8 Steps to Spark your Creativity

8 Steps to Spark your Creativity

Creative thinking is so valuable and relevant in our daily lives whether it be through our learning or co-curricular activities. Creative thinking is becoming more and more necessary which is why it is important to consider these easy steps to spark your creativity.

1. Try new things/Find your passion

It's important for you to try new things in order to be creative in different ways. For example, join a new co-curricular group. You can also do this by trying a new way to solve a maths problem. This shows creativity as it allows your brain to think of new ways to do things. Finding your passion is crucial when trying to be creative. This is because if you know what your passion is, you can expand on the different aspects of it.

 2. Listen to music

By listening to music, it allows you to be musically creative. It is proved that music can stimulate your brain to be more creative as it improves cognition, learning and memory. Music is also really relaxing and is good to listen to after you have done a lot of study or homework.

3. Look at the world Fresh eyes/Be Curious

When you were a baby, you were always finding new things-and by instinct- you would put things in your mouth. Now I'm not telling you to put things in your mouth but to look at the world with curiosity. You may already have an opinion about something and that's fine, just try and look at things from different perspectives. For example, you can do this by simply getting out and about and looking at the world.

4. Be positive/say yes

Say yes to things that you usually wouldn't say yes to. It's good to challenge yourself and be a             little out of your comfort zone. Challenging yourself forces yourself to think creatively of new ways to do things. Say yes to trying new things. Who knows, you could find new interests,                  friendships, knowledge and much more.

5. Embrace the Environment

Embrace the environment that we have been given. The environment is so beautiful and we don't usually take the time to have a look around in awe. Your environment can stimulate your ideas in which you can then put into practice.

6. Start an inspiration file

By starting an inspirational file or collage it allows you to put your creative ideas into a visual representation. Whether it being your next art project or idea that you want to take to action. This is a great idea to put your ideas into reality.

7. Create something

Whether it be creating a dance routine or painting, creating something is a great way to stimulate thinking creatively. Importantly, create something that you enjoy and that you find that you can easily express yourself through.

 8. Sleep

You have probably heard it all before but sleep is absolutely paramount when if you want to be creative. Without a clear and rested mind, it is going to be hard to concentrate and think outside of the box.

Spritzgebäck

Spritzgebäck

Ingredients:

1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

2 large egg yolks(32 grams)

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Butter two baking sheets and place them in the refrigerator to chill while you make the batter.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (2-3 minutes).

Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the flour and salt and beat until you have a well-mixed dough.

To Pipe Cookies: Have ready a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) diameter open star tip. Fill the pastry bag about half full, twist the end of the bag to close, and pipe  rosettes or stars by holding the pastry bag perpendicular to your baking sheet, with the tip almost touching the sheet. Squeeze the pastry bag firmly and evenly without moving it until the shape is the desired size. Stop squeezing and push the pastry bag down a little and then lift the pastry bag straight up. Continue to pipe cookies, spacing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.

Or: Use a cookie cutter to create the shape you would like

Bake cookies for about 11 - 14 minutes or just until the edges of the cookies are barely tinged with brown. Remove from oven and gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. In a covered container, these cookies will keep at room temperature for about 10 days or they can be frozen for several months.

Makes about 30-35 cookies.

German Soft Pretzels

German Soft pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/8 cup warm water 105 degrees F
• 1-1/3 cups warm water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 5 cups flour
• Water, baking soda
• sea salt
• 5 oz crème fraiche
• 3 tablespoons German honey
• 2 tablespoons German mustard
• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/8 cup warm water. Stir in 1 1/3 cups warm water, 1/3 cup brown sugar and flour. Beat until smooth. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Heat oven to 475 degrees F. In a saucepan, measure 2 teaspoons baking soda to each cup of water. Place enough to fill the saucepan. Boil soda and water.
2. Tear off some dough and roll a pencil shape with your hands. Pick up both ends, cross to form rabbit ears and then twist the ends and pull them back to the rest of the loop.
3. Place twisted pretzels in water/baking soda mixture for 15 seconds until the pretzel dough is golden or yellow in color. Then remove the pretzels from boiling water and place onto a salted cookie sheet.
4. Salt the top of pretzels with course ground sea salt. Place cookie sheet with pretzels into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until pretzel is golden brown.
5. For the dip, stir Crème Fraiche, honey and mustard until creamy. Add sugar and salt to taste.

German Meatballs

German Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup milk

2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 can (27 ounces) sauerkraut, undrained

1/3 to 1/2 cup water, optional

Additional snipped parsley

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine first 10 ingredients; shape into 18 meatballs, 2 in. each. Heat the oil in a skillet; brown the meatballs. 

