Meet Our Team

Principal:

I became a teacher because I love working with children and it was always my first choice of profession. I love coming to work each day. The St Bernard's community is kind, compassionate, giving and dedicated to our school. I feel very privileged to be leading St Bernard's.

Mrs Johanna Wain

Assistant Principal:

I wanted to be a teacher since I was very young. I love working with children and really enjoy planning excellent learning opportunities for all students. Working with teachers is another passion, I am energised when collaborating with other teachers to ensure St Bernard's is an excellent school.

Mrs Karen Hadley

Religious Education Coordinator/ Classroom Support Teacher:

My favourite thing about St Bernard’s is that it an inclusive Catholic community. I have the opportunity to support students and teachers in every classroom. St Bernard’s is able to offer a range of learning options and interventions that support students reach their full potential. I feel privileged to work at our school.

Mrs Sharon Beashel

Coordinator and Stage One Teacher:

I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age. I have been inspired by teachers that taught me, as well some amazing teachers I was privileged to work with. I have a passion for creativity particularly the arts and its power to engage children in their learning. I hope to inspire children to a find that deep love of learning within themselves. When they discover it for themselves, it is like finding pure gold. The love, laughter, creativity and imagination of children are pure joy and the reason why I love driving through the gates each day. The staff are incredible, selfless people that give so much to others and the children in our care. They are truly the wings that help the school community fly and I couldn’t do my job with out them.

Mrs Jenny Smith

Coordinator & Classroom Support Teacher:

My favourite thing about St Bernard’s is the community of inspiring educators, engaged students and supportive families. When you walk through the front gates at St Bernard’s you get a real sense of being welcomed and appreciated. All of the members of our community are responsible for this inclusive environment, that supports students throughout their important Primary School years. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. I went to St Bernard’s as a student and was inspired by my teachers to become a Catholic School Educator. I knew by becoming a teacher I could make a difference in children’s life’s, by instilling in them Catholic values and a love of learning, that would support each child in successfully achieving their very best.

Ms Jeni McCarthy

School Officers:

Mrs Miners... My favourite thing about St Bernard’s is the people!

Mrs O'Brien... The thing I love about St Bernard's is the warm sense of belonging I feel when I walk thru the gates and the wonderful students that we are blessed to be working with.

My 3 children attended St Bernard's many years ago and I was so impressed with sense of community. When an opportunity over 20 years ago came to change careers I grabbed it and have loved every minute since.

Mrs Ward... My favourite thing about working at school is the students and families. Every day is different which makes the days very busy and enjoyable.

Ms Heidi Miners, Mrs Deb O'Brien and Mrs Jennifer Ward

office.stbernards@cg.catholic.edu.au

Kindergarten:

Mrs Brady... My favourite thing about St Bernard's is the sense of community. It is a privilege to work with such amazing children, families, staff and Parish members. I became a teacher because I love working with children. They make every day unique and teach us to find joy in the little things.
Mrs Tyler ...I chose to be a teacher because I love working with children! It is a privilege to guide and support their learning and to help them experience the joy of discovery. I have had wonderful teachers in my own life and now work with incredible educators here at St Bernard's. I love teaching at St Bernard's as we lead with the heart and support all students to be their very best. We are a vibrant, enthusiastic and welcoming community, all of us on the journey of discovery together; staff and students alike!

Mr Matt Lowe... I am so lucky to be a teacher. Watching children grow, realise their potential, and sharing in their learning journey is packed full of rewarding moments. I love how welcoming and supportive the staff are at St Bernard’s. Each child and family are treated with care and respect while we work collaboratively to provide the best education and care for each individual child. It is a pleasure to be part of such an amazing group of teachers and support staff.

Mrs Therese Armstrong...I have always loved being a teacher, and having the privilege of working with your children everyday brings so many rewards and joyful experiences. After some years overseas, it was wonderful to be welcomed back to the warm and caring community of St Bernard’s in 2021. Our school is a very special place of learning and friendship and I am looking forward to sharing my love of learning with the children of St Bernard’s for years to come.

Mrs Rebecca Brady/ Mrs Laura Tyler (KB), Mr Matt Lowe (KL) & Mrs Therese Armstrong (KT)

Year 1:

Ms McRae....Being welcomed into the St Bernard’s community can be likened to a warm familiar hug from a loved grandma. It feels extremely safe and always supportive.

My teaching journey began when I became a mum. I wanted a reliable and stable job to support my two boys. Since then, it has become so much more. I have been so inspired by students’ learning and how their confidence increases in a supportive classroom. Teaching is more than just a profession. It has now become my passion. I am so grateful to be at St. Bernard's Primary School.

Ms Campbell... My favourite thing about St Bernard's school is how welcoming the community is. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. My Dad was my inspiration for me becoming a teacher he was an amazing role model. There is no better feeling than watching a child have an 'ah ha' moment learning.

