2024 Secondary Award winners announced

Well done to the Secondary students who have demonstrated significant commitment to the four pillars of Dominican life – Prayer, Study, Community and Service – throughout 2024.

Speaking at today’s Secondary Awards Assembly – on what was the final day of the 2024 school year for our Years 10/11 boys – Principal David Ruggiero congratulated the award recipients (see the full list below).

“Today, we are reminded of the incredible diversity of talents, achievements and moments that have shaped our Blackfriars community this year,” Mr Ruggiero told the assembly.

Chris Honey-Joseph, Year 8, receives an award from Principal David Ruggiero at today’s Secondary Awards Assembly.

“This assembly has been about celebrating your truthful and unique contributions to study, service and prayer in the community spirit that makes Blackfriars truly Dominican.

“To be Dominican is to nurture and celebrate the diversity of skills and strengths. Today, we celebrated excellence in academics, arts, sports, leadership and service. Congratulations to each award winner and thank you for contributing to our community.”

However, he also had a message for students who did not receive an award.

“Remember, you don’t need to win a prize to celebrate success,” he said.

“What matters most is being able to look at yourself in the mirror and honestly say, ‘I have done my best.’ This is veritas. This is truth and integrity. Your commitment to striving for personal excellence in your studies, prayer life, community and service to others is what will pave the way for a fulfilling future.”

Luke Tsavdaridis, Year 11, receives the Mary MacKillop Award for Excellence.

What we can learn from The Avengers

Mr Ruggiero said Blackfriars’ new Learner Profile – where actions outside the classroom were valued, celebrated and formally acknowledged – captured the full spectrum of what it meant to be a successful learner in the modern world.

“The Learner Profile reminders me of The Avengers – a group of individuals with vastly different abilities, all working together toward a common goal,” he said.

“You can’t assess The Hulk on his flying ability in the same way all of you cannot be assessed through the same structure. You, the boys of Blackfriars, bring a diversity of skills to the table – from the analytical thinkers, to the creative artists, the problem solvers, the athletes and the compassionate leaders.

“Each of you plays a role in shaping the dynamic and inclusive community we cherish.”