Dear Parents and Carers

It has been lovely to return to school this week. I would like to begin by congratulating Mrs Karen Hadley on her appointment as Principal from 2025. Mrs Hadley has been an integral part of our school community, demonstrating excellent leadership, compassion, and commitment. I am confident that, under Mrs Hadley’s guidance, our school will continue to flourish and reach new heights.

Sacrament of First Eucharist
Congratulations to our Year 4 students who will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first-time next Sunday. All families are welcome to join us for this special celebration at 9.00am at St Bernard’s Church, followed by morning tea. A special thank you to Fr Loi, Mrs Beashel, Mrs Coulter and Mr Lowe for preparing the students for this special celebration. “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life” (Pope Francis, 2019). 

Parent Engagement Workshop
Last Tuesday, Sarah Rose, Family Engagement Officer at Catholic Education, facilitated a workshop to parents and teachers on how parent engagement can support improvement in student outcomes. Thank you to our parents who were able to attend. I hope you found Sarah’s presentation as insightful as I did. It reminded me of the immense value in building and nurturing positive relationships with our families. One quote that resonated deeply with me was: “Developing positive relationships between home and school pays off in terms of learning and wellbeing for all. Positive relationships are strengthened through common purpose – let’s create one!” 

As we continue this school year, I encourage us all to keep this message in mind. By fostering connections with home and school, we not only support students’ academic growth but also contribute to their overall wellbeing. Together, we can create a strong, united community that benefits everyone.

Storyline
Next Tuesday 24 September, from 9.30am - 10.00am, all parents are invited to visit classrooms to come and see what your child/ren have been learning over the term. Each class launched a Storyline Unit to engage the students in their History Geography. I hope you can join us in this wonderful celebration of learning. I know your child/ren are very excited and proud to be sharing their work with you. 

Tournament of Minds
Congratulations to our outstanding students who competed in the ANU Tournament of Minds (TOM) competition! The students proudly represented St Bernard’s, showcasing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. A special mention goes to Mrs Keough for preparing and supporting our students. The students received 9^th place out of 23 teams. What a wonderful achievement, we are very proud of you all!

Congratulations to Mrs Holmes and Mrs Keough
Mrs Holmes and Mrs Keough have been selected as a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert for the 2024-2025 program year. Their dedication to transforming education through technology and commitment to sharing best practices with their colleagues have earned them this prestigious recognition. Mrs Holmes and Mrs Keough are the first MIE Experts in our Archdiocese, and we are very fortunate to have their leadership and support at St Bernard’s. Congratulations to you both!

CSPA Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning
Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are collaborating with the University of New England (UNE) to conduct a national study on student wellbeing and learning. They are aiming to collect evidence through a survey from a broad sample of parents and carers of children attending Catholic schools in Australia. The survey will be open until the end of October. Results will be used to report to the Federal Government and Catholic Education.  

Please see the information below and I encourage them to participate in the survey.

Key Events Term 3

• The Sacrament of First Eucharist is taking place Sunday 22 September at 9.00am.
• Storyline Presentation of Learning will take place Tuesday 24 September, from 9.00am – 10.00am. Parents will be invited to share in the learning in classrooms.
• St Bernard’s is celebrating the end of Term 3 with a Disco on Thursday 26 September. All students are invited. Parents are welcome to drop their children off at the school Hall at 5.00pm and pick up at 6.30pm. Staff will be supervising the children.

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. A special thank you to our St Bernard’s Staff who go above and beyond their duties each term. We have a highly dedicated team who is continually planning and working behind the scenes to plan quality teaching and learning for each student to reach their full potential.

A reminder that the last day of Term 3 is Thursday 26 September, and all students resume for Term 4 on Tuesday 15 October. On Monday 14 October, St Bernard’s Staff will be participating in a Staff Spirituality Day led by staff from the Catholic Identity Team at Catholic Education.

Blessings on your family this week.

Warm regards

Johanna Wain
Principal

Instructional Coaching

This week on Monday we welcomed Jared Bussell to St Bernard’s. Jared is from Shaping Minds and provides external coaching to schools as part of the CECG Catalyst program. Jared observed a number of teachers delivering Maths lessons during his visit and provided individual feedback to each staff member. The process is very affirming for staff and provides them with strategies to improve high impact teaching and student learning.

A key focus in Jared’s feedback was the importance of student’s voices throughout the lesson. Students need to verbalize their thinking to a partner using full sentences, for knowledge to stick. This may happen multiple times throughout a lesson to keep engagement high and task focused. This will be a key focus for our school moving forward into Term 4.

Instructional coaching is widely used in schools to enhance teachers’ professional development. Research has shown that coaching improves professional knowledge , use of evidence- based practices and ultimately , students learning. It can be applied across all subject areas.

