From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Love and New Life

This week’s reflection may seem dark – but that is the whole point of Ash Wednesday. As dark ash is placed in the form of a cross on the forehead of each of your sons on Ash Wednesday, the Priest or Minister will say either - “Turn away from sin and follow the Gospel” or, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return.” The feast of Ash Wednesday which commences the period of Lent and concludes with Jesus’ death (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter Sunday) asks us to annually reflect upon the darkness and stark reality of our own mortality and reason for life. We will all die - the rich, the poor, the successful, the famous, the lowly and the battler, but how each one of us intimately presents before a loving God is the question. Ash Wednesday is an important Christian opportunity to reflect upon the meaning that life has for each one of us, how we in turn live our lives and that eventual encounter when we come face to face with our creator.

Last week, celebrity - Jason Van Der Beek, widely known for his role in the early 2000’s teen hit ‘Dawson's Creek’ sadly died after a battle with cancer. Since his early years of fame, Van Der Beek has shared that he found the most meaning, not in fame but rather, in his marriage and family. He is described as deeply kind, generous and sensitive. He was also a person willing to share his faith and meditations on the meaning of life, prior to his death. In a recent social media post, he spoke about the struggle to fulfill his purpose in life as an entertainer, husband and father as his illness debilitated him...“If I am just a too skinny weak guy with cancer, what am I?” His prayers and reflections led him to this answer - “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.” He added, “And the same is true for you but if the word ‘God’ is too religious, then why not just try – ‘I am worthy of love’ because you are.” This reflection is central to us as Christians as God demonstrably tells us that he is simply ‘Love’.

Ash Wednesday and Lent challenges each of us to go a further step beyond ourselves. It challenges us to emulate the metaphor of Jesus’ death and resurrection each day. Lent asks us to not to just die and rise at our own death but to die and rise each day of our lives. In practical terms, this means to die to ourselves, our own interests, our own selfishness and personal desires each day to instead rise and give new life to others through sharing our gifts of giving, loving and being for others. It means to transfer the love of God and the love of self toward our sisters and brothers. To do this well, you must first believe in yourself, your goodness and belief as Van Der Beek says that you are worthy of God’s love simply because you exist.

God of the journey, may all the young men and all members of the Marist family search, discover and live the meaning of life this Ash Wednesday and Lenten season. Amen.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

This Wednesday, our college community will gather for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. The Lenten season is the 40 days of preparation, repentance and giving to another in need (self-denial) leading to the pinnacle of the Christian liturgical year - Jesus resurrection (Easter). This special liturgy offers meaning and purpose to our students and staff and an opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare. We thank Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou sm (College Chaplain), Mr Dan Bull (Acting Assistant Head of College – Mission) and our Ministry Team for their preparation and guidance of our boys in this reflective season of Lent.

Australian Marist Solidarity

During Lent, in the spirit of the theme - death to life, denial of oneself to give to another, or to go without to give to another, the College will be asking students and the community to give to Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). AMS is an international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia, throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. AMS undertakes long-term and short-term projects particularly in the spirit of education, as per the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat. Today, AMS supports 15 countries and some 50 projects, including the building of classrooms, water and food sustenance, training teachers and the like – in countries like Cambodia, Timor Leste (who we visit on immersions), Bangladesh, Bougainville, Fiji, India, Kiribati, Myanmar, Samoa, The Soloman Islands, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Please support the various undertakings for AMS during this Lenten period – e.g. Lenten Fundraising Day, year level dances, Mother’s Day breakfasts, and the like.

Congratulations

The College functions particularly well for our boys thanks to the efforts of our various parent and associate volunteer groups. We thank and recognise the outstanding supportive work of our various Marist College Ashgrove Committees including the Old Boys Association, Parents and Friends Committee, College Advisory Council, College Finance Committee, College Foundation and Boarders Parent Network. Also, we acknowledge the numerous project support groups like the Neuro Diverse Group, Art Show Committee, Sports Lunch Committee and Long Lunch Committee.

