From the Head of College

As we celebrate Father's Day this week, we acknowledge the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, teachers and the many father figures who quietly show up day after day in support of our boys. Your influence is felt strongly across the College, so important in these formative years of our boys across Years 5-12. 

Maggie Dent's research into the raising our boys reminds us of something we see across the College each day – boys learning from the men around them. They watch how we speak, how we handle pressure, how we treat people and how we put things right when we get it wrong. For boys in this 10-18 years age bracket, when they're growing fast, testing boundaries and figuring out who they are, calm, steady and genuine role modelling matters more than anything. 

At Marist, our staff try to model the same qualities we hope to see in our young men: respect, humility, kindness, resilience and a willingness to serve and to go the extra mile. To do the simple things each day – to say please and thank you. To say g'day; to ask how you're going; and to use your name. When these messages are reflected at home, boys get a clear picture of what good men look like. 

Again, using the research of Maggie Dent, a few simple things that can make a big difference:

• Be present: even small everyday moments matter. 
• Do things side by side: boys often talk more when they're doing something with you. 
• Stay steady: your calm helps them to find theirs. 
• Model respect: they copy what they see. 

• Repair quickly: a simple apology teaches courage and character. 

   

To all the men in our community, thank you. Your presence and example, combined with the formation work we do at the College, help shape our boys into grounded, respectful and compassionate young men, and eventually, good adult men. 

We look forward to welcoming many of you to the Father/Son breakfast at the John Eales grandstand on Thursday and wish our families all the best for Sunday's celebration of Father's Day. 

Student House Leaders Announced

Congratulations to the students who have been appointed as Student House Leaders for 2027. These young men have been selected to lead their Houses across Academic, Arts, Mission, Sport and Wellbeing portfolios, and we thank them for their willingness to serve the College community. We look forward to the enthusiasm, leadership and House spirit they will bring to their roles throughout the year.

Ridley House

• Academic: Jeremy Harvey
• Arts: Josh Davis
• Mission: Bay Hall
• Sport: Samuel Russo
• Wellbeing: Salem Tamer

Ephrem House

• Academic: Jack Liddell
• Arts: Alastair Williams
• Mission: Joshua Jones
• Sport: Lachlan Christie
• Wellbeing: Thomas Bedggood

Foley House

• Academic: Shehan Tenison
• Arts: Aiden O’Reilly
• Mission: Addie Mills
• Sport: Ethan Baxendell
• Wellbeing: Rafferty Austin

Gilroy House

• Academic: Joseph Niere
• Arts/Culture: Thomas Lynn
• Mission: Hamish Ansell
• Sport: Harrison Barden
• Wellbeing: Thomas Masel

Harrold House

• Academic: Jack Northcote
• Arts/Culture: Maximillian McRae
• Mission: Pat Campbell
• Sport: Aaron Murray
• Wellbeing: Fraser Ullman

Ignatius House

• Academic: Theo Calder
• Arts: Rafa Gonsalves
• Mission: Hugh Lyons
• Sport: Harry McAuliffe
• Wellbeing: Fletcher Byrnes

Rush House

• Academic: Bryce Franklin
• Arts/Culture: Lachlan Chandler
• Mission: Murphy Lunney
• Sport: Matthew Terwin
• Wellbeing: Judson Gay

Slattery House

• Academic: Clancy Barrett
• Arts: Loughlan Patterson
• Mission: Harry Grayson
• Sport: Owen Aldridge

• Wellbeing: Dusty Miller

   

We congratulate all appointees and wish them every success as they lead and inspire their fellow students in 2027.

Year 9 Exam Block Reminder

The Year 9 Exam Block is here! From 31 August to 3 September, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned, consolidate their knowledge and put their study habits into practice.

As the exams take place, we encourage all Year 9 students to stay organised, revise regularly, get plenty of rest and approach each assessment with confidence. Remember, success comes from consistent preparation, a positive attitude and doing your personal best.

A friendly reminder to put away distractions, hit the books and make the most of your study time. Future you will thank you for it!

We thank our dedicated teachers for their support in preparing students for these assessments and acknowledge the important role parents and carers play in encouraging effective study routines at home.

Best of luck to all Year 9 students. Study hard, stay focused and give it your best shot. You've got this!

Year 5, 2027 Parent Orientation Evening

We are excited to welcome our future Marist men and their families to Marist College Ashgrove for our Year 5, 2027 Parent Orientation Evening on 1 September.

This special evening is the perfect opportunity to meet key staff, connect with other families, and discover what makes the Marist experience so unique. From academic excellence and pastoral care to sport, culture and co-curricular opportunities, families will gain an insight into the many experiences that await their sons throughout their Marist journey.

As the first step in becoming part of our vibrant College community, the evening promises to be informative, welcoming and enjoyable. We look forward to sharing our Marist story and officially welcoming our newest Marist families as they begin this exciting adventure with us.

