From the Head of College

A Practical Presence

The feast of the Ascension provides us with a juxtaposition of presence and absence. The Ascension is not a story about Jesus leaving us behind; it is a story about Jesus trusting us enough to stay present in a new way. Jesus was present with his disciples and ascends into heaven becoming physically absent from them. However, he promised to be present to them throughout their lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Each day, we are offered the opportunity in our lives to replicate this very presence of God, through, with, and in our world. Jesus ascends so that his love can be encountered everywhere. We are invited to live with hope, carrying Christ’s presence to the world. 

During the week, the Marist Association held its annual Marial lecture. This year the main speaker was Rev. Dr. Sarah Bachelard. Sarah is a theologian, retreat leader and a teacher in the world community for Christian meditation. She leads the Benedictus Ecumenical Christian community with a practice of silent contemplative prayer at its heart. Sarah speaks very much of the importance of prayer as a way to slow down, listen with the heart and keep as a focus God’s loving presence in one’s life. Two possible conditions where we experience God in prayer is through loss, suffering and crisis or in personally moving to poverty and simplicity rather than self-absorption. Prayer requires radical receptivity. It is worth noting however, that Sarah is very practical and suggests that in this busy world the awareness of God’s presence can be achieved by simply focusing on any undertaking or experience that we enjoy. She believes that paying real attention to anything really helps you focus on God. As theologian, Thomas Merton said, “We have everything, all we need is to experience that which we possess.” At the end of the day, it is presence through being aware in prayer, that is the key. 

God of Love, may all the young men of Marist and all members of the Marist family be ever aware of your presence with us and among us during our daily practical lives, Amen. 

Canberra Trip - Parent Information Night

The Canberra Trip returns! The four-day educational tour will take place from Monday, 22nd June to Thursday, 25th June 2026. Marist College Ashgrove staff will accompany and supervise the boys throughout the trip. The itinerary is jampacked with all the sites and landmarks attractions that Canberra has to offer. These include: 

• Parliament House – An inside look at Australia’s political system.
• Australian War Memorial – Exploring Australia’s military history and national identity.
• Questacon – Hands-on science and technology exhibits.
• Australian Institute of Sport – A behind-the-scenes look at elite sports training.
• National Museum of Australia – Understanding our cultural and historical heritage.
• Mount Ainslie Lookout – Stunning views of Canberra’s iconic landmarks.

This Thursday 21st May, we look forward to a Parent Information Night with our Year 6 families as we continue to plan and prepare for this trip. My thanks are extended to Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh and Anthony Graham for their preparation and planning of this important tour.

Marist 180 Free Dress Day

This Friday 22nd May, Marist College Ashgrove will be holding its annual Free Dress Day supporting the Marist 180 Noel Appeal. 'Marist Noel' grew from Marist180’s desire to capture the Christmas spirit for the children and young people in residential care homes with a meaningful and memorable Christmas. Funds raised will enable this to happen for these young people. This is an important Marist undertaking to support, and we thank Mr Daniel Bull (Acting Head of College – Mission) and the Mission team along with our student captains for organising and facilitating this important fundraiser for Marist 180.

Year 11 Exam Block

The Year 11 Exam Block will take place from Tuesday 19th May to Friday 22nd May. This is an important time for students to demonstrate their learning and progress across their subjects. Students are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, manage their time effectively, and ensure they are well rested for each examination. We wish all Year 11 students every success during this assessment period.

Year 12 Academic Interviews

Year 12 Academic Interviews will commence from Monday 25th May. These important meetings provide students and their families with the opportunity to discuss academic progress, review their future directions, manage their studies, re-energise their goals, and plan for the final stages of the senior year.  Students are encouraged to come prepared to reflect on their learning, achievements, and areas for growth. We value the partnership between home and school and look forward to these constructive and supportive conversations as our Year 12 students continue their journey in their academic studies towards graduation.

Parent Subject Information Night – Year 10 (2027) & Year 11 (2027)

Parents and students are warmly invited to attend the upcoming Subject Information Evening for Year 10 (2027) and Year 11 (2027). These information nights provide valuable guidance to support subject selection and future pathway planning. Throughout the evening, families will have the opportunity to learn more about subject offerings, course requirements, and pathways for senior study. Staff will be available to provide advice and answer questions, helping students make informed decisions aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals. We encourage all eligible students and their parents to attend this informative evening as they plan for the next stage of their academic journey.

