From the

Head of College

We begin together in God’s presence.

Thank you for the warm welcome I have received from parents, old boys, staff and students as I commence my time as the Head of College, Marist Ashgrove 2021.  I am most excited and humbled to be leading this well-renowned, successful and ambitious Catholic educational institution for boys into this new and exciting paradigm of education.

I very much look forward to working in partnership with the whole Marist College family to ensure the best possible educational outcomes, in a holistic sense, for each of your boys in our care.

This Christmas season, I was struck by the theme of ‘presence’.  Jesus ‘Emmanuel’, meaning ‘God is with us’, was born for each of us. God is present. What a joyful and empowering time.

This theme of presence was also reflected throughout the Christmas season of Church readings. God’s presence, as manifested through the birth of Jesus, is within each of us and in every part of our world, in the people we meet, friendships, moments of joy and difficulty, loving moments and within the environment.

The Marist Schools Australia theme for 2021 is ‘Breathe: The Spirit of Life’.  To breathe is the fundamental and quintessential source of life.  Breath is referred to in scripture as inhaling the presence of God (1 Kings 19:12). 

In the latest Papal Encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti”, Pope Francis encourages us to fraternally love our sisters and brothers, who are all formed in God’s image and likeness.  In doing so, God’s presence is therefore very much alive and here. “God is love and those who abide in love, abide in God” (1 John 4:16).

As Marists, we have no better example of witnessing God’s presence than Mary and Champagnat.  Mary, a mother was intimately present to Jesus, lovingly walking by his side, even as he died.  Champagnat, in his writings continually referenced God’s presence, in fact, starting an order of Brothers and Schools set up primarily to teach young people about God’s loving presence in their lives.

Our call and challenge this new Marist year of education is to respond with a resounding “yes” as Mary did. ‘Yes’ to being open to God’s loving presence within and around us. ‘Yes’ to breathing in God’s spirit every single day. ‘Yes’ to experiencing God’s presence through loving one another fraternally.  And ‘yes’ to mirroring the actions and example of Mary, our good mother and Champagnat who trusted in God’s loving presence, always.

We pray that in 2021, our College will be a place where God’s presence authentically radiates through the lives and actions of every member of the Marist family.

Communication

Communication is vital to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for your son. Can I suggest that you read the College Newsletter at every edition to ensure the best possible communication on both the happenings and upcoming events of the College. I will ensure that I write in each addition the important events to keep you aptly informed. The best other communication is via email. All staff can be contacted by email on –surnamefirstinitital@marash.qld.edu.au. If you would like to speak to me, my email is newmanm@marash.qld.edu.au. I have asked all staff to reply to you at least within 48 hours. Other instant and brief forms of communication are available through the Marist Social Media networks e.g. Facebook, Instagram and the Marist College Ashgrove App.  I look forward to strong lines of communication with all families at the College.

New Administration, Parking and Head of College Office

The administration office has been relocated to the Tower commencing immediately. As Head of College, my office is now located in the Tower and will shortly be followed by the Deputy Head of College who will relocate also. Parking for the administration or visiting people in the Tower can be found at the front of the Tower. If the boom gates near the pool are not open, they can be raised by calling administration on 07 3858 4555.

Boarding Parent Welcome

On Sunday evening, I enjoyed meeting many boarding parents and their sons who are new to the College. You are all very welcome. New boarding families joined together for a meal in the Champagnat Centre. On Australia Day, we welcomed back our remaining boarders who were invited to share in a social time together in the Tower from 3:00-5:00pm. It was wonderful meeting so many boarding families and boys and I very much look forward to catching up with you at further various events throughout the year. 

New Staff and Leadership Changes – 2021

It is with great pleasure that I welcome a number of new staff to the College.  We trust that your time at the College will be both rewarding and fulfilling.  Welcome:

We acknowledge a number of staff who have concluded their time as leaders of the College.  Mr Peter McLoughlin, past Headmaster of 12 years who gave so much of himself professionally to this great College and whose positive legacy will live on well into the future.  Peter has now moved onto the next phase of his life with his family and work.

Mr James Couper has taken one year of leave from his position as Head of Boarding.  We wish James well during 2021 with his endeavours.  Mr Ty Casey will be Acting Head of Boarding, a College Leadership Position, in 2021.

Mr David Miles has voluntarily stepped down as Head of Sport to spend more weekend time with his young family.  We join together to thank David for his efforts in this wide-ranging role for the College.  Mr Luke Caplick has accepted the position as Acting Head of Sport for 2021.

Mr Tim Sedgwick has taken one year’s leave as Head of HPE. In the meantime, he will take on the role as Acting Year 7 Boarding Parent with his wife Camilla.  Mr Chris Ash will replace him as Acting Head of HPE for 2021. 

My best wishes are extended to our new leaders.

