Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been such a pleasure to welcome our Kindergarten children to school this week. Friday was their first day and it’s been all system’s go since then! It’s wonderful to witness their enjoyment as they gain confidence in their new learning environment. A warm welcome to our Kinder parents new to St Bernard’s, and to our existing families already a part of this special community.

There is much to communicate as we begin the new school year. I warmly welcome all families new to St Bernard’s. Nine new students across Years 1-6 commenced on Tuesday. We welcome the Basil, Khan, Butler, Scaffrin, Buschhaus, Tester, Bush, and Szabo families to St Bernard’s. I hope you are settling in well and I’m confident that you’ll feel very much a part of our school community in no time. Please know we are here to support you in every way we can.

We also welcome Ms Leonie McRae who is completing her practicum with us for five weeks in S1J. We welcome Leonie to our school community and look forward to supporting her with her teaching practicum. I know the students are very much enjoying having Ms McRae in their class. 

Year 6 Leaders
I congratulate our Year 6 students who have successfully gained formal leadership roles for the 2022 school year. I consider all students in Year 6 to be leaders, and as such they all proudly wear a leadership badge so the younger students can identify them as being a Year 6 friend and role model.

The following students make up our Student Representative Council (SRC) and are charged with the responsibility and honour of representing St Bernard’s in a very public way. They attend significant events throughout the year and represent the student body; modelling appropriate leadership qualities that exemplify the values upheld at St Bernard’s. Tomorrow our Year 6 leaders will receive their badges at a Presentation led by Mrs Beashel, Mrs McRae and Miss Fetterplace.

School Captains: Anthony N, Erica S.

SRC: Remi C, Amy C, Noah A & John F.

House Captains for 2022:

Lourdes: William L & Maicee D.

MacKillop: Charlie J & Henry A.

Tenison: Elyssa W & Lucas C.

Clairvaux: Laila C & Brodie M.

At St Bernard's We Begin with the Heart...
Our vision at St Bernard’s states” St Bernard’s is an inclusive Catholic School Community that begins with the heart and nurtures and empowers future learners”. To begin the school year, each class is reviewing our HEART matrix in line with our school vision. Each of the values listed on the right have a set of expectations of how we act in our school community. Each fortnight we will be focusing as a school on certain values and behaviours.

Our first focus is on R (Responsibility) - I take pride in my uniform. Each day over the next two weeks we will be checking that students are wearing their uniform correctly. If all students are wearing the correct uniform (either school or sport) one HEART token will be placed in the classroom jar. Class tokens will be graphed on the notice board outside Kindergarten. The class with the greatest number of tokens at the end of the two week period, will receive an ice block as a thank you for their effort. We look forward to sharing the great work and effort of our St Bernard’s students through Facebook and our school newsletter. 

School Communication
Communication between home and school is both valued and encouraged. We believe it is one of the most vital elements in creating an effective and welcoming community. To this end, I ask that you download the Compass App. Messages are being pushed out regularly with updates and important information to remind you of events and changes that may be occurring for your children. This is a free app. More details follow further on in this newsletter.  All classroom teachers have group emails created for their parent group. If your email changes, please advise our front office staff. Parent emails are kept private. Staff will always use Bcc when sending group emails. Remember to check our website. Relevant curriculum
information and school procedures are highlighted for your reference.

We have much to celebrate this term so far. Tomorrow our students who competed at the Swimming Carnival last week, will receive their ribbons. We will be sure to share with you photos through Facebook. 

Blessings on the week ahead.

Johanna Wain
Principal 

PLAIN SPEAKING ON THE PLAIN

When someone looks you in the eye and says ‘there is something you should know’ ...you immediately pay attention.  Luke’s Gospel [Luke 6:17, 20-26] today is such an occasion. Jesus is preaching to his followers on the plain or ‘level ground’- unlike Matthew who presented a similar teaching on the mountain- basic truths of the Good News of the kingdom of God. Jesus is asking his followers to stay grounded, to live in the present following the values and practices of the Beatitudes.  He comes to renew the ‘level places’ of life and reveals a way of living while standing in a ‘broken level world’. The gospel challenges us to review how we live the values and practices revealed in today’s Gospel. Jesus is showing us the way to be deeply happy in this broken world - to align ourselves to the Kingdom of God.

 The Gospel concentrates on four Beatitudes and four woes. In Jesus time, and dare I say in our own materialistic world, material well- being was considered a sign of God’s blessing; happiness was reckoned to consist in a long life and abundant possessions. But Jesus clearly opts for the position of the prophets and the poor who place their hope and trust in the Lord. As the prophet Jeremiah states in the first reading:

 ‘A blessing on the one who puts their trust in the Lord, with the Lord for their hope. He/she is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots into the stream ...it has no worries in years of drought and never ceases to bear fruit.’

