From the Head of College

Being Open to the Theme of ‘Grace’

The Marist College Ashgrove theme for 2026 originates from the words of the Hail Mary – “Full of Grace”. Archbishop Shane Mackinley spoke in depth about the meaning of the term ‘grace’ at our Opening Mass for 2026 and connection to our lives. Graces are gifts from God. These are free, undeserving and gratuitous gifts from God which we can choose to be open to if we so feel inclined. Grace enables us to accept freely the gift of love that God gives. It allows us to live with God and act with love. 

The word – ‘Marist’ means those gathered and dedicated to Mary and interpreting the Gospels through the eyes of Mary. Mary was very much open to and lived the graces she received from God and used these gifts as a wonderful role model. 

There aren’t a lot of stories written about Mary in the Gospels, but one of the more prominent stories tells of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who, like Mary, was pregnant. Mary was greeted by Elizabeth, and she responded with the words of ‘The Magnificat’.

‘The Magnificat’ has essentially two sections or themes. The first theme is Mary stating that she is graced. She acknowledges that people will call her blessed and special;  however, this is only because of the great things the Lord has done for her. In ‘The Magnificat’, Mary reminds us all that we are talented with skills and goodness but only because of the grace God has given us and this is the 3 violets virtues that we talk about – humility, simplicity and modesty.

The second theme of ‘The Magnificat’ is Mary reminding us of our mission.  Our mission is to care for the poor, the lowly and raise them up. I quote - “Fill the starving with good things”, “Lift the lowly” and “Come to their help”.  It is our mission in life to use the gifts God has given us to fulfill the Gospel – essentially to “make others feel bigger”. That is why at Marist we do Mates, works for the poor, homeless and elderly and undertake immersions.

Interestingly, Nelson Mandella, a former revolutionary anti-apartheid activist who later served as South Africa’s first black President from 1994-1999, summarised these same themes beautifully in his famous quote –“Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?”  And he responded – “But actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God and your playing small does not serve the world.”

Historically, these are the qualities graduates of Marist schools have been taught to live. These are the qualities I see when I speak with Old Boys and associates of the College – people who are engaging, interested in you, encouraging, and who make you feel good about yourself.

God of the journey, may the words of Mary in ‘The Magnificat’ fill us with the confidence that God has given us, the many graces, gifts and talents and with these, we are challenged to raise others up who are small or to make others feel bigger. Amen. 

Year 5 Camp

Our new Year 5 students are enjoying their first camp at the Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Educational Centre. This is an exciting opportunity for the boys to make new friends, get to know teachers and peers, understand the culture and opportunities on offer at Marist Ashgrove and to undertake many and various challenging outdoor activities. This orientation activity is a most beneficial way to start life at Marist College Ashgrove. My sincere thanks are extended to the various staff and students who are assisting with the success of the camp, namely: Paul Blinkhoff (Assistant Head of College – Primary), Anthony Graham, John Lambourne, Jen Little, Sally Conn, Hugh Freese, Paul Dwyer, Prue Maclean, Cath Geraghty, Michael Jones, Jorge Ruiz, Manijeh Wood, Rebecca Somerville, Lachlan Vink and Ben Mead.

Boarders Network Meeting

Boarding has been an important part of Marist College Ashgrove life since its inception in 1940. Each term all boarding parents are invited to an online meeting to discuss all things boarding.  Every year group of boarders has a parent leader / contact to organise and answer questions regarding important year-level events. The Boarding Network Meeting is attended by the Assistant Head of College - Boarding - Mr Jim Noble and I, and is an opportunity to understand the workings and procedures in boarding and to provide suggestions to make life in the boarding school more homely. My thanks are extended to Chair – Mrs Susan Shay for organising and facilitating these meetings. I highly recommend the Boarders Network Meeting to all our boarding parents, and I look forward to meeting you all over the course of the year.

Brent Sanders Presentation

Brent Sanders will be speaking with all Year 11 students this Wednesday, 4th February. Brent's presentation focuses on specific issues facing young men in our society. This will be a frank, open and down-to-earth presentation to the boys which examines critical issues like decision-making, self-discipline, respect, motivation and keys to success. Issues to be discussed include: Substance Abuse, Right Relationships, Decision-making and Consent. I thank Leti Fetalaiga who has organised and prepared this important opportunity for the boys.

AIC Ecumenical Service and Season Launch

This Thursday, 5th February commences the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) sporting season with an Ecumenical Service, this year hosted by St Laurence’s College. The AIC is a Christian school-based organisation, with the largest private school sport participation in Queensland offering 16 sports for its eight member schools. The aim of school sport is to enable students to learn and grow in spirit, character, resilience and friendship. The AIC mission is for all students, staff and families to nurture spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, physical and social development through respectful and compassionate relationships in a safe environment. 

This Saturday (Term 1) sees the commencement of the Cricket, Volleyball and AFL season verses Iona College and weekly Swimming trials and an AIC Swimming Championship on Tuesday 10th March. My best wishes are extended to all boys and their coaches for a successful season ahead. I ask that full and correct uniforms are always worn when competing, and excellent sportsmanship and appropriate spectator behaviour is the norm each week.  For more information, refer to our Parent Orbit App or the AIC Website AIC Sport Results - Associated Independent Colleges.

Year 7 & 8 Function

We invite all our Year 7 and 8 parents to a social function which is being held this Friday 6th February in the Cyprian Pavillion. This is a great opportunity for parents to catch-up with friends and make new acquaintances. The evening will be social in nature with a few short speeches from the President of Parents and Friends and myself to clearly outline upcoming events for the year and your son’s progress thus far. We thank the Parents and Friends Association who has organised and will facilitate this event, with college staff. I look forward to meeting families on Friday.

Year 11 & 12 Parent Information Evening.

Parents of students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to attend the Year 11 & 12 Parent Information Evenings for 2026 on Monday 9th February. During this information evening, we will address important academic information, VET and career considerations, and pastoral matters in order for your sons to start their senior study journey successfully. Times for the event are as follows: 6:00pm Year 11 and 7:00pm Year 12 to be held at Draney Theatre. My thanks are extended to Adam Knight, Adrian Brown, Leti Fetalaiga, Robyn Gooley and Michelle Carter for organising and facilitating this evening of important senior school information.

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 3 February

• Year 5 Camp – continues
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• House Meetings
• Old Boys Association AGM – 7:00pm

Wednesday 4 February

• Year 5 Camp – concludes
• Years 9–11 Subject Change Deadline
• Year 11 Brent Sanders Presentation
• Year 12 Geography Camp – starts
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly
• Boarder Parent Network Meeting – 5:00pm

Thursday 5 February

• AIC Ecumenical Service
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 12 Geography Camp – concludes
• School of Rock Auditions – 3:30pm–6:30pm

Friday 6 February

• Deadline for Work Experience EOIs
• College Mass - Break 1
• AIC AFL Round 1 v Iona College
• AIC Swim Meet No. 1
• Year 7 and Year 8 Parent Function – 6:00pm

Saturday 7 February

• AIC Round 1 v Iona College

Sunday 8 February

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

Monday 9 February

• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Year 10 History Excursion

Tuesday 10 February

• Library Lovers Day
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 11 February

• Year 7 Camp
• Hospitality RSG Course Year 12
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly

Thursday 12 February

• Year 7 Camp - continues
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Library
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• Year 10 and 11 Drama Excursion – QPAC

Friday 13 February

• AIC Swim Meet #2

Saturday 14 February

• AIC Round 2 v St Peter’s Lutheran College

Sunday 15 February

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