Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you have enjoyed a great week so far.

Last week Year 5 students attended their two night camp to Birrigai in Canberra. The students spent three days immersed in the history of the Gold Rush. Students panned for gold, engaged in a simulation activity focusing on life in the gold fields and enjoyed creating a campfire and making damper. The students were excellent and certainly represented St Bernard’s beautifully. A special thank you to Year 5 teachers Mr Keen, Mrs Kenny and Mrs Tyler for their planning and organisation and to Mrs Davis and Mr Maynard for their support on camp. 

Next week, Year 4 will be attending their overnight trip to Canberra, where they will explore places such as Canberra Zoo and Aquarium, the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Art Gallery and Questacon. We thank the team who will be attending the camp, Mr Whiteford, Mrs Smith, Mrs Keough and Mr Nolan. We know you will have a wonderful time!

Tomorrow is the Feast of St Mary Mackillop. St Mary MacKillop is the first Australian Saint and the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an order dedicated to the education of poor children. Her feast day is a significant celebration, especially in Australia, where she is remembered for her contributions to education and social work. We continue to follow St Mary Mackillop’s example as her legacy continues to inspire us in Catholic education.

LET’S DECODE- COACHING

For over five years, the explicit and systematic instruction of phonics has been a strength of the teaching at St Bernard’s, aligned to the Science of Reading. Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 engage in daily lessons focusing on developing student’s ability to hear sounds in words, which in turn, helps the brain map letters to sounds when they see a word in print. On Friday, Dr Lorraine Hammond from Notre Dame University in Western Australia, provided professional learning and coaching at our school for teachers to refine their practice. Teachers practiced breaking down instruction into manageable parts, regularly checking for understanding and ensuring participation to teach in the most effective and efficient way. We are grateful to have the input by experts such as Dr Lorraine Hammond to improve our practice for high student learning outcomes.

ST BERNARD’S FEAST DAY

The Feast Day of St Bernard will be celebrated on Wednesday 20 August. On this day, students will attend a special Mass at our church in the morning, followed by activities throughout the day with a French theme, in honour of our patron saint.

St Bernard of Clairvaux was a scholar, theologian, and reformer who lived in France during the 12th century. Known for his deep faith, wisdom, and commitment to the Church, he played a significant role in the spiritual and intellectual life of his time. His legacy continues to inspire us to live with compassion, humility, and a love for learning.

Students are invited to pre-order a French inspired morning tea of chocolate croissant or chocolate cookie (for a gluten free option) through QKR and will be able to dress in mufti in red, white or blue or a French inspired outfit. All are welcome to join us for the Mass on Wednesday morning at 9:15am.

We look forward to celebrating this special day together as a school community.

BOOK WEEK
We are approaching that time again when the talk of costumes, dress ups and favourite characters are a hot topic! Book Week is being celebrated in Week 5 this term. This year’s Book Week theme is "Book an Adventure". This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Children's Book Week. This theme provides great scope to be imaginative with costumes. These can be as creative and diverse as you wish. Really any book character could feature with this theme. Let your child escape into the character of their choice! Our Book Parade will be held on Friday 22 August at 9:00am in the Hall.

SOUTHERN REGION PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Congratulations to our finalists for the annual Southern Region Public Speaking Competition. Stage 2 students competed yesterday via a video link up and the Stage 3 competition will be held tomorrow. A special congratulations to all students who have represented our school in this competition. We are very proud of your achievement. 

We wish our Year 5 and 6 students all the very best of luck for tomorrow!
Year 3 Finalists: Jack C & Sally S
Year 4 Finalists: Grace R & James P
Year 5 Finalists: Eva C & Beatrix F             
Year 6 Finalists: Lilly G & Evie P

NEW BUBBLERS

We are very pleased to share that two new bubbler stations have been installed in both our infants and primary areas, making it easier for students to access fresh drinking water throughout the day.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Fire to Flourish Community Impact Program, who generously approved our grant application to fund these new hydration points. Additional funds raised through our Working Party group, with the support and approval of the School Community Council, also contributed to the cost of installation.

