Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeckruh

As we move towards the busy assessment period, I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of consistent school attendance. Regular attendance plays a significant role in student learning, confidence and wellbeing, particularly as assessment tasks and end-of-term learning experiences approach. Every school day provides valuable opportunities for students to consolidate their learning, engage with their peers and continue developing positive routines and habits.

At the same time, we recognise that many of our students lead very full lives beyond the classroom. Co-curricular activities, sport, music, family commitments and community involvement are all important aspects of a holistic education and contribute greatly to the growth and development of our young people. As a College, we strongly value these opportunities and encourage students to be involved. However, maintaining a healthy balance between school commitments and outside activities remains important, particularly during busy academic periods.

Thank you also to the many families who engaged so positively with the “Basic Phone Initiative.” We greatly appreciate the thoughtful feedback and support shown by our community. As the participating schools continue to analyse the data and discuss the findings collaboratively, we will ensure that further information and updates are communicated to families in due course.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support, energy and commitment to our College community. We wish all students and families well for the weeks ahead and look forward to continuing to work together in supporting the growth, wellbeing and success of every child.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

As we move through Week 6, there is certainly a growing sense of excitement across the Primary School as we begin looking ahead to many of the special events and celebrations that come with this time of year. While the term continues to be busy, it has been pleasing to see the boys continuing to settle into routines, support one another and contribute positively to the life of the Primary community.

A strong pastoral focus over recent weeks has centred around gratitude, inclusion and recognising the importance of the small everyday actions that help create a positive environment for all. Whether it be encouraging a classmate, including others in the playground or showing persistence during learning challenges, these small moments continue to shape the culture of our Primary School in meaningful ways.

Next Friday, we look forward to celebrating Champagnat Day, one of the most significant occasions on the Marist calendar, where we celebrate the life and legacy of our founding saint, St Marcellin Champagnat. It is always a wonderful day of community spirit, celebration and connection for the boys.

More details regarding Champagnat Day celebrations will be shared with families closer to Friday 6th June. You will note that although the celebrations fall on a Friday, students will be required to wear their formal uniform to school for the morning Mass and official celebrations. Boys will then change into their sports uniform at lunchtime in preparation for the afternoon activities and celebrations.

Students are asked to bring only one bag on the day containing their sports uniform, hat and drink bottle. Lunch will be provided for all students.

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion together as a Primary community.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

The Importance of Numeracy in Children: A Key Skill for Life and Learning

Numeracy is a fundamental skill that impacts many aspects of life, from managing money to problem-solving in everyday tasks. In Australia, numeracy is considered one of the key general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum, alongside other skills like literacy, critical thinking, and personal and social capability. It’s not just about being able to do sums or understand algebra – numeracy is about being confident and capable in using mathematical concepts in real-world situations.

What is Numeracy?

Numeracy goes beyond simply being able to calculate numbers. It involves the ability to understand and use mathematical concepts, processes, and reasoning in everyday life. Being numerate means being able to make decisions based on data, solve problems using mathematical ideas, and think logically about situations.

In the Australian Curriculum, numeracy is not confined to mathematics lessons. It is woven throughout all subjects, as children apply their numerical understanding across science, geography, economics, and even art. This broad application of numeracy skills reflects how important mathematical thinking is in various contexts.

Why is Numeracy Important for Life?

Numeracy is essential in many everyday tasks. We use numbers and mathematics to plan our budgets, compare prices, measure ingredients for cooking, and even understand maps and timetables. The more numerate children are, the better they will be equipped to navigate these situations confidently and independently.

A numerate child is also better prepared for future learning, particularly in areas like science and technology, where math plays a critical role. For example, understanding how percentages work can help children with understanding interest rates in banking or how to calculate discounts during shopping.

Building Strong Mathematical Foundations

At the heart of numeracy is the understanding of basic number facts and mathematical procedures. A strong grasp of these basic skills is essential for further mathematical learning, as it sets the foundation for more complex concepts.

