From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

What the College stands for

As I approach the conclusion of my first term as Head of College at Marist College Ashgrove, I reflect on many learnings and observations. I have enjoyed interviewing and receiving correspondence from many Marist stakeholders - from the boys, parents, Old Boys, and supporters of the College. Overall, I am impressed with the wide range of undertakings, and opportunities that the boys enjoy and the many generous staff members who make these experiences a reality. I am touched by the wonderful, supportive, and collegial family atmosphere of the College and the unique Marist ‘spirit.’ As I was told prior to commencing, your sons are friendly, positive, and welcoming; they are a real blessing to the College.

I have also been inspired and directed by the College Mission and Vision Statements, and the charism which is testament to all that occurs. Our vision is to offer a holistic education, where boys’ learning, a relationship with Jesus and achieving their personal excellence, is key. The mission of the College is to form young men who love others, strive to be life-long learners and are men who are inspired to lead whilst being committed to serving others, especially those most in need. Interwoven strongly through these values statements is the example that Mary, our Good Mother (Marist), models for each boy. Mary’s example could best be described as a person of deep reflection, compassion, humility and simplicity, prayer, integrity, and empathy. The boys, in turn, are encouraged to live ‘in the way of Mary’. With Mary as our guide, the Marist example encourages each boy to be a new-aged young man, taking on the balance of these feminine qualities with the College motto - ‘Viriliter Age’ - to act bravely with dignity, acting courageously always.

On Saturday night, I joined some 150 young Marist men and staff as we encouraged and cheered on Old Boy and Queensland Red’s player, Bryce Hegarty (2010). The Queensland Reds and Bryce were narrowly victorious on the evening. The highlight for the boys were the events that occurred at the conclusion of the game. The boys started to continuously and proudly chant, “We want Bryce.” He willingly obliged by jogging over to the bay where the boys were seated and with cameras flashing and TV cameras recording, Bryce proudly, humbly and unashamedly joined in with the boys, singing our traditional hymn to Mary, “Sub Tuum” - We fly to thy patronage. He seemed to love it and the boys felt a sense of unity as they cheered and prayed with their brother. This says it all about the 'spirit' of Marist and what our College stands for. I attach the post for your enjoyment.

Examinations and Reporting

Best wishes to all boys who are undertaking their assessments and examinations this week, concluding on Wednesday 31 March. I trust that all boys are working and studying diligently at this important time of the term. Grades for all these subjects can be obtained from the Student Café and Parent Lounge once results are released. If you are having trouble logging in to access your son’s results, please contact the IT Helpdesk on computerservice@marash.qld.edu.au for further assistance. Good luck gentlemen.

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

COVID-19, although most challenging, has provided the College Leadership Team with the opportunity to learn from and improve the outcomes of activities and undertakings at the College. After surveying our parent body, 50% wish to continue face-to-face Parent-Teacher-Student interviews and 50% wish to have Parent-Teacher-Student interviews, online. As a result, Marist College Ashgrove will offer both opportunities into the future.

On Monday 19 April, such face-to-face interviews will occur from 12:00pm - 6:00pm in the College gymnasium (Champagnat Centre). On Wednesday 28 April, virtual interviews will occur via ‘Teams’ bookings from 3:30pm to 8:00pm. The booking process will remain the same for both days and will be via the Parent Portal. Once the bookings have been finalised, you will be able to access the schedule for both days, and the link to the online interviews on Wednesday 28 April. Parents will receive further communication and detailed instructions regarding how to use Microsoft Teams closer to the end of this term.

Immunisations

Year 7 boys have been invited to participate in the Queensland Schools' Immunisation Program. This is the first round of the HPV Immunisations which will also include Boostrix. This Immunisation Program will be held during lessons 1 and 2 on Thursday 25 March. The vaccines offered to all Year 7 students include: Human Papillomavirus (2 doses), and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (1 dose). Vaccinations will be administered in the Draney Foyer (Music Centre end), with recovery/monitoring in the Experimental Theatre. A nurse from the Health Centre will be available for the 15-minute recovery/monitoring period. I thank Mr Bruce McPhee (Deputy Head of College) and his PA (Madeleine Tong) for organising this Immunisation Program for the boys, to be administered by Ozcare. To participate in this program, a signed permission form is required, which can be downloaded from the Queensland Health website - Queensland School Immunisation Program - Vaccination Consent Card - Year 7.

Year 5 Musical 2021

Best wishes to our Year 5 boys who will be performing in the "Dig It' musical this Thursday 25 March, in the Draney Theatre. Performances will be at both 5:00pm and 6:00pm. Final rehearsals will occur after school prior to their performance and afternoon tea will be supplied. The performances will go for 45-minutes and due to Covid-19 restrictions, we ask that all audience members wear a mask. Adults are $5.00 and children free, with a limit of four tickets per family. All parents and family members are welcome to attend. My thanks are extended to Alison Braidwood, the music staff and all Primary teachers for their organisation and preparation of the boys.

Year 5 and 6 Swimming Carnival

The annual Year 5 and 6 Swimming Carnival will be held this Friday 26 March at the College Pool. This carnival, held at the end of term, is an opportunity for our swimmers to demonstrate their talent while building friendships and camaraderie. My thanks are extended to Mr John Lambourne (Head of Sport - Primary) for organising this carnival for the boys and all Primary staff who will be in assistance. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Coming Events

Tuesday 23 March

Exam Block - Year 10 and 12
Examinations and Assessments for all other year groups - results released from the Student Cafe and Parent Lounge (Tuesday 25 March - Wednesday 31 March)
Reconciliation - College Chapel - 8:00am - 8:30am
Year 6 Gold - Parliament House Excursion - 8:45am - 11:45am
Year 6 Blue - Parliament House Excursion - 9:40am - 12:45pm

Wednesday 24 March