Dear Parents and Carers

The season of Spring is upon us and the change in the weather, with the warmer days and sounds and pleasant smells of flowers in bloom is a reminder of the many blessings in our lives. The change of season can also remind us of the constant changes that each season and indeed life itself brings.

Just as the seasons change, we too experience times of growth and joy, as well as challenges. Yet, in every season there is hope, especially when we are surrounded by a supportive and understanding community.

I feel very blessed that at St Bernard’s we have not only a beautiful school, but also a truly welcoming community. My prayer is that you continue to experience the care of our school family as we reach out with understanding and compassion, striving always to be the face of Jesus for the students and families entrusted to us.

On Sunday 14 September, a number of our Year 4 students will receive the sacrament of Eucharist for the first time at the 9am mass. We keep these students in our prayers and warmly invite you to attend the Parish Mass to support the children and their families.

Carroll College 30th Year Anniversary

On Saturday evening, I will be attending the 30th Anniversary celebration of the opening of Carroll College. This is a very special occasion to reflect on the beginnings of the school and to celebrate 30 years of providing thousands of students with an excellent Catholic secondary education on the coast.

As an early career teacher at St Mary’s, Moruya, in 1995, I fondly remember attending a barbecue at Carroll College on the afternoon before the school opened its doors for the very first time. Staff, including foundation principal Bill Reid, were meeting each other for the first time and connecting with the wider Catholic school community.

Carroll College remains an important part of our K–12 pathway, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership into the future. Congratulations and happy celebrations to all current and past members of the Carroll College community!

Tournament of the Minds

Last Sunday a team of students from Year 5 and 6 competed in the Tournament of the Minds competition in the ACT, entering the STEM challenge component of the tournament. The team of 7 students, led by Mrs Keough, were delighted to be invited to participate in the regional tournament. They will now compete in the Branch finals back in Canberra on Sunday 14 October.

Congratulations to our team members, Ava G, Alyssa D, Ava J, Remi F, Sarah S, Beatrix F and Mia B.

School Community Council Meeting- Summary

Last Wednesday the School Community Council met for our Term 3 meeting. A summary of some of the agenda items discussed are below:

• Fr Joshy attended his first meeting of the School Community Council. He outlined the sacramental programs that have taken place and the preparations for the sacrament of Eucharist that are currently underway. Fr Joshy spoke about the time that he has spent each week in the school leading up to the sacrament and warmly welcomed the students to attend the weekend masses with their families.
• The Executive Director of Catholic Education, Mr David de Carvalho, will be visiting our school for the first time since his appointment this year on Wednesday 12 November. He will be spending time meeting with students, teachers, parents and our Parish Priest Fr Joshy.
• The iCentre will be undergoing renovations to provide more options within the current building configuration to work with small groups of students. This building project will begin in Term 4 and is being organised by the School Planning and Facilities team at the Catholic Education Office.
• Curriculum update - The Rocket Maths program is now being taught in Years 3-6 and will soon be introduced to Years 1-2. The program is designed to improve student fluency and recall of basic mathematics facts.
• There are two outdoor projects that we would like to undertake in the school. One involves updating the existing vegetable garden and the other is to build a Yarning Circle, where outdoor cultural lessons would take place.
• A workshop for parents will be held on Tuesday 21 October in Term 4 at 3:15pm on the topic of Home School Connections for Primary Student Learning. Child care will be provided. We hope that parents can spread the word about this event.

• Kinder – Year 2: Move & Groove with Energy – 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Years 3 – 6: Natural Phenomena & Energy – 1.30pm to 2.30pm

A reminder that tomorrow we are celebrating Father's Day, with breakfast of bacon and egg rolls. We hope that all Dads and father figures in the children's lives are able to be there from 7:30am to 8:30am in the Lean-to. The Father's Day liturgy will follow at 8:45am, led by Year 6 in the hall. Class awards will be presented and the Tournament of the Minds team will perform their winning act.

I hope that you have a wonderful fortnight and Happy Father's Day on Sunday.

Warm regards

Karen

Karen Hadley

Principal