Dear Parents and Carers

We have reached the end of another term… it’s hard to believe we are three quarters of the way through the school year. It’s been a very hot start to Spring. Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) describe the potential level of danger should a bushfire or grassfire start. They do not indicate the chance of a fire occurring. The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System has four ratings. Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. We will provide information around school closures next term from Catholic Education. Decisions will be made in line with advice from the Rural Fire Service. I have heard from some families that students may be anxious following the fires that occurred over the 2019/2020 Summer. This is understandable and we will be here to support students. Further on in the newsletter we have included some information from Royal Far West. Please read through this information for further support.   

We have achieved many goals and we have much to celebrate. It was lovely to see so many parents and friends on Wednesday visiting the classrooms for our Storyline Learning Journey. I had the pleasure of visiting each grade and I was so impressed by the level of hard work and effort that had been achieved throughout the term. The enthusiasm, engagement and culmination of learning was certainly evident as I moved around the classrooms.

On behalf of the Staff, thank you to all our families for the many ways you have contributed to our school this term. The partnership between school and home is highly valued. The students have been consistently engaged in their learning and I would like to congratulate them on their hard work.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the Parents and Friends Committee for assisting at the disco last week. Thank you for your time and work that you put into school events, it is always much appreciated.

A huge thank you to our dedicated St Bernard’s Staff who go well and beyond their duties each term. We have an amazing team! A special thank you to our Support Team: Jen, Amanda, Michelle, Tracey, Deb, Theresa, Dawn, Faith, Mackenzie, Kylie, Brianna, Shani, Kristy, Britney, Michele and Jenny. They work throughout the school supporting teachers and students in targeted learning programs. Our Support Team continually work behind the scenes in many aspects of the school and are extremely dedicated to their roles. They do a wonderful job, always assisting where they can. I’m sure you’ll join with me in thanking the Staff for their wonderful commitment.

This year we have been fortunate enough to receive a Sporting Schools Grant to assist us to run a Swimming Program for Kinder to Year 6 students. Over the past couple of years, we have struggled to find enough instructors, but we are hoping that we will be able to go ahead this year! The grant will go towards paying part of the cost of the program for families. The Program is planned to run at Batemans Bay Pool in Term 4 Week 8. This is a great initiative and promotes water safety. A special thank you to Mrs Holmes for her effort and organisation. It will certainly benefit all our students!

Term 4 Calendar
We have another busy term ahead with a number of exciting events happening. Some key dates for the term include:

• Year 6 Camp: 1-3 November
• Mission Mass and Mission Market Day: 20 October
• Parent Expo for Kindergarten 2024: 9 November at 6.00pm
• Kindergarten Orientation: 10 & 17 November (9.00am 11.00am)
• School Dance Performance: 16 November at 1.45pm
• Parent Teacher Interviews: 4 & 5 December
• Graduation Mass: 7 December at 9.15am
• Candle Ceremony: 8 December at 1.45pm

MacKillop Trials at Homebush
Some of our talented athletes represented the school in Sydney on Monday at the MacKillop Trials. Congratulations to Samuel S-D, Arthur S-D, Brennan C, Rogan H, Sebastian C, Lucas V, Harper B, Ollie L, Molly W, Annie F, Ruby B, Hailey I, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Lilly G and Georgina W, on their efforts. The students said they had a great day and showed excellent team spirit, cheering on their peers and students from neighbouring schools. I was very proud of our St Bernard’s students on their amazing efforts and kindness towards each other.

Next term we ask all students to wear their summer uniform when they return to school. We look forward to the warm weather ahead.

All students return on Tuesday 10 October.  A Staff Development Day will be held on Monday 9 October.

Enjoy a lovely holiday with your family.

Kind regards

Johanna Wain
Principal