Dear Parents and Carers

Last Monday, we celebrated World Teachers' Day at St Bernard’s, a special occasion to recognise and appreciate the remarkable work of teachers worldwide. Here at St Bernard’s, I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside a team of outstanding educators who are dedicated, passionate, and committed. Every day, they go above and beyond to nurture and inspire our students, helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. To all our teachers—thank you for everything you do. St Bernard’s is truly blessed with an exceptional teaching team, and I am deeply appreciative all you bring to our community.

MOANA
What a magical performance! I’m certain those attending the matinee would wholeheartedly agree—our students were absolutely incredible! First, I’d like to extend our gratitude to Ms Guthrie. Her countless hours of energy, creativity, and dedication have brought this performance to life. Beyond teaching music, dance, or drama, she’s nurtured confidence, teamwork, and joy in every one of our students. Special thanks also go to Claire Reid, who regularly works at Carroll College and organised the sound and lighting. Claire has devoted many hours to ensuring everything was just right for the big night, with valuable assistance from Brittany Jones.

I’d also like to recognise Didier de C in Year 6, for his excellent work managing the music—thank you, Didier, for your hard work and commitment in creating a seamless musical experience.

To all our staff working behind the scenes, this show would not have been possible without your dedication. And finally, to our talented students—wow! Your energy, enthusiasm, and hard work have brought Moana to life in the most special way. We’re so proud of each and every one of you. We look forward to sharing the expereince with many families tonight, I know you won't be disappointed! 

CONGRATULATIONS…
Beatrix F has been invited to participate in the Combined Event to represent NSW at Nationals for Athletics. This event is 4 disciplines (100m sprint, 800m run, long jump & shot put). Beatrix’s selection is based on her times from the Canberra/Goulburn and Mackillop Championships. What an amazing achievement. We wish Beatrix every success in the Australian track and field championships at the end of November. We are very proud of Beatrix.

CLASS ALLOCATIONS 2025
A reminder that all written concerns for class placements for 2025 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 2025. 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.

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY
Thank you to our families who engaged in the Tell Them From Survey. Staff have been analysing the feedback to drive improvement for 2025.

Our feedback was very positive and above the mean in all areas. One area we would like to continue to develop is parent engagement. When families and schools work together, we create a learning environment where students feel supported, valued, and inspired to reach their potential.

Research suggests that students whose parents are engaged in their education tend to perform better academically, have improved attendance, and feel more confident at school. By connecting regularly with your child’s teachers, attending school events, and staying informed, we help build a network of care that guides students toward academic growth and social-emotional well-being.

I encourage families to refer to your child’s teacher’s weekly memo, which provides valuable information about what your child is learning and what’s happening at school. Please know you’re always welcome to reach out to your child’s teacher or to me to discuss your child’s progress or any questions that may arise. Our door is always open. Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping us create an environment where every student can thrive. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

ARCHDIOCESAN ASSEMBLY
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Archdiocesan Assembly as part of our ongoing "Conversations of the Spirit." This gathering encouraged deep reflection and meaningful dialogue on the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding us to become a true community of encounter. Together, we explored our shared mission and renewed our focus within our faith communities. 

These ongoing conversations continue to shape how we engage with one another, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual understanding. The spirit of collaboration and prayer was truly present throughout the day, inspiring us all for the journey ahead.

SYSTEM LEADERS' DAY
Last Thursday, I attended the System Leaders’ Day in Canberra, where we focused on the Science of Learning and our continued strategic direction for the next three years. 

In 2025, our focus will remain on implementing best practices in literacy instruction, particularly through explicit teaching and the use of evidence-based instructional leadership techniques. Explicit teaching provides students with clear, structured guidance, making learning goals, expectations, and steps transparent and accessible. This approach helps students build confidence and mastery as they progress through their learning journey.

Our goal is to see measurable growth in student outcomes, with each learner making visible progress. This commitment to structured, high-quality teaching and ongoing assessment enables us to identify and address individual learning needs, ultimately enhancing academic success across all year levels.

IMPORTANT KINDERGARTEN DATES FOR 2025 ENROMENTS

• Parent Expo - 12 November 2024                             
• Kindergarten Orientation mornings - 15 November & 22 November 2024 9.00am - 11.00am

Blessings on your family this week.

Warm regards

Johanna Wain
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

What a fantastic week it’s been! The production of Moana is a true showcase of the talent and teamwork of Ms Jess Guthrie, the main cast, the ensemble, and all the students and staff involved. Those who attended the matinee today would agree that it was a stunning visual and audio experience.