 Jesus himself is the message of Happiness.

The blessedness of the Kingdom begins from today, it is both present and it is to come.

 Jesus came as the poor one, the persecuted one; who took to himself the cause of all the unhappy ones of this world.  We live in a world that is divided not only between rich and poor nations but where divisions are found within each nation and society. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died recently, is a prime example of a Christ like figure who was aware of the poor, the injustices & divisions in his own society and the world. He was inspired and guided by the Gospel to fight for freedom, justice and equality; to face opposition and struggle against apartheid. Like the prophets, he placed his trust in the Lord. He worked tirelessly alongside the forgotten people of his nation.  His was a movement towards the Kingdom of God. He states: ‘Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.’[Desmond Tutu]

 More than ever this Gospel today urges us to be men and women of hospitality and hope – to be welcoming of all in our  community and beyond; to reach out in love to the poor, the disadvantaged, to anyone in need. ‘For we are made for loving. If we don’t love we will be like plants without water.’ [Desmond Tutu]

                                                                                                                        Marie Weatherall

LIVING FAITH IN THE EVERYDAY

Each a God-Carrier

Last week we reflected on Hope – Who are Your Life-Shaper? The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke this weekend remind of who we are called to be ‘created in the image of God’. Fr Richard Rohr ofm offers us the following wisdom -

The late Bishop Desmond Tutu understood our interdependence with each other as part of what it means to live in the image of God:

God has created us, upholding us in being from moment to moment, providing us with our very existence…. despite everything that conspires to deny this truth, each one of us is of immense worth, of infinite value because God loved us. That is why [God] created us. Thus our value is intrinsic to who we are. It comes with the package of being human. It depends neither on extrinsic attributes such as ethnicity and skin colour nor on our achievement, however that may be computed. Our worth stems from the fact that we exist only because of the divine love. 

We are each a God-carrier, a tabernacle of the Holy Spirit, indwelt by God the holy and most blessed Trinity…God has created us for interdependence as God has created us in God’s image—the image of a divine fellowship of the holy and blessed Trinity. . . God has created us to be different in order that we can realize our need of one another. There is an African idiom:

“A person is a person through other persons.” I learn how to be human through association with other human beings.

Prayer For Our Community

God, Lord of all creation, lover of life and of everything, please help us to love in our very small way what You love infinitely and everywhere. We thank You that we can offer just this one prayer and that will be more than enough, because in reality everything and everyone is connected, and nothing stands alone. To pray for one part is really to pray for the whole, and so we do. Help us each day to stand for love, for healing, for the good, for the diverse unity of the Body of Christ and all creation, because we know this is what You desire: as Jesus prayed, that all may be one. We offer our prayer together with all the holy names of God, we offer our prayer together with Christ, our Lord. Amen.

  (Richard Rohr OFM) 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you have had a happy week. It has been wonderful having our new Kindergarten with us this week. They are settling in so well. Our special wishes are extended to Mrs Brady KBH who celebrated her birthday yesterday.

Sacrament of Reconciliation – Enrolment Thursday 17 February

All families of students in Year 3 who are baptised are invited to an Enrolment evening next Thursday 17 February between 5.00pm – 6.00pm. The meeting will be via TEAMs. You can access this link through Compass. Deacon Eden, classroom teachers and I will lead the meeting.

Once enrolment for the sacrament has been completed you will receive a pack of resources to assist you with your child’s preparation of the sacrament.

Dates related to the sacrament of Reconciliation are:

• An invitation to attend a Commitment Mass on the weekend of the 5th and 6th March
• Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat Day Friday 18 March St Bernard’s church
• First Reconciliation Thursday 31 March from 5.00-6.00pm St. Bernard’s church

Leadership Liturgy

This Friday 11 February at 9.00am we will be holding our Leadership liturgy for Year 6. You have been provided with a TEAMs link through Compass to join. During the liturgy School Captains, SRC, House Captains and Year 6 students will receive their badges for the 2022 school year. Congratulations to our leaders on this very happy occasion.

Wearing Our Uniforms with Pride

Thank you to members of our SRC who modelled the correct St. Bernard’s uniform for us during the week. I look forward to working with our student leadership team this year. They are really a fine group of leaders.

Begin With the Heart Awards

Begin With the Heart Awards are given to students who show the values of:

• Honesty
• Empathy
• Appreciation
• Responsibility
• Tolerance

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Begin with the Heart award since returning to school.

Kindergarten - Gracie H, Juliette De C, Mace Mc A, Alyssa O’B, Harrison L.

Year 1 - Bexley B, Hudson A, Alice L.

S1J - Olivia C, Archie P.

