From the Head of College

Mr Michael Newman

Women to Inspire

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world every year on 8th March. In 2022, this day is being celebrated under the theme “changing climates: equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. It is a theme that recognises the importance of gender equality and the role of women in building a sustainable future. International Women’s Day provides us with a formal platform to show our support and recognise with respect those women who make a difference to the lives of our young men here at Marist College Ashgrove. As a simple gesture to mark this occasion and to demonstrate respect and gratitude for their contribution, the boys made crepe paper flowers which they distributed to all women at the College. At the College Assembly, Mrs Ashleigh Morrison, Head of Physical Education, was invited by the College Captain, Ethen Tsiamalili to address the boys on the meaning and significance of International Women’s Day to her.

I believe one of the most wonderful attributes of our College, is, in fact, its name. Marist College Ashgrove was named so, in 1971. The title Marist is interpreted in Latin as “the little brothers of Mary,” inferring a spirituality that views the Gospels through the eyes of Mary, the mother of God. Prior to this, from 1940-1970, the College was named St Mary’s College Ashgrove in honour of Mary. It may seem unusual that in 1940, a boys’ College was named after a female. In fact, traditionally, not many boys’ schools were named after a woman. The choice of name made by the Marist Brothers was considered and intentional as it was their way of showing the significance of Mary to their faith and the high esteem in which they hold her, and hopefully, the young men of their College would do the same.

Mary’s example to us at Marist Ashgrove is a of woman who loved deeply, had unending compassion, immense strength and courage, and, who lived simply, valuing her family and work. She had great faith in a God who saves and redeems, especially those most in need. Central to the Marist charism is her quality of humility - “all nations will call me blessed because of the wonderful thing the Lord has done” (The Magnificat Luke 1:46-48). Mary’s example is demonstrated throughout the Gospels as one of great courage, strength and immense sacrifice, as seen in the image of her standing at the foot of the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25-27). The common reference to Mary in the scriptures, as she unobtrusively observed her son’s teaching, miracles and service, was one of contemplation and prayer – “She pondered all these things in her heart” (Luke2:19) – and faith as she accepted her call to bear the son of God - “Be it done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Marist spirituality is founded on these positive and admirable qualities of Mary as seen in the touchstones of humility, simplicity, modesty, love of work and family spirit. In a nutshell, she is our inspiration and we look to her to guide and help us, to live good lives and be better people.

So, it makes sense then that the boys are encouraged to pray to Mary as she intercedes to her son on their behalf. When the boys sing the oldest Latin prayer to Mary, the Sub Tuum Praesidium (also known as the Marian Prayer) at the end of celebrations, sporting games or a Mass, they are doing exactly this, asking for her assistance - “we fly to thy patronage our Holy mother of God, despise not our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers O ever glorious and blessed virgin.” Their song to her also shows their utmost respect to a strong, courageous and loving woman.

Let us pray for all the young men and graduands of Marist College Ashgrove that they will emulate the wonderful qualities of this fine woman, Mary and in their lives, always demonstrate equality, respect and hold all women and girls in the highest regard. Amen.

Consent and Right Relationships Education Program

Last October, the College presented a draft of the Consent and Right Relationships Program at the Parents and Friends Association meeting. At this meeting, we were very grateful for the feedback we received on this program and made adjustments accordingly. I have subsequently been asked by parents to provide a copy of the final scope and sequence for student learning at the College around the topic of consent and right relationships. At Marist College Ashgrove, we view this program as a living and changeable document as we continue to explore the relevant means of educating the boys, as best as possible, around this very important topic. Each boy will learn about the topic of consent and right relationships from Years 5-12 in their weekly ASH classes. The topics covered in this program are outlined below and are complemented by supplementary studies in the subjects of Religious Education, Science and Physical Education. In these subjects, related topics examined include: morality, informed conscience decision making, the dignity and respect of every individual, sexuality and personal development and drugs and alcohol education and their effects. Feel free to pass on any further comments or advice on this very important area of study, which will, no doubt, be accompanying your messages from home – please contact Ms Genevieve Long, College Psychologist and ASH Program advisor on: longg@marash.qld.edu.au

ASH WELLBEING PROGRAM 2022 OVERVIEW – RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS.pdf

Queensland State Track and Field Winners

Congratulations to the Marist College Ashgrove students who competed at the Queensland State Track and Field Titles over the weekend. The following boys excelled in their respective events, returning with a total of 9 state medals. Congratulations -

Connor Campbell – Gold U14 200m and Gold U14 400m
Lee Martin - Gold U17 Shot Put and Silver U17 Javelin
Elliot Aldridge - Gold U16 400m and Silver U16 Discus
Jonah Miles - Gold U16 Javelin
Joel Drew - Silver U17 400m Hurdles
James Prole - Silver U17 800m

I would also like to commend, Year 12 student Thomas Prole who broke a 43-year Marist College Ashgrove athletics record running 3.58 for 1500m at the Queensland Athletics Championships in the U20 race.

