From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Faith That Nourishes our Wellbeing

Wellbeing is very important and has become more topical in recent years - the wellbeing of students in schools, staff in workplaces, families and communities. When wellbeing is seemingly not achieved, we investigate to see what else could have been done or what else we could have managed better to ensure the wellbeing of another. In this weekend’s newspapers, the wife of Paul Green (Australian player, Queensland player and coach and Premierships coach in Rugby league) spoke out about the cause of her husband’s tragic death. A post mortem following the examination of his brain, resulted in the diagnosis of a debilitating brain condition. Paul Green was suffering from advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – a crippling brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. The wellbeing of players must be paramount in any contact sport.

Wellbeing can certainly have this physical dimension, but it can also involve personal internal struggles. The wellbeing of one’s state of mind and belief in one’s self is critical to all humans. In the book of Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-21) the writer says, “Pray that your hidden selves will grow strong.” Deep within we must believe in our value and goodness as unique individuals. We are called to believe in our value as people as we are all made in “God’s image and likeness” (Genesis 1: 26-27). In other words, we must love ourselves with humility or love ourselves in the recognition that God made us with our unique gifts, talents and goodness. Sunday’s reading (2 Timothy 4-8) encourages us to “fight the good fight, run the race to the finish and keep the faith” using these gifts to make the world a better and more loving place.

There is definitely a link between wellbeing and faith. Our faith is central to our belief in self, our goodness and our God-given talents to share with our neighbours for the betterment of creation. Our faith sustains and nourishes our wellbeing.

God of the journey, may all members of the Marist College family be instilled with a strong sense of positive wellbeing, out of faith in the gifts you have given us. Amen.

Special Mass Invitation

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, 1st and 2nd November we celebrate the feast days of All Saints and All Souls Day. Traditionally, on the solemnity of All Saints Day, we remember those Christians who have been venerated by the church as holy men and women, being canonized as Saints. On the solemnity of All Souls Day, we remember all our close relatives and friends who are deceased, reflecting with love on their lives. We pray for our loved ones who have passed from this earth into their promised eternal inheritance. To do just this, all members of the Marist College family are welcome to join with the College Community in the Chapel of Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat, next Wednesday 2nd November, at 8.00am. Do come along and join with us for this special mass and encourage your son who may still be experiencing some sadness, to attend with the support of his peers, teachers and parents. We hope to see many families gathered in the College Chapel with your son on All Souls day.

Vice Captains 2022/3

I extend my congratulations to our new student leadership group of Captains and Vice Captains for the remainder of this term and Terms 1-3 in 2023. With College Captain – Joseph Lewis, I introduce Joshua Foxon (Mission Vice-Captain), Isaac Lynn (Cultural Vice-Captain), Ben Kumaru (Academic Vice-Captain), Luke Mifsud (Wellbeing Vice-Captain) and Lee Martin (Sport Vice Captain). We give these boys our full support as they lead the student body with their whole Year 12 student cohort into the exciting year ahead. Good luck, gentlemen. Our full support, best wishes and prayers are with you all.

Luke Mifsud (Wellbeing Vice-Captain), Joshua Foxon (Mission Vice-Captain), Joseph Lewis (College Captain), Ben Kumaru (Academic Vice-Captain) and Lee Martin (Sport Vice Captain) (Absent: Isaac Lynn (Cultural Vice-Captain))

AIC E-Sports Champions 2022

On Saturday, our boys participated in the inaugural E-Sport AIC Championships held at Villanova College. Congratulations to the Marist E-Sports Years 7-9 team who were placed first and second in the rounds. The first placed Marist Team progressed to win overall this first ever AIC E-Sports competition. My thanks are extended to their coaches, Chris Forster and Justine Natoli.

Congratulations, gentlemen.

Year 11 Semi-Formal

An enjoyable time was had by our Year 11 boys at the annual Marist College Ashgrove Semi-Formal on Thursday night. The event, held at Victoria Park, was shared with much enjoyment, energy and good citizenship. The boys and their partners looked super and cared for each other admirably during the formal. My thanks are extended to our generous staff who organised and supervised this event on Thursday evening, led by Mr Peter Serone (Head of Students). Thanks also to our boarding staff who organised a pre-function for our borders and their families at the College, led by Mr Jim Noble (Head of Boarding). I attach some photos from the evening.

AIC Touch Football Championships

Marist College Ashgrove was well represented throughout Saturday at the AIC Touch Football Championships. Well done to our Year 6 team who won through to the final of their age division and the Year 8, Year 10 and Year 11 teams who were runners-up in their side of the draw. Although no overall winners, all teams were very competitive on the day. My thanks are extended to all touch football coaches, namely: John Lambourne, James Trebbin, James Fuminger, Sharon Davidson, Angus Sutherland, Mel Orcher, Brett Head and Pat Howard. Unfortunately, the AIC Water Polo Championships were cancelled due to the inclement weather and threat of storms.

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