Dear Parents and Carers 

I hope you have enjoyed a great week. It’s hard to believe we are nearly at the end of the term. Over the weekend I read an article from the ABC News titled “A reading revolution is underway in many Australian schools but classes are still a 'lottery' for parents”. It highlighted the importance of teaching students to decode. Phonics enables students to become proficient readers by giving them the tools to sound out unfamiliar words. This ability promotes independent reading and a deeper understanding of texts. In the article Pamela Snow, who co-founded the Science of Language and Reading Lab at La Trobe University, says “the evidence clearly backs the explicit instruction of phonics and that reading, unlike speaking, must be taught. "We know that children who are effective readers early on are the ones who have acquired those automatic decoding skills". https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-10/literacy-teaching-revolution-underway/102834334?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

At St Bernard’s we also believe that teaching the phonics program, ‘Let’s Decode’, is vital because it equips students with the fundamental skills they need to become proficient readers and writers. It sets the stage for academic success, empowers learners, and promotes a love of reading. Please don’t hesitate to come and see us if you have any questions.

Storyline Presentation of Learning
Next Tuesday 19 September from 9.30am - 10.30am, parents, carers and grandparents are invited to visit classrooms to view the students’ learning over the term. Each class will present their learning journey, a culmination of their History/Geography units of work. Students will share their knowledge and understanding of the characters they became during the term.

• Kindergarten will be showcasing their farms.
• Stage One will be Palaeontologists.
• Year 3 will be celebrating the history of Batemans Bay
• Year 4 will be sharing with you the history of Australia from the time of the first European settlement.
• Year 5 will be showing you life on the goldfields.
• Year 6 will be sharing their learning about migration.

All families are invited to join in the celebration of learning.

Staffing Information
Following interviews last week for the Position of Coordinator (Permanent), I inform you that Ms Jeni McCarthy has been successful in gaining this position. I know you’ll join with me in congratulating Ms McCarthy on her appointment. Ms McCarthy brings a high level of expertise to the role, and her depth of experience supports our commitment to continual improvement. Our Vision and Values and focus on teaching and learning and student wellbeing, combined with that of the entire staff - brings about collaboration - to create a school for all.

Mrs Georgia Veneris and her husband, Zac, are expecting their second child next year. Ms Veneris will commence maternity leave towards the end of Term 1 2024. On behalf of the school community, I congratulate Ms Veneris and Zac.

Next year we welcome Mrs Sophie Kenny to St Bernard’s. Mrs Kenny has been teaching at St Mary’s Primary School Moruya. Mrs Kenny has worked in Catholic Education for many years and is currently teaching a Year 4 and Kindergarten class at St Mary’s Primary School. Mrs Kenny has been trained in the Catalyst High Impact Teaching Practices and will be a great addition to our St Bernard’s team.

Mrs Suzie McRae has made the decision to retire at the end of the 2023 school year. We thank Mrs McRae for the time and dedication she has put into St Bernard’s. Mrs McRae has been a valued member of the school community during her time at St Bernard's. We wish Mrs McRae an enjoyable retirement and thank her for the many dedicated years she's given to the St Bernard's community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Archdiocesan Public Speaking
Congratulations to Beatrix F, Annie F and Isabella L who competed at the Archdiocesan Public Speaking competition in Goulburn last week. Not only is it commendable to have our school represented at this competition, but it is wonderful that we have 3 students who have made it to this elite level. Congratulations girls, we are all very proud of you!

Next week Year 4 are very excited to be going on their overnight excursion to Canberra. I will be attending the camp and Mrs Hadley will be Acting Principal at school.

Blessings to you and your family. 

Kind regards

Johanna Wain
Principal