Acknowledgement of Holiday Undertakings at the College

I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work that has been completed over the holiday period to prepare, maintain and improve the College for your sons’ commencement in 2021. As the new Head of College, I was suitably impressed by the professional and dedicated undertakings by staff over the vacation period. A list of works completed include:

• Air-conditioning in the Boarding Houses
• Removal of the Oasis to improve the aesthetics of the Main Courtyard
• Renovation of McMahon, Cameron & Hayden Ovals
• Replacement of cricket nets
• 2 x new shade sails in the Main Yard
• Science desks repaired and resealed and all chair stoppers have been replaced on the chairs
• Landscaping and pruning work completed
• New Source Separation bins distributed around all staff rooms
• All air-conditioner filters throughout the school have been cleaned
• Tuckshop lane ropes refurbished and tightened
• Catering for various holiday functions and events
• Completion of class lists, staffing and timetables
• Budgets and financing completed
• Grounds and garden improvements
• Complete clean of the College

I extend my thanks to all our staff who undertook this and other work over the Christmas and term break. 

As you can see, Marist College Ashgrove is a large educational learning centre with so many staff working together to ensure that the College functions efficiently and professionally.  A sincere thank you to our staff for these many and various holiday undertakings.

Year 12 2020 – Academic Outcomes

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who received an ATAR above 97.00.

This ATAR is the equivalent to an OP 1 or 2 on the old scale.

We have invited these boys to join us for our Opening Assembly. Our College Dux, Thomas Collier will address the boys on academic matters and tips going forward.

• Sam Hull                                    Outstanding ATAR Result of 97.40
• Harry Lyons                              Outstanding ATAR Result of 97.70
• William O 'Connor                  Outstanding ATAR Result of 97.70
• Shaun Klette                            Outstanding ATAR Result of 97.95
• Dominic Malt                           Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.50
• William Cruickshank              Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.55
• Joshua Gronbach                    Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.60
• Tyler Galligan                           Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.80
• Harry Clarke                             Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.95
• Siegfried Cooney                    Outstanding ATAR Result of 98.95
• Mitchell Smyth                        Outstanding ATAR Result of 99.00
• Thomas Collier                        Outstanding ATAR Result of 99.70 / College Dux

Marist Leadership Camp 2021

This weekend we welcomed to the College our fellow Marist Student Leaders from Queensland and the Northern Territory schools. The two days included a leadership Mass, dinner, workshops and lectures on the topic of leadership. There was also time for our leaders, Henry Thomasson, William Walker, Samuel Keogan, Ziggy Day and Jacob Anderson to share their ideas with leaders from our associated Marist Colleges. Well done leaders and best wishes for 2021.

Sport Commencement – Term 1

Sport has commenced in earnest with trials for swimming (Friday night), AFL (Wednesday), cricket and volleyball (Saturday) occurring over the past week.  I thank all our dedicated staff for commencing the sporting season with such energy.  The first round of sporting fixtures will be at home versing St Laurence’s College this Saturday, January 30. We thank the many Sport Coordinators and College Staff.  Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful term on the sporting fields.

My thanks are also extended to the generous staff who facilitated the Primary and Senior Swimming Camps held last week. By all accounts, the camps were very successful, although challenged by the two hill runs!! 

Music Camp

My thanks are extended to our generous music staff who facilitated a music camp for our students at Alexander Headlands last weekend. This is an important camp which ushers in a full and exciting year of music experiences for the boys. Well done, gentlemen.  We thank Mr Andrew Butt (Head of Music) and his staff.

Upcoming Events

Unfortunately, with COVID restrictions, parents are still restricted from attending some events in the usual accustomed manner.  The College assemblies, including academic award ceremonies in Term 1 will unfortunately not be able to be attended by parents at this present time.  However, the College will provide video links to these events on the parent portal.  If you are having trouble connecting to the parent portal please contact: Mr Dylan Gower – Video Production @ gowerd@marash.qld.edu.au.

I list below the coming events and if they have Covid Restrictions on parent attendance 

(PCR)

Wednesday 27 January

• 9:00am - Opening Assembly in the Champagnat Centre.  (PCR)
• Year Level Commencement Liturgies in the Chapel. (PCR)
  • Year 12 – Period 2
  • Year 11 – Period 4

Thursday 28 January

• Year Level Commencement Liturgies in the Chapel. (PCR)
  • Year 7 – Period 3
  • Year 9 – Period 4

Friday 29th January

• College Assembly – Academic Awards (PCR)
• Year Level Commencement Liturgies in the Chapel. COVID restrictions (PCR)
  • Year 5 & 6 – Period 1
  • Year 8 – Period 5
• AFL Open vs SLC @ 3:15pm
• AIC Swim Meet @ 4:00pm

Saturday 30 January

• RI Cricket / Volleyball vs SLC
• AFL – Years 5-9

Sunday 31 January

• Boarders' Mass (Years 8, 10 & 11) – College Chapel @ 5:30pm
• Boarders' Mass (Years 7, 9 & 12) – College Chapel @ 6:20pm

Monday 1 February – Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 2 February – Year 7 Transition Information Meeting

Wednesday 3 February – Year 5 Parent Information Evening

Thursday 4  February – Year 6 Parent Information Evening

Friday 5 February – College Assembly – Academic Awards (PCR)

I very much look forward to meeting parents and friends of the College at the non-COVID restricted events as listed above.

May our loving God, with Mary and Champagnat, walk with all members of the Marist family.

Mr Michael Newman

Head of College

Prayers Please

For the repose of the soul:

• Sr. Dorothy Costigan CSB. Past Ashgrove Counsellor. Beloved Marist friend of the College.

For the sick: 

• Sharon Gillett
• Arthur Smith – Carolyn Smith’s (Teacher) Father-in-law (husband Sheldon).