We congratulate our newly appointed Old Boys Association Committee of Michael O’Connor (President), Tim Slack (Vice President), Michael Kreis (Treasurer) and David Fowler (Secretary). We also thank our newly appointed P&F Association Committee of Adam Bennett (President), Jake Swan (Vice President), Richelle Power (Treasurer) and Carlie Marks (Secretary). Thank you for all you do for the boys and our community.

Back to School Boost for Year 5 & 6 Students

This is an important notice to parents of boys in Year 5 & 6. The College acknowledges the Queensland Government’s Back to School Boost initiative, which provides a $100 payment for all primary students in Years 5 and Year 6 (students who are a current enrolment on 27th February 2026). As a non‑state school, Marist College Ashgrove is responsible for administering this funding, and in line with our College Fee Policy, the Boost will be automatically applied directly to each eligible student’s school fee account to reduce the amount payable. This action will occur before the end of Term 1 2026. If you have a payment schedule in place, the Boost will reduce your next instalment once the credit has been applied. If you have paid your fees in full for the year, the credit will be automatically applied to your fee account for future charges. The Boost will appear clearly as a credit on your fee statement. We thank the Queensland Government for this support, and I trust it will be welcome.

Year 12 Formal

Best wishes to our Year 12 students who will have the opportunity to accompany a partner to the Marist College Ashgrove Year 12 Formal this Saturday evening at Brisbane City Hall. This annual occasion is always a highlight for the boys and their partners—a chance to dress up, enjoy a formal meal together, dance, celebrate their final year, and enjoy a memorable night with their family. Please ensure you read the instructions provided regarding permissions, arrival procedures, photographs, conclusion times and the expectations around student behaviour at this school event.

As with all college functions, the safety and wellbeing of our young men and their partners remains our highest priority. Brisbane City Hall will once again provide security and strictly enforce regulations regarding the Responsible Service of Alcohol. No alcohol is to be brought into or consumed at the venue, regardless of whether a student or partner is 18 years of age. Any student found in possession of alcohol or displaying signs of intoxication will be removed from the event.

While parents are ultimately responsible for decisions relating to their sons beyond school hours, the College reminds families of the following in relation to pre or post‑formal gatherings:

No pre or post‑formal party or gathering is supported or endorsed by Marist College Ashgrove.
The College name must not appear on invitations, nor be used to imply that any private gathering is associated with or approved by the College.
Parents who choose to host such events accept full responsibility for supervision, attendee behaviour, uninvited guests and any outcomes that may arise.
If you are considering hosting a gathering, the Australian Drug Foundation provides helpful guidance for safe party planning: www.adf.org.au

Parents are also reminded that under the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld), s 156A, supplying alcohol to a minor in a private place without responsible supervision can result in a court appearance and fines of up to $13,352 (current from 1st July 2025). A private place is a family home / private residence or private accommodation being used as a residence (e.g., a holiday home, private Airbnb when used as a home). Refer to the Queensland Government website for more details.

As always, Marist College Ashgrove students and their partners are expected to uphold the values of the College and ensure their conduct before, during and after the Formal is respectful and appropriate. This information has already been communicated to students during a Year Level Assembly.

We extend our thanks to the College Leadership Team and Pastoral Leaders who will supervise on the night. Thank you also to Gareth Kolkenbeckruh and Rachel Rainbird for their assistance and support. We look forward to a wonderful, safe and memorable evening for all.

Japanese Farewell Party

This Friday, 20th February, we will farewell our visiting Japanese students from Ritsumeikan Moriyama Junior High School just west of Kyoto after two weeks of cultural exchange at the College. Throughout their stay, the students have joined classes, participated in cultural activities, and formed meaningful connections with our boys and staff. To celebrate their final day, a Japanese farewell party will be held, giving our students the chance to thank our guests for their enthusiasm, generosity, and friendship. We extend our gratitude to the host families and staff who supported the program and helped make the visit such a memorable experience. In particular, we would like to thank Japanese teachers - Sohee Chu and Hannah Neilson and Curriculum Leader – English, Literature and Languages, Kathryn Badini for their organisation in making this experience possible. We wish our visiting students a safe journey home and we hope the friendships made this week continue well into the future.

