Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents, 

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeckruh 

As our boys continue their journey towards the midpoint of this term, the influence of positive role models in their lives is undeniable. The boys in our care are constantly reminded to be 100% Marist, 100% of the time. This is expected of them whilst they are here at school and during the time they are away from the college. At school, they are surrounded by adults who demonstrate by their words and actions, what it means to be Marist to one another. I am very proud of our staff for the way they model the Marist charism for the boys in the Primary School. One of the most profound impacts of our positive role models is in shaping boys’ attitudes towards themselves and others. There are countless opportunities for the boys to witness this charism in action on a daily basis. We all strive to get the little things right. This may seem a simple goal, but it is one that, if achieved, can lead to ongoing successes.  In line with this, thank you for the support of the communication regarding the “Basic Phone” initiatve and just a reminder to please complete the online form about this initiative. 

Society bombards our young boys with stereotypes of what it means to be masculine. These messages can be limiting, often emphasizing toughness and dominance as desirable traits. On the contrary, when our boys see adults exhibiting kindness, empathy and respect, they learn that these qualities are not signs of weakness but rather strengths that they too should endeavour to show towards others.  

Importantly, positive role models for our boys come in many forms. They can be parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, older students, friends and even fictional characters in books and movies. By surrounding our boys with diverse and positive influences, we empower them to become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to our school community, their own families and society as a whole. The power of providing a positive role model to our young should never be underestimated. 

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Marist 180 Free Dress Day 

This Friday, our Primary students will participate in a Free Dress Day in support of Marist 180. 

Marist 180 is an organisation connected closely with the Marist community that supports young people and families experiencing significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health struggles, family breakdown and social disadvantage. Through education, mentoring and wellbeing support, Marist 180 works to create positive pathways and opportunities for vulnerable young people. 

We encourage students to support this important cause as we continue to grow awareness around service, compassion and looking beyond ourselves to support others in need. 

Canberra Parent Information Evening 

A reminder to families attending the upcoming Year 6 Canberra Tour that our Parent Information Evening will take place this Thursday at 6:00pm in M101 & M102 (classrooms across from Primary Reception). 

This session will cover all the “nuts and bolts” of the trip, including: 

• Travel logistics 
• Accommodation 
• Packing lists 
• Medication procedures 

• Expectations and communication throughout the tour 

   

We understand this is a busy time of year for families. As a result, the exact same session will also be offered the following Thursday, 28 May, again at 6:00pm for families who may have clashes with other commitments. 

Families are only required to attend one session.

Pastoral Focus – Back to Basics 

As we move through the middle part of the term, it is a good opportunity for all boys to reset and refocus on the small habits that help set them up for success each day. 

A continued focus over the coming weeks will be on: 

• Haircuts and presentation 
• Correct uniform standards 
• Organisation and preparedness for learning 

• Looking after personal belongings and lost property

   

Often it is the simple things - packing bags the night before, ensuring uniforms are ready, charging devices and bringing the correct equipment - that can make the biggest difference to a student’s day. 

We encourage all boys to continue taking pride in their presentation, routines and the way they represent both themselves and the College community. 

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little 

Year 6 Study Skills Program

Following our Study Skills evening last term, Year 6 students will begin focused work during ASH lessons over the next two weeks, exploring in greater depth the study skills and strategies introduced in the presentation. Each Year 6 teacher is responsible for delivering learning on a specific skill. This term, students will engage with two of these skills, with the remaining five covered next term. Students will use a Study Skills booklet designed as an ongoing resource to support them as they transition to secondary school. The program will conclude in Term 4 with two supervised afternoon study sessions. 

We hope this initiative equips students with the essential skills to confidently progress in their learning as they grow older. I extend my sincere thanks to the Year 6 teaching team for their dedication in preparing these valuable learning opportunities for our 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. 

Primary Sport

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations to Will Barden (6W) who has been selected to represent Met North at the Queensland School Sport State Rugby Championships (10-12 Years).

Congratulations to Harry Ryan (6G) and Gus Scuderi (6M) who have been selected to represent Marist College at the Met North Regional Tennis (10-12 Years) trials.

Congratulations to Charlie Davis (6S), Henry McCulloch (6V), Lachlan McLaren (5G) and Nick Shelton (5S) who have been selected to represent Marist College at the Met North Regional Hockey (10-12 Years) trials.

Congratulations to Matthew Tracey (5W) who recently represented Marist College at the Met North Golf Trials.

West District Cross Country Trials – Top 8 Finishers

10 Years

Arlo Swenson (5M) – 1st

Thomas Lindner (5R) – 5th

11 Years

Nate Langham (5B) – 1st

Cooper Kadri (6V) – 2nd

Phoenix Bryant (5M) – 3rd

George O’Brien (5G) – 4th

Luca Bryant (6S) – 7th

12 Years

Geordie Egerton (6S)

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. We have 3 practice meets in the lead up to AIC champs.

Meet 2 - Wednesday, 20 May - Runcorn - CANCELLED

Meet 3 - Wednesday, 27 May - Curlew Park

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.

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.