From the Head of College

Confraternity

This week is exciting for the College as we host the annual 46th Confraternity Shield Carnival. The term Confraternity is synonymous with the Catholic Church. The term Confraternity means to come together in fraternity, united as sisters and brothers in dignity and respect for all, being together in fellowship and as Christians, performing Christian works. Our previous Pope Francis spoke extensively about the use of the terms fraternity. He said – 

In a world facing the fires of conflict, you have to come together with the intention of reaffirming your “no” to war and “yes” to peace, bearing witness to the humanity that unites us and makes us recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters, in the mutual gift of our respective cultural differences. In this regard, I am reminded of a famous address of Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: “We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers” (Nobel Lecture, 11 December 1964).  Indeed, that is true. Let us ask ourselves, then: how can we, concretely, return to building up the art of a coexistence that is truly humane?

Pope Francis spoke of three keys to fraternity – firstly, walking in the footsteps of Christ – having Jesus as the centre of our lives; secondly, walking together in community with all humanity; and thirdly, walking positively together proclaiming Christ and the Gospel to the world. 

It is unity, love, collaboration, collegiality and fraternity with our sisters and brothers which is central to human dignity.

God of the journey, may we be people of fraternity, always spreading the Gospel through our actions which unite all people in respect and dignity, Amen. 

Confraternity Shield 2026

We welcome 72 schools to the 2026 Confraternity Shield Carnival, hosted by Marist College Ashgrove from Sunday 28th June – Friday 3rd July. Marist College Ashgrove is excited to welcome teams, families and supporters from across Queensland to our campus. Held on our beautiful grounds – McMahon Oval, Hayden Oval, Cameron Oval, Des Connor Park and also using one oval at the GPS Rugby Grounds, this carnival promised to be one to remember. We trust that this week is one of confraternity where we as Catholic and Independent schools gather together in friendship, good will and community together to enjoy a week of sport at its highest level. For many boys, this week is one of the highlights of their schooling experience. For each young footballer, what could be better than a week of rugby league and enjoying the company of others? Since its commencement in 1981, the Confraternity Sheild has grown into Australia’s largest independent schoolboys’ and schoolgirls’ rugby league carnival. With more than 70 teams and over 1,500 student athletes competing across five action-packed days, the carnival is a powerful celebration of rugby league, teamwork and collegial spirit. We expect a week of high-energy competition, great atmosphere and lasting memories. Marist College Ashgrove wishes to thank the QISSL Committee for their oversight and facilitation of this carnival along with our dedicated Carnival Convenor - Ryan Apps, Assistant – Victoria Ahearn and all Marist staff, parents and volunteers. We are honoured at Marist College Ashgrove to be hosting the 46th annual Confraternity Shield Carnival. See you all at Marist during the first week of the holidays. 

Reports and Final Grades

Congratulations to all boys who have completed their final assessments and examinations for Semester One 2026. At present, our professional staff are marking and correcting all student work with a view to distributing Year 5-10 reports this Friday. Further, all students can receive continuous feedback after each assignment on Student Cafe and parents can see these details through the Parent Orbit App. 

I encourage all parents to discuss the results and achievements of their sons with them over the holidays. Listening to their successes and challenges and setting new goals is key to the further development of your son’s academic acumen moving forward. We look forward to a collaborative approach to learning between all boys and families and their teachers moving positively forward.

Immersion Experience – Timor Leste

My best wishes are extended to our boys involved in an immersion experience to Timor Leste over the first week of this holidays, Thursday 25th June – Sunday 5th July. During this time the boys will be guest to the people of Timor Leste, spending time with, conversing, learning and exploring their lives together, enjoying meals and play, visiting the Marist Brothers and their school in Lautem and understanding their needs and the means to support them. Such an experience can change ones perspective and we hope, like the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat, that our boys will develop a heart for the dignity of all, especially those most in need. During the immersion the boys will visit significant sites in the capital Dili before spending the majority of their time in the Baucau district, where the Marist Brothers are based and several Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) funded projects are located. My thanks are extended to Lucy Naughton and Jorge Ruiz who will be accompanying the boys. Good luck and prayers for a safe journey and experience.

