last week and so many of the boys in Years 5 and 6 went above and beyond to put their best foot forward in our community.

To give you a quick snapshot, on Monday morning, our Chess teams were hard at work, improving their strategies and moves for their upcoming AIC Chess matches. Tuesday evening saw our Public Speaking and Debating boys take on the opposition schools at St Laurence’s College in the first round-robin competition of the year. On Wednesday night, some of our Primary boys attended the Mother’s Day Mass with their mums, aunties and grandmothers. Continuing the Mother’s Day theme, many boys joined their mums for breakfast on Thursday and Friday mornings in the Champagnat Centre. Our Year 5 boys all stepped up and performed two amazing shows on Thursday night as they swash buckled their way through the evening to the appreciation of everyone in the Draney Theatre. Just when it looked like there could surely be no fuel left in the tank, the rugby and football boys turned up on Saturday morning to take on their respective oppositions in the AIC competition. I hope they all got plenty of sleep over the weekend to prepare for Week 4!

All of these activities are undertaken on top of the academic commitments that all our boys have. I would like to thank these boys for being such active members of our community and extend a big thank you to our Primary parents who make this involvement possible.

Have a great Week 4.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

This week’s Primary Assembly was a wonderful celebration of effort, creativity, and school spirit.

Over the holidays, our boys took part in the much-loved MaristChef Cooking Competition. It was fantastic to see so many creative and thoughtful entries, with boys showing initiative in the kitchen and a clear passion for good food! Thank you to everyone who participated — and congratulations to the following winners and runners-up:

Year 5

🥇 Winner: Iggy Tognin – Lamb Yiros with slow-cooked roast lamb

🥈 Runner Up: Max Barker – Meatball Pasta

🥈 Runner Up: James Orbell – Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Year 6

🥇 Winner: Raf Ahlholm – Hunter Gather – Fresh Fish Dish

🥈 Runner Up: Levi Hagan – French Croquembouche

🥈 Runner Up: Finlay Given – Cinnamon Scrolls

The judging was not easy — the standard was incredibly high. Well done, boys!

Supporting Boys with Stress and Nerves – Small Goals Make a Big Difference

Over recent weeks, many boys — and parents — have shared that they are feeling the pressure, whether it be with assessments, friendships, sport, or simply the daily demands of school life.

To support our students during these moments, we encourage a focus on small, achievable goals. These simple strategies are great tools for building confidence and managing nerves — and may be helpful for parents to share with their sons at home:

• Pick one thing to focus on at a time — whether it’s getting homework started, packing a bag, or asking a teacher for help.
• Break big tasks into smaller steps — this makes the work feel manageable and gives boys a sense of progress.
• Talk things through — checking in regularly with a teacher, parent, or peer helps boys feel heard and supported.
• Acknowledge small wins — even little successes deserve celebration. They build resilience and confidence over time.
• Keep home calm — if school is a challenge, having a stable, low-pressure routine at home can help boys reset and refocus.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. With small steps, positive reinforcement, and open communication, we can help our boys feel more equipped to manage challenges and thrive through them.

Finally, a reminder that next Friday, 23rd May, will be a Free Dress Day to support Marist 180 — an organisation that provides care, support, and opportunities for at-risk young people across Queensland. Gold coin donations on the day will go directly towards helping those in need access education, housing, and positive life pathways.

Thank you for your continued support in encouraging our boys to grow not only in confidence, but also in compassion.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Assessment Calendars

By now, all parents and students should have been emailed the assessment calendars for Term 2. These have been included below for further clarity. Please remember the use of the supervised Morning Study Room from 8:00am each day. Please also note that revision materials are provided for all students in the class One Note.

Year 5

Year 6

Academic Integrity and Use of Artificial Intelligence in Primary

Academic integrity is fundamental to the values of our school community. It ensures fairness, fosters trust and upholds the quality of education. It is important to recognise however, that our approach to academic integrity must be appropriate for the developmental stage of our students. In a world in which artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, assuring academic integrity can be challenging. 

