Primary School News

Welcome to Week 4!

I hope the boys are beginning to settle into some good routines as we approach the halfway point of the term. All students are encouraged to continue giving their best effort across all subjects and with all teachers this week. For our Year 5 boys, but equally for many others, these first few weeks can still feel like a period of transition. There is no set timeline for settling in. Some boys will take a little longer to find their rhythm at Marist, and that is absolutely okay.

On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of walking the playing fields again and chatting with boys and parents involved in the cricket matches. A number of teams were playing other AIC schools, while some were competing against fellow Marist teams. It was wonderful to see the spirit and sportsmanship on display - boys clapping off batsmen, encouraging teammates, and carrying themselves proudly. Several parents commented on what an enjoyable morning it was. Congratulations to all the boys for their efforts. I’m looking forward to seeing our AFL boys in action in the coming weeks as well.

I hope you all have an enjoyable week ahead.

Early Arrivals

A reminder that boys should not be arriving at school early simply to play handball or table tennis. Staff are on duty in the Primary area from 8:15am, and where possible, we ask that boys are not dropped off significantly earlier than this, as there is no supervision prior to that time.

Star Lab 

Our Year 6 students will enjoy visiting Star Lab as part of their space studies in science. Every class will get an opportunity to visit the interactive Star Lab dome later this week, which is a giant Cosmodome Science Theatre and Planetarium with telescopes, giant screens and lasers to provide educational science presentations. How exciting! Thanks to our amazing staff for organising! 

Back to School Boost for Primary Students

The College acknowledges the Queensland Government’s Back to School Boost initiative, which provides a $100 payment for all primary students in Year 5 and Year 6 (students who are a current enrolment on 27 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.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

Friendology in Year 5 – Squashing ANTs

In Year 5, we have recently launched our Friendology unit. Our first session focused on the concept of the “Inner Ninja” — the calm, wise voice inside us that helps guide our decisions and responses.

A key strategy introduced was “squashing ANTs” (Automatic Negative Thoughts). The boys explored how unhelpful thinking can influence behaviour and were given practical tools such as pausing before reacting, using positive self-talk, and considering another perspective. These foundational strategies are invaluable as boys navigate new friendships and social dynamics.

Tuckshop Update

Last Friday’s tuckshop was particularly busy. With the tuckshop now operating from a new location, there have been a few early teething issues. While Primary students have their own designated line, it was noted that some boys experienced delays and limited options by the time they reached the counter.

We have raised this with the tuckshop team and are working collaboratively to improve the process. Fridays will always be busy, but we certainly don’t want boys missing out on food. Thank you for your patience as we refine the system.

Smartwatch Reminder

A reminder regarding the use of smartwatches in Primary. If students wear a smartwatch, it must be set to “School Mode” or aeroplane mode during the school day. Smartwatches are not to be used for messaging, texting, or phone calls while at school.

If a student needs to contact home, they are able to use the College phone at Primary Reception. Likewise, if parents need to contact their son during the day, please do so via Reception rather than through a device. This helps us maintain clear supervision, ensure student safety, and respond to situations consistently.

Year 6 Leadership Retreat

Looking ahead, our Year 6 students will participate in their Leadership Retreat on Friday 27 February during normal school hours. The day will be facilitated by Character Builders and will focus on leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and positive influence.

It is an important opportunity for our senior students to reflect on their role as leaders within the Primary and continue growing in confidence and character.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

NAPLAN – Reflecting and Measuring Student Growth

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) provides an important snapshot of our students’ progress in key areas of literacy and numeracy. These assessments help us understand how effectively students are developing essential skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation), and numeracy.

NAPLAN is not simply a test; it is a reflection tool. It allows teachers to evaluate teaching and learning programs, identify areas of strength, and target areas that may require additional support. For students, it is an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do, and to build confidence in applying their skills in a structured assessment environment. This year, the Year 5 testing schedule is as follows:

Readiness Testing

Our Primary School students will participate in NAPLAN readiness testing this week. Due to the variation in class schedules, NAPLAN readiness testing will be conducted on the following days for each class:

• 5 Violet and 5 Silver – Wednesday

• 5 Blue, 5 Gold, 5 Maroon, 5 Red, 5 White – Thursday 

   

Readiness testing is a crucial step in ensuring that all technical and logistical arrangements are in place before the official assessment period. It allows students to:

• Familiarise themselves with the online testing platform
• Practise navigating the system and using digital tools
• Ensure login details function correctly

• Minimise potential disruptions during the formal assessment

   

This process helps create a calm, smooth, and confident testing experience for all students.

Important Reminder

To ensure the readiness testing runs efficiently, all laptop computers must be fully charged before students arrive at school on the day of both the practice tests and the actual testing. Having devices fully powered will prevent interruptions and allow valuable testing time to be used effectively. In addition, students require a set of headphones to assist them on the days of testing. These were listed on the booklist for 2026 and should already be at school. We appreciate your support in helping our students feel prepared and confident as they approach NAPLAN.

Assessment Calendars

All parents and boys should now have received the Term 1 assessment calendar, which clearly outlines due dates for assessment items and exams. It is essential that your son develops the habit of recording these dates in his diary as a reminder.

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.

Primary Sport

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Morning Sports Training and Nutrition

With morning training sessions running from 6:45am–8:00am, and many boys eating breakfast as early as 6:00am, it is important that boys refuel before the school day begins.

After physical activity, growing boys have depleted energy stores and need quality nutrition to support muscle recovery, hydration, concentration, and overall wellbeing. The morning classroom block from 8:30am–11:20am requires sustained focus, and without a nutritious snack boys may experience fatigue, reduced attention, and decreased engagement in their learning.

We encourage parents to pack a healthy post-training snack—such as fresh fruit, yoghurt, wholegrain options etc.—to help replenish energy levels, support growth and development, and ensure boys are ready to perform both physically and academically.

Term 1 AIC Sport

Cricket

AFL

Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions continue throughout Term 1, please see the schedule below. Training squads are designed for boys who wish to swim for fitness as well as those aiming to secure a place on the AIC Swimming Team. While joining the AIC Swimming Team is optional, all boys are highly encouraged to participate in the AIC Prep Meets on Friday afternoons. These meets provide valuable opportunities to track progress and test training strategies in a fun and competitive environment. There is no obligation to attend AIC meets on Friday evenings.

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

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

Year 5 and 6 MCA Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 1

For further details please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au

AIC Swim Meet #3 – Marist Swimming Legacy Cup

Friday, 21 February – Marist College

TIME: 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Boys will swim a variety of form strokes and relays, details to be confirmed.

AIC Swim meets are open to all students who wish to qualify for the AIC Swimming Championships, to be held, Week 7. AIC Swim meets are run as time trials / selection meets

AIC Swimming Championships, Tuesday, 10 March

Term 2 AIC Sport

Marist Rugby Connection | Year 5 

This is an open invitation to ALL Year 5 students.

The Marist Rugby Union program is committed to a strong and genuine connection from the 1st XV down to our newest bumblebees in Year 5. Friday, 20 February, the Year 5 students are invited to train with the Open Blue and Open Gold squads. The is a wonderful opportunity to connect the students in a safe and friendly environment, and to align some of our key rugby language and philosophies.

DATE: Friday, 20 February

TIME: 6:45am-7:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

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

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

Starting in Week 5 (Friday, 27 February), Marist College is delivering a 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws, and management of safety issues such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call.

NOTE – you are not required to sign on for the Rugby Ready Program. Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury. Please see documents on the Marist app for all information including the program content, schedule and dress code. 

NOTE – if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.

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

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smart phone. This app will be used weekly 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 College 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.