From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Small Acts of Faith

At Marist we pray a litany that concludes our daily prayer: Mary our good Mother – pray for us, St Marcellin Champagnat – pray for us, Mary of the Cross Mackillop – pray for us, and let us always remember to pray for one another. In this litany, Mary of the Cross Mackillop or St Mary Mackillop is prayed to, being the first and only official Australian saint of the Catholic Church. She was an Australian nun and the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. One of her well know principles or quotes was - “We must teach more by example than by word”. This principle emphasises leading through actions and demonstrating values rather than relying solely on verbal instruction. It aligns with the idea that actions speak louder than words, especially in teaching and guiding others.

This Sunday’s reading Gospel (Mark 4:26-34), reminds us that our little daily actions for good are vital. These little actions become big actions with God’s grace. As big actions, they in turn, enable the kingdom to come here on earth, as it is in heaven. We shouldn’t be despondent that these little daily undertakings we undertake have seemingly only a small influence, but rather we should do these actions with faith in a God who uses every one of our actions, no matter how small, to become truly worthwhile. Whether a simple kind word, a smile, a helpful hand, a conversation, a prayer or just being guest to another, all these small acts and the example they demonstrate to others, ultimately creates an immense worth in our world. All our actions that we undertake for the good of God and his people are prized.

In this same spirit, we encourage our boys to undertake small modest actions for others here at Marist College Ashgrove. Through our MATES (‘Marists are taking everyone seriously’) program the boys undertake simple actions of fundraising, social justice activities, advocacy and immersions. Here are some of their endeavours -

Immersions: Timor Leste; Santa Teresa- Northern Territory; and Cambodia.
St Vincent de Paul: Winter Sleep-Out; Weekly BBQ fundraiser; Christmas Hamper Appeal; and Vinnies Cup fundraiser.
SONY Camp: Four-day respite residential camp, caring for children with special needs.
ROSIES: Supper and conversation with people who are homeless.
Respite visits at the Community Centre at Paddington.
Marist Youth Ministry Game Changer Program Years 7 to 12: A Youth Ministry Program.
Environmental Group: student-led initiatives making a difference to our college environment and the wider world.
Green Ash: students looking after Enoggera Creek on our college’s periphery.
Green Thumbs: The Primary School’s environmental group.
All Abilities Cricket: students coaching young people with varying skills.
All Abilities Rugby: students coaching young people with varying skills.
Stationary Aid: students supporting underprivileged students by refurbishing and donating used stationary.
Boarders Blitz: In partnership with St Vincent de Paul - Boarding students assisting disadvantaged residents by mowing their lawns.
St Vincent Aged Care Visits: Boarding students visiting St Vincent’s Aged Care Facility.
FareShare Australia: students help package meals for vulnerable Queenslanders, averaging 3000 meals a night, three times per term.
Various Fundraisers – with our main fundraiser towards Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS).

The student involvement is most substantial in all these varying programs with 5 students accumulating over 80 hours of social justice outreach in 2023, 40 students over 60 hours and 45 students over 30 hours. I congratulate all boys and the most generous Marist staff involved in undertaking these small initiatives which together are making a significant positive contribution to our world.

God of the journey, may all present at Marist College Ashgrove look to undertake small actions of justice and mercy for the glory of God and the betterment of our neighbour. Amen.

Student Immersion to Timor-Leste

Best wishes to our Year 11 students who are partaking in an immersion to Timor-Leste from Wednesday 19 June – Sunday 23 June. The boys will be visiting various works sponsored by Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) during their visit including education for primary and secondary students, post school training and skill development of graduands from school and the education of students at the Teacher’s College. A community of Marist Brothers live and work in the diocese of Baucau and they will welcome and accompany the boys during their immersion. This is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to be guest to the special people of East Timor and to offer their support and friendship. May I extend a special vote of thanks to Claire Locke (Campus Minister) and Mr Adam Knight (Senior School Academic Care) who will be accompanying, reflecting with, and encouraging the boys during this immersion. Enjoy this special experience, gentlemen.

Semester 1 Reports

My thanks are extended to our hardworking, professional, and generous teaching staff who are presently marking and reporting for the boys in Years 5-10 so that they receive timely feedback on their academic progress in Semester 1. Boys in Years 11 and 12 have previously received reports, and their results with comments can be found on the parent portal as they are released. The reports for the boys in Years 5-10 will be released and emailed to all parents on Friday 21 June and can be found on the parent portal. Please take the time to review these with your son, ask lots of questions and set some clear and inspiring goals moving forward together into Semester 2.

