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