Primary School News

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh

Effort Produces Success

Here at Marist College, we believe that true success is not simply measured by trophies or titles - it’s built on effort, persistence, and a willingness to grow. Last week, our boys demonstrated this beautifully across a range of academic challenges, showing that when hard work meets heart, remarkable things can happen.

I am very proud to share that our students achieved great results in two major competitions that we were involved in.

Our debating teams spoke with clarity, confidence, and conviction on Thursday evening at the first round of the QDU Debating Competition. It was great to see the boys doing their best and achieving success on the night with both the Year 5 and 6 teams winning their debates. Finally, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking were on full display as our boys tackled complex challenges at the Tournament of Minds Day on Sunday. A lot of work goes into preparing for this event and to have two teams that have made it through to the state finals is fantastic.

These achievements, as well as those less public or well-advertised, are a testament to the Marist characteristic of Love of Work. A value that encourages our boys to give their best, embrace challenges, and take pride in their efforts. Behind every win was a journey of practice and effort. Our boys didn’t just show up, they committed time and supported one another, which ultimately led to their successes. We also acknowledge the teachers and families who guided, encouraged, and celebrated alongside them.

As we continue through Term 3, these moments remind us that success is earned, not given, and every boy has the potential to achieve great things when he puts his heart into his preparation. As we look ahead, important assessments are fast approaching, and now is the time for every boy to apply a high level of focus and determination in the classroom each day. Whether it’s revising key concepts, asking thoughtful questions, or simply giving their best, the habits that led to last week’s successes in the Primary School are the same ones that will carry them through their work this term.

A reminder to all primary families to be in communication with your son’s class teacher regarding a parent-teacher meeting this term. Many of you have already had these meetings over the past few weeks, because as a primary, we will not be using the first day of term 4 for these meetings, but are instead having them and the relevant conversations about your son’s learning now during the last part of term 3 in order to assist us with our preparations for term 4.

Have a great Week 7!

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

Looking Ahead – Welcoming our 2027 Year 5 Families

Next week we begin welcoming the newest members of our Primary community. On Tuesday evening, our 2027 Year 5 parents will join us for their Parent Information Evening, before we welcome the boys themselves on Friday for their Year 5 Orientation Day. These are always exciting occasions as our newest families begin their Marist journey, and we look forward to helping the boys feel comfortable, connected and excited about what lies ahead.

Staying the Course

As we move through the middle of the term, this is often a time when tiredness begins to creep in and routines can start to loosen. For our boys, however, consistency is incredibly important. Maintaining the same expectations around bedtime, morning routines, homework, organisation and arriving at school on time provides predictability and helps students manage the demands of a busy term.

A few simple things can make a difference: preparing bags and uniforms the night before, maintaining consistent sleep routines, limiting late-night screen time and keeping conversations about the school day positive. At school, we will continue reinforcing the same routines and expectations that have served the boys well throughout the year. Consistency between home and school gives our boys the best opportunity to finish the term strongly.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Debating News

Last Thursday evening the Year 5 and 6 Debaters argued the topic ‘That all educational public exhibitions should be free.’ Some of our students debated for their first time. To say the standard of debating was excellent would be an understatement with all adjudicators commenting on the quality of the speakers. All boys represented Marist College Ashgrove admirably and we were able to win all four of our debates. Please see details of each team below. Well done boys!

Tournament of the Minds News

On Sunday twenty-eight of our primary boys participated in the Tournament of Minds Regional Challenge at Lourdes Hill College. There were four primary teams this year participating in the challenge from the Social Science, Language and Literature and Arts disciplines. The boys worked diligently and collaboratively for 6 weeks towards solving their challenges. They negotiated the strict set of boundaries which include time restrictions and limits on materials used for the making of props and costumes, along with learning their lines.

The teams were:

Congratulations to D.O.B.S and The Donuts teams who both came first in their respective disciplines. The competition was very high; all four teams performed marvellously and did a magnificent job creating solutions to the challenges they were presented with.

Well done boys!

Morning Study

Morning Study will operate in the Primary CLE from 7:40–8:10am, Monday to Friday. This space provides a quiet environment for students to complete homework and/ or study. 

Morning Study is open to all students; however, the level of support offered will vary depending on the number of students attending on any given day. Students who wish to enhance their learning through a regular weekly study routine, particularly by using resources from their OneNote, will find this an ideal venue.

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.

Program Leader: Primary Sport – Matt Green

Met North Track and Field Trials

Good luck to the following boys who are repreenting Marist at the Met North track and field trials this week.

Term 3 AIC Sport

Term 3 sports on offer are Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.

Please note that numbers are limited in each of these sports and that boys are only able to participate in one Term 3 AIC team sport. 

Boys may also choose to participate in track & field; boys of all abilities are welcome to attend track training sessions. Please see below for further details relating to track & field.

Results from Round 4

Draws for this weekend’s upcoming fixtures can be found here.

Basketball – Maximum 36 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Basketball singlet, Marist Sport shorts & blue Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Friday evening.

Training twice / week.

Tennis – Maximum 8 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Tennis polo, Marist Tennis shorts & white Marist Sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning – please be aware that there may be Friday evening fixtures in 2026

Training twice / week.

Rugby League – Maximum 30 boys Year 5 and 34 boys Year 6

Uniform: Marist rugby league jersey, Marist rugby shorts & Marist team sport socks

Fixtures Saturday morning.

Training twice / week.

Track & Field

There are 4 AIC T&F practice meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships. Please check the parent portal for further information and accept the invitation for your son to participate. Students will travel to and from these meets at QSAC via bus from school, departing at 1:50 pm, returning following the last primary school event. Estimated time of arrival back at school is approximately 5:30pm. 

• Thursday, August 27
• Wednesday, September 2
• Thursday, September 10
• Wednesday, September 16

AIC Championships – Thursday, 8 & Friday, 9 October – QSAC.

Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts & white Marist Sport socks 

Boys wishing to be considered for AIC selection should also be aware that there will be training and meets conducted over the Term 3 holidays.

Track & Field

Sunday Sessions

Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction to Marist Track & Field. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment.

Some benefits include:

1. Improvement in technique and speed.

2. Technical development for throws.

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist Sport shirt, Marist Sports shorts, Marist Sport white or blue socks.

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 5:00pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5:15pm 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.