2018 Annual Appeal

2018 Annual Appeal

As per the information sent home via SEQTA this week, our 2018 Annual Appeal has been launched.  This year we’re asking all members of the Blackfriars community to consider making a contribution to the upgrade of an iconic Blackfriars facility.

 

Work started

 

With the help of generous contributions made by our Blackfriars community over the past three years, 2017 saw the realisation of our much anticipated Performing Arts space within the footprint of the school gymnasium. Those who have visited the Fr James O’Doherty OP Performing Arts Theatre over the past 12 months will agree that this has been money well spent and a project well worth the wait! With your help in 2018, we will complete works in and around the Fr John Neill OP Gymnasium as preparations for the first major building projects of the Blackfriars 2020 VISION Master Plan commence next year.

 

Building on past generosity

 

Between 1978 and 1980, the Blackfriars community donated $105,000 towards the cost of constructing, what was later to be named the Fr John Neill OP Gymnasium.  This amounted to over 30% of the total build cost. When the “multipurpose physical education building” opened on Sunday 16 November 1980, it was the premier school facility of its type in the state.

 

Time for an update

 

While much has changed in the gym since 1980, there are a number of important elements that require attention to bring the facility up to 2018 standards including:

 

  • fibreglass basketball backboards
  • upgraded scoreboard
  • futsal court / goals
  • updated line-marking
  • new school spirit signage
  • anti-glare window treatments
  • completed foyer works

 

These updates will not only enhance the gym for student use in Physical Education classes, co-curricular sports activities and assemblies, they will also secure the facility as a venue for broader community use for the foreseeable future.

 

How you can help

 

Like those community members some 40 years ago, we invite you to join them in making a contribution to this iconic Blackfriars facility for the current and next generation of students and community users. Donations to support this project can be made through the Blackfriars Foundation by downloading the 2018 Annual Appeal Information form from the school website, completing the support slip with details of your gift and returning it to school or mailing to:

 

Blackfriars Development Office

PO Box 86

PROSPECT SA 5082

 

Gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible and will be recognised in the Autumn 2019 issue of The OPtimist.

 

More information

 

For further details about this project, please visit the Annual Appeal webpage at www.bps.sa.edu.au/our-community/2018-annual-appeal

 

Mr Patrick Kelly

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS