From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Coping with Stress

Part of the training and upskilling of both the College and Middle Leadership Staff at Marist College Ashgrove are presentations by leading educationalists and practitioners. Last week, we had a presentation by Mrs Kate Hitzke from Human Service Consultants. Kate explored a number of leadership topics including stress and how to cope with it. Kate explained that when we are stressed, we need to reflect on our associated individual fears with this particular stress point. Understanding the fears that are associated with any personal stress, can help one successfully navigate through to the other side. Acknowledgement and addressing our fears is a means to coping with this stress.

There is also another way to address stress which we as Christians are encouraged to practise. This is through praying the biblical scripture readings in the spirit of trust and faith. Last week at the College’s Wednesday morning mass, we enjoyed one of my favourite scripture passages from Jeremiah 2. In this reading, the prophet Jeremiah reflected on a personal conversation and encounter with God (Yahweh). His conversation with Yahweh went as follows -

“Before I formed you in the womb; before you came to birth, I consecrated you. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Then I said, “Ah Lord Yahweh; I do not know what to speak: I am only a child.”

But Yahweh replied, “Do not say, “I am only a child.”

Then Yahweh stretched out his hand and touched my mouth, and Yahweh said to me: “There! I have put my words into your mouth.”

Our Catholic tradition provides an alternative hope-filled spiritual coping mechanism to the stresses of life. As the prophet Jeremiah reflects, it is one of faith in Yahweh who knows us intimately, cares for us unconditionally and walks with us lovingly each day.

God of the journey, may all the young men and members of the Marist College family, be open, surrendering themselves to Yahweh, our faithful consolation and help. Amen.

Progress Report on Masterplan

We are proud to announce that the St Marcellin Centre – our new Primary precinct and classrooms at the College are fully operational and enjoyed by all staff and students. We trust that they are making a significant difference to the learning and teaching of our boys. The new Primary assembly and play area they enjoy was in full swing as you can see from last week’s Book Week dress-up parade, pictured below.

Plans are now being developed for stage two of the Masterplan - the refurbishment of the Carrick classroom wing and the redevelopment of the tuckshop, adjoining areas and playground. These plans are being meticulously developed with architects, the Finance and Leadership teams, the Director of Building and Infrastructure and a representative teaching and staff group.

The Cyprian Pavilion is due to be completed early in September and will provide a wonderful refurbished social venue for the college. The Cyprian will again hold not only school, college support groups and sports events, but will also, along with the beautiful college chapel, be available to hire for wedding receptions, family events and funerals.

Finally, we are pleased with the ongoing maintenance and stewardship of the college campus which includes, among other things, the renovation of the student toilet block, gardens and grounds, new seating for the Champagnat Centre mezzanine, a full painting of the college campus and in December, the renovation of the Br Terence Boarding House and toilets and change sheds for Cameron Oval.

I thank Mr James Fox - Executive Director of Business Services, and his team who is overseeing these important developments and capital accomplishments for the boys and the College.

Head of College Summative Review

I attach the following letter from Mark Elliot (Regional Director - Marist Schools Australia) regarding the request for parent feedback for the Head of College summative review. Details on how to participate are explained in the letter. Please click the link below.

Letter to MCA Parents _HOC Summative Review.pdf

Wind and Percussion Concert

Best wishes to all our boys who will be performing in the Wind and Percussion concert this Thursday 1st August in the Draney Theatre. Ensembles performing will include: Wind Orchestra 1, Wind Orchestra 2, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble 1 and Percussion Ensemble 2. Also, joining our Wind Orchestra 1 Ensemble is the Mt St Michael's Concert Band and their Percussion Ensemble with a stand-alone piece. I thank our generous Marist College Ashgrove expert teachers namely: Ms Megan Harmston, Ms Janelle Lee Long and Mr Zac Moynihan.

We look forward to enjoying these performances this Thursday. Good luck, gentlemen.

Environment Group Free Dress Day

This Friday 2 August, the Environment Group is holding a Free Dress Day, raising funds to support FareShare. This charity which commenced in 2021, cooks free and nutritious meals for people who are disadvantaged in society. Marist College Ashgrove boys practically assist with the cooking and packaging of meals on occasions. To support this charity, the boys can pay for their free dress privilege via Monitor or by bringing a donation of basmati rice. My thanks are extended to Kathryn Badini and Ellie Kenny for their organisation and facilitation of this supportive venture.

Save the date: Assumption Mass

All parents and friends of the college are welcome to join the boys and staff for the 2024 Assumption Mass to be held on Tuesday 13 August in the Champagnat Centre. This feast-day is considered by the Church to be the pinnacle day in honour of Mary the mother of God after whom our college is named. During this celebration of the Eucharist, we will be recognising our Champagnat Award and Staff Service Award recipients for 2024. You are most welcome to attend from 9:00am.

Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships

Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Participants use very detailed maps to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain in the fastest time. Besides needing excellent map reading skills, an orienteer needs great concentration and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure about the best route while running at high speed. On the weekend, Adrian Garbellini participated in the Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships against some 100 students from all around Queensland. He took part in three events: a Sprint Distance event at Sheldon College, a relay event at Karingal Scout Camp and a bush event at Tingalpa Creek. Adrian placed 2nd, 1st and 1st respectively in the above events. Congratulations Adrian.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.