I particularly thank Mr Rob Martin (Athletics Coach) for his encouragement, training and assistance in preparing the boys for this Queensland State Competition.

Lismore Marist Flood Appeal

My sincere thanks to the wonderful response by students and families to donate a note to assist with the flood recovery for our Marist sisters and brothers in Lismore – Trinity Catholic College. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Iona College, who were also founded in France (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) who donated $1000 towards this appeal to support our fellow Marist school. Overall, Marist College Ashgrove has now raised approximately $10 000 which we will send to Trinity Catholic College in Lismore. Well done and we pray for our fellow Marist school in Lismore and all their families in their difficult recovery.

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 regulations have been relaxed from 4 March 2022. The following will now proceed –

Boarding students at the College will continue to be isolated, including close contacts (as per Queensland Health regulations)
Overnight camps, excursions and events will be permitted with COVID-19 safe measures implemented – including parents immediately picking up their child if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms
Face masks will no longer be required in schools for staff, students and visitors. However, wearing a mask is still recommended if people are not able to socially distance and be 1.5m apart.
All contractors, parents and other visitors will be able to enter school sites. Contractors and other visitors will still be required to use the Queensland Check-In App on arrival and register their attendance through the usual school visitor process. All contractors and visitors will also need to show their vaccination status. Parents are not required to use the Queensland Check-In App or to show their vaccination status.
Large gatherings such as assemblies in schools can resume from Monday 7 March – and there will be no density limits on attendance, however, social distancing requirements will be encouraged.
Community members will be advised to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if unwell.
If a person tests positive, follow Queensland Health requirements.
If you are a close contact of a person with COVID-19 follow the Queensland Health advice.
It is an expectation that you practise good hygiene – including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitiser, wearing face masks when required.
Physical distancing of 1.5 m is still required.
The expectation is to follow any direction provided by the Public Health Unit (PHU) or Queensland Health.
Marist College Ashgrove will continue to distribute a government issued RAT to any student or staff member with symptoms at school.

Number of COVID-19 cases recorded at Marist College Ashgrove this week:

Staff – 2; Day Students (Secondary) – 34; Day Students (Primary) – 9 and Boarders – 4.

Investiture of College Leaders

As the saying goes – “It is better late than never!” This Thursday 10 March, Marist College Ashgrove will be recognising our Year 6 and Year 12 leaders for 2022. The boys have already commenced their leadership with great gusto and have led admirably in spite of all the challenges of COVID-19 and now a flood. We welcome to the College their parents and families who will celebrate with us, as well as those who will join us on the live stream. Thank you to Fr Alatini Kolofo'ou and Mr Luke McMahon (Head of Mission) who have organised and will lead the celebration of this liturgy and investiture of leaders. Congratulations gentlemen, and I look forward to your continued excellent leadership of the College.

STEM Achievement

Congratulations to Lincoln Rucker in Year 7 who last week was awarded first place in the National Young ICT Explorers (YICTE) Competition, after participating in 2021 when attending St Joseph’s School, Bardon. The YICTE is an international non-profit competition, supported by CSIRO Digital Careers and the Smith Family with the help of industry and university partners across Australia, to encourage students to solve real-world problems and to showcase their passions using technology. Working with his project partner, Lincoln created and built a device that detects when a person is about to have an asthma attack. This is an outstanding achievement which we commend both Lincoln and his project partner on achieving. Congratulations, Lincoln!

Events This Week

Best wishes to students and staff who will be partaking in the following important events this week:

Music Camp – Alexander Headlands – 11-13 March 2022 - My thanks are extended to or facilitators – Dr Andrew Butt, Mr Enrico Le Mura, Mrs Vanessa Mitchell, Ms Janelle Lee Long, Ms Megan Harmston, Ms Catherine Wasserman, Ms Rhiannon Fenn, Ms Melanie Stewart, Mr Darian Johns, Mr Sean Flynn and Mr Caleb Colledge.

Free Dress Day – Friday 11 March 2022 – funds raised go to Lenten Appeal. My thanks are extended to our organisers – Mr Luke McMahon, Mrs Mena McLean and Mrs Liz Spry.

Year 8 Pastoral Day – Mt Coot-tha –14-15 March 2022 - My thanks are extended to our facilitators – Mr Peter Serone, Mr Brendan Kiernan, Mr Terry Quain, Mr Scott Minogue, Ms Megan Wandell and Mrs Kelly Byrnes.

AIC Ecumenical Service – highlighting the goodwill between our sporting competitors - Monday 14 March 2022. My thanks are extended to Mr Derek Lennon, Ms Zoe Cobon and Mrs Mena McLean who will be accompanying our student leaders.

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