From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

“For Whom and Through Whom”

Like many of you, something I enjoy doing over the holidays is relaxing while reading the newspapers. From current issues, to politics, to different points of view, sport and so on, the world is a diverse and interesting place. Here’s just a glimpse of some interesting and recent news:

Glasgow is presently preparing for its well-documented world climate summit. This summit is crucial to uniting the world towards a commitment in 2050 of a net zero emissions target. On Friday, the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned due to an ongoing scandal in her personal life which has blurred her political decisions and judgments. She spoke of throwing her heart and soul into leading her state and people and not wanting to leave politics but had sadly, been left no choice. Unusually, Melbourne had an earthquake and western NSW a tornado. COVID-19 numbers in Melbourne have now well-outgrown Sydney with Melbourne becoming the most locked-down city in the world. International travel is back for highly vaccinated states. The Rugby League grand-final finally occurred in Brisbane with experts reminding players that you only get to one or two grand-finals in your playing lifetime so take the opportunity with both hands. A Queensland horse called ‘Incentivise’ is favourite for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. U.S. President Biden defended his decision to end the twenty-year war in Afghanistan, a day after the U.S. closed a two-week evacuation of 125,000 people from Kabul that saw the deaths of thirteen American service members.

The news of the world is certainly diverse, colourful, and interesting and is united by the common interest of so many. Yet, how do you get any real context around the world presented in the media, including that which is hidden and private, or even considered un-newsworthy?

Sunday’s reading from the book of Hebrews (2:9-11) is a great reminder to us of what life is all about… “God for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists.” Our God, is the one who is on the journey with us. He is with us, amongst us, in us and in everything. The doxology, during the Eucharist Prayer in the Mass, similarly reflects this sentiment – “Through him, with him and in him, in the unity of the holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours almighty Father, for ever and ever.” In the climate debate, in politics, in natural disasters, in the covid-19 disease and angst, in sporting aspirations, in war and rescues, our God is there.

God of the journey may all members of the Marist Ashgrove family surrender and be open to your incomprehensible essence in our lives, each day and every moment. Amen.

Welcome Back!

I am really looking forward to my first Term 4 at the College – the move towards final exams and assessment for all the boys, ATAR external exams and final Year 12 classes, graduation, house farewells, mass and awards, the Year 5-11 award evening, AIC Athletics and commencement of summer sports, the Year 11 social, the Year 11 Leadership Retreat, house activities and competitions, the College Tour, parent-teacher-student interviews, G.R.I.P.P.S camp and concert, various community group meetings, launch of the new Master Plan, Marist Mothers’ Christmas Lunch, Year 5 and 6 fun days and Christmas liturgies and masses. Term 4 is shaping up to be another full and exciting term, with many opportunities for the boys. Enjoy!

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Term 4 interviews between the boys, parents and teachers were held face-to-face today (Tuesday 5 October). I thank all teachers for the way they prepared, enabling valuable information to be positively shared on each boy's progress and undertakings. Next Monday 11 October, a final parent-student-teacher interview process online will occur for all boys in Years 5 and 6. Final interviews can be booked via the Parent Portal (www.marash.qld.edu.au)

I trust that the new interim reports issued in Term 3, the live assignment feedback on the parent portal, and these interviews (either in person or online) have and will provide the necessary information for your son to move successfully forward with his learning. Remember, at any other time, all teachers can be contacted by email – surnamefirstinitial@marash.qld.edu.au. For example, newmanm@marash.qld.edu.au. With the understanding that teachers can have up to 6 classes of some 30 students each, I ask them to reply within 48 working hours of receiving your email. I look forward to our continued positive communication with teachers.

Year 12 Final Classes and Study

I wish every year 12 boy continued strength and diligence as they prepare for their all-important final ATAR External Examinations. During this time, the boys have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses for final revision and preparation and to study at home or at school. These are very important weeks ahead and vital to their overall ATAR score contributing either 50% (Maths/Science) or 25% (other subjects) toward their final grades. Best wishes also to our boys who are not completing exams and will be undertaking final work to complete all certificates and qualifications, undertaking work experience/school-based apprenticeships and completing the Vocational Education planned classes, covering topics like: interviewing, resumes, cooking, finances and deportment. Best wishes to all boys for these next important three weeks prior to final exams and graduation ceremonies later in the term.

College Captain

Congratulations are extended to Ethen Tsiamalili who has been elected the 2022 College Captain for the next 12 months of Marist College Ashgrove. We entrust Ethen with our full support as he leads and represents the Marist student body over the next 12 months. I thank Henry Thomasson who was an upstanding and gracious College Captain in 2021.