These new facilities are a wonderful addition to our school, promoting student wellbeing and encouraging healthy habits

SCHOOL EVENTS

This term, we have multiple events happening. Please refer to your class memo and the school calendar. This can be accessed on our school website or through Compass. https://stbernardsbb.schoolzineplus.com/calendar

Some of the key whole school events include:

• Kindergarten Assembly- This Friday 8 August
• Year 4 Overnight Camp to Canberra - Next Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 August
• Feast of the Assumption - Whole School Mass - Friday 15 August 
• Feast of St Bernard- Whole School Mass and celebration day- Wednesday 20 August
• Book Week Character Parade in the hall Friday 22 August- 8:45am led by our SRC. Students will come dressed as their favourite book character.
• First Eucharist Retreat Day- Year 4 at Carroll College - Thursday 28 August
• Year 2 Assembly- Friday 29 August
• Father’s Day Stall- Thursday 4 September
• Father’s Day Breakfast and Assembly led by Year 6- Friday 5 September
• Science Expo – Tuesday 9 September led by Year 5 and 6
• Jollybops Performance- Wednesday 10 September
• First Eucharist- Sunday 14 September
• Year 4 Assembly – Friday 19 September
• Storyline Celebration of Learning and Open Classrooms – Tuesday 23 September
• Term 3 ends- Thursday 25 September

I am currently in Canberrra at a Principal's meeting and will be attending the Clergy, Religious Education Coordinator and Principal's Day tomorrow.

Jenny Smith will be acting Principal in my absence on Friday. 

I hope that you can join us for the Kindergarten Assembly tomorrow.

Blessings on the fortnight ahead.

Warm regards

Karen

Karen Hadley

Principal

Night Time Awakens Different Responses

The night awakens different responses and reactions according to one’s temperament or lifestyle. For some, coming home after work, night time is a relaxing time and/or time with the family. For others it is a time of fear, living with an abusive partner or worrying about ‘breaks ins’ in the street. For some night is long and protracted especially when they are sick and can’t sleep or have PTSD. For others it can be a time for meetings, reflection & prayer - a time of entrusting one-self to God in silence. The night can be feared, desired and mysterious.

Sacramental News: First Eucharist - Commitment Masses and Key Dates

This term, the parish is offering eligible students the opportunity to participate in the sacrament of First Eucharist.

Our Commitment Masses for this sacrament will be held this weekend at St Bernard’s Parish Church. Mass times are:

• Saturday 9 August 5:00 pm
• Sunday 10 August 9:00 am

The students are beginning to prepare for this sacrament in their classroom learning and are looking forward to this important step in their faith journey. We keep these students closely in our thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks. 

Please see below the key dates for this important sacramental journey:

Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Mary Mackillop

This week, classes have been learning about Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, and her incredible contribution to Catholic education as her Feast Day is celebrated on August 8th. One of Mary’s well-known sayings, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” has inspired students to think about how they can show kindness, take action, and help others in their own lives.

On Friday, our Kindergarten students will lead a Liturgy and Assembly in Saint Mary’s honour. This will commence from 8:45 am in the school hall.

Feast of the Assumption Mass

On Friday 15 August at 9:15 am, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a very special occasion that honours the role of Mary, our Mother in the life of the Church.

We warmly welcome you to join us for Mass on this day.

St Bernard’s Feast Day Mass and Whole School Events

We will celebrate our patron saint, St Bernard of Clairvaux on Wednesday 20 August, 2025. There will be many ways for our families and students to be involved in this very important date on our calendar.

If you would like to join us, we would welcome you to Mass at 9: 15 am at St Bernard’s Parish Church.

Students are able to wear red, white and blue or French inspired mufti-clothing.

Further details will be provided closer to the event.

Congratulations to 3W who were the winners of our first Begin With The Heart focus. This class demonstrated the value of being polite and kind to everyone. Well done 3W.

