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27 December 2014
Dear Students and Families,
It is with a very heavy heart, I write to inform you that Nasir Ali Anwari, who was a Year 11 student in 2014,
drowned at Petrel Cove on Christmas Eve. The whole school community is devastated by this tragedy as we
have lost a respected and valued member of our family. Nasir Ali commenced school at Blackfriars in 2014
and has been a popular and cherished member of our community since he arrived. Nasir Ali will be
remembered for his gentle and humble character; he had a great spirit and was committed to his friends and
family. He was a capable student who was dedicated to improving his academic study and sporting ability in
soccer and cricket.
As a faith-filled school community, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Nasir Ali Anwari, his family and
friends. In particular, our heart and prayers go out to his brother Nasir Abbas who is currently a Year 8
student at Blackfriars Priory School. Nasir Ali was a valued member of Blackfriars Priory School as he, like so
many others, added to our rich and diverse multicultural community. On Tuesday 27 January 2015 at 10.00am,
members of Nasir Ali’s family and the wider community are invited to a memorial service to celebrate his life.
The memorial service will be held in the Neill Gymnasium.
The Counselling Team will be available to support students and staff during this difficult time as they grieve
the loss of a valued friend and student. Students will have varied reactions to the death of a peer. I encourage
parents to openly discuss with your child their reactions and feelings regarding the death of Nasir Ali. If
students would like to access the counselling service over the holidays, please do not hesitate to email me at
[email protected].
On a personal note, it is distressing to lose a boy of such character and personality. Nasir Ali was a warm and
gentle soul who has left his mark on us all.
Thank you to the Year 12 students and staff for their compassion and sensitivity on hearing of Nasir Ali’s death
during Christmas. The response of the students is a testament to the strong community we have at
Blackfriars.
Our prayers and thoughts are extended to the Anwari family, and we rest in the knowledge that our God is
holding us all in the palm of his hands and we are graced with love and compassion. Therefore, we should not
be afraid as God is our protector in both life and death, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am
your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand “(Isaiah 41:10).
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Anna Mirasgentis
Acting Principal