Learning and Teaching News

Scholars Assembly

On Wednesday we are fortunate to welcome back our high-achieving 2023 ATAR students for our Scholars Assembly. These 22 young men earned the highest results due to their incredible dedication, sacrifices and commitment to their studies.  These 2023 seniors are role models, demonstrating what we all are capable of if we aim high and achieve our personal potential in our studies. In many ways, their actions reflect our values as a Marist community, of love of work, of setting our sights on noble goals, and of having the courage to achieve our personal best.

Assessment Schedules

The Assessment Schedules for the upcoming term were released via the Parent and Student Portal in Week 3. This document outlines the dates of all summative assessments your sons will have throughout the term. Parents and students are encouraged to review these documents so our boys can manage their time effectively, plan their study routines, and approach assessments with confidence. 

All students from Years 7-11 are expected to be present at school during the Term 1 exam block. Year 12s will not be required to be at school when they do not have an exam scheduled, but must be available during the entire exam block. For any student from Years 7 – 12, please do not arrange holidays during this time.  If your son is unwell, he will need to obtain a medical certificate.

NAPLAN – Years 7 and 9

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests will be completed in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating your child's academic progress and identifying areas for improvement. To ensure that your child feels confident and well-prepared for the upcoming exams, we encourage them to engage in practice sessions. The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site) offers a valuable resource where students can access practice questions and familiarise themselves with the format of the NAPLAN test. Our boys will continue to engage in literacy and numeracy initiatives in their classes to best prepare them for this upcoming external test.

If you have any NAPLAN specific questions, please reach out to Mrs Jess Turschwell, Middle School Academic Care, via email -turschwellj@marash.qld.edu.au or Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg (Acting Deputy Head of College), via email – rosenbergr@marash.qld.edu.au 

English and Literature Extension

Once upon a time, on Tuesday 13  February, the Year 12 English and Literature  Extension Class went into the deep dark urban woods, seeking wonder and transformation. Their task this term is to transform a traditional fairytale into a contemporary, socially just story for the modern age. The GOMA exhibition, 'Fairytales', featuring such favourites as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White, showcases the work of experimental artists putting a modern spin on old tales. The boys were truly inspired by the art, sculptures and installations and we can't wait to read their own renditions of old classics! 

Year 12 Tutoring for Year 7 Boys

Commencing this week, we are starting Year 12 tutoring sessions for our Year 7 students. These sessions are run by Academic Leaders in Room 105 every Wednesday afternoon from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm, running up until Week 8. This initiative aims to foster a supportive learning environment where senior students can share their knowledge and experiences to assist our Year 7s in their studies.

Quiet Study 

Each morning the Resource Centre (senior library) is open from 7:45am to 8:30am for quiet individual study.  All boys are encouraged to use this space to get themselves organised and ready for the day. 

Year 12 Study Night 

The library will be available for Year 12 students on Wednesday nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Collaborative work is encouraged. All normal library and school rules apply. Free dress is permitted. Please sign in and out at the library front desk. This is a wonderful initiative from the senior academic leaders – please use this privilege accordingly. 

Old Boys Maths Tutoring 

It is wonderful that we are able to continue to offer Maths tutoring every morning in Room 402 from 7:40am-8:30am.  We have a wonderful group of Old Boys who return each morning to support our boys with their Maths.  Any boy from Years 7-12 is welcome to attend.

Old Boys Tutoring List 

Please find here a list of old boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours.  This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link.  Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.  

Study Tip 

Meet our Academic Captains 

Name: Edward Wild

House: Slattery 

What do you want to do when you leave school? 

Engineering (probably Aerospace) or something Maths/ Science related. 

Best study tip you use? 

Use the practice exams or make your own practice exams. 

When do you most like to study?  

I mostly like studying at night. There's less noise and it’s just a calmer time. 

What are you most looking forward to this year? 

Seeing what the best ATAR I can possibly get is. 

What would you spend your last $20 on? 

Probably food. Something like a burger and chips.