Slattery House News

It has been another hectic, huge year filled with lockdowns, a few meltdowns, Teams, lots of laughs, some tears, friendship and genuine care for each other. Our House Leaders, Reaghan Barratt – Mission, Matthew Shearer – Academic, Leo Barbieri-Yates – Culture and Jove Smith – Sport once again set a fine example, encouraging the younger grades to be involved and step up to the challenges of secondary education. 

The House system of Marist College Ashgrove promotes a real sense of belonging and it’s great to see students of different ages bond, sharing a real sense of loyalty and pride for the House. The spirit of cooperation and respect that the boys display is wonderful.

It has been an interesting and challenging year for the students and teachers, and I am pleased to report that, when possible, our young men have entered into the spirit of all that the College has to offer with plenty of enthusiasm. 

On behalf of the Slattery House students, I would like to thank their pastoral carers – Ms Claire Fitzpatrick, Mr James Walton, Ms Majella Stevens, Ms Bonita Gerry, Mrs Cheryl Geck, Mrs Andrea Williams, Mrs Kylie Bowman and Mr Andrew Devoy. This fine group of pastoral teachers has been very supportive of me and displayed considerable concern for all the boys in their care, and I thank them sincerely. 

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding professionalism, care and concern Mrs Cheryl Geck has displayed in her 30 years at the College and 28 years in Slattery House. We wish her every happiness in her retirement. 

Matthew Shearer - Slattery House Academic Leader

As external exams approach and pressure mounts on the academic front, I’ve seen my fellow students step up into new levels of responsibility and maturity, beginning to look towards the future while keeping one eye on the bonds and friendships that got us to this point. Overall, despite some of its challenges, we have been extremely fortunate with the year we have had, and I look forward optimistically to whatever the future holds for our cohort.

Reaghan Barratt - Slattery House Mission Leader

Even with many opportunities to participate in the Mission Department being cancelled and adapted due to COVID-19 it was a wonderful year for the Slattery House. Our annual Slattery coin line raised $856.00 for the Lenten Appeal. Alongside this, Slattery ran a soft drink stall on the Lenten Fun Day. A big thank you to all the boys and families for their generosity over the lantern period. The annual Slattery House Red Shield Appeal doorknock was cancelled. However, donations were kindly given by the Slattery family and as a House we were still able to continue to contribute to such a wonderful cause. 

Leo Barbieri-Yates - Slattery House Cultural Leader

Slattery has a long-held tradition of immersing itself within the arts. Despite the obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 has seen the Slattery Theatre Sports Competition where Slattery managed to form a team spirit that no other House can compare with boys challenging themselves to ensure a funny and entertaining show. Unfortunately, the Harrold House Choir was cancelled. In its replacement, the boys in Slattery participated in "The Battle of the House Bands”. All the boys put in a large amount of effort to ensure a high-quality performance.

Jove Smith, Slattery House Sport Leader

This year the boys' willingness to contribute to inter-house events resulted in a podium finish for athletics and a 4th place for swimming. Some highlights of the year include winning senior tug-of-war and dragon-boat events, Dan Meggitt jumping 2 meters during high jump, Cooper Mackie’s century, Tom Prole running injured to win at AIC cross country, and of course Greg Kern’s three-length win in the 50m Freestyle. Slattery boys not only excelled in the House Cup but many also were selected in high standard representative and school-level teams.