From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

Over the past weeks we have celebrated the awards ceremonies for Years 7-11. Both assemblies began with the ELC Nativity Play. It must be a daunting experience for ELC boys and girls to perform in front of the ‘big boys’. The props included bales of hay to complement the manger scene. What struck me was the messiness of the manger in an otherwise ordered setting for the student award ceremonies. Jesus entered the messiness and chaos of the world as a baby in a manger. Our lives, whilst relatively ordered, always have a splattering of ‘messy hay’…in fact, sometimes more of a truck load! Christmas reminds us that the Prince of Peace enters this mess, not to remove it, but to transform our response to it. Life is difficult, decisions are out of our control, life is out of our control, but the way we respond to life determines if we see the mess or see Jesus.

I pray that our boys can spend some time reflecting on their year. In the messiness of families, society and school, our boys live and grow. Taking the time to reflect on the Four Pillars is a simple and effective strategy for a positive 2019 start.

Prayer

Have I stopped and thanked God? Have I acknowledged God as being actively involved in my life? Do I pray? Have I involved myself in the liturgical life of the school? How can I improve my prayer life in 2019?

Study

How has my study been? Have I worked to the best of my potential? Have I asked teachers enough questions? Have I collaborated with my friends? What can I do to improve in 2019?

Community

Have I made good choices to build community? Have I supported my friends? Have I been welcoming to all at Blackfriars? How can I improve community in 2019?

Service

Have I helped others in need? Have I been empathetically conscious of other people? Have I made a positive difference? How can I do more for others in 2019?

Congratulations to all the boys who won awards. Every student who achieved at least one A received an Academic Merit Award for displaying excellence in one or more subject areas. It was magnificent to witness multitudes of students receiving awards.

Students also received our 'Gold' Awards and Endeavour Awards, and these boys are listed below.

St Albert the Great Award

Year 7 – Kerry Cao

Year 8 – Hy Bao Buu

Year 9 – Jason Dinh

Year 10 – Frank Snelling

Year 11 – Youngmo Koo

St Martin de Porres Award

Year 7 – William Catley

Year 8 – Jai Harte

Year 9 – Tommy Karamatic

Year 10 – Minh Khoi Peter Le