Primary School News
Mr Michael Connolly, Head of Primary School
Book an Adventure
Dear Parents,
Last week, we were thrilled to unveil our new Marist Characteristics Pillar Wraps in our podium area. These wraps add a colourful and powerful reminder for the boys of the five characteristics of being Marist. Starting this week, our assembly prayers will focus on each one of the characteristics. I thank the boys for taking good care of the wraps as they move and play around them. At our assembly last week, each boy was challenged to identify at least one area for personal growth and improvement for the term ahead. What this might be may be different for every boy but, regardless of the individual area of focus, I encourage each boy to keep striving for improvement. This goal setting reinforces our Marist commitment to courageous learning and humble striving.
Next week, we’re delighted to launch our Book Week celebration, embracing this year’s theme: “Book an Adventure”. Here in the Primary School, we believe that a love of reading is one of the most powerful and enduring gifts we can offer our boys. Stories open minds, build empathy and give our learners the tools to explore who they are and the world around them. Our Primary Library is designed to inspire our boys to be confident, engaged readers.
One of the highlights of our celebrations will be a very special visit from author Anton Clifford-Motopi. Anton will be sharing his experiences as a writer and offering students valuable insights into the creative process behind his debut book, To and Fro. Another much-loved tradition - the Book Week Costume Parade - will take place on Friday morning at 8:30am in the Primary Podium Area. We encourage homemade and creative costumes that reflect students' favourite book characters, rather than store-bought outfits.
Throughout the week, our library will be a hive of activity, featuring quizzes, puzzles, games and exciting theme-based experiences that reflect our love for stories. On Thursday evening, we’re hosting an Up Late Book Fair in the library, with the doors open until 6:30pm. It's a wonderful chance for parents to drop in, explore the collection and soak in the literary atmosphere.
I would like to thank, in advance, our Primary Library staff for all the work that has gone into our Book Week celebrations.
Have a great week.
Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham
It has been a fantastic start to Term 4, with the boys settling in quickly and demonstrating a positive attitude toward their learning and responsibilities. It was clear this week that the boys hit the ground running, adapting well to classroom expectations and playground routines. Uniforms are looking sharp across the board, with just a small reminder for some to check the condition of their yard hat edging - a quick fix that helps keep our high standards in place.
Tuckshop Reminders
This week we spoke to the boys about a few important reminders regarding the use of the tuckshop. Boys are encouraged to visit the tuckshop at the beginning of the first break, as it will close for Primary students at 11:45am, which is halfway through the duty period. This change aligns with staff availability and supervision.
While the tuckshop remains open during second break, it is important to note that there is no dedicated Primary staff member supervising at that time. Boys may still purchase items if needed, but are expected to do so independently and sensibly.
We’ve also reinforced with the boys that tuckshop purchases should only be made for themselves. While generosity is a positive trait, buying for others can unintentionally create issues around fairness, pressure, or misplaced expectations — especially when money and food are involved.
Reception Phone Use
Last week, we reminded students about the appropriate use of the College phone located at Reception. It was pleasing to see the boys quickly adapt to these small but important changes. As a reminder, the phone is available for students to contact home only when necessary and with staff permission. This encourages student independence while still allowing for responsible communication when genuinely required.
Under 8s Day – A Leadership Opportunity
This Friday, a small group of Year 6 students will proudly represent our Primary school by assisting with St Joseph’s Bardon’s annual Under 8’s Day. This is a valued community event and a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 boys to take on a leadership role as they help facilitate games and activities for the younger students. We look forward to seeing them lead with enthusiasm and Marist spirit.
Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little
In the interests of maintaining a strong partnership between home and school, please find below a brief overview of what students in Primary will be studying this term.
As parents, you form an important partnership with the staff of the College. Taking a keen interest in what children are learning and discussing this at home cannot be underestimated. To this end, below provides some scope regarding what students are learning in their core classes this term. For more specific detail on the content and skills covered in class, please refer to the Class One Notes that are available to all students. This also includes the term overview for each core subject.
