Welcome to Blackfriars’ new Head of Primary, Emma Begg

As a mother of two sons, and a teacher for almost two decades, Emma Begg knows a thing or two about the ways boys learn.

Mrs Begg will join Blackfriars from January next year as Head of Primary, replacing the retiring Frank Ali.

“Boys’ education has always been very important to me,” said Mrs Begg, who is currently studying a Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University.

“I have two boys myself (Bailey, 11, and Jayden, 9) … and I am aware that boys learn differently to girls.”

And it won’t take long for the Blackfriars community to get to know our new Head of Primary.

“I make it my mission to greet every child, every day, when I am new … to really build that relationship,” Mrs Begg said.

“I really want to support staff and students and to work in relationship with parents to decide on best practice together. I am all about working together.”

Mrs Begg – who joins Blackfriars after 16 years at St Joseph’s School Kingswood, and who is currently the Acting Deputy Principal at St Francis of Assisi Newton – always knew she wanted to be a teacher.

“I can’t remember ever considering another occupation,” said Mrs Begg, who finished her schooling at Loreto College after living in various locations in country SA.

“Teaching to me is about inspiring young minds to be the best that they can be and preparing our students, who will be the future of tomorrow, for a world beyond the classroom.

“I am a relational leader who walks the journey of education with staff and students.” 

She has worked as Acting APRIM (Assistant Principal: Religious Identity & Mission) at McAuley Community School and at St Joseph’s School and has also been a member of the school’s Leadership Team for the past six years.

“It was always an aim of mine to further explore and experience the culture of boys’ education and the college atmosphere,” she said of the move to Blackfriars.

“I felt that the college environment of Blackfriars was a natural place for me.”

She is excited about becoming Blackfriars’ Head of Primary, planning to immerse herself in the “wonderful” culture of the school.

“I’ve heard so many great things about Blackfriars – people only have positive things to say – so I can’t wait to be part of that,” she said.

“And I feel I can offer a great deal to the school.”