Dear Parents and Friends,

It has been wonderful to connect with students, staff and families after being away for the beginning of Term 4. I would like to thank Mrs Karen Hadley for stepping into the Principal role, I am sure you would agree that she did an exceptional job and thank you for the support provided from the St Bernard’s community, it has been most appreciated.

Congratulations to Evie P and Eva H on having their art work chosen for the 2024 Environmental Calendar. They attended a special presentation at the Eurobodalla Council Chambers yesterday. All students will receive a copy of the calendar. Congratulations girls, we are very proud of you.

This week all families would have received a letter regarding the upcoming bushfire season. With support from staff from Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, St Bernard’s has recently undertaken a review of its Emergency Management Planning and processes which has included the development of a Bushfire Emergency Management and Evacuation Plan. Staff have engaged in Professional Learning and we have updated our policy and procedures around an emergency response. We are currently in the process of organising a new warning alarm and will provide students with a drill practices once this is installed. Classroom Teachers have lead students through an emergency response and what an evacuation looks like. If you have any questions, I encourage you to come and speak with us.

Class Allocation 2024
A reminder that all written concerns for class placements for 2024 need to be sent to me via email (jo.wain@cg.catholic.edu.au). Staff are currently looking at class lists in preparation for our ‘step up’ session in Week 10.  The teachers know your child very well and I ask that you put your trust in us as we decide on their placement for 2024. Please do not expect information provided by parents and carers last year to be heeded. Letters need to be written each year as circumstances change and information is not transferred from year to year. Please be aware that requests for particular teachers will not be considered. 

School Community Council
As you are aware, earlier this term we provided parents with an update on the School Board and Community Council Review. I am pleased to inform you that the Review has concluded and that the proposed move to a School Community Council model has now been endorsed by the Catholic Education Commission and Archbishop Christopher. 

As has been acknowledged throughout the review process, the partnership between parents, caregivers and members of our school communities is critical to the success of our schools and our students. The generosity and support of generations of parents and carers has enabled our schools to grow and evolve as welcoming, Christ-centred learning environments that hold a unique place in our local communities.

Over the coming weeks and months, School Community Councils will be established in each systemic school across the Archdiocese, and the work currently undertaken by School Boards, Community Councils and P&Fs will be undertaken in line with the new model moving forward. The move to School Community Councils will continue the long-held tradition of support and collaboration between schools and families, and will continue to enshrine the valuable role that families play in our school communities.

The focus of the School Community Councils will remain on parents and carers and members of our school communities working together with the Parish Priest and school staff to make our schools the best that they can be. This may be by supporting the Principal to make strategic decisions about the school, promoting our school within the local community, participating in community or fundraising activities, or strengthening our relationships with our local parishes. Supporting the Principal and Parish Priest in the development and promotion of Catholic identity, the ethos and mission of the school will continue to be a cornerstone of the work of our School Community Councils.

With the move to the new model will come a process of transition and change for existing School Boards, Community Councils and P&Fs. Our current School Board members will transition to our School Community Council. If there are any P&F members who would like to also nominate for a position, we would welcome you to send an expression of interest to me via email jo.wain@cg.catholic.edu.au

The Chair, Secretary, Treasurer (if elected or appointed), Principal and Parish Priest together comprise the Council Executive. Members of the Council Executive are responsible for overseeing the activities of Working Groups and assisting Council to fulfill its role. The Council Executive may appoint a minimum of zero and a maximum of eight additional members to the Council Executive in accordance with the approved School Community Council Guidelines following an expression of interest process.

Our Council Executive will set up Working Groups to undertake activities in line with the annual School Community Council Plan. All Community Members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the activities of Working Groups.

Whole & Partial Day Unexplained Absences
Any unexplained absence reminders (for both whole and partial days) will be emailed to families on a weekly basis. Please ensure you complete the Compass absentee form via the app in a timely manner. It is a legal requirement that any absence from school has a satisfactory explanation.

Kindergarten Orientation
We welcome our youngest members of our school community tomorrow morning. Orientation commences at 9.00am. The children will be participating in activities until 11.00am. We welcome Ms Sara McCluskey to St Bernard’s for the orientation. We look forward to welcoming the children as they take this big step!

Orientation Day for Year 7 Students 2024 at Carroll College
A reminder that our next year’s Year 7 students will be visiting Carroll College on Friday 24 November for their orientation day. This will be an exciting day as students familiarise themselves with their new school and make new friends. Mrs Bellette and Mrs Coggan will be there to begin the day to support our students. 

Key Dates:

• Parent Expo for Kindergarten Thursday 9 Nov @ 6.00pm
• St Bernard’s Dance Concert Thursday 16 Nov @ 1.45pm
• SRC & House Captain Speeches Monday 4 December (SRC Speeches @ 9.00am & House Captain @ 11.15am)
• P&F Christmas Drinks Thursday 23 Nov @ 5.30pm
• Kindergarten Orientation Days Friday 10 & 17 November @ 9.00am
• Carroll College Year 7 Orientation Day Friday 24 November
• St Bernard’s Swimming Program Monday 27 November – Friday 1 December
• Year 5 Assembly Thursday 23 November @ 8.45am
• Whole School Mass & Awards Ceremony Thursday 7 December @ 9.15am
• Candle Ceremony Friday 8 December at 1.45pm
• Kindergarten Nativity & Christmas Carols Wednesday 13 December @ 9.00am
• Year 6 Dinner and Disco Tuesday 14 December @ 6.00pm
• Last Day of Term 4 & Year 6 Big Day out Friday 15 December

Remembrance Day

St Bernard’s Primary School will participate in the Remembrance Day Ceremony, Saturday 11 November at the Honour Stone Clyde Street Batemans Bay. Some of our Year 6 leaders will be part of the ceremony and lay a wreath at the Honour Stone. The ceremony begins at 10.45am. Families are welcome to join us. 

Blessings on the week.

Johanna Wain
Principal