Primary School News

Acting Head of Primary – Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh

A Week of Discovery, Creativity and Challenge in Primary

We step into the coming week with great anticipation, as it promises to be a week of busyness, creativity and excitement. With a wonderful blend of academic, creative and sporting events ahead, it is a week that certainly celebrates the wonderful opportunities that are offered to our boys here in the Primary School. The Head of College Tour, held on Friday, was an outstanding success. These tours give prospective families a glimpse into the future to see what their sons might be involved in, should they attend our school.  Our boys were welcoming and hospitable to our visitors which was fantastic to see.

On Thursday evening, our talented Year 5 musicians will take the stage for their Band and Strings Concert. This event is a celebration of perseverance and musical growth, and we commend each boy for the dedication he’s shown in learning his instrument during his first year at the college. We look forward to an evening filled with rhythm, harmony and proud applause. 

Of course, our AIC training and fixtures continue across rugby league, basketball, tennis and athletics. These boys are encouraged to balance their workload as they head into the Term 3 assessment period in a few weeks’ time. 

As we embark on the week ahead, we are reminded that each event in it contributes to the holistic development of our boys and celebrates the diversity of gifts our boys possess.

 There is a free Free Dress Day on Friday in support of Stationery Aid, posters are up around the school and the boys are encouraged to wear bright colours and donate via their monitor cards.

A reminder that students are not permitted to use their mobile phones, smart watches or laptops to make contact with parents during the school day. All contact with home is to be made via our staff in the Primary Office. Your assistance in reinforcing this message with your son is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham

It was a privilege to spend the past two weeks on parental leave as our family adjusts to life as a family of five. Whilst there have been a few sleepless nights along the way, it has been a wonderful opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together and enjoy these special early moments. Thank you to everyone for your kind wishes and support during this exciting time.

Supporting Our Community

Last Friday, eight of our Year 6 students represented Marist College Ashgrove at the St Joseph's Bardon Under 8s Day. Our boys assisted with activities throughout the day, encouraged the younger students and willingly gave their time to help make the event a success. Opportunities such as these are an important reminder that being part of the Marist community extends beyond our own College. Thank you to the boys for representing Marist with enthusiasm, kindness and a genuine spirit of service.

Marist College Walkathon

A reminder that our annual College Walkathon will take place on Sunday 9 August, and we look forward to seeing our entire College community there. This is always a wonderful occasion that brings together students, families and staff while supporting our College.

Primary students are asked to meet in the Primary Podium Area to have their roll marked before waiting for their teacher's instructions. Students will then be dismissed to begin the walk down the hill and onto the course via the road connecting to Frasers Road in front of the McMahon Grandstand. Parents, siblings and extended family members are warmly encouraged to join us for the walk.

As one of the compulsory events on the College calendar, all students are expected to attend. If your son is unable to participate due to exceptional circumstances, please notify Primary Reception or myself via email. Students who are unable to attend will complete the make-up Walkathon on Tuesday afternoon on the Flats.

We look forward to seeing all of our Primary families for what promises to be another fantastic community event.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Assessment Calendars

Last week, the Term 3 Assessment Calendars were emailed to all parents and students. They can also be seen below: 

Morning Study

Morning Study will operate in the Primary CLE from 7:40am–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

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 and field; boys of all abilities are welcome to attend track training sessions. Please see below for further details relating to track & field.

Round 1 Results

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

Basketball – Maximum 36 boys / grade

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

Fixtures Friday evening.

Training twice / week.

Tennis – Maximum 8 boys / grade

Uniform: Marist Tennis polo, Marist Tennis shorts and 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 meets scheduled at the end of Term 3.

These meets are conducted as time trials for boys wishing to qualify for AIC Championships.

• 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.

Western District Track and Field Trials

Nominations have been made and notes shared with Families for the upcoming Western District Trials being held in Week 4 Thursday 6th & Friday 7th August at St Joseph’s College, Nudgee. Entries in these events have been determined by times and distances from our Primary Athletics Carnival and Track and Field Mini Meet 1. Please ensure permission forms are completed and returned to Scott Reaper- Program Leader- Sport.

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.