Primary School News

Effort Produces Success

Here at Marist College, we believe that true success is not simply measured by trophies or titles - it’s built on effort, persistence, and a willingness to grow. Last week, our boys demonstrated this beautifully across a range of academic challenges, showing that when hard work meets heart, remarkable things can happen.

I am very proud to share that our students achieved great results in three major competitions that we were involved in.

Our team took out top honours on Tuesday at the Bright Sparks Invitational Maths Challenge, showcasing sharp problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a love of learning. It was a day of fun and engaging maths that was enjoyed by all the students from the ten participating schools. Congratulations to our boys and staff involved and good luck defending the title in 2026! Our debating teams spoke with clarity, confidence, and conviction on Thursday evening at the first round of the QDU Debating Competition. It was great to see the boys doing their best and achieving success on the night. Finally, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking were on full display as our boys tackled complex challenges at the Tournament of Minds Day that was hosted here in the Saint Marcellin Centre on Sunday. A lot of work goes into preparing for this event and to have a team that won their section was fantastic.

These achievements, as well as those less public or well-advertised, are a testament to the Marist characteristic of Love of Work. A value that encourages our boys to give their best, embrace challenges, and take pride in their efforts. Behind every win was a journey of practice and effort. Our boys didn’t just show up, they committed time and supported one another, which ultimately led to their successes. We also acknowledge the teachers and families who guided, encouraged, and celebrated alongside them.

As we continue through Term Three, these moments remind us that success is earned, not given, and every boy has the potential to achieve great things when he puts his heart into his preparation. As we look ahead, important assessments are fast approaching, and now is the time for every boy to apply a high level of focus and determination in the classroom each day. Whether it’s revising key concepts, asking thoughtful questions, or simply giving their best, the habits that led to last week’s successes in the Primary School are the same ones that will carry them through their work this term.

Have a great Week 7!

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Our focus in Primary this week is on “doing the little things right” - from wearing the correct uniform, speaking kindly and respectfully to one another, ensuring lunchboxes and sports bags are placed in the right locations, and upholding all aspects of our daily routines. Last week, we noticed a decline in these standards. We are challenging our boys to rise up and show their best, and I am confident they will do so with pride.

Last week, as part of National Road Safety Week, we reflected on our shared responsibility for safety both on the roads and within school grounds. Boys were reminded to always use zebra crossings, access designated pick-up and drop-off locations, and avoid arriving at the bus stop before 8:45am, when student and bus movements can create risk. We ask parents to continue reinforcing these important messages with their sons.

This Thursday, our Primary students will once more connect with our Year 12 cohort - an occasion that fosters belonging across the College. Primary boys will be interviewing Year 12s as part of their graduation poster project, a wonderful moment to reflect on how the year is progressing.

Building Resilience and Finishing Strong

As we approach the end of Term 3, we have been speaking with boys about the value of resilience—learning to bounce back from challenges and disappointments, and taking pride in working through difficult moments. Having a positive attitude, being kind to themselves, and recognising small successes can help children build confidence and navigate setbacks.

Here are some suggestions for families to support these values at home:

• Model persistence and self-compassion: Let children see how you work through daily challenges and setbacks by talking through your own problem-solving and resilience strategies.
• Maintain routines and expectations: Clear routines at home for tasks like preparing uniforms or organising bags are a great way to reinforce the standards we set at school.
• Celebrate the positives: Encourage your child to share something good that happened each day, reinforcing an optimistic outlook and helping them notice their own progress.
• Encourage help-seeking: Teach children it’s okay to ask for assistance, whether with schoolwork, friendships or routines.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in guiding our boys to finish the term with focus, care, and resilience.

Primary Learning Leader – Jen Little

Bright Sparks

After a significant hiatus, Marist College Ashgrove proudly reinstated its traditional invitational interschool Maths competition, reimagined under the new title, Bright Sparks. Four students from Years 5 and 6 were selected to represent the College, chosen for their exceptional performance in NAPLAN, ACER Testing, and internal assessments. The team competed across multiple challenging rounds, including Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability, Logical Thinking, and STEM. The competition remained fiercely contested throughout the day—particularly against St Rita’s—but the Marist team emerged victorious by a narrow margin of just one point. Congratulations to Hamish Donnelly, Tejas Koirala, Cameron Browne, and Ryan Noronha—not only for their impressive win, but also for the exemplary way they represented the College.

Special thanks are also extended to the following people for all their support both before and on the day of the event: Mr Phil Oostenbroek, Mrs Lauren Beck, Mrs Erin Kennedy, Mr Michael Connolly, Mrs Sharon Davidson, Mrs Rhonda Carson, Mr Anthony Graham, Mrs Sue Going, and the Hospitality Boys who served lunch to our visiting staff. It was a wonderful day for everyone involved.

Debating

Congratulations to our Years 5 and 6 Primary Debaters who commenced their season last Thursday night arguing the topic ‘That all children’s media should have a happy ending’ at Marist College Ashgrove. Although only one of our four teams won, the boys can be proud of how they performed on the evening and the way they represented the College. Well done to Will Baker, Henry Krinke, Charlie Davis, Andre Dua, Arthur Sheahan, Ryan Noronha, Colin Cooper, Preston Gallagher-Beck, Roman Kaminski, Matthew Hendrick, Jovi Zanre, Ben Jefferies, George Coulter, Ruben Vos, Oscar Wilton and Corey Murphy.

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.

Tournament of Minds – Robyn Brown and Dan Prince

On Sunday, fourteen of our Primary School students participated in the Tournament of Minds Regional Challenge here at Marist College. There were two primary teams this year participating in the challenge from the Social Science and Language and Literature disciplines. The boys worked diligently and collaboratively for 6 weeks towards solving their challenges. They negotiated the strict set of boundaries which include time restrictions and limits on materials used for the making of props and costumes.

Social Science

Led by Robyn Brown, the Social Science team included Moses Yeung, Darcy Muir-McCarey, Ben Moran, Harry Davies, Iggy Tognini, Chris Pollard, and Nate Baldwin.

Language and Literature

Led by Dan Prince, the Language and Literature team included Henry Krinke, Arthur Sheahan, Will Baker, Ryan Jain, Sam Herrera, Will Moule, and Andre Dua.

Congratulations to all boys and staff involved but in particular to our Social Science Team who came first in their discipline. The competition was very high, and both teams did a magnificent job creating solutions to the challenges they were presented with.

Well done boys!