From the Head of College

Last Wednesday evening we held a Father/Son reading night in the Draney Theatre. It was a packed house! We were invited to bring a book to read with our sons. Our wonderful library staff recommended an autobiography by Brad Thorn named Champions Do Extra. Many parents of my vintage would remember Brad as a towering second rower for the Broncos, Maroons and Kangaroos in the late 90s, or possibly as one of our most successful code swappers playing for the Crusaders and All Blacks in rugby union through the early 2000s. He also had a successful transition into the coaching ranks culminating in a six-year stint with the Queensland Reds.  

When Brad was finishing his playing career, he was contacted by a former club who were having a bit of a reset of their club culture. They asked him for his thoughts on excellence and on what living it day to day looked like. As our core business at Marist is forming young men I thought it worthwhile to share a sample of Brad's key messages around how to 'live' daily excellence that are well worth sharing with your son. 

• With preparation: I love the mindset of a boxer who, going into a fight, knows that he has ticked every box, paid whatever price he has had to pay, knows that he does not cut corners. He fights in the confidence that he couldn't have done more in preparation for the contest. If his opponent is better on the day, then so be it.  
• I will look after my body as best I can, with food, sleep, recovery and stretching.  
• I love competition within the team, be it at training, in the gym, playing cards, whatever. I love a competitive environment because it's good for the mindset, it helps with keeping high standards – and it's fun!  
• Caring about your teammates is a big one. It's what knits the team together. If the team is tight and we care about each other, then we'll stand strong together. 
• I get motivation out of working with others. I like seeing and being part of others improving and growing in their game. I like seeing us improve together as a unit.  
• Having fun at the right time is great for the team. I love a bit of banter and humour within the team.  
• Humility is big – if you're humble, you're prepared to listen and learn and grow.  
• Be big on actions and then your words will mean something. God gave us a hint when he gave us two ears but only one mouth,  
• My overarching attitude is: How can I best serve the team today?  
• Instead of asking 'What can I get out of this?’ ask 'How can I contribute?’ 
• And finally, I thank God that I get to play rugby, and I want to honour Him through the way I play.  

Brad Thorn p265-269 

As we continue to partner with you, our incredibly supportive families, in the formation of our young men, can I encourage you to talk through these points with your boys. They are words to live by. Also if you're looking for a good read I'd highly recommend the book. (PS - Father's Day is coming up!) Who knows – you might even learn something!  

EKKA Holiday and Student-Free Days 

A reminder to families that students will enjoy a three-day break from classes this week. 

The College will be closed on Wednesday 13 August for the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) public holiday, followed by student-free days on Thursday 14 August and Friday 15 August. Classes will resume on Monday 18 August. 

While we hope our young men take the opportunity to rest, recharge and spend quality time with family and friends, we also encourage them to use some of this time productively by keeping up with their studies, completing any outstanding tasks and preparing for the weeks ahead. 

We wish all members of our College community a safe, enjoyable and refreshing break. 

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action 

From 17 to 21 August, Marist College Ashgrove will participate in Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, joining schools across Australia in promoting positive relationships, inclusion and respect. 

This year's theme, "Small Acts, Big Impact", highlights the powerful difference that simple acts of kindness can make. Whether it is including someone in a conversation, offering encouragement, standing up for a peer, or thinking carefully before speaking, texting or posting online, every action contributes to a stronger and more connected community. 

Throughout the week, our students will engage with daily themes that encourage them to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, recognise their ability to make a positive difference, and strengthen a culture where every person feels safe, valued and respected. 

As a Catholic and Marist school, we are committed to nurturing a community where dignity, compassion and respect are at the heart of all we do. We encourage our young men to embrace the message of "Small Acts, Big Impact" and play their part in creating a culture of belonging for all. 

#BullyingNoWay #2026BNWWeek #SmallActsBigImpact #MaristAshgrove 

Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival 

From Wednesday 13 August to Saturday 16 August, a number of Marist College Ashgrove's premier music ensembles will proudly represent the College at the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival (QCMF). 

