Learning and Teaching News

Welcome back to all our families.We hope the Easter season brought a chance to relax, unwind and come back fresh for another term as we move through the year.  

Parents and caregivers, we remind you to read the newsletter each week to find out what is happening regarding the curriculum at the College.  

Academic Care Team Term 2 - 2025 

Marist College Ashgrove’s Academic Care Team (ACT) works with students to track and assist their academic growth at the College. The ACT is divided into several roles:  

• Assistant Head of College - Learning and Teaching: Mr Adam Knight. Adam oversees learning and teaching across the whole College. Along with Kathryn Badini (see below), Adam has a particular focus on the senior years (Years 10-12). Adam can be contacted at knighta@marash.qld.edu.au  

   

• Assistant Head of College – Learning and Teaching (Middle Years): Mrs Leigh Jackson.  Leigh oversees the Middle Years academic programs (Years 7–9), working closely with students and staff to ensure a successful learning journey for our boys. For inquiries, Leigh can be contacted at:  jacksonl@marash.qld.edu.au   

   

• Curriculum Leader - Senior Years: Ms Kathryn Badini. Kathryn primarily focuses on student tracking across the senior school (Years 10-12). This includes the Year 10 preparation programs and subject selections. She assists boys in subject selection and with their many pathway options in senior schooling. Kathryn can be contacted at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au   

   

• Curriculum Leader - Middle Years: Mr Ashley Hutchings.  Ashley works with Middle Years students (Years 7-9) on academic success through our student tracking program.  Ashley can be contacted at hutchingsa@marash.qld.edu.au  

   

• Primary Learning Leader: Ms Jen Little: Jen works closely with primary school teachers to develop an engaging and targeted curriculum for Years 5 and 6. She tracks student progress and is focused on continual improvement for all. Jen can be contacted at littlej@marash.qld.edu.au   

The Middle and Senior Years Academic Care Team can be accessed at the Studies Office (under the Resource Centre). The Primary Learning Leader is located in the St Marcellin Centre. Please feel free to contact the relevant member of the ACT if you have any questions about your son’s subjects or overall academic progress across the year.  

Curriculum Leaders 2025

Our Marist College Ashgrove Curriculum Leaders (CLs) lead the subject areas in departments across Years 7-12. These CLs are experts in subjects within their departments and work with their departmental staff to build programs aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the Queensland Years 11 and 12 syllabuses. Please contact any of the CLs below if you have questions about a subject within their department.  

Year 10 Subject Changes

Over the break, students in Year 10 may have decided to change elective subjects. If your son would like to change his subjects, please encourage him to visit the Academic Care Office (located under the Senior Library). 

 All subject changes need to be completed and submitted by Wednesday 30 April (Week 2). Any changes after this date will be considered in Term 3. Please also note that Construction Gateways and Engineering Gateways can only be changed into at the start of Term 3. 

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 

We believe that education is a collaborative effort, and we are grateful of the unwavering support of our parents and the wider community. It was wonderful to see so many of our families gather and collaborate with teachers on your son’s success and limitations across Term 1. PTS interviews are an important part of your son’s educational journey. One that allows for a time to reflect on his strengths but also discuss opportunities for areas of growth and improvement. Please continue to reach out to your son’s teacher throughout the term to ensure he is committed to his goals across Term 2. 

Year 11 Exam Block

The Year 11 Exam block schedule will be released in the coming weeks for Tuesday of Week 5 to Friday of Week 5. 

Year 11 students will be granted study leave during this time (to study at home and only come to campus for scheduled assessments).  Any Year 11 student not up to date with all required assessment items will not be granted study leave and must remain at school. This includes meeting checkpoints for modules in Certificate and Diploma courses.   

Event information: 

 Venue: Marist College – Draney Theatre 

When: 6:00pm – 7:30pm 

RSVP by Tuesday 6 May 2025 (using booking link below) 

Invited guests: Students and Father’s (or Father figure) in Years – 5, 6, 7 and 8 

Guests will have the opportunity to visit a book stall where you can browse and purchase new books, students and their guest to read together, exciting raffle prizes, and light refreshments for all to enjoy. 

Booking link - https://events.humanitix.com/marist-reading-night-2025 

This is a free event 

Brent Wilson is a Brisbane-based author, illustrator and designer. His quirky illustrations regularly pop up in newspapers, magazines and — most importantly — funny books for kids. 

 He is passionate about getting quality stories into the hands of kids and not compromising on style and content.  Brent's latest book is Frog, Log and Dave Almost

Save the Day — a graphic novel which he co-authored with Trent Jamieson and illustrated!  

Donate a book for a child in PNG 

In the lead-up to the Reading Night event, we are asking all Marist parents to donate a book which is suitable for a child in Years 5-8. These books can be brought to the Secondary Library. These books should be in good condition and will be sent to children in Papua New Guinea through our Mission team. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

New UQ Maths Bridging Course

If you are looking to enter university, but need to fulfil a Maths prerequisite, then UQ College’s online bridging courses are available for you.   

This program is recognised as a Year 12 Maths alternative, helping you to bridge knowledge gaps and meet UQ entry requirements. UQ College is your pathway to further university study. Courses start on the 14 April 2025. 

For more information and course costings please visit: https://uqcollege.uq.edu.au/study-options/online-bridging-courses 

Year 12 Study Session

Year 12 study will still commence in Week 2 – Wednesday 5 – 8pm, in the Library for their own private and collaborative study. This is a privilege for Year 12 students in preparation for their senior assessment and a recommended study habit. In the past, students have used this time to work on their external exam study nights, prepare their drafts, or even create small study groups. Students will need to sign in and out. They can arrive and leave at any time between 5 – 8pm; but they are not able to keep coming and leaving during the night.  

Beyond Marist College Futures and Employment Expo

As part of Futures Week next term, the College will host its annual Futures Expo. This year will feature an employment section where exhibitors will show a “We Are Hiring” sign which allows students to discuss and discover employment opportunities.  

Study Tip