Subject | Year 5 | Year 6 |
English | This term, students will refine their skills in note taking and summarising, culminating in the writing of an information report. This unit will integrate with Science. | This term, students will hone their skills in narrative writing. They will build their capacity to utilise a greater variety of sentence styles and story beginnings and a more sophisticated use of vocabulary. |
Maths | Students will explore the following topics this term:
| Students will explore the following topics this term:
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HASS | Students will continue to explore primary and secondary sources as they learn about the Australian landscape and the impact of our First Nations People and explorers. They will pose inquiry questions to guide their research about a chosen explorer and their contribution to Australia using Cornell Note Taking Templates. | Students will explore the geographical location of Asia on a world map. They will learn and apply mapping conventions and be introduced to the concepts of geographical diversity around the world. They will pose inquiry questions to guide their research using Cornell Note Taking Templates. |
Science | Students will learn about animal adaptations that assist in survival. They will complete scientifically labelled diagrams and explain how the structural and behavioural adaptations of their chosen animal are fundamental to its ability to sustain life. | Students will learn about circuits and symbols and represent these using diagrams. They will learn about insulators and conductors. They will be introduced to renewable energy types and create a prototype of an object using renewable energy for our Science Fair. |
Religion | Students will learn about the importance of prayer. They will explore different types of prayers and ritual. Prayer types covered will include:
| Students will learn about the Holy Spirit. Topics covered will include:
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GPA Progress
At the time of writing, I have been able to get into most classes to discuss student progress and the tracking of their learning through their GPA (grade point average). I congratulate the following Year 6 students who were able to grow their GPA by more than 1 point last semester:
Growth of more than 2 points:
Frank Monforte-Strati | Lucas French |
Growth of more than 1 point:
Levi Hagen | Jackson Real | Aston Reeves | Charlie Maclean | Maclain Griffiths |
Harrison Kirkman | Tyler Richardson | George Coulter | Raf Ahlholm | Liam Tamer |
Orlando Ryder | Sebastian Rokonayalewa | Lucas Nightingale | Miller Exintaris | Aidan Smith |
Charlie Mackay | James Midgley | Will Carr | Emerson Maxwell | Sawyer Martinez |
Thomas Cramp | Fraser Walsh | Max Davis | Vincenzo Nucifora | Ben Jefferies |
Harry Geraghty | Max Mansbridge | Edward Moloney | Ned O’Farrell | Patrick Thirgood |
Paddy Moffat |
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Primary Library
We’re thrilled to announce that Book Week kicks off next week, beginning Monday, 28th July - a beloved celebration of storytelling, creativity and the joy of literature. This year’s theme, “Book an Adventure”, invites students to explore new worlds, meet fascinating characters and discover the power of imagination.
One of the highlights of our celebrations will be a very special visit from author Anton Clifford-Motopi. Anton will be sharing his experiences as a writer and offering students valuable insights into the creative process behind his debut book, To and Fro. Students will have the opportunity to pre-order copies and have their book signed by Anton after his presentation. Details have already been shared with them last week.
Our friends from Where the Wild Things Are Bookshop will also be joining us with a stunning display of books for purchase - including Anton’s! Boys will browse the collection, create wish lists and bring them home to discuss potential purchases with you. Every book bought contributes directly to our school library, helping us expand our collection with fresh and exciting titles.
On Wednesday lunchtime, bookshop owner Fiona Stagger will host a book chat for interested students, sparking deeper conversations about literature and reading habits.
Another much-loved tradition - the Book Week Costume Parade - will take place on Friday morning at 8:30am in the Primary Podium Area. We encourage homemade and creative costumes that reflect students' favourite book characters, rather than store-bought outfits. Families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate with us.
Throughout the week, our library will be a hive of activity, featuring quizzes, puzzles, games and exciting theme-based experiences that reflect our love for stories. On Thursday evening, we’re hosting an Up Late Book Fair in the library, with the doors open until 6:30pm. It's a wonderful chance for parents to drop in, explore the collection and soak in the literary atmosphere.
We can’t wait to share this magical week with your sons and help spark their curiosity and passion for reading. Thank you for your continued support in growing a culture of literacy and wonder here at Marist Primary.
Warmest regards, Primary Library Staff
Primary School Sport - Mr John Lambourne
Achievements
Congratulations Sawyer Martinez (6V) who competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. Sawyer won the National Level 7 Under 13 High Bar, was a silver medallist on Vault, 3rd All Around, and a gold team medallist. An amazing achievement in his first national competition, particularly as he is only 11 years old!
Congratulations Liam Tamer (6V) who competed at the 2025 Queensland Junior Squash Championships where he finished third. Liam also competed in the teams’ event for Brisbane Vipers. He won all his single matches, and made the U13 grand finals, where he finished runner-up, Brisbane Vipers finished the tournament in 2nd place.
Liam’s goal now is to keep training and playing squash to prepare himself for the Australia Junior Open Championship next year.
Term 3 AIC Sport
Basketball
A bus will be provided to and from AIC Basketball fixtures each week.
The bus will depart from the College Bus stop @ 2:55pm and return @ 6:30pm (approx.), return details will be posted on the Parent Orbit App. If your son catches the bus and you collect him, it is very important to ensure you inform a staff member.
Primary Internal Basketball – Fast Break Friday
Marist Primary Basketball - Internal Basketball will commence this Friday, 25July
Open to all boys currently not participating in Term 3 AIC team sport.
Venue: Marist Outdoor Courts
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
Uniform: Marist Primary Sport Uniform
No need to register
Tennis
Years 5 & 6
Monday and Wednesday – 6:45 – 8:15 am
Shadow Players – Friday - 6:45 – 8:15am
Rugby League
Year 5
Tuesday – 6:45 – 8:00am – Hayden Oval
Thursday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7
Year 6
Tuesday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7
Thursday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – Des Connor Park #7
AIC Track & Field
Track training – Sprints and Middle Distance
Monday & Wednesday – 3:30 – 4:45pm – McMahon Oval
Long Jump & Hurdles
Tuesday 6:45 – 8:00am – Athletics Precinct – does not start until Week 3
High Jump
Friday 6:45 – 8:00am – Athletics Precinct
Shot Put
Boys wishing to qualify for AIC shot put are asked to please speak with Mr Lambourne
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 28
- Wednesday, September 3
- Thursday, September 11
- Wednesday, September 17
AIC Championships – Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October – QSAC.
Uniform: Marist Athletics singlet, Marist Sport shorts and 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.
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 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5pm 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.