From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

With Us

Last week, we enjoyed the graduation ceremonies for our Year 12 graduands as they prepared to leave the gates of the College for the last time. One highlight was their final Mass together. The readings used on this occasion were comforting for all present as we prayed for our soon to be old boys. In my address, at the conclusion of Mass, I acknowledged that the boys experience different levels of faith – those with much faith and others whose faith is still developing and those with little or none. Regardless, I reminded each boy of the message of these readings from Jeremiah (29:11-14). The readings reminded the boys, that at some point in their lives, if they decide to search for God, his response will be - “you will find me”, “I will let you find me” and, “I will restore your fortunes”. This was a comforting message for parents, loved ones and teachers present, that regardless of the time or the situation, our loving God will be there. All who were present at the Mass were joined in prayer for the boys to experience extraordinary lives, to stay safe, enjoy happiness and success whilst being assured that their God will be with them when they call.

As we prepare for Christmas this Advent, we are drawn to the birth of Jesus – a tiny, innocent, dependent, and perfect baby who is without judgement or criticism and is only looking to love and be loved. Like any infant, this baby welcomes us in and unites us all. The baby Jesus is one of us and is to be embraced by all. The baby’s name is otherwise known as “Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:22-23). Interpreted, this name means, ‘God is with us.’ As the secularism of Christmas becomes all too present, we must not forget to open wide our arms and imagine embracing the tiny, perfect baby - our Emmanuel. At that very moment, we are accepting and embracing God; inviting God to be part of our lives from that moment onwards.

God of the journey, may all members of the Marist College family, open their hearts, allowing God to ‘be with us’ this Christmas season. Amen.

Respect for Women

This week, Marist College Ashgrove will be acknowledging the international day for the elimination of violence against women. We look forward to all staff and students highlighting this day at the College Assembly, listening to guest speakers, and wearing white ribbons in support. Respectful relationships are a focal education point at Marist and especially the treatment of all women by our boys both at school and beyond. This includes age-appropriate discussions in the Marist College Ashgrove ASH Program regarding topics like - consent, pornographic material, informed conscience, and right relationships. Marist College Ashgrove promotes a strong and clear message of ‘NO’ to any form of violence against women.

Catch-up Exams

Students who were unable to sit their scheduled Term 4 assessment are required to make up these exams before leaving for their holidays. As previously communicated in the College newsletter, these catch-up exams have been scheduled for Tuesday, 23 November. Students have been notified via email about where they are to meet for these exams. If your son has not completed these exams, the College will be unable to issue a report until they have been undertaken. If you require another opportunity, please contact Senior and Middle School Curriculum Leaders - Roxanne Rosenberg (Years 7-9) rosenbergr@marash.qld.edu.au or Jen Smeed (Years 10-11) smeedj@marash.qld.edu.au for assistance.

Year 11 Semi-Formal

The Year 11 boys will be undertaking their postponed Year 11 semi-formal on Wednesday evening, 24 November. Covid-19 has led to the postponement of this event, but thanks to the generous work of Mr Adam Knight (Acting Head of Students), the boys will still be provided with their opportunity to enjoy this special evening. This formal enables the boys to welcome and enjoy the company of their partner, sharing a meal and enjoying music, good conversation and dancing together. Victoria Park is the venue and I thank all the Heads of House and staff who will be assisting and supervising at this event. As usual, normal school rules apply to this event and as explained, associated activities. Enjoy, gentlemen.

Well Done, Marist!

I am delighted to report that the Marist College Ashgrove Family has successfully rallied together in support for Dino. As a result, Dino Lopes from East Timor will now be able to stay in Australia and complete his TAFE Qualifications. The College would like to acknowledge the very generous contribution of the transportation integration company Keolis Downer. Keolis Downer has not only offered to meet Dino’s fees at TAFE Queensland but have also offered Dino work experience with their expert engineers during vacation periods. Dino’s stationery needs will be supplied by Stationery Aid. Where Dino has additional expenses we will use our further funds collected. It is only after Dino has completed his Associate Degree and all expenses associated with the degree have been met that any excess funds which exist will be allocated to the Champagnat Trust. Please be assured that all funds contributed as part of ‘Dino’s Dream’ are now held only for Dino and for his benefit. My special thanks are extended to all generous donators and Lauren Caplick (guardian) and Anthony Collins (Old Boys’ Association) for your persistent and excellent efforts in promoting this wonderful cause. Well done Marist!

