Thursday August 28

Dear Families,

One of the most important supports to student and teacher successes are effective Teacher Assistants (TA's). Next week is National Teacher Assistance Appreciation Week and this gives us a great opportunity as a school community to thank all of our TA's. Gratitude and appreciation shouldn't just be extended in weeks such as this, however, next week provides us with an extra special opportunity. Ms McCormick writes further in our newsletter about all of the great work that our TA's do, however, I wanted to extend my appreciation for everything that they do in supporting our students, staff and families. Our TA's play an extremely integral role across the school to nurture and support our student's social, emotional, spritual, physical and academic development. Thank you to all of our TA's and to all TA's in education for all that you do. 

Last week I had the privilege of attending a Mastery School in Brisbane as well as the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. Mastery Schools Australia is a system of independent schools across Australia and New Zealand and was established by Michael Roberts. Michael also owns and facilitates COGLEARN who provide expert coaching and mentoring to our staff and staff across Catholic Education Tasmania. Mastery Schools have a strong commitment towards implementing rigorous evidence based teaching and learning practices and programs with high fidelity. 

The Australian Catholic Education Conference brings together educators, system leaders and clergy from across Australia. Internationally renowned educational experts such as Dr Simon Breakspear, Dr Steve Constantino and Professor Dylan Wiliam were several of the guest speakers who presented over the 3 day conference. The conference also provided a great chance to network with fellow educational leaders to continue to listen and learn as we pursue the ongoing journey of school improvement. When we go away to conferences we have new learnings. We also have reminders of good practices that inspire and re-energise. 

Some of the key takeaways and reminders from the week away:

• We are already doing some great things at SBW that we need to recognise and celebrate, however, there is always room for improvement
• Ensuring that we are listening to all, in particular our students to deeply understand
• The importance of proactive engagement and partnerships with our families and communities
• As a Catholic School, we are about developing the whole child
• Practical wellbeing strategies

When I meet with families at the point of enrolment, I always give the same message: 'We are not perfect as a school and we own that'. As we move through to the creation of a new strategic plan for the school, I look forward to working with all in our community as we strive to be a school that is continually improving and striving to have the most effective impact for the people we are here for- our students.

Thank you to the team at SBW, in particular Mrs Donnelly and Ms McCormick for their work in leading the school in my absence.

Thanks for your ongoing support,

Nic

Please see below an extract from the Burnie/ Wynyard Parish Bulletin written by Fr Jessie

For Jesus, the concept is straightforward to understand but difficult to live out: He calls us to walk the narrow paths. This is the key the Lord gives us-only by entering through the narrow gate can we reach heaven. It is on the way of the Cross that we encounter the deepest experience of God. 

We all bear different crosses in our daily lives. Sainthood is not something we wait to achieve only in heaven; even here on earth, we encounter countless experiences along the narrow way. We do not need to be formally declared saints to reach eternal life, for in our midst, we witness living saints every day. 

What makes someone a saint? It is not necessarily through grand gestures or perfect acts of charity but through performing every action with love. As Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This, truly, is sainthood. 

We see modern saints carrying extraordinary burdens with grace. There are parents who, despite significant struggles with their children or in marriage, continue to share smiles. We witness parishioners confined to their beds by illness who nonetheless place their trust in God. Some, having little themselves, still share what little they possess, even down to their last coin. 

Children care for vulnerable parents despite the demands of their own families and careers. A homeless person gives their last meal to a stranger. Someone with terminal cancer reaches out to comfort another patient battling the same pain and discomfort. 

In all these moments, the narrow way is lived, and sainthood is revealed through acts of selfless love.

This year, Teacher Aide Appreciation Week will be celebrated from Monday, 1 September to Friday, 5 September 2025. It is a special time for us to acknowledge and thank the incredible teacher aides who make such a difference in our school community every day.

Teacher Aides play a vital role in supporting student learning and wellbeing. They provide individualised attention to students who need extra help, assist with classroom management and ensure all children receive the tailored support they need to succeed. Their dedication enhances the learning environment and helps create a positive and inclusive school culture.

We are incredibly grateful for the hard work, compassion and professionalism of our Teacher Aides. Whether assisting in classrooms, supporting students with diverse needs or helping with school activities, their contributions are invaluable.

Together, let's celebrate their fantastic work and the positive impact they have on our school.

Thank you to all our Teacher Aides, you are truly appreciated!

Last Wednesday, we celebrated Book Week and what a magical day it was! The event was filled with fun, learning and most importantly, a shared love for books and storytelling.

From the moment students walked through the gates, the school was buzzing with excitement! Students and staff came dressed as their favourite book characters. From Harry Potter and Matilda to superheroes, animals and fairies. One of the highlights of the day was the Parade, where students proudly showcased their costumes to an audience of parents and community members.

Book Week was a wonderful reminder of the power of books to inspire, connect and educate. We extend our thanks to all the parents, caregivers and staff who contributed to making the day so memorable. Your support helps foster a lifelong love of reading in our students.

At St Brigid’s, we support the development of educators through professional experience placements. This term, we welcome Miss Adams to Grade 5, where she will be working alongside Miss Priest and Miss Atkinson. Next week, Miss Smith will commence her final placement in Grade 1.

We farewell Lenny (Grade 5) who finished at SBW last week. We thank him for his time with us and wish him all the best for his next journey.

Please see the attached policy from our Parent Handbook.  If you have any questions regarding specific haircut styles, please call the Office for clarification.

Long hair (i.e. from  shoulder length) must be tied back. Hair must not be over the face or in the eyes. The hairstyle must be neat and tidy, no extreme hairstyles such as mohican style, mullets, shaved sides or patterning. Hair must be of natural colour, not artificially coloured or streaked.  Hair ribbons, scrunchies, hair bands or elastics must be school colours (available from Midford).

Please see below an infographic outlining Catholic Education Tasmania's (CET) Attendance policy and the importance of students attending school each day. Further below is the more formal CET policy.