From the Head of College

Inspiring our Actions – the Sacred Heart

This week, the Church celebrated the solemnity of the Sacred Heart. St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He placed a large heart on the altar at “The Hermitage” and when Brothers were sent to other nations to “Proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand” (Sunday’s Gospel - Matthew 9:36-10:8), St Marcellin would place their names inside the heart to continually pray for them. This Sacred Heart devotion reminds us that despite our failures, Jesus longs to meet us exactly where we are and pour out His unconditional love upon us. But every so often, when we fall, we run and hide. We withdraw in shame rather than bringing our weakness to Him. Ironically, Jesus is the very place where healing begins.

And why wouldn’t Jesus long for and love every person associated with our college? Over the past month, I have shared with the boys at assembly several emails and conversations I received regarding admirable actions from our boys. These included, a  mother with young children being assisted by two boys during training, an elderly lady with groceries being helped across a busy local road by our boys, another group of Marist boys staying behind to clean up after the Brisbane Marathon last week, boys who helped teachers after school pack and clean the Champagnat Centre following the annual school mass, our boys having genuine conversations with the street people of Brisbane at Rosies last week, two boys running down stairs to share their umbrella with a female teacher caught in the rain on the way to class and another offering his blazer to cover a female teacher from the rain, and a boy not just pointing in the right direction but walking with and conversing politely with a grateful visitor to the College. The smallest of actions like these are witness to the value placed on the Christian message of love as drawn from the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray that your Sacred Heart will embrace us, inspiring our actions, encouraging us when we hide from you, loving and leading us forward. Amen.

Year 12 Mother & Son Luncheon

The Year 12 Mother and Son luncheon will be held on Monday 22nd June at 11:30am at the Intercontinental Brisbane.  We are excited to host this special occasion, which provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique bond between mothers and their sons, while gathering as a Year 12 community in this final year of schooling. It is a meaningful event that recognises the shared journey and support that has shaped the boys throughout their time at the College. Such an event provides an opportunity for the boys to sincerely thank all mothers for their support, love, care, guidance and wisdom for their whole schooling journey. We welcome to the dinner our special guest and TV Presenter & Journalist, Samantha Heathwood who will be addressing the gathering of mothers and their sons. This formal luncheon is one of the treasured events of the Year 12 graduating year.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout

Across Australia, more than 122 000 people are experiencing homelessness, including families affected by the cost-of-living crisis with over 17 000 children under 12, and a growing number of older women. Many of these individuals never expected to find themselves without secure housing. The annual St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout aims to raise awareness of homelessness and poverty within our community through education. While no school-based experience can truly replicate homelessness, the Sleepout provides students with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, reflect on the challenges faced by others, and develop a greater appreciation for the security and opportunities they often take for granted. This Friday, Marist College Ashgrove will host its annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout, with 40+ boys sleeping overnight on the concrete floor of the CLE. Students will participate in workshops, discussions, and reflection activities that encourage a deeper understanding of homelessness, poverty, and social justice, while exploring how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Thank you to the staff, student leaders and St Vincent de Paul representatives who continue to support this important initiative and demonstrate our commitment to service, compassion, and solidarity with those most in need.

Final Assessments

Best wishes to all boys as they complete their final assessments and exams for Semester One 2026.  Boys are submitting their last assessments and completing their final exams as we speak. My thanks are extended to their professional and generous teachers who are marking and reporting on these final assessments. Good luck gentlemen as you conclude this important academic period.

Marist Celebrates Historic AIC Success

Our Marist historians tell me that Semester One 2026 has delivered something truly special for Marist College Ashgrove. The College has claimed outright premierships in all four major land-based AIC sports—Cricket (1st XI), Rugby (1st XV), Football (1st XI) and Cross Country—an achievement unmatched in the College’s history. Adding to this success, our swimmers also performed exceptionally, finishing 2nd overall.

While Marist has enjoyed many dominant seasons in the past—including 2009, 2005, 2003 and even as far back as 1979—those years included either shared premierships or results that fell just short of a clean sweep. Notably, rugby in 2009 and football in 1979 were co-premierships, and in other years, at least one of the major sports was not claimed outright.

This makes 2026 the first time Marist has stood alone at the top across all four of these Semester One AIC competitions—a remarkable milestone in the College’s sporting history, particularly given the long-standing nature of these competitions (Cross Country since 1975 and Football since 1989).

An extraordinary achievement, and a credit to the dedication, talent and Marist spirit of our students, coaches and supporters. Well done Marist College Ashgrove!

1st XV Rugby – Undefeated Champions for 2026

Congratulations to our 1st XV Rugby team on an exceptional season, finishing as undefeated Champions for 2026 in the AIC Rugby Competition. The team capped off their campaign with a commanding 36–5 victory on Saturday, showcasing their skill, discipline and talent. To remain undefeated across the season is a fine achievement, the first time since 2019. My special congratulations to our coaches - Mr Richard Graham (Director of Rugby and Head Coach), Mr Chris Daykin (Coach), Mr Adam Earnshaw (Head of Strength and Conditioning), Mr Drew Smith (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), and Mr Naysan Abood (Physio). Marist College Ashgrove also won the Rugby AIC Aggregate demonstrating the strength of the Program, finishing on 83 points ahead of second placed Iona on 68 points. Congratulations go to the Opens 1st XV to 4th XV for remaining undefeated this season in the aggregate competition. Saturday was a wonderful day of comradery and spirit for the College – well done Marist! Thank you to all parents and members of the College community who came out to support the boys across the season and on Saturday. 

1St XI Football Premiers – Three in a Row!