This year we have implemented HITP Instructional Coaching at our school. Rebecca Brady and I are the instructional coaches for our school. We have been trained under the guidance of Jessica Colleau Terradas from Catholic Education Canberra. Bec and I have been involved in coaching cycles with several of our teachers that has involved observation, modelling of teaching practices and individual feedback. We have found this process very valuable and supportive for staff who want to improve their skills in High Impact Teaching practices.

Public Speaking

Last Monday Week 8 St Bernard’s hosted the Archdiocesan Public Speaking. Johann D , Beatrix F and Annie F represented St Bernard’s. Each student did an outstanding job on the day delivering their speech to the audience. Congratulations to Beatrix F who was the overall winner for the Year 4 category. We are so proud of you all. A special thank you to our judges on the day; Mrs Sharon Beashel, Mrs Suzie McCrae , and Mrs Jan Day.

Storyline Week 10

On Tuesday in Week 10 St Bernard’s will open its door for Storyline to share and celebrate each grades learning journey this term. Classrooms have been transformed into captivating learning spaces integrating the Arts, Science and History and Geography showcasing students’ knowledge and skills in a fun and playful way. Students are looking forward to dressing up as their character and sharing their learning with each visitor.

School Disco

On Thursday we will celebrate the end of term with a School Disco starting at 5.00pm. Students can wear their favorite disco outfits and be dropped off to the hall. All students must be signed in and out from the disco. Food will be available to purchase from the Canteen assisted by the parents . We are looking forward to a fun filled night.

Jenny Smith

Acting Assistant Principal

           “ Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…”

The gospel today has Jesus continuing to explain/educate the disciples in what is going to happen to Him. He is also trying to prepare them for what it means to be a true follower. It is taking time for them to fully understand and they are hesitant in asking questions or expecting Him to offer explanations. Along the way, Jesus hears them engaging in an argument. When asked the reason for the argument they were reluctant to answer or engage in discussion. To encourage them Jesus brings a child to the circle meeting. The second reading from James, together with the gospel set the scene for a profound message for us, one which is relevant in our world today. The two readings provide us with much on which to meditate, “ much food for thought”.

We know that the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest and who would be leader. James poses the questions “ Where do these wars and battles between yourselves start? …the desires fighting inside your own selves. You have an ambition…” Unfortunately we seem to live in a society which encourages us to compete and strive to be the best above all else. This can begin very early in life. After all who doesn’t want to be popular and successful? Sadly, we see it all around us- egos taking over. Often we find other emotions/ aspects manifesting or taking over- anger jealousy, selfish ambition and envy. James suggests that we need to be careful that when we pray it is not for something to indulge “ your own desires”.

Enter a child into Jesus’ explanation!  In that time and society, a child had no legal rights, status or power. Jesus is again alluding to the notion of “ suffering servant hood” when He explains that these children who have no power and are seemingly without expectations need care and consideration.

Jesus is telling the disciples that true greatness and importance comes from being humble and serving others. In other words we must welcome, accept and care for those who are seen as being of least importance. We need to live out our faith and trust in God.

The readings suggest that we reflect on humility, wisdom and service. Are we afraid to ask/ think what those attributes may imply for our lives?  Are we challenged to think about how we live our faith, interact and minister to others in our community?  If we explore the messages in the readings we may find we have a deeper understanding of the commitment required of a true follower of Christ.

 Prayer from St Vincent de Paul reflection “ Lord , may we always know how close You are to us and guide us in true humility and service. “ AMEN

    Ken and Carolyn  Evenden

Dear Parents and Carers,

I had the pleasure this week of attending the Year 4 Overnight Excursion to Canberra. The children enjoyed a range of activities which included the National Zoo and Aquarium, Arboretum, AIS, ANU Night Observatory, Botanic Gardens, Questacon and finally the Film and Sound Archive. 

I would like to especially acknowledge the dedicated preparation, supervision and organisation by our Year 4 teachers Vyvette Coulter and Matthew Lowe. The excursion ran like clockwork, to this we owe you thanks.

To the teachers and parents who assisted the group, we couldn’t have mastered the two days without you. Your personal care and understanding of each and every student's needs never went unnoticed. Thank you for taking the time away from your family and routines to be with us.

Finally to our students - thank you for your excellent behaviour and eager participation during each activity. The personal resilience and organisation you displayed being away from home and experiencing new situations was amazing. You were excellent representatives of St Bernard’s school and your families.

First Eucharist

The Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. It is the summit of the Church’s activity and the source of grace for Christian living. In the Eucharist, the Church is instructed by the Word of God and nourished at the table of the Lord so that we are all drawn into closer union with God and with our community.

On Sunday, fifteen children will make their First Holy Communion at the 9.00am Parish Mass. Thank you to the parents of our candidates who have spent the last month in preparation and prayer in readiness for the sacrament.

