St Brigid's Catholic School Wynyard eNewsletter

Principal Reflection

Dear Families

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who worked together to make our ‘Grandparents Day’ a success. It was a busy afternoon of laughter, paparazzi, and food. The bond many children have with their grandparents or significant other is special, and often, the stories shared between generations hold deep memories and significance. I was fortunate enough this year, as part of our 100-year celebrations, to meet and hear the stories passed on from Ron (dec) and Rita Neilson, a family of four generations that have been connected to St Brigid’s Catholic School for many years.

The passing of stories, love, and knowledge from ‘grandparents’ to their grandchildren holds immense cultural, emotional, and educational significance. Grandparents often serve as guardians of family history and tradition, acting as conduits through which stories, wisdom, and values are transmitted to younger generations. This transfer of knowledge and experiences from generation to generation plays a vital role in shaping a child's identity and understanding of their family heritage. Grandparents often pass down traditions, prayers, and values unique to their culture or family. These teachings teach children about their cultural identity and the significance of various celebrations and customs. The wisdom from a lifetime of experiences allows grandparents to impart invaluable life lessons. They can offer advice on navigating challenges, making important decisions, and dealing with success and failure. This guidance helps shape the moral compass of the younger generation. Grandparents and/or significant others create a connection between the past, present, and future, ensuring that essential lessons, traditions, and love endure through time.

A Prayer ‘Look with Love’

Dear Lord

Look with love on Grandparents the world over.
Protect them; they are a source of enrichment for families and society.
Support them as they grow older; may they continue
to be strong pillars of Gospel faith for their families.

Make them teachers of wisdom and courage.
We pray they pass on to future generations the fruits
of their spiritual experience.
Help families and society,
to value the presence and roles of grandparents.

May they never be ignored or excluded
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and feel welcomed.
In all the years of life that you give them,
keep them constantly in your care
and accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage.

Thank you, Lord, for these special people in our lives.
May we continue to walk with and beside our elderly and grandparents.
Amen

A big thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who helped make our Athletics Carnival a successful day.

I continue to value your ongoing support and partnerships.

Charlene Best
Principal

Religious Education

On Tuesday, 31st October, four of our Grade 5 students participated in learning more about social justice and how young people in schools can contribute to making people aware of injustice, poverty and respect for our Earth’s resources.

These students were chosen to attend alongside other Grade 5 students from Catholic schools along the North West and West Coast, as they have shown themselves to be potential leaders of our school.

The students had a fun and engaging time interacting with their peers and listening to representatives of Catholic Aid Agencies, CARITAS Australia, St Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Mission share how they support the vulnerable with fundraising events and activities.

You will hear more from our student leaders next year about how we, as a community, can continue to help these agencies support the vulnerable here in Australia and overseas.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

Andrea Jaffray Morf

Deputy Principal

Sports Carnival

Last week, our school's Athletics Carnival was a fantastic success, thanks to the remarkable support and dedication of our parent volunteers, encouraging staff, and, most importantly, our incredible students.

The day was unique as parents rallied together to create an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm. Their dedication in helping with set-up, running events, and packing up after the carnival was instrumental in making the day run smoothly.

Our staff's unwavering encouragement and support played a crucial role in keeping the spirit high and the smooth running of the day. Their commitment to fostering a positive and encouraging environment for our students is a true example of the St Brigid's spirit.

However, the real stars of the day were our students. They conducted themselves with respect, courage care, and unwavering commitment. Their sportsmanship and constant encouragement of their peers, no matter the outcome, exemplified the true essence of teamwork and what our school is all about.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, students, and staff who made this event successful. Without your support, the Athletics Carnival would not have been such a memorable day. Congratulations to everyone for showcasing the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that makes our school community exceptional.

The Music Room: How Music Makes Us Feel

Have you ever wondered how music can make you feel happy, excited, or even a little bit sad?

In Music this term, classes are learning about expression in music. Expressive elements such as tempo and dynamics play a significant role in conveying meaning and emotions in music.

What is tempo?

Tempo is the speed of the music. It's a bit like how fast or slow you walk or run. In music, tempo is measured in beats per minute (BPM). The higher the BPM, the faster the music. For example, a song with a BPM of 120 is a faster song, while a song with a BPM of 60 is a very slow song.

What are dynamics?

Dynamics are the loudness or softness of the music. In music, dynamics are marked with Italian words like forte (loud), piano (soft), crescendo (getting louder), and diminuendo (getting softer).

As we explore tempo and dynamics in music, we discover that we feel differently when the music is playing soft and slow compared to loud and fast. We notice that soft, slow music makes us feel calm and relaxed, while loud, fast music makes us feel excited and energised. This is because tempo and dynamics can affect our mood and emotions. Slow tempos have a calming effect, while fast tempos can be stimulating. Loud dynamics can be exciting, while soft dynamics can be soothing.

Next time you're listening to music with your family, take some time to pay attention to how the music makes you feel. Does it make you feel happy, sad, excited, or calm? Do you notice how the tempo and dynamics of the music affect your mood?

Musically,

Mrs Rachel Bryan

Fire Safety Awareness

Craig Machen from Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is visiting our school this week to present a Home Fire Safety Program to our Prep to Grade 6 students. Whilst not receiving a structured lesson, kindergarten students can expect a visit from the firefighter, who will leave some free fun activities for the students to complete.
The age-appropriate program is designed to raise fire awareness in children and includes fun in-class activities, videos, activity books, giveaways and a new kids website www.tfskids.com.au.
Parents and other family members are encouraged to participate by reading the information and assisting your child with the after-school activities.
The TFS aims to deliver appropriate fire safety education to every primary school child in Tasmania and is part of the TFS’s ongoing commitment to create a fire-safe Tasmania.

Essential Fire Safety Messages include,
Wake up - Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom
Plan and practice a home fire escape plan with the whole family
In a fire crawl low and go, go, go to the nearest exit
In an emergency call triple zero
Keep flammable material at least two metres from the heater
If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, rock and roll
Keep matches and lighters away from children
Cooking - Turn it off before you turn away
Cool a burn under cold water for at least 20 minutes
Most house fires can be avoided. Make your home fire-safe
More information for parents, carers and teachers www.tfseducation.com.au
Exciting new website just for kids www.tfskids.com.au
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Staffing Announcement 2024

At this time of the year, it is a time to congratulate, welcome and say goodbye to some of our staff. Please click on the link to view the 2024 staffing announcement.

Birth - five Christmas Celebration

Key Events

Wednesday, 15th November - NW Combined Athletics Carnival
Thursday, 7th December, 9-10:30 am Set up for Success B-5 Christmas Celebration
Friday 8th December End of year Christmas Concert
Monday 11th December Grade 6 graduation ceremony and dinner
Monday 11th December Grade 6 big day out
Tuesday 12th Dec End of year picnic 3-6
Wednesday, 13th December: Students' final day and End of year Assembly. Grade 6 Families are welcome, and Students only for K-5, unless OLSH recipient.

Admin Reminders

Friendly Reminder: All outstanding school fees must be paid by the end of the school year unless prior arrangements have been made with the Finance Officer. Please make sure you return your Schedule of Fees and Payment Arrangement forms for 2024 before the 17th of November.
Please contact the school office before 2:30 p.m. to confirm or change pick-up arrangements unless unavoidable.