Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

As we prepare to celebrate the feast day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat this Friday, we are reminded of the powerful example he sets for all of us—especially for our Marist boys in 2025. Saint Marcellin lived a life guided by strong values: humility, compassion, perseverance, deep faith, and a love of learning. These qualities continue to hold deep meaning for young people growing up in today’s world, particularly our young boys here at Marist College Ashgrove.

One of the most important aspects of Saint Marcellin’s life was his deep care for others, especially young people who were poor, forgotten, or struggling. His compassionate nature reminds us of the importance of kindness, inclusion, and respect—values that help create a welcoming and supportive school community where everyone belongs. This is most certainly our goal and there are many, many boys here who live this goal each day. At this morning’s Primary School Assembly though, I had to remind the boys that there are some boys in our community who are letting themselves, and others down because of their words and actions. I challenged these boys to reflect on Saint Marcellin’s values and put them into practice here in our Primary School. 

Saint Marcellin was also known for his determination and resilience. Despite the many difficulties he faced, he never gave up on his dream of providing education to those in need. This is a powerful message for boys today, showing that with hard work, persistence, and belief in yourself, you can overcome challenges and achieve great things. Our boys must not give up at the first hurdle. Working on overcoming challenges makes them stronger. 

His strong faith in God was the foundation of everything he did. For all of us, this is a reminder that faith can guide us through life’s ups and downs, helping us to make good choices and find strength when we need it most.

Marcellin also lived with simplicity and humility, putting others before himself and choosing to lead through service. In a world where success is often measured by how much you have or how popular you are, these qualities help our students learn the importance of being grateful, humble, and generous. Less about ME and more about WE, if you like.

As we come together this Friday to celebrate Saint Marcellin’s feast day, we do more than remember his life—we commit to living out the values he showed us. His example encourages each Marist boy to grow into a young man of character, faith, and compassion, ready to make a difference in the world.

Public Speaking and Debating

We wish our public speakers and debaters well as they head to their final competition round on Tuesday night at Saint Laurence’s College. This competition has proven to be a valuable learning opportunity for all the boys participating and they have done themselves proud by the way they have performed over the last four weeks.

AIC Cross Country Championships

On Wednesday we send off our Cross-Country representatives to do battle at the 2025 Championships being held at St. Patrick’s College. This morning, we got the chance to acknowledge and thank all the boys for the work they have put in, including those who just missed out on selection this year.

Youth Parliament 

Five boys will travel into the city to take part in a Youth Parliament on Thursday. I would like to thank Catherine Barnett for the work that has gone into organising this trip and for accompanying the boys to take part in the day. 

Champagnat Day Activities

Friday will see a revised timetable for the day due to the Champagnat Mass, Shared Lunch and Sports Afternoon. A reminder that all boys are to arrive at school dressed in full Winter Uniform for the Mass and will change into their sports uniform during the shared lunch so that they can participate in the afternoon sports. Please ensure all items of clothing and sports bags are clearly labelled with your son’s name. This will assist in returning any lost property in a timely manner.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

As we approach the end of the term, it’s clear that we are in the final stretch. With students becoming increasingly fatigued, there has been a noticeable decline in effort and focus in class from students.  Additionally, challenges are emerging regarding homework and the quality of work being produced. At Marist, one of the core values that defines our school community is a ‘Love of Work,’ which we strive to instill in our students every day. As assessments approach, I’d like to take this opportunity to address a few important matters that require attention. As partners in the learning journey, we would appreciate your support in reminding your sons of the following:

1. Students are expected to be fully engaged in class and to respect the learning environment.
2. Organisation is key. We’ve noticed that some students are frequently arriving without charged computers, and missing stationery has become a recurring issue. Please check with your sons to ensure they have everything they need for school.
3. Punctuality is essential. Some students are arriving late to school, while others are consistently tardy after breaks. Please note that this is time we cannot get back, and it does impact learning. 
4. Quality homework is a non-negotiable expectation. Poor quality homework is tantamount to incomplete homework. Deadlines must be respected, and students should take homework seriously. In some cases, we have had students completing homework tasks in under 3 minutes. This is unacceptable and it flies in the face of our core values. If completing homework at home is challenging, we offer a morning study room in which students can be supervised, as well as access to the senior library (Monday to Thursday, until 5:00pm).

