Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

Last Friday we held our Primary Cross Country Carnival. During Periods 1 to 3, the boys had a chance to run over a challenging course that was 2km or 3km in length depending on the event. The goal of the carnival was to get every boy running for a purpose, whether that be to gain points for his colour team or to collect points in an age championship race. One aspect of the morning that was celebrated today at assembly was the way the boys participated, with Mr Lambourne telling the Primary boys that this year saw the largest number of boys completing the course.

Something that was clearly evident to anyone spectating on Friday was the willingness of so many boys to support each other during the race. At the start line, the boys were reminded that if someone fell during the race, others should help them up. The spontaneous cheering and encouragement that groups of boys gave to some of our runners who crossed the line well after the main body of runners was wonderful to see.  This support and encouragement reflected one of the goals of the carnival, that the boys work together to achieve a goal.

As we begin our Term 2 co-curricular activities this weekend, it is worth reminding the boys that, regardless of the activity concerned, one of our priorities should be to support those we spend time with, including those we compete with, and those we compete against. I would also ask that as supporters of our teams this term, we, as adults, show support for the coaches, players and officials at every opportunity. 

Being 100% Marist, 100% of the time is a continuing goal for all in the Primary School of us this term. I wish everyone the best of luck this weekend as Round 1 starts.

Anzac Day March

As detailed last week, all Primary boys are invited and encouraged to join us for the Anzac Day March on Tuesday morning. Boys are asked to wear their formal Winter uniform, including their formal hat, with the Year 5 boys wearing their blazers also. The meeting time is 7:15am in the grounds of St Finbarr’s School at Ashgrove. There are many boys who will be involved in various other events tomorrow morning and I wish them well for these.

Walkathon

At our College Assembly this week, the 2023 Walkathon will be launched. This is our major fundraiser for the year and there are a number of incentive prizes on offer for the Primary boys to assist the fundraising effort. More details will be shared regarding the Walkathon in the coming weeks.

Mr John Lambourne – Head of Sport (Primary)

Achievements

Congratulations to Roman Krutil (5B) who recently attended Round 2 of the Australia Karting Championships in Perth. Held over four days, with 58 of Australia and New Zealand's best karters, Roman managed to be the quickest on track to be the fastest qualifier for the heats. Issues later in the weekend meant that Roman finished outside the top 20, but a fantastic effort nonetheless.

Student Responsibilities to College Sport

I have received several parent inquiries regarding the College's position concerning representing the College versus club. The following is taken directly from the Marist College Enrolment Agreement and clearly states that the boys are expected to commit to College Sport ahead of any external sport providers.

...co-curricular participation is required as part of the life of the College and integral to the growth and development of each student. Participation by all, according to the relative abilities of each student, is mandatory. If a student has the ability in a co-curricular activity that is offered at the College, he would be expected to contribute by representing the College. This representation takes precedence over fixtures offered by outside organisations. I thank you for your support and assistance in this matter.

Team Selections As we approach Round 1 of our Term 2 sporting seasons, a timely reminder for all in our community regarding team selections. Primary AIC team sport competitions are non-championship sports. This means there are no premierships or grand finals. The role of sport in Years 5 and 6 is to promote the game, build skills, and have fun with friends. We enforce a mantra that winning isn't everything – we play sport to have fun.

All Primary AIC schools select an A/B/C team with the rest of the teams evenly selected to make several colored teams per year level. This is to ensure safety and fairness throughout games. Marist College Ashgrove teams are selected by the Head of Sport (Primary), Year Level Coordinators, and coaches through several intra-school and external trials.

With the large number of boys playing team sport, teams are selected based purely on the skills that are witnessed during these trials. External sports and club performances or divisions are not taken into consideration when selecting teams. Team selections are final, and coaches and selectors' decisions should be respected. Students and parents who are unhappy with team selections should not attempt to influence or change these selections. Therefore, correspondence regarding team selections will not be entered into.

As selectors, coaches, and teachers, our main priority is to produce the best environment for students to enjoy sport, have fun, and continue to develop skills. Your support in the selection of teams is very much appreciated.

Primary Cross Country Carnival

Congratulations to all the Primary boys who gave in their all in Friday's cross country. It was great to see every boy do their very best regardless of their ability.

A special mention to Red who won the Champions Shield, and congratulations to our Age Champions.

Cross Country Training

These sessions are open to all boys; boys attending for fitness training and boys wishing to qualify for the AIC Cross Country Team. There is no obligation to attend AIC meets.

Monday – Thursday mornings. Boys meet at the swimming pool from 6:30am for a 6:45am departure.

It is recommended that students complete two sessions per week. Students should attend one of the following: 

• Monday and Wednesday 
• Monday and Thursday 
• Tuesday and Thursday

This structure allows students to have a rest day between sessions and to complete different types of training.

Rugby and Football 

• All matches are played Saturday mornings, training will be one afternoon and one-morning session each week. 
• Boys require; Jersey, shorts, and socks - available from the College Clothing Shop Boys also require; Rugby: Boots and mouthguard and Football: Boots and shin pads.

College App

Please ensure that you download the College App to your smartphone. This app will be used weekly to inform you of sporting fixtures, cancellations, and bus arrival information.

Sports Photographs We are always on the lookout for photos and action shots to be used for the Blue & Gold, other College publications, season or end-of-year wrap-ups, etc. Please follow this link and add your photos. 

Marist College Ashgrove Primary Sports Photos

Pick-up Arrangements - “Plan B”

It is important that you are aware of your son’s pick-up procedure if sports training is cancelled or if you are running late. As soon as a decision is made to cancel a sporting fixture or training, a message is placed on the College app. If training is cancelled, boys can remain in the primary school or walk to an arranged pick-up point when the time arrives. Sport training sessions normally finish by 4:45pm. We ask that boys are picked up at this time, or soon after. Any boy who is still at their training venue at 5:00pm will be directed to the Boarding Reception area so that he may be collected from there. In the case of bus arrivals, boys will be sent to Boarding Reception 15 minutes after the arrival time of the bus.