From The Principal -

Mr Simon Cobiac​

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Visit of the Provincial Council of the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea)

Blackfriars Priory School was honoured this week to host the historic visit of the Dominican Provincial Council at our School. The Council, under the leadership of the Very Reverend Fr Anthony Walsh (OP) assembled at Blackfriars to meet with the Chair of the Board, Mr David O’Loughlin and myself to discuss the future direction of our School including consideration of the Business Case for Phase One of the Master Plan. The Provincial Council is the elected group of Friars governing the affairs of the Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands collection of Order of Preachers and is therefore represented by Friars from each of the mentioned countries.

The Council has ownership of and ultimate governance responsibility for Blackfriars Priory School.

We were equally thrilled to welcome former Headmaster (1972-88), Fr John Neill (OP) as a special guest for the Blessing and Opening of St Martin de Porres Place (Primary School Environmental area), refurbishments to the Fr John Neill (OP) Gymnasium and the new Fr James O’Doherty Performing Arts Theatre. The Very Reverend Fr Anthony Walsh (OP) blessed and opened the facilities on Tuesday evening followed by light refreshments and the inaugural drama performance by senior students in the new theatre.

The renovations to the Fr John Neill (OP) Gymnasium provides better access and egress to and from the Gymnasium, improved display and storage areas, installation of heating and cooling and much improved lighting, creating a brighter space for physical education, games and community gatherings. The modification and reassignment of the original squash courts to the Fr James O’Doherty Performing Arts Theatre is a brilliant use of space that will provide a wonderful boost to the performing arts at Blackfriars and will enable many young people to express their dramatic, technical and musical talents in a fit for purpose space. The St Martin de Porres Place is a dedicated space in the Primary School designed to foster a greater connection to the earth, the environment and the community through play, adventure and collaboration.

We are delighted to be fully using the new and renovated facilities and providing the opportunity for our students to express their many talents and grow in their learning and personal development.

Announcement of Prefects 2018

I am delighted to announce the Prefects for 2018. Twenty-Five Year 11 students generously applied to serve our School Community as a Prefect in 2018. Sixteen students were shortlisted for interview.

I was impressed with the quality of applications and the mature manner in which students conducted themselves in the interviews last Friday before a panel of myself, Mrs Anna Mirasgentis (Deputy Principal ELC-12), Mr David Ruggiero (APRIM) and Mr Brett Knowles (Student Wellbeing Coordinator). The final decisions were especially difficult simply because of the quality of our students, their willingness to serve our School and their positive vision for student leadership at Blackfriars Priory School.

All Year 12 students are called to exercise leadership throughout the year in being a positive role model for each other and for younger students. As the most senior members of the student body, it is expected that they demonstrate their leadership in their diligent approach to study, in their positive relationships with students and staff in their House, Home Group and in a wide-range of co-curricular activities. I sincerely thank the 25 students who applied for the role of Prefect and understand the disappointment of those who were not successful however, I will be excited to give witness to the leadership that all Year 12 students will offer our community in 2018.

The Prefects for 2018 are:

• Brayden Addison
• Massimo Caiazza
• Sebastian Deluca
• Jarod Eddy
• Carlos Garcia
• Yonatan Halawa
• Dyson Hilder
• Antony Macolino
• Alexander Muscat
• Alessandro Papandrea
• Sebastian Tonkin
• Phi An Trinh

Archbishop’s Awards for Excellence for Senior Students 2017

These prestigious awards were presented by Archbishop Philip Wilson, Archbishop of Adelaide in a special ceremony on 24 September at the Sunday evening Mass, held at the Cathedral. The awards were presented to 54 students from the 27 Catholic Secondary Schools in Adelaide. Each School was asked to nominate two Year 12 students who consistently demonstrate:

• commitment to their Catholic faith
• personal characteristics of merit
• success in their chosen learning pathway
• contribution to their fellow students and school
• contribution to the wider community
• a sense of optimism and hope for the future

The Archbishop’s Awards for Excellence were presented to Blackfriars Priory School students Mark Macapagal and Dan Manalo; two outstanding young men who surpass the award criteria. Congratulations to Mark and Dan in recognition of their notable achievements and for their generosity of service to Blackfriars Priory School and the community.

Annual Catholic School’s Music Concert

Congratulations to students in the Concert Band and choir who performed so superbly last Tuesday evening at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before an audience of 1,500 people. I was extremely proud of our students, the professionalism and quality of their performances and the sheer joy they expressed though song and music. Congratulations also to Ms Jessica Reppucci, Mr Charli Holoubek,Mrs Libby Hunter and Miss Marie Wohling for their outstanding teaching and mentoring of our ensemble students.

Dominican Cup

The annual Dominican Cup was held on Monday evening, 24 September. The Dominican Cup was instituted in 2012 to develop closer relationship between Blackfriars Priory School and St Dominic’s Priory College as we share the common heritage of St Dominic and the Dominican educational and spiritual tradition. The Dominican Cup comprises three competitions:

• The Caleruega Cup for Juniors Years 6 – 8.
• The Father John Neill (OP) Cup for Intermediate Years 9 and 10.
• The Sister Jillian Havey (OP) Cup for Seniors Years 11 and 12.

The debating was outstanding from all of the boys and girls, however our three teams won all three challenges in very close results. Congratulations to all students and staff, a full report is later in this newsletter.

First XI Soccer State Knockout Soccer Grand Final

Congratulations to the First XI for making the Grand Final, a monumental achievement.

Disappointingly the team lost 2-1 to Underdale High School in a remarkable game displaying great skill with scoring opportunities for both teams. On this occasion, Underdale High School were able to capitalise more fully on their chances and consequently won the Trophy. 

In conclusion, I wish all students, staff and the wider community of Blackfriars Priory School a safe and happy holiday and look forward to the excitement of the Advent Term beginning Monday 16 October.

God Bless,

Mr Simon Cobiac

Principal