From the Head of College

Welcome Back to Term 3

I extend a warm welcome to all students and families as we commence Term 3. I trust the June–July holidays provided an opportunity for rest, renewal and valuable time with family and friends. As we begin the second half of the school year, I look forward to seeing our boys return refreshed, motivated and ready to embrace the many opportunities that lie ahead.

It is a privilege to serve as Acting Head of College during Mr Michael Newman’s period of enrichment leave. On behalf of our community, I thank Michael for the dedication, passion and generosity he has shown throughout his time as Head of College. We wish Michael, Lauren and their family a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge and spend quality time together. We look forward to welcoming him back in 2027.

Having been part of the Marist College Ashgrove community for many years, I am honoured to lead the College during this period and to continue working alongside our students, staff and families as we strive to provide an outstanding Marist education.

As boys return to school, I ask for your support in ensuring they meet the College’s expectations regarding presentation and uniform. Students should arrive in the correct winter uniform, including blazers and formal hats where required. Uniforms should be clean, neat and worn with pride, and haircuts should be tidy and in keeping with College regulations. These standards are an important reflection of the respect we have for ourselves, one another and our College community.

Term 3 is always a busy and exciting period in the College calendar, with many academic, cultural, sporting and co-curricular opportunities ahead. I encourage every boy to set new goals, challenge himself to grow and make a positive contribution to the life of the College. I wish all members of our Marist family a successful and rewarding term and look forward to sharing in the many achievements and experiences that Term 3 will bring.

Confraternity 2026: A Resounding Success at Marist College Ashgrove

With the 46th Confraternity Shield Carnival now concluded, Marist College Ashgrove reflects with great pride on what was a truly outstanding week of rugby league, fraternity and community. Welcoming 72 schools, more than 1,500 student athletes, officials, families and supporters from across Queensland, our College was honoured to host one of the largest and most successful Confraternity carnivals in recent history.

Throughout the week, our campus was alive with energy, friendship and sportsmanship. We have received an overwhelming number of positive comments from schools, officials, families and supporters from near and far, praising the organisation of the carnival, the presentation of our facilities, the hospitality of our community and the tireless efforts of the many staff, parents and volunteers who contributed to its success. The carnival was a wonderful celebration of the values that underpin Confraternity – unity, respect, faith and fraternity.

We extend our sincere thanks to the QISSL Committee, Carnival Convenor Ryan Apps, Assistant Convenor Victoria Ahearn, the GPS Rugby Club and General Manager Anthony Herbert, our staff, parents, Old Boys, volunteers and student helpers whose dedication and hard work ensured the smooth operation of this significant event. Their efforts showcased the very best of Marist College Ashgrove.

We are also incredibly proud of our Marist rugby league team. Our boys achieved the College's best-ever Confraternity finish, placing 6th overall. This remarkable achievement reflects the determination, resilience and commitment shown by the players throughout the carnival. More importantly, they represented Marist College Ashgrove with humility, respect and outstanding sportsmanship, earning the admiration of the wider Confraternity community.

A special thank you is extended to our dedicated rugby league staff:

• Brad Winchester – Head Coach
• Mal Grealy – Assistant Coach
• Jim Midgley – Assistant Coach
• Kierran Moseley – Specialist Coach
• Charlie Taylor – League Safe/Trainer
• Hayden Say – Level 1 Sports Trainer

• Cam Mabey – Manager/Rugby League Coordinator

   

Their leadership, expertise and countless hours of preparation ensured our boys were able to compete at the highest level while enjoying an unforgettable Confraternity experience.

The friendships formed, memories created and lessons learned will remain long after the final whistle. We congratulate all involved in making Confraternity 2026 a resounding success and a fitting showcase of the Marist spirit in action.

Year 12 Retreat

From 15–17 July, our Year 12 students will participate in their annual Year 12 Retreat, an important milestone in their final year at Marist College Ashgrove. The retreat provides an opportunity for our young men to step away from the busyness of daily life and reflect on their journey, relationships, personal growth and future aspirations as they prepare for life beyond the College gates.

Grounded in our Marist values, the retreat encourages students to reflect on what it means to be men of faith, service, leadership and compassion. Through a range of activities, discussions and shared experiences, the boys will be challenged to deepen their understanding of themselves, strengthen their connections with their peers and consider the legacy they wish to leave as the graduating class of 2026.

The Year 12 Retreat has long been a highlight of the senior journey, providing meaningful opportunities for reflection, gratitude and personal development. We encourage all Year 12 students to embrace this experience fully and make the most of the time away together. Our thanks are extended to the staff who will accompany the students and help facilitate what promises to be a valuable and memorable experience for our senior cohort. 