The festival brings together talented young musicians from Catholic schools across Queensland to perform, collaborate and celebrate their shared love of music. Marist will be represented by the Symphony Orchestra, Big Band 1, Wind Orchestra 1, Chamber Strings, Chamber Choir, Guitar Orchestra 1, Percussion Ensemble 1 and Performance Choir. 

Participation in QCMF provides our students with a valuable opportunity to perform at a high level, learn from experienced adjudicators and showcase the results of their dedication and hard work throughout the year. 

We wish all participating students and staff the very best for the festival and thank them for the commitment, passion and professionalism they bring as ambassadors for our College community. 

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Our next Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 17 August and provide an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to discuss their son's academic progress, engagement and learning goals with his teachers. 

These conversations strengthen the partnership between home and school and help ensure that each student is supported to achieve his personal best. We encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to celebrate successes, identify areas for growth and discuss strategies for the remainder of the semester. 

Interview booking information has already been provided to families, and we encourage parents and caregivers to make their appointments if they have not already done so. 

We thank parents and caregivers for their ongoing support and commitment to their son's learning journey.

Ski Trip 2027 Information Evening Reminder 

A reminder to families of students currently in Years 9, 10 and 11 that the Ski Trip 2027 Information Evening will be held on Monday 24 August at 6:00pm in the Draney Theatre. 

The Ski Trip is a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, develop independence, build friendships and create lasting memories while representing the College. We encourage interested students and their parents or caregivers to attend and learn more about this exciting experience. 

The evening will provide information about the trip itinerary, selection process, College expectations, and deposit and payment arrangements. 

Families are asked to RSVP via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/HdWvKrcXt7 

For those unable to attend, an option is available through the RSVP form to receive the presentation via email while still registering your son's interest in the trip. 

We look forward to welcoming interested students and families to the information evening. 

Father’s Day Breakfast – Thursday 3 September

We warmly invite our Marist fathers, grandfathers, caregivers and father figures to join us for our annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 3 September from 6:45am at the John Eales Grandstand, McMahon Oval. 

This special event provides a wonderful opportunity for fathers and sons to come together, share a delicious breakfast and celebrate the important role that dads and father figures play in the lives of our young men. It is always a highlight of the College calendar and a chance to strengthen the connections that are such an important part of our Marist community. 

Tickets are on sale today, and I encourage all fathers and caregivers to join us for what promises to be a memorable morning together. Tickets: Available via the Events section of this newsletter. For any event enquiries, please contact Sophie Tuffley at events@marash.qld.edu.au. 

We look forward to welcoming our Marist dads, caregivers and their sons for a great morning of connection and celebration.

All the best for the week ahead, Paul  

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 11 August

• Make Up Walkathon
• Year 9 Performance and Pathway Conversations - continue
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Year 5 and Year 6 Dance

• Year 7 and Year 8 Dance

   

Wednesday 12 August

• EKKA Public Holiday

   

Thursday 13 August

• EKKA Break
• QCC Music Festival - starts

• CBSQ Basketball Sophomore - starts

   

Friday 14 August

• EKKA Break
• Marist Old Boys Vintage Lunch
• Rugby League Holiday Camp - starts
• QCC Music Festival

• CBSQ Basketball Sophomore

   

Saturday 15 August

• Rugby League Holiday Camp
• QCC Music Festival

• CBSQ Basketball Sophomore

   

Sunday 16 August

• QCC Music Festival
• CBSQ Basketball Sophomore

Monday 17 August

• National Science Week - starts
• Bullying No Way: National Week of Action - starts
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings - Break 1
• Environment Group Meeting - Break 1
• Photos: Debating (6), Cross Country (1) - Break 1

Tuesday 18 August

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Photos: Academic Co-Curricular (9), Football (3) - Break 1

Wednesday 19 August

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Photos: Basketball (2), Captains (2), Golf and Hockey Teams
• Assumption Mass
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Hockey Brisbane Schoolboys - Round 5

Thursday 20 August

• Year 11 Sport and Recreation Camp - starts
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 21 August

• Primary Morning Study
• AIC Primary Round 4 Basketball v St Laurence’s College

Saturday 22 August

•  AIC Round 4 v St Laurence’s College

Sunday 23 August

• Boarders Mass