Edition 11/2017 The OPtimist - Blackfriars Priory School

WellbeingCongratulations to House Shield recipients (L-R): Anyoun Kuol (Lagrange), Leon Day (Lacordaire), Callum Flanagan (Jarrett), Carlo Armiento (Horten), Dan Manalo(De Vittoria), Gianluca Ferraro (Denifle), Joshua Santilliana (Burke) and Mark Macapagal (Aquinas).Student LeadershipThe Blackfriars community is onethat provides all students a range ofopportunities for success. Through our FourPillars of Prayer, Study, Community andService, we strive to inspire our studentsto confidently and successfully participatein society as men of integrity and we havemany examples in our school setting whereour students are doing this; our StudentLeadership is one of these. Throughout thisyear our Prefects and House Captains haveset an example and they have been ablysupported by the other Student Leaders; theYear 11 Vice Captains, Year 10 Deputy ViceCaptains and the Middle School leaders.The Student Leaders regularly serve andsupport the school community and as agroup have made a wonderful contributionin 2017.It was pleasing to introduce to the schoolcommunity our 2018 Prefects, HouseCaptains, House Vice Captains (Year 11)and House Deputy Vice Captains (Year 10).Each of these leaders will be attending aleadership formation camp in December aswe prepare them for their role in 2018.Prefects Brayden Addison (De Vittoria) Massimo Caiazza (Jarrett) Sebastian Deluca (De Vittoria) Jarod Eddy (Jarrett) Carlos Garcia (Lagrange) Yonatan Halawa (Horten)6 Dyson Hilder (Jarrett)Antony Macolino (Jarrett)Alexander Muscat (Lagrange)Alessandro Papandrea (Lacordaire)Sebastian Tonkin (Jarrett)Phi An Trinh (Aquinas)House Captains Thomas Hack (Aquinas) Christian Apolloni( Burke) Alexander Koutroulis-Duke (Denifle) Adam Nguyen (De Vittoria) Tan-Huy Phan (Horten) Xavier Preece (Jarrett) Ahmad Al Dosti (Lacordaire) Brydon Luu (Lagrange)House Vice Captains Gianni Romano (Aquinas) Alexander Giannopoulos (Burke) Youngmo (Silas) Koo (Denifle) Julian McPeake (De Vittoria) Gianni Caiazza (Horten) Alexander Hunter (Jarrett) Jack Cavanagh (Lacordaire) Declan Fitch-Woolford (Lagrange)House Deputy Vice Captains Francis Snelling (Aquinas) Harrison Catley (Burke) Daniel Bui (Denifle) Peter Le (De Vittoria) Daniel Harker (Horten) Adriano Caiazza (Jarrett) Kazim Sarwari (Lacordaire) Tristan Oakes (Lagrange)Pastoral CareCommunity is a strong focus of Blackfriarsand it is always good to refer to howDominican life calls upon every student tocome together to share responsibilities.Through Pastoral Care and the Housesystem there has been many examples ofour sense of community. Events such asHouse Mass, inter-house sports carnivalsand competitions, House breakfasts andcharity fundraising activities have all provenbeneficial in developing school spirit andmore of the ‘sense of community’. Thecontinued use of buddies and mentorsacross the school from Reception throughto Year 12 has also provided opportunities tobuild on the Pillar of Community,Year 12 FormalThroughout 2017 there were manyexamples of engaging students in activitiesoutside of the classroom which allowedthem to connect with each other andstudents from other schools. The Year 12Formal was one such event that was notonly a highlight of the year for the studentsand their guests who attended, but alsothe staff in attendance. Our boys wereexceptional hosts to their guests from avariety of schools across the city.Mr Brett KnowlesStudent Wellbeing Coordinator

Farewell Class of 2017First students to complete Reception to Year 12 at Blackfriars at the Academic Assembly at Bonython Hall: Dr Paul Hine, Blackfriars Past Principal from 2005 withTanya Hoendervanger (2005 Reception teacher) with Year 12s, Carlo Armiento, Liam Meegan, Liam Rowland, Conor Rowland, James Renney, Marco Jovanovic-Jozicand Mr Simon Cobiac.Friday 27 October was a day of greatcelebration, as we recognised theachievements of the graduating class of2017, for the completion of their schooling,and for their leadership and academicachievements. And yet, embedded in allthe celebration there were emotions ofsadness as the Year 12 students concludeda significant chapter in their lives. Thereare always mixed emotions when we sayour final farewells; the sadness of sayinggoodbye to people who have been such a bigpart of our lives over a long period can becontradicted by the sense of joy we share aswe reflect on the past 13 years.As they travel the path from one year tothe next I asked the graduating class topause and appreciate the road they havetravelled; reflect on their experiences andthe insights they have gained of themselvesfrom this year’s