Mother-Son Luncheon

On Monday, our Year 12 boys accompanied their mothers to the Intercontinental for the annual Mother-Son Lunch. This occasion is always a very special one with the boys accompanying their mothers to a formal lunch in the spirit of gratitude, memories of their years at the college and encouragement for the future. The day included speeches, prayer, and an address by TV presenter and journalist, Samantha Heathwood. I thank all the boys on the positive and warm manner in which they joined together with their mothers for this special gathering and in thanksgiving to all mothers for their considerate and loving contribution to their son’s education and lives. I share some photos with you all 

Canberra Tour

The Year 6 Canberra Tour has commenced in great spirits amid a chilly start. The boys have a full program of adventure and study of the Australian political system, Canberra as our capital city, Australia at war and other interesting history and links. The boys will be visiting the following sites in Canberra: The National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House including an introduction from the Federal Member for Brisbane, Madonna Jarrett, Museum of Australian Democracy, National Museum of Australia, Government House, The Royal Australian Mint, The Australian War Memorial and Questacon. 

My thanks are extended to their generous teachers who are accompanying them, namely: Gareth Kolkenback- Ruh, Catherine Barnett, Rachael Carter, Richard Coles, Robyn Brown, Meaghan Round, Amy Sellick (Parent), Paul Dwyer, Sally Conn and Deen Mewburn. The boys will return on Thursday and can be picked up from Brisbane Domestic Airport. I attach some of the pictures of their adventures thus far.

Year 12 Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience will be occurring from Wednesday 24 June - 26 June during the holiday period. Boys will be undertaking the following work activities including: plumbing, carpentry, dentistry, electrical, heavy diesel mechanic, aviation and politics. My thanks are extended to all of the the businesses providing this very worthwhile opportunity and to Ms Heather Stabik, Mr Brandan Jansons, Ms Melissa Peacock and Ms Kirsty Payne, who have organised these activities and will connect with the providers and students over this time. Good luck and enjoy gentleman. The Year 10 Work Experience opportunity will follow from the 16-18 September (end of Term 3).

College Musical – Tickets now on sale

Marist College Ashgrove looks forward to the college musical to be held from 23rd – 26th July – week two Term 3 – ‘School of Rock’.  There will be four nightly performances: Thursday 23rd July - 6:30 pm (Opening Night), Friday 24th July - 6:30 pm, Saturday 25th July - 6:30 pm and Sunday 26th July - 2:00 pm.

Tickets are now on sale from $50 adults and $40 Concession (Child/Student/Senior/Concession Card Holder). The quality of Marist Musicals is excellent, and I am looking forward to this year’s addition. The boys are performing this musical with girls from Stuart Holme, St Bridgets Indooroopilly and Mt St Michaels Colleges. Get your tickets now! Purchase your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/mca-school-of-rock

Holiday Sports Camps

Basketball camp will be held in Week 2 of the holidays - Monday 6th July for Years 7-10; Wednesday 8th July and Thursday 9 July for Years 5-6.  Thank you to Mr Matthew Millward (Basketball) who has organised the upcoming camp which will be facilitated by the Brisbane Bullets. Rugby League have moved it's holiday camp to the Ekka long weekend in Term 3. This is due to the Confraternity Shield which is being held in Week 1 of the holidays. 

Holiday and Commencement Date

My best wishes are extended to all boys and families for a safe and rejuvenating June-July Holiday. I am sure it will be great to be able to spend quality time together with your son over the break. A reminder to all families that Term 3 commences on Tuesday 14th July. Please ensure the boys have their winter uniforms, blazers, formal hats and haircuts in good shape and order, as per the uniform regulations, for their return in Term 3. I hope all boys will be well rested with new goals and ambitions at hand for a successful second half of the School Calendar. 

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 23 June

• Border Travel Day
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• End of Term Liturgy
• End of Term 2

Wednesday 24 June

• Staff Day
• Year 12 Work Experience - starts

Thursday 25 June

• Staff Day
• Immersion Visit to Timor Leste - starts

Friday 26 June

• Staff Day
• SET Plan Interviews for Year 11 2027 (half cohort)
• Semester 1 Report Cards for Years 5-10 will be released in the Parent Orbit App

Monday 29 June

• Rugby League Confraternity Carnival - starts

Thursday 9 July

• Rugby League Holiday Day Camp
• Basketball Holiday Day Camp
• State Honours Ensemble Program - South East Queensland - starts

Friday 10 July

• Rugby League Holiday Day Camp
• Basketball Holiday Day Camp

Monday 13 July

• Student Free Day
• Staff Day
• Marist Celebrates NAIDOC Week - starts
• Boarders Return
• SET Plan Interviews for Year 11 2027

Tuesday 14 July

• All Students Start Term 3 (Winter Uniform)