Primary School News

Raising the Bar

At assembly on Thursday, I congratulated the boys on their efforts to keep their uniforms and school grounds neat and tidy. There has been a noticeable effort by the boys to get these things right as we near the end of our school year. I reminded them that, whilst it is great to be recognized for the things that are easily observed, it is the way we treat others each day that is so crucial for our community. We spoke of how the Golden Rule could be enacted to ensure we treat others as we would like to be treated. 

Mr Lambourne managed to find me a high jump bar which we used as a visual reminder to ensure we raise the bar and keep our standards high. Like high jumpers, as we succeed, we continue to raise the bar to achieve our very best. Our high jump bar will hang over the entrance to the Primary School over the coming weeks to be a constant reminder of what we are trying to achieve together.

Marist Extend Program

A reminder that the school is launching a new program for Year 7 students in 2023 called ‘Marist Extend’. This provides an opportunity for day students to stay back after school on weekdays and join the Year 7 boarding house until 8:00pm. It will present a wonderful opportunity for your son to form new friendships with the boarders, as well as benefiting from the positive structure in boarding and the extra academic support provided during the boarders’ study sessions. If you are interested in knowing more, there is an information session this Thursday night at the Tower Block starting at 6:00pm.

Student Leadership Update

On Thursday afternoon, forty-eight Year 6 students gathered at the Marist Centre to take part in the next stage of our Student Leadership program. All boys were challenged to think about what Leadership looks like and to reflect on what they could bring to the Primary School as a future leader. Boys have been asked to write their letter of application and present it to Mr Connolly by Tuesday afternoon in Week 5. I would like to thank all boys who have shown an interest in becoming our future leaders here in the Primary School and wish them well in their endeavours.

All Souls Day Mass

Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel at 8:00am on Wednesday to mark All Souls Day. All Souls Day is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed. All Primary boys are invited to attend Mass at this time as we keep those members of our Marist Family, who have lost loved ones, in our prayers. 

Looking ahead, next Wednesday (Week 6), we will be having our Primary Mass in the Chapel starting at 8:00am. All Primary boys are asked to make every effort to get to school by 7:50am to join our community in celebration.

Christmas Appeal

A reminder that we have two weeks left for our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We are encouraged to donate a Christmas Gift Card or donate via Monitor. The link to the flyer with all the details is here.

Planting Trees for Bees

Everyone is welcome to help the MCA Environment Club plant bee-friendly native plants this Thursday, 3rd November, straight after school. We will meet outside the Draney Theatre, don’t forget to bring a hat and a water bottle.  We have received many free native plants donated by the Brisbane City Council waiting to be part of the Marist Ecosystem and we need your help! We will be all finished at 4:30pm. 

Primary Pastoral Leader - Kylie Tippins

Last week in our primary assembly, Mr Connolly spoke to our boys about “raising the bar”.  As we enter into the last 4 weeks of the 2022 school year, it is sometimes hard to keep moving forward, to keep trying hard, to keep considering and remembering the needs of those around us.  “Raising the bar” invites our students to keep aiming high and trying hard to be the best Marist man they can be.  Whether that is in the playground, classroom, on the bus, during an exam, or walking to school, let us encourage our boys to continue to strive to be their best. As Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh said:

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

On Tuesday last week, our Year 5 boys enjoyed a BBQ breakfast together with their teachers on McMahon Oval. Some time was taken to address the boys and reflect on how far they have come during the three and a half terms to date at MCA. Thanks to the staff who prepared the food for the boys and the boys for their manners and enthusiasm.

Primary Library News

The boys had the opportunity of participating in the 2022 Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. Their goal was to read 15 challenging books that were thought-provoking and stimulating. The aim of the challenge was for the boys to develop a love of reading, build their vocabulary and knowledge, and stimulate creativity and imagination.

Damon Johnston, Thomas Davis, Henry Walker, Kayden Kyoung and Luke Byrne all proudly completed the challenge and were awarded certificates for their achievement.