Marist College Ashgrove opens upgraded boarding facility

Published Tuesday, 28 April, 2015 at 02:06 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Marist College Ashgrove today celebrated the official opening of a $4.5 million refurbishment of its boarding residence for Year 7 to 10 students.

Education Minister Kate Jones officially opened Brother Geoffrey House, toured new facilities and congratulated staff and students who are celebrating the college’s 75th anniversary this year.

“I commend Marist College Ashgrove for investing $3.4 million to provide a refreshed, contemporary and secure environment for boarding students while they pursue their studies,” Minister Jones said.

“The Queensland Government also contributed more than $1.1 million as part of its comprehensive, statewide effort to support the Year 7 move to secondary.

“The funding refurbished the first floor LaValla Residence and provided a new unit on the ground floor where two new houseparents now reside with their family.

“This is the first year that a significant group of Year 7 students have boarded at the college, so having a family living around-the-clcok in the building has provided welcome support, especially for younger boys as they transition to secondary school.” 

LaValla Residence houseparents Luke and Lauren Caplick said the newly developed role of houseparents had been a wonderful initiative for the college.

“It’s very much in keeping with the Marist approach to education which emphasises a family spirit, genuine love and care for each student, dedication to work and simplicity,” Mr Caplick said.

“Lauren’s motherly presence has been a great benefit to the boys.

“We treat each boy like they are our own, our two sons love having 35 big brothers in the dorm and we are extremely grateful to the LaValla boys for the respect they have shown us.

“Boarders are also fortunate to have the support of some wonderful Indigenous role models like Gordon Tallis and Steve Renouf who have given up their time to teach the boys some great life lessons.”

Minister Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to ensuring all Queensland students had access to a quality education with the best-possible school facilities.

She said the State Government had supported Marist College Ashgrove with $12.5 million in recurrent funding and $2.5 million in capital assistance funding over the past five years.

Marist College Ashgrove Headmaster Peter McLoughlin said today’s opening marked another milestone in the college’s rich history, serving the local, broader Queensland and international community.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office, 3719 7530