From the Head of College

Let Faith be our Comment

There is no doubt that the assassination of Charlie Kirk in America last week on the 10th  September will be one of those moments in life that we will always remember. It has certainly been a topic of significant interest to many of the boys, staff and families at the College.  Although many of us didn’t know of Charlie Kirk prior to his death, the world certainly has made us aware. When violent acts occur, we often turn to our leaders for words to help us comprehend such an event. From a Church’s perspective, Pope Leo made a recording. Among other things he encourages us not to respond with silence but with prayer and faith...“Let your faith be your comment,” he says.

Similarly, the Vatican’s Secretary of State condemned the use of violence against those with whom one disagrees...“The Vatican’s stand is that we are against all types of violence. And we think that we have to be very, very tolerant, very respectful of everybody, even though we don’t share the same view,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin told journalists. “If we are not tolerant and respectful, and we are violent, this will produce a really big problem inside the international community and the national community,” he added.

Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City said in a statement shared with OSV News, “My heart goes out to the family of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed today at Utah Valley University. I will pray for the repose of his soul,” Bishop Solis said. “I am also praying for all who were affected, especially those who were present at the event on campus, the many people who admired Mr. Kirk, and most particularly his family. Meanwhile, I continue to pray for all the victims of gun violence throughout the years and their families. It is appalling that senseless acts of violence such as this continue to occur.” He also added, “It seems that our society has lost the sense of the sanctity of life, and I pray that our government will undertake appropriate measures to stop these horrible crimes.”

Maybe the best response to such acts comes from the words of St Francis of Assisi who Pope Francis, our previous Pope took his name. As we the Marist College Ashgrove family pray this Peace Prayer, let our faith be our comment.

Peace Prayer of St Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Sony Foundation Camp – September School Holidays

Marist College Ashgrove and Mt Alvernia College are proud to once again host the Sony Foundation Camp during the upcoming September school holidays – a heartwarming initiative that brings joy, connection, and fun to young people living with disabilities.

This fully funded residential camp provides an unforgettable experience for our guests, filled with laughter, friendship, and meaningful moments. It’s a highlight of the year for everyone involved – students, families, and volunteers alike.

To help make the camp even more magical, we’re seeking donations of small items that can bring joy and comfort to our campers. If you’re able to contribute the following items, this would be greatly appreciated:

• Fidget toys
• Nut-free chocolates
• Lollies
• Small soft plush toys
• Stickers

Donations can be dropped off at the College Tower administration.

Your generosity will help create a warm and welcoming environment for our campers and make this experience truly special. Thank you for supporting this incredible initiative! Good luck to all staff and senior students involved in this camp led by our Assistant Head of College – Mission, Mrs Anna Nasr and her wonderful team.

Year 12 Studies

My best wishes are extended to the Year 12 students who continue to prepare for their all-important ATAR external examinations – Monday 27th October – Friday 14th November. This holiday period is a very important time for our boys as they continue to prepare for these exams. The Library will be open and some staff visiting to assist from Wednesday 24th September to Wednesday 1st October (excluding the weekend) from 8am to 3pm. I trust that your son will continue his revision and study program during this important holiday break. 

Mr Michael Connolly

Michael Connolly has been at Marist College Ashgrove for 22 years. He is presently the Assistant Head of College – Primary which he has undertaken for three years. It is with much sadness that I announce that Michael is leaving the profession of teaching at the end of the year to take on other new and exciting endeavours. Michael will certainly be leaving on a high and will be sorely missed. We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to him as he moves on. His remarkable contribution to Marist College Ashgrove, the many students and families he has positively impacted, and his dedication to Catholic education over the past 37 years have been truly outstanding. We will formally farewell Michael further at the end of the year. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Term 4

The Year 5-11 parent-teacher interviews will be held on Tuesday 7th October in the Champagnat Centre. These follow our on-line interview for those parents who are unable to meet in person. These interviews can be booked via the Parent Orbit App by Wednesday, 17th September at 7:00pm. We trust that in participating in these Parent-Teacher interviews, you see the value of partnership to ensure the best possible outcomes, progress and improvement of your son’s academic studies and development. 

Grandparents’ Day

All grandparents are welcome to join their grandsons for our annual Grandparents’ Day to be held this Thursday morning 18th September at 9:50am in the Champagnat Centre. This day is always special for the boys and their grandparents. The day will commence with a concert featuring various music ensembles and will then move to a delicious morning tea together, concluding with your grandsons for a tour of the facilities. We look forward to welcoming our extended Marist family of grandparents this Thursday. You are very welcome.

Tickets can be obtained on the following link -  https://events.humanitix.com/2025-grandparent-s-day

Soiree 2025

Another much loved event on the college calendar is the annual Soiree. This event sees the performances of all our ensembles and choirs in the Champagnat Centre for one night only. The Soiree also gives us the opportunity to farewell our senior students and this year to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Dr Andrew Butt who has led and developed such an esteemed music program at Marist College Ashgrove over many years. To obtain a ticket go to Soiree 2025. We look forward to enjoying the performances of the boys this Thursday from 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

Japan Cultural Tour – A Journey of Language, Learning and Discovery

From Saturday 20th to Tuesday 30th September, 15 of our Japanese language students will embark on an unforgettable cultural tour of Japan. Accompanied by staff members Mr Adam Knight, Ms SoHee Chu, and Ms Hannah Neilson, the group will explore the beauty, history, and vibrancy of Japanese life.

Highlights of the trip include visits to: Tokyo Disneyland, the immersive digital art experience at TeamLab Planets, the breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree Tower, Samurai and Ninja Museum and a live Sumo Tournament — just to name a few! These experiences will not only deepen each boy’s appreciation of Japanese culture but also provide valuable opportunities to practice their language skills in real-world settings.

