Learning and Teaching News

Marist Reading Night  

What a fantastic turnout for our annual Marist Father and Son Reading Night!  

A sincere thank you to all the fathers, father figures, and boys from Years 5–8 who joined us for this special evening. We were privileged to welcome Brisbane-based author and illustrator Brent Wilson, who generously shared his journey as a reader, illustrator, and writer. His inspiring presentation traced his career in chronological order, beautifully linking his creative path to his childhood and adolescent reading experiences. Brent also kindly donated several of his books and a stunning framed illustration as lucky door prizes. 

We were also delighted to have Where the Wild Things Are bookshop with us, offering a wonderful selection of books for purchase. It was touching to see so many fathers choosing a book to share with their sons. 

A huge thank you to our College community for the generous donations to Books4PNGKids. Thanks to your support, we have a large package ready for collection that will bring the joy of reading to children in Papua New Guinea, especially those in remote and rural areas. It was wonderful to see so many brand-new books filling our donation boxes—your generosity is truly appreciated. 

Preparedness for Lessons and Upcoming Assessments 

In the Middle Years, students are learning to manage increasingly complex tasks—but their working memory is still developing. As a result, they can easily feel overwhelmed when presented with too much information at once. To support their learning, we use structured lessons, visual aids, and consistent routines that help reduce cognitive load and keep students focused on what matters most. 

A key part of this support is ensuring students come to class prepared. This means bringing essential items such as their Student Diary, notebooks in coloured folders, a fully stocked pencil case, and a fully charged laptop. These simple habits of preparedness allow students to engage more effectively in lessons and make the most of their learning time. 

At home, encouraging organisation—like using planners or breaking homework into manageable steps—can make a big difference. Not only does this help students feel more confident and in control, but it also reduces stress during busy assessment periods by spreading the workload over time. 

NCCD – Key Information for Parents and Carers 

WHAT IS THE NCCD?  

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. This year, the census date for this important collection is August 4, 2025.  

The NCCD is a collection that counts: 

• the number of school students receiving adjustments due to disability  
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.  

 (Note: The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.) 

All schools in Australia must collect information about students with disability and provide this information to education authorities.  Every school across Australia must participate in this important census.  

The information collected by the NCCD helps teachers, principals, education authorities and governments to better support students with disabilities at school. The NCCD data collection also encourages schools to review their learning and support systems and processes, thus helping schools to continually improve education outcomes for all students 

Griffith University Year 12 Academic Bootcamps 

Griffith’s Academic Bootcamps are highly effective four-day courses run in the September school holidays, designed to help Year 12 students achieve their full academic potential in their final external exams. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior science and maths subject areas, reducing anxiety around assessment and preparing students for future tertiary study.  Click on the link for more information - Academic Bootcamps.

Year 12 Unit 3 Reports  

Year 12 Unit 3 Progress Reports were released at the end of last week.  This progress report can be accessed via the Parent Orbit app (see instructions below) alongside any assessment completed and relevant feedback. Please use this opportunity to discuss your son’s progress to date and opportunities for improvement throughout Unit 4.   

Year 12 Academic Interviews   

Academic Interviews for each Year 12 student will be held from Week 6 this term where discussion around your son’s performance and progress will occur. More information about booking these interviews will be emailed in the coming weeks.  

Year 11 Exam Block  

The Year 11 Block Exam Schedule was emailed to all students and parents on Thursday 8 May and is also available on the Orbit App.  The exam block runs from Tuesday 20 May through to and including Friday 23 May. All Year 11 students are expected to attend school on Monday the 19th of May. 

 Year 11 students will be granted study leave during this time (to study at home and only come to campus for scheduled assessments).  Any Year 11 student not up to date with all required assessment items will not be granted study leave and must remain at school. This includes meeting checkpoints for modules in Certificate and Diploma courses.   

Expectations during the exam block are as follows: 

• Normal College rules apply when on campus. 
• Students must arrive to and from school in full winter academic school uniform (including blazer). 
• Students must sign in and out using QR codes. 
• Students are to travel directly to and from school without congregating at shops, outside other schools or the like. 
• Students must arrive at the exam room 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. 
• Students must bring all required equipment (calculator, pens, highlighters, charged laptops and headphones etc.). 
• Students must adhere to the exam coordinator's instructions at all times. 
• Students must bring their student ID card as well as all of their equipment in a clear plastic sleeve or container. 

As per the College Assessment Policy (and QCAA guidelines), if your son is unable to attend an exam you will need to provide a medical certificate.  Please do not arrange holidays during this time.

Students are encouraged to create a study and homework schedule each week, so this time is managed effectively. 

Year 10 and 11 2025 Subject Information Night  

Year 10 and 11 2025 subject information night will occur on Monday 26 May.  All students should attend this event with a parent/carer. More information will be provided to current Year 9 and 10 students and their parents in the coming weeks.    

Our Year 10 students are currently working on the preliminary work for SET planning in their careers ASH lessons. I encourage parents/carers of our Year 10 students to engage in conversation with your young men, to assist their forward planning. The subject selection evening mentioned above will contribute to this process, but we encourage students and families to start investigating future pathways and what may need to happen to allow them to get there. Communication regarding the SET planning process will be released to Year 10 parents shortly.    

Year 7-10 End of Semester Exam Block  

As per the College calendar, the end of semester exam block for Years 7-10 will be held from 13th to 19th of June. During this time students will have exams scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions. It is expected that all students will be present during this important assessment period. If you are absent during exam block a medical certificate is required.  Please note that once you return to school you will be expected to make up this assessment as soon as possible.   

Please note some assessments will continue past the examination block into the end of the term.

More information about exam block scheduling will be released to students and parents in the coming weeks.  

External Exam Block 

The 2025 External Assessment (EA) Exam Block has been released by QCAA - https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2025.pdf 

We ran a session with our Year 12s completing EAs this year, including a panel of Curriculum Leaders giving specific advice for their subject areas. The main advice to Year 12s at the moment is to focus on those things in their control: their sleep and diet, balance of study, work and extra-curriculars, as well as beginning to compile their study notes (particular for Maths and Science subjects). Every extra effort made in Internal Assessment now will also help to reduce the pressure on the Externals. 

If any student or parents has any concerns or wants further advice about the EAs, they are welcome to email Ms Kathryn Badini at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au .  

Marist Subject Support 

There are subject-specific Old Boy and Classroom teachers roving in the Senior Library to help Year 7 – 12 students with their homework, assignment work and general study. Please see below for the targeted times and subjects.  

Year 12 Study Session  

Year 12 study will continue this week – Wednesday 5:00pm – 8:00pm, in the Library for their own private and collaborative study. This is a privilege for Year 12 students in preparation for their senior assessment and a recommended study habit. In the past, students have used this time to work on their external exam study nights, prepare their drafts, or even create small study groups. Students will need to sign in and out. They can arrive and leave at any time between 5:00pm – 8:00pm; but they are not able to keep coming and leaving during the night.

Old Boys Tutoring List   

Please find here a list of Old Boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours.  This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link.  Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.    

Study Tip