Receptions, Year 12s combine for Rite of Welcome

Students starting their Blackfriars journeys have been presented with lemon trees by boys whose own time at Blackfriars is coming to an end.

This morning, our 2025 Receptions and our Year 12s gathered in the Chapel of St Albert the Great for the annual Rite of Welcome.

Assistant Principal: Religious Identity & Mission Angela Collins welcomed the new Receptions, many of whom were joined by their families.

“Let me first begin by saying how very welcome you are here today,” Ms Collins said.

“It is our joy to take the time today to formally welcome you to our community as we embark upon a 13-year journey together; as we witness the growth of your beautiful boys into wonderful young men who will shape the world in decades to come.”

Reception students were gifted lemon trees by members of the Class of 2025.

This is the third year Blackfriars has held the annual Rite of Welcome, gifting all Reception students with lemon trees to symbolise the beginning of their education journeys and their growth to come.

“Rites of Passage are becoming less frequent and less prominent in our society, but they are such an important part of growth and development,” Ms Collins said.

“So, today, we mark our first Rite of Passage, a Rite of Welcome. Later in Term 4, these young students will farewell our year 12s, so it is particularly fitting that our Year 12s are a part of this service of welcome.”

Reception student Imanuel with his lemon tree.

Principal David Ruggiero said the Rite of Welcome was a special time for the students – both the Receptions and Year 12s.

“To our Receptions, look at the Year 12 boy sitting next to you. One day, you will be as big as him. You will grow, like your lemon tree … and before you know it, you will be like these Year 12s, ready to produce wonderful fruit and finish school,” he said.

“And to the parents who are here today, I want to thank you for the work you, and grandparents, do in nurturing these wonderful young men, in helping them to bear fruit. Boys, enjoy your time in Reception, enjoy the playing and the learning and the friendships. You have all of us here to support you.”

Reception students in the Chapel of St Albert the Great.

Father Mannes Tellis OP, who blessed the lemon trees, also offered a prayer.

“May the seed planted in our hearts today grow strong and take root in our essence, that we may grow into a people of courage and fidelity to the gospel message of compassion. May the entire community be active gardeners to nurture our young seedlings as they grow into fruit-bearing trees.”