From the Head of College

A Reason for our Existence

There is an irony in Sunday’s Gospel, particularly falling on Father’s Day - “You must hate your brother, sister, mother and father” (Luke 14:25-33). The word “hate” when translated is not meant to be an emotional word but rather a word of action to instead focus on Jesus. This Gospel is challenging us to have Jesus, his teachings and presence as the number one priority in our lives. Really, this has always been the focus of Catholic schools like Marist College Ashgrove. Ordained with statues of Jesus and Mary, photos and crosses in every classroom, and with the chapel situated in the centre of the campus, all roads lead to Jesus at Marist College Ashgrove. 

During the week, I attended the opening of the new “Grace” primary building at Loreto College, Coorparoo. At the end of the college Mass the girls sang their school song (“Cruci”) – in this hymn, it is clear that Jesus is also at the centre of the Loreto community and all that it stands for. Written by a sister at Loreto Coorparoo, it is obvious that the Sisters and the spirituality of the College and all its girls is focused on Jesus and emulating his teachings in their lives. Their motto - Cruci Dum Spiro Fido translates to “I put my trust in God who died for me.” I quote the chorus - 

                                                        “Put your faith in Jesus Christ

                                                         Have respect for one another

                                                            Be an instrument of peace

                                                      Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Our Marist College Ashgrove Prayer essentially mirrors this exact same emphasis - Jesus and his teachings. There is undoubtedly a reason for the existence of Marist and all Catholic schools – to share the story and person of Jesus and to emulate his words. Let us pray that all Catholic schools and Marist always have, as the heart of their colleges, the heart, mind and actions of Jesus. Marist Brother - Br Michael Naughton fms, a prayerful faith-filled man and a scholar and teacher of Greek and Latin, wrote our College Prayer - his focus on Jesus and his teachings resonates throughout. I share our wonderful school prayer with you -

Teach me, O Lord to aim high and not to be content with mediocrity;

to set my sights on noble goals;

to have a brave heart and a clear vision;

to prize the things that are worthwhile;

to always have the courage to choose what is right;

to despise what is petty, to shun all selfishness;

to have a heart that is strong and brave, pure and happy, docile yet courageous,

so that under your guidance and with your grace I may always and in all things have as my motto

Viriliter Age – Act Courageously

Year 9 Camp – Noosa North Shore Adventure

This week, Monday 8 September to Thursday 11 September, our Year 9 boys are embarking on their annual camp to the stunning Noosa North Shore. With beach vibes, beautiful waters, and plenty of outdoor adventures, this camp is always a highlight of the year for the Year 9 boys. The camp is an expedition-style experience where students camp in tents overnight and journey between sites by canoeing, hiking, or bike riding. Each group carries all their belongings with them, building resilience and independence along the way. Activities include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, high ropes, flying fox, leap of faith, and campfire evenings. Boys are also responsible for rationing, preparing, and cooking all meals, adding another layer of challenge and teamwork. The camp is designed to challenge students outside their comfort zones, encouraging persistence, collaboration, and leadership. The journeys can be long and demanding, and success relies on teamwork, encouragement, and playing to each other’s strengths. With a mix of abilities in each group, every student has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and grow through the experience.

I thank the following staff who will leave their own families for these four days to enter into this camp with the boys: Lucy Naughton, Marcus Schrader, Maddie Spann, Brett Gillett, Brendan Kiernan, Ieti Fetalaiga, Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Chris Daykin, Scott Minogue, Andrew Gibbs, Jye Davies, David Jackman, Jorge Ruiz, Patrick Denkes, Sam Hambelton, Ashley Hutchings, Adrian Gray, and Ben Lee. Your support and generosity in ensuring our Year 9 boys enjoy and learn from this experience is to be commended. We are sure the experience will be a memorable one for all the boys.

Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 Exam Block – Term 3

Students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 are undertaking their Exam Block. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and consolidate key skills across subjects. Students are encouraged to check their exam timetables carefully, arrive prepared, and maintain a balanced routine that includes study, rest, and wellbeing. As parents, please support your son by helping them establish a study plan and ensuring they have everything they need for each exam day – including a hearty breakfast. We wish all boys the very best of luck with these important Term 3 exams. 

Year 12 Trial External Examinations

Year 12 students have completed all Internal Assessments and are now undertaking Trial External Examinations in preparation for the all-important ATAR External Examinations. Year 12 mini-masterclasses continue this Wednesday night as part of Year 12 Study Sessions in the Brother Terrance Study Room from 6:00pm to 8:00pm which will target Maths Methods and General Maths. My thanks are extended to Mr Stephen Monk for facilitating this important revision for the boys.

Tower Art Show 2025 – Opening Night and Exhibition Weekend

This Friday night is the opening night of the 2025 ‘The Tower Art Show’. This art show then continues throughout Saturday and until 11:00am on Sunday. All parents, friends and students are welcome to attend this impressive art exhibition. This is also a lovely place to come to enjoy coffee and delicious treats while perusing the artworks. 

Opening Night – Friday 12 September - 5:30pm–9:30pm (Ticketed event). Join us for an unforgettable evening in the Tower Building, with special guests including Feature Artist - Bastian Allfrey, live music and canapés included. Drinks will also be available for purchase. Saturday 13 September - 9:00am–5:00pm (Free entry). Enjoy the general exhibition and a relaxed Saturday afternoon in the courtyard. Sunday 14 September - 8:00am – 11:00am (Free entry). A final chance to view the exhibition in a quiet morning setting.

