Primary School News

Pilgrims of Hope 

I would like to thank all the boys who attended our Year 6 Mass on Wednesday. It was a wonderful occasion of togetherness. The Chapel of Our Lady was filled with the Year 6 cohort celebrating their final opportunity to share Eucharist in the Chapel as Primary students. In his homily, Fr Alatini spoke about the boys being Pilgrims of Hope. He shared that Pilgrims of hope look beyond to see what is possible. He continued to explain that Pilgrims of hope help others on their journey too. This was a very fitting message for our boys as they come to the end of their spiritual and educational journey in the Primary School and excitedly look ahead to their secondary years. At the conclusion of the Mass, I spoke to the boys about the importance of their cohort and how much they will depend on each other during the next six years and beyond. I shared the story of having just returned from a weekend away with six of my mates. These mates were in the same Year 5 class as me at Marcellin College, Enoggera and have remained best mates since those days. I suggested the boys take a look around the Chapel and cherish the friendships they have made because they just might be heading off on weekends with some of these same friends in fifty years’ time! 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Week 3. 

Year 6 Graduation Mass 

A reminder that the Year 6 Graduation and Mass will be held on Wednesday 26 November in the Champagnat Centre. Following the Mass and ceremony, there will be afternoon tea hosted in the Saint Marcellin Centre. Our Graduation will be a daytime event with doors opening at 11:00am and the ceremony starting at 11:20am. The Graduation should conclude around 2:30pm at which point the Year 6 boys will be permitted to leave the College if accompanied by an adult. More detailed information regarding timings and bookings will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham  

Day for Daniel – This Friday (Free Dress) 

This Friday is Day for Daniel, our annual free-dress day supporting child safety education. A gold coin donation is appreciated. As part of our Primary pastoral focus on respectful relationships and digital citizenship, boys will attend age-appropriate sessions: Year 5 will hear from ThinkUKnow (Queensland Police) and Year 6 will engage with Safe on Socials. These expert-led talks give boys practical ways to stay safe and to look out for one another online and in the community. We encourage families to keep the conversation going at home on Friday afternoon. 

Year 5 2026 Transition Afternoon 

On Monday we welcomed 65 students who will join Marist as Year 5s in 2026. The afternoon centred on low-key team-building challenges that helped boys learn names, include others, and make first connections with new classmates. It’s a gentle, positive start designed to build belonging and confidence now, with further touchpoints planned across Term 4 and into the new year.

Year 6 House Reveal for 2026 

On Tuesday our Year 6 boys were introduced to their Secondary Houses for next year. In Primary we use colours; in Secondary, the House becomes each boy’s core community - his team, traditions, and support network. Some will continue a family or sibling legacy, while others begin their own story. To ease nerves and set boys up well, Heads of House will provide clear routines, known points of contact, and regular check-ins through the transition to Year 7.

ASHBUDDIES: Marcellin Stage Prep 

ASHBUDDIES groups are busily preparing for Marcellin Stage - our “Marist’s Got Talent” style event in Week 5. The focus is on inclusiveness, creativity, and teamwork, with Marcellin Cup points up for grabs. High participation is the aim: boys collaborating, encouraging one another, and celebrating the different gifts within their buddy class. We’re looking forward to the performances and the confidence that comes from creating something together. 

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little 

Assessment Calendars

Last week, Assessment Calendars for both Years 5 and 6 were emailed to all parents and students. Please see below as an additional point of reference. A reminder that Morning Study is available to all students to work on preparation for these assessments and that finishing the year well has been very much a theme of our Term 4 start.  

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. 

Head of Primary Sport – John Lambourne

Achievements

Congratulations to Daniel Sadimenko (6R), Patrick Thirgood (6R) and Reuben Hodgson (5R) who recently participated in the Queensland School Sport 10-12 Years Track & Field Championships.Daniel ran a new PB, competing in the 12 Years 800m, finishing in 2:17.86, placing him 9th in Queensland.Patrick competed in the 11 Years 100m and also ran in the Met North 4x100m relay where his team won Gold.Reuben competed in the 10 Years High Jump, finishing 5th.

