From the Head of College

Humility 

In Australia, as around the world, there is a “Quiet Revival” of Christianity among Gen Z, particularly. It seems young people are returning to faith or exploring religion for the first time. In the Brisbane Archdiocese alone, 454 young people are being baptised in the Church over the Easter ceremonies. Some surveys suggest that around 39-45% of Gen Z in certain regions now identify as Christian, Catholic or as having spiritual beliefs. Some of the reasons suggested for this are the sense of community and authenticity that religion and spirituality offer. Maybe the push of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo for the Church to be more synodal has something to do with this. 

In his book, “Shaping the Church’s Future: The Grace of Creative Faithfulness” Fr Richard Lennan (Dr. Theology - Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College) explores this concept of Synodality. Synodality is to enable a listening of all people within the Church, re-uniting all, changing where needed or continuing along the stable path where agreed. Synodality is taking stock, listening deeply without interrupting the thoughts of the community of faith, discerning together the concrete expressions of graced creativity and faithfulness to the past, listening to the spirit of the coming generations and maybe even interrupting our settled or organised plans. 

Yet, to listen and truly embrace the past or to re-imagine an inclusive way forward for the Church, you need humility. Humility is far from an automatic response for many of us with strong competitive opinions wanting a single favoured outcome or winner. Through approaching conversation with humility, one can search for a shared understanding or common ground – a more balanced perspective to either embrace change or continue down the well-trodden path. Humility is certainly necessary if we are to acknowledge the limitations of our present wisdom and insight or be attentive to what the past might teach us, even though we live in an advanced and sophisticated 21st Century. 

As we enter the last week of Lent prior to Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we pray for the ability to listen humbly. To be open to interpret the Gospels for Marist College Ashgrove and our modern world through the lens of a deeply listening ear, open to present thoughts and dreams, while being respectful of the learnings of the past and able to embrace the common ground of humanity. May the message of this Easter season - repentance, love, forgiveness, self-denial and peace be a mantra for hearts of humility leading to clear synodality.

First XI Cricket Undefeated Premiers

Congratulations to our First XI Cricket Team who remained undefeated on Saturday on their way to becoming AIC Champions for 2026. Marist College Ashgrove’s last undefeated cricket premiership was in 2014. The boys defeated Padua College before the lunch break on Saturday. This was a very decisive premiership with the closest AIC opponent within 47 runs of the Marist First XI in 2026. Marist has now achieved three Premiers titles from the last four years for the First XI Cricket Team. Congratulations to all the boys and to their outstanding coaching staff – Michael Abbott (Head Coach), Tom Gibson (Assistant Coach), Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh (Assistant Coach), and Matt Millward (Cricket Coordinator).  Congratulations gentlemen on the premiership and the way you played with high levels of sportsmanship throughout the year. 

Marist First XI AIC Cricket Champions 2026 - Back Row (L-R):  Tom Gibson (Assistant Coach), Archer Tallon, Will Easter ©, Salem Tamer, Luke Ferguson, Harry Clay, Oliver Hayes (VC), Leo Morris, Michael Abbott (Head Coach). Front Row (L-R): Joey Laner (MCA Pace Bowling Coach), Tarkyn Howard, Billy Towers, Jedd Fegan, Max Edye, Josh Pope, Frank Heenan. Absent: Charlie Barnett, Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh (Assistant Coach) and Matt Millward (Cricket Coordinator)

Marist Students Embrace Indigenous Language and Culture

Five Marist College Ashgrove students are taking part in an exciting and meaningful cultural initiative in 2026 — Guugu Yimithirr Language Program delivered in partnership with the Pama Language Centre, the Cape York Leaders Program, and Independent Schools Queensland. Starting in Term 2, our boys will be engaging in weekly online lessons designed to build confidence in speaking and understanding the Guugu Yimithirr language. The students involved are Cobus Lachlan (Year 9), Hezra Rankin (Year 9), Kaynen Flinders (Year 9), Matthew (MJ) Bowen (Year 9), and Makenzie Bowen (Year 12).

