Primary School News
Mr Anthony Graham, Head of Primary School (Acting)
Dear Primary Parents,
I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all students and families as we begin the final term of the school year. I trust that everyone enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating holiday break and is now ready for the exciting and productive weeks ahead.
This term, I have stepped into the role of Acting Assistant Head of Primary while Michael Connolly is on long service leave for the next five weeks. During this period, Richard Coles will take on the role of Primary Pastoral Leader. We are also pleased to welcome Mr Bas Pelly to our teaching staff, who will be assuming responsibility for 6 Blue during Richard’s temporary assignment.
In addition to these staffing changes, we also extend a warm welcome to Jack and Max Weaver, who are joining our community, as well as Presley Exposito, who is becoming a boarder in Year 5.
Over the holidays, several improvements were made to the new building, including the installation of new outdoor furniture outside the 6 Violet and 6 White classrooms. In addition, the new outdoor TVs and AV equipment have been fully installed and are now operational, providing an enhanced learning and gathering space for our students.
As we begin the term, we are also looking forward to a busy and exciting schedule. This Thursday and Friday, our primary students will participate in the AIC Track and Field Championships. We extend our best wishes to all boys selected to compete. Their dedication, resilience and determination throughout months of training are commendable and we are confident they will represent the College with pride.
Next week, our Year 5 students will take part in a Leadership Morning, where they will engage in discussions on leadership, explore real-life examples and be invited to apply for leadership roles in Year 6 for 2025. Richard Coles will be sharing further details with parents about this important event.
I look forward to a successful and fulfilling Term 4 for all our students and staff.
Acting Primary Pastoral Leader – Mr Richard Coles
Marist College Ashgrove Primary: Where Boys Are Known and Grown
This term in the Primary I would like to introduce a motto, “Where boys are known and grown.” This is not just a phrase—it will be at the core of everything we do. But what does this really mean?
It means that at our Primary, every student is seen, valued and nurtured. We ensure that no child is lost in the crowd. With our small class sizes and dedicated staff, we build meaningful relationships with each student, taking the time to understand his unique journey throughout his Primary school years. We aim to meet his academic, social and emotional needs in a way that makes him feel seen, supported and confident in his growth.
A Foundation of Pastoral Care
Our success in knowing and growing each student is closely tied to our exceptional pastoral care. In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure society, boys need a strong sense of belonging and safety. At Marist College Ashgrove, we take pride in fostering an environment that nurtures not only 21st-century students but also boys who are adaptable, empathetic and self-aware.
Personalised Support for Every Student
If your son is struggling to make friends, dealing with a loss, or simply finding it hard to adjust to the challenges of school life, our Pastoral Care team is there. Through regular contact with teachers and students, they are able to identify and address individual needs early. With specific roles in our Pastoral Care framework, our staff focuses on targeted interventions to support each student where he needs it most.
Nurturing Boys into Young Men
Our goal is simple: for each boy to leave Marist College Ashgrove with a lifetime of happy memories, friendships and valuable lessons. By the time he graduates, we hope he looks back and sees how much he has grown and evolved during his time with us. We strive to ensure that every boy feels part of a family, leaving us as the best version of himself.
In the Primary, we take the responsibility of knowing and growing your son seriously, providing him with an environment where he can thrive in all aspects of his life.
Parent Orbit App
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Parent Orbit mobile app, designed to keep you informed and connected with our College community. Parent Orbit is available for download from the iOS and Android stores now.
Key Features of the Parent Orbit App:
- Access to Important Information: Stay up-to-date with College events, appointments and curricular activities through the School Calendar, Student eDiary and Daily Notices.
- Student Information: Easily access your child’s general details, school information and medical records.
- Accounts Management: View outstanding balances and conveniently pay school fees via Parent Orbit.
- Student Activities / Excursions: Sign up, acknowledge and pay (if necessary) for student activities/excursions with just a few taps.
- Targeted Notifications: Receive and acknowledge notifications relevant to you and your child, ensuring you never miss important updates.
Parent Orbit is designed to make your interaction with the College more efficient and convenient. Whether you need to update information, receive notifications, or manage school-related tasks, the app puts everything you need right at your fingertips.
How to Get Started:
- Download the App: Click the link: https://parentorbit.page.link/marash or scan the QR code in the graphic. Click on the install button. After the app is installed, our College will be loaded as an account. Click on the College name then tap the login button.
- Install and Log In: Use your existing parent portal credentials to log in and start exploring the app’s features.
If you have any questions or need assistance with Parent Orbit, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Pettit via email pettitl@marash.qld.edu.au.
Primary Sport - Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport – Primary)
AIC Track and Field Championships
Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October
Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre
Congratulations to the following boys who have been selected to represent the College at this week’s AIC Track and Field Championships. Many of these boys gave up their holiday time to continue with their preparations. We wish these boys all the best.
Year 5
Perry Ballinger, George Bond, Raf Cienfuegos, Thomas Cramp, Spencer Davis-Dodd, Aaron Doyle, Miller Exintaris, Viaan Fernando, Gus Graham, Angus Hutchinson, Mason Loli, Charlie Maclean, Jack McCurry, James Midgley, Taylor Milligan, Edward Moloney, Noah Newman, Toby Patricks, Daniel Sadimenko, Leo Scuderi, Will Smith, Patrick Thirgood.
Year 6
Beau Ballinger, Finn Beaver, Jake Byrne, Balthazar Caesar, Danny Carey, Campbell Chapman, Lucas Crowley, Aidan Field, Dom Guinea, Patrick Hambleton, Spencer Hoddy, Max King, Fred Little, Hugo Lockhart, Will Minahan, George Padilla, Samson Peatey, Sebastian Scuderi, Finn Tuohy, Lachlan Widt, Harvey Wise, Nathan Wright.
Term 4 Swimming
Marist Primary Swim Squad training sessions will recommence in Week 2 and will continue throughout Term 4. These sessions are open to all boys, boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Swimming Team, and boys attending for fitness training; there is no obligation to attend AIC meets in Term 1 2025.
Year 5 (2025): Training starts on Wednesday 9 October and will continue Monday and Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4.
Year 6 (2025): Training begins on Tuesday 8 October with sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Marist Primary Swim Squad Training Timetable Term 4 2024
Boys attending these sessions will need to bring the following equipment.
- Goggles
- Kickboard
- Pull Buoy
- Short Flippers
- Mesh Bag
Sports Photographs
We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue and Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos.