Co-curricular Arts News

Celebrating Our Year 12 Musicians – Pool Party & Soirée

As the end of term approaches, the Music Department is farewelling our Year 12 musicians with a day of celebration, gratitude, and performance.

On Thursday 18 September 2025, all co-curricular music students are invited to gather at the College Pool from 3:15pm to 4:45pm for a Pool Party and Sausage Sizzle. This fun-filled event will serve as both a thank-you and a farewell to our Year 12 students, recognising the outstanding commitment they have shown throughout their many years in the co-curricular music program. Students will enjoy a sausage sizzle, soft drinks, and lolly bags as they come together for one final Department celebration.

As the festivities conclude, attention will turn to the highlight of the musical calendar—the annual Soirée. Beginning at 6:30pm in the Champagnat Centre, this gala event will showcase the College’s large and small ensembles and provide the community with the opportunity to farewell our Year 12 musicians in style.

Students attending both events are reminded that they may remain at the College between the Pool Party and Soirée. They should ensure they bring their performance uniform, music, and instrument with them on the day.

The Pool Party has a cost of $10 per student, with RSVPs required via Parent Lounge by Thursday 4 September 2025. By accepting the invitation, families confirm their son’s attendance, verify medical conditions, and ensure payment of the participation fee.

With an afternoon of fun and an evening of music, this special day promises to be a fitting tribute to the dedication and talent of our Year 12 musicians. Families, friends, and the wider College community are warmly invited to join in the celebrations and help us farewell these young men who have contributed so much to the musical life of Marist College Ashgrove.

A Farewell and a New Beginning

On a personal note, this term marks my final term leading the Music and Co-curricular Arts program at Marist College Ashgrove. It is not, however, the end of my Marist journey, which began more than half a century ago. I will continue to be part of the College community through my work teaching instrumental music into 2026 and beyond.

Marist education has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I remain deeply indebted to two Marist Brothers whose influence was both formative and profound. In 1974, my Grade 4 teacher, Br Peter Stewart, introduced me to music through class singing. Through his teaching, he instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. A few years later, Br Michael Herry introduced me to the saxophone and to instrumental music—an encounter that would change the course of my life.

Both men exemplified the pillars of Marist education: modesty, humility, simplicity, and a love of work. Most importantly, they cared for every student, regardless of the challenges we presented. Their approach was a reflection of the enduring legacy of Marcellin Champagnat, who founded the Marist Brothers in rural France in 1816. 

Alongside Br Peter and Br Michael, I have been truly blessed by the support of a broader Marist community—teachers, colleagues, students, parents, and friends—whose encouragement and partnership have made this journey so meaningful. At its heart, Marist education has taught me that the greatest gift of all is the opportunity to care for others. For that, I am deeply grateful.

As I step aside from this leadership role, I would like to wish Ms Megan Harmston all the very best as she takes over the Music and Co-curricular Arts program. The program is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing it continue to flourish under her guidance.

Thank you for the privilege of serving this remarkable community.