From the Head of College

From the Head of College

As I write this week's newsletter, the steady rain continues to fall across our beautiful campus. While the wet weather has certainly tested contingency plans, interrupted sport training sessions and left a few muddy footprints behind, it has also provided a timely reminder that growth often happens quietly, steadily and over time.

Walking around the College this week, I have been struck by the many examples of this growth in our young men. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through co-curricular pursuits or in the way they care for one another, there is a sense of purpose and maturity that continues to emerge as the term progresses. These moments often go unnoticed in the busyness of school life, yet they are the very things that define a Marist education.

As we move further into Term 4, there is much to look forward to and much to celebrate. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to help our young men flourish, regardless of the weather that comes our way.

Year 7 Day Retreat

Congratulations to our Year 7 students on their participation in the Year 7 Day Retreat on Monday. It was wonderful to see our boys embrace the opportunity to step away from their usual school routine, strengthen friendships and reflect on what it means to be a young Marist man.

Through a day of connection, reflection and personal growth, the boys were encouraged to consider the importance of relationships, gratitude and the positive contribution they can make to the lives of others. Experiences such as these are an important part of their faith and formation journey and help build the strong sense of belonging and brotherhood that sits at the heart of our Marist community.

My sincere thanks to Dave Jorna from Project Hatch, our Mission Team, staff and student leaders for the care, energy and preparation that went into making the day such a meaningful experience for our Year 7 cohort. 

Year 5 Transition Afternoons

Yesterday, we welcomed our 2027 Year 5 students to Marist for the first of two Transition Afternoons, with the second to be held on Monday 26 October.

These afternoons provide a wonderful opportunity for our incoming boys, particularly those who are new to our College community, to meet their peers, begin forming friendships and become more familiar with Marist ahead of their official start in 2027.

Thank you to our Primary staff for the care and enthusiasm they put into facilitating these important afternoons and ensuring our newest Marist boys feel welcomed and excited about the journey ahead.

Congratulations, Magnus!

Congratulations to Year 7 student Magnus Millwater (7S), who has been selected to represent Queensland as part of the 10–12 Years QRSS Queensland Track and Field Team following an outstanding performance at the recent QRSS State Championships.

Magnus qualified in High Jump and will now proudly represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under Track and Field National Championships, to be held in Melbourne from 28 November to 3 December 2026.

This is a fantastic achievement, and we congratulate Magnus on his hard work, dedication and success. We wish him every success as he takes on Australia’s best young athletes in Melbourne!

RACQ Driver IQ – Year 10 Learner Program

On Thursday 22 October, our Year 10 students will take part in the RACQ Driver IQ Learner Program, an important road safety initiative designed to help young people build their knowledge, awareness and confidence as they begin their journey towards becoming safe and responsible drivers.

The program provides valuable practical learning around safe driving behaviours, decision-making and the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel. We are pleased to provide our students with this valuable learning opportunity as they prepare for greater independence on our roads.

Day for Daniel – Keeping Our Boys Safe

This Friday 23 October, Marist College Ashgrove will recognise Day for Daniel, an important national day that reminds us of the responsibility we all share in keeping children and young people safe.

As a College, the safety and wellbeing of our boys is at the heart of everything we do. Day for Daniel provides an important opportunity to continue conversations with our students about personal safety, online safety, recognising unsafe situations, speaking up and knowing where to turn for help. Equipping our boys with this knowledge helps them develop the confidence to look after themselves, make safe choices and look out for their mates.

Students and staff are encouraged to wear red for our Free Dress Day and support the themes “Wear Red, Educate and Donate” and “Keeping Kids Safe”.

Throughout the day, students in Years 5–10 will participate in dedicated safety presentations, providing practical, age-appropriate information to help them navigate both the online and wider world safely.

Students participating in Free Dress Day are asked to make a $2, $5 or $10 donation using their Student ID card from 8:00am in the Outdoor CLE Area. At Break 1, students can also support the day through the sausage sizzle and other treats, with funds raised going to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Most importantly, Day for Daniel reminds us that keeping our boys safe is a shared responsibility. Through education, open conversations and a community that looks out for one another, we can empower our young men to feel confident speaking up, seeking help and supporting their mates when something does not feel right.

Wear red, educate, donate and help us keep our boys safe.

AIC Touch Football Carnivals

This week, I wish our Primary and Secondary Touch Football players all the very best as they proudly represent Marist College Ashgrove at the AIC Touch Football Carnivals, with our Primary students competing on Friday 23 October and our Secondary students on Saturday 24 October.

These carnivals are a wonderful opportunity for our boys to compete alongside their mates, enjoy being part of a team and demonstrate the determination, sportsmanship and College spirit that we value so highly.

My sincere thanks to Touch Football Coordinator Lachlan Gough, along with coaches Brad Winchester, Mal Grealy, Patrick Brown, Jye Davies, Simon Ohare, Max Chandler and Michael Colquhoun, for the time, energy and commitment they give to preparing and supporting our boys. Thank you also to our families for their encouragement and support.

