From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

The Ultimate Gift - Love

Sunday’s Gospel (John 2:13-22) tells of God’s intimate love – the power of Jesus’ ultimate gift of himself for each one of us by his death and resurrection. To love and be loved is the quintessential essence of our Christian faith and in turn, that, which we are challenged to radiate as our gift to others in return. It is through prayer and our reciprocal loving actions towards others that we can truly experience the love that God promises.

Famous German Renaissance artist, Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) and his younger brother Albert displayed this ultimate gift. They came from a middle-class family of eighteen children. Both boys wanted to be artists, but their parents couldn't afford to send them to art school. So, the boys tossed a coin for the first privilege – one would work in the coal mine to support the other who would go to art school and after four years, they would reverse the roles. Albrecht won the coin toss and spent four years studying proving to be a child prodigy at drawing, painting and woodcutting. After four years, it was Albert’s (Albrecht’s brother) opportunity to go to art school; however, he broke down crying as his hands were so damaged and every bone in his hand broken due to his work in the coal mines. It was now impossible for him to do the fine and delicate work of an artist.

Albrecht was so moved by his brother’s love and sacrifice that he asked Albert to pose for him.

He drew the famous ink and pencil sketch of the “Praying Hands” that we all know well today. This artwork representing the gift of love, still hangs in many Christian homes around the world.

St Marcellin Champagnat (founder of Marist schools) was also ultimately moved by this same spirit of love as he responded to and reached beyond his experience of meeting a dying boy who was poor and uneducated in the faith. Moved in love, he responded with the words that he believed each boy in his school should be - “Known and Loved.”

God of love, may all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family graciously receive your gift of love and radiate this to others. Amen.

Year 12 ATAR External Exams

Our prayers and best wishes continue for our Year 12 students who are currently undertaking their final external exams. We are aware of the excellent efforts the boys are putting into their studies right up to the conclusion of these exams. We wish them all the very best in this important stage of their academic journey. Thank you to our generous staff who continue to assist boys in their preparation and Assistant Head of College Teaching and Learning - Mr Adam Knight who has co-ordinated the supervision of these exams. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Good luck, gentlemen.

Year 5 Band and Strings Concert

Join us for a delightful evening of music on Thursday 13th November in the Draney Theatre as our talented Year 5 students take the stage for their annual Band and Strings Concert. This special event showcases the musical growth and dedication of our young performers who have been working hard throughout the year to develop their skills and confidence. Session one will be held from 5.45pm and session two from 6.30pm. Families and friends are warmly invited to celebrate the joy of music and support our budding musicians in what promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining performance. My thanks are extended to their dedicated music teachers who have taught and will instruct the boys, namely: Catherine Wasserman, Jamie Kennedy, Claire Challender, Enrico Le Mura, Megan Harmston, Alison Braidwood, Evelyn Legried, Zac Moynihan, Samantha Blakeney, Monica Haworth and Matt Sorensen. Best wishes for your performances, gentlemen.

Year 5-11 End of Year Assessment

Each of your sons are in the middle of their assignment work as we speak. The final exam period for Years 7-11 is due to commence on Wednesday (next week) 19th November. Our Years 5 & 6 students are completing assignments and examinations at present. I thank all parents for their interest and motivating conversations with their son as they complete these assignments and move into this most important examination period.

Year 11 Academic Conversations

The Year 11 Academic Interviews continue this week for all boys. Parents are welcome to attend. Conversations on progress, career paths, subject and result progress and predictions are being discussed. These are important conversations as the boys have now entered the formative Year 12 assessment and exam period. My thanks are extended to Adam Knight, Leigh Jackson, Adrian Brown, Ashleigh Hutchings, Phill Holding, Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Lucy Naughton, Maddie Henry, Liz Walsh, Kathryn Badini and Robyn Gooley who are generously and professionally undertaking these important interviews.

Year 6 Spelling Bee

Our annual Year 6 Spelling Bee will take place on Thursday 13th November in the Draney Theatre from 8.30am to 11.30am. This exciting event celebrates our students’ love of language and their growing confidence in spelling and public speaking. A heartfelt thank you to Jim Midgley (Year 6 Gold), Jennifer Little (Primary Learning Leader) and the dedicated Year 6 teaching team for their enthusiasm and support in preparing our students for this wonderful occasion.

Sporting Trials

AFL Trial Round – Saturday 15th November

We wish our Opens AFL players well for their trial against St Patrick’s College this week. This is a great opportunity for our boys to get some match practice in preparation for the 2026 season.

Volleyball Trial Round – Saturday 15th November

Our volleyball players are having a round of fixtures against St Patrick’s College on Saturday as a part of their trial process towards selecting teams for the AIC season. These are trial squads, not final teams for the season, and players involved in these matches will receive final team selection details in due course. Good luck to all boys taking part.

‘Come & Try Marist Sport’ – A Great Afternoon of Fun & Connection

Last Friday, we welcomed our prospective Year 5 2026 students and their families to our first ‘Come & Try Marist Sport’ afternoon. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to experience Marist Sport, meet future classmates, and enjoy some fun — not trials, just a warm welcome. Over 40 boys gave AFL a go and more than 30 tried cricket, with plenty of family support on the sidelines. The boys have also been attending Come and Try Tennis – Friday mornings, Weeks 3 – 6 and Marist Primary Swim Squad which runs Monday and Wednesday afternoons. A big thank you to Matt Milward (Cricket), Camryn Mabey (AFL), and the First XI Cricket and First XVIII AFL players for making the afternoon such a success. We’re back this Friday with more cricket and AFL, and we’re also excited for Friday morning’s ‘Welcome to Marist Rugby’ session for our 2026 Year 5 & 6 students — capped off with a sausage sizzle at the John Eales Grandstand.

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