From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Difficult and Challenging – Yet, Important.

This Sunday’s readings are most challenging. These readings that include Luke 12:49-53 can be summarised in the fact that having faith today can be a difficult journey. In today’s world, a faith and belief in God can be divisive. As our world becomes more secular, so too does the offshoot of this, i.e., there are now more challenges in being a person of faith in a spiritual God. However, we should never forget the reason for undertaking this challenging Christian position - to honour our God and love our neighbour.

Last week, I watched an inspiring episode of the ABC’s Australian Story. The episode presented the story of Dr Mohammad Mustafa. Better known as Dr Mo, Mohammad is an Australian doctor and former rugby player. As a professional rugby player, his nickname was “The beast from the Middle East.” After his successful rugby career, Mohammad transitioned to medicine and became a doctor. In recent times, Dr Mo has volunteered in Gaza working with the last functioning hospital in the North during a time of intense conflict - “I needed to accept that death was very possible in Gaza. I wrote a will, cleaned and rented my unit and gave a friend my car keys before I left – just in case. Because I wasn’t scared of death, I could be more effective and focused on my work in Gaza.” Dr Mo has cared for many patients, especially the children of Gaza, becoming an advocate for peace, humanitarian aid and the wellbeing of children in conflict zones. He is now garnering support to build a children’s hospital in this war-torn region and is rallying the Australian government to wield its influence and support. When reflecting on the people of Palestine, Dr Mo states, “I saw Christian and Muslim Palestinians working together in hospital grounds, eating from the same plates and sleeping in the same rooms. I could only tell the difference when I saw a Palestinian wearing a cross or when I watched them in prayer.”

The work of believers like Mohammad is challenging but reminds us, of the importance to nourish our souls as people, and to respond in prayer and positive action accordingly. As Dr Mo explains, “I try to put God at the centre of my life.”

God of the journey, may all members of the Marist College Ashgrove family be brave to live and act through faith and passion in our God for the love of all people. Amen.

QDU Debating – Year 7 to Semi-Finals and Primary

Meanwhile, the Year 7 Debating Team continues its success through the QDU Competition now progressing to the semifinals. The Year 7.1 semifinal debate will be held at Brisbane Girls Grammar School at 6pm against Citipointe Christian College on Wednesday 20th August. The top four schools remaining in the Year 7 semifinals are Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Gregory Terrace, Citipointe and Marist. Good luck to Barnaby Armstrong, Edward Cuddihy, Maxwell King, Anishwar Palampati and Freddie Proctor. My thanks also extends to their coach, Ms Caroline Smith.

This term, Marist College Ashgrove Primary is pleased to be hosting the many Brisbane schools involved in the Queensland Debating Union Competition. On Thursday 21st August at 6pm-8.30pm, our talented Year 5 and Year 6 Debaters will be undertaking round 1 of this competition which is being held in the St Marcellin Centre. This event brings together students from across the region to engage in spirited and thoughtful debate, showcasing their critical thinking, teamwork and public speaking skills.

Many thanks are extended to their coaches - Ms Jen Little and Ms Robyn Brown. Good luck, gentlemen.

ICAS Exams

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Competition is conducted annually in Australia and in over 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific countries and America. Marist College Ashgrove will continue its offerings of this exam including the Science exam in Years 8 and 9 on Wednesday 20th August and the Mathematics exam in Years 5 and 6 on Tuesday 26th August. My thanks are extended to Melissa Deacon and Natalie Sones for organising this opportunity for the boys. Best wishes, gentlemen.

Tournament of the Minds

Marist College Ashgrove will be hosting the Primary Tournament of the Minds Competition this Sunday 24th August in the St Marcellin Centre. The Tournament of the Minds Competition is a problem-solving competition for teams of students, challenging them to develop creative problem-solving skills. The aim of the tournament is to enhance the potential of youth to develop diverse skills, enterprise, time management and the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging and competitive environment. They are required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from either the Arts, STEM, Language Literature or Social Sciences categories. My thanks are extended to Melissa Deacon, Robyn Brown and Dan Prince for organising and assisting with the facilitation of this day. We welcome all our visiting schools from throughout Queensland to Marist and wish our boys the very best of luck.

Year 9 & 10 Parent Function

We warmly invite all Year 9 and 10 parents to join us for an evening of connection and community at the Br Cyprian Pavilion on Friday 22nd August, starting at 6:30pm. This relaxed social event is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents, hear some of the latest news, engage with staff and celebrate the journey of your sons.

My thanks are extended to our Parents & Friends Amity Committee for their organisation and facilitation of this event. Tickets include canapes and a complimentary drink on arrival. Tickets can still be purchased via https://events.humanitix.com/2025-year-9-and-10-parent-function.

We look forward to seeing Year 9 and 10 parents on Friday evening!

Met North Track and Field Trials

Selected students will represent the College at the Met North Track and Field Trials on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th August. This exciting event brings together top athletes from across the region to compete in a range of track and field disciplines. We wish our students every success as they strive for personal bests and potential selection for the regional team. Thanks to Head Coach - Mr Rob Martin and Manager - Mr Richard Graham and all the dedicated coaches for preparing the team of 71 to compete across the two days of competition.

Year 11 and 12 Japanese Dinner - Shabu House and Photosignature

Students studying Year 11 and 12 Japanese will enjoy a cultural evening on Friday 22nd August, beginning with a traditional Japanese dinner at Shabu House, followed by a visit to Photosignature. This immersive experience offers students a chance to deepen their appreciation of Japanese cuisine and culture while enjoying time with classmates in a fun and memorable setting. My thanks are extended to their teachers who have organised and will accompany them, namely - Ms Sohee Chu and Ms Kathryn Badini.

Creative Industries Week

Next week, we celebrate Creative Industries Week, a vibrant showcase of student talent, innovation, and imagination across the arts and design disciplines. From Monday 25th to Friday 29th August, students will engage in a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and performances that highlight the dynamic world of creative expression. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore pathways in visual arts, media, music, drama, and design. We encourage everyone to get involved and support our creative community!

Different events on offer will include:

Monday 25th August
Music - Primary Kahoot – break 1 – Primary School Podium
Visual Art - Uplift Project - break 1 – Art Courtyard
Tuesday 26th August
Music - Recording Studio Live Session with Special Guest Artist from 3:15pm to 4:15pm in the Hive Studio (bottom level of Music Centre)
Visual Art - Uplift Project in break 1 at the Art Courtyard
Wednesday 27th August
Visual Art - Workshop still to be confirmed – break 2 (A02) – tentative (artist - Dylan Bolger) – mural development - Indigenous students
Thursday 28th August
Visual Art - Uplift Project in break 1 at the Art Courtyard
Friday 29th August
Music BBQ and Beats - sausage sizzle and live music at the Draney Theatre Courtyard
Visual Art – Uplift Project in break 1 at the Art Courtyard
Ashcam - winners announced and photographic display of winning images will be installed in the library

My thanks are extended to our teachers and organisers in the Arts faculties (Music / Visual Art / Drama / FTV) especially, Ms Stacey Finch, Ms Megan Harmston, Ms Alison Braidwood, Ms Sam Blakeney, Mr Enrico Le Mura, Dr Andrew Butt, Ms Anna Wilkins, Ms Janelle Lee Long and Ms Catherine Wasserman.

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