Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been wonderful to welcome the students back to school this week. Many of us remarked at how settled, and happy the students have been moving back into the routines of learning after the two week holiday. I hope that you were able to enjoy a restful holiday and joyful Easter with your families.

The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday came as a shock to many, even after his long period of ill health. The days following Pope Francis' death have been an opportunity to reflect and pray in gratitude for his vision and teachings, which will most certainly have a lasting impact on all those within the Catholic church and beyond. This year's theme for our K-12 Catholic Pathway schools reflects Pope Francis' inspired teachings of inclusion and love for all:

“The Holy Spirit reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God – everyone equal in God’s love, and everyone different.” (Pope Francis)

ANZAC Day

Thank you very much to the families who were able to come along to the ANZAC marches in our local area. It is always a very moving occasion, especially to see the students proudly wearing sprigs of rosemary or the medals of their family members. You should be very proud of your children.

Catholic Schools Week

Term 2 marks the beginning of the official enrolment period for Catholic Schools. There are a number of events planned to take place next week to celebrate everything that makes Catholic Schools so unique.

The first of these events is on Monday 5 May for our Year 6 students and families, with the Carroll College Year 7 Information Evening in the Carroll College hall. 

On Tuesday 6 May, we will hold our Kindergarten 2026 Open Day, beginning at 9.30am for preschoolers and parents. If you know of someone who has a child who will be five years of age by 31 July next year and they are undecided about the school their child will attend, please encourage them to come along and contact us for an enrolment package. A link to enrol can be found on our website 

Additional activities include Year 5 and 6 students attending Carroll Day on Friday 9 May and later in the term, the Kindergarten Teddy Bears’ Picnic hosted by St Mary’s Moruya on Tuesday 20 May (Week 4).

Grattan Institute Mathematics Research- The Maths Guarantee- How to boost students' learning in primary schools.

Last year St Bernard's teachers and leaders took part in research conducted by the Grattan Institute into the teaching of Mathematics. St Bernard's were selected as a school recognised for using high impact teaching practices, based on evidence into the Science of Learning.

The high impact teaching that St Bernard's teachers deliver involves explicit instruction, where review of previously taught knowledge and skills is conducted each day, and new content is taught in small, managable chunks, where there are regular checks for understanding before teachers progress to teach new content.

The Grattan Institute Report was released during the school holidays. A link to the full report can be accessed here:

da Vinci Decathlon

Yesterday a team of Year 6 students travelled to Canberra to participate in the da Vinci Decathlon competition. Mrs Keough worked closely with the students over many weeks to prepare for this competition. Well done to our team! 

The students were the first to wear the new school blazers which were purchased with funds raised by our school community events. They look fantastic and will be a wonderful addition for our students to wear at various representative occasions.

Council of Catholic School Parents

The Council of Catholic School Parents ACT/NSW would like you to know of a special event they are running on the night of Tuesday 27 May to celebrate the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly.

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong, will read The Parable of the Lost Sheep online – a book reading designed to promote reading at home. The first 100 registrations will receive a copy of the book, a tipsheet about home reading and a fridge magnet with reading at home tips for parents and carers.

A link to register to this event is included in a flyer in this newsletter as well as a list of upcoming free events for parents and carers this term.

We wish our students who are competing tomorrow in the Southern Region Cross Country carnival the very best. Mrs Holmes and Mrs Tyler will be there to support the students.

I hope that we will see many of you next Friday 9 May at our Mother's Day Breakfast and Classroom Visits, starting at 8:00am, followed by the Year 5 Mother's Day Liturgy at 9:00am in the hall.

Have a lovely weekend

Kind regards,

Karen Hadley

Principal

“Come and Have Breakfast.”

 When it comes to breakfast, people around the world have developed an astonishing array of rituals and traditions, each reflecting their unique culture, history, and geography. Breakfast isn’t merely about satisfying hunger; it’s a celebration of life, a way to connect with one’s roots, and an expression of love.

 In Italy, breakfast is a sweet affair, quite literally. Italians indulge in a "dolce colazione," which translates to a "sweet breakfast." Imagine sipping a cappuccino alongside a freshly baked cornetto (like a croissant) filled with jam or chocolate!

 Japanese breakfasts often include a combination of steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and various pickled vegetables, while “Down Under” breakfast wouldn't be complete without a generous slather of Vegemite on toast and a hot “cuppa”.

