From the Principal - Mr Simon Cobiac

Dear Families and Community of Blackfriars Priory School,

Congratulations Br Brendan

Br Brendan celebrated the 60th Anniversary of his commitment of Religious Vows to the Order of St Dominic on the weekend of 18 August.  We congratulate Br Brendan on his life of dedicated service to religious life and in particular, his absolute commitment to the staff, students and families of Blackfriars. Br Brendan has been and remains a very significant figure in the life and history of Blackfriars having an amazing influence on the lives of many boys and the overall direction of Blackfriars. Some may recall last year’s celebration of St Dominic’s Day when Old Scholar and former Head Prefect, Mr Paul Belton (pictured below with Br Brendan) commended Br Brendan and said that beyond his own parents, Br Brendan was the most influential figure in his life and development. I am sure Paul’s sentiments would be echoed by many Old Collegians.

We acknowledge this great milestone and wish Br Brendan a happy anniversary and many years of enjoying the fruit of his labours.

Child Protection Week 2 – 8 September

National Child Protection Week starts on Fathers’ Day each September (Sunday 2 – Saturday 8 September this year). National Child Protection Week is an opportunity for schools, government, business and community to come together to promote the safety and wellbeing of children.

The enduring message of National Child Protection Week is that ‘Protecting children is everyone’s business’ and urges all Australians to ‘Play Your Part’.

Key messages of the week are:

• ‘Stronger Communities, Safer Children’
  • Research tells us that a strong community is important for children and helps them to thrive and be safe.

• We all have a role to play in protecting children from harm. The little things we do every day can help to create safer environments for children. For instance:
  • Be kind to children and parents
  • Respect young people
  • Be a good role model around children
  • Get involved in your local community
  • Look out for signs of abuse or neglect; if you suspect something is wrong talk to an expert
  • Always take reports of abuse seriously
  • Avoid blame and don’t judge; instead, ask yourself what you can do to help
  • Listen to the needs of children and spend time with them.

As the school year nears the end of term 3 I want to take this opportunity and assure all parents and guardians of our absolute commitment to ensuring that Blackfriars is a safe place for all. 

• Our staff are committed and trained to protect the children and young people in our care.
• All staff and regular volunteers have current ‘working with children’ police checks.
• We teach our children age-appropriate strategies to keep themselves safe through South Australia’s Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum.
• All staff are trained and certified in mandatory reporting, specifically, ‘Responding to Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care' and undertake regular updated training.
• We also promote strategies to minimize bullying and help students stay safe online.

Additional information about the broader child protection policies of Catholic Education SA can be found on the following website. http://www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/our-schools/safe-environments-for-all

• The website also includes links to online resources for parents and students on a range of topics including anxiety, depression, bullying and how to support your child.
• I encourage all parents/caregivers to visit the Catholic Education website as a valuable source of information.

If you have any questions or concerns about child safety please contact any member of the School Executive Team in the first instance. 

Intercol Week

Congratulations to Mr Michael Parrella (Secondary Co-curricular Coordinator) for his organisation of Intercol Week and for the time, energy and commitment he has given to the success of the program. The vast majority of activities were played in a positive spirit of competition, respect and excellent behaviour from boys of both schools. The exception to the outstanding behaviour was the illegal behaviour of a small minority of students/recent old scholars from both schools who wilfully interfered with the playing of the First XVIII Football on Friday Night at Payneham Oval. The Schools are working with SAPOL to identify those responsible and bring them to account for their behaviour.

Finally, thanks to the outstanding work of the coaches and managers of all co-curricular activities throughout the winter season for the early mornings, late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Thanks too for the wonderful support from so many families who have supported the winter co-curricular program at Blackfriars.  The program enables your son(s) and all the students to learn valuable lessons of collaboration and teamwork whilst also developing their skills and talents.

Staff Retreat Day – Student Free Day

Tomorrow, Friday 31 August, all staff will be attending a specially programmed Staff Retreat Day.  This day is set aside once a year to allow staff the opportunity to grow in their spirituality, to broaden their understanding and self expression on what it is to belong to a Dominican community that is expressed in the Four Pillars; Prayer, Study, Service and Community.  Staff will have time to reflect on their personal relationship and communion with God and each other that will hopefully empower a passion for new beginnings and a fresh approach to our Dominican charism that resonates with purpose, optimism and enthusiasm. 

We hope all students enjoy the break from routine and opportunities that a ‘Student Free Day’ provides such as, attending the Royal Show (this is your opportunity to do so without missing school), completing assignments and homework or simply enjoying the fun of a long weekend. We look forward to the return of students on Monday.

Mr Simon Cobiac

PRINCIPAL