Boarding News

As I write this newsletter on Monday evening the school has come alive with all of our boarders returning from the holidays. The first night back is one of the best nights in boarding with boys catching up and regaling stories of good times they’ve had over the break. Whilst some stories might be slightly exaggerated, it is so nice to see the boys laughing together and seeming like they’d not been apart for the last two months. 

This year we welcome 30 new boarders into our community and they come from places as far afield as Perth, Alpha, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Texas in the United States. We are so happy that they have joined Marist College Ashgrove and no doubt these boys and their families will add so much to the cultural fabric of Marist College Ashgrove. It is wonderful to witness our staff and the returning boarders already helping and including them as they find their way in a new school. 

We have many plans for boarding at Marist College Ashgrove in 2023 to build on the rock-solid foundation put in place over the years. It will be exciting to introduce two community service initiatives specifically for our boarders this year. The first of these is called the ‘Boarder Blitz’, a lawn mowing and yard maintenance service the boarders will be providing for disadvantaged families referred to us by St Vincent De Paul. A group of boarders will be accompanied by a teacher after school to lend a hand for those in need of this support. The second initiative is to reintroduce the ‘Boarders’ Car Wash’ during Term 2. This used to exist at Marist pre-COVID and the boys are keen for it to return. The Boarders’ Car Wash aims to raise money for a charity of the boys’ choice and will happen on our school grounds on home game days in Term 2. 

We also have the introduction of our Senior Mentor program in boarding which is something I believe will be a very positive addition in 2023. This program involves all of our Year 12 boarders being rostered to work in either the Year 7, Year 8, or Year 9 residences to assist the staff member on duty. It presents a simple, but worthwhile opportunity for every Senior boarder to learn how to lead through service to others. There is nothing quite as powerful as the influence of a good role model on young boys and I have great confidence that our current Year 12 boarders can shine in this role. They also have the chance to leave a very positive legacy for future Year 12 cohorts to continue.

I look ahead with great enthusiasm and believe that 2023 can be another great year in boarding at Marist College Ashgrove. I look forward to seeing you along the way and please make sure you contact me if I can assist you with anything.

New Boarding and Nursing Staff

We welcome the following new staff to the Marist boarding community.

• Ella Baines - Boarding Supervisor 
• Matthew Barlow - Boarding Supervisor
• Matthew Cohen - Boarding Supervisor
• Callum Francis - Boarding Supervisor
• Joshua Greber - Boarding Supervisor
• Adam Green - Boarding Supervisor
• Jack Kelly - Boarding Supervisor
• Nicholas Lahey - Boarding Supervisor
• Patrick Noble - Boarding Supervisor
• Francis Sevil - Boarding Supervisor
• Ellie Hotston - Registered Nurse
• Rob McDowell - Registered Nurse

Boarding Recreation - Mr Blair Whitlock

Boarding Recreation Plan - Week 1, Term 1