NAPLAN Readiness Testing – Year 5, 7 & 9

Year 5, 7 & 9 students will participate in NAPLAN Readiness Testing this week. These practice assessments help ensure that students, devices, and the College’s online systems are fully prepared ahead of the official NAPLAN testing window to be held in Weeks 7 & 8. The readiness tests are not marked and do not contribute to student results, but they provide valuable familiarity with the online testing format and help identify any technical adjustments needed. Students are reminded to bring a fully charged device, headphones, and a backup pencil case.

Student Monitoring – Years 7-12

All students will have the opportunity to discuss their academic progress thus far over the coming week. Students will meet with their Pastoral Care teacher to discuss their grades and an academic goal. Parents will be asked to review their son’s goals in their diary and sign in support and agreement of these goals. My thanks are extended to Adam Knight (Assistant Head of College – Learning & Teaching), Ashley Hutchings (Curriculum Leader – Middle Years), Michael Colquhoun (Pastoral Leader – Middle School) and all Pastoral Group Teachers as they assist and care for the students' academic pursuits in 2026. We trust that this student monitoring will be a very helpful process for all the boys in their academic endeavours.

Sun Safe

Families are reminded to ensure students arrive each day prepared with the correct college or sports’ hats, shirts, hydration, and sun protection for their respective activities. The College has ample suncream available at the Sports Department offices, main administration (Tower), Student Welfare offices, swimming pool and with each PE teacher. We will continue to encourage your son to be sun smart and care for their skin and we encourage all parents to do similarly.

White Card Course

Selected students will participate in the White Card Course on Friday 20th February. This accredited safety course provides students with essential knowledge of workplace health and safety practices required for anyone wishing to access construction sites. Students are reminded to arrive on time, bring their laptops fully charged, and have appropriate identification (USI) ready if required by the provider. I sincerely thank Andrew Devoy (Curriculum Leader – Technologies) for his preparation and organisation with this course. Bluedog Training will be delivering this valuable opportunity and supporting our students as they begin exploring future vocational pathways.

Star Lab Dome Incursion – Year 6

Our Year 6 students will take part in an exciting Star Lab Dome incursion on Friday 20th February which will be held in the Champagnat Centre. This portable planetarium experience will support their learning of science concepts by allowing students to explore constellations, planetary movement, and key astronomical concepts in an immersive, hands-on environment. This engaging session helps bring Earth and Space Sciences to life and always proves to be a highlight for students. We look forward to an inspiring day of discovery inside the dome. Thank you to Jennifer Little and Rachael Carter for their organisation and assistance with the boys.

AFL / Cricket / Volleyball Photos

All students involved in AFL are scheduled for their official team photos on Friday 20th February (Break 1). Cricket and Volleyball team photos for teams playing at home will be held on Saturday 21st February. Students are reminded to arrive on time in their full and correct playing uniforms to ensure the sessions run smoothly. We appreciate the support of coaches, coordinators and families in helping the boys be prepared. Please note: First team photos will be taken later in the term. Primary AFL photos will be taken on Friday 27th February, and the remaining teams playing at home will be photographed on Saturday 28th February. My sincere thanks to Damien Zoomers for his preparation and organisation for these photos. Check the college Parent Orbit App for more details.

Rugby Ready Program Commences

The Rugby Ready Program for Years 5-12 students will commence on Monday 23rd February. This program is designed to prepare players for the upcoming Rugby season by building foundational skills, fitness, and game awareness in a supportive training environment. Students participating are reminded to bring the appropriate training gear, water bottles, and protective equipment. We thank Richard Graham, Director of Rugby and our coaching staff for their continued commitment to developing our rugby program and look forward to a strong start to the season. Check the college Parent Orbit App for more details.

Year 10 Immunisations

Year 10 students will receive the first of their scheduled immunisations of Meningococcal ACWY & Meningococcal B on Monday 23rd February as part of the Queensland School Immunisation Program. Families are reminded to ensure all consent forms have been completed online prior to the day. Students are encouraged to have a good breakfast and stay well hydrated. If your son is unwell on the day, please do not send him for immunisation. Students who are sick should stay home and can be vaccinated at a later date through your GP. We thank our visiting health team for supporting the wellbeing of our boys and helping to keep our community healthy.

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