Any good leader has a great team and we are looking forward to the Year 11 Leadership Camp on Sunday 10 October where we will be electing the four College Vice-Captains. I thank Mr Adam Knight (Acting Head of Students) who is facilitating this day of leadership activities and elections. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Dr Judy Smeed Presentation

On Tuesday Morning, teaching staff were privileged to receive an address from Dr Judy Smeed. Dr Smeed has been a multi-publisher of papers around academic performance, educational accountability, and academic data analysis. As an educational consultant and critical friend of Marist, she has complimented us on our significant (70%) improvement in NAPLAN results in 2021 and especially the large improvement in writing after the introduction of our new program. Judy has assisted us with the interpretation of the data and how we can further use this data to improve the literacy and numeracy of each boy into the future. We appreciate Dr Judy Smeed’s input and look forward to our continual work with her.

Safety of our Students

An annual presentation to the Year 11 boys is the RACQ docudrama. This presentation will be held on Friday 8 October and reminds the boys about the importance of driving safely and not under the influence, and the risks and consequences associated with failing to do so. The boys will meet in the Draney Theatre and this will be followed by an outdoor real-to-life drama presentation portraying a crash scene. Education for each boy around safety whilst driving on the roads is an important element of their time at Marist. I thank Mr Adam Knight (Acting Head of Students) who will be facilitating this program with RACQ and the pastoral leaders. I expect an important learning experience here.

AIC Track and Field Championships

Over the holidays and throughout Term 3, our boys have been preparing for the exciting annual AIC Track and Field Championships at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre. On Friday 8 October, the major field events occur and on Saturday 9 October, the track events are undertaken. Marist College Ashgrove will be attempting to defend its mighty track and field record; a record that can be read in the book entitled, “Passing the Baton” written by John O’Hare and edited by the late, Dave Cameron. We wish all the boys the best of luck on Friday and Saturday at the AIC Track and Field Championships.

Attire, Deportment and Etiquette

This year (Thursday 7 October), we are excited to have a presentation for our boarding students which will no doubt provide them with confidence going forward beyond the gates of Marist College Ashgrove. This presentation will discuss the worldly expectations that the boys will be required to demonstrate in the areas of dress, general deportment, confidence and etiquette. This presentation will be conducted by Wil Valour, one of our major sponsors of the Champagnat Trust Sport’s Lunch each year. The afternoon will commence with an address at 5:45pm, followed by a formal meal at 6:30pm. We trust that this evening will be an enjoyable and useful educational opportunity, enabling the boys to build confidence and trust in themselves.

Holiday Activities and Work Completed

Well done to the staff and students who participated in their competitions and training over the holiday period. Our athletes trained throughout the holiday period and participated in trial carnivals. Our Basketballers competed in the CBSQ Carnival. My thanks are extended to the generous staff and coaches who have been training and accompanying the boys, namely: Andrew Fogarty, Josh Mulligan, Laurie Boustead, Maddie Spann, Shane Ward, Ellie Kenny, Jon Fitzgerald, Brett Leavy, Harry Hunter, Des Davis, Eric Brown, Paul Kearney, Calum Mackay, Rob Martin, Simon Price, Laurie Boustead, Luke Caplick, Michael Connolly, John Lambourne, James Lidstone and Brendan Furdek.

My thanks are also extended to the many staff who continued with their work over the holidays – finance, HR, grounds and maintenance, kitchen and various support staff, leadership team members and teachers. Some of the alterations and additions that you will notice to the College, include: gym mezzanine fans installed, Brothers/College carport roof replaced, Cyprian Pavilion evacuation speaker system installed, music and primary reception desk alterations, air-conditioning for print room and flats unit installed, new commercial oven installed in the kitchen, all lawns were scarified, top-dressed and fertilised, an irrigation system was connected to the water tank outside ‘Gubbins’, the ovals were sprayed and fertilised in preparation for term 4, server software and firewall upgrades, pressure washing all high-use areas of the College and general repairs and maintenance.

Thank you to all the staff involved. Your contributions in enabling the best possible conditions for the boys to learn is always appreciated.

G.R.I.P.P. Camp and Concert

The Gap Regional Instrumental Performance Program (G.R.I.P.P.) will be held from Sunday 10 to Thursday 14 October. This music day camp, for selected auditioned students from schools in The Gap, Ashgrove and Bardon is an annual event that provides a wonderful musicianship opportunity for the boys. It is facilitated and funded by the Rotary Club and has been undertaken for some 25 years. It culminates in a concert on the final evening. Best wishes to Bryce Franklin, Jack Rosenberg, Julian Lewis, Thomas Deem, Lachlan Chandler, Lachlan Christie, Gabriel Pua, Thomas Lynn, Aidan Mansul, Darcy Mahoney and Matthew Alvarez who will be attending. Enjoy!

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