Boarding News

The last week has been quite challenging for many in our Marist boarding community following the advice that a former boarder, Talis Mark had passed away. Talis was a friend to a large number of our boarders and he had also formed good relationships with many staff members during his time at Marist College Ashgrove. One of the things I will cherish from this very difficult time is the incredible support our boarders provided for each other through their sadness. Boys comforted those who were struggling, gave each other space where needed and proved without any doubt that going through sadness and pain is easier when you have others to lean on. I am so proud of our boarder boys for the way they have looked after each other and continue to check in with those who are struggling. Our prayers are with Talis, that he is in God’s loving arms and we pray that his family are comforted at this time.

The boarders also demonstrated great support for their peers by turning up in large numbers and getting behind our Marist Swim Team in the AIC Championships. This swim meet had been postponed to last Friday due to the cyclone, but the boys did not complain about giving up a Friday night to cheer the team into a creditable 2nd place overall. They represented our school particularly well with the way they wore their uniform, conducted themselves and supported the Marist swimmers so well.

This coming Sunday, we have our annual Boarders’ Touch Football Tournament. Marist will be hosting 16 other schools that are bringing teams of boys and girls from Years 7-12 to participate. This event is a major undertaking and it has become a regular fixture on the calendar for boarding schools in South-East Queensland. As well as the spirited competition on the day, it is fantastic to see our boarders mixing with boarders from so many other schools. The Boarders’ Touch Football Tournament is a celebration of boarding and I know there are many looking forward to this Sunday. I’d like to thank our Recreation Officer, Blair Whitlock for all of the effort he has put into the organisation of this event.

As we close in on the end of term, please remember to communicate your son’s departure plan via the REACH platform. It has been a busy term and the boys are currently completing their exams and assignments. Many have also been in pre-season training for rugby union and football which is great to see. Hopefully, the boys can be satisfied with all their efforts in Term 1 and no doubt they are looking forward to a break over the upcoming holidays.

Boarding Recreation

Mr Blair Whitlock

The weekend kicked off with a huge afternoon feast before loading up the buses as we headed out to support the AIC Swimmers at their Championship races. It was a brilliant evening out at Chandler and the boys did a fantastic job supporting their Marist brothers throughout every age group. A special shout out to boarders, Noah Magoffin, Bas Martinuzzi and Aaron Bell who competed fiercely throughout the races.

Saturday saw the final round of AIC sport as the boys headed all over Brisbane for their games. The boarders were there to see the 1st XI Cricket dominate Padua in their final match to secure the AIC Premiership. Congratulations to the players and coaches and a special mention for Year 12 boarder, Jack Watson, who vice-captained the team throughout the season.

An hour in the pool and gym on Saturday led to an Ice Skating trip on Saturday night with boarders from Stuartholme and Somerville in attendance too. It’s become a real favourite for the boys over the last couple of terms and a big thank you to Mr Green and Mr Sevil for taking the boys along and teaching them a few tricks!

On Sunday morning the La Valla and Montagne boys headed down to the Flats for the Ashgrove Junior Park Run. It’s a great way to start the day and several of the boys were flying with Top 10 finishes! Later that afternoon a group of boys headed out to Shorncliffe Pier with dreams of catching massive mackerel and flathead! While our reality didn’t quite match expectations there was excitement with Callem Bambling terrified by an Eel that he caught himself, Mac Schneekloth picking on a few baby Bream and Mr Post reeling in the same hungry Puffer on multiple occasions. After a busy weekend, it was back to the dorms for some downtime before Sunday Mass and a roast!