A special thank you to Jess for dedicating extra time to make the stage and props look amazing, and to Ms. Claire Reid for ensuring the sound quality was top-notch with her assistant, Brittany Jones on lighting. We also appreciate Martin Helmreich from Production Haus for filming the matinee; we look forward to sharing that with our school community in the coming weeks. Thank you also to parents and family members who have contributed cakes and slices to sell this morning to sell this evening. 

Key Leaders Day

Last week I had the pleasure of joining Mrs Wain and other school Principals from our Archdiocese for the Key Leaders Day. I felt fortunate to be invited and to be welcomed as a new principal for 2025. Key presenter, Barbara Cougar from the Scottish Catholic Education Service spoke insightfully about the essence of leadership in a catholic school being about Service and Eucharist. She referenced the Good Shepherd Leadership Pathway and scripture passages providing a checklist for forming a school as a Faith Community.

Educational leader and highly successful school principal from Western Australia, Ray Boyd presented information about his approach to leading effective change and improving student learning outcomes with Explicit Direct Instruction. The importance of creating successful learning environments and evidenced-based effective teaching to achieve improved student learning outcomes was highlighted. Other key points he identified that resonate with us at St Bernard's included:

• the importance of children feeling safe
• included
• feeling that they are trusted and respected
• feeling valued
• having work at their level
• having friends at school

Eurobodalla Shire Council Student Presentations

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying two of our students who were acknowledged for their writing and art in Eurobodalla Shire competitions. Johann D of Year 3 was announced as Runner Up in the Year 3 and 4 age group in the Mayor's Writing Competition and his story was published in this years' compilation of local stories available for loan in our school library. 

George S-D of Year 4 had his art work, on the theme of water conservation, selected for next year's Environmental Calendar in the month of December. This competition is in it's 27th year and the calendars are a favourite in our community. 

Well done to both students for this wonderful recognition.

Upcoming Parent Information Sessions

There are two online information sessions designed to support parents of children transitioning from Year 6 to high school.

The first is related to cyber safety awareness and is a webinar presented by the esafety commission, taking place online and pitched to view over a lunch break on the 12 November 12.30pm-1pm.

Access the link to register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/707533969409578587

The second parent information session is from the University of Wollongong

This webinar opportunity presented by parent & education experts, covers the topic of enhancing and supporting your child's transition to high school. Whether you're a parent or carer of a child in Year 6, or generally just interested in children's transition to high school and UOW opportunities on the horizon, this is not to be missed!

• How? Online via Zoom
• When? Monday, 11 November, 2024, 7pm -8 pm
• Register: UOW Year 6 Parent & Carer Webinar Registration Link

Topics explored will include;

• Adapting to change and new routines & environments
• Making new friends and maintaining old friendships
• Coping with peer pressure, risk taking
• Managing time and demands of new study and increase in expectations of high school
• Taking ‘good risks’ in learning
• UOW high school programs on the horizon
• Understanding university opportunities into the future

Register via the link provided here: UOW Year 6 Parent & Carer Webinar Registration Link

Year 6 Camp

The students of Year 6 are very excited to be going to Berry Sport and Recreation Centre for their three day camp next Wednesday 6 November to Friday 8 November. The students will take part in a range of outdoor activities at the camp including canoeing and archery tag. I am very pleased to be attending the camp with Mr Whiteford, Ms Nagel, Mrs Smith, Mr Maynard and Mrs Freeman. I am confident that everyone will have a wonderful time away. 

Carpark Safety 

Each afternoon there are many students who are collected from the Church Carpark. Thank you for parking in the areas away from the fence. Importantly, we also ask that when you are waiting for your child, that you walk towards them when you see that your child is at the front of the line and ready to leave the gate. We would like to minimise the distance that children are walking unsupervised through the carpark and behind any parked or moving cars. Thank you for your support with this.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful end of their week and a fabulous time at Moana!

Warm regards

Karen

GOD’S LOVE IS SIMPLY THE BEST!

One of the saddest lessons I had to learn when I was teaching Special Religious Education (SRE) in Government Schools, (Grades 5 & 6) was that several of my young students did not have the same family upbringing as I had.

Both my parents were practising Catholics who made sure all their children were well cared for and, despite the expense; each of us was educated in Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools. Some of my SRE students came from broken homes. There was no Father figure in their lives.