Congratulations to Daniel Sadimenko (6R) who has been selected to represent Met North in both the Aquathlon and Triathlon and to Jack McCurry (6W) who has been selected to represent Met North in the Aquathlon at the Queensland School Sport Triathlon State Championship in 2026.

AIC Sport Term 1 2026

All players who wish to play Marist Sport must register via Parent Lounge / Student Café.Parents need to approve this through Parent Lounge.

It is vitally important that all players sign up. Only those that have signed up for each sport will receive trial and training information for that sport. Team nominations and coach recruitment also needs to be done before trials begin.

Boys who have not signed up during the registration period will not be guaranteed an opportunity to participate.

Signing Up

Sign in to Parent Lounge / Student Café.; select Extra Curricular; select Sign-up Available; choose the sport and complete any additional fields as required.

Parent Approval

Sign in to Parent Lounge; select Extra Curricular; click Sign-up Now; select Approve Sign-Up and check and update medical details; click Accept; choose Update; click Submit to School.

To view the details your son has signed up for at Student Details à Extra Curricular.

Marist Rugby Union | U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Following this year’s successful participation, we are excited to announce that Marist College Ashgrove has again registered for a place in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival for U12s on April 18 and 19, 2026.

The carnival is a significant event in the junior rugby calendar, and as per carnival rules, we are looking forward to selecting a strong team of 20 students to represent the College. To ensure ample preparation for families, and for the staff and students, team selection will take place in Term 4, 2024, with training and trials scheduled for Week 2 - 5.

Due to the carnival being an age group event and not a year level event, and the urgency to start organising, we will be selecting a team based on the below criteria.

Please note, to be eligible:

• Students must be born in 2014
• Students must be enrolled at the College in 2025

Given the popularity of the carnival and based on advice from the organisers and schools who are regular participants, we have been told that accommodation will need to be secured ASAP. Students will be required to travel to Armidale and stay with their own families, and early team selection will allow time for planning and organisation. Along with the 20 students selected, an additional 3-5 students will be named as standbys which I understand is a difficult scenario for those involved.

For those interested in participating, please go to Parent Portal > Extra Curricular > XV Rugby > U12 and register your interest. 

We understand the challenge of organising planning so far out from the event and the challenges with team selection amidst Term 1 AIC sports preparations, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Ready Program

Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Doug Perrers and Mr James Trebbin are leading a five-week Scrum Ready Program in Term 4 for Years 5-11 rugby union forwards. Any students who play in the front row or the wider forward pack are invited to the Scrum Ready Program.

Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Years 5-8

DRESS: Marist sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, white / blue Marist socks, rugby boots

WHERE: Des Connor Fields, Flat 5

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.

The five weeks will consist of:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises
2. Solo with no opposition – on knees
3. Solo with no opposition – on feet
4. Solo against a machine / tackle bag
5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape. 

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions will recommence Wednesday, 15 October and will continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2026.

Year 5 (2026): Training starts on Wednesday, 15 October, and will continue Wednesday, 22 October and Wednesday, 29 October and then Monday and Wednesday afternoons, from Monday, 2 November for the remainder of Term 4.

Year 6 (2026): Training begins on Wednesday, 15 October, with sessions on Wednesday (PM) and Friday (AM).

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2025

Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.

• Goggles
• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Short Flippers 
• Mesh Bag

Marist Community Notice | Use of College Name and Uniform

There has been a recent increase in the use of the Marist name and sporting apparel in non-sanctioned competitions, such as club or social events. Please note that only teams and competitions formally approved by the College are permitted to use the Marist name, uniform, or branding. This requirement ensures appropriate supervision, insurance coverage, student safety, and adherence to College standards. 

Any group wishing to participate in external events must seek prior approval in writing from the Head of Sport. The College will review the suitability of such events and, where appropriate, coordinate official entries to maintain quality, consistency, and compliance with our codes of conduct. We appreciate the enthusiasm of our community in supporting student opportunities and ask that all follow the correct process to protect the integrity and reputation of Marist College.

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