Ms Alyssa Mcrae (1M) Ms Claire Campbell (1C)

Year 2:

Mrs Smith ... I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age. I have been inspired by teachers that taught me, as well some amazing teachers I was privileged to work with. I have a passion for creativity particularly the arts and its power to engage children in their learning. I hope to inspire children to a find that deep love of learning within themselves. When they discover it for themselves, it is like finding pure gold. The love, laughter, creativity and imagination of children are pure joy and the reason why I love driving through the gates each day. The staff are incredible, selfless people that give so much to others and the children in our care. They are truly the wings that help the school community fly and I couldn’t do my job with out them.
Mrs Hicks... My favourite thing about St Bernard's is the warm and welcoming environment. St Bernard's is a very inclusive community. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from my very first year in Kindergarten. I love nurturing young children and watching them blossom into independent and resilient young people.

Mrs Naomi Beatty... I love the school community and I truly value all the wonderful friendships I have made. I became a teacher because it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I love learning and I love helping others learn. Being a teacher is my absolute passion.

Mrs Jenny Smith/ Mrs Jane Hicks (Yr 2J) & Ms Naomi Beatty (Yr 2B)

Year 3:

Mrs Davis...My favourite thing about St Bernard's Primary School is the positive learning culture along with the welcoming and caring vibes shared throughout the school community. I became a teacher as my own Kindergarten teacher left a positive impact upon my life through her patience and caring nature. As a teacher, I aim to make a difference to the lives of the children, promote lifelong learning and make each individual believe they can achieve.
Mrs Tyler ...I chose to be a teacher because I love working with children! It is a privilege to guide and support their learning and to help them experience the joy of discovery. I have had wonderful teachers in my own life and now work with incredible educators here at St Bernard's. I love teaching at St Bernard's as we lead with the heart and support all students to be their very best. We are a vibrant, enthusiastic and welcoming community, all of us on the journey of discovery together; staff and students alike!

Mr Ward... I enjoying working with like-minded staff, friendly students and the welcoming community. All stakeholders work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for the students. St Bernard's is an inspiring and special place to work. I was fortunate in my schooling to have some great teachers who made a positive impact on my education. I am passionate about encouraging students to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners.

Mrs Sarah Davis/ Mrs Laura Tyler (3D) & Mr Ward (3W)

Year 4:

Mrs Keough... My favourite thing about St Bernard's: As a new employee within the St Bernard's Team, I must admit that I have been incredibly humbled and warmed by the friendly and welcoming community feel of St Bernard's Primary School. The smiling faces of the students, the cheery greetings from parents, the collaborative nature of the staff and the supporting nature of the Leadership team have stood out from the first day I walked in the gate.

Mrs Coulter... Why did I become a teacher: I am a lifelong learner with a curious nature. Becoming a teacher was more of a calling than a choice. As an educator, I relish the opportunity to work alongside students to discover their God-given gifts, to support them in understanding that learning is supposed to challenge and enrich us as humans, and to craft the curiosity that children naturally exude into something they can share with the world.

Mrs Rebecca Keough (4K) & Mrs Vyvette Coulter (4C)

Year 5:

Mr Brendan Maynard... As a teacher I love working alongside families and peers to create engaging and rich opportunities for children to grow, learn and play! I enjoy seeing the delight students have as they achieve new skills and gain greater insights into themselves and the world around them. I am passionate about my faith and am thankful for the blessings each day gives as a chance to live with family and friends and enjoy the life I have. My greatest talent is story telling. I love to share stories, read stories and listen to new stories! I am looking forward to adding new stories to my repertoire as the year unfolds here at St. Bernard’s.

Mrs Metcalf... My favourite thing about St Bernard's is the spirit within the school. The feeling of camaraderie among staff, students and the wider community. The friendship, goodwill and gospel values that permeate all areas. Teaching was my chosen career from a very young age. I saw teaching as a way of igniting my love of learning in others. Throughout my career, I have had the joy of sharing in the learning journey of many students and seen them grow into perceptive, insightful, caring adults, who are grounded in a strong belief in themselves. I feel privileged to be able to give these young students the learning opportunities to grow into independent, individual, compassionate adults.

Mr Brendan Maynard (5M) & Mrs Dianne Metcalf (5D)

Year 6:

Mrs McRae... I have always wanted to be a teacher. I remember telling my mother when I was in Year 2 that I wanted to be a teacher. The school I attended for the first four years of Primary school was a two-teacher school. Consequently, I had the same teacher from Kindergarten to Year 3. I think she was a huge influence on my career choice – she was such a lovely lady! I am fortunate to have experienced St Bernard’s as a parent and as a member of staff. As a parent and member of staff I feel very comfortable within the St. Bernard’s community. As a parent, I met some wonderful people, several who became close friends. As a member of staff, I enjoy the support and friendship of my colleagues.

