Chorus of approval for new music playground

By Wendy Shaw

A new playground at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Launceston has hit just the right note.

It features an interactive music area, slide and in-ground trampolines, and was blessed and opened in December.

Principal Brent Wilson explained that the playground encourages students to explore, play and be curious, and is in memory of a much-loved music teacher, Barry Nas, who died in 2021.

It is the result of extensive consultation with students, staff, parents, Catholic Education Tasmania and playground experts.

The music playground is near the school’s music room and Mr Wilson said it is a fitting tribute to Mr Nas, who taught at Sacred Heart for nearly 40 years.

“We wanted to do something to remember Barry,” Mr Wilson said.

“We spoke with Barry’s family, and what evolved was a playground with interactive music, which we know Barry would have loved, right outside his room.”

Mr Wilson said that Mr Nas, who also taught at St Thomas More’s Catholic Schools at Newstead for many years, was a gifted teacher and generous with his time in supporting school events.

“One of the great strengths of Barry was he was a very community-minded man,” Mr Wilson said.

“He ran the school’s rock and roll night, where people danced and enjoyed one another’s company, and he sang with his mate.”

He did this not only for Sacred Heart but also for other Catholic primary schools in the greater Launceston area.

He was a persuasive chocolate wheel operator at the school fair and a dedicated and wise member of the Parents and Friends’ Association.

“He knew everyone and he had great ways of persuading people to be generous,” Mr Wilson recalled with a smile.

“It was all for the purpose of raising money and ultimately, a lot of that money he raised has gone into the playground.”

Mr Wilson also paid tribute to Mr Nas’s teaching skills and enthusiasm, bringing the best out of every child, and encouraging engagement and participation across the age groups.

Mr Wilson said this was the third new playground installed at the school in the past six years. The work also included upgraded pathways and a tiered seating area.