From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Out of Love

The upcoming U.S. election is one of the most publicised elections in the world. In recent weeks, other national elections such as those in the United Kingdom and France have also taken centre-stage. At home, we have our own upcoming Queensland state election. With elections in a democratic nation, different political parties make known their political philosophies and rhetoric and with this comes intellectual debate and the sharing, or often arguing, of ideas and opinions. Unfortunately, at times, opinions can become so polarised and tensions raised, resulting in dramatic events like the attempted assassination of Donald Trump that we saw play out over the weekend. However, fundamentally, all voters need to listen, reflect and consider the different viewpoints that are put forth by different political parties to vote for that to which they feel most represented and aligned. This means that everyone must inform their conscience, reflect upon what they stand for, consider what is important to them and correspondingly, vote accordingly.

In recent Gospels like Matthew (9: 9-13), Jesus had dinner and fraternised with the much frowned upon tax collectors, Pharisees, samaritans and even sinners. Jesus associated with many outcast people whose behaviour was often questioned in his society. Each of these groups had different philosophies and thoughts on how they made decisions and justified their lifestyles. They each had supporters and detractors much like our political parties of today. Yet, Jesus associated with them all and at other times, challenged each of these groups. What was unique and common about Jesus’ actions, conversations and associations with these groups was that he listened, became a guest to, and related with each of these groups out of love. The premise of his relationship and interaction was love. Love was the key to his interaction and exchange of thought and reflections. Similarly, love needs to be the underlying premise of our own reflections and interaction with people of differing ideas and opinions. Further, to make informed Christian decisions throughout our lives, we need to listen and reflect upon all points of view so as to respond and to always do this with a heart of love.

God of the journey, may all the young men of Marist and all members of the Marist College family live, relate and exchange ideas always through the prism of love. Amen.

Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping Seminar

All boys in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be undertaking a workshop this Thursday 18 July with Paul Dillon. Paul has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. He comes each year to Marist to run a year-appropriate seminar on drugs, alcohol and vaping. He explains to the boys how to care for each other at parties and to parents, the importance of delaying the use of alcohol consumption with their children – ‘delay, delay, delay!’

Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), Paul is regularly contracted by agencies and organisations across the country to provide updates on current drug trends. His best-selling book for parents titled ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs‘ was published in 2009. He has since been contracted by a range of sporting organisations including the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to develop and deliver training sessions to players around alcohol and other drug (AOD) safety. Paul has also been involved in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Cocaine Study as well as the National Survey of Ecstasy and Other Party Drugs. He has also been a consultant for the United Nations, developing and trialling a UNODC Global Youth Training Workshop preventing amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use among young people. Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues. Paul also has a regular spot on a national radio program where he deals with current youth drug issues. He writes a blog for parents and caregivers, as well as another for young people, and these have recently been released in a podcast format.

We are certainly very privileged to have Paul Dillon present to our students each year – he is totally booked out around Australia. We gratefully look forward to his presentations to the boys on Thursday and I invite all parents to discuss the important and vital issues he presents to the boys on Thursday evening and beyond when they arrive home.

French Exchange Visit

The French Department at Marist College Ashgrove will be hosting students and staff from Sainte Marie College, Lyon in France. Lyon has great significance to the Marist Brothers and Marist College Ashgrove, as this is the place where St Marcellin Champagnat and his confreres pledged their loyalty to Mary Mother of God under the banner of Marist. Sainte Marie College Lyon is a Catholic school run by the Marist Fathers. We welcome the students and staff from this College and look forward to joining with them to learn and understand the French culture and language. The students will be part of the Marist College Ashgrove community for 2 weeks. I thank our generous Marist host families who will be looking after the students and French staff, and Mrs Lucia Del Vecchio for organising this wonderful opportunity.

French exchange students dressed in the Marist uniform ready to attend school

Head of College Tour

The Term 3 Head of College Tour will be held this Friday 19 July from 8:45am – 12 noon, commencing at the College Tower. All prospective families are welcome to attend by simply contacting enrolments at the College – enrol@marash.qld.edu.au. This tour will include an address in the Draney Theatre, tour of facilities, accompanying questions to present students and staff and a light lunch together. We trust that existing parents will inform all potential parents who are interested in a Marist education of this opportunity on Friday. We look forward to this our third Head of College Tour for 2024.

Sacramental Opportunities

We thank our College Chaplain, Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou who provides opportunities each week for the boys to experience the sacraments of the church. Every Wednesday and Friday morning, the boys can attend Mass in the chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin at 8:00am and 11:45am respectively. The boarders attend Mass with Fr Alatini and the boarding staff usually at 6:00pm in the College Chapel on Sundays. Each Tuesday morning, the boys have the opportunity to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation. This sacrament is encouraged and endorsed by your son’s Religious Education teachers. We thank our College Chaplain and Mrs Anna Nasr – Assistant Head of College – Mission for organising and presiding over these opportunities for the boys.

Leadership Afternoon

Next Tuesday 23 July, our senior Year 11 boys have the opportunity to partake in the leadership afternoon. This time is made available for those boys who are interested in applying for positions of responsibility for 2025. This follows on from the leadership day held for all Year 11 students today as presented by ‘Unleashing Personal Potential’. The afternoon will allow the boys time for reflection, discussion, skill development and information gathering on the processes required toward applying for a leadership position. I thank Mr Peter Serone – Assistant Head of College Students, Mr Phil Holding - Pastoral Leader Senior School and Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh – Pastoral Leader Middle School who have organised and will facilitate these associated activities and seminar for the boys.

Upcoming Boarding Visits

Marist College Ashgrove has just undertaken a rugby clinic in Goondiwindi. Other plans this term are to visit – Saturday 20 July: Dalby Wheatmen Rugby Clinic, Dalby; Wednesday 24 – Thursday 25 July: Federal ICPA Conference, Sydney; Friday 2 August: Talwood Pink Ladies Day, Talwood and Monday 19 –Friday 23 August: AgQuip, Gunnedah. We look forward to seeing Marist associates from these regions visiting us and maybe even bringing along a friend who may be interested in knowing more about the opportunities the College could hold for their sons. See you in the country!

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.