Marist Debating 

Marist debating is in full swing with year level teams participating in the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Competition throughout the year. This week our Year 10 Marist Debating team compete on Wednesday 21st May at 4:00pm. Debating provides students with a wonderful opportunity to develop critical thinking, confidence, and public speaking skills, and we are proud of the commitment shown by our young debaters. We wish the team every success as they represent the College with integrity and enthusiasm. 

Performing Arts Cathedral Concert

Families and friends are warmly invited to attend our annual Cathedral Concert on Wednesday 21st May at 6:30pm. Held in the beautiful surroundings and acoustics of St Stephen’s Cathedral, this special evening will showcase the exceptional talents of our students across the College’s music program. Audiences will enjoy a moving and diverse repertoire from our choirs and ensembles, highlighting both the skill and dedication of our young musicians. This concert is a much-loved highlight of the Performing Arts calendar and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness of music within our community. We offer our thanks to our professional music staff: Catherine Wasserman, Alison Braidwood, Samantha Blakeney and Melanie Stewart as they instruct and lead our respective musical groups of students. We look forward to sharing this inspiring evening with you. Good luck gentlemen and enjoy!

Old Boys' Sports Day

This Saturday 23rd May, Marist College Ashgrove will host the Old Boys' Sports Day in the Cyprian Pavillion. The day will see our traditional games versus St Laurence’s College. Old Boys in Rugby Union and Football will return to celebrate their ten-year reunions and present our First XI and First XV teams with their jerseys. We welcome back to the College our Old Boys and invited guests from St Laurence’s College. All families are welcome to come along and support all teams in what promises to be a great day of sport and camaraderie versus St Laurence’s College.

The da Vinci Decathlon 2026

We are excited to attend the da Vinci Decathlon at Brisbane Boys College over three days of this week. This engaging academic competition challenges students to think creatively and work collaboratively across a range of disciplines. Students from different year levels will participate on the following days:

• Years 5/6 – Tuesday 19th May
• Years 7/8 – Wednesday 20th May

• Years 9/10 – Thursday 21st May

   

We wish all our boys and staff coaches the very best as they take on this stimulating and rewarding challenge, showcasing their knowledge, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. My thanks are extended to Melissa Deacon and Natalie Sones.

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 19 May, 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block - continues
• Brisbane North Invitational Chess
• Tutoring – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics, Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 20 May, 2026

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

• AIC Cross Country Meet #2

   

Thursday 21 May, 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Game Changers 9/10 Retreat
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 12 Sport and Rec – Rock Climbing
• Break 1B Environment Group – Room 801
• Tutoring – English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/Science/English
• School of Rock Rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• Marist Debating Team – Year 8

• Cathedral Concert

   

Friday 22 May, 2026

• Year 11 Exam Block
• Marist 180 Free Dress Day
• Primary Morning Study
• Year 12 Newmarket Asian Cuisine Excursion
• AIC Chess Round 4 v St Laurence's College

• All Abilities Rugby

   

Saturday 23 May, 2026

• AIC Round 4 v St Laurence's College
• Old Boys Sports Day

• Rugby Union and Football Photos

   

Sunday 24 May, 2026

• Pentecost Sunday
• School of Rock rehearsal – Draney Theatre
• Boarders Mass

Monday 25 May, 2026

• Year 12 Academic Interviews - start
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group Meeting
• Paddington Community Centre Visit

Tuesday 26 May

• National Sorry Day
• Tutoring- Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Parent Subject Information Night Year 10 2027
• Parent Subject Information Night Year 11 2027

Wednesday 27 May

• National Reconciliation Week - starts
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• AIC Football - 1st XI v St Laurence’s College – McMahon
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• AIC Cross Country Meet #3

Thursday 28 May

• Year 11 Leadership Day
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Green Ash
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Break 1B Environment Group – Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• Wind and Percussion Concert

Friday 29 May

• Primary Morning Study
• College Mass - Break 1
• AIC Chess Round 5 v St Edmunds College
• All Abilities Rugby

Saturday 30 May

• AIC Rugby Union and Football - Round 5 v St Edmunds College
• State Honours Ensemble Program
• Volleyball Intermediate Schools Cup

Sunday 31 May

• Trinity Sunday
• Boarder Mass