journey. In our DominicanSchool, contemplation is the foundationof our actions; to contemplate is to thinkand dwell on what we have learnt and howwe can improve through self-knowledge. Ihope they take all the events, experiences,opportunities and the friendships theyhave gained at Blackfriars and allowthem to be the driving force and source ofimmense support and inspiration to make adifference in the world. Leo Tolstoy said that“Everyone thinks of changing the world, butno one thinks of changing himself”. Thisinner transformation can only come aboutthrough your relationship with the livingGod and this is the only thing that can evertruly change the world.Life itself is a gift, and it offers us theprivilege, opportunity and responsibility togive something back by becoming more.This is our gift to God. As graduates theywill grace the corridors of universities,registered training organisations andworkplaces and will contribute to the localand global community in a myriad of ways.With them on their educational journeythey will have the Dominican values, theknowledge, skills, authority and statureto change the world for the better. Mostimportantly they have a sense of servicethat will continue to inspire people in thefuture. As St Dominic sent the friars out tostudy and to preach, the school encouragesthem to go out into the world withcompassion to engage in the quest for truththat leads to justice, peace and freedom.Eleanor Roosevelt believed “The purposeof life is to live it, to taste experience to theutmost, to reach out eagerly and withoutfear for newer and richer experience.”Students who have clearly embodied thisstatement are our School Prefects. Theyhave been creative, collaborative teammembers, responsive to the needs of somany. These Student Leaders, stronglysupported by the Year 12 students, shouldbe proud of all they have achieved thisyear. They have led by example, explorednew opportunities and contributed to thestrength of community both in their Housesand across the entire school. I would like tothank Joshua Santillana and Zachary Daltonfor their leadership and for their generosityof spirit. They can rightly take credit forsetting new standards in so many of thethings that they have achieved. All Year 12students have been excellent role modelsfor the younger students who will follow intheir footsteps.God bless them as they take on life beyondschool. With considerable guidance fromboth home and school, they have reachedthis milestone with honour and integrity.Walt Disney said, “You can dream, create,design and build the most wonderful ideain the world, but it requires people to makethe dream reality”. I take this opportunityto give thanks to all who have contributedto our school community: all the Year12 students, staff and families who havepurposely contributed to the building of theBlackfriars community, those who havefocussed their time and energy to supportothers, who have gone out of their way tobring about harmony and have helped ignitethe Dominican Spirit.To the Year 12 graduating class, it wasa great honour and privilege to be theirDeputy Principal in 2017. They leave theSchool with my sincerest blessings and Iencourage them to achieve great things, letgo of their fears, take risks, challenge theirthinking and find inspiration in God and theworld around them. With faith, they will find,that God’s vision for their life is far greaterthan anything they could have imagined.Mrs Anna MirasgentisDeputy Principal ELC-127

APRIMSt Dominic’s DaySt Dominic’s Day was a joyful celebration,which captured the Four Pillars ofDominican Life at Blackfriars: Prayer, Study,Community and Service. We began the daywith Mass celebrated by Fr Matthew Bolandand gave thanks to God for the great workof the Dominicans. Mr Paul Belton (classof ‘75, past parent and past staff member)spoke about the positive influence theDominicans have had on his rich life. Paulchallenged us to be people of humility andintegrity, as we continue to live the exampleof St Dominic as men who will make apositive difference. We thank Paul for takingthe time out of his busy schedule (Paul isPrincipal of St Paul’s College) to returnto his alma mater and stir within us thepassion we have for Blackfriars.an opportunity to give thanks for the diversity that has made Australia the great nationthat it is today. We must remember to live the truth (Veritas) and welcome our neighbour. Acommitted prayer life is essential to prevent us from hardening our hearts.At our whole school assembly for Multicultural Day, Mohsen Sarwari and JosephPitia shared their migration stories, and Reza Mohammadi produced a video of