Happy World Teacher’s Day tomorrow to all our amazing Staff. I think you would agree that they deserve our appreciation for the incredible amount of work they put into developing an engaging and academic remote learning program. Keep an eye out on Facebook for some messages from our students.

Over the past two years, our Years 3-6 students have participated in the program Journey of Hope. The program was designed to support students following the challenges they have experienced with the bushfires. As part of an evaluation, Will, Jonah and Reeve were asked to reflect on the past twelve months and were interviewed by a reporter, focusing on their experience from the bushfires and the issue of climate change. After they spoke about their experience from the bushfires Jonah and Reeve highlighted ways they can help with climate change. Some of the things they spoke about was riding bikes to reduce petrol, planting trees to increase the oxygen and thinking carefully about how much water and electricity they are using at home. I am very proud of both Reeve and Jonah for speaking about their experiences and for doing their bit to assist with climate change. This aligns with Pope Francis’ message where he states "Our Earth needs constant concern and attention. ... Each of us has a personal responsibility to care for creation, this precious gift which God has entrusted to us".  The article can be found at : https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/technology/environment/kids-urged-to-turn-climate-fears-into-positive-actions-with-launch-of-mission-zero-faces-of-the-future/news-story/25ecfc196adf598abe87dee695b1a0c7?btr=99c0ce452613cdeafb7f4d9e9789827b

2022 Classes and Staffing

This week, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss our Class Allocation procedures. We are currently preparing for our 2022 Kindergarten Parent Information Nights to be held virtually on Monday 8 November and Tuesday 9 November. Kindergarten class groupings are being developed at present and in conjunction with preschool teachers and parent information. Creating class groupings is a collaborative process involving class teachers, specialist staff and the school executive team. St Bernard’s consists of grade levels of 2 and 3 streams. Each year class combinations are changed. When creating classes each year, we considered the following:

• Gender
• Individual learning needs
• Interpersonal relationships
• Social dynamics
• Medical needs
• Class size

Every child will be placed in the best grouping to enhance learning and social development. Classroom teachers will create class groupings in consultation with their grade partners, paying particular attention to the factors highlighted above. All class lists will then be sent through to the Principal and confirmed with the Classroom Support Teacher and School Executive Team. Students will be advised of their class and teacher during the “Step Up” session held in the last week of Term 4.