Year 7 2027 Boarding Parent Event 

A warm welcome to our newest boarding families! On Thursday 3 September, parents of students commencing boarding in Year 7, 2027 are invited to join us for a casual function at 4:30pm outside the Tower. It promises to be an enjoyable evening of connection, conversation and community.

This relaxed event provides a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow boarding parents, chat with Boarding staff, and begin building the friendships and support networks that are such an important part of life at Marist College Ashgrove. Whether you're excited, nervous, or a little of both, we look forward to sharing the journey with you and helping you feel at home in the Marist family.

A special thank you to Jim Noble (Assistant Head of College – Boarding), Meagan Loane (Director of Enrolments – Boarding and International) and Belinda Kerwin (PA to AHoC – Boarding) for their dedication and support in organising and hosting this event. Their efforts help ensure our new boarding families feel welcomed, connected, and part of the Marist community from the very beginning.

We can't wait to welcome you and celebrate the beginning of your son's boarding adventure!

Marist Long Lunch – 5 September

We can't wait for you to join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Marist Long Lunch on Friday 5 September. With the weather gods on our side this year, this much-anticipated community event is a wonderful opportunity for parents, staff, Old Boys and friends of the College to come together, enjoy great food, connect with friends, and celebrate the spirit of Marist.

Adding to the excitement this year, we are delighted to welcome Superfry’d, featuring one of our very own Marist mums and staff members, Marie Bond as part of the band. Their energetic performance is sure to have guests entertained throughout the afternoon and create a fantastic atmosphere for all.

Really looking forward to sharing a memorable day of friendship, fun and community with you all at this year's Marist Long Lunch as we strengthen the connections that make our College so special and raise funds to support the continued renewal of our beautiful campus. 

Year 9 Camp

From 7 to 10 September, our Year 9 students will embark on their annual camp at the beautiful Noosa Northshore campgrounds in the Great Sandy National Park. Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of exciting outdoor experiences, including canoeing, raft building, survival skills and archery, surf carnivals and beach games, leadership and initiative activities, and hikes through some of the region’s stunning coastal environments. 

Camp is always a highlight of the Year 9 journey, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, support one another, and embrace new experiences. We wish all Year 9 students a fantastic week of adventure, challenge and discovery.

We thank all the teachers and staff who will be attending and supporting our students throughout the camp. A special thank you to Annika Vilder for her organisation and planning. Their willingness to give their time, energy and care helps make experiences such as these possible and is greatly appreciated by the College community.

We wish all Year 9 students a wonderful camp experience and look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return.

And despite the disappointing performance of the Broncs wasn't it wonderful to see the mighty Parramatta Eels take down the Sharks on the weekend. Bring on the Dragons this Sunday. Wallabies on the up as well looking for their 5th win in a row this weekend versus Argentina.

Thanks everyone, all the best for the week ahead, Paul 

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 1 September

• Year 9 Exam Block - continues
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

• Year 5 2027 Parent Information Evening - 6:00pm – 7:00pm

   

Wednesday 2 September

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• AIC Practice Meet #2
• AIC Track and Field Meet #2 - 3:30pm
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

• Hockey Brisbane Schoolboys - 4:00pm – 5:00pm

   

Thursday 3 September

• Father's Day Breakfast - 6:45am – 8:15am
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group – Room 801

• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

   

Friday 4 September

• Student Free Day
• Year 5 and Year 7 2027 Orientation Day

• Gifted and Talented Testing Day

   

Saturday 5 September

• AIC Round 6 v Villanova College

• Marist Long Lunch 12pm - 6pm

   

Sunday 6 September

• Father's Day

• Boarders' Mass

   

Monday 7 September

• Year 9 Camp - starts
• Years 7, 8 and 10 Exam Block - starts
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings
• Vinnies Meeting

• Rosies Outreach

   

Tuesday 8 September

• Year 9 Camp - continues
• Years 7, 8 and 10 Exam Block - continues
• Year 11 Exam Block - starts
• Year 12 Trial Externals - start
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study

• House Meetings

   

Wednesday 9 September

• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Assembly Cancelled – Extended Pastoral Group

• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

   

Thursday 10 September

• R U OK Day
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• AIC Practice Meet #3
• AIC Track and Field Meet #3 - 3:00pm

• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

   

Friday 11 September

• Year 9 Recovery Day
• Tower Art Show - starts
• Primary Morning Study
• AIC Basketball Primary Round 7 v Padua College - 4:00pm

• Year 12 Japanese Dinner - Shabu House - 5:00pm

   

Saturday 12 September

• Tower Art Show - continues

• AIC Round 7 v Padua College

   

Sunday 13 September

• Tower Art Show - continues
• Brothers' Jubilee Celebration
• Boarders' Mass