Remove meatballs and drain fat. Spoon sauerkraut into skillet; top with meatballs. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through, adding water if necessary. Sprinkle with parsley. 

Traditional Viennese schnitzel with Kartoffelpuffer and Salatsauce

Prep/Total Time for schnitzel: 30 min.                   Prep/Total Time for Kartoffelpuffer: 30 min.

Ingredients:

• 6 veal schnitzel (small)
• 3 eggs
• Approx. 150 g plain flour
• Approx. 150 g breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper
• Butter for pan
• Slices of lemon to garnish
• 6 small potatoes, peeled
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Canola oil

Instructions:

1. Lay out the schnitzel, remove any skin and beat until thin. Season on both sides with salt and pepper. Place flour and breadcrumbs into separate flat plates, beat the eggs together on a further plate using a fork.

2. Coat each schnitzel firstly on both sides in flour, then draw through the beaten eggs, ensuring that no part of the schnitzel remains dry. Lastly, coat in the breadcrumbs and carefully press down the crumbs using the reverse side of the fork (this causes the crumb coating to “fluff up” better during cooking). 

3. In a large pan (or 2 medium-sized pans), melt sufficient clarified butter for the schnitzel to be able to swim freely in the oil (or heat up the plant oil with 1 – 2 tbsp of clarified butter or butter). 

4. Only place the Schnitzel in the pan when the fat is so hot that it hisses and bubbles up if some breadcrumbs or a small piece of butter is introduced to it.

5. Depending on the thickness and the type of meat, fry for between 2 minutes and 4 minutes until golden brown. Turn using a spatula (do not pierce the coating!) and fry on the other side until similarly golden brown. 

6. Remove the crispy schnitzel and place on kitchen paper to dry off. Dab carefully to dry the schnitzel. Arrange on the plate and garnish with slices of lemon before serving. 

7. Finely grate potatoes; drain any liquid. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add egg, onion, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder; mix well. 

8. In a large skillet, heat 1/8 in. of oil over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupful’s; press lightly to flatten. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve immediately.

Instrumental Opportunities at Brigidine

The Instrumental program at Brigidine is a great co-curricular activity to be a part of. You can learn something brand new or pick up where you left off. Some areas you can join include:

• Concert Band
• Woodwind Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• String Ensemble

You might have noticed the instrumental activities being promoted more and more this year. This is because it is an awesome and crazy fun group!

Basically, you can have lessons with the lovely instrumental teachers, learn outside of school or just show up and jam out. If you are interested, you can also take part in exams where you play your instrument, a little bit of singing and get marked on some theory. But don't worry if that sounds absolutely terrifying, it's optional!

There are numerous groups to be a part of and if you can't make one, chances are there is one really similar. Just for example, if you can't make it on Friday mornings for percussion ensemble, hit up concert band on a Thursday afternoon!

In the instrumental program, we go to various competitions with other schools and we always have a whole lot of fun. 

If you are unsure on what instruments are available for hire or to learn at Brigidine, here are a few:

• Piano
• Guitar
• Flute
• Clarinet / Bass Clarinet
• Saxophone / Tenor Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• French Horn
• Violin
• Cello
• Percussion

And if there is anything you are unsure of, don't be afraid to email any of the instrumental teachers.

Head of music: MassinghamJ@brigidine.qld.edu.au.

By Amy Challenor

Japanese and Visual Art Elective Update 

by Emelia Tobin

In Year Nine Visual Art this term, we are working on paintings of a humanitarian who inspires us. A humanitarian is someone who works for the greater good of the community. They help to break down barriers regarding gender, race, age, nationality and try to help fix other social justice issues. We are creating portraits of them and are trying to recreate the style of the artists Del Kathryn Barton, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, John Brack and Kate Benyon. Included in our artworks are symbols that represent the humanitarian that we have chosen. One of my favourite things about art this term is learning about our artists and how to incorporate their style of painting into our artwork. Although this has its challenges, it has been really fun! We have learnt many different painting skills such as blending, creating lines, and creating a focal point in our work. Our paintings are starting to look great and we are excited to display them around the Brigid Centre once they are finished! Visual art this term has been great fun and is an elective that you should choose if you want to get creative and add a bit more colour into your everyday life.