Basic Number Facts

Number facts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tables are essential building blocks in mathematics. Children who can recall these facts quickly and accurately are able to focus their energy on solving more complex problems, instead of spending time trying to remember basic facts. For example, knowing that 6 x 7 = 42 means that a child can solve problems involving multiplication faster, enabling them to focus on more advanced mathematical thinking.

Multiplicative Thinking

Multiplicative thinking, or the ability to understand and apply multiplication and division, is another important concept in numeracy. It helps children to work with larger numbers, fractions, and percentages, and forms the basis for more complex mathematical operations like algebra and ratio. Students who develop strong multiplicative thinking skills early on tend to perform better in mathematics in later years, and are better equipped to understand concepts that rely on these skills, such as measurement and problem-solving.

How Can Parents Help Build Numeracy Skills at Home?

Parents play a key role in supporting the development of numeracy skills. There are many simple and fun ways to help children build their mathematical confidence at home. Here are some ideas:

1. Incorporate Math into Daily Activities Use everyday activities to practice numbers. For example, when cooking, ask your child to measure ingredients or calculate cooking times. When grocery shopping, ask them to compare prices or work out the total cost of multiple items.
2. Play Math Games Board games like Monopoly, Yahtzee, or card games such as Uno can help children practice number recognition, counting, and strategy. Many of these games also promote problem-solving skills.
3. Talk About Numbers Discuss numbers in your daily life. Ask questions like, "How many minutes until we get there?" or "How many days until your birthday?" This encourages children to use numbers in real-world situations.
4. Practice Mental Math Help your child practice simple mental arithmetic. For example, ask them to mentally add or subtract numbers during a car ride or while waiting in line at the store. The more they practice, the quicker they will recall number facts.

5. Create a Math-Friendly Environment Surround your child with opportunities to explore numbers. Label objects in the house with their quantities, such as the number of steps in a staircase or the number of chairs at the table. Use puzzles or apps that challenge them to think mathematically.

    

Useful Websites and Resources

There are plenty of websites and online tools that make learning numeracy fun and interactive. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Mathletics (www.mathletics.com.au)
2. Prodigy Math (www.prodigygame.com)
3. Cool Math Games (www.coolmathgames.com)
4. IXL (www.ixl.com)
5. YouCubed (https://www.youcubed.org)
6. Math is Visual (https://mathisvisual.com)
7. NRICH (https://nrich.maths.org)

8. WODB (Which one doesn’t belong) (https://wodb.ca)

    

Numeracy is much more than just math – it's a life skill that helps children solve problems, make informed decisions, and understand the world around them. By building a solid foundation of number facts, multiplication, and problem-solving strategies, children can develop the mathematical confidence they need to succeed. Parents can play a significant role in this by incorporating numeracy into everyday life, creating a math-friendly environment, and using interactive resources to make learning fun. Ultimately, fostering numeracy skills ensures children are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Round Robin Debating and Public Speaking – MCA/SLC/PC/LC 

Public Speaking: Congratulations to the following students who participated in the second Round Robin Competition at St Laurence’s College against Ambrose Treacey: Robert Neller, Owen Frost, Luca Mian, Nicholas Rush, Arahan Bhatia, Harrison Dillon, Lachlan Bradford and Monty Walsh. Special congratulations go to Arahan on his Speaker of the Night Award. The boys will compete in their final round next Tuesday evening.

Debating

Our two Year 6 debating teams achieved success in the second round of their debating competition last Tuesday evening against Padua. The boy’s speaking and critical thinking skills are developing beautifully, along with their strong arguments and clear delivery. The boys should be very proud of their achievement.

Well done boys!

Team 1 

The team consists of Ben Cipriano, Ryan Noronha, Preston Gallagher-Beck and Seb Baker.

They debated the negative.

Ryan Noronha was awarded “Speaker of the Night”.

Congratulations boys! 

Team 2 

The team consists of Colin Cooper, Andre Dua, Case Purcell and Henry Krinke.

