Primary School News

Dear Primary School Parents,

One of my favourite quotes is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” I believe this is what we should aim to do when we get out of bed each day. Being kind was the theme of our Primary Assembly prayer this morning so it is fitting to reflect on how important this simple act can be for our whole community.

Here in the Primary School, kindness is one of the most important values we uphold, and it’s wonderful to see how many of our boys are leading the way in showing kindness to others every day. Whether it’s helping a friend in need, sharing a smile or standing up for someone who needs support, boys can make a huge difference with their actions.

Being kind doesn’t just make others feel good; it also helps us grow as individuals. When we show kindness, we build stronger friendships, create a positive school environment and make our school a place where everyone feels safe and valued. It’s also a reminder that no act of kindness is ever too small – whether it’s holding the door open for someone or offering to help a classmate with their work, it all matters.

There are many ways boys can show kindness to others here at the college:

• Support Your Friends: If you see a friend feeling sad or left out, offer to play or talk with them.
• Be Inclusive: Include everyone in games, activities and conversations. Make sure no one feels left out.
• Give Compliments: A kind word can make someone’s day. Compliment your friends on something you admire about them, like their skills or personality.
• Help Out: Whether it's carrying something for a friend or helping with schoolwork, lending a hand shows kindness and care.

When one person shows kindness, it can inspire others to do the same. It creates a positive ripple effect that spreads throughout the whole school. Boys who are kind set an example for others to follow, creating a caring and supportive environment for everyone.

Remember, kindness doesn’t cost anything but can make a world of difference. Let’s continue to be the boys who lead with kindness, making our school a better place for all!

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Being an Upstander – Choosing Courage Over Conformity

As we approach the end of the term, it’s important to reflect on the kind of choices we make each day. In every situation, we have a choice—to be an upstander or a bystander. An upstander is someone who stands up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, while a bystander remains silent or follows along, even when they know something isn’t okay.

In the primary school, we often talk about having the courage to do the right thing. Whether it’s including someone who feels left out, speaking up when a friend is being unkind, or making a positive choice even when others aren’t, showing courage in these moments helps shape the kind of person you become.

As the term wraps up, I encourage all boys to reflect on their actions. Don’t follow the lead of others if it’s the wrong thing to do—be someone who sets the right example. Courage isn’t about being the loudest or the toughest; it’s about having the strength to make the right decisions when it matters most.

Primary Awards Assembly – Celebrating Men of Courage and Love of Work

On Tuesday, 25 March, we will hold our Primary Awards Assembly, where we celebrate those boys who have been selected to receive a Men of Courage or Love of Work award. These awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate the Marist values—perseverance, kindness, hard work, and the courage to do what is right.

This assembly is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of our students and reflect on the importance of resilience, leadership, and character. We look forward to celebrating these achievements as a community.

Celebrating Young Talent – Alex Grealy’s Art Exhibition

Marist College Ashgrove is proud to celebrate the artistic achievements of Alex Grealy (Year 6 Maroon), an 11-year-old artist whose passion for painting began in 2023. Working with acrylics, Alex is drawn to abstract and experimental techniques, using bold colours and dynamic textures to push creative boundaries.

For his latest exhibition, "Kaleidoscope," Alex explores ever-changing patterns, colours, and emotions that shape his artistic vision. Much like looking through a kaleidoscope, his work invites viewers to see the world through a fresh, playful, and constantly shifting perspective.

Alex’s collection will be on display at Scrumptious Reads Gallery, 92 Arthur Terrace, Red Hill, from March 2nd to March 30th. We encourage the Marist community to support this talented young artist by visiting the exhibition.

Congratulations, Alex, on this incredible achievement!

Acting Primary Learning Leader – Catherine Barnett 

Term 1 - Love of Work awards

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the students who received this term’s Love of Work awards at our Primary assembly today. Chosen by their teachers, these awards recognise boys who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their learning.

This award isn’t just about achieving top marks—it’s about perseverance, effort and a commitment to always trying their best, even when faced with challenges. These students embody the Marist value of hard work, showing resilience and determination in their studies.

Well done to all of our recipients. All students are encouraged to keep striving, keep learning and keep embracing the love of work in all that you do.

Year 5

 5 Blue: Henry Tracey and Henry Krinke

5 Gold: Connor Leung and Henry McCulloch

5 Maroon: Harvey Corones and Harvey Van Tooren

5 Red: Kielland O’Brien and Jack Woollard

5 Silver: Jack Wurf and Otto Calder

5 Violet: Harry De Luca and Henry Wilton

5 White: Andre Dua and Kai McKenna

Year 6

6 Blue: Harmon Sidhu and Lewis Shirley

6 Gold: Perry Ballinger and Harry Geraghty

6 Maroon: Olivier Grammare and Matthew Hendrick

6 Red: Harrison Davis and Moses Yeung

6 Silver: Toby Patricks and Eddy Moloney

6 Violet: George Rigby and Max Davis

6 White: Ben Blinkhoff and Jack White

Year 5 and Year 6 Week 10 Excursions

A final reminder that both Year 5 and Year 6 students will be participating in an excursion next week.  All parents need to go onto the Parent Portal or the Parent Orbit app and accept or decline your son’s attendance.  In addition, Year 5 students should have bought home a Disclaimer for Gold Rush 2025 – PARTICIPANTS form. This needs to be filled out and handed back to his classroom teacher.

YEAR 5 EXCURSION DATES

• Week 10 - Wednesday 2nd April – 5 Maroon, 5 Silver, 5 Violet and 5 White
• Week 10 - Friday 4th April (last day of Term 1) – 5 Blue, 5 Gold and 5 Red

YEAR 6 EXCURSION DATES

Monday 31st of March – 

• 6 White (Ms Keir) will depart school by 8:45am and will return to school by approximately 11:30 am.
• 6 Silver (Mrs Carter) will depart school by 9:40am and will return to school by approximately 12:30 pm. 
• 6 Maroon (Mr Sharp) will depart school by 12:15 pm and will return to school by approximately 3:00 pm.

Tuesday 1st April –

• 6 Gold (Mr Midgley) will depart school by 8:45 am and will return to school by approximately 11:30 am.
• 6 Violet (Mrs Barnett) will depart school by 9:40 am and will return to school by approximately 12:30 pm.
• 6 Blue (Mr Coles) will depart school by 10:30 am and will return to school by approximately 1:15 pm.
• 6 Red (Mr Morley) will depart school by 12:15 pm and will return to school by approximately 3:00 pm.

Primary Sport - John Lambourne

AIC Swimming Championships

Top Three Placegetters

Year 5

Year 6

***New AIC Record

Results

Term 1 AIC Sport

Cricket

AFL

Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad

Training sessions continue for the remainder of Term 1. These sessions are open to all boys.

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

Term 2 AIC Sport

Rugby

Football

Sports Photographs

We are always on the lookout 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 smartphone. 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 5:00pm 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.