Learning and Teaching News

Year 12 Gold Optimus Breakfast 

Last week our 47 out of our 51 Year 12 Gold Optimus Awardees and their parents/carers came together for the Annual Optimus Breakfast. This year we were fortunate to welcome The Honourable Justice Cathrine Muir as our keynote speaker. Justice Muir gave a heartfelt and inspirational speech to parents, boys and staff about courage, grit and determination, being melded by experiences and interests, and laughing at yourself when needed! We thank Justice Muir and key organiser Sharon Vassallo on behalf of the College community for contributing to such a wonderful morning.

Parent/Teacher/Student Online Interviews

Week 6

We believe that education is a collaborative effort, and we are grateful for the unwavering support of our parents and the wider community. Parent/Teacher/Student (PTS) interviews are an important part of your son’s educational journey.  One that allows time to reflect on his strengths but also discuss opportunities for areas of growth and improvement. To ensure timely feedback and discussion, we will be offering PTS interviews online on Monday 17 August (Week 6). 

Bookings are now open and will close on Friday 7 August 2026.  Bookings can be made via the Parent Orbit App or Parent Lounge.

Year 11 – Music Extension and English/Literature Extension 

Any Year 11 student who may be interested in undertaking an Extension subject in English/Literature in Term 4 (Unit 3 & 4) must attend the information session on Thursday 30 July in Period 6. Please check the daily notices for location. Music classes will be visited to discuss Music Extension – Ms Harmison will see you with the details. 

2027 Year 11 SET Plan Interviews

All SET plan interviews for our current Year 10 students and parents/carers should have now been completed. If this is not the case, please contact curriculum@marash.qld.edu.au so we can organise a time to complete.  

Year 9 Subject Selection and Pathway Conversations

9ASH lessons at the end of Term 2 focused on Year 10 subjects.  Year 9 students have investigated pathway planning and subject offerings in Year 10.  Here are some key dates for our Year 9 students:

• Term 2: Subject Guides sent via. Email, subject information and initial subject planning and preparation completed through ASH
• Term 3: Week 1 – Monday 13 July: Year 9 to 10 Pathway Conversation Bookings Open 
• Term 3: Week 1 – Subject Selection Portal information emailed through to students to enter subjects
• Term 3: Weeks 3-5: Pathway and Performance Interviews (parents welcome) to select subjects for Year 10.

Year 8 Subject Selections 

Year 8 boys have started to consider their Year 9 2027 subjects in ASH this week. 

On Monday 20 July boys and families will be emailed the subject guide and an initial planning guide. 

Marist Father–Son Reading Night

Students in Years 5–8 and their fathers or father figures are warmly invited to attend the annual Marist Father–Son Reading Night on Wednesday 5 August, 5:30pm–7:30pm in the Draney Theatre.

This special evening celebrates reading and the important role that fathers play in fostering a love of books and learning. We are delighted to welcome award-winning Australian author Tristan Bancks, whose popular books include Two Wolves, Raised by Wolves, Detention, The Fall and Scar Town. Tristan’s engaging stories and insights into the writing process are sure to inspire young readers.

Guests will have the opportunity to read together, browse and purchase books from the book stall, enjoy light refreshments and win exciting raffle prizes.

Families are reminded to use the booking link provided in the recent parent email to reserve their place. RSVP closes on 29 July.

We look forward to welcoming many Marist boys and their families to this wonderful celebration of reading.

High Potential Learners Term 2 Achievements

The Academic Equity Faculty is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students across a range of academic competitions this term:

da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic competition that challenges students across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. Working in teams of eight, students demonstrate collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Our teams achieved excellent results across multiple year levels:

• Year 5: 4th Overall, including 2nd (Engineering), 3rd (Legacy), 4th (Mathematics), and 5th (Code Breaking)
• Year 6: 14th Overall, with 1st place (Science) and 4th (Code Breaking)
• Year 8: 2nd (Legacy) and 5th (Ideation)

• Year 10: 14th Overall, including 2nd (Cartography) and 4th (Legacy)

   

 Senior School Ethics Olympiad

The Ethics Olympiad is a collaborative competition in which students analyse complex ethical scenarios, developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Unlike traditional debating, students work together to explore multiple perspectives and construct thoughtful responses.

Congratulations to our two teams of Hamish Ansell, Connor Campbell, Thomas Lynn, Aidan Mansul, Addie Mills, Joseph Niere, Thomas Shaxson, and Will Stigter, who were awarded an Honourable Mention.

Middle School Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Competition

This competition challenges students to craft an original ethical scenario with a clear moral issue designed to promote thoughtful discussion and civil discourse. Maxwell King received an Honourable Mention for his submission.

University of Queensland Brain Bee Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge is the nation’s only neuroscience competition, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of the brain and its functions, as well as the impact of neurological and mental health conditions. We wish the best of luck to Thomas Shaxson and Teo Dehamel for their participation in Round 2 (July 2026) as well as congratulate Aarav Patel for his participation in Round 1.

APSMO Maths Olympiad

The APSMO Maths Olympiad develops problem-solving skills through real-world applications and promotes creative and flexible thinking. Over 70 students from Years 6–8 have successfully completed the first two competition papers. We wish them all the best for the remaining rounds in Term 3.

Big Science Competition

This international competition challenges students with real-world scientific problems across biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

• Year 8: Maxwell King (High Distinction – top 5%), George Scerri (Distinction – top 15%)

• Year 9: Cooper Chaseling, Frankie Hain, and Noah Watherston (Distinction)

   

These results reflect the dedication, curiosity, and academic excellence of our students, and we congratulate all participants on their commitment and achievements.

External Exam Block

The 2026 External Assessment (EA) Exam Block has been released by QCAA

QCAA external assessment timetable 2026.

Marist Subject Support

Tutoring support will take place in the Senior Library and is open to all boys in Years 7 to 12. 

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 > School Links > General Links or via this link (Upload updated Old Boys Tutoring List for 2026 PDF) 

Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.

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