Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to the 2025 school year. On behalf of the staff, I extend a very warm welcome to both returning families and those who are new to our St Bernard’s community. A special welcome to the following new students

It was wonderful to welcome our Kindergarten students today for their first day. The students settled in very well this morning. Following the drop off, it was lovely to join with parents, carers, grandparents and other family members for morning tea. The first day of Kindergarten is a very significant day and we want you to know that we are here for you as you experience this milestone.

NEW LEADERSHIP

It is very exciting to begin as Principal of St Bernard’s school. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead what is already an excellent school and to work alongside a dedicated team, to provide a Catholic education inspired by the teachings of Jesus, tradition and the contribution of those before us.

Jeni McCarthy, Rebecca Keough and I were commissioned in our new roles as Assistant Principal, Religious Education Coordinator and Principal at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra before we commenced this year, reminding us of our important undertaking.

We are highly motivated and positive for what we can achieve together. We are fortunate to have  Matt Lowe join our leadership team as Coordinator and to have Jenny Smith continue in her Coordinator role, both leading curriculum and working as instructional coaches.

As we embark on the exciting journey of a new school year, we will share updates and information in this first newsletter of the year.

THEME FOR THE 2025 SCHOOL YEAR

At the conclusion of 2024, members of the new student leadership teams and Religious Education teachers from our three Catholic Pathway schools on the coast, came together to decide on a theme for the upcoming school year.

The 2025 theme chosen is inspired by the words of Pope Francis:

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

This theme reminds us to embrace and honour the diversity within our school community, finding inspiration in our differences and fostering a deeper sense of unity and love.

STAFFING UPDATE
A special welcome to new staff joining us this year: Ella Mitchell, Jackson Keen, Riley Nolan, Susan Alexander, Amelia Guilfoyle, and Erin Domeny.

• Ella Mitchell will teach 1KM on Thursday and Friday (even weeks) and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (odd weeks)
• Jackson Keen class teacher 5J
• Susan Alexander will work 5 days a week as a relief teacher
• Riley Nolan will work on Monday and Tuesday in the Aboriginal Language/Cultural Support Worker
• Amelia Guilfoyle joins the Classroom Support Team on Monday-Wednesday
• Erin Domeny joins the Classroom Support Team on Wednesday- Friday

We also warmly welcome Therese Armstrong back from her leave last year and Georgia Veneris from maternity leave.

This year we also have some staff fulfilling additional roles. They include:

• Brianna Rosenbaum- Support Teacher Monday-Thursday and teacher in KTR on Fridays
• Matt Lowe- Instructional Leader
• Jenny Smith- Instructional Leader
• Brendan Maynard- Contact Teacher for Aboriginal students
• Rebecca Keough- Enrichment Teacher
• Jessica Guthrie- Kindergarten PE
• Theresa Hopman- iCentre Assistant

We also welcome Fr Rex Curry who is currently acting as the St Bernard’s Parish Priest until newly appointed Parish Priest, Fr Joshy Kurien arrives in Batemans Bay. We look forward to working alongside Fr Rex over the next few months.

STAFF COMMISSIONING MASS

On Saturday 8 February we will mark the beginning of the school year with a Staff Commissioning Mass at St Bernard’s Church at 5:00 pm. This is a very special way to start the year, embraced by our school and parish community. We invite all members of our school community to be in attendance at this Mass.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Communication between home and school is both valued and encouraged. We believe it is one of the most vital elements in creating an effective and welcoming community. Emails and messages through Compass are being pushed out regularly with updates and important information to remind you of events and changes that may be occurring for your children. All classroom teachers have group emails created for their parent group. If your email changes, please advise our front office staff. Parent emails are kept private. Staff will always use Bcc when sending group emails.

Remember to check our website. Relevant curriculum information and school procedures are highlighted for your reference. There is much to communicate as we begin the new school year. I encourage all families to visit our school calendars for key dates such as parent-teacher conferences, school assemblies, and special events. Stay tuned for detailed calendars and reminders throughout the school year. Parent Introductory Meetings are planned for Week 5. Information regarding these meetings will be sent out to families in the coming week.

CLASSROOM MASTERY

We have high expectations of our students, and we are committed to ensuring that they are coming to school to learn in a safe, calm and predictable environment. To assist in creating an optimum environment for learning, we are moving into our second year of implementing the Classroom Mastery behaviour curriculum, focusing on explicitly teaching the skills and routines needed to create engaged, positive and productive classrooms.

All classes from Day One have been begun to practice the behaviour routines with their new class to ensure that everyone understands the behaviour routines for:

• Classroom Entry
• Classroom Exit
• Cue to Start -with attention to the teacher
• Student Movement

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PRESENTATION
Congratulations to our Year 6 students who were elected last year to the Student Leadership Team for 2025 and to all our Year 6 students who have become leaders of our school. All parents are invited to our first assembly next Wednesday 12 February at 8.45am. Year 6 will be leading our Assembly and all students will receive their leadership badges. All parents and friends are welcome

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Next Friday we look forward to the St Bernard’s Swimming Carnival at Bay Pavilions for all students in 3-6 and Year 2 students who meet the criteria for participation. Information about this day can be found in Compass. We hope that many of you will be able to attend to enjoy the day with us.

Please know we are here to support you in every way we can. I welcome you to reach out to me. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education, and we eagerly anticipate a fantastic school year ahead! 

Kind regards
Karen