Kind regards,

Beck

Rebecca Keough

Religious Education Coordinator

Dear Parents and Carers, 

National Bullying Prevention Week – "Bullying. No Way!"

Next week, St Bernard’s will proudly take part in National Bullying Prevention Week, supporting the Bullying. No Way! campaign. At our school, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

One of the key ways we do this is through our K–6 Peer Support Program. This program offers a fun and engaging space where students learn valuable life skills and explore social issues in a supportive setting. The lessons are designed to help students build resilience, develop positive relationships, and take responsibility for their actions.

By promoting wellbeing and connectedness, the Peer Support Program plays an important role in fostering a culture of respect and inclusion at St Bernard’s.

 How Important Is Sleep for Your Child?
Join Us for CCSP’s Term 3 Sleep Webinar

Did you know that sleep plays a crucial role in your child’s health, learning, and emotional wellbeing? Or that screen time can significantly impact both the quality and quantity of sleep?

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn practical strategies to help your child develop healthy sleep habits for optimal functioning – at school and home!

Presented by Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection, this free webinar will provide insightful information for parents and carers of students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Learn how to improve sleep for your children – and for yourself!

Date: Wednesday 13 August
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Online – Register using the link below

Click here to register

Best Wishes to Year 4!

We wish our Year 4 students all the very best as they head off to Canberra next week for their first overnight camp. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them to explore our nation’s capital, deepen their learning, and create lasting memories with their peers.

We’re sure they’ll have a fantastic time!

Kind regards,

Jeni

Ms Jeni McCarthy

Assistant Principal

⛏️ Year 5 Steps Back in Time: Gold Rush Immersion at Birrigai ⛏️

Last week, our Year 5 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Birrigai in the ACT, participating in an action-packed, authentic and hands-on program that transported them back to the 1860s, right into the heart of Australia’s gold rush era. Over three dynamic, fun-filled days, Year 5 didn’t just learn about history - they lived it.

Our Birrigai camp was a full-immersion experience, designed to help our students explore the adventure, excitement, challenges, and social change that shaped life on the goldfields. While dressed in period-style clothing, using artefacts and equipment, and taking on roles as miners, merchants, law enforcers, students, shopkeepers and inspectors, Year 5 quickly discovered that striking it rich on the gold fields wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

With activities set in the sunny bush surrounds of Birrigai, our young diggers staked their claim along the creek and purchased their official gold licenses, then got to work using authentic tools from the era - the dolly crusher, gold cradle, and panning dishes - to extract gold from ore samples. With dirt-stained hands, very keen eyes, and impressive teamwork, they learned first-hand the perseverance needed to find even the smallest speck of gold.

Beyond the search for their fortunes, students experienced a condensed but powerful journey through goldfields society. Through roleplay and structured activities, they re-enacted the dramatic events of the Eureka Stockade, understanding the roots of social justice and democratic change in Australia.

Our Year 5 students explored the often harsh living conditions of miners’ camps, the rise of trading and entrepreneurship on the goldfields, and the challenges of education in remote diggings...using slates and chalk instead of whiteboards and learning under the very strict and harsh eye of their 1862 teacher! Special attention was given to the experiences of women, children, and cultural groups such as the Chinese miners, offering students a broader view of the diversity and inequality present in this historical era.

The outstanding program of the Gold Rush simulation meant our students could deepen their historical understanding and reflect on the values of fairness, resilience, and community that continue to shape our society today.

Our Birrigai excursion brought laughter within active learning, powerful student collaboration, deepened connections, discovery and fun, all within a stunning, authentic and natural setting under beautiful winter sunshine. We extend a huge thank you to the passionate Birrigai education team for making this immersive learning experience one to remember!

5KT Camp Memories

Indie A - At camp, I loved doing the Gold Rush simulation with my friends. It was really fun to experience what it would be like in the time of the Gold Rush!

Mitchell B - I liked the food because it was delicious. I liked panning for gold because we got to dig in the ground and get dirty!

