Boarding News

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a firm reminder of the sacrifice that so many of our servicemen and women have given over the years. I’ve been fortunate leading into Anzac Day on a past rugby tour to visit the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery honouring the Australian soldiers who fought in France and Belgium, and who lie under the battlefields. The Memorial consists of a central tower, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, flanked by wing walls commemorating the 10,719 Australian casualties who died in France and who have no known grave. The picture this landscape paints for the sacrifices of so many truly sets an emotional scene.

With the lifting of restrictions and return to the traditional Anzac Day march our boarders once again did us very proud on Sunday morning. Assembling alongside hundreds of day boys in the St Finbarr’s car park, College Captain and boarder from Emerald, Henry Thomasson, led Marist College Ashgrove at the Anzac Day march in Ashgrove. It was encouraging to see well over 500 students sacrifice their time to recognise, respect and honour the many that have given all for the opportunities we have today. The service held in Ashgrove Memorial Park was hosted by Colonel Kevin Humphreys. Colonel Humphreys only last week addressed the College on the importance of COURAGE physical, mental and emotional. His presence and poise certainly made the service one to remember.

Boarder Parent Network Meeting

A reminder to all boarding families that the Term 2 Boarder Parent Network meeting is being held this evening, Tuesday 27 April, 5:00pm to 6:30pm (Brisbane time).

We encourage you to contact your year level parent representative if you have any specific questions. You are also welcome to join the meeting which will be held via zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96855782509?pwd=NHdrcFdkL1M1eXRSMDdibjFkcjdxQT09

Honouring the past

Saturday last week saw the Chapel host the funeral and service of Tim McGahan, one of 6 brothers who boarded in the 1970s and 80s from Dalby. It was a touching moment of respect as Boarding Captain Clancy Clemson oversaw a small guard of honour to pay tribute to Mr McGahan. 

Goondiwindi Visit

Country visits have slowed down considerably as a result of Covid-19. However, we are very excited to announce that we are soon to hit the road again and get out there to see our families.

This weekend Head of Boarding, Ty Casey and Assistant Head of Boarding, Josh Mulligan will be travelling to Goondiwindi for the annual show. This is an event that we are very proud to be a part of each year. If you are at the show, we would love to see you, please stop by the McColl Pavilion.

We will be returning to Goondiwindi in a few weeks and will be arranging an opportunity to catch up with our families at that time. More information will be coming out soon regarding this event.

Term 2 Co-Curricular Activities

A reminder that we want as many boys as possible to get involved in Co-Curricular Activities. We are strong believers that the more the boys are involved in College and boarding life, the more they stay active, healthy and happy. We would encourage the boys regardless of ability to have a go and enjoy playing sport with their peers.

Term 2 is a very busy term for our boys across both Rugby Union and Football. Please encourage your son to know which team he is in and what the travel arrangements are for getting him to the game each week. Erin in Boarding Reception organises the boys travel, usually on a Thursday. With so many games across so many destinations, it’s important for the boys to know when they are coming and going. If you are going to be in town on a certain weekend and think you might be able to help with transport for that Saturday’s game, please contact Boarding Reception to let us know at boardingreception@marash.qld.edu.au.

External Sport

Term 2 always sees a lot of boys wanting to get involved in External sport. A reminder please to all those boys and families who are considering getting involved in External Sports outside of the College, please discuss this with your sons Boarding Coordinator. Boys must get an External Sports form filled in and signed by parents/guardians and their coaches before they are allowed to play. It is also important that boys fulfil their commitments to school sport before external sport and where there is a conflict of interest then school sport will take precedence. Likewise playing external sport is a privilege and if boys choose not to behave or follow the rules of the boarding school then they may lose the privilege of being involved in external sport.

Mother’s Day Cards

Keep an eye on your mailboxes in the coming week! The boys have been busy making Mother’s Day cards for the special Mother’s, Grandmother’s and carers in their lives.

Rec Report - Mr Blair Whitlock

It’s always interesting to hear the boys holiday stories as they come back from far and wide. The excitement of catching up with their boarding mates is great to see as they settle back into a routine for Term 2. We kept things low key on Friday night with some dodgeball and games in the gym as many boys headed out on leave for the long weekend.

On Saturday the boys had their final trial matches ahead of AIC Round 1 rugby union and football next weekend. We played against a mixture of St Laurence’s, Ambrose Treacy and Sunshine Coast Grammar teams in a full day of sport that was capped off with a hard-fought win for the 1st XV over Sunshine Coast.  There were plenty of tired bodies and we gave the boys a relaxing afternoon in the dorms before loading up the bus and heading down to Southbank in the evening. Some of the boys headed into the cinemas to watch Godzilla vs Kong while the rest enjoyed walking around the markets and making a few purchases - shark teeth and twirly potatoes were the most notable! We headed back home for a good night’s sleep ahead of the Anzac Day Service on Sunday.

As expected, there were plenty of grumbles on Sunday morning getting the boys up and ready for the early service. It’s always special commemorating Anzac Day and the boys certainly enjoyed the experience alongside several thousand of the community at Ashgrove Memorial Park. Pascal and the catering team had a cracking hot brekkie ready on our return to school. Later that morning a small group of boys dusted off the fishing gear and headed off to the Wynnum Jetty with Mr Whitlock. While the fishing wasn’t overly exciting, it was a beautiful day to be out by the coast. Tim Tully was stoked with his fish while Oscar Tully, Charlie Cobb and Liam Shay chased crabs and yabbies around in the shallows. Back at Marist, Mr Devoy and Mr Robertson took a group out for a bike ride along the creek and past the golf course. Golf etiquette was a little lost on the boys as they cheered on local members. One of which had the boys in hysterics after hitting the pin from tee-off! The early start took its toll on the boys that afternoon as they settled in for dinner, mass and an early night.

It felt a little strange having a long weekend right after the holidays but the boys certainly weren’t complaining. We got a quick morning study session in before heading down to McMahon Oval for some house touch footy. That took us through to lunch which was a hit, with the kitchen having a crack at some homemade KFC! Later that afternoon we loaded the bus and headed down to Westfield Chermside to stock up on supplies for the term. It’s been a good start to the term and we look forward to another busy week ahead.