2023 Primary award winners; Principal’s end-of-year message

Congratulations to the Primary students whose commitment to the four pillars of Dominican life – Prayer, Study, Community and Service – have been formally recognised.

The award recipients were announced at Wednesday night’s Primary Awards Night and Year 6 Graduation.

Head of Primary Emma Begg said it was a privilege to formally recognise the award winners for their dedication and commitment throughout 2023.

“Thank you, boys, for the efforts you put in to all aspects of your school life,” Ms Begg said.

“And to all our Primary students and staff, thank you for a terrific 2023 and for playing your part in making Blackfriars such a special place.

“To our graduating Year 6 students, we wish you all the very best in Secondary school. To the other Primary boys, we hope you have a happy and safe school holidays and a wonderful festive season with your loved ones. We can’t wait to see you back at school in 2024.”

Principal’s end-of-year address

Speaking at today’s final assembly for 2023, Principal David Ruggiero wished everyone a “safe and holy Christmas”.

“I pray that you spend some pretty good time in prayer and reflection in what it actually means to celebrate Christmas. It’s not a coincidence that Jesus was born on Christmas Day; the reason we have Christmas Day is because of Christ,” Mr Ruggiero told the assembly.

He also acknowledged staff leaving Blackfriars, particularly stalwarts Steve Meus and Erica Bojko, who retire today after a combine seven decades of service to the school.

“Thank you to all our teachers. Boys, if you haven’t said thank you to your teachers today, make sure you do at some stage. I think they all deserve a huge round of applause.

“Thank you, have a wonderful school holiday, a blessed Christmas and a happy new year and we’ll see you next year.”