Parents and Friends Association

Parents and Friends Association2024-03-01T10:18:11+10:00
Families are warmly welcomed into the Marist community and invited to contribute their time and support through the Parents & Friends (P&F) Association.

The P&F aims to:

  • foster the welfare and progress of the College community and in so doing, seek to create a close and harmonious relationship between all members of our school community
  • promote Catholic Education and, to that end, to enter public discussion on matters affecting it and to affiliate with any organisation formed to promote it
  • assist the College staff whenever, wherever and however possible in the interests of the College and its students, and, as a secondary aim, to raise funds and apply them for the purpose of furthering these objectives.

Parents are actively involved as convenors and volunteers in various P&F groups (listed below). Convenors are appointed at the Annual General Meeting each February and all activities are confined to term-time, for your convenience.

Boarder Support

Our boarders are often far from home, but you can help them to feel nurtured and included in a caring community by providing home-cooked afternoon teas and other assistance. Volunteers are rostered to prepare a ‘taste of home’ for our boys each Friday. Parents also assist in the Boarding Education Program by teaching etiquette, laundry and ironing skills, room tidiness, personal hygiene and assisting boarders with making Mother’s and Father’s Day cards.


Card Days

If you enjoy playing cards and board games, making new friends, and sharing some laughter and conversation, you will love our Card Days. These social occasions are held once per term in the Cyprian Pavilion. Small groups gather to play a variety of games, enjoy a home-cooked morning tea (kindly prepared by parent volunteers) and a selection of sandwiches for lunch. Raffles, lucky door prizes and treats baked by hospitality students add to the fun. Dates and further details are available in the College calendar and newsletter.


Family Support

When Marist families are struggling, this group provides support with meals, Christmas hampers, tuckshop funds and other assistance, as required. Calls for help are managed through the private Parents and Carers Facebook page, and the College works with sub-committee leaders to ensure confidentiality.


Grandparents’ Day supported by Amity

The Grandparents’ Day is supported by the Amity team and recognises and celebrates the beloved grandparents of our students with a concert featuring performances from Marist musical and choral groups. Around 900 grandparents spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy a tour of the College, while volunteers and school staff work behind the scenes to make this annual celebration a success.


Parents’ Dinner Hosted by Amity

The Parent Dinner hosted by the P&F Amity team provides an opportunity for parents of students in grades 5-11 to interact, develop friendships and further strengthen their school networks in a relaxed social setting. Organised by volunteers, the annual gathering of each year level is held at The Tower and cocktail-style dinners are available at a modest price. Details are published in the newsletter and on the app.


Parents of Neurodiverse Learners

An understanding and inclusive network of support can make a huge difference as you and your child navigate the schooling journey. This group provides connection and friendship for parents of neurodiverse learners through social gatherings and a private Facebook page. New members can expect an encouraging and understanding environment.


School Fees Raffles

These exciting raffles are usually held in terms one and three, and winners receive a term’s tuition for one child. This sought-after prize is funded by the P&F Association and can make a significant difference for a Marist family. The raffle is promoted in the newsletter, on the app and through year group networks.


Solo Parents Group

The Solo Parents Group creates strong bonds throughout the Marist community for parents who are raising their boys alone. Several relaxed gatherings are arranged every year for enjoyable socialising and to share experiences within a supportive environment. New enquiries are warmly welcomed through a request to join the Marist College Ashgrove Solo Parents private Facebook page.


Sports Canteen

Our Sports Canteen volunteers enjoy connecting with like-minded parents while supporting their children during sporting fixtures. Three sports canteens operate every Saturday throughout terms one, two and three, and the P&F works closes with school staff to manage these services. A broad selection of food and drinks are provided to meet the needs of players and spectators.

Up to 50 parents assist in the canteens every week, and each Brisbane-based family with a son participating in sports is asked to volunteer for one hour per term at any Saturday sports canteen. Weekly sign-ups are available through the newsletter, app and year group networks.


Use of P&F Funds

Money raised through P&F activities is used for various College projects with recent examples including the installation of fans in the gym mezzanine, music room upgrades and improvements to yard basketball facilities. Suggestions for worthwhile projects are welcomed and regularly discussed at P&F meetings.


Walkathon

Parents, students and siblings come together to walk approximately 10km for the annual Walkathon. This is the P&F’s largest fundraising event and brings together the entire school community to raise funds and focus on health and wellbeing. The walk culminates with an entertaining school carnival including food and drink stalls, and student performances in a hotly contested Battle of the Bands. This lively and joyful event would not be possible without the generous commitment of our volunteers.


2024 P&F Executive

President: Donna Lynn
Vice Presidents: Paula Vetter, Adam Bennett
Secretary: Jane Wilcox
Treasurer: Stephen Ball

For more information about volunteering with these groups or P&F activities, please email your enquiry to secretarypandf@marash.qld.edu.au.

Go to Top