From the Head of College

Despite the Challenges.....

This week, I heard a story on a podcast by Vatican correspondent, Colm Flynn from EWTN that shares an inspirational message about life’s challenges, adversity and the power of positivity.  Irish Boy Jack Barron is from a small town in County Wexford. After complications during birth, he was born with Cerebral Palsy. His whole life has been spent in a powered wheelchair. However, Jack loves speed and nothing holds him back! Jack gets on with life in his wheelchair, working daily on the farm, feeding cows and rounding them up for milking. He also loves to ride on the tractor with his brother and shares ideas on how to improve operations on the farm. After work, Jack loves hurling with his brothers in his wheelchair, chasing after fast and flying balls.

At school, Jack reads the Farmers’ Journal with his mates including advertisements for tractors on sale. He is treated just like everyone else, trying everything and wants everyone to accept him, “just the way I am.” When asked – ‘What has it been like to be in a wheelchair since birth?’ He replies, “It can be annoying sometimes that I can’t do things like others – just going places that other people can but I don’t dwell on not being able to fully participate, there’s no point – just sometimes.” His teacher describes him “as a breath of fresh air. He has a fantastic attitude and is a real inspiration to the other students. He tries everything and there’s no backing out!” 

The only thing that does make Jack frustrated is accessibility. Leading up to one excursion, his class thought it was unfair that he couldn’t participate and be included, so they decided to do something about it. Jack and his classmates made a visit to a local company – “Kent Stainless” to make a lightweight portable ramp for him to use. This was successful, and now Jack takes his new ramp everywhere in the back of his wheelchair – it is called ‘Jack It Up.’ Jack now has fuller access, even making a business out of it selling similar ramps to other people with disabilities. Jack and his classmates won an ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award for this ramp. 

Jack is an exceptional young man, and his story is inspirational. He lives life fully despite his disability and is inspiring others to do the same. He united his classmates by joining with them to create a ramp to make his life better. Despite the challenges of Jack’s disability, when asked what advice he would give to people facing difficulties in life, he says, “think on the bright side and hope things get better.” You can read about Jack’s story on Colm Flynn’s website: https://colmflynn.com and the episode is entitled ‘Ireland’s Coolest Farmer.’ 

Sunday’s Gospel - Luke 21:5-19 concludes with a similar reflection on how life can be difficult, including times of disappointment, tragic events, betrayal and persecution but with God, endurance wins. Jesus tells the disciples how to face the difficult times, “Stand firm, and you win life.”

God of the journey may all the young men of Marist College Ashgrove and their families live in the positivity of your unconditional love, strength and support, especially in the difficult times. May we stand firm and win life. Amen.

Year 12 Graduation

This Friday, 21st November we bid farewell to our Year 12 graduands – our leaders and role models of the College. The day prior, Thursday 20th November at 8.50am, the boys will gather in the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin to prepare.

Friday will commence with the Graduation Mass in the Champagnat Centre at 9.30am for all the boys and their family members and friends. The boys will receive a gift from the College at this mass. Following the mass and prayers for the Year 12 graduands, we will then progress to acclamation from all students and staff as they move through a guard of honour and parade down to the McMahon Oval Grandstand. Once at the Grandstand, all the boys and the wider community will join together for official speeches, celebrations and music. These day-time events are always special and an important occasion to thank this wonderful group of Year 12 students for their leadership and example in 2025 and to wish and pray for their futures beyond the gates of Marist College Ashgrove, as respected Old Boys. 

The day of celebrations will conclude with a dinner at the Brisbane Convention Centre where our Year 12 students will officially graduate and be recognised with their formal certificate and Old Boy’s tie. This event is restricted to the boys’ parents due to the size of the venue. The remainder of the day, all are welcome to celebrate with the boys. 

On behalf of the Marist College family, we sadly farewell this wonderful group of young men of Marist. You will be sorely missed. I trust that you will go forth to authentically live our College Mission Statement – “To love, learn, lead and serve – making a positive difference to our world.” Good luck and God bless Year 12, now Old Boys of Marist College Ashgrove. 

Year 12 Boarders’ Family Dinner

On Thursday evening 20th November, in the Cyprian Pavillion, Marist College Ashgrove welcomes our boarding parents to celebrate with their sons at the official boarding Year 12 graduation recognition ceremony. For many of these boys to have left home and boarded at Marist for 5-6 years is very significant. This is an opportunity for our Year 12 boarding graduands to thank their parents for providing this generous gift of education and to celebrate with them as they say farewell to the other boys in their dormitory who they have shared so much of their lives over this time. My thanks are extended to the Year 12 boarding staff for their care and kindness to these young men over the year, namely: Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding), Ty Casey (Assistant Head of Boarding), Brad Winchester, Michael Jones, Adam Green, Max Chandler, and Jonah Allen and to all boarding staff during our graduands boarding journey.

Standing Together on ‘White Ribbon Day’

Each year on November 25th, communities around the world mark White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day, endorsed by the United Nations, is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to end violence in all its forms against women and girls.

At Marist College Ashgrove, we are committed to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and equality. In recent weeks, students have been invited to explore how they can contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society. Through assemblies and reflective resources, they’ve been encouraged to challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and consider the perspectives of others.

These conversations are part of a broader effort to help young men understand the impact of their actions and the importance of standing up for justice—not just at school, but in their homes and communities.

As we approach White Ribbon Day, we invite families to continue these important discussions at home. Together, we can nurture and stand up for values of kindness, dignity, and courage, and help shape a future free from all violence against women.