themulticulturalism at Blackfriars. Hearing the stories of migration was an emotionalexperience, and it highlighted the need we all have to make time to truly listen to eachother we are more the same than different.Archbishop’s AwardCongratulations to Year 12 students, Dan Manalo and Mark Macapagal, who receiving theArchbishop’s Award for Excellence on Sunday 24 September at the Cathedral. The boys haveexcelled in all aspects of school life and are testimony to what it means to be a Black’s Boyand live out the Four Pillars of Dominican Life.Mr David Ruggiero (’92)Assistant Principal Religious Identity and MissionFollowing recess (and the complimentarydonuts) students worked in House groups,within different academic faculties,challenging their intellectual abilities.Lunch time was a celebration of community,as we enjoyed multicultural food, gamesand physical challenges. The day ended withthe St Dominic’s Day Raffle which includedboth a Port and Crows signed guernsey.All the money raised from St Dominic’sDay will be used to support the work of theDominicans overseas.Thank you to Mr Matthew Crisanti, who wasActing Assistant Principal Religious Identityand Mission, for coordinating the day, while Iwas on paternity leave.Multicultural DayMy family came to Australia from Italyafter WWII. My grandparents and parentsfollowed the well-worn migrant path; faith,hard work, family and food (lots of it). Ilove my Italian culture, but I am proudlyAustralian. As a son of Italian migrants,I have grown up with the Italo-Australianculture at the core of my life. I am proudof my heritage, and I am proud to beAustralian. This country gave my family thechance to have a better life, and my heart is‘True Blue’ with appreciation.On 16 June our Dominican Pillars camealive as we celebrated Multicultural Day.Blackfriars’ multicultural diversity is atremendous gift to our Pillar of Community.Walking around the school yard, you seethe harmonious interaction of our boys.Blackfriars is a testimony to what can beachieved in our world when people acceptone another and welcome the stranger.Jesus taught a message of inclusivity, byliving in a manner that welcomed all people,regardless of who they were or where theyhad come from. Jesus’ example remindsus to do likewise. Multicultural Day was8Mr Paul Belton (Head Prefect ‘75), Br Brendan O’Hearn and Mr Simon Cobiac on St Dominic’s DayMr Simon Cobiac and Prefects with special guests from fellow Dominican schools, St Dominic’s PrioryCollege and Cabra Dominican College.

Maintaining the Link with Fenwick High SchoolBlackfriars was further strengthened withOld Scholar, Mayor of the City of Prospectand Chair of the Blackfriars Priory SchoolBoard, Mr David O’Loughlin visitingFenwick. David and his wife Alison wereholidaying in Chicago, en-route to the ArtDeco World Congress in Cleveland, Ohio.Ever the opportunist, David chose to visitFenwick, which, by coincidence is located inthe Chicago suburb of Oak Park. Oak Park isknown for the home and studio of architectFrank Lloyd Wright and has the largestcollection of Wright-designed residentialproperties in the world along the leafystreets within Oak Park. Unfortunately, ashort schedule meant they were unable toview them!Blackfriars Old Scholar (‘82) and Chair of the School Board, Mr David O’Loughlin (centre) with Fenwick ChiefOperating Officer Ms Nancy Bufalino, Girls Water Polo Coach, Elizabeth Timmons, President, Fr RichardPeddicord and Mr Peter Groom at Fenwick High School.Much was made last year of the linkbetween Blackfriars Priory School andFenwick High School, a very well respectedDominican co-educational secondaryschool in Chicago, Illinois. As part ofBlackfriars’ 800 year celebrations in 2016,a student exchange took place. Eight boysfrom Blackfriars spent four weeks atFenwick, attending classes, visiting touristlandmarks and joining in practice sessionswithin Fenwick’s nationally acknowledgedWater Polo program. One month later ourFenwick host students came to Blackfriarsfor three weeks, attending classes, playingWater Polo and touring Adelaide.The 2016 visit followed numerous pointsof interaction since an initial visit toFenwick in 1992. A significant part oflast year’s exchange was the signing of aMemorandum of Understanding betweenthe two schools to formally acknowledgea “Sister School relationship between thetwo schools from that day forward”, withthe intent of continuing points of contactbetween the two schools.As circumstance would have it less than ayear later, the link between Fenwick andDavid was afforded the opportunity totour the school and to meet with FenwickPresident, Fr Richard Peddicord, Principal,Mr