Best of luck to all our players. Play well, support one another and, most importantly, enjoy the experience.

AIC E-Sports Championship

I wish our boys competing in the AIC E-Sports Championship on Saturday 24 October every success as they proudly represent Marist College Ashgrove.

E-Sports provides another wonderful opportunity for our students to demonstrate teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and determination in a competitive environment. It is terrific to see our boys embracing the challenge, supporting their teammates and representing the College with pride.

A special thank you to E-Sports Coordinator and Coach Mr Andrew Gibbs for his time, enthusiasm and commitment in preparing and supporting our boys. Thank you also to our families for their encouragement and support.

Best of luck to all our competitors. I hope you enjoy the experience and have a fantastic day of competition.

AIC Water Polo Championships

I wish our Marist Water Polo teams all the very best as they compete in the AIC Water Polo Championships on Sunday 25 October.

The Championships are a wonderful opportunity for our boys to represent the College with pride, compete alongside their mates and demonstrate the teamwork, determination and sportsmanship that are such an important part of our sporting program.

My sincere thanks to Water Polo Coordinator and Opens Coach Ryan Apps, Juniors Coach Joseph Cervetto, Middle Years Coach Phil Holding and Coach Grace Ryan for the time, energy and commitment they give to preparing and supporting our boys.

Thank you also to our families for their ongoing support throughout the season. I wish all our players a fantastic day in the pool. Compete hard, support one another and enjoy the experience.

MSA Arts & Spirituality Symposium

From 25–28 October, members of our College community will take part in the MSA Arts & Spirituality Symposium, celebrating the powerful connection between creativity, faith and our Marist spirituality.

The Symposium will feature expert input engaging participants in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and the written word, providing opportunities to explore how the arts can inspire reflection, deepen spirituality and offer meaningful ways to express faith and connection.

I wish all those participating a rewarding and enriching few days and hope they return inspired by the conversations, experiences and connections shared throughout the Symposium.

Year 12 External Exams 

From 26 October to 18 November, our Year 12 students will undertake their External Exams, marking an important final stage in their academic journey at Marist College Ashgrove.

I wish each of our young men every success over the coming weeks. They have worked hard to reach this point, and I encourage them to approach each exam with confidence, focus and belief in their preparation.

To our Year 12 boys, look after yourselves during this period. Get plenty of rest, eat well, arrive early and prepared, read each question carefully, manage your time and, importantly, take a breath if the nerves set in. Trust the work you have done and take each exam one at a time. Make sure you reach out to your teacher if you need any further support.

Thank you to our dedicated teachers and families who have supported and encouraged the boys throughout their senior years. I know our entire College community joins me in wishing them well.

Back yourselves, stay calm, give your best and be proud of all you have achieved.

Marist Christmas Appeal

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

From Monday 26 October to Friday 13 November, our Marist College Ashgrove community will once again come together for our annual Christmas Appeal.

This year, we are proud to support The St Vincent de Paul Society and Marist180, two organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of families and young people experiencing hardship.

Christmas is a time of joy, hope and celebration, but for many families it can also bring additional challenges. Our Christmas Appeal provides a wonderful opportunity for our boys to put their Marist values into action, showing generosity, compassion and a genuine spirit of service to others.

Families are encouraged to support the Appeal by making an online donations via Monitor and Humanitix (these will become live on Monday). Please note that cash donations cannot be accepted & we are not requesting gift cards this year.

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 20 October

• Student Monitoring - continues
• Year 12 Masterclasses - continue
• Year 11 Presentation – Wendy Mulcahy
• CSQ-FHG Site Tour - DP World
• Romero Centre Visit
• Year 5 Online Education and Awareness Presentation
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 21 October

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 12 House Farewells - 8:50am – 10:25am
• Year 12 Final College Assembly - 10:25am – 11:20am
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 22 October

• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• RACQ Learner IQ - Year 10
• Eucharistic Minister Training - Break 1
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 23 October

• Day for Daniel (wear a splash of red)
• Certificate II Engineering Pathways Excursion - GC500
• AIC Primary Touch Football Carnival
• Volleyball Junior Schools Cup - starts
• Year 11 Boarding Leadership Camp - starts
• Primary Morning Study
• Rush House Day for Daniel BBQ - Break 1

Saturday 24 October

• AIC Secondary Touch Football Carnival

Sunday 25 October

• AIC Water Polo Championship
• MSA Arts & Spirituality Symposium

Monday 26 October

• Marist Christmas Appeal - starts
• Year 12 External Exams - start
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings
• Environment Group Meeting
• Paddington Community Centre Visit
• Rosies Outreach
• P&F Meeting - 7:00pm

Tuesday 27 October

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings (Ash Dash)
• Year 10 English Dracula Excursion - 6:45pm – 9:00pm

Wednesday 28 October

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 29 October

• Year 6 Retreat
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• Year 11 Social - 6:00pm

Friday 30 October

• World Teachers' Day
• All Saints and All Souls Family Mass - 8:00am
• Primary Morning Study