At the primary level, children are still learning the concepts of honesty, responsibility and ethical behaviour. Therefore, our policy is designed not only to enforce the standards but also to educate and guide students as they develop these important values. By providing age-appropriate instruction and support, we help children understand the importance of academic integrity and how to uphold it in their work. This educational approach ensures that students learn from their mistakes and grow into responsible and ethical learners.

When students are completing assessments, it is important that the work submitted is their own. This is why all assessments in Primary, whether they be assignments or examinations, are conducted during school hours where they can be monitored accordingly. Over the course of this term, teachers will be familiarising students with the graphic above to set students up for success.

In short, the table below provides a clear indication of when Artificial Intelligence should be used and when it would be unacceptable. 

It is believed that having clear expectations and communication around what is and what isn’t acceptable use of AI will have a lasting impact on students, allowing them to maximise their full learning potential.

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.

This year, we will be recognising individual effort by awarding students with one of the following certificates.

• Gold Awards – for those students who receive an overall average of 90% or higher in their Literacy and Numeracy Cup Testing. For Literacy, this is based on achievement from Terms 1-4 for both Years 5 and 6. For Numeracy, it is based on achievements from Terms 1-4 for Year 6 and 2-4 for Year 5. 
• Consistency Awards – for those students who receive 70% or more EVERY week. Students who received a Gold Award cannot also receive a Consistency Award. For Literacy, this is based on achievement from Terms 1-4 for both Years 5 and 6. For Numeracy, it is based on achievements from Terms 1-4 for Year 6 and 2-4 for Year 5. 
• Progress Awards – for those students who have grown their overall average by 10% from the prior term. This is based on achievement from Terms 2-4. Congratulations to the following students who have achieved an award for their efforts last term. Mr Connolly will be presenting these certificates in class over the coming weeks. 

Gold Awards - Literacy: Reuben Hodgson, Eli Dobos, Maverick Hardiker, Finn Hamel, Tejas Koirala, Ben Crerar, Callum Murphy, Ruben Vos, Oscar Wilton

Consistency Awards – Literacy: Eddie Porter, Elijah Branford, Otis Livingstone, Anderson Wild, Harry Martin, Alexander van Zyl, Henry Vos, Jack Weight, Harry Kerse, Henry Trebbin, Charlie Maclean, Alexander Aitken, Jacob Ariza Moreno, Angus Hutchinson, Tom Laherty, Will McLaren, Paddy Noonan, Harrison Davis, Jack Felix, Ned O’Farrell, Thomas Cramp, Henry Dwyer, Oscar Munro, William Nolan, Lucas Puzey-Reitmayer, William Smith, Fraser Walsh, Cameron Fitzpatrick, Miller Exintaris, Jacob Nipperess and Will Carr

Gold Awards – Numeracy: Harmon Sidhu, Joe Kahler, Angus Graham, Perry Ballinger, Noah Newman, Harry Davies, Harrison Davis, Jack Felix, Conleth McKenna, Jimmy Ryan, Daniel Sadimenko, Patrick Thirgood, Moses Yeung, Ben Crerar, Oscar Wilton, Ruben Vos, Max Davis, Jack James, Ted Jorgensen, Jackson Real, George Rigby, Oscar Symonds, Ben Blinkhoff, Will Carr, Hamish Donnelly, Chandler Forrest, Jack McCurry, Rory van Gent and Jack White.

Consistency Awards – Numeracy: Aaron Doyle, Nixon O’Neill, Sawyer Snyder, Patrick Spry-Bailey, Charlie Taylor, Paddy Williamson, Patrick Air, Thomas Bennett-Gunning, Finlay Given, Charlie Herbert, Ky Nixon, Benji Robertson, Thomas Cramp, Miller Exintaris, Cameron Fitzpatrick, Angus Mawdsley, Oscar Munro, Fraser Walsh, William Smith, William Nolan, Lucas Puzey-Reitmayer, Jack Anderson, Joseph Cairns, Charlie Mackay, Benjamin Moran, Alexander Aitken, Eli Dobos, Maverick Hardiker, Tejas Koirala, Thomas Cairns, George Coulter, Hamish McMahon, Corey Murphy, Remy Taylor, George Bond, Ned Hallo, Spencer Leach, Jack Rayner and Chase Richardson

Public Speaking – Mr Dan Prince 

The Year Five Public Speaking team took part in their first round robin against Ambrose Treacy College at St Laurence’s on Tuesday, 6th May. The boys chose their own topics, which ranged from dinosaurs to basketball. Speaking with clarity and confidence, the team did Marist proud with their superb effort. Congratulations to Ryan Noronha for achieving speaker of the night for Marist. Well done to all the boys, I look forward to seeing what else you have to offer in the coming weeks!