Sion D - My favourite part of Birrigai was the Gold Simulation on the last day. It felt like we were back in time on the goldfields as a miner. I worked in the assay office and enjoyed weighing everyone's gold that they found.

Matilda R - At camp, my favourite thing was the gold simulation, and the 1850’s classroom. We got to use an ink quill and dress up!

George S. D -My favourite part of Birrigai was the Gold Simulation on the final day. It was fun acting what it would be like during the 1800’s on the goldfields. 

Lucy B - My favourite things were the 1850’s classroom, and the Gold Simulation on the last day. The 1850’s classroom was fun because it was really tough, and we got to use the ink quill!

5J Camp Memories

Elijah M - I loved mining in the gold rush times and panning for gold. And being in the classroom from the 1800’s! I liked how scary the teacher was, and the old fashioned names.

Beau O - I loved when we did the role play for the gold rush. I also loved making damper on the fires that I made with Will B, Ollie, Angus and Malkiel.

Malkiel G - I liked eating cereal, and all the breakfast foods, and burgers. I liked sleeping and having rest after our long walks!!

Annalise J.P - I loved the food, specifically the last day burger! I loved the last day where we were miners in the gold field. I was a trooper, it was so fun!

Stella F - My favourite thing about camp was the ‘olden days’ classroom. It was just very plain and old! The teacher was SCARY!

Neha M - On camp, we made damper. I really liked that! I also liked the movie that we watched. Everything was really fun!

Mrs Sophie Kenny, Mrs Laura Tyler and Mr Jackson Keen

Year 5 team

Southern Region Athletics

Congratulations to all of our students who competed at the Southern Region Athletics carnival last week.

Emerson B, Kaitlyn D, Harper A, Georgia N, Ashton S, Vander C, Nalu G, Roland S, Harlo W, Sietta G, Sienna K, Juliette  DC, Fraser S, Lebron C, Jordan L, Hudson A, Jacob B, Indie F, Ivy G, Astrid B, Winter W, Annabelle T, Yana K, Raph C, Lehan D, William O, James P, Zaden F, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Aurelia S, Brooklen S, Addison G, Sydnee S, Avia N, Lucas VDS, Noah S, Xavier L, Remi C, Quinn S, Lilly G, Georgina W, Indiana A, Sienna N, Scarlett C, Emie A, Paige L, Sion D, Ollie L, Liam C, Pravin V, Finn H, Mason H.

St Bernard’s was awarded the champion school as a result of their amazing performances. Mrs Small and I were privledged to accompany the students and were so pleased with the amazing support the team gave each other cheering and encouraging through each event. The energy and camaraderie were simply amazing.

Thank you to all our families who also assisted throughout the day your support is always greatly appreciated.

From these events the top students were selected to compete at the Arch Diocesan Athletics Championships which will be held on 21 August at the Institute of Sport in Canberra. Our four relay teams are all now through to this level as well as students in individaul events.

Congratulations to Emerson B, Ashton S, Vander C, Nalu G, Sietta G, Lebron C, Jordan L, Indie A, Astrid B, Annabelle T, Raph C, Lehan D, William O, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Aurelia S, Brooklen S, Avia N, Lucas VDS, Noah S, Remi C, Lilly G, Georgina W, Sion D, Ollie L, Liam C, Finn H.

Three of our students were awarded Southern Region Champions; Raph Cummins Junior Champion, Noah Shearer 11 year Champion and Beatrix Fleming 11 year Champion. Congratulations to the students on their outstanding achievements.

We wish all our athletes the very best in their training and upcoming events. Your hard work and determination continue to inspire us all.

Rugby Gala Day

On 29 and 30 July we hosted coaches from Brumbies Rugby Union for a Gala Day and coaching. Students from year 3-6 were able to participate in coaching sessions and develop their skills in passing, tagging and game-play under expert guidance. They then took part in a competition called Try Tag. The students had a wonderful time ripping the tags off their opponents and scoring tries. It was fantastic to see so much energy, teamwork, and joy as students actively engaged with their peers. It was hearwarming to hear students say that they hadn’t expected they would be good at tag but they improved so much throughout the day and loved it.