Well done to our First XI Football Team who won the AIC Football competition on Saturday outright. This is the third year in a row our First XI Football team has been premiers showing a real dominance in AIC Football. Special congratulations are extended to all the boys on the manner, skills demonstrated and efforts in accomplishment throughout the season. My thanks are extended to their excellent coaches - Mr Blair Whitlock and Mr Willem Baines on their excellent leadership, coaching skills, and pathways and development program that has been established for the boys at Marist. The boys finished the season with the best for and against of any other First XI AIC school – with 21 goals scored and 6 conceded. My thanks are extended to all the families, parents and supporters who made each week very enjoyable and positive for the boys.  

Year 9 and 10 Parent Function 

The College warmly invites Year 9 and 10 parents to attend the P&F facilitated Parent Function this Friday 19th June at 6:30pm. The venue is in the Cyprian Pavillion. This gathering provides a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with one another in a welcoming and relaxed setting and to meet the parents of your son’s friends. This is a relaxed gathering over a few drinks and some food together. This parent function reflects our commitment to fostering and building a supportive college community. Further details regarding RSVP arrangements have been communicated directly to families of Year 9 & 10 parents. I look forward to seeing you on Friday.

European Tour Parent Information Session

As we move closer to our departure for the European Tour, I would like to invite all parents and students to attend an important information session on Wednesday 17th June at 6:00pm in the College Library. I thank Lucia Del Vecchio and Christine Larsen who will facilitate this meeting along with Mr Alun Toner from Global Student Tour who will provide further expert advice. For those unable to attend in person, a Teams link will be made available so you can still contribute to the discussion and ask questions. Could I please ask that you reply via email to larsenc@marash.qld.edu.au indicating whether you will be attending in person or joining online. See you on Wednesday.

Term 2 Sports Dinner 

The Term 2 Sports Dinner will be held on Thursday 18th June from 6:00pm in the Cyprian Pavilion. At the conclusion of each term, the College gathers to celebrate the achievements of our premier AIC sports teams. This term, we will recognise the three premierships for our Cross Country, First XI Football and First XV Rugby Union Teams and the efforts of our First IV Chess Team. This special evening acknowledges the commitment, sportsmanship and accomplishments of our students, as well as the dedication of coaches and staff. Please note that this is an RSVP-only event. Invited guests are kindly asked to confirm their attendance by Wednesday 10th June in accordance with event arrangements. The College extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Matt Millward and his team for their invaluable work in coordinating this event and to Head of Sport, Scott Reaper who will be facilitating the evening with coaches and convenors. I thank and congratulate:

Convenors for Term 2:

• Chess - Tim Humphry 
• Football - Blair Whitlock
• Cross Country - Matthew Milward
• Rugby - Richard Graham 

Interhouse Athletics Carnivals

Best wishes to all boys as they participate in the Interhouse Athletics Carnival on Friday and early next term. Our dates for these carnivals are as follows: Secondary Athletics - an adjusted carnival will be held on Friday 19th June, Week 10, Term 2. We will have a limited track schedule; however, the rest of the day remains the same. Further optional track events such as the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m will take place in Week 1, Term 3.  Primary Athletics will now be held on Thursday 16th July, Week 1, Term 3. Best wishes to each of the houses and to all our boys as they strive to be chosen in the Marist College Ashgrove Athletics Team for 2026. Enjoy, gentlemen. 

Trials for Tennis, Basketball and Rugby League – Term 3 Sport

Trials for the Term 3 season of Tennis, Basketball and Rugby league commence this Saturday. The convenors of these sports are as follows:

• Tennis - Scott Reaper
• Basketball - Jonte Brown

• Rugby League - Camryn Mabey

   

Athletics season and meetings will also continue throughout Term 3. Thank you to our Athletics Convenor - Mr Richard Graham and Head Coach - Mr Rob Martin.

We wish all boys the best of luck with these trails and the upcoming season. 

College Musical Tickets on Sale this Thursday!

We are excited to announce that tickets for this year’s college musical, School of Rock, will be going on sale this Thursday 18th June at 5:00pm.

Marist College Ashgrove is proud to present this high-energy production in collaboration with students from The Stuartholme School, Brigidine College and Mt St Michael’s College. School of Rock is a vibrant, feel-good musical based on the much-loved film, celebrating the power of music, friendship, and self-expression.

Performance dates are:

• Thursday 23rd July – 6:30pm
• Friday 24th July – 6:30pm
• Saturday 25th July – 6:30pm
• Sunday 26th July – 2:00pm

Ticket prices:

• Adults: $50
• Concessions: $40

Tickets will be available via the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/mca-school-of-rock

I am sure all those who attended our last production, ‘Jersey Boys’ know the quality of our college productions. We warmly encourage all members of our community to come along and support our talented students and staff in what promises to be an outstanding production. Don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible show.

End of Term for all Students

All students are expected to attend school up to and including the final day of term, Tuesday 23rd June. This day is also a boarders travel day. The day concludes at 3.10pm.

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 16 June

• Year 7-10 Exam Block - continues
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Year 11 Sport and Recreation
• Timor-Leste Immersion Commissioning

Wednesday 17 June

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension, Economics, French, Chemistry, Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 11 Sport and Recreation
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 18 June

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Green Ash
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group – Room 801 - Break 1B 
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 19 June

• Interhouse Athletics Carnival
• Vinnies Winter Sleepout
• FQ School Futsal Championships U15
• Primary Morning Study
• All Abilities Rugby
• Years 9 and 10 Parent Function

Saturday 20 June

• Rugby League/Tennis/Basketball Trials

Sunday 21 June

• Boarder Mass

Monday 22 June

• Year 6 Canberra Tour - starts
• Year 12 Mother Son Lunch
• FQ School Futsal Championships - Opens
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group Meeting

• Paddington Community Centre Visit

   

Tuesday 23 June

• Border Travel Day
• Tutoring- Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• End of Term Liturgy
• End of Term 2