They debated the affirmative.

Henry Krinke was awarded “Speaker of the Night”.

Well done boys!

Morning Study

Please note an updated time for our supervised Morning Study arrangements. Morning Study will operate in the Primary CLE from 7:40–8:10am, Monday to Friday. This space provides a quiet environment for students to complete homework and/ or study. 

Morning Study is open to all students; however, the level of support offered will vary depending on the number of students attending on any given day. Students who wish to enhance their learning through a regular weekly study routine, particularly by using resources from their OneNote, will find this an ideal venue.

Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Winners

Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus in the Primary. Congratulations to the following classes for their success last week.

Head of Sport (Primary) - Mr John Lambourne

Achievements

Petfield Shield 

Well done to our Marist Primary cross-country runners who competed in the Annual Petfield Shield Cross Country Championships, held at Dorrington Park last week. We had 17 runners complete the event, with Marist coming out on top, retaining the Years 4-6 boy’s trophy! Special mention to Geordie Egerton – 2nd and Phoenix Bryant – 3rd in the boy’s event!

Term 2 AIC Sport

Rugby

Football

Cross Country

AIC Cross Country Championships – Wednesday, 3 June

Term 2 Training Schedule

AIC Practice Meets 

AIC Practice Meets are a crucial preparation event for our AIC Cross Country Squad; it is vital that boys attend these meets to gain race experience amongst other AIC schools and begin to gain a better understanding of race tactics. 

A bus will be provided for students travelling to and from this event, the bus will depart at 3:00pm and return at 6:00pm (approx.).

AIC Cross Country Championships – Team Selections 

Please note that each grade will have 12 runners selected to represent Marist at the Championships. In addition to these 12 selected runners, reserves may be listed to travel with the squad on the day.

Term 3 AIC Sport

Term 3 AIC Sport Sign-on for AIC Basketball, AIC Rugby League and AIC Tennis is now available.

Term 3 AIC Sport

The Term 3 sports on offer are Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.

Please note that numbers are limited in each of these sports and that boys are only able to participate in one Term 3 AIC team sport.

Parents, please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students can sign up via the Student Café. Once your son/s have signed up parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels. 

Sign up will close at the end of Week 7 this Term – June 5.

Trial details will be published on Parent Orbit.

Boys may also choose to participate in track & field; boys of all abilities are welcome to attend track training sessions.

Basketball – Maximum 40 boys / grade

Trials will begin in Week 8 – further details to follow.

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Uniform: Marist Basketball singlet, Marist Sport shorts & blue Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Friday evening.

Training twice / week.

Tennis – Maximum 8 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Tennis polo, Marist Tennis shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning – please be aware that there may be Friday evening fixtures in 2026

Training twice / week.

Rugby League – Maximum 30 boys Year 5 and 34 boys Year 6

Trials will begin in week 9 – further details to follow.

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Uniform: Marist rugby league jersey, Marist rugby shorts & Marist team sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning.

Training twice / week.

Track & Field

There are 4 AIC T&F meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships.

• Thursday, August 27
• Wednesday, September 2
• Thursday, September 10

• Wednesday, September 16

   

AIC Championships – Thursday, 8 & Friday, 9 October – QSAC.

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Track and Field training begins in Term 3; T&F training is twice a week.

Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays.

Track & Field

Sunday Sessions

Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction to Marist Track & Field. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment.

Some benefits include:

1. Improvement in technique and speed.

2. Technical development for throws.

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sports shorts, Marist Sport white or blue socks.

Sports Training and Clashes

With a myriad of opportunities on offer for the students, clashes are unavoidable but never a problem if communicated.

Families are reminded that cocurricular activities should not impede on any student’s academic performance.

If sports training clashes with music or morning tutoring it is asked that boys alternate from week to week.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out 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

Parent Orbit App

Please ensure that you download the Parent Orbit app to your smart phone. This app will be used 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 Parent Orbit 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 5:00pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5:15pm 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.