From the Development Office

Have you thought about volunteering at Blackfriars?

We have a range of opportunities available for you to consider becoming more engaged with the life of the school.  From listening to reading in the Primary Years or assisting in the Tuckshop to joining a semi-formal group such as the Parents & Friends; supporting so much of the development of facilities and programs that occurs year to year, volunteers are an integral part of the Blackfriars community.

In 2018 we will look to enhance this range of opportunities through the introduction of 'Friends' groups.  These groups will provide an avenue to actively support a particular program or activity being undertaken at Blackfriars by your son.

As a starting point, we have started the process off by establishing a Friends of Music.  This group of parents and friends, with sons involved in the highly regarded Blackfriars music program, is supporting the school’s involvement in the annual Generations in Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier early in Term 2.  To this end, on Saturday 17 March, with the school being used as a polling place for the state election, the Friends of Music will run a community SAUSAGE SIZZLE outside the Fr John Neill OP Gymnasium. Proceeds from the day will go directly towards the costs associated with sending our bands to ‘The Mount’.

Already, a good number of Friends of Music have come forward to assist and we’d encourage even more to come along and lend a hand too; many hands do indeed make light work!   If you’re interested, and can spare some time on election day, please contact Miss Jessica Reppucci at the school.

When you’re looking for somewhere to vote on 17 March, why not come to the school and support the Blackfriars music program by buying a sausage!

Given the success we’ve already seen in recruiting volunteers passionate about supporting our music program, I am keen to explore what other groups we can establish.  If you have any ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  There’s no reason why you can’t be a member of more than one!

Importantly, the introduction of 'Friends' groups will not mean an end to the Parents and Friends.  Instead it offers a great opportunity for the P&F to enhance its place and reimagine the valuable part it has to play in the Blackfriars community.

If you are interested in learning more, please come along to our next P&F meeting.  Ms Angela Honner in the Development Office (8169 3918) will happily take your details and advise you when the next meeting is set.  Beyond the P&F,  Angela can also direct you to the appropriate person in the school if you would like to volunteer in any capacity.

Mr Patrick Kelly

Director of Development and Community Relations