Proud of the past, excited for the future
As Blackfriars gets ready to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2023, the focus is firmly on the future.
The school this year launched its new strategic plan to guide students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical and social development over the coming years.
Principal Simon Cobiac said it was an exciting time for the Blackfriars community.
“The strategic plan is all about delivering excellence in boys’ education through the provision of a transformative, vibrant and reflective learning community,” Mr Cobiac said.
“It will equip and inspire students to confidently and successfully participate as men of integrity in a rapidly changing world.”
The strategic plan encourages students to be leaders, to search for truth and to be connected and ambitious.
“Blackfriars will be the leading school for boys in Australia through empowerment, discernment and reflective leadership, searching for truth and developing initiatives to strengthen our school and engage and local and global partnerships,” Mr Cobiac said.
“We will move forward with curiosity, commitment and passion, excelling in all we do.”
The plan also outlines six strategic priorities:
- Developing a highly engaged, diverse and inclusive community;
- Encouraging high performance and continuous learning;
- Creating a healthy, resilient and respectful community;
- Developing a contemporary, innovative and entrepreneurial approach to learning;
- Creating a culture where students engage in meaningful learning, and are active participants in their studies; and
- Engaging and partnering with the world.
“Our Dominican tradition commands us to recognise and accept the difference in ability and gifts of each student and differentiate learning and teaching appropriately,” Mr Cobiac said.
To meet the strategic plans goals, Blackfriars will have a fresh focus on wellbeing, develop new learning opportunities and revitalise school facilities.
From next year, the school plans to create a career pathways and industry mentoring program and, from 2024, to introduce Food Science and Nutrition to the curriculum.
A major building program is already under way, the centrepiece of which is the Aquinas Centre. Landscaping work continues throughout Term 4.
The Very Reverend Anthony Walsh OP, Dominican Prior Provincial, said Blackfriars was confident of the future.
“For our community of students, their parents, caregivers and families, staff and school leadership, as well as our old scholars, the strategic plan looks forward, ensuring everyone is challenged and striving for excellence,” Father Walsh said.
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