Dear Parents and Carers

This week we begin the season of Lent. We invite you and your family to take this opportunity for reflection, prayer, and renewal. Lent is a time to pause, refocus, and strengthen our faith through acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with God and extend kindness and generosity to those around us.

At school, we will be encouraging our students to think about small yet meaningful ways they can make a difference in their daily lives. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a friend, showing gratitude, or practicing patience, these simple acts of service contribute to a more compassionate and caring community. We thank our Mini Vinnies students for cooking pancakes for the Shrove Tuesday fundraiser and to our parent community for supporting this cause, with money raised going to Caritas Project Compassion.
We encourage you to join us in this Lenten journey by discussing with your children ways they can practice kindness and selflessness at home and in the wider community. Together, let’s make this season a time of spiritual growth and renewal for all.

Prayers for Pope Francis
As a Catholic community, we keep Pope Francis in our thoughts and prayers as he faces illness. His leadership continues to guide the Church, inspiring us to live with faith, compassion, and service. We invite you to join us in praying for his health and strength, asking God to grant him comfort and healing. May our collective prayers bring him peace, just as his words and actions have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world.

Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings

This week the Parent Teacher Introductory meetings have been held. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for teachers to connect with families, discuss students' progress, and set goals for the remainder of the year. We appreciate your active participation in this important process, as it plays a crucial role in supporting each student's learning journey.

I would also like to extend my thanks to our dedicated staff for the additional hours they put in to ensure these meetings run smoothly and effectively. Please remember that communication between parents and teachers is key to supporting student success. You are welcome to contact your child’s teacher at any time throughout the year to discuss progress or address any concerns you may have.

Additionally, we send out weekly emails outlining important information for the upcoming week. Please don't hesitate to reply to these emails if you have any questions or require further clarification on any matter.

Welcome Barbeque and Disco
We would like to invite all our St Bernard’s families to a Welcome Barbeque and Disco on Thursday 13 March from 5.00pm – 6.30pm. This will be held in the Lean To and on the bottom oval at St Bernard’s. There is no cost for the sausages and some of our Community Council members will be selling sweet treats. Don’t forget to RSVP by clicking on the following link by Friday 6 March.

NAPLAN

Next week, NAPLAN testing will commence on Wednesday 12 March and go through until Monday 24 March. Students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.

In preparation for NAPLAN, our school have been undertaking activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked.

Our priority is to ensure that our students have the right conditions to participate in the NAPLAN tests to the best of their ability and in an environment where they feel supported.

STEM Enrichment Program

Last week, the Year 6 STEM Enrichment Program, facilitated by Mr. Andrew Kenneally at Carroll College, commenced. This three-week program runs fortnightly, with students participating in groups of 10 to ensure everyone has an opportunity to take part throughout the year.

Our students will be joined by students from St Mary’s Moruya, fostering relationships, helping them become familiar with the high school environment, and engaging in an academically enriching experience.

School Assemblies
School assemblies are held on Fridays throughout the term at 8:45 am, with different grades taking turns to lead them. These assemblies serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the learning occurring in the classroom. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to present awards to students who demonstrate readiness to learn and exemplify the values of St Bernard's school. The names of the award winners are published in the school newsletter, ensuring recognition of their achievements. Parents, grandparents, and members of the community are encouraged to attend these assemblies. Upcoming assembly dates can be found on the parent Compass calendar or the school's Google Calendar. This regular assembly tradition not only fosters a sense of community and pride within the school but also reinforces the importance of academic excellence and positive behaviour among students.

Save the Date – 2025 Enrolments

Our official enrolment period for 2025 begins in Term 2 (5 May – 23 May). If you know families with children starting Kindergarten next year, please encourage them to attend our Open Day on Tuesday, 6 May (Week 2, Term 2). This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at St Bernard's and see our school in action.

Many of our Year 3 students are currently preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will take place on Tuesday 8 April at 5.00pm. This Sacrament is an important step in their faith journey, allowing them to reflect, seek forgiveness, and grow in their relationship with God. Please keep our young people and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion.

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

Karen Hadley

Principal