Today candidates received Reconciliation from Father Loi. Reconciliation is closely linked to the sacrament of the Eucharist. The core of Reconciliation is God’s love for us and his desire to heal us and set us free when we turn to him and seek his mercy.

Congratulations to our candidates - Subanya KG, Deric B, Lucy B, Piper B, Eva C, Alyssa D, Beatrix F, Annalise J-P, Xian M, Beau O’D, Angus P, Archie P, Matilda R, Quinn S and Annie W.

The school community is invited to attend our First Eucharist Mass and Morning Tea on Sunday 22 September. Mass will begin at 9.00am.

Archdiocesan Assembly

The 2024 Archdiocesan Assembly is a key gathering for the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

The Assembly will focus on celebrating the Year of the Holy Spirit and explore new opportunities for spreading the faith and building community and collaboration in the life and mission of our local Church going forward.

Year 6 students will participate in a Student Discernment Workshop at school next week.Their workshop question will be, “How can the Church help young people know Jesus?”

The Archdiocesan Assembly will be held from 18-20 October 2024. Our community will be able to attend the Narooma Hub on Saturday the 19 October.

If you would like to attend the Assembly please contact Jennifer Smith at school or Father Loi at the Parish Office.

Operation Christmas Child - Final Call

Thank you for your generous donations for Operation Christams Child this term. Evelyn Bennett will be collecting all donations tomorrow Friday 20 September.  Mini Vinnies has also raised funds in the amount of $130.75 for the postage of boxes by selling ice blocks each Monday. A huge thank you to all children who volunteered their lunchtimes to do this. I know that there will be many delighted children receiving Christmas Boxes this year.

Important  Religious Education Dates for October

Monday 14 October - Pupil Free Day (Staff Spirituality - Walking Together)

Staff will explore the Journey to Emmaus as the theological model for synodality and introduces the ACBC document on evangelisation (Encounter, Discipleship,Mission) and the importance of developing a culture of dialogue which finds its origins in an understanding of the dignity of the human person.

Saturday 19 October - Archdiocesan Assembly Narooma

Wednesday 23 October - Socktober Penalty Shoot Out

Friday 25 October - Mission Mass and Market Day Stalls

As you know I will be on LSL during Term 4. I’m very excited to be able to do some travelling with my nearest and dearest. Mrs Jennifer Smith will be acting as Religious Education Coordinator during my leave. Jenny is well under way with planning for Term 4. She will do a wonderful job promoting the faith life of the school and supporting the Religious Education teaching and learning at St Bernard’s. I will really miss you all but know that you are in the best of hands.

Prayer for the Year of the Holy Spirit.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,

did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

Grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may

be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolations.

Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen

Every blessing on your coming week and the term ahead

 

Sharon Beashel

Religious Education Coordinator

NSWCPS Athletics Championships

On Wednesday, 25 September thirteen of our students will compete at the NSW Combined Primary School Athletics Championships.

Good luck to the following students who are selected to compete: Lebron C, Hudson E, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Lucas VD S, Remi C, Annie F and our wonderful Junior and Senior relay teams; Charlie M, Indie F, Aurelia S, Beatrix F and Korban S, Ollie L, Brennan C and Didier DC.

Congratulations to our students on their dedication leading up to the event. Many students train for different events during their recess and lunch times, and the students commitment to improving their technique and stamina is to be commended.

Todd Woodbridge Cup Tennis

On Thursday 5 September over 100 students from Year 3 and 4 participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup. The students were outstanding. 

Congratulations to all the students for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

We had five students awarded for their team play, fairness and skill. 

Imogen R, Yana K, Blake B, Elijah McG, Tilly R.

We had two teams win their divisions and they played off in the final. Congratulations Xavier L, Quinn S, Beatrix F, Lucy B, Noah S, Nick E, Charlie M, Tilly R Ben F, Raph C, Astrid B, Winter W, Sion D and Harlo P. Both teams will now compete at the Southern Zone final.

Then on Tuesday 10 September students from Year 5 and 6 also participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup. The students were wonderful. 

They are to be commended for their dedication during our practice sessions and their enthusiasm and sportsmanship on the court.

We had five more students who were selected by teachers from other schools and Tennis NSW for their team play, fairness and skill, qualities we pride ourselves on at St Bernard’s. Congratulations to Mia B, Oscar J, Mia S, Evie P and Taj B.

We had one team win their division and they played off in the finals. This team of Annie F, Indiana A, Brennan C, Seth L, Georgina W, Lilly G, Ollie L and Oscar J won their final three sets to one and will now compete at the Southern Zone Championships in Ulladulla on Thursday 17 October. What a terrific result against so many schools from across our area.

 Angela Holmes

Term 3

Week 8 Class Awards

Presented: Friday 13 September 2024.

Congratulations to the following children who received a class award in Term 3, Week 8. It is great to see so many children working hard and receiving acknowledgment for their efforts.

Well done to all!