Primary School News

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh

Choosing Connection: Supporting Our Boys to Thrive Without Smartphones

One of the clearest messages from our Term 2 Parent Survey was that our community wants to think differently about the role of smartphones in the lives of our boys.

The response was significant, with 407 families participating. Of these, 84.3% indicated that they support or strongly support the Basic Phone Initiative, while 80.3% said they would be likely or very likely to adopt the recommendation. Importantly, 76.2% said they would consider a basic phone, or no phone- for their son during Years 5–7.

Perhaps most encouraging is the strong message behind these figures. Families are not simply asking us to take phones away; they are telling us that they value connection, wellbeing, focus, safety and the opportunity for their sons to grow without the pressures that can come with early smartphone use. Families identified reduced social media exposure, less peer pressure and group-chat drama, better focus and learning, mental wellbeing, safety and communication, and collective parent action as important reasons for supporting the initiative.

At Marist, we want our boys to look up, not down. We want them talking to each other, playing together, solving problems, building friendships and enjoying the freedom that comes from being present in the world around them. We know that boys thrive when they experience genuine relationships, belonging and connection and this is something we want to protect and strengthen as a community.

The survey also showed that most families would prefer to delay the introduction of smartphones until Year 10 or later, with 43% nominating Year 10 or later as their preferred starting point.

This is not something the College can achieve on its own. It requires all of us. If we are going to create an environment where our boys are less dependent on smart devices, then we need to support one another — the College, parents and, importantly, the boys themselves. We recognise that this is not always easy, and that technology is an important part of modern life. The goal is not to reject technology, but to ensure that it serves our boys rather than becoming something that controls their attention, relationships and time.

The message from our Term 2 survey is therefore a positive one: our community appears ready to work together. We have an opportunity to make a collective choice about the childhood and adolescence we want for our boys — one that prioritises friendship, conversation, play, learning, wellbeing and genuine human connection.

Together as one, we can create a community where our boys spend less time connected to devices and more time connected to each other.

Stronger families. Stronger community. And probably some lessons we should take on as the adults and how we conduct ourselves on our phones.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

There is plenty happening across the Primary School this week as we continue through another busy part of the term.

This evening, we look forward to welcoming our 2027 Year 5 parents to the College for their Parent Information Evening. It is an exciting milestone for our incoming families and the beginning of their transition into the Marist community. This Friday, it will be the boys’ turn, with 195 eager Year 5 students joining us for their Orientation Day. Our staff and Year 6 leaders are looking forward to welcoming them, helping settle a few nerves and ensuring their first experience of the Primary School is a positive one.

This Thursday also marks the final catch-up between our Primary boys and their Year 12 buddies. The buddy program provides a special connection between our youngest and oldest students, and this week the Primary boys will interview their Year 12 buddies and create graduation posters for them. This continues a tradition that has been part of the College for more than 30 years and provides a fitting opportunity for our boys to hear the stories, memories and advice of those coming to the end of their Marist journey.

Looking ahead, our Primary Awards Assembly will be held next Tuesday from 8:45am in the Podium area. This will be another opportunity to recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of our boys across the Primary School. Parents of students receiving an award will be emailed in advance and are warmly invited to join us for the assembly.

As the term continues, there is certainly plenty happening! Thank you to our families for continuing to support the boys with the routines and consistency that help them arrive each day ready to learn, participate and make the most of the many opportunities available to them.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Pupil Free Day this Friday

This Friday will be a Pupil Free Day for all Primary students. During this time, Primary staff will be involved in the incoming Year 5, 2027 Orientation Day. We hope that students have a restful long weekend. Please see information below about laptop devices and chargers that will be required for our Orientation. 

Laptops and Chargers

This Thursday, we are asking all children in Years 5 and 6 to leave their laptop device and charger at school over the long weekend. These devices will be used to complete important testing for our incoming Year 5 2027 students. It is important that all students in Primary have both their laptop and charger at school on Thursday of this week.

Focus and Organisation

As we approach the end of the term, I thought it might be important to provide a timely reminder about school requirements. With students becoming increasingly fatigued, there has been a noticeable decline in focus and organisation in some classes which is impacting both schoolwork and homework. As partners in the learning journey, we would appreciate your support in reminding your sons of the following:

1. Students are expected to be fully engaged in class and to respect the learning environment.
2. Organisation is key. We have noticed that some students are frequently arriving without charged computers, and missing stationery has become a recurring issue. Please check with your sons to ensure they have everything they need for school.
3. Punctuality is essential. Some students are arriving late to school, while others are consistently tardy after breaks. Please note that this is time we cannot get back, and it does impact learning. 

4. Quality homework is a non-negotiable expectation. Poor quality homework is tantamount to incomplete homework. Deadlines must be respected, and students should take homework seriously. In some cases, we have had students completing homework tasks well below what would be considered the expected minimum time. Others have not completed homework at all. This is unacceptable, and it flies in the face of our core values. If completing homework at home is challenging, we offer a morning study room in which students can be supervised, as well as access to the senior library (Monday to Thursday, until 5pm).

    

By focusing on these small but important details, we can make a meaningful impact on the overall quality of learning.

Morning Study

Please note the 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.

Program Leader: Primary Sport – Matt Green

Met North Track and Field

A big congratulations to the following boys who gained selection in the Met North Team to participate in the 2026 Queensland Representative School Sport Track and Field Titles on 12 to 14 October 2026.

Patrick Caughley- U10 High Jump

Arlo Sweson- U10 1500m and 800m

Leo Mylne- U12 200m

Cooper Kadri- U11 800m

Met North Baseball

A big congratulations to Year 6 student Kai McKenna who was chosen to represent the U12-14 Met-North Baseball team in the QRSS State Championships in Ipswich from August 27-30. The team finished the pool games undefeated however lost a close semi-final to Met-West and then defeated Met-East to take the Bronze medal. As one of the youngest players in the team Kai contributed well with the bat and in field and was chosen as the starting pitcher in the Semi-Final. He also was awarded best player on his team by the opposition coach in one of the pool games. Congratulations Kai.

Term 3 AIC Sport

Term 3 sports on offer are Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.

Please note that numbers are limited in each of these sports and that boys are only able to participate in one Term 3 AIC team sport. 

Boys may also choose to participate in track & field; boys of all abilities are welcome to attend track training sessions. Please see below for further details relating to track & field.

Draws for this weekend’s upcoming fixtures can be found here.

Basketball – Maximum 36 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Basketball singlet, Marist Sport shorts & blue Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Friday evening.

Training twice / week.

Tennis – Maximum 8 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Tennis polo, Marist Tennis shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning – please be aware that there may be Friday evening fixtures in 2026

Training twice / week.

Rugby League – Maximum 30 boys Year 5 and 34 boys Year 6

Uniform: Marist rugby league jersey, Marist rugby shorts & Marist team sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning.

Training twice / week.

Track & Field

There are 3 remaining AIC T&F practice meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships. Please check the parent portal for further information and accept the invitation for your son to participate. Students will travel to and from these meets at QSAC via bus from school, departing at 1:50 pm, returning following the last primary school event. Estimated time of arrival back at school is approximately 5:30pm. 

• Wednesday, September 2- Event Shedule here- pdf attached here
• Thursday, September 10
• Wednesday, September 16

AIC Championships – Thursday, 8 & Friday, 9 October – QSAC.

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks 

Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays.

Track & Field

Sunday Sessions

Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction to Marist Track & Field. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment.

Some benefits include:

1. Improvement in technique and speed.

2. Technical development for throws.

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sports shorts, Marist Sport white or blue socks.

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.