Sacramental Program

Congratulations Hunter James and Lachlan Killen who undertook their first Reconciliation and First Holy Communion on Thursday 18 November and Sunday 21 November, respectively. I thank Fr Alatini Kolofo'ou who prepared and facilitated these sacraments for the boys. The boarders provided the supportive community for the boys to undertake their first communion at Sunday’s Mass in the College Chapel of Our Lady and Saint Marcellin. If you are a boarding student and are interested in joining a similar sacramental program in 2022, please contact the Head of Mission, Mr Luke McMahon: mcmahonl@marash.qld.edu.au. For Day-students interested in the sacraments, they are encouraged to contact their local parish community. Well done, Hunter and Lachlan.

Hunter James and Lachlan Killen, with Mr Michael Newman and Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou

Gallipoli Barracks 'Carols and Cannons'

The Gallipoli Barracks would like to invite all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family to the 'Carols and Cannons Open Day' from 3:00pm – 9:00pm on Sunday, 28 November. This event will include the traditional Beat Retreat parade, Christmas carols, Santa visit, and concert including the 1812 Overture with our cannons firing and fireworks to finish the evening. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be on sale and you are invited to bring a picnic rug. We thank our neighbours, the Gallipoli Barracks, for their kind invitation.

Blue and Gold

In 2021, I asked for the College Magazine, the ‘Blue and Gold’, to be completed prior to students leaving for the holidays to enable a more timely and relevant distribution of College news, events and the year that has been. The result is another excellent publication in which I thank our editor Damien Zoomers for producing. The Year 12 boys were given their magazines on Friday and the youngest boy of each family on Wednesday of this week. Contained in the Blue and Gold are my reflections of the year, my colleagues and students’ reflections on the various separate undertakings and many wonderful pictures summarising the year. I hope you enjoy reading this year’s edition.

Thank You and God’s Blessing

Marist College Ashgrove is a large educational precinct with some 500 employees. As is usually the case, the Blue and Gold recognises and thanks those staff who are leaving us after distinguished careers at the College. Since the time the Blue and Gold went to print, we have some additional staff announcing their departures, namely: Michael Druce, Jacqui Klowss, Andrew Elphinstone, Jon Fitzgerald, Jeff de Heus, Clara Sandona, Zach Woodward, Jamie Morgan, Samuel Priddis, Penny Waring, Andrew King, Luke Caplick, Lucy Tuttiett and Lisa Babon. Our staff on short-term contracts who are departing are: Birgit Alves-Stein, Emma Palmer, Therese Taylor, Bec Webster and Jasmine Wilton. Such retirements, promotions and change are an important part of teacher and service staff members' career progression, as I am sure is the case for employees in other fields of service. As a Marist family, we thank and congratulate each of our departing staff and ask God’s blessing on their future careers and retirement. We look forward to welcoming into the College the new and excited staff who have accepted positions to replace them in 2022.

Year 11 ChangeMakers

Luka Wilde (Year 11) and Roman Schutt (Year 11) have been accepted into the Young ChangeMakers Program, a unique 3-day (2-night) on-campus experience, at the University of Queensland.

This program is designed for Year 11 students with big ideas and ambitions, aimed at helping them become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow. During their time, Luka and Roman will undertake an immersive group project to tackle global challenges from different perspectives. Congratulations and best wishes Luka and Roman.

State Finalists

Congratulations to James Thompson (Year 12) and Roman Ah Loy (Year 10) who have taken out the top State awards in their respective categories for the Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) Queensland Student Subject Awards 2021. Their categories were 3D printing and Construction. James, who recently graduated from the College has secured an apprenticeship through Matthew Bell Constructions in Goondiwindi. We wish James all the best in his future endeavours. Congratulations James and Roman!

Final Day of 2021

This Thursday 25 November, is the final day of school for all students at Marist College Ashgrove. School finishes at 3:10pm. The College Reports will be available for distribution on the Parent Portal by 3:00pm on Wednesday 1 December and emailed to parents by the end of that week. I will attach my final 2021 communication to all parents with these reports. The ATAR results will be published on Friday 17 December. We will report to all families regarding these ATAR results upon their release on the Marist College Ashgrove Facebook page.

The first day of school for students in 2022 is Tuesday 25 January. The staff we will be preparing for the upcoming academic year throughout the holidays and the College Leadership Team will commence meetings from Wednesday 12 January, with new staff commencing on Monday 17 January and all other staff commencing from Wednesday 19 January. I trust that you will have a refreshing and reinvigorating Christmas holiday with your loved ones. I very much look forward to 2022 with your sons.

May our loving God with Mary our good mother and St Marcellin Champagnat walk with all members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family.