Round Robin Debating – MCA/SLC/ATC/PC - Mrs Robyn Brown

Last Tuesday evening our Round Robin Debating Competition commenced at St Laurence’s College. The Yr 6 Debating Teams competed eloquently.

Both teams debated against Ambrose Treacy College with the topic being “That homework should be abolished”

Team 1 

The team consists of Jack Felix, Charlie Mackay, George Coulter and Moses Yeung (away). 

Our team debated the affirmative. The boys suffered a narrow loss to their opponents, nevertheless their performance was impressive. Their ability to listen intently to the opposition and respond with strong rebuttals was evident. Congratulations boys!

Team 2 

The team consists of Matt Hendrick, Leo Scuderi, Jovi Zanre and Chandler Forrest. 

They debated the negative. The boys argued beautifully and secured the win with well-structured arguments and clear delivery. The arguments for the topic were well researched and presented. “Speaker of the night” was awarded to Matt Hendrick. Well done boys!

Primary Sport

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations to Perry Ballinger (6G), Will Carr (6W), Will Firouz (6R), Gus Graham (6B), Angus Hutchinson (6M), Jack James (6V), Harry Kirkman (6G), Mason Loli (6R), Charlie Maclean (6G), Tyler Richardson (6M) and Will Smith (6S) who have been selected to represent Marist College at the Met North Regional Rugby Union (11-12 Years) trials.

Congratulations to Geordie Egerton (5G), Cooper Kadri (5R), Jack McCurry (6W), Leo Mylne (5B), Toby Patricks (6S), Daniel Sadimenko (6R) and Ryan Wallington (5B) who have been selected to represent Marist College at the Met North Regional Cross Country trials.

North West District Cross Country Results – Top 10 Finishers

10 Years 

Cooper Kadri – 1st

Ryan Wallington – 2nd

11 Years

Geordie Egerton – 1st

Leo Mylne – 7th

Cian Dillon – 10th

12 Years 

Jack McCurry – 3rd

Daniel Sadimenko – 4th

Toby Patricks – 6th

Congratulations to Will Davies (6S), Geordie Egerton (5G), Toby Patricks (6S) and Daniel Sadimenko (6R) who represented Marist College at the Queensland Athletics All Schools Cross Country Championships.

Term 2 AIC Sport

Rugby

Football

Chess

Tejas Koirala (6M)

Last Friday, Primary and Secondary students gathered to compete against St Peter’s in chess. We went on the bus then patiently waited to finally arrive. Once we arrived, we set up, shook hands and began our matches. Focused and strategic, we played very strong opening rounds and took an early lead. Following our first game we had a food break and there was pizza. We then returned for the second round with renewed energy. Our teams performed exceptionally well: Junior A won 16–0, Junior B won 11–5, and Junior C won 10–6. It was a rewarding experience, and we’re looking forward to our next challenge.

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.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & 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

Parent Orbit App

Please ensure that you download the Parent Orbit app to your smart phone. This app will be used to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.

Late Pick Up After Sports Training

“PLAN B”

It is important that both parent and student are aware of the pick-up procedure if afternoon sports training is cancelled or if parents are running late for pick-up. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the Parent Orbit app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives.

Afternoon sports training sessions are scheduled to finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm will be directed to the After Hours Boarding Reception area / College Health Centre so that he may be collected from there. After Hours Boarding Reception can be contacted on 07 3858 4619.

In the case of bus arrivals from external sporting venues, boys will be sent to After Hours Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the bus arrives back at the College. Parents are asked to collect their sons from this location.