I write these introductory words because today’s Readings are concerned with Love, and more particularly, Divine Love. Most of us first experience Love in our Child/Parent relationship. Familial Love. I may not have called what I was experiencing/receiving Love but I know I felt at home with my parents and safe. While I didn’t always understand the “do’s and don’ts” they imposed upon me, I reckoned they were meant for my care and protection. Or more generally to keep me out of trouble.

In today’s First Reading Moses says to the people: “Listen then, Israel, keep and observe what will make you prosper and give you great increase, as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you, giving you a land where milk and honey flow.”

In those words, I hear an echo of my father warning me to observe the speed limit on the new bicycle I got for my 12^th birthday. Otherwise, I may not get an upgrade. Reward for good behaviour is a normal human expectation.

Faithful Jews who recite the introduction to the Ten Commandments (The Shema) do so to remind themselves that their God is a generous God who deserves to be loved by them at all times and under all circumstances.

In today’s Gospel (Mark 12: 28-34) Jesus wins the approval of the inquisitive Scribe when Jesus interprets the Shema to show that human love of one’s neighbour is so rooted in God’s Universal Love as to be existentially inseparable. When we love our neighbour for God ’s sake, the Scribe exclaims: “this is more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.”

The reading from Hebrews (Heb 7: 23-28) tells us Jesus is both the final High Priest and the Sacrifice of inexhaustible value.  The Scribe had no way of knowing how Christ’s death on a cross would become the holy sacrifice of the Christian Mass, the Banquet of God’s Love. Yet Jesus seeing how wisely he had spoken, tells him he is not far from the Kingdom of God. Do we appreciate the fundamental link between loving God and loving our neighbour in our daily lives?

God our Father, we acknowledge Jesus Christ as your beloved Son, may we draw grace and strength from his Holy Sacrifice , to love and adore you and to love all those who cross our paths this day, in Jesus’s name.     

Amen 

Joe  Quigley                                 

Mission Week 2 

Mission Week and Soctober at St Bernard’s are significant events that bring the school community together in support of charitable causes and foster a spirit of compassion and generosity. Mission Week is a time when students, staff, and families focus on giving back through various activities that raise awareness and funds for those in need, reflecting the school’s commitment to service. Socktober, celebrated during the same period, adds a fun twist by encouraging students to bring in donations of socks to make their sock soccer ball. Through engaging activities, discussions, and outreach efforts, both Mission Week and Socktober help students understand the impact of kindness and provide tangible support to their community and beyond.

Our Mission Week Mass at St Bernard’s Church focused on Mongolia, and was led by the Mini Vinnies team. It was a meaningful and vibrant celebration. Symbols of Mongolia were thoughtfully placed on the prayer space, bringing a visual connection to the country being honored and reminding everyone of the shared mission of support and solidarity. The children were reverent throughout, with a genuine spirit of respect and reflection, and their joyful singing filled the church, adding warmth and energy to the occasion. This special Mass was a powerful expression of community, compassion, and cultural understanding, capturing the heart of Mission Week.

The Mission Market at St Bernard’s was an outstanding success, showcasing the students' generosity, enthusiasm, and community spirit. With various stalls and activities set up across the school, students eagerly engaged with each one, demonstrating their commitment to the Mission Week cause. From games and crafts to food and fun challenges, every stall buzzed with energy as students participated and contributed. Their collective effort and generosity shone through, raising an impressive total of $3,075.45. This remarkable amount not only reflects the spirit of giving within the school community, but also the dedication of the students to making a positive impact.

Blessing for the week ahead, 

Jenny Smith 

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

English

This term Kindergarten have been busy participating in Let’s Decode and Daily Review lessons. They have been very engaged during Reading lessons, reading decodable texts to their fluency partner. They have also focused on building their knowledge and application of sentence structures. Students are learning to compose sentences containing a ‘who’ (subject), a ‘what doing’ (verb predicate), as well as including ‘when’ and ‘where’ details. This week students finalised their first contribution for the school magazine by completing the statement, “When I grow up, I want to be…” Watch this space to see where Kindergarten students will be in the future!

Moana Musical

Kindergarten students have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the musical practices during the first few weeks of term. It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they take to the stage to participate in their first school musical. Their costumes certainly make them shine on stage!

Socktober Shootout

Using our class created ‘sockball’ consisting of donated socks, shirts, plastic bags and string, Kindergarten had an absolute ball in the Socktober Shootout competition in Week 2. After splitting into house teams each child had the opportunity to score goals using a real soccer ball and a ‘sockball’. There certainly were many future Matilda stars!