Following the tag games there was also an opportunity for students to play a tackle game. With safety and technique as top priorities, the Brumbies coaches introduced tackling fundamentals and deepened students’ understanding of rugby rules. The field came alive with enthusiastic contact, dramatic slides, and beaming smiles. Countless tries were scored, and at the final whistle, players shook hands and shared laughs, a true reflection of the incredible sportsmanship and community spirit that defines our St Bernard’s students.

Upcoming Sport Dates

Tuesday 12 August Tennis Coaching continues at School

Thursday 21 August Archdiocesan Athletics Cahmpionships

Kind regards,

Angela Holmes

Sports Coordinator/PE Teacher 

From the School Counsellor

Supportive Question Prompts for Bullying

“I am being bullied” is very general and sometimes vague complaint that kids come to parents, teachers and/or counsellors with.  In my experience, what is described by children as “bullying” can vary as wildly as (1) an unkind comment on the playground taken out of context (on the mild end), to (2) incidents involving serious intimidation, coercion, relational aggression or physical harm (on the severe end).  It can sometimes feel difficult to unravel what is really going on.  I find the primary concern of many kids, when truthfully telling adults that they are being bullied, is that no one will believe them.

When a child tells me they are being bullied, I have six simple, supportive question prompts I typically take them through (based on a Kids Helpline resource).  These questions can be helpful for parents too.  Here is a summary, with some brief explanation:

Question 1:  Was it deliberate or on purpose?

Kids will sometimes have a perception that being pushed during soccer or being called a mean name was deliberate.  It is worth taking some time to unpack the social dynamics, to see if their perception is really accurate.  Sometimes it turns out they were caught in a wrong perception.  Was the other child dysregulated and yelling at a number of children in a group?  Or rather, did it happen during a one-on-one conversation, or in a situation involving premeditated peer pressure?

Question 2:  Was it personal or targeted?

This is a logical flow-on from question 1.  Is the behaviour that the child received a result of targeting?  Was there some forethought or opportunism in what happened, or does it appear to be something spontaneous, such as another child becoming dysregulated and taking it out on whoever was around them?

Question 3:  Was it said in anger?

We’ve all said things in anger that we really regret and had to apologise for it afterwards.  A helpful way of asking this question for younger children is to ask if the other child felt bad about what happened and said sorry afterward.

Question 4:  Was it part of a fight with a friend?

Conflict is a normal and healthy part of all relationships, whether with adults or children.  The key question here is whether the conflict was a healthy airing of differences (without aggression or intimidation) or rather more likely about one person needing to dominate or have power over the other person.

Question 5:  Has it only happened once or twice?

Children don’t always understand that by bullying, we mean a persistent pattern of behavioural targeting.  A once-off event that is not repeated over a longer period of social exposure is unlikely to be bullying.

Question 6:  Does the person doing it have more power than you?  (Are they older, stronger, more popular, etc.) 

In most cases, bullies only pick on other kids they perceive as “weak” or having lower social status. 

If the answer to all six of these questions is “yes,” then it is most likely to be a genuine bullying concern that may be worth raising with relevant supportive adults in your child’s life, such as their teacher or coach.

Warmly,

Damian Gerber

Student & Family Counsellor

Happy Birthday to all of our students that have or will celebrate their birthdays in August.

Elijah Mc, Imogen T, Sophie P, Zara W, Charlotte F, Roland S, Amelia M, Jordan L, Dominic T, Charlie M, Lexie L, Ella F, Nathaniel O’S, Whilloe H, Georgina W, Levi O'S, Hollie D, Layla V, Amara G, Abigail T, Emie A, Hudson L, Sarah S, Isaac R, Isabelle N, Divyadharshini V, Tully S.