Receptions receive lemon trees in Rite of Welcome

Blackfriars has celebrated two Rites of Welcome to mark the start of the 2024 school year.

“Rites of Passage are becoming less frequent and less prominent in our society, but they are such an important part of growth and development,” Assistant Principal: Religious Identity and Mission Angela Collins said.

“At Blackfriars, we pause to honour the significant moment that is starting a new school – whether you are a new Reception, have journeyed across the grounds from our Primary to our Secondary School, or whether you have travelled thousands of kilometres to join our community.”

At their Rite of Welcome, Reception students, including those who started in Term 3, 2023, were presented with lemon trees to symbolise the beginning of their education journeys and their growth to come.

“It is our joy to take the time to formally welcome these students our community as we embark upon a 13-year journey together, as we witness their growth into wonderful young men who will shape the world in decades to come,” Ms Collins said.

Blackfriars Principal David Ruggiero also addressed the boys and their families.

“Today, we welcome all of you into this family at Blackfriars,” Mr Ruggiero said.

“Family needs us all to come together to help it grow. And, as family, we go through the ups and downs of our life … it can be complicated.”

He said the symbolism of the lemon tree was important.

“If you leave your lemon tree, it’s not going to bring you any fruit … it’s not expected to bring you fruit tomorrow morning and be 15ft tall,” he said.

“The time, the energy, the patience that you will put into the tree, and into your child, will bring you fruits over time.”

Blackfriars also celebrated a Rite of Welcome for Year 7 students and those new to the Secondary School in 2024.

“Secondary school is an important time where the boys have the opportunity to tap into the excellent education on offer at Blackfriars as they discern what future they want to create – not only for themselves, but for our world,” Ms Collins said.

“They will grow a great deal over the next few years, hopefully discern what sort of person they aim to be and, through participation in our Blackfriars community, emerge with skills, qualities and life-long friendships to take them into the future.”

The Year 7 boys and other new Secondary students were also welcomed into their Houses as part of the Rite of Welcome.