From the Head of College

The Sub Tuum

On Saturday, Marist College Ashgrove hosted the Marist Schools Australia Student Leaders Conference, Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner. We were joined by our associated Marist Schools throughout Queensland, Northern NSW and the Northern Territory. During the dinner we recognised those staff who have made an indelible mark on Marist Education at each of the schools with Marist College Ashgrove acknowledging Dr Andrew Butt who has just completed his time leading the Head of Music and subsequently the Program Leader Arts, and Mr Michael Connolly the Assistant Head of College Primary who is retiring. We are very grateful for their efforts and expertise over many years at the College - educating, caring and nurturing the young men in their care.  

As is custom, the night concluded with the singing of the Sub Tuum. Together, all the student leaders from each school, the Marist Brothers, Heads of College, Leadership Team members and associates of Marist Education, sung a united prayer to Mary, asking her to keep directing and guiding our work for the students in our care and to enable the best possible holistic education  – spiritual, academic, cultural, social and in sporting endeavours. This is a real faith statement.  

The Sub Tuum is the beginning of a Latin Phrase to Mary – ‘Sub Tuum Praesidium’, meaning “Under Your Protection.” This is the oldest know prayer to Mary, the mother of God, that the Church is aware of, first found on a 3rd Century Egyptian papyrus. Catholics have always prayed to Mary asking her for protection and to intercede to her son Jesus that he will hear our prayers. It is the simple belief that a son would never deny the request of his beloved mother for protection, guidance and assistance. The prayer is a plea or a cry for help to Mary to hear our prayers and intercede on our behalf to her son. 

At our college, the Sub Tuum is sung at all major events and ceremonies – concluding the Awards Night, graduation ceremonies, sporting games, college masses and assemblies, and sung together when we join with other Marist students in sport, leadership events and friendship. It is part of who we are, our culture, what we stand for, what we believe in and what we are focussed on – Jesus, his message and a relationship with him in all, that we do and say. Mary means “God-bearer”, and our challenge as Christians is to bear Christ or bring Christ’s life to birth as Mary did, through our lives, the people we are and the actions we demonstrate to our sisters and brothers each day. 

Mary our good mother, as Marists, may we be committed to joining you in bringing Christ’s life to birth, through your intercession. Amen. 

Prayer – Sub Tuum Praesidium 

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genitrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus nostris, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. 

ATAR Examinations 

The Marist College Ashgrove family wishes all our year 12 boys every best wish as they commence their ATAR Examinations on Monday 27th October. The full timetable of exams can be found on the following QCAA link: QCAA external assessment timetable 2025  May you prepare diligently and fully and strive to achieve your best possible effortand accomplishment throughout this important exam program. Boys who are non-ATAR and will not be undertaking these exams will be finishing their competencies for their respective VET courses, and/or completing their school-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Parents will be contacted this week with details on next week regarding times, locations etc.  Good luck gentlemen - you have all our prayers and blessings at this important time.

Year 12 Study Days 

Following our masterclasses, and as our Year 12 students approach their ATAR exams, the College has provided dedicated study days to support their preparation. These days offer students the opportunity to revise, seek guidance from teachers, and focus on their individual study needs in a calm and supportive environment at home or school. My best wishes are extended to all our Year 12 boys as they complete their final preparation prior to these ATAR exams.

Year 12 House Farewells & Final Assembly

On Wednesday 22nd October, prior to their external ATAR exams, we celebrate our Year 12 students in a series of House farewells and a final College Assembly. Each House gathers to honour their graduating students, sharing memories, laughter, and words of encouragement as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their journey. The final assembly is a fitting tribute to the Class of 2025, filled with gratitude and celebration for their contributions to our college community.

Year 11 Social

The annual Year 11 Social, which will be held on Thursday 23rd October at Victoria Park Golf Club. This much-anticipated event offers students a chance to dress formally with a partner, enjoy each other's company respectfully and celebrate together and with their peers in a relaxed and festive setting. With music, dancing, and a beautiful venue, it is always a memorable night for the boys and their partners. This is always a great opportunity for family and friend type photos. We look forward to seeing our Year 11s enjoy this special rite of passage as they begin to look ahead to their final year at the College.

AIC Sport – Touch Football, E-Sports and Water Polo

This weekend concludes the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) sporting competitions for 2025. Touch is on Friday 24th October (Primary) and Saturday 25 October (Secondary) at Iona College. On Saturday, we also compete in E-Sports (Villanova College Theatre) and on Sunday 26th October, Water Polo (Marist College Ashgrove Pool). Draws and details will be released on Parent Lounge this week. We wish all boys and their coaches the best of luck in these final AIC representative competitions for 2025. 

2025 VET & Careers Industry Breakfast – A Wonderful Morning of Connection 

This morning, Marist College hosted the 2025 VET & Careers Industry Breakfast, bringing together students, staff, and industry partners for a vibrant morning of networking and conversation. The event provided a valuable opportunity to explore career pathways, share insights, build partnerships, say thank you, and strengthen connections between education, employees and industry—all over a delicious breakfast. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the morning. In particular, we extend our sincere thanks to Robyn Gooley and her team for their outstanding organisation and warm hospitality, which helped make the event such a memorable experience. Thank you also to Sue Going, the Hospitality Team and the boys for the breakfast. 