Mrs Elizabeth Coggan (6C) & Mrs Suzie McRae (6M)

ICT Technical Support:

Mr Damien Hughes

ICentre Assistant:

Mrs Hopman...My favourite thing about St Bernard's is the inviting and wonderful learning environment. Although, the children and people that fill it are equally wonderful. It's a pleasure to work in such a beautiful space. I became a Library Assistant at St Bernard's after a suggestion from a friend who knew how much I'd enjoy it. I'm so glad I did - working in the iCentre makes me so happy (getting to see all the kids every week is priceless, oh and that new book smell is unbeatable). This also led to my additional role as Classroom Support Assistant, where I get to work with the best team a person could hope for! Blessed to belong here.

Mrs Theresa Hopman

Aboriginal Contact Teacher

Mrs Karen Hadley

Dhurga and Culture:

Ms Trish Ellis

Performing Arts:

Ms Guthrie... My favourite part about being a teacher at St Bernard’s is the community. The connection that students, families and teachers share. When moving to Bateman’s Bay I was nervous. After my first casual day I knew this is the school I wanted to teach at. Everyone is welcoming and wants the best for all students. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. Playing teacher games as a child, there was no doubt that it was what I wanted to be. After taking on teaching roles through Surf life Saving and Surfing during my university degree. It cemented my decision. I wish to make a difference in each child’s life and give them the best opportunity for learning and success I can. Every day I strive to teach all students to be creative, imaginative, confident people that are kind and compassion to those around them.

Ms Jessica Guthrie

Science:

I chose to be a teacher because I love working with children! It is a privilege to guide and support their learning and to help them experience the joy of discovery. I have had wonderful teachers in my own life and now work with incredible educators here at St Bernard's. Guiding students in developing their understandings and self-awareness, embracing their curiosity and imagination, making connections with their wider world and stepping into an inspired life of learning makes for dynamic and exciting days in and outside the classroom. I love teaching at St Bernard's as we lead with the heart and support all students to be their very best. We are a vibrant, enthusiastic and welcoming community, all of us on the journey of discovery together; staff and students alike!

Mrs Laura Tyler

Physical Education & Digital Technologies:

My favourite thing about St Bernard’s is wonderful students I get to work with everyday. I also enjoy the beautiful environment we have here with lots of open space close to our beautiful beaches. I love being part of a community where everyone is known. I love that even as the students leave our school they still are part of our St Bernard’s family. I was very lucky I had chosen a very different corporate degree to enrol in but over the break before I started university I volunteered to work with children from my parish school Holy Family in Parkes. I fell in love with the job, working with children watching them have that light bulb moment, sharing in their enthusiasm when they figure something out was so rewarding. I discovered the joy you get when you help someone unlock their potential and I still get that joy today I am very glad I chose to become a teacher.

Mrs Angela Holmes

Student Welfare Officer:

My favourite thing about St Bernard’s school is the genuinely friendly, caring culture and the welcoming school community.

Why did you become a teacher/CSA ? Because I love to engage with students in their learning, as their minds tick and they experience their light bulb moments of understanding.

Ms Michele Schiefferly

Student Counsellor:

Ms Faith Costigan

Classroom Support Assistants:

Mrs Talbot... I love the inclusive, caring nature of the school and being part of a great team. I love working with kids and watching them grow in their learning.

Mrs Burrows.... My favourite thing about St Bernard's is the students and being part of their way through their Primary education.I started by going to my children's Kinder classes and doing reading. I applied for a CSA job and as well as fitting into my life with my boy's, it turned into a vocation.The constant support with my studies and seeing how I could make a difference is something I am very proud of. I also feel like it is giving back to our school community, who nurtured my boys.

Mrs Fitzgerald... My favourite thing about St Bernard’s is being apart of and working with the community within our school. I became a Classroom Support Assistant because I love working with children and being able to support them in their learning journey.

Mrs O'Brien... The thing I love about St Bernard's is the warm sense of belonging I feel when I walk thru the gates and the wonderful students that we are blessed to be working with.My 3 children attended St Bernard's many years ago and I was so impressed with sense of community. When an opportunity over 20 years ago came to change careers I grabbed it and have loved every minute since.

Mrs Briggs...

Mrs Freeman... I really admire the St. Bernard's school community as a whole and have immense respect for the values it stands for. It is inspiring working in such a dedicated environment with students' emotions and education needs always front and centre. I became a CSA as I can't think of too many things more important than making a positive change in a child's life during their foundation years. If I can make one child a little happier and more emotionally prepared each day, that is all the reward I need.

Mrs Penberthy... My favourite thing about St Bernard's School is the very welcoming atmosphere I received each time I entered the school, accompanied by a truly dedicated team of hardworking work colleagues. I became a CSA because I am drawn to the supportive nature of the role and being able to help each child embrace 'little steps' towards achieving 'bigger goals'!

Mrs Tracey Talbot, Mrs Michelle Burrows, Mrs Theresa Hopman, Mrs Amanda Fitzgerald, Mrs Deb O'Brien, Mrs Shani Briggs, Mrs Kristy Freeman and Mrs Dawn Penberthy.