Was it a coincidence then that Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias?

He had prepared a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it and bread ready for them to eat. It was in this most familiar act of love that they recognised their risen Lord. Jesus stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them and the same with the fish.

The disciples didn’t recognise Jesus at first, his identity became more apparent to them after his actions and after they had spent time with him. It was in this very familiar setting that Jesus asked them to be leaders, to feed his sheep and to do so with love. He challenged them to a life of service.

Pope Francis spoke extensively on the importance of service. His common theme was that service was not just an action, but a way of life, a core aspect of the Christian faith. He said, "True power is service," emphasising that leadership should be dedicated to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable.

Before Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, tens of thousands of dignitaries, pilgrims and tourists had the chance to line up and pay their respects. But in the moments before his casket was interred in a simple tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, a group of people living in poverty had the final chance to honour him. 

The Vatican says it was an indication of the "privileged place" that people living in poverty have in God's heart, and in Francis', who spent his pontificate advocating for the marginalised.  (CBC News 24.4.25)

"Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples." Pope Francis

In reflection, it may be in our most familiar places and routines that we will also be challenged to greater loving service just like the disciples were challenged that morning on the Sea of Tiberius.

Sharon Beashel - Teacher/ Parishioner

ST BERNARD’S PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2025 – CONFIRMATION

Families of children wishing to participate in the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to attend an upcoming Information/enrolment evening on Thursday 8th May at 5.00pm at St Bernard’s Church.

As the parents of children who were presented for Baptism, you have made a public commitment to accept the responsibility of raising your child in the practice of the Catholic faith. You child has since celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and it is now time for you to consider the next major step in your child’s journey of faith, Confirmation.

COST of the program is $40 and can be paid by EFTPOS or cash on the evening

IF YOUR CHILD HAS A STOLE, PLEASE BRING IT ALONG SO WE CAN ARRANGE THE EMBROIDERY

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Religious Education

Welcome back to Term 2, and what a full term it is bound to be!

The Life of Pope Francis

We were all surprised to hear of the passing of the late Pope Francis on Easter Monday, even after his period of ill health. The world will certainly be a different place without his presence and guidance. 

Pope Francis was a humble man right until the very end, yet he strived to be the voice for those less fortunate or without a voice. 

His pleas for peace in Gaza and in the Ukraine come to mind, with his focus on the people, the demise of liberty and the destruction of homes key to his message. He never lost hope and had no issues with being the gentle disruptor. One can not help but wonder if the infamous conversation held between Zalinski and Trump over the past week was the work of Pope Francis; did his wise words finally strike a cord?

It has been a merciful, people centred and globally aware Pontificate. Pope Francis not only spoke the Gospel, but he lived it too. His endeavours to remind the human race of their obligation to care for the earth was central to his reign, as was his constant focus on humanity living in harmony.

I hope you will join us all in praying for Pope Francis in this week of Novemdalies.

The Easter Story - A Retell by St Bernard’s Primary School

During the last week of Term 1, the students of St Bernard’s Primary School participated in a retelling of the final days for Jesus on Earth.

Each class prepared and presented a song, reflecting a moment from the last week for Jesus as he prepared to be crucified and resurrected. This was a joyous and reflective prayer where all students were encouraged to participate and understand this significant event on the Christian calendar. 

A big note of thanks to Ms Guthrie and all of the classroom teachers who worked alongside the students to bring this event to life. A special mention also to those students who took on an acting or speaking role. It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of an audience and commitment to recall lines. Congratulations!

For those of you who were able to attend, I am sure you will agree that the students truly shone. They were reverent and respectful in all aspects of their delivery and they are to be commended on this.

ANZAC Day Prayer Service

Church Links

Year 2 will attend Mass with the Parish this Friday (2 May) in the Church at 9:15 am. We would warmly welcome any families who may be available to attend to join us. Father Rex has extended this very generous offer for us to join as part of the Parish, adjusting Mass times to allow students and staff to attend.

During the holiday period, staff and families attended the Easter Masses held at the Parish. These events were reflective and beautiful. 

Personally, I found the Holy Thursday Mass incredibly moving. The congregation gathered sharing in prayer, and they were involved in many elements of the service. 

