Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

As we settle into the new term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the positive energy that has been so evident throughout the College this week. It’s always a pleasure to see the boys return refreshed and ready to engage, and this term has been no exception.

It’s been wonderful to witness the boys presenting themselves so well in their uniforms, particularly with their formal hats worn to and from school. A standout moment has been the way many students have greeted staff each morning, often asking how they are with genuine care and responding thoughtfully. These interactions reflect the respect and warmth that help make our community so strong.

I’d also like to extend a huge congratulations to our Primary AIC Athletics Team, who have secured the shield for the fourth consecutive year! This is an incredible achievement, and much credit goes to both the boys and their dedicated coaches, Mr. John Lambourne and Ms. Molly Keir, whose commitment and guidance have been invaluable. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and we are all extremely proud of their success.

Looking ahead, next Monday, 14th October, we will be hosting the College's Awards Night at QPAC. This prestigious event will recognise the achievements of our students, and those receiving an award will have a rehearsal at QPAC during Periods 1-3 that morning. Further details will be shared closer to the day, but we are eagerly anticipating a night of celebration and recognition for our students' efforts.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the term ahead being both productive and rewarding for all.

Acting Primary Pastoral Leader – Mr Richard Coles

This term the College has had a renewed focus on uniform, and I feel it's important the students and parents are aware of the reasons behind setting high expectations around uniforms. School uniforms play a vital role in fostering unity, equality and focus in an educational environment. By having all students wear the correct uniform this promotes a sense of pride, belonging and inclusivity in the community. Wearing a school uniform symbolizes a commitment to the Marist College Ashgrove values and reputation of the school and reinforces a strong sense of identity. This sense of pride in uniform encourages students to contribute positively to the school community, further fostering a supportive and productive culture. A student's personal presentation is their non-verbal indication that they are ready to learn and shows their support for the College expectations. Ultimately, while school uniforms may seem to be a small aspect of the student’s daily lives, their impact on creating an inclusive, focused and prideful environment cannot be underestimated. 

A reminder of important up and coming dates for the term:

• Year 5 Leadership Day: Tuesday 8th October 2024 
• Year 6 Retreat: Tuesday 16th October 2024
• Awards Night: Monday 14th October 2024
• Primary Assembly: 29th October 2024

Primary Learning Leader – Ms Jen Little

Debating

Best of luck is extended to our Primary Debaters who are competing in the 3rd Round of the QDU Competition on Wednesday evening of this week at St Peter’s. To date, the boys have had a wonderful track record across Years 5 and 6 with 12 debates completed and 10 wins. We wish our boys all the best for the evening of debating. 

Learning Goals

Last term, our boys had the opportunity to monitor their academic progress, and hopefully many took the chance to reflect on their Term 3 feedback and calculate their GPA’s. We are now at a pivotal point in the year, where students are accountable for the effort they’ve put in throughout. The boys have been consistently reminded that success and achievement don’t happen by chance; they are the result of dedication and hard work. The image on the right, called the Iceberg Illusion, is a powerful visual metaphor. It illustrates that while people often see only the visible “tip” of success—such as achievements, awards, or recognition—what lies beneath the surface is much larger. This hidden part represents the unseen effort, perseverance, sacrifices, failures, and hard work that are essential for success. To this end, it is timely that boys begin engaging with their Assessment Calendar for this term to assist them with individual preparation.

Assessment Calendars

Please see below Assessment Calendars for Years 5 and 6 this term. These will also be emailed directly to students and parents this week. Please note that our Morning Study Room continues to be available for students each day wishing to receive some additional support for their learning. In addition, our teachers have made additional resources available to students for each subject on the Class One Note Pages. 

STEAM Opportunity for our Primary Boys:

My thanks are extended to Mr James Trebbin who has volunteered to run a series of  STEAM workshops after school on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:30pm. Please see flyer below for further details. To sign up, please visit this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pvuKtDC9dC 

Parent Orbit App

Parent Orbit is designed to make your interaction with the College more efficient and convenient. Whether you need to update information, receive notifications, or manage school-related tasks, the app puts everything you need right at your fingertips.

How to Get Started:

1. Download the App: Click the link: https://parentorbit.page.link/marash or scan the QR code in the graphic. Click on the install button. After the app is installed, our College will be loaded as an account. Click on the College name then tap the login button.
2. Install and Log In: Use your existing parent portal credentials to log in and start exploring the app’s features.

If you have any questions or need assistance with Parent Orbit, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Pettit via email pettitl@marash.qld.edu.au.

Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)

AIC Track and Field Championships

Marist College Primary has once again proven its dominance, securing the Primary Aggregate title for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024 AIC Track and Field Championships. Building on the legacy of the Secondary Track and Field team, which has now won 10 years in a row, this victory underscores the value of teamwork in what is traditionally seen as an individual sport.

The school triumphed in both the Year 5 and Year 6 Age Group competitions, with outstanding performances across the board. The foundation of their success was laid on Day 1 by the middle-distance squad, who swept all eight 800m races, demonstrating both depth and endurance.

Countless personal bests were achieved throughout the carnival, none more remarkable than Hugo Lockhart’s record-breaking leap in the Year 6 Division 1 high jump, where he set new AIC and College records. The championships culminated with another thrilling moment when the Year 6 Division 1 4x100m relay team set a new AIC record, further solidifying Marist College Primary’s track and field legacy.

This remarkable success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and their coaches. Special thanks go to Head Coach Robin Martin, Coordinator Mr Richard Graham, and Primary Track Coach Ms Molly Kier, whose leadership and commitment have been integral to the team's achievements.

Year 5

Year 6

Results

Achievements

Congratulations Nathan Wright (6B), Nathan was announced as team captain for the Met North Track & Field team competing at the Queensland School Sport State Championships this week.We wish all the Marist boys competing this week the best of luck; Patrick Thirgood (5B), Miller Exintaris (5B), Max King (6W), Hugo Lockhart (6R), Mason Loli (5R), Daniel Sadimenko (5M) and Nathan Wright.

AIC 2024 Touch Invitational

2024 AIC Touch Invitational, Saturday 19 October, SLC Playing Fields, Runcorn.Boys wishing to participate must be available on this date.

Marist Primary has entered 2 teams for each year level to participate in a combined Year 5/6 carnival.

All players must wear the Marist Sport shirt and blue sport shorts.

Parents are asked to sign-on via Parent Lounge, nomination close Thursday, 10 October.

Term 4 Swimming

Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions will recommence Week 2 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 2025.

Year 5 (2025): Training starts on Wednesday, 9 October, and will continue Monday and Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4.

Year 6 (2025): Training begins on Tuesday, 8 October, with sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2024

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

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

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

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smart phone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.