Marist College Ashgrove Newsletter

Head of Students News

Mr Peter Serone

Year 7 Camp cancellation

Find below information from the Year 7 Transition Coordinator, Mr Ryan Apps regarding plans that have been confirmed for a replacement Year 7 camp program:

 

Due to restrictions in place under QCEC guidelines regarding COVID-19, the Year 7 camp for Term One 2022 was cancelled. In its place the College has organised three consecutive days of team building and house-based activities from Wednesday 18 May to Friday 20 May. The days have been organised as a celebration for the completion of NAPLAN and to give the students an opportunity to participate in a series of challenging and enjoyable activities in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

 

Activities organised are:

  • Tree-top courses
  • Personal and interpersonal development
  • Kayaking
  • Cycling
  • Abseiling
  • Rock-climbing

More information regarding the program will be sent out closer to the date.

Parent Lounge Absentee Process

Many families have already taken up the opportunity to inform of student's absence via the parent portal. There has been no change to two important absentee processes:

 

Extended leave: Communication with your sons’ pastoral leader is appreciated. Students are to fill out an extended leave form from the curriculum office and attach any supporting documentation from parents/guardians. After the form has all signatures completed, it is passed on to the Head of College, seeking approval.

 

Late arrival/early departure: Students are to sign in when late at the Tower reception, regardless of parent notification. For students departing early, they are to have a conversation with their pastoral leader to have their diary signed. A note indicating a reason can be included. Students are to sign out at the Tower reception and reconcile the note in the diary or on the school database if notified through parent lounge.

 

Students have been reminded of these processes at assembly.

ASH program

Marist College Ashgrove supports the teaching of ‘the whole child’ through the development and implementation of the ASH program.  The program is designed for students in Year 5-12 and aims for all students to:

  • Become good Christians and good citizens
  • Develop respectful relationships with themselves and others
  • To develop respect for all women
  • Encourage independence, resilience, positive social skills and teamwork
  • Develop impulse control and positive decision making
  • Identify warning signs of mental illness
  • Enhance their personal insight and reflective capacity
  • Increase their empathy for others
  • Reduce bullying behaviours
  • Build confident young men who are strong in mind and gentle in heart
  • Enhance help-seeking behaviours
  • Develop strong leadership skills
  • Increase their sense of belonging with their peers and the school

The program is based on the developmental needs of each age group and incorporates evidenced-based strategies from areas such as positive psychology, respectful relationships, resilience, cognitive behaviour therapy and emotional regulation.

 

ASH lessons occur one lesson a cycle (2 weeks).

 

Term 1 Aims by Year Group

 

Year 5: Resilience - students learn the importance of being resilient during life’s ups and downs. Strategies to ‘bounce back’ from difficult times are investigated during the unit.

 

Year 6: Teamwork - students will learn the benefits of working together to achieve a common goal. They will create scenarios to encourage teamwork at Marist College.

 

Year 7: Transition program - facilitate a successful transition to Marist College Ashgrove so all students feel safe and valued.

 

Year 8: Character Strengths - students to identify their unique character strengths and to use these when faced with life obstacles.

 

Year 9: The Adolescent Brain - students to understand the key changes that occur in the adolescent brain and the anxious brain. 

 

Year 10: Masculinity - students to challenge the stereotypes of masculinity and develop a sense of who they want to be as men.

 

Year 11: Act the Man - to further enhance their understanding of masculinity, respectful relationships and consent.  To ensure a smooth transition into the ATAR system.

 

Year 12: Healthy mind and body - to provide students with strategies to manage their mental health and enhance sleep quality.