Move over, Melbourne Cup; the Race to High School is back

Forget the Melbourne Cup – the most important race of the year is right here at Blackfriars.

The Race to High School is an important part of Blackfriars’ annual Year 7 Orientation Day. This Thursday (7 November), the incoming Year 7 students will race around the Secondary campus in teams, accompanied by members of 2025 student leadership group, to answer a series of questions, discovering some key locations and meeting staff members along the way.

There will be gifts for the students – a mix of current Blackfriars Year 6s and boys who will be new to the school in 2025 – to collect throughout the race and prizes for the winning team.

The incoming Year 7 students will visit key locations across the Secondary campus.

Acting Director of Development Shannon Caton said the race was a great way for the boys to explore the Secondary campus, meet some key staff members and make new friends.

“Starting high school is, for many students, a very big deal, even for our boys who are just moving across the campus,” Ms Caton said.

“We want all those boys to feel familiar with the school when they arrive on day 1 next year, to have some familiar faces to meet up with and make that transition as seamless as possible.

“The Race to High School is such a fun event. All the boys really get around it. It really is a highlight of our Year 7 Orientation Day.”

Current Blackfriars Year 6 student Steven Tran was looking forward to starting high school.

“It is going to be a whole new level of education,” Steven said.

“I can’t wait to meet my new teachers and get know their rules. I am looking forward to seeing where my locker is and how to manage all my things, as well as making new friends from other schools.”

The Year 7 Orientation Day also includes an information session, getting-to-know-you games run by the 2025 student leaders, classroom visits, supplied recess and lunch and our Co-curricular Expo.

Co-curricular Expo returns

The Blackfriars Co-curricular Expo is also back for another year.

Held as part of the Year 7 Orientation Day, stalls will be set up in Neill Gymnasium, with plenty of information for incoming Secondary students to learn more about the co-curricular opportunities on offer at Blackfriars.

“Co-curricular activities give students a chance to explore their interests beyond the classroom, building confidence and sparking passion in ways traditional learning alone can’t do,” Co-curricular Coordinator Gareth Cox said.

“We have such an extensive list of co-curricular opportunities at Blackfriars – from your traditional sports, to robotics, podcasting, art, music and more. These programs can foster a sense of belonging and connection and help students find their community.”