From the Deputy Principal ELC-12

As we finish one great year at school and look forward to another I just want to highlight that it has been both a privilege and an honour as Deputy Principal ELC – 12 to have been entrusted with the education of young people whose families have selected a Dominican Catholic Education for their children. In particular, I would like to thank the Dominican Friars who appointed me in the privileged position of Acting Principal in 2014 and 2016 of Blackfriars Priory School.

I would like to inform the school community that in 2018, I will be commencing a new role at Catholic Education SA as Senior Education Adviser Leading Learning. I would also like to thank the students, staff and the Principals I have worked with since 2013 as each have contributed to my formation as a Leader in Catholic Education.

With only four weeks to go it is amazing to think just how quickly the year has passed. Students and teachers are no doubt looking forward to the end of the year, but it is important to successfully complete the academic year. Many assessment pieces will still be required by Middle and Senior School teachers and it is important that we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. A reminder about the academic support centre that is available each lunch time for students who would like tutoring from staff. The Curriculum Leaders for Maths, English, Creative Arts and Technology, Health and PE, Humanities, Languages and Science are available from Monday to Friday.

Year 12 Students

This week, the Year 12 students have commenced their final SACE examinations. We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this stressful time. The boys seem confident and after speaking with a number of them they are excited about the new challenges ahead.

Conclusion of Year 12 Classes and Year 12 Events

The key events and activities that are occurring for Year 12 students in the coming weeks are included below:

End of Year Mass and Carols held at Blackfriars Priory School on Monday 27 November 2017 at 6.30pm, and
Year 12 Graduation Dinner at Sferas on the Park on Friday 1 December 2017. Please contact Mrs Dot Eiffe in the Front Office for details regarding the Year 12 Graduation. A letter has been sent home to all Year 12 families.

Year 12 School Device

Students who are graduating or leaving Blackfriars Priory School, will need to make copies of their work that has been saved to Office 365. On Friday 12 January 2018, Office 365 accounts of students not attending the school in 2018 will be closed. This includes access to the school issued email address, online file storage, and the Microsoft Office suite.

It is highly recommended that students who are using their school email address for other services, create an email account with a free provider, and inform all services of the new email address. This is because when the account is closed on 12 of January 2018, the data is no longer retrievable. All South Australian universities provide Office 365 services, so those students who are following this pathway will be provided with the service by the respective university. TAFE SA also provides the service.

Stage 1 and Year 10 Examinations

The Stage 1 and Year 10 letters and exam schedules have been uploaded onto SEQTA. Please note, Year 10 and 11 Examination Week is scheduled for Week 6, Monday 20 November to Friday 24 November 2017.

Tuesday 28 November 2017, 8.40am to 3.15pm will be a Year 12 Orientation Day for the current Year 11 students. Students are expected to attend the examinations and the Orientation Day in full school summer uniform. Year 11 students do not need to attend school on Monday 27 November.

2018 Year 7 and 8 Orientation Day

The Orientation Day for students entering Years 7 and 8 in 2018 occurred on Tuesday 31 October 2017. On this day new students who are transitioning to Blackfriars Priory School for their schooling and our current Year 6 and 7 students participated in a number of activities together aimed at familiarising them with the school environment and structures.

The day was an outstanding introduction to the Secondary School. Boys were involved in a range of English, Science, PE, Languages and Religious Education activities.

Lunch was a BBQ on the front lawn and fostered a strong community atmosphere. Students from 8M Key Class were outstanding in supporting Mr Brett Knowles, Mr Carl Todman and Mr David Ruggiero in cooking the BBQ and cleaning up. It was quite impressive to see our students lead and serve others while fostering a strong sense of community. The feedback was extremely positive from the new students and I have no doubt they are looking forward to starting a new journey in 2018.

Thank you to the parents who attended the information session that evening in Frassati Hall. This was a great opportunity for parents to meet new and current parents and families of the school. Parents also received a Parent Information Package with important information relating to the 2018 school year. If any parent did not receive a package please do not hesitate to contact our Registrar, Mrs Joanna Rossi.

Years 7 - 11 Conclusion of Classes for 2017

In the interest of forward planning, we advise families of the following dates relevant to Term 4, and conclusion of formal classes at each year level.

Year 10 and 11

Friday 17 November: Year 10 and 11 classes conclude for 2017

Monday 20 November: Year 10 and 11 examinations commence. All normal expectations regarding uniform, attendance etc apply during examinations. The Library will be available for study during this week.

Friday 24 November: Year 10 and 11 examinations conclude. Last day for Year 10 students.

Tuesday 28 November: Year 11 into 12 Orientation Day (compulsory attendance for all students). Last day for Year 11 students. Note: Year 11 students do not need to attend school on Monday 27 November.

Year 7 – 9

Thursday 30 November: Year 9 – Aquatics Program at West Lakes

Monday 4 December: Year 7 – Aquatics Program at West Lakes

Year 8 – Reflection Day at Hallett Cove

Year 9 – Beachouse Activities Day

Tuesday 5 December: Year 7 – Beachouse Activities Day

Year 8 – Aquatics Program at West Lakes

Year 9 – Reflection Day at Woodhouse

Wednesday 6 December: Year 7 – School-Based Activities

Year 8 – Beachouse Activities Day

Year 9 – CBD Activities

Thursday 7 December: Term 4 concludes – dismissal 1.00pm

Friday 15 December: R – 11 Reports posted

2018 Year 12 Orientation Day

The current Year 11 students will all be present at school for their first day of Year 12 on Tuesday 28 November. This day has been organised for their students to gain insight into their Year 12 studies. As this is the first day of Year 12 for our students, the boys will attend their classes that they have been allocated for next year. This day is very valuable as it allows students to know just what is involved in their Stage 2 subjects. It prepares the students for what is ahead, what assessment pieces are required throughout the year and what level of commitment is required for them to achieve their potential. Many subjects will expect work and reading to be completed over the long summer break. Any preparation before the start of 2018 will certainly help for a smooth transition into Year 12. If your son is unable to attend he must contact his Head of House as soon as possible to ensure he does not miss useful information.

Stage 2 Biology – Hoax Letter Circulated on Facebook

On Wednesday night, the SACE Board was made aware of a hoax letter circulated on Facebook that suggested there was a breach in the Biology exam, held on Monday 6 November.

The fake letter was published on SACE Board letterhead and included Acting Chief Executive, Jan Raymond’s copied signature.

It suggested that there was a serious breach in the Biology examination and that every student would need to re-sit this examination.

The SACE Board would like to reassure families that this letter was a hoax and there was no breach, and so no student will need to re-sit this examination.

All other examinations will continue as per the published timetable.

Mrs Anna Mirasgentis

Deputy Principal ELC - 12