Principal's Reflection

Dear Families,

As a Catholic School, we are guided by a mission that extends far beyond our school community here in Wynyard. In the 2022 Vatican text ‘The Identity of the Catholic School for a Culture of Dialogue,’ it is powerfully stated that “education, as the formation of the human person, is a universal right.” Although we are geographically distant from the Vatican, this message is at the heart of everything we do.

At St Brigid’s, we are entrusted with the privileged responsibility of forming our students as the whole person - academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically. This is not a task we take lightly. It is a profound commitment and one that shapes our everyday actions and decisions.

A core focus of our mission is education. But education at SBW goes beyond literacy and numeracy. It also involves teaching and modelling our school values, setting clear behavioural expectations and nurturing our Catholic faith. This holistic approach supports the development of young individuals who are not only capable learners but also caring, curious, connected and courageous members of our community.

Just as importantly, we believe that this journey is one we take in partnership with families. The same Vatican text reminds us that parents are the first educators of their children and we deeply value the role you play. We are committed to constructive and respectful dialogue with our families to ensure that each child receives the guidance they need to succeed and thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas about how we can continue to work together in positive partnership.

Last week we recognised the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si. Laudato Si was an encyclical (letter) written by Pope Francis in 2015 to highlight the importance of looking after our shared, common home- earth. I leave you with the following prayer that was created by Pope Francis. 

All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Nic