All funds raised through the Tower Art Show will support the Champagnat Trust Bursary Program, which helps provide access to a Marist education for boys whose families are experiencing financial hardship. The program offers full, half, or partial bursaries covering tuition, boarding (where applicable) and compulsory fees for students entering Years 5 to 12.

For event details and updates, visit: https://www.marash.qld.edu.au/news-events/events/tower-art-show/  

We look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring weekend of art, community and generosity. 

Final Week of Sport for Term 3 

Best wishes to all teams as they go into their final rounds of the AIC Term 3 sports – Tennis, Rugby League and Basketball. We wish well all boys including the undefeated teams so far this term - Basketball: 8B, 8C; Rugby League: 9A, 8B; Tennis: 10B, 8B, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B. Our final round is versus Padua College at Marist. Good luck to all coaches and students.

The athletics lead-up meets and training continue this week with a lead-up carnival on Thursday. We continue to work towards the AIC Athletics Championships to be held at QEII on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October. Best wishes for all your preparation students and coaches. 

Primary Debating and Science Presentation 

Primary QDU Debating continues this Thursday night hosted by Marist College Ashgrove in the St Marcellin Champagnat classrooms. The evening will commence at 6:00pm with debates scheduled at either 6:00pm, 6:45pm or 7:30pm. My thanks are extended to Robyn Brown, Jen Little and Michael Connolly for their organisation of this debating competition.

Year 6 will participate in a Science presentation on the topic of ‘renewable energy’ delivered by Mr Stan Barrett (previously the Executive Director of the Queensland Electricity Board). This presentation will focus on the development of the electricity industry in Australia and the emergence of renewable energy. My thanks are extended to Mr Jim Midgley for organising this opportunity for our students in the Draney Theatre from 9:00am-11:00am on Thursday of this week.

Destination: State Championships!

We are thrilled to announce that our Tournament of Minds (TOM) teams are heading to the State Championships on Saturday 13 September. After an outstanding performance at Regionals, our students have earned their place among the best in the state. Their creativity, collaboration and critical thinking have truly shone through, and we couldn’t be prouder. Good luck -

• Primary Team 2 competing in the Social Sciences Division - Iggy Tognini, Chris Pollard, Ben Moran, Harry Davies, Nate Baldwin, Darcy Muir-McCarey, Moses Yeung and their Coach - Mrs Robyn Brown. 

• Secondary Team "The Read Betweeners" - Connor Campbell, James Burt, Harry Cootes, Thomas Lynn, Kane Patricks, Will Stigter and to their Coaches - Mrs Natalie Sones and Ms Melissa Deacon

   

Best wishes to all boys involved.

Save the Date – Awards Night 2025 

We are delighted to announce that our Annual Awards Night will be held on Monday 13 October 2025 at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). This special evening celebrates the year that was and the outstanding achievements of our students across academics, the arts, leadership, sport and spirituality.

Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details. We look forward to sharing this memorable event with every student and family at the College. Every member of the Marist College Family is welcome to attend this evening of celebration. The night goes for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes – 6:30pm-8:40pm.

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 9 September

• Year 9 Camp – continues
• Years 7, 8, 10 & 11 Exam Block – continues
• Year 12 Trial Exam Block – starts
• Primary End of Term Assembly – 8:45am (St Marcellin Ground Floor)
• House Meetings
• Study Hall – Senior Library

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Wednesday 10 September

• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly – Cancelled (Extended Pastoral Groups)

• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2

   

Thursday 11 September

• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• AIC Track & Field Practice Meet #3 – Primary Depart 1:50pm, Secondary Depart 2:50pm
• QDU Debating – Round 2
• Study Hall – Senior Library

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Friday 12 September

• Year 9 Recovery Day
• Tower Art Show – begins
• College Mass – Break 1B
• AIC Primary Basketball v Padua College

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Saturday 13 September

• Tower Art Show – continues

• AIC Round 7 v Padua College

   

Sunday 14 September

• Tower Art Show – continues
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)

Monday 15 September

• Year 12 Trial Exam Block – continues
• Year 11 Exam Block – continues
• Year 9 Geography Excursion
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Student Leader Portfolio Meetings – Room 401

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Tuesday 16 September

• House Meetings
• Learning and Teaching Meeting – Tower Boardroom
• “Coffee Tuesday” – Gubbins Room
• Study Hall – Senior Library

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Wednesday 17 September

• R U OK Day
• AIC Track & Field Practice Meet #4 – Primary Depart 1:50pm, Secondary Depart 2:50pm
• AIC Track & Field Meet #4 – State Athletics Facility
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• CLT Meeting – Tower Boardroom

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Thursday 18 September

• Boarder Travel Day
• End of Term 3
• Grandparents Day
• End of Term 3 Liturgy – Period 6
• Soiree – evening
• AIC Track & Field Camp – begins
• Environment Group – Room 801
• Study Hall – Senior Library

• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

   

Friday 19 September

• Student Free Day

• AIC Track & Field Camp – continues

   

Saturday 20 September

• Sony Camp – starts

• AIC Track & Field Camp – continues

   

Sunday 21 September

• Sony Camp – continues
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)