Boarding News

Dear Boarding Families,

We are entering that time of year when the Year 12s are getting busier as they prepare for end-of-year examinations and the Year 11 cohort are starting to step up and assume some of the leadership responsibilities. The Year 11s recently had the opportunity to apply for leadership positions within their Houses in the day school and many boarders applied which is a very positive sign. I commend all the boys who decided to apply and went through the student leadership process. It is a good experience to reflect on and communicate how you would lead if given the opportunity. Special congratulations to the following boarders who have been appointed as Student Leaders in the day school for 2025.

Finn Brennan

Josiah Tsiamalili

Lachlan McMillan

Matt Lyons

George Philp

Liam Rice

Each year, the College appoints two Boarding Captains and the application process for these positions will take place later this term. I look forward to working with the Year 11 boarders as they prepare for leadership in 2025. 

One of the more popular activities for our boarders is to do some training in the weights room which is located near the pool. It has been great to see increasing numbers of boys going down (often in groups) to do some exercise under the watchful eye of our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Adam Earnshaw. To ensure the boys know the best and safest ways to improve their strength, I have asked Adam to deliver a presentation to the boarders in the coming weeks. Adam is well placed to educate them and his excellent rapport with the boys will ensure his messages are taken on board. 

Next week, the College will be supporting a large event in Gunnedah known as Ag Quip. Mr Casey and Mr Jones from the boarding team, along with three of our boarders will be hosting a stall at this major trade show which draws tens of thousands of visitors from all over Australia. We look forward to supporting this event and catching up with past, present and future Marist College Ashgrove families.

At the time of writing this newsletter, excitement is building towards the third annual City vs Country rugby league match. The conditions are likely to be wet, but it won’t dampen the enthusiasm of the boys and our wider community towards this great spectacle. Good luck to our Year 12 boarders who form the Country team. I’m sure they will give it everything they’ve got!

Boarding Recreation

Mr Blair Whitlock - Boarding Recreation Officer

Friday night was a quiet one with the Year 12 boarders heading out to Chermside for their Hockey match while the younger boarders spent the afternoon playing touch footy and shooting hoops in the gym. The hockey boys scored another cracking goal with Kyran Bryant opening his account for the season against a well-drilled Brisbane Grammar team. 

With the Walkathon and Battle of the Bands taking place on Sunday morning, there were many boys looking to have a relaxed Saturday around the grounds. In the evening, we headed down to the river for our once-a-term Eat Street visit. The boys always enjoy the experience and find all sorts of interesting foods and trinkets. The head scratchers and flamingo ice teas were crowd favourites on this occasion!

We were lucky that the forecast cleared up on Sunday for the Walkathon and Battle of the Bands which are always fantastic community events. After a busy morning, a small group headed down to Suncorp Stadium for the Dolphins vs Warriors with the QLD side taking a narrow 34-32 victory. It’s a busy couple of days heading into the EKKA break with the Marist Dance and City vs Country Rugby League match taking place on Tuesday. A link to the City vs Country livestreamed will be sent out for anyone keen to watch what is always a great celebration of the spirit and camaraderie between the boarders and the day boys.