As we celebrated Mass, Father Rex washed the feet of parishioners just as Jesus did for his disciples. The end of the service was incredibly sombre. Those gathered were invited to follow Father Rex on a symbolic journey, the lights were turned off and the chalice of wine and the host (body and blood) into the meeting room, where we were invited wait and watch.

I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all who had a part in preparing these events and acknowledge those families and staff members who were able to attend.

Begin With The Heart

Congratulations to 2BM who won the Begin With The Heart class challenge for Week 10. The class challenge was to follow the HEART Value: Responsibility: I care for the environment. 

Our students will now focus on a tolerance value for the coming two weeks: I keep going when things get hard. Students will be rewarded hearts in their classroom heart jar whenever they demonstrate this value.

A big thank you to Finn and Willow in Year 6 for helping to count the votes. Democracy at work!

Sacramental News: Confirmation

This term, eligible Year 6 candidates are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Christopher Prowse will be in attendance this year.

I know the students will be very excited as they start to prepare for this very important moment in their faith journey.

An information pamphlet and an enrolment form will be sent home with the eligible candidates this week. We would ask you to complete the enrolment form and bring it with you to the enrolment evening on Thursday, 8 May at 5:00 pm at the Church. Please contact myself or Roslynne Trompe at the Parish Office if you have any questions.

Please take some time to note the key dates in your calendar, and feel free to reach out if you need any support. 

Religious Education Coordinator

Dear Parents and Carers, 

We hope all students had a relaxing and enjoyable break over the school holidays. Term 2 is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting one, with several events and activities planned across the school. We’re looking forward to welcoming families into our community to share in these special moments and celebrations throughout the term.

Save the Date: Walk Safely to School Day – Friday 16 May 

National Walk Safely to School Day is an annual event that encourages all primary school children, along with their parents and carers, to make walking part of their 

daily routine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote healthy habits, road safety, and the importance of being active every day. 

Walking to school not only supports physical health, but also has positive impacts on children's social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. By building these habits early, we help set our students up for lifelong health and wellbeing.

As part of National Road Safety Week, our school will be participating in Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 16 May. We warmly invite all students and their families to join us.

Meeting Point: Corrigan's Park (near the playground)
Time: Arrive at 8:00am, departing at 8:10am sharp via Beach Road

To celebrate the walk, students will receive stickers and fun tattoos when we arrive back at school.

Let’s walk together, stay active, and promote safety in our community. We hope to see you there!

Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Program – Keeping Our Children Safe

This term, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be taking part in the Daniel

Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum—a nationally recognised program designed to teach children how to stay safe in a range of situations.

The program focuses on three simple but powerful messages: Recognise, React, and Report. These lessons help children understand how to recognise unsafe situations, know how to respond appropriately, and feel confident reporting concerns to a trusted adult.

As part of the NSW PDHPE syllabus and with the support of Catholic Education, our school is committed to providing this important learning to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and strategies they need to keep themselves safe.

You can find more information about the curriculum here: Daniel Morcombe Curriculum

Recognise

The first key message, Recognise, is about becoming aware of our surroundings and identifying warning signs that something might not be safe. Children learn how to use their senses—what they see, hear, smell or feel—to help detect potential danger.

For example, hearing a fire alarm, noticing smoke, or feeling uncomfortable in a particular environment can be clues that it’s time to act. These skills also help children prepare for potentially risky situations, such as choosing safe walking routes or deciding who to go to if they get lost in a crowd.

Together, we will explore practical strategies children can use—like planning a meeting spot at a busy event, identifying safe adults to approach, or carrying emergency contact information.

By helping children learn to recognise danger and think ahead, we’re giving them the confidence and tools to protect themselves and seek help when needed.

We’ll continue to share updates as we explore the next two key safety messages—React and Report—over the coming weeks.

School Uniform Update – Cooler Weather Options

As the weather starts to cool down, we’ve had a few parents ask:
“Can my child wear their winter uniform on cooler days?”
The answer is – yes!

While the official start date for the Winter Uniform is after the June long weekend, students are welcome to begin transitioning to the Winter Uniform on colder days in the lead-up.

We encourage families to use their judgement based on daily weather conditions to ensure students are comfortable and appropriately dressed for the day.

For full details on our school uniform policy, including what’s required for each season, please visit: School Uniform Policy – St Bernard's

Thank you for helping us keep our students warm, comfortable, and looking their best!