Year 12 Mother and Son Lunch

Today we celebrated the Year 12 Mother-Son Luncheon, a special event held at the Hilton Hotel on Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City. This luncheon provides a unique opportunity for the boys to honour their wonderful mothers and acknowledge the significant role they have played in their education at Marist. It also serves as a reminder of the unique and important role women play in their lives. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Rachel Rainbird, Mrs Ellen Kassulke, Mrs Bethany Halpin, and Ms Antonia Svenson for their invaluable assistance in organising this memorable event for the boys.

To relive the special moments from the Year 12 Mother-Son Luncheon, please visit the following link.

Year 12 Mother and Son Lunch Photos

or view a small selection from the day.

RACQ Docudrama

The important RACQ Docudrama was undertaken by our Year 11 students today. This docudrama goes for 2 ½ hours and is designed to engage, enable interaction, and empower students to make safer, well-informed choices both as driver and passenger. As a road safety education program, it aims to address the 5 fatal issues of – drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt use, speeding and distraction. I thank Phillip Holding (Pastoral leader – Senior School) for organising this important program for the Year 11 boys. This is an excellent education presentation with essential messages and learnings for all the boys well into the future.

Year 12 Retreats

On return in Term 3 our Year 12 boys will undertake their college retreat. This retreat is always one of the highlights of their schooling. The retreat is an opportunity to reflect and reminisce on their time at the college, their past, present and future journeys, to consider the place of spirituality in their lives and to strengthen the bonds of friendship and connection with their friends and loved ones. The Year 12 retreat will be held in four locations which the boys will discover on the day of the retreat’s commencement. The dates of the Year 12 retreat are from Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 July. In anticipation of a wonderful retreat experience, we wish all Year 12 boys our prayers and best wishes.

Confraternity Carnival 2024

Best wishes to our 1st XIII Rugby League Team who will venture to Townsville for the 2024 Confraternity Carnival. This carnival hosts some 48 Catholic and Independent schools from throughout Queensland, capturing a wonderful spirit and comradery. The carnival commences with a Mass for all schools on the Sunday evening, followed by games on Monday (2 games), Tuesday (2 games), Thursday (1 semi-final) and Friday (Final). The overall carnival is eventually divided into 5 competitions, (last year Marist College Ashgrove won the second division 9th/48 teams – winning the Bob Linder Trophy). We wish all boys and staff our best wishes in 2024. My thanks are extended to our generous staff and all our families in support who will be accompanying and encouraging the boys throughout this carnival, namely: Dallas Williams, Ryan Apps, Patrick Conn, Mal Grealy and Peter Anderson. Good luck, gentlemen.

On the way to Townsville, Marist College Ashgrove will be hosting a function in Mackay with Old Boys and those who may be interested in a boarding education at Marist. This function will be held at the Shamrock Hotel, Mackay. All surrounding Marist family members and Old Boys are welcome to attend. Please register your interest via the following link.

Old Boys' Evening - Mackay

College Health Centre

The Marist College Ashgrove Health Centre is open daily to cater for the health needs of all students in the college. Within our boarding school, we have the Health Centre visited regularly by a General Practitioner and staffed by Registered Nurses from 7:00am – 9:00pm daily and on-call overnight as required.

Our nurses provide first aid to students with injuries, diabetes, asthma, allergies etc, support our sporting teams, take our boarding students to off-site appointments and care for those who are unwell around the clock!

We thank our wonderful team of nurses for their hard work, dedication and expertise – Jane O’Shea (Co-ordinator), Yvonne Reynolds, Rebecca Treston, Jenni Murdoch, Roberta Mee, Angela McInnes, Meredith Howse, Ellie Hotston, Elizabeth Dangerfield, Camille Greig, Tracy McCullagh, Sharyn Reynolds and Deborah McDermott.

Marist College Ashgrove is proud of a first-class and professional Health Centre with a dedicated staff who always attempt to keep all the boys safe and healthy.

Happy and Safe Holiday - Term 3 Commencement

I trust that all boys have a relaxing and re-energising holiday with their families and loved ones. Do review all reports, results and comments to date and set clear and ambitious goals with your son for the second half of the academic school year ahead. Please stay safe and healthy over the holiday period.

Term 3 commences on Tuesday 9 July.

The boarding students return on the evening of Monday 8 July.

We look forward to another fulsome and exciting term ahead for the boys at Marist Ashgrove.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.