From The Principal -

Mr Simon Cobiac​

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to the final days of winter, gone will be the lazy Sunday curled up on the lounge with a good book because it is too wet and cold outside to garden or take the dog (Max) for a walk along a blustery shoreline. Hopefully, the warmth and extended light of Spring will awaken us to new life, in ourselves, in our everyday life and our school community. Certainly, the change of seasons reminds us of the brevity of life and the imperative of making each day and each moment worthwhile and positive for ourselves and for each person we encounter in our life. We are called by God to make a real difference to the lives of other people, our family, our students and our communities.

ABODA Music Festival

On Thursday and Friday last week, Blackfriars Priory School was represented by four ensembles in the state ABODA Music Festival. Our ensembles were competing against several larger schools with extensive ensembles. We are very proud of our results and the quality of performance from our students.

Concert Band 3 (Junior band) – Silver                      Concert Band 1 (Senior band) – Silver

Stage Band 2 – Gold                                                          Stage Band 1– Silver

I would like to thank Miss Jessica Reppucci (Music Coordinator) and all the staff in the Music Department for their hard work and I congratulate them on the overall results.

Australian Mathematics Competition

Congratulations to the students who participated in this prestigious competition. Blackfriars Priory School students recorded 7 High Distinctions, 27 Distinctions and 36 Credits; a wonderful performance. Thanks to Miss Valerie Frost (Mathematics Curriculum Leader) who organised the event and works assiduously with her teachers to support our students.

Intercol – the ‘Friendly Games’

One of the great joys students experience within the school year calendar of events is that of the traditional ‘Intercol’ clash. Our interschool games with CBC has provided the Blackfriars Priory School students with many memorable victories and losses over the years; creating a rival but honourable link within each other’s history book pages. While society frowns upon fierce competition, it is refreshing to witness that young boys and men still hunger to be the best they can be when driven by passion – this passion being, their mutual commitment to Blackfriars Priory School and fellow students. For the most part our students were humble and fair competitors, leaving the venues with respect and dignity, representing the true spirit of the games regardless of success. 

Thank you to Mr Michael Parrella (Secondary Co-curricular Coordinator) and staff for the organisation and support of the events. Thank you to all staff who supported the spirit of the games with their attendance and to those who provided practical assistance where required.

Inspired to be More

I am again reminded by the accolades and awards of this week’s events that if you have learned your lessons well, have faith and belief in yourself and a dedication to working together with true community spirit, you will be driven by passion and purpose to be more, rather than to have more.

New Enrolments – Information Evening Year 7 and 8, 2019

The new initiative, Information Evening Years 7 and 8 for 2019 for new enrolments will take place on Monday 11 September 2017 at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. The evening has been planned to showcase the school in a different manner for prospective parents who may like to ask questions and have a brief overview in a more open forum style. School Executive and Key Teachers will provide brief presentations covering curriculum, wellbeing, social and co-curricular aspects to prospective parents, allowing question time from the floor. Students will also participate as a panel to answer questions from the floor.

I am excited to be introducing this style of introduction to Blackfriars Priory School and as a community, what can be expected from an education at our School. I ask that parents support this initiative in any way you can – be it by verbal promotion within your community, amongst your friends or when attending co-curricular sport and activities. It is important that we all do our part to build the capacity of Blackfriars Priory School for the future.

Classroom Climate Questionnaire Surveys — Curtin University

Thirty-three Primary and Secondary teachers have participated in a student feedback process over the last week. Students in the class have had the opportunity to comment on all aspects of their learning environment including how the actions of the teacher and students impact on their learning. The surveys are scientifically designed to give important student feedback to each teacher about the quality of their teaching including formative and summative assessment processes. The 33 teachers will meet with consultant Mr Matthew Wadewitz (LeadLearn Consulting) on Monday, 28 August to reflect on the outcomes of the surveys, plan goals and implement improvement strategies over the coming weeks. The students will complete a further survey in 10 weeks and the outcomes of the survey are used to analyse the success or impact of improvement strategies on student learning.

In Company Together - ATSI Community Dinner

Accompanied by Mrs Anna Mirasgentis, Ms Trish Tynan and the Lawrie-Lattanzio (Luis) and Dunn (Charlie) families, I attended the annual dinner and celebration of ASTI (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) education in South Australia on Friday 18 August 2017. I was humbled to be amongst traditional owners of our land and witness such an important aspect of our Australian culture and heritage. The evening included the sharing of stories, experiences and cultural arts. A highlight for me was a traditional dance performed by a group of young indigenous dancers. 

I thank Ms Tynan for having accepted the role of ATSI Key Teacher for Blackfriars Priory School. Ms Tynan has embraced the responsibilities of this role with a genuine regard for the culture and I commend her for her the work she is doing. As  a community for others, we engage and encourage indigenous students to reach their full potential while retaining their cultural beliefs and traditions.

Mr Simon Cobiac

Principal