Mother’s Day Celebrations

This year, we will celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 11 May, a time to honour the special people in our lives who love and support us unconditionally.

A big thank you to our Community Council for once again organising our annual Mother’s Day Stall. All students will have the chance to purchase a special gift on 

Thursday 8 May. Vouchers are now available via Qkr.

We also have a Mother’s Day Raffle, with a beautiful basket of goodies up for grabs! The lucky winner will be drawn at our school assembly on Friday 10 May.

Wishing all our mums, grandmothers, and special carers a very Happy Mother’s Day – we hope you feel celebrated and appreciated!

Kind regards

Jeni McCarthy

Assistant Principal

As Catholics, Jesus is central to our identity and way of life. We look to him as a model for behaviour, morality, prayer, love of neighbour and love of God. What many people don’t know is that the image of Jesus that we as Australians generally subscribe to is a very Euro-centric view (similar to those below), as Christianity, developed mostly in Europe in the early and middle ages.

In reality however, Jesus was born, lived and died in West Asia, in an environment quite different to that of Western Europe. Based on facial reconstructions of men in their early 30’s in Israel, Palestine and surrounds in the year 0, and utilising evidence from the Shroud of Turin, Jesus is thought to have looked more like the men depicted below. 

This interesting discussion led year 4 on a journey of discovery around the various cultural interpretations of Jesus and how, based on where one might live, and how the image and art surrounding Jesus might change. Year 4 explored images of Jesus from Indigenous Australia, Africa, India, Japan, China.

Students were encouraged to meditate on how they visualised Jesus, and utilising newly taught sketching skills, had the opportunity to depict Jesus as they saw him.

A word from James and Grace: 

During our Religious Education and Visual Arts lessons we learned about Jesus’ roots in West-Asia and how he probably looked really different to how we see him in our art. People from different countries see Jesus and relate to him differently depending on where they are from. For example an Aboriginal image of Jesus shows him with Ochre paint on his face. We also learned that Jesus was treated absolutely brutally and tortured before he died. 

This week, a team of eight students traveled to Canberra to participate in the da Vinci Decathlon Regional event. Despite the rain, numerous roadworks and the distance, these students were committed to getting to the event.

Looking exceptionally impressive in the school blazers, Mia B, Molly M, Ava G, Ava J, Rowan L, Lilly G, Holly B and Evie P proudly represented the St Bernard’s Primary School team in the Year 6 competition.

The students gathered in the large hall, surrounded by many students from the region. There was a nervous and excited energy in the air upon arrival as the students familiarised themselves with the exciting situation.

We were welcomed by Deputy Head of Canberra Grammar School, Dr Sandra Webster with special mention made of our long journey to participate. Our team sat a little taller at that moment!

All of the students demonstrated resilience, collaboration and team spirit across the entire day. They were exceptional school representatives, competing in all ten disciplines and having to work together to solve a variety of papers on the theme of sustainability.

A big thank you to the parents who supported the students in being able to attend this event. Regional schools are sometimes disadvantaged when events are held in major cities, however the exceptional support of our parent community ensures that our students are afforded opportunities such as this.

Archdiocesan Soccer Trials

Congratulations to Lucas VD, Quinn S, Raph C and Beatrix F who played at the Archdiocesan Football (Soccer) trials on Monday 7 April. The students had a wonderful experience, playing multiple games in various positions and were outstanding representatives of St Bernard’s. Lucas and Beatrix have been selected to attend the MacKillop Championships 30 May. We wish you every success.

Thank you to the wonderful families who continue to support Representative sport at St Bernard’s.

Southern Region Cross Country

Good Luck to our Southern Region Cross Country team who will compete at Wolumla tomorrow.

Lilly G, Molly M, Indiana A, Mia B, Holly L, Leila K, Chelsea M, Harper B, Ethan S, Sion D, Reuben S, Finn H, Reeve T, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Brooklen S, Eva C, Addison G, Azami S, Lucy B, Indie A, Noah S, Lucas VD, Ben F, Xavier L, George SD, Archie P, Astrid B, Ivy G, Winter W, Kate W, Charlene M, Alice L, Raph C, Lehan D, Cooper M, James P, Will O, Toby S, Juliette DC, Alyssa O'B, Sienna K, Olivia R, Sietta G, Ivy A, Miranda S, London B, Van C, Jacob B, Jordan L, James W & Mace M.

