Dear Parents and Carers

I hope that you enjoyed the recent school holiday period with your children. I have noticed that the students have returned to school in a very happy and settled way and seem to be ready for learning. There is certainly much to look forward to this term, with special school events planned. Yesterday all classes began Hip Hop and Jazz based dance sessions with Tracy Spence as part of the physical education and performing arts curriculum. Learning a choregraphed movement routine has many benefits for our students. I hope you have saved the date to attend the dance performance on Thursday 16 October (Week 6) at 1.45pm in our hall.

On Monday this week, staff participated in a Spirituality Formation Day on the theme of the Holy Spirit, led by Luke Maher of the Catholic Identity Team at CE. This was an excellent way for us to begin the term, developing knowledge and new insights as we reflected on how the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and in our school communities. 

New students

This week we have welcomed the following new students to our school:

• Charlene M - 2J
• Chelsea M - 4K 
• Haylee T - 3D 

Noah B has returned to us into 5D after his holiday travelling around Australia with his family. We welcome you all!

Official Opening and Blessing of Refurbishments

Last year the refurbishment of the student amenities and canteen was completed. It seems like a distant memory now when the students were using the portable toilets while we waited for the building upgrade to be completed. I know that you would agree, the final results of the project certainly enhanced the facilities for the students. 

On Monday 30 October at 11.30am the buildings will be officially opened by the Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland and Blessed by our Parish Priest, Fr Loi with a liturgy and prayers from our students. The official opening will take place in our hall. We welcome all parents and carers and other interested members of our school community to attend this special event.

Instructional Coaching for High Impact Teaching

Next week we welcome Brooke Wardana back to St Bernard's. Brooke is an awarded teacher, academic and literacy expert from the Shaping Minds team from Western Australia. She has been working with our staff for a number of years, coaching us in ways to deliver evidenced-based high impact teaching of explicit lessons in literacy. The improved student outcomes for the students in our school is the motivating factor for our teachers and classroom support team to continue to learn and practice how to implement explicit teaching methods which are based on the Science of Reading and Learning. 

Summer Uniform

All students are now required to wear their summer uniform. Our school uniform policy stipulates that the following items are worn during summer. 

GIRLS' SUMMER UNIFORM

· Blue check dress

· Navy skort/ pale blue peter pan collared shirt

· Short white socks (no anklet socks)

· Black polished leather shoes

· Navy blue jumper with school crest

· St Bernard’s navy hat

BOYS' SUMMER UNIFORM

· Grey shorts

· St Bernard’s blue short sleeve shirt

· Shirts to be worn tucked in

· Grey socks

· Black polished leather shoes

· Navy blue jumper with school crest

· St Bernard’s navy hat

We thank you in supporting us to ensure that the standards of dress remain high at St Bernard's. 

Mobile Outreach Van

Each Thursday during the term the Mobile Outreach Van will be in our school to offer a program to our Year 6 students. The program provides activities to support students to develop positive strategies so that they have the tools and language they need to express their emotions safely, cope with challenges, whilst building confidence and self-esteem. 

Prayers for Mrs Wain

As you may be aware, Jo's father is very unwell and she left on Sunday to be with him and her family in Melbourne. I know that you join with me in offering Jo your thoughts and prayers at this time. Jo will be on leave next week as well and I will continue to act as Principal in her absence.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to speak with you.

Have a lovely weekend

Karen