Boarding News

The recent return to warm weather is a friendly reminder that Term 4 has arrived. In talking with a colleague I’m led to believe yesterday was 10 degrees above the expected! Term 4 will undoubtedly be fast-paced with many key College events planned as we look to celebrate senior graduation among the highlights.  I hope, like mine, the recent break for families was one of enjoyment and relaxation, albeit with COVID-19 continuing to loom overhead. We have certainly been fortunate to steer clear of lockdowns here in Queensland, however, our thoughts continue to be with our overseas, NSW and remote families who continue to be hampered by ongoing restrictions. Term 3 was certainly busy and I congratulate the boys for the way in which they took the challenges that they faced with a measured and mature approach. I was grateful to be able to spend family time with Sally, Harry and Poppy throughout the break, once again exploring the many wonderful parks and bike paths across the South East, heading across to Stradbroke Island with family and friends as well as day trips to local farms. Holidays certainly provide the opportunity to revive!

It was great to see families at Parent-Teacher Interviews yesterday. This is a great opportunity to track and reflect on your sons’ progress throughout the year to date. I encourage families who have been unable to see teachers to certainly reach out and seek feedback from their sons’ teachers should they feel the need. Similarly please feel free to reach out to your sons’ boarding coordinator in preparation for the term ahead.

Can I please extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the many families within the College community that opened their doors to ensure every border had a ‘home’ to go during the break. This certainly epitomises that wonderful Marist value of ‘Family Spirit’.

Once again, I would like to open lines of communication for families who may wish to reach out. My email address is caseyt@marash.qld.edu.au or similarly touch base with Renae Lewis and we can set up a time to chat.

Thank you for your continued support I’m very much looking forward to a wonderful Term 4.

Academic Support

Support for our boarders is available via a wide variety of means, not limited to the following:

Boarding Residence Support

The boarding school employs experienced tutors to work in every residence each school evening (Monday to Thursday). Tutors work with the boys one-on-one and in groups to accommodate student needs.

Academic tracking is carried out throughout the year, allowing support to be altered to best suit the needs of the student. This reporting is then available to update parents and guardians of their son’s progress.

Head of House and Teachers

Day school teachers and Head of House are readily available to support our boarding students where ever possible.

Heads of House will work closely with the boys to monitor subject choice and academic performance, as well as be available as a sounding board for your boy and families for very important, ongoing pastoral care across their schooling years.

Teachers at Marist College Ashgrove understand the challenges faced by boarding families and therefore make themselves available to discuss your sons needs at a time and mode convenient to you.

Library and Study Support Staff from the Centre for Learning Enrichment (CLE)

Our library staff offer a comprehensive academic study skills program, which all boarders participate in as part of their nightly study routine. The program is designed around the current curriculum and assessments that are in place, ensuring this support is very relevant and able to be tailored to their needs.

The Centre for Learning Enrichment (CLE) is open in the day school every morning before school to assist boys generally or with specific study needs.