Timor-Leste Immersion Experience

During the recent school holidays, a group of Marist College Ashgrove students participated in a life-changing immersion experience in Timor-Leste. Accompanied by Lucy Naughton and Jorge Ruiz, the boys spent time learning from and sharing in the lives of the Timorese people, building meaningful connections through conversation, shared meals, recreation and community engagement. The group visited the Marist Brothers and their school in Lautem, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by local communities and the impact of Australian Marist Solidarity-supported projects. They also visited significant sites in Dili before spending much of their time in the Baucau district. Experiences such as these are a powerful reminder of the importance of human dignity, gratitude and service to others. We hope our boys have returned with a broader perspective of the world, a deeper appreciation for the gifts in their own lives and a strengthened commitment to living out the Marist values of compassion, solidarity and justice. We thank Lucy Naughton and Jorge Ruiz for their generosity, leadership and support throughout this memorable journey.

Marist Celebrates NAIDOC Week

During the week of 13–17 July, Marist College Ashgrove proudly joins communities across Australia in celebrating NAIDOC Week, recognising and honouring the history, culture, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the week, students and staff will have opportunities to learn, reflect and engage with the rich traditions and enduring wisdom of Australia’s First Nations peoples. As a College community grounded in respect, inclusion and faith, NAIDOC Week provides an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous perspectives, celebrate culture, and acknowledge the ongoing connection of First Nations peoples to Country, community and heritage. We encourage all members of the Marist family to embrace the spirit of NAIDOC Week and contribute to a future built on understanding, reconciliation and respect.

Primary Athletics Carnival

Our Primary Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 16 July, bringing together students, staff and families for a day of spirited competition, participation and House pride. The carnival provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves, demonstrate sportsmanship and enjoy the excitement of track and field events alongside their classmates. Whether competing on the track, in the field, or cheering from the sidelines, every boy is encouraged to give his best and contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes this event such a highlight of the Primary School calendar. We look forward to a fantastic day celebrating effort, teamwork and community spirit. My thanks are extended to Matt Green (Program Leader: Primary Sport) for coordinating everything.

College Musical – Tickets Selling Fast!

The excitement is building for the 2026 Marist College Ashgrove Musical, School of Rock, which will take to the stage from 23–26 July in Week 2 of Term 3. Following months of rehearsals and preparation, our talented cast, musicians and crew are eager to showcase what promises to be another outstanding production.

This year's musical brings together students from Marist College Ashgrove, Stuartholme School, Mt St Michael’s College and Brigidine College, highlighting the spirit of partnership and collaboration that makes our annual production such a special event. Audiences can expect an energetic, entertaining and high-quality performance featuring outstanding music, choreography and theatrical talent.

Performance dates are:

• Thursday 23 July – 6:30pm (Opening Night)
• Friday 24 July – 6:30pm
• Saturday 25 July – 6:30pm

• Sunday 26 July – 2:00pm

   

Tickets are selling quickly, and we encourage families, friends, alumni and members of the wider community to secure their seats as soon as possible. Marist musicals have developed a reputation for excellence, and School of Rock is set to be another memorable production that will have audiences singing along and thoroughly entertained.

Tickets: $50 Adult | $40 Concession (Child/Student/Senior/Concession Card Holder)

Purchase your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/mca-school-of-rock

We look forward to seeing the Marist community come together to support our students and celebrate the performing arts at Marist College Ashgrove.

Thanks everyone, all the best for the week ahead, Paul.

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 14 July

• All Students Start Term 3
• SET Plan Interviews Year 11 2027 - continues
• Marist Celebrates NAIDOC Week - starts
• Year 8 PAT Testing
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 15 July

• Year 12 Retreat - starts
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• Primary Morning Study
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Inter-House Track and Field Carnival Selected Events
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths

Thursday 16 July

• Primary Athletics Carnival
• Green Ash
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group – Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 17 July

• Primary Bright Sparks Invitational
• Primary Morning Study
• Inter-House Track and Field Carnival Selected Events
• Internal Track and Field Meet #1
• Hockey Brisbane School Boys - Round 1
• AIC Basketball Primary v Padua College

Saturday 18 July

• AIC Trial Round v Padua College

Monday 20 July

• Year 8 PAT Testing - contines
• AIC Golf Championships
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group Meeting
• Term 2 Catch Up Photos - Break 1
• Paddington Community Centre Visit

Tuesday 21 July

• Goondiwindi Boarding Schools Expo
• Green Ash
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics Middle Years Maths/Science
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• House Meetings

Wednesday 22 July

• ASHCam Photography
• Year 9-10 Subject Change Deadline
• Tutoring - English/Literature Extension Economics French Chemistry Study of Religion
• Community Mass - College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting (Mission Office)
• Tutoring - Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Physics, Middle Years Maths
• Hockey Brisbane Schoolboys - Round 2

Thursday 23 July

• Optimus Breakfast - Cyprian Pavilion
• Green Ash
• Study Hall - Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study
• Primary Morning Assembly
• Environment Group - Room 801
• Tutoring - English, Economics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, Middle Years Maths/ Science/English

Friday 24 July

• College Musical - start
• Work Experience EOIs Term 3 Due
• Head of College Tour
• Primary Morning Study

• AIC Basketball Primary Round 1 v Iona College Primary Basketball

   

Saturday 25 July

• AIC Round 1 v Iona College