We wish our students and staff a safe and enriching journey. We can’t wait to hear their stories and see the memories they bring back.

AIC Track and Field Camp

Best wishes to all boys who will be participating in the track and field camp held from Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th September at Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler. Thank you to the Director of Track & Field - Mr Richard Graham, Head Coach - Mr Robin Martin and our Track & Field coaches. This camp is a final important preparation for the 2025 AIC Athletics Championships to be held on Thursday and Friday 9th – 10th October at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

CBSQ Basketball – Championship Division

Best wishes to our First Basketball Team as they head to the CBSQ Open Division tournament from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st September at the Coomera Sports Complex. Competing in the Championship Division, the highest level of school basketball in Queensland, occurs due to the dedication of our players and coaching staff. The CBSQ Marist College Ashgrove 1st V Team is : Leo Morris, Isaac Deem, Makenzie Bowen, Will Lathwell, Jacob Cook, Matt Pegg, Will McPhee, Sam Mapledoram, Heath Monk, Oliver Peregrina, Aidan Marshall and Finn Cusack.  A big thank you to the Coaching & Support Staff: Head Coach - James Lymer, Assistant Coaches - Liam Thomas & James O’Hara and Team Manager - Samantha Davids.  We wish the team every success as they represent Marist College Ashgrove.

Confraternity Shield 2026

Marist College Ashgrove looks forward to hosting 72 schools for the 2026 Confraternity Shield in the first week of the June-July Holidays next year. This time honoured carnival which boasts many famous graduands past and present NRL, State and Australian representatives, provides students throughout Queensland the chance to join in Christian confraternity to form new friends, enjoy each other's company and develop skills in Rugby League. We excitedly look forward to hosting this great carnival under our convenor - Mr Ryan Apps. 

Now that our Term 3 sports of Rugby League, Tennis and Basketball have concluded, we now focus our attention on the planning and preparation of this carnival ahead. This includes the preparation of our First XIII Rugby League Team. To coach our First XIII prior to, at this carnival and into the AIC competition in Term 3 2026, Marist teachers - Mr Brad Winchester, Mr Mal Grealy and Mr Jim Midgley have accepted the invitation to lead the boys forward. My best wishes to these coaches and all boys who will be striving for a position in this team. All remaining coaches for the Rugby League Term 3 season will be announced in 2026. 

Again, we look forward to hosting the 2026 Confraternity Carnival and welcoming our many visitors. 

Presentation on Return in Term 4

Just a reminder to all boys and parents that the summer uniform is to be worn in Term 4. This includes the formal hat in good condition to and from school each day. The blazer / formal uniform will be worn for specific official occasions which the boys will be informed about closer to events – e.g. Awards Night at QPAC. A reminder also that all boys must be cleanly shaven each day – moustaches are not part of the uniform and/or attire of the college. Shoes are to be clean, plain blue college bags currently sold in the uniform shop are the only bags allowed; haircuts are as per college regulations and socks are to pulled up with shirts tucked in. I again thank all parents for the way you present your son to the College each day. Failure to meet these standards will mean that boys will not have the privilege to attend classes until this is rectified.

Holidays

My best wishes to all boys, families and staff for an enjoyable September holiday break. Please stay safe and ensure you recharge your batteries for what promises to be a full and exciting final term at the college for 2025. A reminder that school returns on Wednesday 8th October. Enjoy your holidays!

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 16 September

• Year 12 Trial Examination Block – continues
• Year 11 Exam Block – continues
• House Meetings
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Wednesday 17 September

• R U OK Day
• AIC Track and Field Practice Meet #4 – Primary Depart 1:50pm; Secondary Depart 2:50pm
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 18 September

• Boarder Travel Day
• Grandparents Day – Periods 1 & 2 (Rehearsal and Concert)
• End of Term 3 Liturgy – Period 6
• Soirée – Champagnat Centre (6:30pm)
• AIC Track and Field Camp – commences
• Pool Party (co-curricular music students) – 3:15pm–4:30pm
• Movie (co-curricular music students) – 4:30pm–6:00pm
• Environment Group – Room 801
• Study Hall – Senior Library
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Friday 19 September

• Student Free Day
• AIC Track and Field Camp – continues
• Sony Foundation Camp – Set-Up Day
• End of Term Staff Mass – Chapel (2:15pm–3:00pm)

Saturday 20 September

• Sony Foundation Camp – commences
• AIC Track and Field Camp – continues

Sunday 21 September

• Sony Foundation Camp – continues
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)

Thursday 25 September

• Track and Field Holiday Meet #1

Thursday 2 October

• Track and Field Holiday Meet #2

Monday 6 October

• King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 7 October

• Staff Day – Parent Teacher Student Interviews (Years 5–11)
• Boarders return
• Student Free Day

Wednesday 8 October

• Term 4 begins – all students return
• Community Mass – College Chapel (all welcome)
• Track and Field Photos – Break 1
• College Assembly
• Mission Captains Meeting – Break 2
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Thursday 9 October

• AIC Track and Field Championships – Day 1
• Formula Track Day Scrutineering
• Pastoral Leader Meeting – Tower Function Room
• Vinnies Meeting – Room 801
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room
• Study Hall – Senior Library

Friday 10 October

• AIC Track and Field Championships – Day 2 (Years 7 & 10 Supporting)
• Formula High School Challenge Day
• Boarding Leaders Camp – commences
• College Mass – Break 1B
• Boarding Detentions – BTS
• Staff Prayer – Outside Gubbins Room
• Primary Morning Study – Primary Learning Support Room

Saturday 11 October

• Boarding Leaders Camp - continues
• 42 for 42 Challenge – Year 10 Boarders

Sunday 12 October

• Boarding Leaders Camp - continues
• Boarders’ Mass – College Chapel (6:00pm)