By focusing on these small but important details, we can make a meaningful impact on the overall quality of learning. Below, I’ve included what remaining assessments are outstanding as a reminder of what students are working towards. While assessments are important, our primary goal is to nurture lifelong learning and strong learning habits at the College.

Year 5

Year 6

Assessment Calendar Confusion

An item on the Year 5 Assessment Calendar that may have caused some confusion can be seen below with the mention of the Year 5 Band and Strings Performance. Please note that this is referencing only the students’ preparation for the Band and Strings Performance. The actual ‘Performance’ will take place on July 31st in Week 3 of Term 3. I apologise in advance if this has caused some confusion. 

Literacy and Numeracy Trophy Winners

Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus in the Primary. Congratulations to the following classes for their success last week.

Head of Sport – John Lambourne

Achievements

Congratulations to Sawyer Martinez (6V) who recently competed at the Gymnastics Queensland State Championships. Sawyer competed in Level 7 Under 13 and achieved some fantastic results.

• State Champion on Pommel
• Third All Around
• Third on Floor
• Third on Vault
• Third on High Bar
• 5th on Rings.

Sawyer is one of 6 boys who’ve made the Level 7 Under 13 Queensland Squad to go to Nationals in July.

Term 2 AIC Sport

Rugby

Football

AIC Cross Country Championships

• Thursday, 5 June – 7:00 – 8:00am, McMahon Oval (recovery session) 

Curlew Park, Sandgate

Wednesday, 4 June

The bus will depart the College at 7:45am and arrive back at approximately 3:00pm

All squad members are to meet in The Chapel at 7:15am for a final briefing on the day from coaching staff. Following this the boys will receive a blessing from Fr. Tini, and guard of honour on their way down to the bus stop.

Event Schedule: 

8:45am            Course Walkthrough 

9.45am            Year 5 – 2km 

10.00am          Year 6 – 3km 

1:15pm            Presentations

MCA Cross Country Uniform: 

• MCA athletics/cross country singlet (uniform guide attached) 
• MCA sport shorts 
• MCA sport socks 
• NO Birkenstocks/Crocs/Slides/Thongs. 

What to Bring: 

• MCA cross country uniform 
• Morning tea, lunch and healthy snacks
• Water Bottle - water tubs will be provided for your use throughout the day – but you must use your own bottle. 
• Your running shoes (and a back-up pair if you have them) – students who have running spikes are encouraged to bring them. 
• College hat 

Final Preparations: 

• It is imperative that all students are being disciplined in their personal preparations for the Championships. This includes focusing on good sleep, nutrition and hydration. 
• All squad members are encouraged to train only on light/non-contact duties for Marist football and rugby on Monday and Tuesday. 

Post Cross Country Championships: 

• All squad members are invited to celebrate the season once we return to the college with pizzas at McMahon Oval. This celebration will conclude at approximately 4:00pm.

Uniform Requirements

Chess

AIC Chess – Round 4 vs St Laurence’s College

Rafael Cienfuegos (6V)

Marist primary chess had a great round for chess on Friday, despite having a few players down. The Junior As had a great win with a score of 14-2 and the Junior Bs did amazing as well with a winning score of 14-2.

Sports Training and Clashes

With a myriad of opportunities on offer for the students, clashes are unavoidable but never a problem if communicated.

Families are reminded that cocurricular activities should not impede on any student’s academic performance.

If sports training clashes with music or morning tutoring it is asked that boys alternate from week to week.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos. 

Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

Parent Orbit App

Please ensure that you download the Parent Orbit app to your smart phone. This app will be used to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.

Late Pick Up After Sports Training

“PLAN B”

It is important that both parent and student are aware of the pick-up procedure if afternoon sports training is cancelled or if parents are running late for pick-up. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the Parent Orbit app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives.

Afternoon sports training sessions are scheduled to finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm will be directed to the After Hours Boarding Reception area / College Health Centre so that he may be collected from there. After Hours Boarding Reception can be contacted on 07 3858 4619.

In the case of bus arrivals from external sporting venues, boys will be sent to After Hours Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the bus arrives back at the College. Parents are asked to collect their sons from this location.