From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Welcome to the 2026 Academic School Year at Marist College Ashgrove

I hope all boys and families are well rested, rejuvenated, school ready and excited about the year ahead. I look forward to catching up with all parents at one of the various events planned throughout the year. Our first College Assembly for 2026 will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday 28 January in the Champagnat Centre.

Wonder and Presence

Post the birth of Christ, we continued to recall the stories from scripture surrounding the birth and baptism of Jesus. One such reading describes the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus and gifting him Gold (royalty), Frankincense (incense of worship) and myrrh (embalming oil). It was the “wonder” of the three wise men at that star in the sky that led them to the place of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Wonder is such an important ingredient for us to develop a relationship with Jesus. Wonder is a feeling of amazement, beauty, noticing the remarkable, open to another, the environment, mystery, love and grandeur, and essentially open to all creation - God’s creations. We all need to be open to wonder to have a relationship with Jesus.

This reading in the Catholic Church is referred to as the Epiphany. An epiphany is an “aha!” moment. The guiding star leading the three wise men to the baby Jesus was their “aha!” moment. It is where we have a sudden flash of insight or understanding, an enlightenment changing our perspective completely, a lightbulb going off. It is a realisation of deeper clarity, sometimes through deeper thought and wonder, and can lead to a breakthrough or personal discovery.

For the three wise men and for us as Christians, the Epiphany is a realisation of the manifestation of Christ - our realisation of the presence of Jesus amongst us. As scripture says, “his name is Emmanuel which means God is with us.” We are invited to open our lives to Jesus throughout each moment with our sons, children, friends, family, achievements, difficult times, nature, relationships, work, play and love.

God of the journey, may we be open to wonder and so make yourself manifest to each of the young men of Marist and all Marist family members throughout 2026. Amen.

Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Awards

This Friday 30 January, the College will celebrate the Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Awards from 11:00am to approximately 2:00pm. Everyone is very welcome. At this opening celebration of the Eucharist, we ask God to bless our academic year ahead and journey closely with us, as we offer up all our work and undertakings. This celebration, marking the beginning of the school year and recognising student leadership and academic achievement, is always a wonderful unifying event. We are honoured to have the Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Shane Mackinlay. We look forward to celebrating the Inaugural Mass with all in attendance and acknowledging the achievements of our Seniors and all those students who are being recognised with academic achievements on the day.

Here is the booking link for your complimentary seat – seats are limited - https://events.humanitix.com/2026-inaugural-mass-investiture-and-academic-awards

2026 Inaugural Mass - Student Bus Booking -

https://events.humanitix.com/2026-inaugural-mass-student-bus-booking

2026 Inaugural Mass, Investiture and Academic Awards.pdf

Outstanding ATAR Results 2025

Congratulations to our Year 12 graduands who achieved such wonderful results in their ATAR examinations for 2025. Well done on your diligence, effort and perseverance. 100% of Year 12 students at Marist received their Queensland Certificate of Education and 100% of students successfully completed their diploma and certificate courses. Max Gallagher received an ATAR of 99.90, Cullen Fitzgerald a 99.85 and Aidan Phillips a 99.7.

Additionally, fifteen students received an ATAR over 98. Two students topped the state in their subjects – Jack Montocchio (English) and Leo McKenna (Japanese), thirteen students received full marks in their subjects, and seventeen students received a certificate of commendation (6 A’s). 41% of students achieved an ATAR over 90 and our median ATAR being 88.48%. I congratulate all boys on these fine results, maintaining the high standards set in recent years. May I also congratulate the boys’ dedicated and professional teachers – I know they are very happy for the boys.

Good luck in the future!

Holiday Activities

We were delighted to see so many students making the most of the summer break by participating in various Marist holiday activity programs. There were so many opportunities for our boys to be engaged over the holiday break. My thanks are extended to all staff who generously and professionally administered these excellent programs in a variety of areas.

La Valla Immersion Experience to Cambodia
AIC U/15 and Open Cricket Competition
51st Marist Cricket Carnival
Australian Volleyball Championships
AFL, Cricket and Swimming Camps
Senior First trials and training
Swimming Squad Camp
Weights Program
Student employment in Year 12 Boarding renovations
‘A’ Cricket and Volleyball, and AFL (1st and 2nds) Trial Games vs Iona College
Music Camp

Holiday Projects List as Follows

Over the holiday period, our dedicated Marist staff have been working hard to prepare the College and make improvements for the boys as we commence our new year. The following list are some of the improvements and preparations you will see:

Carrick East Classroom Block Decanting and Project Preparation
Br Terence Senior Boarding Dorms Refurbishment
Br Ignatius Classrooms Refurbishment
Cricket Nets Resurfaced
New Classroom Furniture (Various buildings)
Champagnat Centre (Gym) Internal Painting
Chapel Sacristy Restoration
Fourviere Bathrooms Waterproofing
Tower Roof Restoration
Drainage Works near Primary / Brothers
Draney Theatre AV Upgrade
Safety Switch Upgrades
Ovals Refurbishment
Ovals Prepared for Term 1 Sport
Deep Clean All Areas
Pressure Wash Outdoor Areas
General Repairs and Maintenance
Evac and Lockdown Alarm Testing
Pest Control
IT Storage Hardware Upgrade
Parent Identity Passport Implemented
Staff Orbit App Rollout
Student Laptop (5-6, 7 and 10) Rollout Prep
Staff Laptop Rollout
TASS End of Year Rollover
End of Financial Year Work
Financial Audit Preparation
Parent Fee Billing
New Staff Recruitments
New Student Enrolments
Confraternity Sponsorship Launch
External Hire of Facilities
Kitchen cooking for Brothers and external groups
Electrical Tag and Testing
Social Media Posts
Various Administration work
Various Interviews
Timetable and Classroom administration
Lockers Installed
Academic Year Preparation
Carnivals – Marist Cricket and 20:20 AIC Under 15

I pass on my sincere thanks to all staff for their work and efforts. The place looks great – ready for 2026!

