From the Deputy Principal, 

Secondary

From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

The World has been gripped by the desperate situation in Thailand as authorities attempt to rescue a youth soccer team perilously trapped deep within a flooded cave network.  Viewing the distressing images of the trapped teenagers evokes hope-filled optimism for a rescue, amongst the sombre reality that it could end tragically. Seeing different countries coming together to work harmoniously to save human life captures the essence of the beautiful reign of God. We pray that these boys, who are most likely similar in age to your son, may emerge safely so they can grow and reach their God-given potential.

Not too far away from Thailand is the Philippines, who were also in the news for very different reasons. The disgraceful display by our Australian Men’s Basketball Team and the Filipino Men’s Basketball Team was disconcerting and a terrible image for young men to witness. The vision of both sides brawling violently in an uncontrollable rage captures the potential humanity has for the infliction of violence on the other. Seeing an all-in brawl at an international sporting event between first class athletes is not the role modelling we want to expose our boys to. What a stark contrast to the great work men and women are doing in Thailand to rescue a soccer team of young men. Sadly, both basketball teams probably need more ‘rescuing’! As a boys’ school, we constantly instil in our young men the need to respect all people, embrace diversity and solve problems peacefully. The highlighting of significant legislative changes to the one-punch laws coupled with explicit teaching of skills in emotional intelligence, peaceful conflict resolution and restorative practices are at the forefront of our pastoral care at Blackfriars.

Consent2Go

As you are aware we have implemented Consent2Go as our consent management system. This means we will be phasing out paper consent forms. It is critical that you have provided the school with your email address or you will not receive the required information to consent to your son’s excursion or event. When you receive a Consent2Go email, please follow the prompts to guide you. If you have any queries, please visit https://consent2go.com/frequently-asked-questions/ To update your email address please contact, deiffe@bps.sa.edu.au

Year 12 Formal

Congratulations to Mr Brett Knowles, Mrs Mandy Varricchio and the Formal Organising Committee for their coordination of a memorable 2018 Year 12 Formal at Donato Reception Centre. Thank you to the staff who provided supervision and logistical organisation on the night.

Continuous Online Reporting

The communication of your son’s academic and wellbeing progress is available on SEQTA. Continuous online reporting enables live feedback of your son’s progress and therefore, the reports are available on SEQTA as a PDF. Please login on Friday to view your son’s Semester 1 report grades.

Awards Website

This year we have created an extensive awards criteria and nomination process for all Blackfriars Priory School awards. Staff members will nominate students through the award website. In early Term 3 the website will be accessible for families, should they wish to nominate their son for an end of year award. Thank you to Mr Jak Francis for creating the website.

Outstanding Teacher Award

The Blackfriars community wishes to extend our congratulations to Ms Chikako Oguma (pictured below right) who was awarded the Outstanding Teacher of Japanese Award at the Japanese Language Teacher's Association of South Australia Annual Conference held on May 26 2018. Chikako was recognised for her passion and energy in the education of Japanese language throughout her career. She is an enthusiastic language teacher who clearly loves what she does and her enthusiasm is infectious. Often, she has Reception class followed by Year 12 class and can cater for every learner - big or small. She is a motivational leader and is inspirational to her fellow language faculty members.

All the very best for the holidays and a reminder that school commences on Tuesday 24 July 2018.

Mr David Ruggiero

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, SECONDARY (ACTING)