Primary School News

As I walked around the Primary classrooms over the last week, many of our boys were busily preparing the graduation posters for the Year 12 student that they had buddied up with last term. All the boys were very proud of their posters and were going to every effort to make the poster the best it could be for the graduate. This has been a wonderful tradition of connection over the years. Looking over these posters gave me a chance to see lots of photos of the Year 12 students who will walk down the driveway on Friday for the final time as Marist College students.  I could not help but think back to 2015 when many of these men started with us here in the Primary School as tiny little Year 5 boys full of nervous energy and limitless enthusiasm. 

In my role as the Year 5/6 Pastoral Leader in 2015, I wrote in the Blue and Gold that “Our Primary School holds a unique place in our College. It is a place where young ‘Men of Courage’ are nurtured and encouraged to have a brave heart and a clear vision.” Nothing has changed as we conclude 2022 together. On Friday, I will reflect on the great gift that our Graduating Class have been to our College over the last eight years. I will personally thank as many of them as I can as they take the walk down the driveway one last time as MCA students. 

I also reminded our boys that, although it must seem like an eternity for them, it will be their turn to take that walk in 2028 and 2029 respectively. There will be a new group of Year 5 and 6 boys busily working on their posters for them. My challenge to our current Primary boys is to make the most of every opportunity this College offers them and ensure that they strive to have a brave heart and a clear vision.

Primary Student Leadership

I would like to congratulate and thank all the boys who were involved in our Primary Student Leader process over the last few weeks. On Tuesday, a number of boys were chosen to attend an interview with a panel consisting of Mr Newman, Mr Connolly and Mr Lambourne. Special congratulations to all the boys who proceeded to this stage of the process. Next week, we will announce who our Primary Leaders for 2023 will be.  

Drama Concert

Congratulations to the Year 5 and 6 Drama students who showcased their talents on Monday evening. The boys performed two shows for parents and friends and thoroughly enjoyed their time to shine on stage. A huge thank you to Louise Marshall and Angela Wood who spent countless hours preparing the boys throughout the year. We are already looking forward to what Marist Drama will provide us all in 2023. Congratulations to all involved!

Year 6 Retreat Day

All Year 6 classes will take part in a day of reflection and goal setting on Tuesday next week. This day will provide the perfect opportunity for the boys to stop for a while and connect with their teachers and their peers as they prepare to leave the Primary School on Friday. I would ask that all Year 6 boys wear their school sports uniform to school on Tuesday next week as they will be asked to wear their grey uniform on Friday, November 25th for their final, farewell assembly.  

Green Thumbs Garden Group

Our Green Thumbs Gardeners and Mrs Carson have undertaken a huge task in moving the gardens due to the fences going up around the construction zone. I would like to thank all the boys who have worked so tirelessly each lunch break to move the plants and take care of them so that they have the best chance of surviving the move. Every ship needs a rudder is a saying, and I can confidently say that Mrs Carson has been the ‘rudder’ for our Green Thumbs group over the last few years. A big thank you Mrs Carson for your dedication and commitment to these boys and their gardens.

Year 6 Beach Trip

A reminder to please give your son permission to attend the Beach Trip as soon as possible. At the time of writing this, there were still approximately thirty boys who still required parent permission to attend. Thank you to all the parents who have offered to attend the day. You will receive an email with more details later this week.

Kylie Tippins - Acting Primary Pastoral Leader

Year 10 Buddies

On Monday, our Year 6 students were able to meet and spend time with Year 10 buddies.  With their transition into Year 7 imminent, the boys had many questions to ask including:  

 How much homework do you get?

• How many teachers do you have?
• How do you know which classrooms to go to?

 It is important that our students are armed and feel more confident about moving into high school having had some of their questions answered.  We thank the Year 10 boys and their English teachers for giving up a lesson to join us in the primary school.