In Year Nine Japanese this term, we have just finished two assessments; a speaking test and a listening exam. Throughout this term, we have learnt how to ask and respond to questions about hobbies and sports. One thing that I enjoyed in Japanese this term was learning the days of the week. We have also learnt what the names of our favourite after-school activities are. This has helped us develop our knowledge of the Japanese culture and widen our vocabulary. Interestingly, we have also learnt about Japanese sports and hobbies, which include traditional sword fighting, tea ceremony, calligraphy, Japanese archery, and karate. For our speaking test, we paired up and worked on an interview with a famous Japanese star, who could be either real or made up. We interviewed each other and asked questions about age, family, nationality, hobbies, sports, and where they live. We had the choice whether we wanted to perform in front of the class or only in front of the teacher. For our second assessment we had an exam and had to listen to recordings in Japanese and answer the questions. Learning Japanese has been so much fun this term and is an elective you should defiantly pick if you want to learn about other cultures and are interested in traveling or working over seas when you are older.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Book Report by Annie Hibbert, Grade 7,  edited by Hannah Loli

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a an adventurous, mystical non-fiction book targeted at the readers of the middle school.

The novel is about a girl named Morrigan Crow who is doomed to die on her 11th birthday, at midnight, on Eventide. Morrigan Crow, the daughter of Chancellor Corvus, is cursed. She is blamed for all the states misfortunes, from a boy losing his spelling bee, to heart attacks. But, before the clock can strike 12 o’clock on Eventide, a bright and eccentric man called Jupiter North whisks her away from Jackalfax, saving her from the looming Hunt of Smoke and Shadow, to a magical place called Nevermoor.

Morrigan soon discovers that Jupiter has chosen her to be his candidate for the Wunderous Society, [Also known as WUNSOC] a prestigious and well-known society for the extra-ordinary. But, to be accepted to WUNSOC, and stay in Nevermoor for good, Morrigan must complete four challenging and dangerous trials along with hundreds of other candidates. Every candidate has an amazing talent or knack-except Morrigan. Morrigan must get through the trials-or she will be forced to go back to Jackalfax to face the Hunt of Smoke and Shadow.

Book critic Kirkus has stated that, "Readers will feel as though Harry Potter is meeting Alice in Wonderland." So if you are a book worm and enjoy an imaginative and exciting book, this is the read for you. Nevermoor: The trials of Morrigan Crow is available at the Brigidine Library and can be found in almost every book store. The book also has a sequel called Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow which is equally as pleasant to read. 

 

Chilli Crumbled Haloumi Chips Recipe

RECIPE: CHILLI CRUMBLED HALOUMI CHIPS

Serves 6-8, prep and cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 x 250g blocks haloumi

4 eggs

2 cups of panko breadcrumbs

2 tsps. dried chilli flakes (add or subtract amount. to taste)

1 cup plain flour

Vegetable oil

Salt and pepper

Mayonnaise and lemon wedges to serve

​Method

1. ​Cut haloumi in half horizontally, then cut length ways into 1cm-wide chips. Place on tray. Pat dry with paper towel.

2. ​Whisk eggs in a shallow dish. Combine breadcrumbs and chilli flakes in a separate shallow dish. Season with salt and pepper.

3. ​Dust haloumi in flour, shaking away excess. Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs mixture to coat.

​4. ​Heat enough oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium to high heat (to shallow-fry). Add haloumi in two batches. Fry, turning halfway through, for about 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack sitting over a tray.

5. ​Serve with mayonnaise and lemon wedges.

TIPS:

Haloumi chips are best served as soon as they are cooked.

Keep warm in a slow oven (150C), if required.

You can replace chilli with lemon pepper seasoning or mild taco spice mix, if preferred.

Enjoy your delicious haloumi chips!

Written by Amy Challenor

Introduction to the 2019 Middle School Bloggers

Get to know the Bloggers!

Agata-

Hey, my name’s Agata and I’m in Delany 1. A little bit about myself, I love cooking, music, reading, hanging out with my friends (read: annoying them) and surprisingly, sport. I’m somewhat tall and have incredibly frizzy hair. I have an older brother, and my favourite artists are Hilltop Hoods. I love exploring cultures and languages. Due to my habit of being very attached to things, I have a grand total of 24 plants, all of which I love dearly and are individually named. I come from a Polish family and spend my time at home making each and every one of my ancestors cringe at my language mixing. Depending on the topic, I tend to range from, not saying anything, at all, to ranting with no regard to the people begging for me to shut up. I love to dabble in cursed images as a form of communication with my friends. I particularly hate avocado, any vegetable that is not chilled, cornflour.  I will be taking part in the posting of mainly, recipes, self-care, and a few other things. I hope that the team of 2019 will make the blog brim with good content.