Peter Groom and other members ofthe Fenwick Leadership. David had thechance to discuss the Dominican spirit,community, courses offered, universityoptions for students, their governanceand board structure, school fees and newopportunities for fundraising.David said the “visit confirmed thecloseness of our ties and we hope to seethem again back in Australia.We at Blackfriars thank David formaintaining contact with our NorthAmerican, Dominican ‘brothers’.Long may the link continue!Mr Jon HarmerCommunity Liaison OfficerEarly Learning CentreScarlett West (aged 4), from the Blackfriars EarlyLearning Centre has been the driving force behind raisingmoney for sick children at the Women’s and Children’sHospital. Scarlett came up with the idea to hold a pyjamaday. She was involved with all stages of the planning forthe day including presenting a written proposal to the ELCDirector, the development of a ‘to do’ list, a letter hometo parents, the making of the money boxes for donationsand the counting of the money. She even spoke on thephone to staff from the Women’s and Children’s HospitalFoundation. The children (and staff!) thoroughly enjoyedpyjama day and learning about giving to others.On Wednesday 27 September, Scarlett went to the Women’s andChildren’s Hospital with her family and presented them with the 210raised. She hopes that money raised will go towards teddy bears, quilts,blankets, pillows and pyjamas for the parents staying at the hospital. “Itwill make them feel better’’ she says.Scarlett, at such a young age has a genuine focus on social justice andplans are already being made for future fundraising projects.9

A Focus On MusicYear 3/4/5 Choir play up a storm performing Johnny Be Good under the direction of Miss Reppucci at the Annual Music ConcertAnnual Music ConcertThe 2017 Annual Music Concert at WoodvilleTown Hall, was a community event whichshowcased the wonderful work anddedication of our students. The opening actof “Can’t Stop This Feeling”, performed bythe combined choirs and Big Band Theory,commenced the evening with high energyand enthusiasm. The evening progressedwith high quality performances from ourchoirs, concert bands, stage bands andinstrumental ensembles including theFlute Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble,Percussion Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble.The Year 2 students had their firstopportunity to perform at a BlackfriarsAnnual Concert and entertained ouraudience with their recorder performanceas well as singing and dancing to‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.The Year 12 students were outstanding intheir performance and were acknowledgedduring some presentations before the nightconcluded with the finale, ‘Turn the WorldAround’. The lyrics of the piece explain howeverything in our lives is intertwined andconnected from our environment to ourheart, mind and spirit.All staff were very generous in theircontributions and efforts throughout theevening. Thank you also to the parents whohave helped form the Friends of Music; yourcontributions on the day and evening weremuch appreciated.10Thanks to our comperes Margaret, Frank,Joseph and Peter Snelling, who wereabsolutely fabulous and did some fantasticad-libbing while lots was going on behindthe curtain.Thank you to all of the instrumentalstaff who had their ensembles perform,we had some fantastic quality of workdemonstrated. Thank you to Mr CharliHoloubek, Mrs Libby Hunter and MissMarie Wohling for all of their dedicationand work on the evening. Not only weretheir ensembles fantastic, their generosity,enthusiasm and care for the studentsis always so evident. We look forward toanother successful event in 2018.ABODAOn 24-25 August Blackfriars competedin the Australian Band and OrchestraDirector’s Festival. With a lot of preparation,we were very pleased with the overallresults of our ensembles. Concert Band3 started the competition on Thursdaymorning and were awarded a Silver, withConcert Band One following suit on thatafternoon, also achieving a Silver. On Fridayafternoon Stage Band 2 competed andwere awarded a Gold, with Stage Band 1performing on Friday evening and wereawarded a Silver. We were very proudof all students who participated in theFestival as there were some very largeand strong ensembles and competition.Thank you to all the parents who camedown to Westminster School to support theensembles.Catholic School’s Music FestivalOn 19-20 September, Blackfriarswas strongly represented at the 201

Provincial Council visit to the School with 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 (OP) Performing Arts Theatre. The Very Reve