Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you have enjoyed a great week so far.

Last week Year 5 students attended their two night camp to Birrigai in Canberra. The students spent three days immersed in the history of the Gold Rush. Students panned for gold, engaged in a simulation activity focusing on life in the gold fields and enjoyed creating a campfire and making damper. The students were excellent and certainly represented St Bernard’s beautifully. A special thank you to Year 5 teachers Mr Keen, Mrs Kenny and Mrs Tyler for their planning and organisation and to Mrs Davis and Mr Maynard for their support on camp. 

Next week, Year 4 will be attending their overnight trip to Canberra, where they will explore places such as Canberra Zoo and Aquarium, the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Art Gallery and Questacon. We thank the team who will be attending the camp, Mr Whiteford, Mrs Smith, Mrs Keough and Mr Nolan. We know you will have a wonderful time!

Tomorrow is the Feast of St Mary Mackillop. St Mary MacKillop is the first Australian Saint and the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an order dedicated to the education of poor children. Her feast day is a significant celebration, especially in Australia, where she is remembered for her contributions to education and social work. We continue to follow St Mary Mackillop’s example as her legacy continues to inspire us in Catholic education.

LET’S DECODE- COACHING

For over five years, the explicit and systematic instruction of phonics has been a strength of the teaching at St Bernard’s, aligned to the Science of Reading. Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 engage in daily lessons focusing on developing student’s ability to hear sounds in words, which in turn, helps the brain map letters to sounds when they see a word in print. On Friday, Dr Lorraine Hammond from Notre Dame University in Western Australia, provided professional learning and coaching at our school for teachers to refine their practice. Teachers practiced breaking down instruction into manageable parts, regularly checking for understanding and ensuring participation to teach in the most effective and efficient way. We are grateful to have the input by experts such as Dr Lorraine Hammond to improve our practice for high student learning outcomes.

ST BERNARD’S FEAST DAY

The Feast Day of St Bernard will be celebrated on Wednesday 20 August. On this day, students will attend a special Mass at our church in the morning, followed by activities throughout the day with a French theme, in honour of our patron saint.

St Bernard of Clairvaux was a scholar, theologian, and reformer who lived in France during the 12th century. Known for his deep faith, wisdom, and commitment to the Church, he played a significant role in the spiritual and intellectual life of his time. His legacy continues to inspire us to live with compassion, humility, and a love for learning.

Students are invited to pre-order a French inspired morning tea of chocolate croissant or chocolate cookie (for a gluten free option) through QKR and will be able to dress in mufti in red, white or blue or a French inspired outfit. All are welcome to join us for the Mass on Wednesday morning at 9:15am.

We look forward to celebrating this special day together as a school community.

BOOK WEEK
We are approaching that time again when the talk of costumes, dress ups and favourite characters are a hot topic! Book Week is being celebrated in Week 5 this term. This year’s Book Week theme is "Book an Adventure". This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Children's Book Week. This theme provides great scope to be imaginative with costumes. These can be as creative and diverse as you wish. Really any book character could feature with this theme. Let your child escape into the character of their choice! Our Book Parade will be held on Friday 22 August at 9:00am in the Hall.

SOUTHERN REGION PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Congratulations to our finalists for the annual Southern Region Public Speaking Competition. Stage 2 students competed yesterday via a video link up and the Stage 3 competition will be held tomorrow. A special congratulations to all students who have represented our school in this competition. We are very proud of your achievement. 

We wish our Year 5 and 6 students all the very best of luck for tomorrow!
Year 3 Finalists: Jack C & Sally S
Year 4 Finalists: Grace R & James P
Year 5 Finalists: Eva C & Beatrix F             
Year 6 Finalists: Lilly G & Evie P

NEW BUBBLERS

We are very pleased to share that two new bubbler stations have been installed in both our infants and primary areas, making it easier for students to access fresh drinking water throughout the day.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Fire to Flourish Community Impact Program, who generously approved our grant application to fund these new hydration points. Additional funds raised through our Working Party group, with the support and approval of the School Community Council, also contributed to the cost of installation.

These new facilities are a wonderful addition to our school, promoting student wellbeing and encouraging healthy habits

SCHOOL EVENTS

This term, we have multiple events happening. Please refer to your class memo and the school calendar. This can be accessed on our school website or through Compass. https://stbernardsbb.schoolzineplus.com/calendar

Some of the key whole school events include:

• Kindergarten Assembly- This Friday 8 August
• Year 4 Overnight Camp to Canberra - Next Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 August
• Feast of the Assumption - Whole School Mass - Friday 15 August 
• Feast of St Bernard- Whole School Mass and celebration day- Wednesday 20 August
• Book Week Character Parade in the hall Friday 22 August- 9:00am led by our SRC. Students will come dressed as their favourite book character.
• First Eucharist Retreat Day- Year 4 at Carroll College - Thursday 28 August
• Year 2 Assembly- Friday 29 August
• Father’s Day Stall- Friday 5 September
• Father’s Day Breakfast and Assembly led by Year 6- Friday 5 September
• Science Expo – Tuesday 9 September led by Year 5 and 6
• Jollybops Performance- Wednesday 10 September
• First Eucharist- Sunday 14 September
• Year 4 Assembly – Friday 19 September
• Storyline Celebration of Learning and Open Classrooms – Tuesday 23 September
• Term 3 ends- Thursday 25 September

I am currently in Canberrra at a Principal's meeting and will be attending the Clergy, Religious Education Coordinator and Principal's Day tomorrow.

Jenny Smith will be acting Principal in my absence on Friday. 

I hope that you can join us for the Kindergarten Assembly tomorrow.

Blessings on the fortnight ahead.

Warm regards

Karen

Karen Hadley

Principal