Amy-

Hi! My name is Amy, I’m in year 9 and in the fabulous homeroom called Delany 5. I am the youngest of four children, all being girls. I love being apart of different sports, but netball and swimming have been by far, my main sports. I’m one of those people we’re netball is pretty much my life. I love watching the Firebirds play and enjoy spending time either umpiring, playing or helping out coaches. I am a firm believer in taking time to strengthen your wellbeing, if I’m ever stressed about anything from school to relationships, I always find that having a quick dance can make me sane again! Cooking and baking are one of my favourite things to do, I find that when I’m in the kitchen I feel a lot more self-confidence, from this confidence I have made it a challenge for the year to make a new recipe every week and then share it with my friends. Having something that brings me joy but also gives me a challenge is such an important part of life. For this blog, I’m hoping to share creative recipes with Agata for you and helpful wellbeing tips, that engaged and inspire you. I am looking forward to this exciting year.

Emily-

Hey everyone! My name is Emily Bennett and I’m in year 9. I am in the fantastic homeroom that is Chanel 3! I have green eyes and brown curly hair. I am from a family of 6 with 4 kids, and I am the youngest (unfortunately). I love performing arts and I hope to be an actress when I grow up. Part of performing arts that REALLY makes me happy is singing. I’m in the college choir, cantare and Bridgettes and believe me if there were any more singing groups, I would be the first to sign up! I love the show F.R.I.E.N.D.S and will always be open to chatting about the WHOLE ENTIRE SHOW! (I’m on season 8 and am binge watching it every afternoon till I finish it). What you can be expecting from me is some funny comedy skits and videos on clubs and extracurricular activities. I hope you all enjoy the blog this year and I can’t wait to start posting!!!

Emelia-

Hey everyone! My name is Emelia Tobin and I'm so excited to be writing in the middle school blog this year! A little bit about me- I'm in Damien 2, the best homeroom, and I'm in grade 9. I have a pet dog called Avery who is really cute and very crazy. I love all types of music, and you'll find me with headphones in most of the time. I play netball, indoor cricket and like to swim. My favourite subjects are my electives Japanese, Art, and I like English. I also enjoy PE (even though I'm not very good). This year, I’m looking forward to connecting the middle school through the blog and posting reviews, advice, and articles relevant to you. If you have any suggestions for the blog, feel free to direct message me!

Georgia- 

Hi, my name is Georgia Bradley, I am in grade 9 and the best house, Delany. I love animals and I have the cutest dog in the world, he is a cavoodle and his name is Yoda. A fun fact about me is that I have travelled and lived in a lot of places. I have lived in Canberra, Dubai, London, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane. I have been lucky enough to have visited many places and my favourites being- France, Thailand, Vanuatu and the USA.  My favourite classes are Home Ec (the cooking section, I am terrible at sewing) and Drama. This year I want to post a lot of articles that will make you want to engage with middle school and be something you look forward to. I am really excited to be on the blog team and cannot wait for the year ahead.

Hannah- 

Hi, my name is Hannah Loli, I’m in year 9 and I am in the amazing homeroom of FO2. I have long curly brown hair and hazel eyes. I am the eldest of 5 children and the only girl. I am half Samoan (you have probably seen me doing traditional dancing) and I really enjoy sports such as touch football, rugby, volleyball, basketball and dance. I am a HUGE fan of the All Blacks so if you want to chat about last night’s rugby match, I’m your girl. I love listening to music and I wish I could sing along but I CAN’T sing for the life of me! I really enjoy cooking which is one of the reasons I chose Food and Textiles as an elective. My favourite subjects at school are Science (mainly biology) and English. When I am older, I am hoping to pursue my dream of being a sports team physiotherapist (hopefully for the All Blacks). This year I am wanting to post articles that will help you feel engaged and supported in the middle school. I’m so excited to be a part of the blog team and I’m am looking forward to the great year ahead with all of you.

Jazmin-

Hi girls, my name is Jazmin, I’m in year 9 and in the homeroom DM2. I have brown hair and greenish brown eyes. I’m the eldest of 3 kids, one brother and one sister. I love singing and dancing which I have been doing since I was 3 years old. I was born in a little city called Cairns in Far North Queensland and moved to Brisbane when I was in year seven. I am not a fan of running or humidity. I love the cold, it is my favourite time of year except spring because I was born on the 21st of October. This year I would love to post studying and homework tips, weekend activities or even top movie suggestions. When I’m older I would love to become an anaesthetist which is someone who gives patients needles to be put to sleep when going in for surgery. I love all sorts of music whether it be rock or classical, I always find a way to dance to it. I am sometimes a little crazy, but you’ll get used to it. I love helping people in all sort of ways and I’m so excited to be a part of the middle school blog for 2019.

We are all looking forward to posting entertaining and helpful content for the Middle School and we really hope that you enjoy. :)

The Middle School Blog Team