Year 7-11 Assessments and Examinations

It is an expectation that all students are to complete all of their assessments and examinations prior to the end of the school year so as to receive their end of year report. Boys who miss the assigned date of completion or timetabled exam, will be given a new date to complete their task prior to the end school year.

Year 7 -11 exams commence this Wednesday, 19th November ending on Wednesday, 26th November. I wish all boys the best of luck as they complete their important assessments for the year and prepare and undertake end of year final exams. This is an important few weeks for all the boys, and I offer my best wishes and prayers for their preparation, study and application right up to and including the last day of this exam period. Best wishes gentlemen and thank you to your professional teachers who have prepared, will administer and correct these exams and assessments. 

Cambodia Immersion Commissioning Liturgy

Last night, in the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin Champagnat, the young men of Marist venturing to Cambodia on immersion were commissioned. This is a very special immersion which includes a visit to Br Terrence Heinrich’s (past Headmaster of Marist College Ashgrove) Marist school for the disabled young people of Cambodia (Foundation Principal). Immersions are about being guests to the culture and lives of others. Such an immersion to Cambodia will change the hearts and minds of our young men, an experience they will never forget. My thanks are extended to all the parents, Miss Ryan, Mr Pitot and Mrs Locke for preparing and facilitating this evening. On behalf of the whole Marist family, best wishes and prayers to you all during this exciting immersion.

2026 School Fees

All families should have received a letter from me regarding the fee increase for 2026.  A reminder that if you find this increase challenging, creating difficulty for your family, please reach out to our Finance Office to discuss confidential assistance or flexible arrangements – fees@marash.qld.edu.au. My sincere thanks are extended to all families for your understanding of the circumstances around this fee increase - as explained in the letters distributed at the end of 2024 and 2025.

Congratulations – Dr John Kyle-Robinson

We are pleased to share the appointment of Dr John Kyle-Robinson as the next National Director of Marist Schools Australia, commencing 27 July 2026. Dr Kyle-Robinson brings over 35 years of experience in Catholic education, including Assistant Principal at Marist College Eastwood, and Principal at both Clancy Catholic College Hoxton Park, and Trinity Catholic College Auburn. He has served as Marist Schools Australia Regional Director for NSW and ACT, working closely with 24 Marist schools since 2017, including Marist College Ashgrove in 2025.

We also take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Dr Frank Malloy for his dedicated service as National Director. Dr Malloy’s leadership has been marked by deep faith, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to Marist education. His contribution to our schools and communities has been profound, and we thank him for his years of service and guidance.

We look forward to welcoming Dr John Kyle-Robinson to Marist College Ashgrove in this new role and continuing the mission of Marist education under his leadership.

Congratulations – Marist Schools Australia Awards

We are proud to congratulate Dr Andrew Butt and Mr Michael Connolly who were honoured at the Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Regional Mass and Dinner 2025.

Their outstanding contributions to Marist education were formally recognised by Br Darren Burke (Provincial), Frank Malloy (National Director), and Mark Elliott (Regional Director). These awards celebrate their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Marist mission and values. We congratulate and thank Dr Andrew Butt and Mr Michael Connolly for their service to our College and the broader Marist community.

Year 5 Dance Workshop

We’re excited to announce a collaborative dance workshop taking place on Friday 21st  November from 9am to 10:30am at the St Marcellin Centre (primary undercroft). 

This dance workshop will be undertaken with a group of Year 5 boys from Marist and the Year 5 girls from Mt St Michael’s College. This will be facilitated by the Year 8 Dance students from Mt St Michael’s College. The Year 5 students will be placed into small groups (approximately 10) where they will learn a short dance routine designed to encourage interaction, socialisation, and physical activity. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to connect across schools and year levels, build confidence, and enjoy movement in a fun and supportive environment. My thanks are extended to Mr Michael Connolly (Assistant Head of College – Primary) and all Year 5 Teachers.

Health Alert: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

We have been notified that a student at the College has tested positive for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). The student developed symptoms on Sunday and has not attended school since. HFMD is a common viral illness that typically affects children but can also occur in adolescents and adults. It is usually mild but highly contagious, spreading through close contact and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and blister-like rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.

To help prevent the spread:

• Please remind your child to practice good hand hygiene.
• Keep your child at home if they show symptoms.

• Avoid sharing personal items like drink bottles or utensils.

   

Students should only return to school once they are feeling well, and any blisters have dried. For more information, visit the Queensland Health HFMD page.

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 18 November

• Year 12 External Exams – continue
• Marist Christmas Appeal – continues

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 19 November

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)

• College Assembly – cancelled (Extended Pastoral Groups)

   

Thursday 20 November

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues
• Year 12 Final Gathering – College Chapel
• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801

• Year 12 Boarders’ Family Dinner – 6:00pm

   

Friday 21 November

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues
• Graduation Mass – Champagnat Centre – 9:30am
• Guard of Honour for Graduating Year 12s – 10:50am
• Oval Presentation for Graduating Year 12s – 11:45am

• Graduation Dinner – 6:00pm

   

Sunday 23 November

• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)

   

Monday 24 November

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

• College Mass – Break 1B

   

Tuesday 25 November

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 26 November

• Primary Graduation Mass – Champagnat Centre & St Marcellin Centre (11:00am–2:30pm)
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)

• Years 7–11 Exam Block – continues

   

Thursday 27 November

• Year 6 Wet n’ Wild Excursion

• Year 5 Fun Day

   

Friday 28 November

• Boarder Travel Day
• College Mass – Break 1B
• End of Term Liturgy – Grandstand (2:20pm)

• Cambodia Immersion – commences

   

Sunday 30 November

• Marist Cricket Carnival – starts