Upcoming Sport Dates

Friday 2 May - Southern Region Cross Country

Tuesday 6 - Friday 9 - May PSSA Tennis Championships

Friday 9 May - MacKillop Netball and Rugby League Championships

Tuesday 13 May - Canberra Goulburn Touch Football Trials

Friday 16 May - Canberra Goulburn Cross Country Championships

Tuesday 27 May - Canberra Goulburn Rugby Union trials

Friday 30 May - MacKillop Soccer Championships

Wednesday 11 June - NSWCPS Cross Country

Friday 13 June - St Bernard’s Athletics Carnival

Have a wonderful week,

  Angela Holmes

Friendship and Mental Health
Why is friendship important?
Friendship plays a significant role in our physical, mental, and emotional health. In healthy friendships they offer us a relationship of mutual care, affinity, and comfort.

Different types of friendships

Both children and adults may yearn for someone to call a “best friend,” but there are many kinds of healthy, beneficial friendships. As two people grow closer over time, they move through several phases of building a friendship.
1. Formation
The start of any friendship or relationship typically includes three distinct stages:
• Stranger: All friends start as strangers. At this level, small talk is exchanged as both people try to figure out if they want to learn more about each other.
• Role player: You may consider some people friends because of a certain role they play in your life,even if your feelings for them don’t run especially deep. Coworkers, classmates, and neighbors tend to fall into this category.
• Acquaintance: This is a good example of a “friendly but not friends” relationship. You probably know this person fairly well, and you may even like them—but you’re not really invested beyond keeping track of how they’re doing. Social media friends are often acquaintances.
2. Maintenance
At the heart of most true friendships is the maintenance stage. This involves putting in the work to cultivate and deepen the friendship.
• Close friend: Close friends spend time together in all kinds of settings and play multiple roles. At this stage trust is being tested. One person may share a secret or ask a tough question, hoping their vulnerability will be reciprocated.
• Best friend: Best friendships often feel similar to family relationships or romantic partnerships.
These friends know everything about each other, including all the embarrassing details. They know how to disagree without jeopardizing their relationship. They work hard to affirm each other and keep each other’s trust.
3. Dissolution
Many friendships end. Some may last a lifetime, but they usually cycle through different levels. It’s helpful to remember that the dissolution of a friendship isn’t always a bad thing. While some friendships end poorly, plenty of them fade out on good terms.
Healthy vs. unhealthy friendships
How can you tell if a friendship is healthy? Think about it in terms of mutual care, affinity, and comfort.
• Care: Does your friend truly care about you as a person, or do they only like what you can do for them? Do they ever put your health and safety at risk? Keep in mind that abuse can occur in all types of relationships, including friendships.
• Affinity: This may seem silly, but it’s important to ask: Do you truly like your friend? Sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of a new relationship that we forget to pay attention to how we really feel about the person.
• Comfort: Can you be yourself around your friend? Do you trust them? In a healthy friendship you shouldn’t have to deny any part of yourself to be accepted.
How does friendship impact mental health?
Friendship plays an important role in mental health. By investing in healthy friendships, you can:
• Reduce stress: Chronic stress can seriously impact your health. One study found that friends can act as a buffer in stressful situations.
• Improve self-esteem: Giving and receiving love and acceptance from others makes it easier to extend the same courtesy to yourself.
• Avoid risky behavior: For those who struggle with any risky behaviors, friendship can be a great source of support.
• Invest in your health: Friends can offer accountability in choosing healthier behaviors, such as eating better, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Helping your child to navigate new friendships or friendship problems can be as simple as reviewing some of the above pointers with your child during a supportive and non-judgmental conversation.
It is also important at times to give kids enough space to work out social problems on their own terms and on their own timelines, as many social conflicts will naturally resolve as children develop and gain further social/emotional skills. For more persistent serious friendship issues it may be helpful to explore alternatives to the problem friendship, such as a new social group or hobby, or consider a referral to the school counsellor.

Warm regards,
Damian Gerber
Student and Family Counsellor, St Bernard’s School

St Bernard’s Breakfast Club  

is open every

Wednesday Morning

 from 8:10 to 8:30 am

Please bring a gold coin donation.