Year 2 - Elijah McG, Remi C, Xavia L, Angus P, Quinn S, George S-D

Year 3 - Beau C, Evie P, Reeve T, Rowan L, Ava G.

Year 4 – Brennan C, Joshua M, Annie F, Kobi B, Gurnoor K, Oscar J.

Year 5 - Malachi C, Dylan M, Caprice F, Sebastian C, Chase Wheatley.

Year 6 – Maicee D, Dominic B, Erica S, Jasper S.

Have a lovely weekend Sharon Beashel REC

Dear Parents and Carers

Spelling Mastery

Next week the Spelling Mastery program will begin for students in Years 1-6. This highly effective research-based spelling program, focuses on the teaching of strategies, patterns and reliable rules delivered using Explicit Direct Instruction. At the conclusion of last year, student spelling data indicated that the implementation of the program had led to significant improvements in spelling achievement. The success of the program relies on many members of staff engaged in its delivery but this is an undertaking we are committed to in our focus on pedagogy aligned to evidence. All students have been carefully placed into groups based on assessment data, to ensure that they are learning at their current level of spelling ability.

Spelling Mastery lessons occur four mornings a week, Monday- Thursday beginning at 8.45am. We ask that students arrive at school on time for the full benefits of the program to be realised.

Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings

This year we will be holding Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings via TEAMS video conference or phone call on Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 February (Week 5). These 15 minute meetings provide an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and to share information regarding your child that may assist in their learning this year. Teachers will be able to provide you with an insight into how your child has settled into the school year. 

Bookings for interview times can now be made through the online portal Compass.  Please be aware that this system works on a first come first served basis. If you have more than two students at the school you are advised to book sooner rather than later. For those who require interview times outside the available slots, please make alternative arrangements with your child’s teacher. It is suggested that you do not make back-to-back. bookings.

Your child's class teacher will send a link to you via email for you to access your child's TEAMS meeting next week. You will be able to use this link to go directly to TEAMS for your video link up. You will be invited into the meeting from the 'Lobby' at the time of your meeting by your child's teacher.  Alternatively, if you would prefer to hold the meeting via a phone call, please contact your child's teacher to let them know that this is your preferred way of contact.

We thank you for your understanding as we conduct the Introductory meetings remotely. We look forward to meeting with you and strengthening the partnership between home and school to support your child's learning success.

Questacon Science Circus

Next Monday, students from Years 1-6 will attend the Questacon Science Circus in our school hall. This special presentation is free of charge to us as a school in a regional area. The Science Circus experience is designed to stimulate and challenge students to explore science and technology for themselves. It includes an exciting and interactive presentation covering aspects of science in everyday life. Students will attend one of three sessions throughout the day with their cohort. I am sure that this will be an excellent experience for the children.

Meet the Student Representative Council members

Tomorrow is a special day for Year 6, who will receive leadership badges at a commerative assembly. While all of Year 6 are commissioned with leading our school, we have a group of students who were elected to represent the students. Last week the school captains, Anthony and Erica were introduced to you and in today's newsletter, the other four members of the SRC are featured.

They were asked about their role as SRC members in 2022.

John F: I help at the gate in the mornings to welcome students into school. I want to make sure that everyone feels very happy as they come into school and have some ideas for ways to welcome people as they arrive.

Noah A: This year as a school leader, I am thinking of ideas for our school like purchasing devices so that every student can improve their computer skills.

Remi: I am very happy to have a leadership role because I can do the flags each day, give out the office bags and get to know other students in the school better. Everyone of the SRC all get along well so I am looking forward to working with them. 

Amy C: I am very proud and happy to have been was chosen as one of the leaders of the school this year. I love Sport so I am thinking about some different sporting events we could hold, like the Colour Run we had last year and we could work with the sport captains on this too. 

I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Karen Hadley

Assistant Principal

St Bernard’s held its annual Swimming Carnival last Friday 4 February. Students competed in age groups from 8 years to 13 years and it was a fantastic day full of fun, laughter and so much encouragement. Thank you to the staff and a huge number of parents and family, for helping us run our day so smoothly. All students who participated in the 50 metre races received points in the House competition. We have not announced the winning house or the age champions yet but will be doing so in Week 5. More details to follow so we can comply with NSW Health restrictions at the time.

I must extend my sincere thanks to the many parents who gave so generously of their time helping with timekeeping. Without their assistance the day would not have been so enjoyable for the students.

The following students were selected to represent St Bernard’s at the Southern Region Carnival on Thursday February 24:

Congratulations to the students who were selected to represent St Bernard’s at Southern Region level. Thank you again to all those who were so caring and encouraging of our students. The enthusiasm of the relay truly showed the St Bernard’s spirit.

Angela Holmes