Primary School News

From the Head of Primary

A warm welcome to Week 2. What a whirlwind start to the year it has been for our Primary boys, staff and families.

Our Year 6 boys were excellent at last week’s assemblies, setting a strong example for our new students and clearly demonstrating what is expected at these important gatherings. As our senior Primary students, the Year 6 boys carry the responsibility of modelling positive behaviour for our Year 5 boys, helping them quickly learn and understand our expectations here in the Primary School.

It has certainly been a big start for our Year 5 cohort. Orientation Day on Tuesday, the Welcome Assembly on Wednesday, our Inaugural Mass on Friday, and AIC sports trials for many would have made for a very full (and tiring!) first week. Last Thursday also saw the introduction of ASHBuddies — the first of many opportunities throughout the term for our boys to connect with their buddies and strengthen relationships across year levels.

On Saturday morning, I spent some time at Des Connor Fields as our Year 5 and 6 boys began their cricket seasons with trials. The excitement was obvious as the boys played their first matches for the year, and it was wonderful to see new connections forming. Many parents shared positive feedback about the changes they have already noticed in their sons and how enthusiastic they are to be involved in everything the College has to offer. This is always encouraging to hear.

I was also impressed by the number of boys who made a point of thanking their coaches at the end of the games - perhaps with a little prompting from parents! This simple act of gratitude is a great habit to develop and an important way for the boys to show their appreciation.

I hope the boys were able to recharge over the weekend, as, writing this Monday morning, they have now boarded the bus for three days at camp down the coast. I am confident the camp will be a fantastic experience for both boys and staff, and I am very much looking forward to joining them. School camps provide such valuable opportunities - time away from the classroom to build friendships, try new experiences, and develop important life skills that will serve the boys well into adulthood. My sincere thanks to the staff attending camp, who, while taking time away from their own families, will no doubt go above and beyond to ensure the boys are well cared for, supported and challenged over the coming days.

With so much happening at the start of the year, it is important that the boys are getting enough rest so they are well equipped to manage the busy weeks ahead, as lessons, training sessions and rehearsals begin to fill their schedules. While it’s not rocket science, I would strongly encourage parents to remove devices from bedrooms at bedtime, as these can easily interfere with sleep. Quality rest is vital in ensuring the boys are ready to make the most of each day here at Marist.

Finally, I would like to thank every parent for all that you have done, and continue to do, to support your son on his journey. As I mentioned last week, we are all in this together, and the start of the year can feel like a steep learning curve. Please be assured that this will begin to level out as the boys settle into their Term 1 routines.

I trust you have enjoyed the start to 2026 in the Primary School, and I look forward to the weeks and months ahead.

Primary Learning Leader – Jennifer Little 

Welcome to Term 1

It was with great enthusiasm and anticipation that we welcomed our new Year 5 cohort to Marist College Ashgrove last week. This marks an important milestone as the boys begin the next stage of their educational journey, entering a learning environment that values academic excellence, personal development, and community. Our Year 5 students join us from 50 different schools, bringing a wide range of experiences, strengths, and talents that will enrich our College community. To our returning Year 6 students, welcome back—we look forward to seeing you continue to build upon the strong foundations you have already established.

Year 5 – Settling and Embracing New Challenges

For our Year 5 students, Term 1 is focused on establishing a strong and confident start to their Marist journey. As students become familiar with our routines and learning culture, they will also begin to engage with increased academic expectations. While this transition may seem like students are climbing up a very steep hill, the journey is well supported by our dedicated teaching staff and a comprehensive program designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, while also encouraging independence and responsibility in learning.

Literacy and numeracy will be a key focus this term as we prepare for NAPLAN, which will take place in Weeks 7 of this term with catch-up tests being completed the following week. Since NAPLAN is a reflection on student capacity in literacy and numeracy, our teachers are committed to equipping students with the skills and strategies needed to approach these assessments with confidence. Further communication regarding NAPLAN readiness testing and key dates for March will be made available over the coming weeks. 

Year 6 – Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence

For our Year 6 students, the emphasis remains on striving for personal bests and building upon their learning from Year 5. Classroom experiences will continue to challenge the boys to think critically, solve complex problems, and consistently produce their best work. Students in Year 6 will commence the school year by reflecting on last year’s work, calculating GPAs and identifying strategies and areas for progress. 

High Expectations and a Commitment to Growth

Across both Year 5 and Year 6, we will continue to set high expectations for teaching and learning. Our goal is to ensure every boy is supported and challenged to reach his full potential. While adjustments to new routines and increased demands may bring moments of challenge, these experiences provide valuable opportunities for growth. With perseverance, resilience, and the right support, we are confident that every student will rise to the occasion.

I encourage all students to embrace the journey ahead as we work together to make 2025 a year of outstanding growth and achievement for our Year 5 and Year 6 boys.

The Power of Partnership

Strong partnerships between parents and teachers play a vital role in supporting student growth and progress. When families and schools work together, students experience consistent expectations, shared goals, and a clear message that learning is valued both at home and at school. This collaboration helps students feel supported, confident, and motivated to engage positively in their learning.

Open and effective communication is central to a successful parent–teacher partnership. Regular conversations about learning, wellbeing, and progress allow us to respond early to challenges and celebrate achievements. Parents play a key role in reinforcing learning habits at home and supporting positive attitudes towards school. There are several practical ways parents can maximise this partnership:

1. Ensure students arrive at school on time and that attendance is strong unless students are physically ill. 
2. Maintain open and respectful communication with teachers. 
3. Attend parent–teacher interviews, information sessions, and school events.
4. Support learning routines at home, including reading, homework, and organisation.
5. Encourage effort, resilience, and a growth mindset. 
6. Share relevant information that may impact a child’s learning or wellbeing.

7. Mutual trust is critical. 

    

When parents and teachers work together with a shared focus, students are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This partnership strengthens students’ sense of responsibility and helps them develop the skills needed for long-term success. We value your ongoing support and look forward to working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

We look forward to partnering with you this year.