Primary News

At our Inaugural Mass last Tuesday, Archbishop Mark Coleridge reminded us in his homily that as a school we have a long tradition of over 80 years. Furthermore, he emphasised that, as a school in the Marist tradition, we are part of a vast story that should never be forgotten. In this message, he reiterated the importance of learning from the past and using this as guidance for the future. As Marists, we are so fortunate to have the story of St Marcellin Champagnat to guide us as we navigate the uncharted waters that lie ahead of us. Marist spirituality is underpinned by the five Marist characteristics that are common to all Marist Ministries:

• Presence – building caring relationships based on trust, respect and valuing each person.
• Simplicity – open and honest communication which accommodates individual needs.
• Family Spirit – emphasis on communal wellbeing where mutual support and shared responsibility flourish.
• Love of Work – the pursuit of excellence through hard work and commitment. Recognition that the dignity of work is achievable by setting high expectations and standards, applying genuine effort and celebrating success.
• In the way of Mary – with Mary as a model, students are invited to share Marist spiritual life through prayer, liturgies and service to the local and wider communities.

It gives me great pride to say that, just four weeks into the school year, I have seen each of these characteristics lived out authentically in our Primary school. It is my wish that these pillars continue to guide us through the year, particularly as challenges present themselves.

In the past week I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting families in our community around the school and at sport on the weekends. Furthermore, I have been energised by the opportunity to spend time in classrooms speaking to boys about their learning and the learning process.

This week we look forward to our Year 5 Welcome Liturgy on Thursday, the ritual provides us with an opportunity to officially welcome the youngest members of the College into the community. This is a new initiative for 2021, as traditionally this would have been done as part of last week’s Inaugural Mass.

Prayers Please

Please keep the Lympaney family in your prayers, after the passing of Zach's (5V) father Heath on Friday evening. We know that Alys, Zach, Paige and the rest of the family are in the thoughts and prayers of all within our Marist community.

Community Mass

Thank you to all the students who engaged reverently in the College Community Mass last Thursday. It was a great opportunity for the boys and staff in the Primary to gather together and celebrate the Eucharist.

Uniforms

As we enter Week 4, students have been reminded of the importance of wearing their school uniform with pride and in alignment with the College’s Uniform Policy. Additionally, they have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure that each item of their uniform is packed in their bag if they have before school training.

Primary Absences Procedure

In the event that your child will be absent from school, please e-mail primaryabsentees@marash.qld.edu.au and your child’s classroom teacher. Alternatively, you can call the absentee line on 07 3858 4697 and select option 2.

Before School Tutoring

It has been great to see students take ownership over their learning by participating in before school tutoring. A reminder that this service will be available to all students in the Primary school from 8:00 am each morning. Primary staff, College Academic Captains and student volunteers will run these sessions for the boys.

Primary Chess

Yesterday saw the start of our weekly Chess lessons in the library. If your son is interested, it is not too late to join. Lessons take place every Monday at 7:30 am in the Library.

Maths/Science Club

The Maths/Science club had a very successful start Tuesday. This week the program will be a Mathematics focus on Mobius Strips and non-orientable manifolds. If you are interested, please contact Majella Stevens stevensm@marash.qld.edu.au.

Public Speaking Program

The Public Speaking Program will begin this week on Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Majella Stevens.

Green Thumbs

Our Green Thumbs will be back in business starting Week 5 this term. If there are boys interested in spending some time during breaks planting and tending to the vegetable/herb gardens, they will be welcomed to a meeting later this week. The Green Thumbs initiative is a fantastic way for the boys to connect with other Primary students, under the guidance of Mrs Rhonda Carson, and enjoy some time looking after the garden beds.  In time, the boys will harvest the vegetables and sell them to staff to finance future purchases of plants. All boys are welcome to nominate for Green Thumbs in 2021.

Learning and Teaching Update 

The Primary boys have generally had an impressive start to the school year and demonstrated both engagement and effort in their learning. Although natural ability will play a significant role in achievement at school, it is important to note that this will only take students so far. Ultimately, a sense of achievement comes through hard work and effort. This is a commitment that must be fostered both at home and at school. It is an important element of the partnership in learning that exists between parents and teachers. Establishing strong routines is essential. To this end, students should be engaged in regular homework that consists of revision activities. Building in nightly reading to the boys’ routines is also essential. It is highly encouraged that students read for a minimum of 20 minutes each evening. A visible timetable and quiet place for homework and revision is highly advised for all students in our Primary School. Parents can assist in creating an effective partnership by:

• Ensuring that students have a visual timetable for homework, study or revision – the Learning Portal incorporates resources that students have been working with through the week. The Library Research Pages are also a great place to visit if your son is looking to extend himself beyond the routine homework
• Ensuring that your son has a quiet place to study
• Checking your son’s School Diary to ensure he is recording expectations each week (please communicate issues of concern to your child’s class teacher)
• Making use of the before school study room between 8:00 am and 8:30 am each morning

Sport

AFL - Round 3 - Results and Around the Grounds

Cricket - Round 3 - Results and Around the Grounds

Achievements 

Congratulations to Zaiden Cook (5G), Rocco Holmes (5B), Knox Meehan (5R), Ben Flanagan (6W), Tex Higginbotham (5B), Tom Novak (5B), Nick Osborn (5W), Lincoln Ryan (6G), Hugo Dillane (6R), Oliver Leigh (6W), Finn McGahan (6W), Phelix Meehan (6B) and Jacob Newman (6W), who have been selected to represent North West District at the Met North Regional Swimming Trial, to be held Wednesday 24 February.

AIC Sport Photo Day

The first AIC Sports photo day is scheduled for this weekend’s fixtures, only those teams playing at the College will be scheduled for photographs. Rest assured that teams playing away will have their team photos scheduled at a later date.

Term 2 AIC Sport

This year the College has implemented an online system for signing up for sport. Each class was taken through the new system in class last week. Boys who were away when this occurred are asked to see Mr Lambourne as soon as possible. Once your son/s have signed up all parents/guardians MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

• Rugby and football trials will begin in Week 7
• All matches are played Saturday mornings, training will be one afternoon and one-morning session
• Boys require a jersey, shorts and socks - available from the College Uniform Shop. Rugby: Boots and mouthguard and Football: Boots and shin pads

Cross Country

Cross country training will begin Monday 1 March. Boys are asked to sign-on online using Student Café. Training will take place each morning before school, further details will follow.

Internal AFL

Round 1 of the inaugural Years 5&6 Internal AFL Competition was a huge success, with over 40 boys getting out and giving their best. Games continue this week on Hayden Oval on Thursday 3:20 pm - 5:00 pm. All boys are welcome to play but require boots and a mouthguard.

Sports Photographs

We are always on the look-out for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups etc. Please follow this link and add your photos. Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used daily to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations and bus arrival information.