Sextortion Program

Marist College Ashgrove has been having various conversations around Cyber Safety at School, including Sextortion. Can I recommend to you last night's Four Corners episode titled - ‘Blackmailed: The Sextortion Killers’. It is an educative, alarming and realistic examination of the all too common danger of Sextortion which is affecting young people, particularly teenage boys. This episode can be found on ABC iView.

eWaste & Stationery Aid Drive 

Thank you to the boys and staff who organised an eWaste & Stationery Aid Drive which was held last Saturday, 18th October. Cars drove through the College from Moola Road to Fraser’s Road, placing their eWaste and stationery with the boys. My thanks are extended to Kathryn Badini and Mikael Pitot and students - Tom Long, James Dee, Angus Shay, Luke Dwyer and Sebastian Kaminski for their planning, organising and facilitation of this important undertaking to protect our beautiful planet. Well done, Marist. 

Primary Transition Afternoons

The annual Primary transition afternoons will be held as follows: Monday 20th and Monday 27th of October – Team Building Initiatives and Problem-Solving Challenges, Swimming from Wednesday, 15th October, 3:30pm – 4:20pm at the College Pool (Glen Lyon Dr entrance) and Tennis (Friday Mornings) from Friday, 24th October, 7:00am – 8:00am at the College Tennis Centre.  Swimming and Tennis are ongoing. Our hope is that these activities will be engaging, enjoyable and allow our new students to meet other enrolled students and settle in quickly to life in the Secondary College. My thanks are extended to all the Primary staff who have organised and will facilitate these afternoons for our new Primary students who will commence their Marist journey in 2026.   

RACQ Drivers Learning IQ Program 

On Thursday 23rd October, our Year 10 boys will participate in the RACQ Drivers Learning IQ program, equipping them with essential knowledge and decision-making skills for safe and confident driving. My thanks are extended to Tim Walker, Pastoral Leader: 7-12 (Wellbeing) for his organisation of this educative event. 

eSafety Forum – Supporting Parents in the Digital Age 

With social media playing a major role in young people's lives, and a Federal Government ban for under-16s set to begin on 10th December, parents are invited to a special eSafety Forum to learn more about online safety and how to support their children. Hosted by Madonna Jarrett MP, Grace Grace MP, and Jonty Bush MP, this forum will feature experts in child psychology and digital safety, offering practical advice and answering parent questions. The night will be held on Tuesday 21st October, 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Kelvin Grove State College Hall (access via Gate 6 then Gate 2). Anyone who is interested in attending can RSVP via this link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/esafety-forum-wmadonna-jarrett-mp-grace-grace-mp-jonty-bush-mp-tickets-1741299546819?aff=oddtdtcreator 

This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from experts and prepare for the upcoming changes in the digital landscape.

Day for Daniel – Free Dress 

On Friday 24th October, Marist College Ashgrove will participate in ‘Day for Daniel’, Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day. Students are invited to wear red in support of this important initiative, which promotes conversations around child safety and protection. A $2 donation is encouraged through monitor, with all proceeds going to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. We thank our community for supporting this meaningful cause and helping to raise awareness in a manner which empowers and protects all young people. Thank you for supporting this important day.

Sponsorship – Confraternity Shield Carnival 

Parents and associates of the College are welcome to submit their desire to be sponsors of the 2026 Confraternity Shield Carnival to be held at Marist College Ashgrove. This carnival welcomes 58 school rugby league teams and their supporters to the College. Marist College Ashgrove is advertising Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages to anyone who is interested. Please see attached document. Email Bethany Halpin at  halpinb@marash.qld.edu.au, if you are interested in sponsoring this event during the first week of the June / July holidays, 2026.

Year 12 Boarder’s Farewell Dinner

The Year 12 boarding students conduct their annual boarders and staff dinner this Tuesday 21st October in the Cyprian Pavillion. This is an opportunity for the boys to share stories and memories during their time as boarders together. Having lived with each other closely for up to 6 years, this is an important occasion to tie together, reminisce and farewell close peers and staff who they have come to know well and have shared their lives with. My thanks are extended to Ty Casey, Jim Noble and the Boarding team for organising this important occasion for the Year 12 boarders. 

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 21 October

• VET Industry Breakfast – 7:00am
• House Meetings
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Year 12 Music Dinner – 5:00pm

Wednesday 22 October

• Year 12 House Farewells
• College Assembly – Period 3
• Term 4 Sports Dinner – 6:00pm
• PG DR1 Dinner – Grill’d Everton Park – 6:00pm
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 23 October

• Year 11 Social – Victoria Park – 6:00pm
• Year 12 Study Day
• Year 10 RACQ Driver Learner IQ – Draney Theatre
• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Study Hall – Senior Library

Friday 24 October

• Day for Daniel – Free Dress Day
• Primary Transition Morning
• Year 12 Study Day
• AIC Primary Touch Football
• Certificate II Engineering Pathways Excursion – GC500
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Saturday 25 October

• AIC E-Sports Championships
• AIC Touch Football Carnival

Sunday 26 October

• AIC Water Polo Championship
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)

Monday 27 October

• Year 12 External Exams – start
• Marist Christmas Appeal – begins
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings – Room 401
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Primary Transition Afternoon

Tuesday 28 October

• Year 12 External Exams – continue
• House Meeting – Gilroy ASH Dash
• Learning and Teaching Meeting – Tower Boardroom
• Cambodia Pre-Immersion Workshop (2:00pm–7:00pm)
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Wednesday 29 October

• Year 12 External Exams – continue
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp – starts
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly
• Middle Leader Meeting – Tower West Classroom
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 30 October

• Year 12 External Exams – continue
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp – continues
• Year 10 Immunisations
• Environment Group – Room 801
• Year 8 English Performance – The Stones (Periods 1–2)
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Friday 31 October

• Year 12 External Exams – continue
• Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Camp – continues
• World Teachers’ Day
• All Saints & All Souls Family Mass
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Boarding Detentions – BTS
• Staff Prayer – Outside Gubbins Room
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Saturday 1 November

• All Saints Day

Sunday 2 November

• All Souls Day
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)