Boarding News

One of the great strengths of Marist College Ashgrove Boarding is the strong partnership we share with families across regional Australia. Maintaining these connections and ensuring families feel informed and engaged in their sons' boarding journey remains a key priority for us.

Last week, members of our team travelled to Goondiwindi and Moree to attend Boarding School Expos in both communities. These events provided an excellent opportunity to meet prospective boarding families, showcase our boarding program, and discuss the many opportunities available to young men who choose Marist College Ashgrove as their home away from home.

Beyond sharing information about our facilities and programs, the expos allow us to build meaningful relationships with families as they consider their educational options. It is always particularly pleasing to reconnect with current families, Old Boys and members of the wider Marist community from these regions. With a significant number of our boarders coming from rural and regional areas, these visits are an important reminder of the trust families place in us and the valuable contribution regional students make to life in our Boarding House.

Our commitment to supporting regional and remote families continues this week, with Mr Ty Casey representing the College at the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA) Federal Conference on the Gold Coast. The ICPA plays a vital role in advocating for equitable access to quality education for students living in rural and remote Australia. As educators, it is important that we remain engaged in these discussions, listening to the challenges faced by families and contributing to conversations that seek to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for young people across the country.

This engagement also helps us better understand the evolving needs of our boarding families and ensures that our program continues to respond effectively to the unique circumstances of students who live away from home to access their education.

I would also like to remind all boarding families that our Term 3 Boarder Parent Network (BPN) online meeting will be held this Wednesday evening at 5.00pm. A meeting link has been distributed to all families.

The BPN meets once each term and serves as an important communication channel between families and the Boarding House. These meetings provide an opportunity to hear updates on current initiatives, learn about upcoming plans and events, and gain insight into the day-to-day life of the Boarding House. They also allow parents and guardians to ask questions, share feedback and contribute to ongoing discussions about how we can continue to enhance the boarding experience.

While the BPN is not a fundraising body, it plays a valuable role in supporting the College through constructive dialogue and community engagement. The perspectives and feedback provided by parents are greatly appreciated and help us ensure that our boarding program continues to thrive.

I encourage all parents and guardians to join us on Wednesday evening if possible. Your involvement and support are integral to the success of our boarding community, and I look forward to connecting with many of you online.