Mission Market Day

Also in Week 2, Kindergarten participated in a Whole School Mass and had the opportunity to participate in their first Mission Market Day. Stalls of all kinds were setup, and with some money in their pockets, Kinder got amongst the action to discover sensory items, lollies, games and challenges, all in the name of raising funds for a worthy cause. We would like to thank all families for their generous donations for our Sensory Stall. It was certainly very popular! 

Art

During our recent History lesson, students shared information about their favourite pets, representing these much loved furry and feathered friends through their artwork.

The remainder of Term 4 looks set to be a busy and exciting time in Kindergarten, as we look forward to our excursion, swimming program and Nativity play, which will take place on Monday 16 December (Week 10). Save the date for this very special performance!

NSWCPS Athletics Championships

On Wednesday 25 September thirteen of our best athletes competed at the NSW Combined Primary School Athletics Championships. The students included:

Lebron C, Hudson E, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Lucas V-D S, Remi C and Annie F and our wonderful Junior and Senior relay teams Charlie M, Indie F, Aurelia S and Beatrix F and Korban S, Ollie L, Brennan C and Didier D .

At school, classmates and teachers cheered them on watching the live telecast. We were so proud of their training and achievements. Competing at this level against the best students from across NSW was an achievement in it self. Many students also achieved personal best results on the day. Our Junior and Senior relay teams both made the finals. The Senior boys finishing a fantastic 8^th and the Junior girls narrowly missing the podium coming in 4^th, an awesome achievement for a team from a regional area.

Beatrix F won Gold 800m (PB), Silver 1500m (52 second PB), Bronze 100m, Bronze 200m and Bronze High Jump. She then raced and jumped at the PSSA Athletics on 23 and 24 October.

Beatrix has been selected to compete at the School Sports Australia National Track and Field Event at the end of November. She was recognised for her strength across many disciplines and has been asked to compete in the Combined Event which is similar the the Decathlon at the Olympics. Beatrix will compete in 100m, 800m, long jump and shot put and placings will be awarded from a combination of all the events.

Congratulations to our students on their dedication during the Athletics season. Many students train for different events during their recess and lunch times, and the students commitment to improving their technique and stamina is to be commended.

Todd Woodbridge Cup Tennis

On Thursday 17 October three of our teams participated in the Southern Zone Final of the Todd Woodbridge Cup in Ulladulla. The students were outstanding, competing against the winners of their regions from the Southern half of NSW.

Congratulations to all the students for their sportsmanship:

Year 3 and 4-  Xavier L, Quinn S, Beatrix F, Lucy B, Noah S, Nick E, Remi C, Charlie M, Tilly R, Ben F, Raph C, Sion D, Astrid B and Winter.

Year 5 and 6- Annie F, Indiana A, Arthur SD, Brennan C, Seth L, Georgina W, Lilly G, Evie P, Ollie L, Oscar J and Lucas VD.

The students were wonderful ambassadors of the values we aspire to at St Bernard’s. They are to be commended for their dedication during our practice sessions and their enthusiasm and fair play on the court. In the Year 3 and 4 division our team came third, winning 35 sets across the day only one set behind The Illawarra Grammar School who were second. Our Year 5 and 6 team came third in their division narrowly beaten by Kangaroo Valley Public School. Thank you to all our families for their encouragement and support on the day, the students really appreciated it.

Representative Sport 2025

There are lots of opportunities for students to compete at Representative level in a variety of sports including soccer, rugby league, netball, tennis, cricket, AFL, hockey, golf to name a few. If your child would like to compete in any of these teams, further details can be found at https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/nominations

Dates for these competitions have been added to our St Bernard’s School calendar which can be found online at https://stbernardsbb.schoolzineplus.com/calendar

Swimming Program

Our Whole School Swimming program is coming at the end of November. Thank you to all our families for returning their checklist. The students are now being levelled into a group. They will be checked on the first day by the instructors to see if the level they are in is appropriate. Students then progress across groups as they improve their skills. Our aim as always is for maximum participation and to increase the water safety of all our students. Please check on Compass https://stbernardsbb-nsw.compass.education/login.aspx? to see if you have finalised your permission and payment.

Angela Holmes

1. Term 4

Week 1 Class Awards

Presented: Friday 18 October 2024.

Congratulations to the following children who received a class award in Term 3, Week 8. It is great to see so many children working hard and receiving acknowledgment for their efforts.

Well done to all!