Welcome New Boarders

On Monday afternoon and evening, we welcomed our new Boarders and their families to Marist College Ashgrove. You are very welcome to the Marist family, and we look forward with honour, to care for your son and ensure his successful transition to the College. Our new Boarding students were joined by our Year 12 Boarders who moved into their newly renovated individual rooms in Terrance House. I thank Mr Jim Noble - Assistant Head of College – Boarding, Year 7 Boarding Leader – Mr Pierce Harvey, our new House Parent – Mrs Debbie Cross and all Boarding staff for their care of the boys in the Boarding residents. Have a great year!

Welcome New Staff

Together, we provide a big welcome to all our new staff to the Marist College family. You are very welcome and be assured of our full support. Below are a list of the new teachers and the subjects they will be teaching in 2026:

Paul Blinkhoff – Assistant Head of College: Primary
Michael Colquhoun – Pastoral Leader: Middle School Years
Deen Mewburn – Year 6 Primary Teacher
Hugh Freese – Year 5 Primary Teacher
Manijeh Wood – Year 5 Primary Teacher
Paul Dwyer – Year 5 Primary Teacher
Stephen Carroll – Secondary Teacher (Maths and Science)
Lee-Anne Smith – Secondary Teacher (Legal Studies)
Taylor Broughton – Secondary Teacher (Studies of Religion)
Brooke Johansen – Secondary Teacher (Maths and Science)
Peter Cottle – Digital Pedagogy Teacher

New staff receiving a blessing in the College Chapel by Fr Alatini Kolofo'ou sm and staff

Years 5, 7 and New Student Orientation Day

On Tuesday 27 January, the College held its Orientation Day for Year 5, Year 7 and all new students. The day was designed to help students feel comfortable, supported and confident as they commenced their journey at the College.

Students participated in a range of activities that familiarised them with the college environment, routines and expectations, while building connections with peers, staff and the wider Marist community. This Orientation Day plays an important role in fostering a strong sense of belonging and setting a positive foundation for the year ahead. When the remainder of the boys arrive on Wednesday, new students should feel much more settled and at home. My thanks particularly to the Pastoral Team who facilitated this day – Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh (Assistant Head of College – Students), Ieti Fetalaiga (Pastoral Leader – Senior School), Michael Colquhoun (Pastoral Leader – Middle School), Lucy Naughton (Ridley Pastoral Leader), Marcus Schrader (Ephrem Pastoral Leader), Maddie Henry (Foley Pastoral Leader), Brett Gillett ( Pastoral Leader), Brendan Kiernan (Harold Pastoral Leader), Charlie Taylor (Acting Ignatius Pastoral Leader), Scott Minogue (Rush Pastoral Leader) and Chris Daykin (Slattery Pastoral Leader).

Parent Information Evenings

Parent Information evenings provide an important opportunity for families to connect with teaching staff and gain insight into year-level expectations and programmes your son can become involved in. We encourage all parents to attend the relevant evenings for their child -

Year 5 Parents Welcome and Information Evening on Thursday 29th January at 6:00pm in your son’s classroom. This evening will formally welcome Year 5 families to the school year and provide an overview of curriculum, routines and expectations.

This will be followed by the Parents and Friends welcome drinks for new parents. The P&F Association warmly invites new parents and carers to attend the welcome drinks on Thursday 29th January commencing at 6:50pm at the St Marcellin Centre undercroft. This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity to be welcomed by leadership members, meet other families, connect with members of the P&F Committee and enjoy a relaxed start to the new school year. All new parents and carers are welcome, and we encourage you to join us. We look forward to welcoming you and strengthening the sense of community within our school.

Year 6 Parent Information Evening on Thursday 29th January at 6:00pm in your son’s classroom. Year 6 parents are invited to make connections with their son’s class teachers and learn more about the year ahead, including academic programs and key events.

Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Monday 2nd February at 5:00pm in the Draney. We look forward to welcoming parents, providing key information and working in partnership to support your son throughout the year.

Cricket Season Launch

1st XI v MCA Old Boys | 28th January with our 1st XI facing the Marist Ashgrove Old Boys. This traditional fixture is always a highlight on the sporting calendar and provides a great opportunity for our senior players to set the standard for the season ahead. All boys from all age groups in cricket are welcome to attend at McMahon Oval after school. We wish all teams every success and thank the Marist Ashgrove Old Boys for their continued support.

Cricket, AFL and Volleyball Trials

Year 7 Cricket, AFL and Volleyball Trials will be held on Tuesday 27th January.

Year 5 Cricket and AFL Trials will be held on Thursday 29th January.

For times of all other year level trials this week, you are encouraged to refer to the Parent Orbit App for up-to-date details. All new students are encouraged to trial for a team.

These trials provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate skills, form new friendships, develop teamwork and understand sportsmanship. This week the boys can trial with the aim of joining a team sport in the AIC competition and supplementary games. We encourage all boys to give their best and enjoy the experience of team sport at Marist.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family.