From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

Congratulations to the class of 2018 who achieved 100% SACE completion. It was magnificent to witness a quarter of our Year 12s attaining an ATAR over 90 with four boys accomplishing an ATAR above 99 with nine merits awarded along with 24 A+ results. These fine results are a testimony to the exceptional learning and teaching that occurs at Blackfriars. I thank all our parents and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring out the best in our boys.

While achieving an ATAR above 90 is an exceptional accomplishment, it does not define you. The qualities that make a young man a fine member of society run deeper than a number. Looking at the class of 2018 it is obvious that we will have quality men of substance working in a broad spectrum of professions.

It was heartening to see that the overwhelming majority of our students succeeded in being accepted into their first university preference or trade of choice. To know that our boys achieved their God-given potential is why we exist as a school. Chatting with several graduates of 2018 revealed the tight bonds of friendship that will continue as boys coordinate their university lectures and course in a manner to ensure that they can catch up with their Blackfriars mates. Yes, the mantra lives true, Once a Black Boy…always a Blacks boy. The tight bond your son will form with friends at school, and the connection to the Four Pillars will serve him well for his future endeavours.

2018 SACE Results.pdf

New Students

Last week many new boys began at Blackfriars, and I pray that their beginning will be as fruitful as the multitude of ‘Blacks boys’ who have graduated. Relationships and reaching your God-given potential are core to a happy life. We look forward to building and strengthening this relationship with your family throughout your son’s journey at Blackfriars.

For those parents who attended the Welcome Evening on Wednesday you hopefully made use of the opportunity to meet your son’s Home Group Teacher, who is your main point of contact. In addition, class teachers are an invaluable connection for Middle Years parents. Please keep in touch with your son’s teachers via the SEQTA app. This relationship is critical to our wholistic care of your son.

Pride

As we begin the 2019 school year we want to instil in our boys a sense of pride in their faith, behaviour, appearance and studies. I do not mean pride in the hubris sense of the word, but a regulated and watchful pride that espouses magnanimity and self respect. To assist us in this process we ask that you ensure your son has adequate uniform items at home and is well groomed.

Furthermore, families rightly know that their son will study and learn at school. In the same way we assume that he will complete homework and live out the three Blackfriars Universals at School.

These Universals are three simple statements that we expect all our boys to live by:

Be respectful
Positive and safe relationships
Self-disciplined

Below is a video produced by our 2018 Prefects to showcase the BPS Universals.

Compulsory Year 12 Parent Evening

A compulsory Year 12 Parent Evening will occur on Monday 4 March at 7:00pm in the Fr James O’Doherty Performing Arts Theatre. Please ensure a family representative is at the evening. The night will focus on wellbeing, mental health, academic success and the future of the Year 12 Formal.

Looking forward to working with you during 2019.

God Bless.

Mr David Ruggiero

Deputy Principal (Secondary)