This program offers students the opportunity to learn one of Australia’s significant Indigenous languages, deepening their appreciation of Indigenous culture and strengthening their connection to Australia’s rich cultural heritage. Through structured lessons, students will develop the ability to form basic sentences and participate in simple conversations, all within a supportive, cross-school learning environment.

A unique feature of the program is its strong cultural foundation. Students are learning from respected language custodians and educators, including Lillian Bowen OAM, whose work in preserving and teaching Guugu Yimithirr has been widely recognised. The program also draws on songs, storytelling, and community knowledge to bring the language to life.

The boys’ participation reflects a commitment not only to their academic growth but also to cultural understanding and respect. As the program progresses throughout the term, they will collaborate with students from other schools, building both linguistic skills and meaningful connections.

This initiative represents an important step in keeping Indigenous languages alive for future generations — and Marist College Ashgrove is proud to support students who are embracing this opportunity. I thank Mr Stephen Monk (Academic Supervisor – Boarding) for his organisation and facilitation of this important program for Marist College Ashgrove and the boys.

Last Day of Term 1 - Thursday 2nd April

All families are reminded that the last day of the school term for Term 1 2026 is April 2nd – Holy Thursday at 3.10pm. It is the expectation that all boys are present up to and including the last day with the option for boarding students to travel on the Thursday. Students will be receiving feedback during the final week of term and commence Term 2 work. Any early leave will require the usual college approvals by collecting a ‘Leave Request Form’ from the Studies Office. In anticipation of your son’s full attendance for Term 1 – thank you. 

Brother Adrian and Mrs Rhonda Carson – Farewell to Primary

Today at the Primary School Awards Ceremony we farewelled two outstanding people. Rhonda Carson has been a member of staff at Marist College Ashgrove, assisting and helping boys in the student equity area. Rhonda is known to have been turning the soil on the primary garden for some 25 years. Rhonda’s generous heart, kindness and care of every boy will be sorely missed. Br Adrian Story has served as a Marist Brother for over 60years. Br Adrian has taught in numerous Marist Primary Schools, specialising in technology, in places like Burke, Santa Theresa, Alice Springs and in outback schools in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese. He has always been an exemplary teacher, faithful and loyal, genuine and simple teacher of young people. We salute both Br Adrian Story and Mrs Rhonda Carson.

Marist College Rosalie Tribute Game

The Marist Brothers first arrived at Rosalie in January 1929 to commence the operation of their first school in Queensland. This was a boarding school. When the boarding house became too small the brothers were looking for a new site upon which to facilitate a school. The result was the purchase and opening of Marist College Ashgrove (formerly St Mary’s College, Ashgrove) in 1940 as a boarding and day school. To recognise the Marist’s first adventure to Queensland and Brisbane and the growth of this site at Ashgrove, we recognise Marist College Rosalie and their Old Boys during the first trial of the season at Mc Mahon Oval. Our First XV will be wearing the cerise and blue of Marist College Rosalie and we will be hosting their Old Boys at a function in the Cyprian Pavilion. History is important and we recognise Marist College Rosalie who are certainly part of our tradition and the humble story of the Marist Brothers in Brisbane. You are very welcome, Rosalie Old Boys.

Term 1 Sports Dinner

I invite all boys and parents of the senior teams representing the College in Term 1 to the Marist College Ashgrove Sports Dinner and presentation night. This evening will be held in the Cyprian Pavillion. At this dinner, we will recognise all the boys on their efforts and commitment throughout the season and their dedicated coaches and families who generously supported them. Our highlights were particularly the Cricket First XI Premiership, Cricket Aggregate and the Swimming Runners-up in both the Secondary and Primary Division. I thank the following coaches: Michael Abbott- Cricket, James Boyce - Swimming, Matt Beattie- AFL and Adam Green- Volleyball on their positive seasons of sport for the boys.

Marist Mothers’ Retreat

Last call to be a part of our annual Marist College Ashgrove Mothers’ Retreat which is being held on Sunday 29th March at the Marist Centre, just inside the Moola Street gates. Led by Br Neville Solomon fms and College Campus Minister - Mrs Clare Locke, this retreat offers a reflective and uplifting morning designed to nourish the heart and spirit. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other women in our community, build meaningful connections, and share in the Marist family spirit. Tickets can still  be obtained from https://events.humanitix.com/2026-marist-college-ashgrove-mothers-retreat. This retreat will be for 3 hours: 10am-1pm. Enjoy!

Marist Lenten Appeal & Easter Fun Day – Free Dress

Our Marist Lenten Appeal Day will occur next Tuesday 31st March with our much‑anticipated Easter Fun Day. Students are invited to enjoy free dress for a $2 donation, payable via their monitor, and are encouraged to wear their House colours. There will be loads on offer with Break 1 coming alive thanks to a variety of food and game stalls, all supported by Student DJs who will help create a fun and vibrant atmosphere for the day. A huge thank you to our parents for supporting and donating items to sell and our newest Mission Team members, Lachlan Vink and Ben Mead, for their outstanding organisation of the day. We also recognise our Year 12 leaders for running the stalls and supporting preparations in the lead‑up to the event.

All money raised will go towards supporting Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). In 2026, AMS is focusing on projects in Timor‑Leste, our neighbours north‑west of Darwin. These vital school rebuilding projects will ensure teachers and students have access to safe, hygienic, well‑lit and well‑resourced classrooms and facilities. 

Please refer to the Lenten Appeal page in this newsletter for a full list of what’s on offer. We look forward to a fantastic day of fundraising, fun and community spirit for a really important cause.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival 2026

Best wishes to our eight houses as they contest for the Champion Swimming House for 2026. The Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be undertaken on Tuesday 31st March during the day. The House carnival will be held at the Marist College Ashgrove swimming pool. My thanks are extended to Derek Lennon, Pastoral Leaders - Lucy Naughton, Marcus Schrader, Maddie Henry, Brett Gillett, Ieti Fetalaiga, Scott Minogue, Chris Daykin, Brendan Kiernan and the Sports Department who have organised and will facilitate this day. Last year’s successful Rush House will be vying to retain the title.

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 24 March

• Years 7, 9, 10 and 12 Exam Block - continues
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall - Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings
• Primary Awards Ceremony - St Marcellin Centre

Wednesday 25 March

• Year 5 Eureka Gold Rush Excursion
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly - cancelled – Extended Pastoral Groups
• Mission Captains Meeting - Mission Office
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 26 March

• Year 5 Eureka Gold Rush Excursion
• Study Hall - Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Vinnies Meeting – Break 1
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English
• School of Rock Rehearsal – Draney Theatre

Friday 27 March

• Primary Morning Study

Saturday 28 March

• Rosa Tribute Day
• Football and Rugby Union Internal Trial Day
• Rugby A Teams v St Peters Lutheran College
• Football A Teams v Ambrose Treacy College

Sunday 29 March

• Marist Mother’s Retreat Day
• Marist Boarding Invitational Rugby Carnival
• Boarders’ Mass (Chapel) - 6:00pm

Monday 30 March

• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Rugby League - Confraternity Trials

Tuesday 31 March

• Easter Fundraiser and Free Dress Day
• Interhouse Swimming Carnival
• Tutoring- Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• House Meetings
• Term 1 Sports Dinner

Wednesday 1 April

• Tutoring- English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting - Mission Office
• Tutoring- Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Year 11 and 12 Japanese Dinner

Thursday 2 April

• Holy Thursday
• Boarder Travel Day
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group – Room 801 - Break 1
• End of Term Liturgy
• End of Term 1

Friday 3 April

• Good Friday

Saturday 4 April

• Holy Saturday

Sunday 5 April

• Easter Sunday

Monday 6 April

• Easter Monday

Monday 20 April

• Staff Day
• Student Free Day

Tuesday 21 April

• Start of Term 2 - Winter Uniform